The Bible holds up the first generation as a negative example that must not be followed. In both Hebrews 3:7–19 and 1 Corinthians 10:1–13, this generation is deemed to be an example of unbelief.
The first generation enjoyed wonderful privileges: they were circumcised at birth, taught by Moses, spectators of the miracles which God performed in Egypt, participants in the first Passover meal, refugees who crossed through the Red sea on dry land, and recipients of God’s law at Mount Sinai.
Despite all these privileges, this generation refused to obey the Lord (Joshua 5:6). The obedience that comes from faith was not found among them.
Their negative example is a warning to us today. It is possible to have all the marks of belonging to God’s people and yet no faith. You can be a member in a church without having a living relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that we must never think that our use of the sacraments has the power to save us from God’s wrath. Sacraments are signs and seals of God’s promises; they are not means by which God produces faith. The promises of the gospel must be believed.
The first generation had the sign of circumcision and participated in the first Passover celebration, but they did not have a true faith in God’s promises. They perished in the wilderness because the obedience that comes from faith was not found among them.
1 As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.