Category Archives: Hebrews

The book of Hebrews was written to people who were suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some of them were wavering in their faith and were thinking of returning to the Law of Moses. Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ, and reminds us of the example of the people of faith who have gone before us. Only if we remain faithful as they did in the face of adversity will we obtain the promises God has made. Our suffering and pain is nothing in comparison to the joy that awaits us, provided we remain faithful to Christ.

How should we live while we wait for God to fulfill His promises? Hebrews chapter 13, verses 17 through 21 provides us with three instructions which will help us. It says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. I strongly urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner. Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

The first thing this passage tells us to do is to obey our leaders. Which leaders? Other passages of Scripture instruct us to submit to national authorities and governors. Here, however, the writer is not referring to our political, military or civic leaders. Instead, he is pointing to those leaders he had already mentioned in verse 7, those who proclaimed the word of God to us, have set us an example of faith and who act as our spiritual shepherds.

Why should we obey our spiritual leaders? Because they have our welfare in mind. When they ask us to do something, it is for our good. They are not only over us, they are responsible for us. They will have to give an account for how they cared for us. Under their leadership have we drawn closer to God; Has our faith increased, or have we turned away from Christ?

Another reason to obey our spiritual leaders is to make their task a joyful one. What is it that makes a leader joyful? In speaking of the followers of Christ he had been responsible for, the Apostle John writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4 NIV) In contrast, we cause distress if we are not progressing in our faith. To some who were in danger of leaving the faith, the Apostle Paul writes, “I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.” (Galatians 4:11 NIV) Again, he says, “how I wish I could be with you and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!” (Galatians 4:20 NIV) How do our leaders feel about us? Are we a joy to them, or a sorrow?

The second instruction in this passage is to pray. The writer asks people specifically to pray that he wold be restored to them. From this it seem that something beyond his control had prevented him from being with and fellowshipping with these people whom he loved. However, there is part of his request which can apply to everyone. He tells the people to pray. Then he says, we desire “to live honorably in all things” When we are going through trouble, particularly when we suffer persecution because of our faith, it can be tempting to lower our standards and do things which would dishonor Christ. We should pray that we will be able to do what is right in all circumstances. This request also points out that we are interdependent. We need the prayers of each other as we live for Christ.

The writer not only requests prayer, he prays for those to whom he is writing. He implies a third instruction in his prayer. He prays that God will equip them with everything good. Or, it might be translated, make them perfect in every good thing. What is the purpose of being equipped or made perfect? It is so we may do God’s will. God may equip us, but we must still choose to do His will. He will let us know His will but He does not force His will upon us. He grants us the privilege of being, as it were, in partnership with Him. He changes us and enables us but we must still do the work he desires.

By what means does God equip us? It is through Christ’s blood. It is by means of His sacrifice that we enter into covenant relationship with God. Each party to a covenant does what is in the best interests of the other. And, so because of the Covenant, God equips and enables. Because of the Covenant we do what pleases God. There are many who do good works so that other people will think well of them. But those who share in the Covenant do good so that Christ may receive glory. We need to always ask ourselves, “Who receives the glory?” If the glory does not go to Christ, then we need to examine what we are doing and why we are doing it.

The writer closes the book with these words: “But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been freed, with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you. Grace be with you all. Amen.”

It is entirely possible to read a book like Hebrews and miss the point. It could be seen as a rebuke to those who were wavering in their faith. But that is not the intent of the writer. Instead, he means it as an encouragement. Instead of tearing down those who read it and adding to their burdens, he wants their faith to be renewed and strengthened.

The letter is a short one. Whole libraries have been written on the themes contained in it. Yet, the very brevity of the book is what gives it such an impact.

Another source of encouragement for the recipients of the letter was the news that Timothy had been released from prison. We do not know the circumstances of his arrest. We know from other Scripture that Timothy had a very important role in the churches. It must have been a great joy to the people to hear that Timothy was free to come home and serve among them again.

The writer closes his letter asking God’s grace would be with the recipients. It is God’s grace which provided Christ so we can enter covenant with Him. It is God’s grace which enables us to keep the Covenant. The question is, have we entered the Covenant? Are we faithful to it?

Becoming a follower of Christ brings us into a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is a relationship of mutual caring where each party puts the interests of the other ahead of his own.

However, our relationship with God also affects our relationship with other people who are in the Covenant. The book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 1 through 4 remind us of our obligations toward them. “Let brotherly love continue. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.”

