Consequences

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Hebrews 5:7-10 ESV

[7] In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. [8] Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. [9] And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, [10] being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Thinking over these verses of Hebrews 5 and listening to John Piper expound on them, I started to wonder, “What is Jesus praying about here? If this is when Jesus was scared to die, then how can it be that God heard, or answered, his prayer because of his reverence? Jesus still died. It says, ‘to him who is able to save him from death.’ What does he mean by death then because it cannot mean from actual physical death? The context is talking about Jesus as high priest.” (It’s good to ask questions while you read the bible.)

Think about how this verse correlates with death.

Romans 6:23 ESV

[23] For the wages of SIN is DEATH, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Drawing this connection between sin and death, think about Hebrews 5:7 again. Remember, the context is talking about Jesus as our High Priest. Jesus, in his human nature and incarnate flesh, prayed the entire time of his human life that God would save him from death, and God answered his prayer because of his reverence.

In order for Jesus to become our perfect high priest, he petitioned God throughout his entire time on earth to keep him from SINNING! Isn’t that amazing? If Jesus sinned, we would have no hope. The consequences of His sin would have been disastrous for not only his own life, but for all of those whom were designed to profit from his perfection: to gain their righteousness through Jesus. What a marvel this truly is! We have a great High Priest! Praise Jesus.

The consequences of our own sin are terrifying enough; we get death (eternal separation from God). Our sin, ultimately, only affects us. Yes our sin affects others in earthly terms, but everyone is held responsible for their own sin. And Romans 3:23 explains that all have sinned and deserve death (cf. Rom. 6:23).

If Jesus had sinned, it would’ve affected an unimaginable amount of people.

Jesus did not sin, and because of this obtained perfection, he is the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (cf. Heb. 5:9). Because of Jesus, your sins are atoned for and you are forgiven, if you obey. Obey? Obey what necessarily? Obey Christ when he tells you to believe and trust in him.

The consequences of Jesus work, is your eternal salvation, if you obey. I plead with you to obey him today!

Click HERE to listen to a great message by John Piper expounding through this passage.