Let Us Statements and Resurrection-Ascension Statements in Hebrews

Let Us…

Hebrews encourages and exhorts us with a number of “let us” statements. These provide a helpful snapshot of what the book calls us to do as we hold fast to Jesus. I left gaps between the numbers to show which verses are connected.

1. “While the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.” (4:1)
2. “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” (4:11)

3. “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.” (4:14)
4. “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.” ((4:16)

5. “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” (6:1)

6. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (10:22)
7. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (10:23)
8. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (10:24)

9. “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” (12:1)
10. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus.” (12:1-2)

11. “Let us be grateful.” (12:28)
12. “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” (12:28)

13. “Let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” (13:13)
14. “Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” (13:15)

Resurrection-Ascension in Hebrews

Hebrews repeatedly points us to the risen, ascended Lord who is interceding on our behalf forever. The encouragements are to draw near to him and know that the one who has entered heaven and seated at the throne is our perfect sacrifice and priest. The authors is asking the readers, “Why would would drift from Jesus?”

• Jesus down at the right hand of God and took his throne of power (Heb. 1:3-13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2)
  • A throne of righteousness and gladness (1:9)
• Jesus passed through the heavens (4:14)
  • Therefore, draw near to the throne of grace (4:16)
• Jesus is an eternal high priest through his resurrection (5:9-10; 6:20; 7:3, 16, 24)
• Jesus entered the inner place behind the curtain as a forerunner for us (6:19-20)
• Jesus lives to make intercession for us (7:25)
  • Therefore, draw near (7:25)
• Jesus is exalted above the heavens (7:26)
• Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up (8:1)
• Jesus entered the holy place to secure eternal redemption (8:11-12; 9:23-24; 10:19-22)
• Jesus appears in the presence of God on our behalf (9:24)
• Jesus will come back (appear again) to save those waiting on him (9:28)
• Jesus conquers his enemies (Heb. 10:13; 1:13; Phil. 3:21)
• Jesus was raised by the God of peace and is the great shepherd of our souls (13:20)