What is the meaning of Hebrews 4:14? Therefore - “Therefore” ties Hebrews 4:14 to the warning and promise just given (Hebrews 4:1-13). - The author has just unfolded how God’s Word exposes every heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). Because nothing is hidden, we need a sure refuge. - Similar “therefores” build on previous truths—see Hebrews 3:1 (“Therefore, holy brothers… fix your thoughts on Jesus”) and Romans 5:1 (“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God”). - The point: in light of our complete exposure before God, something decisive has already been provided: a great High Priest. since we have a great high priest - Old-covenant priests stood as temporary mediators (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 7:23). - Jesus is called “great” because His priesthood is perfect, eternal, and sufficient (Hebrews 7:24-25; 8:1). - The present tense “we have” signals a continuing reality—believers right now possess this High Priest (Hebrews 10:21-22). - His greatness means: • Unlimited access to God for every believer (Hebrews 10:19). • A sacrifice offered once for all (Hebrews 9:26). • Constant intercession (Romans 8:34). who has passed through the heavens - Earthly priests passed through the temple veil into the Holy of Holies once a year (Leviticus 16:2, 34). Jesus passed not into a copy but “into heaven itself” (Hebrews 9:24). - “The heavens” points to every created realm between earth and the throne; Christ moved beyond all of them, demonstrating total supremacy (Ephesians 1:20-21). - His ascension guarantees that the work is finished (Acts 1:9-11) and that He now ministers in the true sanctuary (Hebrews 8:2). - For us, this means every prayer ascends by way of a Priest already in the presence of the Father (John 14:13-14). Jesus the Son of God - The name “Jesus” recalls His full humanity—He walked among us, felt weakness, and was tempted (Hebrews 4:15; Philippians 2:7-8). - The title “Son of God” proclaims His full deity—He shares the Father’s nature (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9). - Holding both together secures: • Perfect sympathy with our frailty (Hebrews 2:17-18). • Perfect power to save completely (Hebrews 7:25). - No other mediator combines these qualifications (1 Timothy 2:5). let us hold firmly to what we profess - A repeated exhortation in Hebrews (3:6, 14; 10:23); perseverance is the fruit of genuine faith. - “Hold firmly” involves: • Steadfast confidence in Christ’s finished work—even under trial (James 1:12). • Active resistance to drift and unbelief (Hebrews 2:1). • Public allegiance without shrinking back (Hebrews 10:35-39). - Our confession centers on the gospel: Christ died, rose, and reigns (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Because our Priest remains faithful, we can remain firm. summary Hebrews 4:14 anchors assurance in a living Person, not in ourselves. We stand exposed before God, yet we “have a great high priest.” Jesus—truly man, truly God—has journeyed through the heavens, seated at the Father’s right hand, forever interceding. Because His priestly work is perfect and permanent, believers are urged to cling without wavering to their confession. Our perseverance is possible because His priesthood is unshakable. |
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