Hebrews 13:8-14

The Greatest Source of Christian Strength

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:9)

There is a source of Christian strength and encouragement in these verses—one of the greatest sources in Scripture for every generation of believers. The book of Hebrews motivates us to persevere in faith, strive against sin, endure persecution, and hold Jesus as supremely valuable. Its emphases are the superiority of Jesus Christ and the perseverance of the saints.

Jesus's unchanging nature provides strength across past, present, and future. In the past, He was involved with Old Testament saints. Today, amid our persecutions, His consistency assures us He will carry us through. In the future, we have the promise of eternal life free from sin—the light at the end of the tunnel.

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, quoting Deuteronomy 31)

This promise, echoed in Joshua 1:5, called Old Testament saints to be strong and courageous. If it was true for them, it is true for us because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is incapable of failure. He will never abandon or fail you. Step out in faith, even into battles, knowing He goes before you.

Christianity is difficult—it involves suffering, battles against sin, and being laid low so Christ is exalted. Yet Jesus is the most faithful, dependable person you will ever know. In Him, you find permanent joy, contentment, and peace, even amid trials. Temporary pleasures—immorality, covetousness, possessions—will fail you. Only Jesus provides lasting quality of life.

Jesus can save you, and salvation is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing lifestyle of embracing the gospel, forgiveness, and repentance.

The Greatest Source of Christian Salvation

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. (Hebrews 13:10-11)

The message of Jesus does not change. Do not be carried away by various and strange doctrines, like shifting teachings in other systems. The gospel is consistent: salvation is only in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

The heart established by grace means doubt is removed—you are proven beyond doubt to have salvation in Christ. Grace is unmerited favor: God promises never to leave or forsake you, helps in your battles, and sustains you in godliness. It is a constant supply—grace upon grace.

The altar is the cross, where Jesus sacrificed Himself. Those rejecting Him for old systems, like Judaism's sacrifices, have no right to partake. Believers spiritually feast by coming to Jesus and believing in Him.

The Greatest Source of Christian Sanctification

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. (Hebrews 13:12-14)

Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Sanctification—pursuing holiness, removing sin, embracing Christ's righteousness—is essential, not optional.

Jesus suffered outside the camp to sanctify us, like sin offerings in Leviticus 4 and 16. We must go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach—publicly displaying the gospel through our lives, enduring ridicule and persecution for His sake.

This mirrors Moses, who esteemed the reproach of Christ greater than Egypt's treasures. We bear reproach not alone, but with the hope of our reward: Jesus Himself in the eternal city to come. This age will end; we seek the one where sin and trials cease forever.