July 17, 2014

GRADES VS. A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

Hebrews 1

Avery Holmes
Thursday's Devo

July 17, 2014

Thursday's Devo

July 17, 2014

Central Truth

Unlike many things in life, I don't have to work to earn my salvation because Jesus has already paid for it.

Key Verse | Hebrews 1:3

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)

Hebrews 1

The Supremacy of God's Son

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son,
    today I have begotten you”?

Or again,

“I will be to him a father,
    and he shall be to me a son”?

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God's angels worship him.”

Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,
    and his ministers a flame of fire.”

But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

10 And,

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11  they will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment,
12  like a robe you will roll them up,
    like a garment they will be changed. 1 1:12 Some manuscripts omit like a garment
But you are the same,
    and your years will have no end.”

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,

“Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Footnotes

[1] 1:12 Some manuscripts omit like a garment

Dive Deeper | Hebrews 1

I work really hard in school. Sometimes I get good grades, and other times I don't. It feels great to get a good grade. One good grade can make my whole day. However, receiving a bad grade can make me feel really bad about myself.

From verse 3 in this passage, we learn that Jesus sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the Father after making purification for sin. For Jesus to sit down means His saving work is finished. It is complete. And best of all, that means there's nothing we have to do earn this salvation. How amazing!

With my grades, how I study matters. If I don't study well, my grades aren't good. I am responsible for my study habits and my grades, too. So grades are definitely something I earn.

If I had to earn my salvation the way I have to earn my grades, I would be stressed out and frustrated all the time. It would be impossible. I would spend a lot of time working for my salvation, and, in the end, I wouldn't be any closer to having a relationship with Jesus.

Thankfully, Jesus saves me through His death on the cross, not based on anything I do. His love is constant, and He always forgives me for my sins. He will always be there for me. That truth is freeing and comforts me when I mess up.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you depend on Jesus (and Him alone) for salvation?

2. How you would feel if your salvation really did depend on your own effort?

3. List a few reasons you're thankful Jesus has already earned your salvation for you.

4. When is it hard to believe that Jesus gives salvation as a gift to those who believe in Him and trust His work on the cross?