Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 10:36

"For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise." — Hebrews 10:36 (ASV)

Christians “need [GK 5970, a word denoting absolute necessity] to persevere”; Christianity is no flash in the pan. This leads to the thought that doing the will of God has its recompense. The author earlier spoke of Christ as doing the will of God (vv.7ff.). Now he makes the point that Christ’s people must similarly be occupied in doing that will. As a result, they will “receive” God’s promise. This safeguards against any doctrine of salvation by works. God’s good gift is in mind, and it is secured, though not merited, by their persevering to the end.