Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 KJV
Chapter twelve of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews begins with an appeal to leave sinful things behind. Paul encourages his readers to focus on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. Using the analogy of a race, Paul instructs his readers in Hebrews 12:1 to, “run with perseverance the race that is set before us. WEB” He transitions to the importance of God’s discipline. In Hebrews 12:6, Paul quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 which says, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. KJV”
In this way, Paul prepared the church to strive for holiness. For a people coming out of sin, submission to God’s will is essential. Likewise, enduring God’s correction is crucial. Without enduring the discipline of our heavenly Father, we do not yield the fruit of righteousness. As we read in Hebrews 12:11, “All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. WEB”
The Will of My Father
When Paul writes to “follow peace with all men,” he teaches the church to extend the same grace, love, and mercy we received from God to humanity at large. Calling men and women to holiness, Paul encouraged his readers to devote themselves completely to the Lord. Expressly stating that without holiness “no man shall see the Lord,” Paul teaches that our eternal fate is tied to our submission to God’s will.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ WEB”
As we strive to live in peace with all men, let us remember that we live at peace with God because Jesus paid the price for our sins. Let us then honor the gift of salvation with obedience to the Lord. The word of Christ is alive in us when we put it into practice in our lives. As we read in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the guidance of your holy word. Thank you for your grace and patience. Help me to live at peace with all men. Guide me with your Holy Spirit as I devote my life to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Seducing Spirits
