Freedom and Grace

The Jews feared the freedom Jesus proclaimed. So much so they crucified him. What was his message? Stop doing what you’re doing to get right with God, the new way is here. I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

Rules are safe, freedom was scary. The law was safe, grace was scary.
Jesus was teaching a new way of righteousness apart from the works of the law. Righteousness by faith. (which wasn’t new, that is how it was in the old testament too. The difference is Jesus. Romans 3:21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. The Jews were always hedging their bets when it came to the message of the gospel. The message of grace.

Hebrews 6:4-8 The Hebrews were continually arguing about the elementary teachings of Christ. They were enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift but never really drank in the fullness of the message of Christ. Going back to the temple, going back to the law just in case. Rules are safe.
It takes absolutely no faith to follow the law. To follow any rules for that matter. Galatians 3:12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”

This is a clear warning for the Hebrews. Not for the those who have heard the message of freedom, turned from the law, and by faith drank in the fullness of what Christ has done.

Keep in mind that for the first 10 chapters of Hebrews the only sin mentioned was the sin of unbelief. The Hebrews struggled with unbelief.

In what ways are we going back today to hedge our bets? (in church, in your giving, in your Christian service, in your forgiveness, etc…) Keep in mind it’s not what we do, it’s what has already been done for us through Christ.

It’s not an easy thing to transition from a works-based system to faith & grace-based system. But, God through Jesus has called us live in his grace.