Saved by Grace, Empowered for Righteousness (Hebrews 10:19-31)
By Obinna Ejianya
The grace of God, given through Jesus Christ, is transformative. It saves us, but it also sanctifies us, enabling us to live in righteousness and forsake the sinful patterns of our past. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that though we are saved by grace, we must “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling,” knowing that it is God who works in us both to will and to act according to His good pleasure. Our salvation is not passive—it requires active participation in aligning our lives with the will of God and following in the footsteps of Christ.
The message from Hebrews 10:19-31 is a powerful call to all believers—a call to stand firm in our faith, to persevere in the hope we profess, and to live in the fullness of the salvation that Christ has given us. It is a reminder that through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have direct access to the presence of God, not by our works or merits but by grace through the precious blood of Christ.
The Open Door of Grace
Brothers and sisters, we now have the privilege to approach God with confidence. This is not a confidence in ourselves but in the love of God manifested in the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ, who has torn the veil that once separated us from God. His body, broken on the cross, is the new and living way by which we enter the very presence of the Almighty. This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude! The way to God is no longer blocked by our sin, for Jesus, our great High Priest, has made the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, let us draw near to God with hearts full of assurance, knowing that His blood has cleansed us from guilt and shame.
Psalms 24:3-5
3: Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4: The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
5: They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.
Holding Fast to the Promise
Yet this glorious access requires a response: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” In a world full of distractions, temptations, and trials, God calls us to hold fast to our faith. Don’t let the world shake your confidence! The God who promised salvation is faithful, and His promises are unshakable. Are you struggling with doubt? Are you overwhelmed by life’s burdens? Remember that your hope is secure because it is anchored in God’s faithfulness, not in your circumstances.
Encouragement in Community
God did not design us to walk this journey alone. We are called to encourage one another, to gather together, and to spur one another on toward love and good works. This is not an optional part of the Christian life—it is essential. As the Day of Christ’s return draws near, the need for mutual encouragement is more pressing than ever. If you’ve distanced yourself from fellowship or have grown cold in your heart, return to the community of believers. There is strength in gathering, and there is power in unity.
The Sobering Warning
But the passage also comes with a serious warning—a warning that we cannot ignore. If we willfully continue in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, we face a terrifying expectation of judgment. God’s grace is abundant, but it is not to be taken lightly. To reject the sacrifice of Christ, to trample on His blood, is to invite the wrath of the living God.
Think of the gravity of this truth: If those who rejected the law of Moses faced severe punishment, how much more will those who reject the Son of God face judgment? God is patient and full of grace, but He is also holy and just. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God if we persist in rebellion against Him. Do not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of sin—what awaits the unrepentant is far worse.
Philippians 2:12-13
12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
A Call to Action
This message is both an invitation and a warning. Jesus has opened the door to eternal life, and His arms are open wide to receive all who would come to Him in faith. But it is also a call to take our faith seriously, to live in holiness, and to avoid the trap of complacency.
If you have not yet accepted Christ, today is the day to do so. His blood was shed for you, His love reaches out to you, and His promise of eternal life is for you. Do not wait, for the day of judgment is coming, and it will be too late for excuses.
And for those who have already placed their trust in Jesus, persevere! Hold tightly to the faith you profess. Encourage others, flee from sin, and live as one who has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The Day is approaching, and our salvation is nearer now than ever before.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who is both the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and let us press on, knowing that He is faithful to the end.
Amen.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
