The reason for our hope

We saw in my last post that in Jesus we find rest because Jesus himself finished the work of salvation for us.

And in these chapters (and for that matter, in the previous chapters as well), the author of Hebrews expands on that idea, giving us the reason for our hope.

Ultimately, the reason is found in chapter 9, verse 26.

But now [Jesus] has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And the writer of Hebrews says that by that one sacrifice, we have now been sanctified, made pure and right before God (10:10).

We don’t have to somehow clean ourselves up before God before he’ll accept us. Jesus has already made us clean in the Father’s sight, and he remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).

That’s the reason for our boldness before the Father. We can walk right into the presence of God without fear because we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus (10:19-23).

At least, that’s how we should be.

Do you ever feel, however, that you’re not good enough? That you are somehow still stained before the Father?

Do you feel ashamed to stand before him? Do you feel there’s something more that you should have to do.

The writer of Hebrews makes it clear: You are forgiven. And where sins is forgiven, there is no longer any offering that must be made for your sin (10:18).

Not by Jesus. Not by any priest or pastor. And not by you. It’s all done.

So rest. Throw away your feelings of guilt and inadequacy. God accepts you not for what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done for you.

No, you don’t deserve his love. No one does. But God has set his love on you.

Think on that. Meditate on that. Believe it.

And enter his rest.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)