Encounter the Truth

The writer tells us to worship God acceptably, and here he tells us what worship of the living God will look like as we live in his presence: showing brotherly love, living in marital faithfulness, keeping our lives free from the love of money. Do we understand true worship? Do we worship in this way?

The writer tells us to worship God acceptably, and here he tells us what worship of the living God will look like as we live in his presence: showing brotherly love, living in marital faithfulness, keeping our lives free from the love of money. Do we understand true worship? Do we worship in this way?

By faith we have come to the unseen and untouchable Mount Zion where God himself is found and where his saints gather. We must be careful to listen to his voice and worship him acceptably with reverence and awe.

By faith we have come to the unseen and untouchable Mount Zion where God himself is found and where his saints gather. We must be careful to listen to his voice and worship him acceptably with reverence and awe.

The writer now delves further into the theme of endurance. He takes us into the deep waters of opposition and trial and suffering—and shows us how we are to approach situations of pain and difficulty, and to endure as believers—even to flourish as believers—in and through those times.

The writer now delves further into the theme of endurance. He takes us into the deep waters of opposition and trial and suffering—and shows us how we are to approach situations of pain and difficulty, and to endure as believers—even to flourish as believers—in and through those times.

The Christian life is a marathon run by faith. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus—and his model of endurance in suffering—if we are to run faithfully to the end.

The Christian life is a marathon run by faith. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus—and his model of endurance in suffering—if we are to run faithfully to the end.

Moses—and other heroes of the faith—were willing to endure hardship because they trusted the unseen God. Does our faith equip us to do the same? Hebrews says that the world was not worthy of these men and women. Could the same be said of us as we live by faith today?

Moses—and other heroes of the faith—were willing to endure hardship because they trusted the unseen God. Does our faith equip us to do the same? Hebrews says that the world was not worthy of these men and women. Could the same be said of us as we live by faith today?

Abraham is a model of faith, giving up his homeland and travelling to the unseen land of promise. People who live by faith prove by their lifestyle that they are seeking a homeland above. Do we live that way? Do we have such faith?

Abraham is a model of faith, giving up his homeland and travelling to the unseen land of promise. People who live by faith prove by their lifestyle that they are seeking a homeland above. Do we live that way? Do we have such faith?

Here is perhaps the Bible’s clearest definition of faith: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Abel, Enoch, and Noah are all examples of this faith, trusting in unseen realities and living in costly ways because of this faith.

Here is perhaps the Bible’s clearest definition of faith: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Abel, Enoch, and Noah are all examples of this faith, trusting in unseen realities and living in costly ways because of this faith.

In light of all the truths we have learned in chapters five to ten, we now reach the heart of the exhortation of the letter: we must draw near, hold fast our confession, consider how to stir up one another, and we must never throw away our confidence.

In light of all the truths we have learned in chapters five to ten, we now reach the heart of the exhortation of the letter: we must draw near, hold fast our confession, consider how to stir up one another, and we must never throw away our confidence.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.