This beautiful (and in places terrifying) passage is our conclusion. If Jesus has done all this for us – and He has – how then should we live? The thought of making light of this sacrifice … of going willfully our own way after knowing what He did on our behalf … blocking out the voice of His Spirit … is unthinkable. And yet, some of the first readers of Hebrews were being tempted to do just that. Walk away.
Why? Well, they’re being persecuted. Life is no picnic. They’ve been ridiculed and mocked, beaten, jailed, and still they haven’t seen the return of Christ. Some were tempted to give up and give in and get a more comfortable lifestyle back. Having never been beaten or jailed for my faith, I do not judge. However, the warning is enough to help me plead with God to keep me faithful during persecutions if those times come: “It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Going back to our passage in 1 Corinthians 3, I’m reminded that there will be pain in store for those who build on wood, hay, and stubble: “But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames” (1 Corinthians 3:15). Yikes.
So, what should we do as recipients of God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice? We should keep going with Him. We should continually turn to Him “with sincere hearts, fully trusting Him” (vs 22). We should hold tightly to the sure hope of eternal life (vs 23). We should motivate each other with love and good works, meeting together regularly to encourage each other (vs 25). We need to continue to have “patient endurance” when the hard times come. The reward will be great and our future is secure. Hallelujah!
My verse: Hebrews 10:19, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.”
My response: What reassurance, Lord Jesus. I can boldly come to God Most High – seated on His throne – because of Your blood shed for me. I can come happy, sad, mad, repentant, or even deeply grieved. I am Your beloved child, and what You want most is for me to come close. I choose You always, Lord. Help me to keep running to You no matter what. Thank You for that privilege. Wow.
