What must I do to be saved? Is there a laundry list of items that have to be accomplished in order to become a Christian and earn heaven? Of course not. The Bible clearly teaches that we only need to believe in Christ for salvation. So, what's the deal with this long list of things that the author of Hebrews is asking us to do?
There's a difference between just being a child of God and honoring God as one of His children. Any of my kids could behave however they liked and it would never change the fact that they are my children. They could lie, cheat, steal, etc. and they would still be my kids entitled to an inheritance from me. But those actions would not be honoring to me. Those actions would bring dishonor to me, and so I do not wish for them to behave that way.
It's the same with God. As a child of God, we are free to choose to behave however you want without fear of losing our right to the inheritance of salvation. The only real issue that is dealt with here at the end of Hebrews is whether your actions honor God or not. And if you want to honor God, then the author has given us some tips on how to do that.
- Love each other as brothers. Take care of one another. Especially those that have been imprisoned or abused for the name of Christ.
- Honor your marriage and avoid sexually immorality.
- Be content. God provides all that you need.
- Learn from your pastor.
- Remember that Jesus doesn't change, so don't be carried away by new theologies.
- Offer sacrifices of praise.
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