“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the single most pivotal event in all of human history. The destiny of humanity was balanced on this one moment. When Jesus was raised from the dead, He ascended through the heavens, moving past every spiritual authority and power in creation. Nothing could halt the victorious march of our Savior as life conquered death once and for all.

Now, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, and His work continues. He is making intercession for us. He is our personal advocate, the greatest defense attorney the universe has ever known. Because this is a historical fact—a past and completed event—we can hold firmly and confidently to our profession of faith in Him, knowing that He lives to guarantee our lives as well.

This amazing truth becomes even more profound when you connect it with the verses that come just before it. The Bible tells us that "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare" (Hebrews 4:13). God knows every thought, every struggle, every hidden corner of our hearts. And yet, the very next breath is not a word of judgment, but an instruction of hope: "Therefore... let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

Nothing about us surprises God. He sees and knows it all. Instead of condemnation, however, we are met with grace and mercy. We are reminded that Jesus, our High Priest, has ascended into heaven and is currently speaking on our behalf.

The Great Exchange

Think about the sheer depth of this reality. God sent His only Son for us while we were still His enemies. As Paul wrote in Romans 5:10, "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"

If God’s love was so great that He would do that for His enemies, how much more can we count on His love now that we have been redeemed and are called His children? This is why the writer of Hebrews urges us to hold on tightly. We must understand that Jesus lives to intercede for us, armed with the most intimate knowledge of our lives, so He can perfectly and completely uphold our defense.

His blood washed us clean of every offense. His life now secures our position. We are not just forgiven; we are reconciled and restored.

Our Confident Approach

The resurrection of Jesus was the turning point of history, and it remains the anchor of our hope today. When we hold firmly to this confession—remembering that Jesus is our powerful and empathetic High Priest—it changes everything about how we approach God.

This truth is the foundation for the invitation that follows: to "approach the throne of grace with confidence" (Hebrews 4:16). Our confidence isn't based on our own performance or our ability to be perfect. Our confidence is based entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Letting this truth sink in has the power to rewrite how we relate to God. He is not a distant, unapproachable judge. Through Jesus, He is our Father, and His throne is a place of grace. Holding firmly to our faith means constantly reminding ourselves of the role Jesus plays as our Savior and High Priest, and allowing that reality to shape our prayers, our thoughts, and our lives. This is the firm foundation on which we can build a life of unshakable faith.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Where do you struggle most to trust Christ’s confidence over your own self-reliance?

2. How does seeing Jesus as your High Priest affect how you approach God despite your faults?

3. How does God’s “how much more” love for you now increase your confidence in His grace?