Embracing Assurance: Moving Beyond Dead Works in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Moving Beyond Dead Works to True Salvation

Many people try to earn God’s favor through rituals, traditions, or good deeds, but these “dead works” cannot bring true cleansing or forgiveness. The Old Testament practices of ceremonial washings and laying on of hands were only shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid the full price for our sins through His death, burial, and resurrection. There is no need to return to old systems or rely on our own efforts; Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for our salvation, and trusting in Him alone brings us into a right relationship with God. [35:57]

Hebrews 6:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."

Reflection: Are there any rituals, traditions, or personal efforts you are still relying on to feel right with God, rather than trusting fully in what Jesus has done for you? What would it look like to let go of those today?

Day 2: The Danger of Rejecting Christ After Knowing the Truth

It is a sobering reality that some can hear the gospel, witness the power of God, and even experience conviction, yet still turn away and reject Jesus as Savior. Persistently refusing the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Christ, after being enlightened to the truth, leads to a hardened heart and a point of no return—what Jesus called “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” This is not about making mistakes or struggling with doubt, but about willfully and finally rejecting the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, declaring it is not enough. The warning is clear: do not delay in responding to God’s call, for we do not know when the opportunity to repent will pass. [54:40]

Hebrews 6:4-6 (ESV)
"For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt."

Reflection: Is there an area where you have been resisting or postponing God’s call to trust in Christ fully? What step can you take today to respond to Him with a willing heart?

Day 3: The Evidence of Genuine Salvation—Works of Love

True salvation is not just a matter of words or religious activity; it is evidenced by a transformed life marked by love for others. When the Holy Spirit dwells within a believer, He produces a divine love that is patient, kind, and selfless—even toward those who do not love us in return. This love is the primary fruit of the Spirit and the clearest sign that someone has truly been born again. Rather than performing good deeds to earn God’s approval, those who are saved serve others out of gratitude for God’s love, reflecting His heart to the world. [01:00:48]

John 13:35 (ESV)
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: Who is one person you can show Christlike love to today, especially if it is difficult or undeserved? How can you practically demonstrate that love?

Day 4: Assurance of Salvation—From “Hope So” to “Know So”

Many live with uncertainty about their eternal destiny, hoping their good deeds or religious observance will be enough. But the gospel offers something far better: full assurance and confidence in eternal life, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has accomplished. Those who trust in Christ can know—not just hope—that they are saved, that their sins are forgiven, and that their future is secure. This assurance brings peace and joy, freeing us from fear and striving, and is rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. [01:03:07]

1 John 5:11-13 (ESV)
"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: Do you have confidence that you are saved and will spend eternity with Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from trusting fully in His finished work today?

Day 5: Jesus Makes Life So Much Better—A New Present and a Secure Future

Life with Jesus is not just about a future hope, but a transformed present. Through salvation, we receive a new life filled with love, purpose, and the assurance of God’s promises. We no longer strive to earn God’s acceptance, but live out of the abundance of His grace, knowing that our future is secure in Him. This reality changes how we relate to others, how we face challenges, and how we view eternity—Jesus truly makes everything so much better, both now and forever. [01:07:16]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: In what ways has Jesus already made your life better, both in your daily experience and in your hope for the future? How can you express gratitude to Him today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s passage from Hebrews 6 calls us to move beyond the basics of faith and embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers. Many in the early church, especially Jewish believers, struggled to let go of old rituals—ceremonial washings, sacrifices, and the hope that their own works could earn God’s favor. But the heart of the gospel is that Jesus has already accomplished everything needed for our salvation. There is no need to return to dead works or to live with a “hope so” faith, anxiously wondering if we’ve done enough. Instead, we are invited into a “know so” confidence, resting in the finished work of Christ.

The old covenant rituals—washings and laying on of hands—were only shadows pointing to the true cleansing and atonement found in Jesus. To return to them is to say that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough, to crucify Him afresh and put Him to open shame. The warning in Hebrews is sobering: those who have been exposed to the truth, witnessed the Spirit’s power, and yet persistently reject Christ, risk hardening their hearts beyond repentance. We do not know where that point of no return lies, so the call is urgent—do not delay in responding to the gospel.

Yet, for those who have trusted in Christ, there is assurance. The evidence of genuine salvation is not in dead works, but in works of love—serving others, loving even those who do not love us, and living out the fruit of the Spirit. This love is not natural; it is the supernatural result of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. Alongside this, we are given a full assurance of hope, not a vague optimism, but a confident expectation rooted in what Jesus has done. Our present is transformed by love, and our future is secured by Christ’s promise.