This passage reminds us that if God considers us His children because we are in a covenant relationship with Him, then other people who in the Covenant are also His children. It is natural for children in the same family to care for one another. We are to treat our fellow believers in Christ as if they were our physical siblings.

This care and concern for our spiritual family is not limited to those whom we personally know. We need to show the same love even to those whom we do not know. If we knew someone was an angel we would not hesitate to show hospitality. As we saw in chapter 1, verse 14, angels are God’s messengers who are sent to serve the followers of Christ. Is it possible that we have unknowingly turned away from the help God tried to give us because we refused hospitality to someone we did not know?

Another responsibility of being in God’s household is to take care of those in our spiritual family who are being mistreated. Persecution can break out against the followers of Christ at any time, in any place. If we are able to help those who are suffering now, perhaps they will be able to help us when it is our turn.

Scripture uses the marriage covenant as a metaphor for our relationship to God. It speaks of idolatry in terms of adultery. Therefore, it is especially important that we keep our marriage relationships pure and holy. If we are unfaithful to our spouse, we are also unfaithful to God and will face His judgment as a result.

Some people are afraid of what might happen to them in the future. Will they have enough money to supply their needs in their older years? Others are not content with what they have. Verses 5 and 6 address both of these conditions. “Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?””

As stated previously, covenant partners look out for the interests of each other. Since the followers of Christ are in covenant with God, God promises to take care of their needs. The Apostle Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) Since He gives us everything we need, we do not have to worry about the future. God is faithful, He will not forsake us. There is absolutely no need to compromise our faith in order to get ahead financially.

However there is another side to this: If God provides all we need, then we need to be content with what He gives. We need to guard our hearts against covetousness and the desire to have more than God deems is fitting for us. We need to remember that we will not receive our reward and our inheritance in this life or in this world. If we claim to follow Christ, we should remember what He endured and follow His example. Verses 7 through 14 say, “Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Don’t be carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not by food, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. We have an altar from which those who serve the holy tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside of the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.”

One of the major teachings of the book of Hebrews is that God will fulfill His promises. Throughout history people of faith have obeyed God and endured hardship because they believed in God’s faithfulness to do so. What can this world possibly give us in comparison to the blessings God has promised His people? In contrast, any hardship, any persecution and disgrace we might have to bear for Christ is trivial compared to the reward God will give us in our eternal home.

Even Jesus had to suffer. Should we be willing to do any less for the One who has rescued us from the condemnation our sins deserve? Christ sacrificed His life for us. Can we not sacrifice a little on His behalf? Verses 15 and 16 say, “Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

The greatest gift or sacrifice we can give to God is to proclaim His praises. The Greek word which this translation renders “ proclaim allegiance to” and other translations render “confess” means “to say the same thing.” To put it another way, when we confess God’s name, we say the same thing about Him as He does about Himself. We declare His true nature.

Our lives ought to be in harmony with our confession. We should not only proclaim God’s nature, but demonstrate it by what we do. Just as God is good to us, we should do good to others. As God has provided to us, we should give to others. Do our tongues and lives proclaim God’s true nature?

It is easy to become discouraged when we face hardship or persecution for our faith. However the inspired book of Hebrews teaches us that God allows the followers of Christ to experience suffering as a form of discipline. There are some things which can only be learned through hardship. It is not God’s intent to destroy us, but to purge out of our lives everything which would make us unfit for our eternal home. When suffering comes we can choose to reject the lesson or we can respond as God desires.

Chapter 12, verses 14 through 17 describe three circumstances in which we have to make such a choice, “Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears.”

The followers of Christ do not seek confrontation. When persecution comes anyway, the natural tendency is to do whatever is necessary to bring the suffering to an end – even if it means compromising moral positions. This passage reminds us that we cannot hope to stand before God without holiness. Earlier in the book we saw that we can obtain holiness or sanctification only through the perfect sacrifice which Christ made on our behalf. If we turn away from Christ and the holiness which He gives us, we also turn away from God. Holiness is the basis by which we have peace with God and, ultimately, peace with other people. If we reject holiness in the attempt to be at peace with others, we will not find it and we will have destroyed our relationship with God.

We can also respond to suffering by becoming bitter. Instead of realizing that God’s grace enables us to overcome our trials, we can blame God for bringing suffering upon us. However, bitterness does not improve circumstances. It makes them worse. It can not only destroy our own spirits but affect others as well.

A third response to the discipline of suffering is to seek the blessings without making the inner changes which are necessary to obtain the blessings. We place a higher value on immediate pleasure than God’s promises which will be fulfilled in the future. Like Esau we try to substitute sorrow for genuine repentance. The kind of sorrow Esau had was only over the consequences of his actions. In contrast, true repentance would prevent us from doing wrong in the first place if we had the opportunity to turn time back.

