Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Hebrews 4:14-15 NIV
Much of the letter to the Hebrews is an encouragement to remain faithful, to hold firmly to the faith we profess. This is not just something that we did in the past. But it is ongoing. To grab hold, and keep holding on to your faith. Even when it is hard, do not let go.
But why should I remain faithful? Especially when the road gets long or hard? And when there are so many other appealing options?
The answer is because of Jesus. He is our great high priest who has ascended into heaven. This is developed extensively in the chapters to follow. But it refers to Jesus offering his blood, shed on the cross, as an atoning sacrifice for us. He took his blood into the heavenly sanctuary to offer before the throne of God. I should hold firmly to my faith because of what Jesus did for me.
But Jesus is more than just my great high priest. He knows what it is like to be human. He knows what it is like to be tempted. To be tempted to take the easy way, give up, and succumb to this world’s pleasures. But he never did. And, because he knows from his own experience what I am going through, he can sympathize with me and advocate with the Father on my behalf. I can hold firmly to my faith because Jesus has successfully walked this road before me and now walks with me as I travel it. And I know that, when I fall, he will pick me up, set me back on my feet, and continue down the road with me.
