Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 10

Why Christians should carry out good works

Hebrews 10:24

In Hebrews 10:22-24, the author encourages his readers to behave in a particular manner. He does not ask them to do these things without any reason. Christ died for them (Hebrews 10:19). Christ has made it possible for them to have a close relationship with God (Hebrews 10:20). And Christ is the great priest who has authority over his people (Hebrews 10:21). For those reasons, God’s people should do these things:-

· They should accept all that Christ has done for them. They should enter the most holy place. That means that they should have the closest possible relationship with God. They should have sincere attitudes and they should trust God completely (Hebrews 10:22).

· They should remain loyal to the things that Christians believe. Their hope should be strong, because they trust God’s promises. And he will do all that he has promised to do (Hebrews 10:23).

· Christians should love each other, and they should do good works (Hebrews 10:24). That was Jesus’ command to them (John 13:34-35). Such behaviour should become part of a Christian’s character (Galatians 5:22-26).

So good works, and love for other people, should be the result of a Christian’s relationship with God. That seems to be what the author was explaining in Hebrews 6:10-12. His readers were carrying out good works; and they were showing real love. The author was pleased that their love was strong. But he explained that their faith (active belief and trust in God) needed to be stronger.

Here in Hebrews 10:19-24, the author shows the proper attitude towards good works. A person cannot save themselves by means of good deeds. Nobody can earn a proper relationship with God. It is impossible to become a Christian by means of good works.

A right relationship with God is his free gift. And people can only receive that gift because Christ died for them. A person must accept Christ into their life in order to become a Christian. But good works are important for Christians. Good works are both the result and the evidence of what God has done in their lives.

Next part: Why Christians should go to church (Hebrews 10:25)

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