There are more reasons to endure suffering and hardship for the sake of Christ. In the rest of the chapter, Hebrews contrasts the nature of the Old and the New Covenants, “For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”; and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.
Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

This passage points out that the Old Covenant which was given at Mt. Sinai produced fear. The people could not bear to hear the voice of God. They were frightened of the penalty for breaking the commandment to not even touch the mountain.

In contrast, the New Covenant which went forth from Mt. Zion inspires joy. We come to God not in expectation of judgment for our transgressions but as people made holy and righteous by Christ’s blood. As a result we have nothing to fear. Our names are written in heaven. This in itself is reason to endure whatever we have to for the sake of Christ.

However, the blessings of the New Covenant also come with a warning. We have the ability to choose. We can refuse God’s offer. There was no escape for those who refused God under the Old Covenant. There is even less possibility of escape for those who refuse God under the New Covenant. Everything which can be destroyed – including this creation – will be. Only what cannot be destroyed will remain. Only those who have accepted God’s offer and entered the New Covenant will enjoy the new heavens and earth He has promised. This is yet another reason to endure hardship, suffering and persecution for our faith in Christ. Those who do will escape the destruction which is coming upon the earth.

Though the earth will be destroyed, the kingdom which God has promised those who follow Christ is eternal. It will never be destroyed. Nothing can conquer it. As we already saw in chapter 1, verse 8, “…about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever,” (NIV) And the Apostle Paul assures us, “if we endure, we will also reign with him…” (2 Timothy 2:12 NIV)

In light of these facts, what should our response be? It should be one of profound gratitude that God, who is so holy and awesome, has given us the opportunity to be reconciled to Him. It should move us to worship.

The book of Hebrews points out that many times people undergo suffering and persecution as a result of their faith. In chapter 11 there is an extensive list of the things people suffered in order to remain faithful to God. If the people of old had to suffer as a result of their faith, it should come as no surprise that the followers of Christ often have to endure suffering today.

When we face suffering and persecution we can take comfort from the fact that those who have preceded us were able to overcome similar circumstances. Hebrews likens them to spectators in a huge stadium watching us as we run the same race they have already won. We can win the same way they did. Chapter 12, verses 1 through 3 read, “Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.”

How did the people of faith who have gone before us overcome the troubles they faced? There are two parts to the answer. Chapter 11 tells us that they left their old life behind in order to go where God told them to. We also must cast aside everything which will keep us from running the course. Secondly, they constantly remembered the promises God had made them. They trusted Him and through eyes of faith they could see the fulfillment of the promises.

The greatest example of all is Christ. He endured even the cross in order to obtain the joy which lay beyond the cross. We, too, can overcome suffering and persecution if we keep our focus on Christ and the promises we have in Him.

But why do we have to suffer at all? Why should our faith in Christ bring trouble on us? Is there a purpose for it? Verses 4 through 13 explain. “You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”

From this passage we see that there are at least four benefits in suffering and hardship.

One benefit of suffering for our faith in Christ is that it proves we belong to God’s household. If we did not follow Christ, then we would not have to suffer for it. Conversely, if we never suffer for Christ, if we never experience discipline because of our faith, then it proves we are not part of the household of faith. We do not belong to Christ.

At times, it may seem that the discipline we undergo as a part of God’s household is exceedingly harsh. Yet one of the purposes for it is to allow us to share in God’s holiness. Some of us need more correction than others. It is harder to remove wickedness and unholiness from some of us than others. Therefore, some may have to undergo greater hardship than others in order to obtain the same results. The Apostle Peter also writes of the trials followers of Christ experience. “These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7 NIV) Just as Jesus had to endure humiliation and the cross in order to receive joy and exaltation it may be necessary for us to suffer in order to receive praise glory and honor. Without the suffering to refine us, that is to burn away the impurities in our lives, we would be unfit for the exaltation God wants to give us.

A third benefit of the discipline of suffering is that it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. Actions have consequences. For example, if a child has never been taught how to study, he will have difficulty doing his schoolwork and will not receive good marks when he is tested. Similarly, if a child has never been taught how to act in social settings, he will be embarrassed when invited to a dinner or formal function. He will not know what to do or when to do it. Proper behavior requires training. It requires practice and repetition until the desired behavior becomes ingrained.

