Is your life now different as compared to before you were a Christian? Were there positive changes in your life in the past year or two? What does salvation in Christ subsequently mean for one who has been added to the Lord’s church? What must a Christian do?
There may be some young Christians who may wonder what a new life in Christ means. They may even have struggles and challenges and need help as to how to live as a Christian. Sadly, some Christians may not even see changes in their lives before becoming a Christian and after becoming a Christian. Their lives seem to be the same and that nothing much has changed. This is especially damaging when even closed ones do not observe any noticeable differences.
In Hebrews 10:19-21, the Bible tells us that because Christ has entered into the Most Holy Place that is heaven, we also can enter heaven by the blood of Christ. His way is also a better way and He is the High Priest over the church – our High Priest. We notice then in Hebrews 10:22-24 that as Christians, we have to draw near to God with a true heart, hold fast the profession of our faith and consider one another.
Draw Near to God
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)
We must draw near to God with a true heart. A true heart is a sincere heart. Jesus said,“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). One who does not have a sincere heart will not be able to draw near to God. For example, they will not be able to understand parables (Matthew 13:11-15).
We must draw near to God with a full assurance of faith. This means that we have to draw near to God without doubting and with full obedience. This means drawing near to God believing that we can be brought near to the throne of God by a new and living way which is through Christ our great High Priest who has shed his blood for our sins.
We must draw near to God with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and bodies washed with pure water. If we obey God and submit to His will and salvation plan, we will no longer have the guilt of our past sins on our conscience. We are able to draw near to God with a clear conscience and having repented of our sins.
Hold Fast Our Faith
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23)
We must be steadfast in our faith. We must continue living the Christian life. The Bible says to hold fast because it is possible for one to fall away (Hebrews 3:12; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 3:17). Holding fast gives the sense and understanding for one to retain, to cling on and to keep something secure.
We must not waver in our faith. This means that we must remain rooted, grounded and not tend to lean towards something other than the word of God. We recall James writing of the need to ask in faith and not waver because one who wavers is like a wave of the sea which is driven and tossed about by the wind (James 1:6). James also said that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Thus, wavering will indicate a lack of confidence and incomplete faith.
We hold fast the profession of our faith because God is faithful. God keeps to His promises and He cannot lie (1 John 2:25; Titus 1:2). The Bible speaks of God’s faithfulness in many instances (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 John 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13) and so we have to be faithful as God is faithful.
Consider One Another
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” (Hebrews 10:24)
We need to consider one another. This will mean observing, understanding our brethren, and being attentive to them. As Thayer defines it, we fix our eyes on others. We do not just focus on ourselves but we mind the things of others. We are not selfish and care for ourselves but we constantly look out for our brethren and minister to their needs if they have any. Let us remember the theme for our congregation this year “Care for one another and look out for the interests of others” and remember that the Bible tells us to “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4).
We need to provoke one another to love and good works. To provoke means to cause incitement, to encourage or stir up. The word does have a negative connotation in the way it is used in the English language. For example, it is possible for a father to provoke his children to wrath and anger which is forbidden by the Lord (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21).
We are told here in Hebrews 10:24 of the need to provoke one another to love and good works. Thus, there is the need to encourage one another to do good and be active for the Lord. We excite one another to do good and be active.
The Bible tells us of how active Jesus was in his ministry, how the gospel was spread in the first century in the book of Acts, how early Christians came together and had fellowship (Acts 2:42-47), how Paul was fervent in his faith and went on his missionary journeys, the generosity of the Macedonian Christians and the church at Philippi which brought much joy to Paul as a result of their benevolence and wanting to do what is right before God. How then can we sit back and relax without labouring in God’s kingdom? We need to consider our brethren, be mindful of their needs, support and encourage one another in our work for the Lord.
Brethren, let us not forget that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. There must be changes in our life as a Christian. We cannot be like the old man prior to our baptism. Let us be reminded of our response to God, for ourselves and also to brethren, by drawing near to God, holding fast our faith, considering our brethren and encouraging one another to do good and be active for the Lord.
Ask Yourself:
What are some things I need to do after becoming a Christian?
What does Philippians 2:4 mean?
How has my spiritual journey been in the last few months and what are some improvements I can make?
Suggested Answers:
Draw near to God with a sincere heart, hold fast my faith and consider my brethren (Hebrews 10:22-24)
Be actively looking out for the needs of others and not be self-centred or inward looking.
You may discuss this with the elders, brethren you are close with or the church ministers.