August 15, 2021
The writer of Hebrews explained that a new covenant promise was placed into effect when Christ died. The new covenant frees believers from the bondage of the first covenant. The Levitical system was removed and replaced by the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ.
1 OUR PROFESSION OF FAITH (Hebrews 10:23-25)
The writer encourages believers to hold fast the profession of faith without wavering. He instructs believers to consider each other, provoking and stirring up love and good works toward each other. Many had stopped attending worship service due to persecution. Fellowship was a source of their encouragement.
2 KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH (vv. 26-27)
The writer reminds the believer that if they sin, they reject Christ after having received the truth being guided by the Holy Spirit. Having received full understanding, believers should not rebel against the provisions of God that is the salvation of Christ. Judgement and fiery indignation of rejecting God. Those who reject Christ and disobey God are his adversaries, death and destruction are certain judgement. There is no hope for rejecting the only remedy which is salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
3 HOW GOD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE (vv. 28-31)
The writer talks about a worse punishment for one who rejects Christ. That is, one who considers the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, grieving the Holy Spirit. It’s a punishment greater than physical death. Rejecting God’s mercy one will receive God’s judgement. Receiving God’s mercy through Christ one is saved.
4 LOOKING FORWARD THROUGH SUFFERING (vv. 32-36)
It is here that the writer has a different tone in encouragement, realizing that they have the ability to persevere in that they have to this point done so. They have undergone the same suffering of the apostles. They were able to persevere because they were looking forward to God’s reward.
CONCLUSION:
The word persevere means to continue a course of action in the face of difficulty or with little prospect of success. To be insistent, patient, to never give up. Many today as well as in biblical times, were tempted to give in to persecution, temptation, to turn back to pre new covenant customs. The writer encourages the believers today to stay the course, hang in there, remain steadfast, to have a persevering faith,
Rev. Johnny H. Eskridge