The same holds true in spiritual things. Living righteous and peaceful lives does not come naturally. It requires discipline and training. It takes effort and the willingness to be corrected. But the result is well worth the pain and discomfort we experience during the training. If we have undergone the training and discipline in this life, we will not be embarrassed when we stand before our righteous and holy God.

A fourth benefit from the discipline of suffering is that it heals. God does not intend for suffering and persecution to destroy us. Instead, just as a doctor must sometimes operate on a patient in order to heal him, God must sometimes allow us to go through trouble in order to cure us of our spiritual illnesses.

Human fathers discipline their children as they think best. Sometimes they do so inappropriately because they do not know all the facts or give way to their tempers. But we can be sure of this: when God disciplines us, it is always for our good. Do we have enough faith to accept His discipline?

Some people embrace a particular religion because they think that it will raise their social or economic status. Still others think that joining a particular religion will make God happy with them and their troubles will go away. Those who decide to follow Christ for these kinds of reasons are sure to be disappointed. Though there are many blessings and benefits in following Christ, it can also bring trouble, suffering, insult and persecution. When this happens, those who thought to gain financially or socially from taking Christ’s name, will quickly abandon Him. The same is true for those who accept Christ because it is convenient, but have no real conviction. Jesus likened such people to rocky soil which does not produce a crop. “What was sown on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” (Matthew 13:20-21 NIV)

The inspired book of Hebrews, in the Bible, was written to people who were suffering as a result of their faith. Some of them were beginning to question whether following Christ was worth it.

Hebrews points out that the righteous live by faith and God is not pleased with those who shrink back (Hebrews 10:38). To encourage and strengthen the readers, the book gives examples of many people of old who were able to accomplish amazing things because of their faith. But there is also another aspect of faith. It brings trouble and persecution. At the same time, faith enables us to overcome trouble and persecution. What is it about faith that makes it possible to overcome? Chapter 11, verses 32 through 40 provide the answer: “What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets; who, through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and the holes of the earth. These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn’t receive the promise, God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”

The first part of this passage reminds us of the things faith enabled people to accomplish. They did not have the ability in themselves to do these things. Rather, it was only when they trusted God to do what He promised that they were enabled to accomplish the things they did. It was not them, but God working through them. In this sense it is entirely accurate to say that it was through faith that these people conquered kingdoms and administered justice. If they had not had faith, they would not have been capable of doing what they did. Another way to express this truth is that faith enables miracles. It makes the impossible, possible.

But there is another side to faith. It makes the unbearable, bearable. God does not guarantee that He will always work a miracle on our behalf when we encounter trouble or injustice. He does not guarantee that He will always destroy our enemies or rout foreign armies. He does not guarantee that we will always have our dead restored to us. No, there are many times when the people of faith are not spared. They are mistreated, they are abused, they suffer poverty, they are driven from their homes, they are tortured and they are killed.

In spite of their suffering, the text says that God commended them. The world was not worthy of them.

Something which we can learn from this is that if we experience trouble and suffering because of our faith, it does not mean that God is angry with us or has abandoned us. The Apostle Paul writes, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

If nothing can separate us from God’s love; if God commends those who have faith, then why does He allow them to suffer terribly? The next chapter explains that one reason God allows it is to teach discipline that we might reap a harvest of righteousness and peace. The important thing to remember is that God does love us even though it may not always appear so.

It is this ability to look beyond present circumstances which enabled both those who were called to accomplished miraculous things and those who were called to endure torture and persecution. As our text says they refused to be released, “that they might obtain a better resurrection” The things which God has promised those who serve Him are far greater than anything we might attain in this life.

Verse 33 says that the people of faith “obtained promises .” Yet verse 39 says that they “didn’t receive the promise.” Is this a contradiction? No, they did attain the earthly victories and blessings which God promised them. Yet, they did not receive the larger and more important promises of a heavenly country and an enduring city. These promises have yet to be fulfilled. It is only along with those who follow Christ that they will be made perfect. They were able to endure because they saw the ultimate fulfillment of the promises through eyes of faith.

We have the opportunity to participate in the promises God made to the people of faith of long ago. Do we have the same kind of faith they did?

The Bible teaches us that it is impossible to please God without faith. Jesus often rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. But what are the characteristics of faith? If a person were to live his life by faith, what would his life look like?

After giving the example of Abraham, the inspired book of Hebrews mentions several other people whose lives teach us about faith. In chapter 11, verses 20 through 31 it says, “By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith, Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith, Rahab the prostitute, didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.”

One of the characteristics of someone who lives by faith is that he looks beyond present circumstances. He is fully confident that God will fulfill His promises even though the fulfillment might come long after his own death. It was for this reason that Isaac was able to bless Jacob and Esau concerning their future. He could see how God’s promises would be fulfilled through them.

