Hebrews 12:29 - Printer Friendly

The prior verse referred to God's kingdom as one that "cannot be shaken." This was a contrast to the world we live in today, which shook when God brought the old covenant (Exodus 19:9–20) and which will one day be destroyed and replaced (Revelation 21:1). The phrasing of that verse showed how we receive that kingdom by grace, and the same grace is what allows us to approach and honor God (Hebrews 4:16).

Here, the writer of Hebrews employs an image used earlier in this letter. Hebrews 10:26–27 referred to God using "a fury of fire," indicating His wrath on those who defy Him. Hebrews 6:7–8 similarly pointed out that a field which cannot produce good crops is suitable only to be burnt—a painful but purifying way of restoring it to its intended purpose. One way or the other, God's holiness will eliminate everything temporary and worthless, leaving only what is eternal and according to His will (Matthew 6:20; 1 Corinthians 3:15; Numbers 31:23). That judgment also separates those who reject God from His eternal kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9).

As always, the writer of Hebrews relies on God's established Word to make his arguments. This reference to God being "a consuming fire" is a quotation from Deuteronomy 4:24.

The following verses, part of the last chapter in the book of Hebrews, will build on this idea by reminding the readers about practical steps for living out a faithful trust in God and our place under the new covenant.

Hebrews 12:18–29 summarizes the lessons given through chapters 11 and 12. Those living under the new covenant have the advantage of looking to Christ, rather than to the law. The Old Testament was given through ominous signs, dire messages, fire, and sacrifice; it involved material things in a material world. God presented Himself as unapproachable, symbolic of His holiness. The New Covenant offers something better, and something beyond rituals and earthly needs. Also symbolically, Christ gives us an ability to approach God which the old covenant could not grant. While prior things can be changed and destroyed, the destiny offered to believers in Christ cannot. That is the ''kingdom that cannot be shaken,'' and our worship for God ought to reflect reverence as a result.

Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''

Hebrews chapter 12 builds on the example of the heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11. The main point of this lesson is that these figures endured suffering and hardship, yet held to their faith in God, which allowed them to achieve victory. Chapter 12, in particular, points out that earthly hardship is not a sign of God's displeasure, or abandonment. Rather, it's part of living in a fallen, godless world. And, in many cases, it's a form of ''training'' the Lord uses to mold us into more powerful instruments. This, as with other passages in Hebrews, leads into another explanation of why we should take these ideas seriously, and sets up a few final practical lessons in chapter 13.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.