There is no alternative to Jesus Christ. Alone of all of God's prophets, he is God's Son. He is the final sacrifice for sin and brings the new and final covenant. The leaders of this world rejected him, so his followers have no lasting city here, but must follow him “outside the gate.” How then should we live? In these final words, the writer to the Hebrews says, we live by serving God with lives of sacrifice. First, we bring God the sacrifice of praise continually. In all situations, our lips give thanks to God. All of God's Word and especially the Psalms that we sing teach us how to serve God in good and bad times. Second, we bring God the sacrifice of sharing with one another. “Do not neglect doing good and sharing.” The whole Bible declares that God loves those who give to the needy. Third, we offer God the sacrifice of voluntary obedience to the elders who look out for our souls. “Be submissive” means in fact to “be persuaded,” that is, listen to their teaching ready to learn. Christianity is often treated by church goers as a cafeteria religion: I'll take what I like. But that is not the view of the Bible or the church, which have the truth once for all delivered to the saints. Elders whose congregations embrace the whole truth wholeheartedly will give their account of their shepherding to God with joy. |