Jacob, in turn, passed God’s blessing on to Joseph’s sons. And, Joseph was so sure that God would keep His promise to take the Israelites from Egypt and give them the land of Canaan that he instructed them to take his bones with them when they left. Joseph considered the promise as good as fulfilled, even though the actual events took place approximately 400 years in the future.

Faith also gives a higher priority on obeying God than obeying the law. Moses’ parents hid him even though Pharaoh had decreed than all Israelite baby boys be thrown into the Nile River. Their faith gave them confidence in God’s promises. As a result they had no fear of the king’s command. The Apostles Peter and John told the rulers of their day, “…Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.” (Acts 4:19 NIV)

Faith also enables people to choose what is right. Moses could have lived a life of luxury in Egypt. People regarded him as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Yet, because of His faith in God and God’s promises, Moses repudiated that relationship. Instead he chose to identify himself with his parent’s people, the Israelites. He chose to turn his back on all the wealth and pleasure his position in Egypt could give him and accept mistreatment in its place. His faith enabled him to see the reward which God has promised in Christ and made him realize that that reward was far more valuable than all the wealth of Egypt. He chose disgrace for the sake of Christ over temporary pleasures.

Moses’ faith also led him to leave Egypt. Moses left Egypt the first time because he had killed a man and feared the consequences. However, at the end of the 40 years he spent in the desert God appeared to him in a burning bush at Mt. Sinai. This encounter renewed his faith. Through the eyes of faith he was able to see the invisible God. He went back to Egypt and fearlessly confronted Pharaoh and liberated the Israelite people from slavery. He then left Egypt, never to return.

It was Moses’ faith which enabled him to institute and keep the Passover. The Egyptians did not believe when they heard that the angel of death was going to visit the land. But Moses’ faith caused him to act. He and all the Israelites killed lambs as God had directed and sprinkled the blood on the door-frames of their houses so the angel of death would not kill their firstborn children.

God opened up the Sea so the Israelites could leave Egypt. It must have been frightening to walk between walls of water on either side. Yet, because the people had faith in God who had opened the Sea for them, they were able to cross to the other side. They believed God’s promise to deliver them from Egypt. The Egyptians, however, did not have faith in God. When they tried to follow the Israelites in order to enslave them again, the waters closed over them and they drowned.

Faith will obey what God has said even if it looks foolish. Because the Israelites believed God, they marched around the walls of Jericho. Because they believed and obeyed, the walls of Jericho collapsed and the Israelites were able to easily take the city.

The Israelites were not the only ones who had faith in God. Rahab the prostitute believed and obeyed. As a result, she was spared while the citizens of Jericho who did not obey, perished.

All of these examples raise questions about our own faith. Do we believe God’s promises even though they might not be fulfilled in our own lifetimes? Is our faith strong enough to defy the law in order to do what is right? Does our faith enable us to turn away from present pleasures in confident expectation of future reward? Does our faith make light of mistreatment and disgrace for the sake of Christ? Does our faith overcome fear? Does our faith cause us to act, and do what God has said, even though it makes no earthly sense?

Some people have the idea that if we have faith, God will protect us from trouble. Though faith enables us to do great things, it does not always prevent suffering. Instead it helps us triumph over trouble and suffering.

The followers of Christ to whom the inspired book of Hebrews was written, were experiencing difficulties and hardship because of their faith. As a result, they were discouraged and some were even thinking about leaving Christ. Hebrews points out that God will richly reward the faith and perseverance of those who remain true to their commitment to Christ. They could be confident they would receive the promises God made because of the character of the One who made them.

The people to whom the book was written were from a Jewish background. Therefore, the writer uses Abraham as an example of the kind of faith they should have. Chapter 11, verses 8 through 19 say, “By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son; even he to whom it was said, “In Isaac will your seed be called”; concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead.”

In this passage we see that Abraham’s faith demonstrated itself by what he did. It both caused him to act and it enabled him to act. Abraham did not know where he was going when God told him to leave his home. But because he believed, he obeyed and went.

Like He did for Abraham, God has also promised the followers of Christ an eternal home. The Apostle Peter writes, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV) Are we going to insist that God show us exactly how and where this promise will come about before we obey? Will we insist that He show us every step of the way before we begin the journey? Or, will we follow Abraham’s example who obeyed God and went even though he did not know all the details?

