HE-BREWS: A Better Blend
After a year of studying through the book of Hebrews, we have arrived at the final chapter. Hebrews 13. This chapter is, on the surface, a major departure from the patterns of the writer’s ongoing sermon. Heretofore, the discussion and comparison of the Old Testament tabernacle, covenant, priesthood, and sacrifices with Jesus and the New Covenant tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifices.
In chapter 13 the author offers his readers what seems to be a P.S. or post script to the letter. We find the him telling his congregation that their faith should produce some very clear patterns in their daily lives. Ok, press the hold button and let’s make sure we are clear on one issue before we move on. It is the whole faith versus works dilemma. Well, in fact, it isn’t a dilemma unless you fail to understand how all of it works. Let’s take a minute, before we move into Hebrews13, and review for the sake of clarity.
Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, understood that there would be a bit of confusion about faith and works, so he addressed this in a couple of place. I want you to see them as we look at the issue of works as an outgrowth of faith.
How does Ephesians 2: 8 tell us we have been saved?
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2: 9 tells us that our salvation is NOT a result of works. Paul words this same concept a bit differently in Romans 3: 20 where he says the following:
‘Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law;Â rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.’
Galatians 2: 16 really wraps this up in a nice neat package.
‘Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.’
We are saved by faith and only by faith in Jesus Christ. It is because of God’s grace that we are saved and not because of anything you or I do. Nothing. Nada. You can serve yourself into oblivion in the church or on the mission field, but those works will never make you right before God. Only believing in Jesus as your Lord and Savior can justify or save you.
Grace offers salvation.
Faith brings salvation.
Works signal salvation.
Got it? Good, now release the hold button and next week we will get back to Hebrews 13.
MEDITATION MOMENT: Have you ever fallen into the mindset of trying to work to make yourself good enough to be accepted by God? How did that work out for you?
