Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's reading: Hebrews 10:9-18
[Click the Scripture reference above to read online.]

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 10:14

Jesus's one perfect sacrifice made those of us who believe perfect forever. Yet, those He's made perfect forever, are currently being made holy. 

Holy. The original Greek for this word signifies being separated... separated from sin and therefore consecrated to God, sacred (Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words). God's grace makes us holy, but Believers have the responsibility of being part of the sanctification process by living a holy life (1 Peter 1:14-16), choosing to avoid sin and obey God. Choosing to separate themselves from the world and surrender their lives to Him for His use.

He has made us perfect in the forever, but in the meantime we are called to strive for holiness. He sees us complete. By faith we take steps to be what He sees.

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace

and be guaranteed to all his offspring --- not only to the adherent of the law

but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"---

in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead

and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Romans 4:16-17 ESV

Abraham, the father of the faithful, was told by God, I have made you the father of many nations when he had no children, was 90 years old and married to a woman about his age who had never given him one. By faith, Abraham believed God. And what previously did not exist, did. We are children of Abraham if we believe by faith in our perfection in Christ, while being made holy. 

Already perfect. Being made holy.

What do you need to believe in that He says you are, but you aren't quite yet?

Step out in faith. Believe what He says. Act on the belief.

Father God, bless me with the faith of Abraham,

to see me as perfect in Christ, while still being made.