What is the meaning of Hebrews 13:15? Through Jesus, therefore • The writer begins by fixing our focus on Christ alone. Every approach to God rests on what Jesus has already accomplished at the cross and through His resurrection (Hebrews 10:19-22; John 14:6). • He is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), so no human mediator, ritual, or good work gains us access—only His finished work does (1 Peter 2:5). • Because our standing is secure “through Jesus,” praise flows naturally, not as a payment but as a grateful response to grace (Romans 5:1-2). let us continually offer to God • “Continually” reminds us that worship is not confined to Sunday mornings; it permeates all of life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 34:1). • Offering implies intentionality. Just as Old Testament saints brought sacrifices to the altar, we bring praise to the Father’s throne day after day (Malachi 1:11). • The direction is upward—to God—not to impress people, soothe our emotions, or earn favor (Ephesians 5:19-20). a sacrifice of praise, • Sacrifice speaks of cost. Praising God when life hurts, or when obedience demands surrender, is precious to Him (Psalm 50:14, 23). • Unlike animal offerings that looked forward to Christ’s atonement, our praise looks back at the completed work of the Lamb (Revelation 5:9-10). • When we praise in hardship, we echo Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25), declaring that God is worthy regardless of circumstances. the fruit of lips that confess His name. • Fruit grows from healthy roots; authentic praise springs from a heart transformed by the gospel (John 15:4-5). • Lips matter because words reveal what fills the heart (Matthew 12:34-37; Proverbs 18:21). • Confessing His name means openly acknowledging who Jesus is—Lord, Savior, King—before a watching world (Romans 10:9-10; Colossians 3:16-17). • Such confession is both vertical (honoring God) and horizontal (edifying others), turning ordinary speech into worship (Psalm 40:3). summary Because we stand “through Jesus,” believers are invited—and commanded—to keep on bringing God a lifelong, wholehearted “sacrifice of praise.” This worship is continual, intentional, sometimes costly, and always rooted in hearts that openly confess the saving name of Christ. |