What Is The Basis Of Your Faith?
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our profession. Heb.4:14
As Christians, we are expected to exercise faith. This text gives us a challenge to maintain this faith in God. With the challenge there are many declared reasons to support it – proof that it is valid.
1. We have a great high priest, whose priestly function would have been to atone on our behalf. In this case the high priest went beyond the task and duty of offering a sacrifice. He actually became the sacrifice for us. As this perfect sacrifice he inspires faith in us.
As Christians, we are expected to exercise faith. This text gives us a challenge to maintain this faith in God. With the challenge there are many declared reasons to support it – proof that it is valid.
1. We have a great high priest, whose priestly function would have been to atone on our behalf. In this case the high priest went beyond the task and duty of offering a sacrifice. He actually became the sacrifice for us. As this perfect sacrifice he inspires faith in us.
2. He has passed through the heavens. Indeed, he has come from heaven. This confirms that he has special communication and relations with God and is therefore fit to perform such priestly duty as he has. Our faith is therefore well founded.
3. He is the Son of God. Not only has he had relations with God, but the special relationship he shares is that of son. Therefore he is divine, fully equipping him, within this high-priestly function, to serve also as sacrifice. Being divine he is the perfect Sacrifice, without spot or blemish, therefore eliminating the need for habitual sacrifices. Thus, faith in him can be truly uninterrupted.
4. His name is Jesus. This is a name associated with salvation. The angel told Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt.1:22) Furthermore, the other names associated with Jesus confirm special power. Prophecy declared that his name would be Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’. (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23) He was also referred to as ‘Jesus, who is called Christ’. The understanding of ‘Christ’ is ‘Messiah’, who was understood as the one who was to come to bring deliverance from captivity. With such an expectation faith is well warranted.
The writer of Hebrews thus uses such argument to sustain his call to maintain faith. “Here is someone in whom you can truly exercise faith,” he seemed to argue. The question to you is: “Do you buy his argument? Can you exercise faith in this God?” His arguments are solid, so you can be inspired to faith. Therefore, given the basis for such faith, ‘hold fast to your profession’ as he admonishes.
Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, to remain unshaken in my faith in you, knowing that there is much proof that you are trustworthy. May such faith then take me to a place of a better walk with you and greater service for you. Amen.
3. He is the Son of God. Not only has he had relations with God, but the special relationship he shares is that of son. Therefore he is divine, fully equipping him, within this high-priestly function, to serve also as sacrifice. Being divine he is the perfect Sacrifice, without spot or blemish, therefore eliminating the need for habitual sacrifices. Thus, faith in him can be truly uninterrupted.
4. His name is Jesus. This is a name associated with salvation. The angel told Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt.1:22) Furthermore, the other names associated with Jesus confirm special power. Prophecy declared that his name would be Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’. (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23) He was also referred to as ‘Jesus, who is called Christ’. The understanding of ‘Christ’ is ‘Messiah’, who was understood as the one who was to come to bring deliverance from captivity. With such an expectation faith is well warranted.
The writer of Hebrews thus uses such argument to sustain his call to maintain faith. “Here is someone in whom you can truly exercise faith,” he seemed to argue. The question to you is: “Do you buy his argument? Can you exercise faith in this God?” His arguments are solid, so you can be inspired to faith. Therefore, given the basis for such faith, ‘hold fast to your profession’ as he admonishes.
Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, to remain unshaken in my faith in you, knowing that there is much proof that you are trustworthy. May such faith then take me to a place of a better walk with you and greater service for you. Amen.
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