Even after Abraham arrived in the land God promised him, he did not act as though it was his permanent home. He and his children continued to live in tents. They realized that the promised land was really just a representation or a metaphor for the actual, heavenly home which God was preparing for them. What about us? Do we act as if this world is our permanent home? Have we set our affections on the things of this world? The Apostle Paul told the followers of Christ at Corinth that those who use the things of this world should act “…as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 NIV)

Abraham’s faith also enabled him to become a father. He was as good as dead. He did not have the physical ability to sire a child, yet he trusted God to fulfill the promise He had made. He knew that God was faithful. Because Abraham trusted God, God enabled him to do the impossible. Do we allow impossible situations and hopeless odds to discourage us and turn us away from God’s promises, or do we have confidence in the character of God? Do we really believe that He will do what He said regardless of appearances?

Even though Abraham did see the promise that he would become a father fulfilled; even though Abraham and his descendants did get to see the land God promised them, they did not experience the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. God’s promises pointed forward to Jesus Christ and all those who would follow Christ. The Bible teaches us that these are Abraham’s true descendants. The true land of promise is a heavenly one. But this did not stop Abraham and Isaac and Jacob from living as if the promises would be fulfilled in their lifetimes. Through the eyes of faith they could see the fulfillment. They could have acted as if this world is all there is. They could have lived just like the other people all around them. They could have given in to the same desires and ambitions as their neighbors. They could have become discouraged and doubted that God would be true to His word. They could have returned to the country Abraham left. But they did not. Instead, they chose to live among other people as aliens and strangers. They could look beyond this life to their true home. As a result, they received God’s approval.

What about us? To which country do we belong? Do we belong here, or are we citizens of another country? Are we at home in the world, or do we long for heaven? Peter writes, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11 NIV)

Faith also allowed Abraham to obey when God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Faith also enabled Isaac to let himself become a sacrifice. Think about it! Isaac was the son God promised Abraham. God had told him that he would have descendants through Isaac. How could God’s promise possibly be fulfilled if Isaac was dead? Yet God told Abraham to sacrifice him anyway. Abraham did not hesitate. He did not question God. His faith was so strong that he knew God would fulfill His promises even if, from a human point of view, it looked impossible. Abraham reasoned that the same God who had made it possible for him to father Isaac when it was humanly impossible was powerful enough to raise Isaac from the dead. God did not require Abraham to go through with the action, but from the standpoint of intention, Abraham did sacrifice his son. Do we believe in God’s promises that strongly?

What enables us to believe things of which we have no direct experience? It is our confidence in the character of the person who tells us of them. The strength of our belief of what we have been told is in proportion to the trustworthiness of the person who told us. For example, the Apostle Paul writes, “…I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV)

The followers of Christ to whom the inspired book of Hebrews was written, faced persecution. Some of them were discouraged and were thinking of leaving Jesus to go back to the Jewish religion. So, the book of Hebrews spends a great deal of time reminding us of who Jesus is, His character and His greatness. Not only is Jesus greater than the angels and the prophets, He is God’s Son. He is the exact representation of God. In addition He is our High Priest who has presented a perfect sacrifice to God in order to atone for our sins.

Chapter 4, verse 2 reminds us that the people whom Moses led out of Egyptian slavery were unable to obtain the land God promised them because they did not believe. They did not trust God to do what He promised. On the other hand, chapter 6, verse 12 encourages us to imitate those who, because of their faith, did inherit what they were promised. Chapter 11 gives us a list of such people and tells us about their faith. Verses 1 through 7 read:

“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. For by this, the elders obtained testimony. By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God. Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

In these verses we can learn a great deal about the characteristics of the kind of faith which will enable us to receive what God has promised us in Christ. One thing we learn is that faith is not merely a tool which we use only when the situation calls for it. Rather, faith is a lifestyle. It is a way of looking at and living all of life.

Many things have no physical substance. We cannot touch them or see them with our eyes. Nevertheless, they are true even though we cannot prove it in the same way that we can measure physical objects. For example, love, hope and trust cannot be seen or weighed in a scale. Yet we know they exist and we feel their effects in our hearts and minds. It is faith which makes us sure of what we cannot see. Faith provides the proof we need of realities which are beyond the physical. It is our faith in the One who promised which makes us certain of what He promised even if we cannot see how the promise will be fulfilled.

Another characteristic of faith is that it understands. Perhaps we should say that faith gives understanding when other explanations fail. As our text implies, there is no credible explanation of how this universe came into being. Science shows us that it is not eternal. But faith provides the answer. Through faith we know that God created it out of nothing.

