The letter to the Hebrews is one of the most complex books in the New Testament, in part because it is so focused on matters of Jewish liturgy and identity. Yet, behind all of that complexity, there is a very straightforward purpose for the writing. Directed to a group of Jewish believers who had been scattered by persecution, the author is writing to them in their difficult situation for one primary reason—to urge them to not abandon their faith in Christ because of the persecutions they have endured.

Throughout the letter, the writer calls them to faithfulness by means of a series of challenges, and in those challenges he identifies with them in their situation. How does he identify with them? By the repeated two-word phrase, “let us.” In this way, the statements are not commands from an angry superior telling them to buck up, or threats regarding their perceived spiritual weakness. By using the word us, the author of the letter joins with them in acknowledging both the difficulties they are facing and the needed response that anyone, including the author, will find valuable in the midst of life’s pain-filled seasons.

What are those “let us” challenges the author encourages them to? There are no less than twelve of them!

• Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1)
• Therefore, let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)
• Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:14)
• Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
• Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God… (Hebrews 6:1)
• …let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)
• Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful… (Hebrews 10:23)
• …and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds… (Hebrews 10:24)
• Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set beforeus… (Hebrews 12:1)
• Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe… (Hebrews 12:28)
• So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Hebrews 13:13)
• Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)

As you consider these texts, notice that, while some of these verses contain warnings, the majority of these statements offer positive encouragement for the reader to pursue forward progress in the faith. The author calls them not only to stay true and strong, but to grow even further in their walk with the Lord. For instance, the writer encourages his readers to join him in holding fast to the confession, drawing near to God, and pressing on to maturity in Christ.

All of these ideas form worthy goals in our spiritual development—so much so that the writer not only encourages them to pursue these things, but includes himself with them in that pursuit. This is an example of what is intended by the Greek word parakletos, used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, where it is translated helper or comforter). A paraklete is one who comes alongside to help and encourage someone along the way, and the author offers that and more—he affirms that he is right there on the journey of faith with them.

As we likewise live out and grow in our faith, it is wonderful to know that, in the Body of Christ, there are scores who have walked the same challenging path we are on—and scores more who, though perhaps unseen, walk with us on this same road even today.

The life of faith was never intended to be lived in isolation. We too can respond to the “let us” encouragements of the letter to the Hebrews, and join our fellow followers of Christ in growing together into the likeness of Jesus.

Bill Crowder