Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Friends, do you believe Jesus has performed for you?
Do you believe Jesus came and earned 100% of your righteousness?
Do you believe the Son of God died and paid for 100% of all your transgressions?
Do you believe you now have nothing to do in order to earn, receive, and hear the Father’s commendation?
Do you believe there is no condemnation remaining for you — at all — ever?
Do you, in prayer, come boldly before the throne of God like you belong there? Do you approach the Holy One as your Creator, Judge, and Lord, and do you also approach him as your Savior, Priest, Friend, Brother, Abba-Father, and Groom?
Do you believe his words of encouragement, “Your hearts are sprinkled clean; you are washed; you are entirely pure!”
Oh, brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the Gospel, and it is true-truth. I know you preach this. I know you have heard this preached. I know this information is in your head, and it comes out of your mouth, but has it resonated with your heart today? Today, are you rightly and richly rejoicing in the gracious performance of Jesus Christ for you? Do you believe this today … really?
Friends, do you enjoy Jesus performing in, through, and with you?
There is a certain sense in which Jesus has completed all his work. In regards to atonement and reconciliation, “It is finished.”
However, in another sense, he is still working. It is true, “He who began a good work in you, he is completing it.” And what is he doing?
Today, the Spirit of Christ is performing in you. From the inside, he is affecting your heart. He is pouring love into your soul. Daily, he is calling you to deeper levels of intimacy.
Today, the Spirit of Christ is performing through you. From within, he is fruiting you with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, and many other externally seen characteristics.
Today, the Spirit of Christ is performing with you. As he impacts his world and expands his kingdom, there are ways in which you are his passive instrument, channel, or tool. However, he also calls you to actively participate alongside him. Throughout his Word, following his unconditional promises, consequential prescriptions are given. Gospel writers of grace present their indicative statements, they then follow them up with imperative commands. Even in the passage above, grace precedes performance as those unchangeably related to Christ are encouraged to show love, do good works, and engage in fellowship. Yes, because of who we are, this is how we work and worship.
Therefore, confident son of God, find someone today and love them unconditionally. Respond to the Gospel with Christ’s affection.
Confident daughter of the King, find someone today and do some good works. Enjoy Jesus working in, through, and with you. Show Christ’s affection with Christlike displays of charity.
Confident bride of Christ, find someone today and enjoy the “mystic sweet communion” that is the privilege of those in the family of God. You need their encouragement; they need yours.
Yes, Christ graciously performed for you. Yes, Christ graciously performs in you. Christ graciously performs through you. Now enjoy what Christ is graciously doing as he performs with you and causes you to be a blessing to your neighbors.
Unfathomable Grace 