28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
12:28
Therefore,
The word “therefore” introduces an application of the warning in verses 25 through 27.
since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
Christians have a “kingdom which cannot be shaken.” They are in the process of moving towards it but have not received it yet. This is the Eternal Kingdom (He 1:9, 13–14; 4:1–11; 6:9; 10:25, 37–38 and here).
let us have grace [gratitude],
Grace is available from our High Priest (He 4:14–16). Grace is all that God is free to provide for the believer.
by which we may serve God acceptably
Grace is the means whereby we serve God “acceptably.” We please God by approaching Him on the grace principle. The non-acceptable way of worship is by self-effort rather than the work of Christ. There is a need to appropriate grace if we are to serve God in the right way.
with reverence and godly fear [awe].
Grace is the way we approach God with “reverence and godly fear.” Christians approach God by no right of their own. It is our privilege to serve God based on the work of Christ.
12:29
For our God is a consuming fire.
Those who choose not to approach God via the New Covenant will receive divine discipline (Deut 4:24). This is a warning to the Hebrew Christians who wanted to return to Judaism.
PRINCIPLE:
Only service done by God’s grace will last for eternity.
APPLICATION:
The believer who applies God’s Word to his or her experience will receive eschatological rewards. We cannot trifle with God by not appropriating His grace in Christ. He will sort out our lives with piercing examination; He is a “consuming fire.”
