◄ What Does Hebrews 12:28 Mean? ►

Hebrews is a book that was mainly written to Jewish believers in the early Church who found it very difficult to let go of many of their former traditions and Jewish rituals. It was written to help them come to terms with the New and better Covenant, which was promised by the mouth of Jeremiah, cut through the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour, and will be fully and finally ratified when Jesus returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth.

Many Jews were still enslaved by the pre-Cross Law and bound by its curse. They failed to recognise the freedom they were given in their post-Cross Christian life, which is by faith alone in Christ alone, and not by carrying out good works of the Law.

However, there are many truths contained in Hebrews for Christians everywhere. There is much to learn from this amazing book which buries its roots deep into the Old Testament and which comes to fruition in the New. We find that it contrasts the New Testament freedoms we have in Christ with the former restrictions and requirements of the old Law.

It contrasts God's initial revelation of Himself, through Moses at Sinai, with His full and final revelation of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son - through the Cross. It compares the superiority of the Person and work of Christ with men and angels alike and outlines the advantages of His heavenly Priesthood, as compared with the restrictive Law of Moses and the inferior Aaronic priesthood. It teaches that the former things were used by God as a signpost, to direct sinful man to Christ.

The Law was a schoolmaster to point sinners to Christ. The Law was designed to identify our sinfulness and highlight our need of salvation. The Law causes the sinner to acknowledge his sinfulness and reach out to Jesus Christ, our perfect sacrifice - for whosoever believes on Him by accepting His gracious offer of salvation through faith, will be saved.

By the time the author has reached chapter 12, the need for faith rather than works has been clearly outlined and explained... and believers are exhorted to hope in Christ and to recognise that the terrors of the Law and the wrath of God, have been removed from all who believe, by faith, in the shed blood of Jesus Christ Who cleanses the heart and affords for us an eternal pardon from the God of the universe.

The incomparable privileges we have in Christ, the benefits of our heavenly inheritance in His coming kingdom, and the glory that is ours in Him, are accompanied by a severe warning for those who refuse to listen to His Word and obey His voice: "Therefore, since we received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe."

As members of Christ's Body, we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ. We have been promised positions in His coming kingdom, where we will rule and reign with Christ - our heavenly Bridegroom.

The Word of God cannot be broken. Our promised positions in Christ's coming Kingdom and the many precious pledges that God has made to all who believe in His only begotten Son for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting, are equally certain, totally true, and unquestionably unbreakable - for God cannot lie.

It is because we have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, that we are instructed to show Him our gratitude. In consideration of all that God has given us freely, by faith in His Son, there should be no question that we should live our life in thanksgiving and praise for His goodness and grace, and offer to Him our acceptable service - with reverence and awe.

All that the Lord has done for us should inspire us towards sincere worship, fervent praise, impassioned homage, and everlasting worship. The recognition of God's boundless mercy and grace towards sinners such as us - should incline us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.

May we be energised from this day forward, to give Him the glory and worship that is due to His holy name. May we be stimulated, in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to offer Him the honour, praise, adoration, and thanks - for He alone is worthy.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been saved by grace through faith in Christ. Thank You that His kingdom can never be shaken and that in Christ, this kingdom is my inheritance. Accept my humble praise and everlasting gratitude for all that Christ has done for me. May I live my life in reverence to You and may the things I do and say be acceptable in Your sight. I ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN.