November 12, 2023 - Hebrews 5-7

The writer of Hebrews observes, regarding the high priestly ministry of Jesus, “About this we have much to say” (5:11) and adds, “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God” (6:1). How often we hear people say, “I’m just doing the best I can, and I hope God will take notice. This is the immaturity and elementary doctrine the writer is warning about. We are not saved by way of our own good works, “for the law made nothing perfect; but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God” (7:19). That is, it’s not by our works, our keeping of the law, that we are accepted by God. On the other hand, “Jesus [is] the guarantor of a better covenant” (7:22) and “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (7:25).

My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand. --Edward Mote (1834)