Thursday – Letters

Reading – Hebrews 13

Highlight Verses:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The denomination I spent most of my adult life in had Hebrews 13:8 posted in every church.

That’s a very good thing.

We should be reminded that the Gospel is unchanging, that Jesus is just as powerful today as 2000 years ago.

But it doesn’t stop there.

In context, the writer of Hebrews is countering a trend to follow a kosher diet to remain in good standing with God.

That was never part of the Gospel.

While that specific issue is not much of a current topic today, the concept remains the same.

Verse 8 goes hand in hand with verse 9.

Culture changes.

The Gospel does not.

While the way we perceive the Gospel may change, the Truth remains – Salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus alone.

No special rules.

Just acknowledge your sin, and trust in Jesus by accepting His sacrifice to pay for that sin.

If you think more is required for salvation, think again.

No special diet, no ceremonies, no priests, just faith.

Are there any traditions or new ideas that you have felt were essential to salvation?
Are there any popular new ideas that you see as a threat to the message of salvation? Please explain.