What does Hebrews 12:28 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 12:28 inspires and encourages believers to be thankful and to live in a way that honors God because of the stable and unshakable nature of the kingdom they are inheriting.

This verse comes after a comparison between the experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai and the spiritual experience of Christians who approach Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem.

The "kingdom which cannot be moved" refers to the eternal kingdom of God, pointing to its steadfastness contrasted with the temporal and changeable nature of earthly kingdoms.

The mention of "grace" likely pertains to the enabling power given to believers to live out their faith.

It is through this grace that believers can "serve God acceptably," which entails living a life that reflects God's will and character.

The "reverence and godly fear" underscore the proper attitude with which believers should approach God, not out of terror, but with deep respect and awareness of His majesty and holiness.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Jewish Christians who were familiar with Old Testament scriptures and traditions.

They were experiencing persecution and hardship, which tempted them to revert to Judaism or to waver in their faith.

The author of Hebrews uses their background and understanding of the Old Covenant to illustrate the superiority and fulfillment of the New Covenant in Christ.

In this context, the "kingdom which cannot be moved" serves as an assurance to these believers that the new covenant established through Jesus is unshakeable and everlasting.

Earlier in chapter 12, there is a contrast drawn between the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, which was a terrifying experience, and the grace that the believers now have through Christ, which connects to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reinforces several key Christian doctrines:

• The doctrine of the Kingdom of God: This verse underscores that the kingdom is established by God and is unshakeable, unlike earthly kingdoms.
• The doctrine of Grace: It highlights that grace is foundational for Christian living and service to God.
• The doctrine of Sanctification: Serving God "acceptably" suggests a life that is continually being made holy, aligning with God's will.

Different theological viewpoints may offer varying insights into the application and understanding of this verse.

For example, a Reformed perspective might emphasize the sovereignty and providence of God in maintaining the kingdom, whereas a Wesleyan viewpoint might focus on the transformative aspect of grace enabling holy living.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 12:28 encourages believers to live with gratitude for the stability and hope offered by God's kingdom.

It also calls for a form of worship that is sincere and reflective of an understanding of God's holiness.

In day-to-day life, this means making decisions and engaging in behaviors that align with Christian values, being mindful of one's actions and their impact on others, and approaching all aspects of life with humility and reverence towards God.

Cross-References

• Daniel 2:44: "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."
• Revelation 11:15: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
• 1 Peter 1:17: "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"

Language Study

The original Greek term for "kingdom" used in this verse is "βασιλεία" (basileia), which can refer to the sovereignty, dominion, or reign as much as the literal realm or territory of a king.

The phrase "cannot be moved" translates from "ἀσάλευτος" (asaleutos), meaning unshakable or immovable, emphasizing permanence and stability.

The term "grace" is "χάριν" (charin) in Greek, indicating favor or kindness, especially that which is unmerited.

For "serve God acceptably," the word "εὐαρεστῶς" (euarestos) is used, meaning in a well-pleasing manner, while "reverence" and "godly fear" come from "αἰδῶς" (aidos) and "εὐλάβεια" (eulabeia), which connote respect and cautiousness respectively.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a stable and unshakable kingdom contrasts with the transient nature of kingdoms and empires prominent in ancient mythology and history.

In Greek and Roman mythologies, the realms of gods were often depicted as being above the uncertainties that plagued human civilizations.

Similarly, in this verse, the author elevates the kingdom of God above all earthly rule, intimating a divine stability that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse addresses spiritual and theological themes, the idea of something that "cannot be moved" could poetically resonate with modern understandings of the laws of physics, such as the conservation of energy and matter.

This suggests a parallel between the unchangeable nature of physical laws and the stability of God's kingdom.

However, the kingdom referenced here is spiritual and not bound to the physical world's empirical observations.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse insights into Hebrews 12:28.

For instance, Matthew Henry comments on the gratitude that should arise from receiving an unshakeable kingdom and the consequent duty to worship God with reverent awe.

John Calvin emphasizes the need for grace in adequately serving God and that true worship arises from a heart that understands the greatness of God.

Albert Barnes notes the importance of the term "godly fear," suggesting that while God is a loving Father, He is also an awe-inspiring Judge deserving of deep reverence.

These and other commentaries highlight the theological depth and the call to a faithful, obedient, and reverent life as presented in this verse.