Because of Christ

Hebrews 4.14-16

One of the themes of Hebrews is the benefits of the New Covenant. We live under great blessings because of Christ Jesus Our LORD. Those who know Christ as their Savior are blessed by the LORD.

Part of our spiritual growth is coming to understand more of what the LORD has provided for us as we journey to heaven. If we do not grow in understanding of these things we will not experience the full blessing of the LORD.

Hebrews is a book of exhortations.

1. Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. - v.14
Make that profession as possession!
Seize it! Keep it carefully.

The Old Covenant had a High Priest. Aaron, his sons, his descendants.
The High Priest had to atone for his own sins first before offering sacrifices for the sins of the people he carried on his shoulders and heart.

Sacrifices were made daily. It was not complete. It pointed to the Everlasting Covenant where Christ is the High Priest and the Sacrifice! Sinless, once for all and perfect.

The Hebrews were sliding back to what they had left years before: The Old Covenantal System.
Too many believers today are not holding firmly to their faith. Many times it is at best a half hearted effort. We are in a battle for eternity.
Ask the LORD to give you discernment in these last days in which we live.
Because of what Jesus has done and Who He is, hold firmly to the faith you profess.

2. Let Him sympathize with your weaknesses. -v.15
He was tempted as the Son of God. He faced the full power of temptation.
We are children of God by being born again.
We face the temptation:
*to get something good by the wrong means.
*to make a display of His power for our glory
*to accomplish the purposes of God in a way that would dishonor Him.
*to speak rashly Luke 11.53-54 Aim to be like Him in speech.
*to abandon the cross Matthew 27.40-43
The temptation to quit is such a subtle constant one. At times we breathe out this prayer in desperation: I Kings 19.4 He prayed that he might die. I have had enough LORD. Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors.
Hebrews 5.7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.

3. Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence.- v.16
Because of what Jesus did- that thick woven veil was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27.51) God did it. The way to His Presence was fully opened to all who come through Christ.
We have come to receive great gifts:
Mercy- God not treating us as our sins deserve. His compassion on us.
Grace- God treating us with kindness poor and sinful though we be.

He is here to help us at the right time with tenderness. He helps us in times of struggle.

His help is based on understanding and ability of Him as our Great High Priest

Because of what Jesus did, what He is doing now, we can make it victoriously. We are on the way to heaven if we have Christ in our hearts!