The challenge is clear: examine what you are trusting in. Are you still hoping your own efforts will be enough, or are you resting in the sufficiency of Jesus? Life with Christ is so much better—not just for eternity, but for today. He offers a new way to live, marked by love and certainty, not fear and striving. If you have not yet trusted Him, do not wait. And if you have, let your life overflow with gratitude and love, showing the world the difference Jesus makes.

Key Takeaways

1. Moving Beyond Dead Works: The rituals and traditions of the old covenant—ceremonial washings, sacrifices, and outward acts—were never meant to save. They pointed forward to Christ, who alone provides true cleansing and forgiveness. Clinging to these dead works after knowing Christ is to deny the sufficiency of His sacrifice and to miss the freedom He offers. [35:57]
2. The Danger of Persistent Rejection: Hebrews warns that those who repeatedly experience the truth, witness the Spirit’s power, and yet harden their hearts against Christ may reach a point where repentance is no longer possible. This is not about losing salvation, but about the peril of resisting the Spirit’s testimony until the heart is irreparably hardened. The urgency is real—do not presume upon endless opportunities to respond to God’s call. [54:40]
3. Assurance Rooted in Christ, Not Ourselves: True confidence before God does not come from our performance or religious activity, but from the finished work of Jesus. Our assurance is anchored in His death, resurrection, and promises. This “know so” faith replaces anxious striving with settled peace, because our hope rests on what Christ has done, not on what we might achieve. [63:07]
4. The Fruit of Genuine Salvation: The clearest evidence of new life in Christ is not religious busyness, but a life marked by love. The Spirit produces in us a love that goes beyond natural affection—a love that serves, forgives, and seeks the good of others, even those who do not deserve it. This love is the outward sign of an inward transformation, and it is how the world recognizes Christ in us. [60:48]
5. Urgency and Invitation: We do not know when the opportunity to respond to God’s call will end. The invitation is open now—to turn from self-reliance and dead works, and to trust fully in Jesus. For those who have not yet believed, today is the day of salvation. For those who have, let gratitude and love overflow, remembering that all we have is by grace, and our future is secure in Him. [71:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[04:10] - Opening Prayer
[06:00] - Introduction to Hebrews 6 and the Theme: Jesus Is Better
[10:30] - Moving Beyond the Basics of Faith
[13:45] - Old Covenant Rituals: Washings and Laying on of Hands
[18:20] - The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ
[22:00] - From “Hope So” to “Know So” Faith
[27:15] - Warning Against Falling Away
[35:57] - The Meaning of “Impossible to Renew to Repentance”
[44:36] - Eternal Security and the Evidence of Salvation
[50:31] - The Danger of Rejecting Christ’s Sufficiency
[54:40] - The Illustration of the Two Fields
[58:25] - The Assurance of Salvation and Works of Love
[63:07] - Full Assurance of Hope in Christ
[66:16] - The Blessing of a Transformed Life
[68:38] - Invitation to Trust in Christ
[73:33] - Closing Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 6:1-12 — - John 13:34-35 (referenced in the sermon: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” [01:00:48])
- Matthew 12:31-32 (referenced in the sermon: Jesus’ words about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit [52:01])

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 6:1-2, what are some of the “elementary teachings” or “basics” that the writer says we should move beyond?
What Old Testament rituals does the sermon mention that Jewish believers were tempted to return to, and what did these rituals symbolize? ([35:57])
In Hebrews 6:4-6, what experiences does the writer say some people have had before “falling away”?
According to John 13:35, what is the distinguishing mark of a true disciple of Jesus?

Interpretation Questions

Why does the writer of Hebrews warn so strongly against returning to “dead works” and old rituals after knowing Christ? What does this say about the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice? ([50:31])
The sermon describes a “hope so” faith versus a “know so” faith. What is the difference between these two, and why does it matter for a believer’s confidence? ([01:03:07])
How does the illustration of the two fields in Hebrews 6:7-8 help us understand the difference between genuine faith and empty religion? ([54:40])
According to the sermon, what is the evidence of genuine salvation, and how is it different from religious busyness or ritual? ([01:00:48])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to examine what we are trusting in for our relationship with God. Are there any “dead works” or rituals (old habits, traditions, or self-effort) you still rely on to feel right with God? What would it look like to let go of those and rest in Jesus’ finished work? ([35:57])
The warning in Hebrews 6 is urgent: “Do not delay in responding to the gospel.” If you have not yet fully trusted Christ, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage someone else who is still unsure? ([55:26])
The sermon says that the clearest evidence of salvation is a life marked by love, especially for those who don’t love us back. Who is one person in your life that is hard to love? What is one practical way you could show them Christ-like love this week? ([01:00:48])
The difference between “hope so” and “know so” faith is confidence in what Jesus has done. Do you struggle with doubts about your salvation or God’s love for you? What truth from this passage or sermon can help you rest in Christ’s sufficiency? ([01:03:07])
The sermon describes a supernatural love produced by the Holy Spirit. Can you think of a recent time when you acted out of this kind of love, rather than your own strength? What happened, and how did it feel different? ([01:00:48])
The author of Hebrews encourages believers to be diligent and not lazy in their faith. What is one area of your spiritual life where you have become “slothful” or complacent? What step could you take this week to grow in that area? ([01:03:07])
The sermon ends with an invitation to let gratitude and love overflow. What is one specific way you can express gratitude to God this week for what Jesus has done for you? ([01:11:03])

