It’s the difference, I think, between going through the motions or doing it with meaning . . . the difference between checking a box and pursuing a prize . . . the difference between a religion where you try to get by with doing just enough, and a reality which you pursue because you are among the jazzed. With a little bit of self discipline we can be mostly obedient most of the time. But, when what we do is fueled by what we have our eyes fixed on, then there is a power and practice that is, literally, from out of this world. That’s why the writer to the Hebrews exhorts his readers to “consider Jesus” (Heb. 3:1, 12:3).

This morning I came across two attributes that should mark the follower of Christ. The first is a tight grip on the faith we claim as our own. Believers should walk the talk . . . we should cleave to what we believe . . . we should show what we say we know. Ours is to hold fast to that which we have professed concerning our rebirth . . . our new creation in Christ . . . our heavenly calling. Our confession of faith is to be our catalyst for life.

Second, the writer to the Hebrews says that, for the believer, there should be a boldness before the presence of God. Not a brashness . . . not an arrogance . . . but a freedom, an openness, a drawing near to the most holy God with unreservedness. That, part of walking the talk is entering the most holy place . . . is approaching the throne of God . . . is coming before the Majesty on High. And while that place is the place of awe and reverence and worship, it is also the place where we find mercy and grace and that which we need in seasons of want.

Hold fast your confession . . . draw near with confidence. We can just kind of do it . . . or we can passionately pursue it. The difference in how and why we obey is driven by the degree to which we consider Jesus.

Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.    (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV)

We desire to hold fast our confession because we have a great High Priest. Our High Priest has offered the once for all sacrifice for sin’s atonement. Shedding His own precious blood on our behalf, He secured the way of redemption and reconciliation. Our High Priest, Jesus the risen Son of God, ascended, passing through the heavens, and is now at the right hand of God interceding for us (Rom. 8:34). As a shepherd knows his sheep by name (John 10:3), so my Shepherd speaks my name before the God of heaven . . . declaring me a child of God . . . supplicating for me and my needs.

And so, because I have such a High Priest . . . One who has put on flesh and understands my weakness . . . One who has been tempted and knows the power of the flesh and the persuasiveness of the enemy — YET WITHOUT SIN . . . because this is my High Priest, I have confidence to draw near to the the blessed throne of grace. I boldly draw near, not because of who I am, but because of who Jesus is. I prevail upon the God of heaven for much needed help, not because of what I have done, or can do, but solely because of what Jesus has done through the cross.

Confession and confidence . . . holding fast and drawing near. Less about carrying out a creed . . . all about considering the Christ.

By His grace . . . for His glory . . .