“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” (Hebrews 12:28).
The better you understand God, His nature, His character, and His worthiness, the more sense this exhortation makes.
Jehovah has promised a coming heaven and earth quake (Haggai 2:16; Hebrews 12:26). Though many things will be ruined in this violent shaking, the kingdom/church which Jesus bought and built will be unfazed by this upheaval. Because of His love and grace, God has provided a safe and secure refuge.
The only sensible response to this factual scenario is: gratitude expressed in daily, reverent service as God’s priest. “Acceptably” (euarestos) is an adjective from the same root as euarasteo.
This verb has already appeared twice in Hebrews. First, in reference to Enoch who walked with God and “had this testimony that he pleased (euaresteo) God” (Hebrews 11:5). In the next verse it declares: “But without faith it is impossible to please (euaresteo) Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
This verb will appear again in 13:16, in the exhortation “do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (euaresteo).”
To serve God acceptably means walking with God, living by obedient faith, being a good priest in His royal priesthood, and doing good to others.