Faith is also obedient. We may not always understand why God wants us to do something, or to do something in a particular way. Yet, if we have faith, we will obey and do what God asks of us anyway. The reason God accepted Abel’s offering was that Abel did what was right. In contrast, Cain’s offering was inferior. He did not do what God asked of him.

We also learn that faith pleases God. God was so pleased with Enoch’s faith that God took him from this life without having to experience death.

In this description we see two crucial elements of faith. Our faith must be in the right person. In order to please God, we must first believe in God. How can we even know anything about God, let alone obey Him, if we doubt that He exists, or we doubt what He has told us about Himself?

Another crucial aspect of faith which pleases God is that we must believe that He rewards those who seek Him. Think about it. We get upset with other people who doubt our word. We get frustrated with people who question whether we will fulfill the promises we make them. We don’t like it when someone doubts our motives in giving them a gift. How much more it must displease God when we doubt His promises, when we question His Word and do not acknowledge the gifts He gives us!

Another characteristic of faith is that it acts. When God told Noah that He was going to destroy the earth by means of a flood, Noah had never seen rain or the kind of devastation water can bring. In spite of never having experienced such things, Noah believed God. Even though Noah accepted what God told him, it would have done him no good at all if he hadn’t put his faith into practice. His belief in the accuracy of what God said was not enough to save him and his family from the flood. He also had to build a boat. In the same way, if our faith is genuine, it will cause us to act on what God has told us.

This raises a question. The people of long ago were commended, that is testimony is given on their behalf, that they were certain of the things which they could not see. Abel was commended for being a righteous man. Enoch was commended for pleasing God. How does our faith compare to theirs? Are we sure of God’s promises? Do we believe He rewards those who seek Him? Do we seek Him? Will God commend us for our faith?

We often do not understand the value of something we have until it is taken away and we no longer enjoy the benefits of it. For example, we might not appreciate our bicycle very much until it is stolen and we are forced to walk. Then we realize how great a blessing the bicycle was. Similarly, we cannot enjoy the benefits of having something without also accepting the responsibility that goes with it. If we do not oil our bicycle and put air in the tires, it won’t be long before it no longer works.

The inspired book of Hebrews in the Bible describes the tremendous value of the sacrifice Christ made to atone for our sins. But what are the consequences of ignoring or rejecting His sacrifice? What if we refuse to acknowledge the responsibility which comes with accepting Jesus’ sacrifice? Chapter 10, verses 26 through 39 say, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise. “In a very little while, he who comes will come, and will not wait. But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews says that there are two conditions under which there are no longer any sacrifices for sin. The first part of chapter 10 points out that Jesus’ sacrifice paid for all sin, for all time. Those who accept His sacrifice on their behalf enter into a New Covenant in which God forgives their sin and gives them a nature which follows God’s laws from the heart. As verse 18 says, where sins have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for them. A sacrifice is no longer needed because the purpose of the sacrifice has already been fulfilled. The task has been completed.

However, verse 26 gives the second condition in which there is no sacrifice for sin. If we deliberately keep on sinning that is, continue in a sinful lifestyle, after we learn of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, no sacrifice is left. To express it another way, there is no sacrifice besides that of Christ which is sufficient to atone for our sins. If we reject what Christ has done; if we refuse His sacrifice, there is none other which God will accept. We must either come to God on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice or face the consequences of our sin by ourselves.

There is another thing we can learn from this verse: We cannot use Jesus’ sacrifice as an excuse to do whatever we like. Our sin cost Jesus His life. Accepting His sacrifice as an atonement for our sin carries with it the responsibility to stop doing the things which made the sacrifice necessary. As the Apostle Paul writes, “…Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2 NIV)

What are the consequences of continuing to sin, that is turning away from Jesus’ sacrifice, after we learn the truth? We will face God’s judgment. Simply put, if we turn away from the only thing which would save us from the consequences of our sin, the only other option is the fire of hell.

Hebrews points out that those who rejected the Law of Moses were put to death as a consequence. If the penalty for breaking the Law was so severe, then rejecting Christ’s sacrifice and the New Covenant to which the Law pointed, is even more severe. In the case of the Law, men judged those who broke it. But it is God who will judge those who break the New Covenant. What excuse could we possibly give to God if we turn away from the salvation and the eternal life He tried to give us?

Many people ignore the eternal consequences of sin in order to live their lives however they want right now. Conversely, Hebrews encourages us to remember the eternal benefits of being in Christ so that we can endure the hardships of this life. The people to whom the book is written had suffered insult and persecution for their faith in Christ. Their property had been confiscated. They had witnessed, and given aid to, people being thrown in prison because of their faith.

