This morning I’m chewing on a bit of advice tucked away in Hebrews. An assessment of faith, which I know to be true, but that I need to be reminded of again and again. Something that is good. Something which contributes to a healthy heart.

. . . for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations . . .

(Hebrews 13:9b CSB)

This valuation of what’s good for the heart is tucked inside an exhortation to not be “led astray by various kinds of strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9a). Strange teachings about how to merit God’s acceptance and that through what you put in your belly. Strange, but familiar. Traditions based on the law of Moses to which some who have tasted of Christ are looking again because the trials that come through following Christ are feeling like they’re too much to handle. But, says the writer, going back isn’t what’s going to make it better. In fact, what’s good for the heart doesn’t depend on what you purpose to eat, it’s fueled by that upon which you determine to stand. It is good for the heart to be established by grace.

Established by grace. Standing firm because of unmerited favor. Strengthened in the inner man because of what’s abundantly gifted from outside a man. Independent of religion, wholly dependent on the dynamics of redemption — for by grace you are saved (Eph. 2:8).

If we’re being real — as I was once told as a young believer — while salvation is free it really will cost you everything. While it breaks the bondage of sin, it also enlists you as a bondservant of Christ. A lot of to do’s and a lot of to be’s come with receiving the gift. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price (1Cor. 6:19b-20a). But it is not in our doing or our being that we are firmly established, they are but the outcomes of a healthy heart. And it is good for the heart to be established by grace.

Grace. God’s grace. The grace found at the foot of the cross, at the entrance to an empty tomb, at the seat of the One who sits at God’s right hand ever interceding for us. That’s where the power lies to power our lives. That’s where standing firm is sourced, and re-sourced again and again, when we fail. That’s where hope is made sure, even when doubts assail. Grace, grace, God’s grace; Grace that is greater than all my sin.

It’s good for the heart. It’s good for the soul. Because we can’t out sin grace (Rom. 5:20). And we certainly can’t out work grace (Rom. 11:6). We can only stand on grace, hold fast by grace, and be established by grace.

Grace is good for the heart. A windfall for the weary. Strength for the shaken. Benefiting those who are beat up.

Established by grace.

Keeping on for His glory.