Romans 8:29

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Hold Fast


Hebrews 4:14-16
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Though this passage seems very nice, it doesn't make any sense! Jesus, the Son of God, tempted in every respect that we are, still did not sin. Therefore, we, who have sinned, can find his help in our time of need.

Honestly, I do not get it. I'm not trying to set up a literary turn where it does make sense in the end - I actually don't see the connection. Because Christ did what we couldn't, we can find grace and understanding when we're needy? Maybe you get it, and in time I might, too. But for now, I'll simply take it.

So it is not with knowledge and understanding that I conclude, but with gratitude: God is an awesome God for extending grace, his very throne of grace, to us, sympathizing with our weakness and saying something like, "I know... it's okay." He is awesome because he was victorious and, though we are not, he still champions us and elevates us to be more like him, to be what we can't.

Now I draw near to this throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace in my time of need, and saying something like, "Okay... Thank you. Again." And I hold fast to my confession.