God means what he says
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Hebrews 10:19-29
BY Diana Stone
Text: Hebrews 10:19-29
Sometimes in my life, I forget how serious God is – how true the words in the Bible are. In this day and age of instant gratification and feel good messages, it’s easy to start to think of God as a warm and fuzzy persona. The unconditional love He has for us is talked on more than the firmness of the proclamations He’s made.
In Hebrews, we are told that God means what He says. In two ways. That once we are His, we are His forever. That we are to “…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23 NIV) We can come before him and know that because of Jesus, we are shown as white as snow.
But the flip side of this is the last part of these verses. For those who hear the Word and turn away from it, who refuse to accept Jesus’ offer of salvation, “…no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (Heb 10:26-27 NIV) That’s pretty heavy stuff. How often do we hear this in the same paragraph as a loving God?
“But,” we may think, “not really. I mean, surely when they die God tells them it’s ok, no worries. They might be really nice people. He won’t send anyone to eternal hell.”
Sisters, nice isn’t the condition for salvation. It’s fully, totally, unconditionally accepting that we are broken and sinful by nature, and the only way that we can come before God is through Jesus. Jesus makes this very simple: there are no hoops to jump through, no lists, no good works to get to a certain level of holy. Nothing. There is nothing on earth we can do to ensure eternal salvation short of having Jesus as your Savior.
This verse is uncomfortable. It’s not pretty. But it’s the truth. God means what He says. When you’re His, you’re His forever. Period. And if you hear and reject what He’s offered, there is no other option. No second chance at those pearly gates.
As we start this New Year, let’s look into our hearts and make sure we are fully comprehending our salvation, that we have truly given our lives to our Father and not simply been working on getting to heaven because we are nice people.
Good works should come from our thankfulness for salvation and love for Jesus, not as a way to get around what He did for us.
62 thoughts on "God means what he says"
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Hebrews 10 has been on my heart for almost a year now. Thank you for writing on this serious yet encouraging chapter! God is loving and merciful and holy and just!
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Word. Sister chick.. ..that its good stuff. Thanks.
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How do I find out who the person is who wrote this specific devotional? I need to speak with someone aside from God who understands what is said in this devotional.
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So glad we are touching on the 'serious' side of God. This marries up with what we see in the Old Testament. God is jealous loving and exacting! We come to Christ, and are under the law of Christ, not Moses, which iis actually harder, see Matthew 5, the sermon on the mount. Persistent sin has consequences. Thanks to the writer of the plan.
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Wow! This verse needs to be taught more often because it is true that picture of a sweet God is what everyone talks about but too often we forget that God is a jealous God and anything you put before Him, He can pour His wrath on it. We have the opportunity to have everything we need when we accept salvation but if not we spend our life dealing with trials and tribulations and then die and have eternal hell…i want to spend an eternity with Christ!
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The truth is hard to hear, more often than not. That's why I think it's easier for us to see the "softer side" of God. The God who sacrificed his Only Son simply because He loves us so much. Not the same God who claims vengeance and threatens punishment. But without knowing that side of God, as well, how powerful, really, is the softer side? It'd be all fluff, no stuff. I pray that I am reminded of all the Lord's power when I think of salvation, so that I am convicted of what He has offered us. And I pray that the things I do are influenced by this conviction. I pray that I give what I do up to the Lord, and that I do good out of love for Him and in praise of His Glory.
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I loved reading all your thoughts on this passage of scripture. I'm awful when it comes to remembering scripture but I love where it says something about NOTHING can snatch us out of His hand! I cling to that… The Holy Spirit is here to clear things up for us and all you have to do is ask! It may not happen immediately, but He will help you to understand scripture and have AHA moments..I believe once saved always saved, so that is my assurance and like a loving father, I don't want to disappoint Him although I'm sure I do. Like Paul. I do what I don't want to do sometimes. My flesh is weak but the spirit is willing and vice versa. God is NOT done with us yet and won't be until we are in eternity with Him! Praise God..
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That's so true. We hate to think of anyone ending up in Hell, but it's not Gods fault they do. It's their own rejection and it happened everyday. God have mercy on our nation. We've rejected you. Please forgive us!
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