A Sacrifice of Praise

The final chapter of Hebrews turns the letter’s teaching into practice. Let brotherly love continue. Hospitality matters, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. Believers should remember those in bonds as bound with them, and those who are ill-treated. Marriage is to be held in honor among all. The heart should be free from the love of money and content, because God has promised, I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.

Readers are told to remember the leaders who spoke the word of God to them, consider the results of their conduct, and imitate their faith. Then comes a central line: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Because he does not change, believers should not be carried away by various and strange teachings. The heart is established by grace. Just as the bodies of sin offerings were burned outside the camp, Jesus suffered outside of the gate. So believers go out to him, bearing his reproach, for here we don’t have an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.

The old sacrifices have ended, but two kinds of offering remain. Through him, believers offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. And they must not forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. The letter closes with a blessing: may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, make you complete in every good work to do his will.