The Comfort of Faith

Hebrews 13 is a chapter of commands, over a dozen of them. The chapter is filled with strong words like, "do not" (2, 9, 16), "remember" (3, 7), "obey" and "submit" (17). Our text reminds us that we are in an eternal covenant with God which, like all covenants, contains two sides. We are bound to "do his will" (21). We must please the Lord (21).

Members of Christ's church must diligently use the means of grace in order to continue in the profession they make before God and the church. And the book of Hebrews, more than other New Testament books, contains strong warnings—if Old Testament church members "did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns us from heaven (12:25). Hebrews is not a lighthearted letter. Being in covenant with God is sobering.

We may not casually profess our faith or join the church. The church must be honest: we welcome new members into the "responsibilities" and "sufferings" of the church as well as into its "privileges" and "joys."

It is the seriousness or covenant membership that makes our text so beautiful! Those who trust in the Lord have great comfort that he will provide us with everything necessary for doing his will.