Sermon Clips

We believe that our eternal salvation is not based upon anything that we do. It's not based on anything we can do. Our eternal security is based on what Jesus Christ has done and what he continues to do for us. When we get saved, we receive the righteousness of God and are placed into Jesus Christ the Bible talks about. In the eyes of God, he looks down upon us and he now sees Jesus. Isn't that awesome? He sees Jesus Christ. He no longer sees you. [00:45:57] (29 seconds)

Let me say that we also believe that genuine salvation will produce a Christian life. That those who have truly been born again will demonstrate that for the rest of their lives. Those who have been saved will become more and more like Jesus Christ every day of their life, throughout their life. See, genuine salvation produces godly living. [00:47:27] (24 seconds)

There is no greater evidence of genuine salvation than by our love for other people. Love for others is a crucial indicator of genuine salvation because it's a direct fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within our lives. The Bible teaches us that when someone experiences true conversion and is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. And one of the primary characteristics of the Holy Spirit of God, the fruit of the Spirit of God, number one is love, joy, peace, long -suffering. Love is the primary characteristic of the Spirit of God in our hearts. [01:00:59] (41 seconds)

When someone has been born again, they produce works of love that flow out of their lives through the Holy Spirit of God. Even the people who don't deserve it like we don't. God demonstrated his love toward us and that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. That's the love of God has for us. And that's the love that the Holy Spirit of God produces in our lives that flows out of us. It's a tangible manifestation of the inward transformation that comes from a true relationship with God. Works of love accompany genuine salvation. And that's very different than the dead works that try to earn salvation. [01:02:33] (39 seconds)

Those who have been saved, they don't have a hope so type of faith. We have a no so type of faith. We have a full assurance. That word full assurance means a plethora. We have an overwhelming amount of hope all the way unto the end. We know that we're going to inherit the promises of God. We know that we're going to spend eternity in heaven. We know that we have eternal life. We know that we have been saved from hell. We know that we'll be resurrected from the dead. There's no questioning. There's no doubt in our hearts and our mind. Our faith is assured, not just hoping for the best. We have a confidence. [01:03:47] (39 seconds)

Our confidence of eternal life does not come from us. It comes from Jesus. I remember when I was first going to church, 17 years old, hearing the gospel, and someone asked me, are you going to heaven? In my mind, I hope so. I think so. I think I'm good enough. I think I'll get there. That's a hope so type of faith. I wasn't certain. But you know what? I know I'm going to heaven now. There's no doubt in my mind. Not because of who I am. Not because of anything I have done. But because Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross of Calvary. And it's no longer about me. It's about what he has done. And I've simply accepted his eternal life that he offers. [01:05:02] (48 seconds)

See, the reality is, is that Jesus makes everything so much better. When we trust in him for salvation, we receive a new life that is now filled with works of love toward other people. And it's filled with confidence of eternal life. I mean, what more could you want? To know that your present is improved by living in love. Who doesn't want that? Who doesn't want to live a life of love? Love, love, love. But the world doesn't understand love. They talk about it all the time, but they don't understand what genuine love. The ability to love other people who don't like us. The ability to do well and good to other people who do wrong to us because of what God has done in our hearts. [01:06:24] (43 seconds)

We know that no matter what happens in this world, no matter if we live for 10 years or we live for 100 years, we know where it all ends. We are going to spend eternity with Jesus Christ, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he has saved us. For by grace are we saved through faith. It's all about what God has done for us. He improves our present and he gives us the hope of a future. [01:07:16] (29 seconds)

Instead of doing good works for others to earn God's love, we do good works for others because God loved us. He's already given us everything we need. Instead of hoping that we get to heaven, that we've done enough to get into heaven, we know that we have eternal life because Jesus has already done enough. Jesus makes everything so much better with salvation. [01:08:30] (24 seconds)

Do you have the type of life that Jesus is offering? Or are you still dependent on your dead works and just hoping it all works out in the end? Jesus offers so much more. He offers so much more if you would just trust in Him today. [01:08:54] (19 seconds)

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