What was it that enabled them to endure this unjust treatment? It was because they knew that the privileges and possessions of this life are only temporary. They knew that their reward was with Christ in heaven. They were looking forward to lasting possessions.

However, when persecution becomes severe, when hardship goes on for a long time, it is easy to begin to doubt. It is easy to take our eyes off of our eternal reward and become discouraged. It is easy to lose our confidence.

Because of this, Hebrews reminds us that Christ will indeed return to reward those who have been faithful to Him. Though, from our perspective, it may seem like a long time, in comparison to eternity our troubles last only a short while. In comparison to the joys that await us in heaven with Christ, our hardships are very minor. As Paul writes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NIV) It is our forward-looking faith which enables us to persevere and endure hardship and persecution.

The inspired book of Hebrews spends a great deal of time demonstrating that Jesus is superior to other prophets. He is superior even to angels. In fact, He is the exact representation of God. Because Jesus is superior to all others, He is also a superior priest and the sacrifice He made for sin is superior to all other sacrifices. The sacrifices specified by the Law of Moses were inadequate to take away sins. Jesus’ sacrifice, however is perfect. It accomplished what God intended.

Hebrews chapter 10, verses 11 through 18 summarizes it this way, “Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’” then he says, “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.” Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”

This passage contrasts the work priests do to what Jesus has done. The duty of a priest is to represent people before God. Specifically, it is his responsibility to make sacrifices to atone for sins. The work of these priests is continuous. They stand before the altar and offer sacrifice after sacrifice. The reason they have to offer so many sacrifices is that the sacrifices are inadequate to take away sin. They are incapable of doing the very thing for which they were intended.

In contrast, Jesus offered only one sacrifice. He did not have to present a sacrifice for Himself for He was sinless. He made His sacrifice on our behalf and it was perfect for it was sufficient to pay for all our sin for all time. After offering His sacrifice, Jesus sat down at God’s right hand. He was able to sit down because His work of redeeming mankind was completed.

Being seated at God’s right hand not only indicates that Jesus has completed His work, it also indicates that He reigns. His sacrifice gave Him victory over His enemies. In another place the Scriptures say, “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26 NIV) Jesus has conquered both sin and death.

Because Jesus has conquered sin and death, those who follow Him are also made perfect. In one sense this is an accomplished fact. Jesus does not need to do anything more. In another sense, however, it is an ongoing process. As the text says, we are being made holy. We who follow Christ are still in the process of becoming like Him.

There are two other results from Jesus’ perfect sacrifice which affect us directly. In chapter 8, Hebrews quoted from the prophet Jeremiah where God promised that He would establish a New Covenant with the people. Verse 16 refers to this promise again. “I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;” This points to the new nature which God gives the followers of Christ. Jesus has already paid for their sin. But they refrain from additional sin, not because of external rules like the Law of Moses, but because they now have God’s standards and principles within them. They do God’s will because it is now the natural thing to do.

The second result from Jesus’ perfect sacrifice is that God no longer remembers our sins. They have been forgiven. Since they are forgiven, we no longer need additional sacrifices. Our consciences are clean and pure before God.

How should we respond to Jesus’ sacrifice? Verses 19 through 25 say, “Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over God’s house, let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.”

One result of Jesus’ sacrifice, is that heaven is open to us. We no longer need to fear God’s wrath and anger. We can come before Him with boldness. Jesus’ blood gives us assurance.

The words, “having our body washed with pure water” no doubt refer to baptism. This verse implies that it is when we are baptized into Christ that His blood is applied to our hearts and our consciences are cleansed. The priests under the Old Covenant could not enter the sanctuary without washing. Baptism allows us to come with confidence before God in heaven which is the true sanctuary. It is not the water which saves us or which cleanses our consciences. It is Christ’s blood which is sprinkled on our hearts when we are baptized which does this.

This cleansing from sin also gives us hope. Our text points out that our hope rests on the character of Christ. Because He is faithful and loved us enough to die on our behalf we can have confidence that He will also fulfill the rest of what He has promised.

The people to whom the book of Hebrews is addressed had experienced persecution for their faith. When we are going through difficulties it is easy to become discouraged. One reason the followers of Christ meet every week is to remind each other of the hope we have. Meeting together is not a duty in the sense that we do it to fulfill a command. Instead it is to draw strength from one another. It is to encourage one another to grow in love and in doing good. It helps us remember that Christ is coming again to give us the inheritance He has promised. It helps us strive to become the kind of people God wants us to be.