Hebrews 13:20-25

Summary of the Gospel Message

The author of Hebrews concludes the book with a profound summary of the gospel in verses 20-25. These verses answer essential questions: What does it mean to be a Christian? What is the purpose of salvation? What are the key factors of the gospel message?

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Notice the God of peace. Before salvation, we experience a God of wrath. As John 3 states, those who do not believe are condemned already. But in Christ, we experience peace that surpasses understanding. Our sin no longer brings wrath but loving discipline from the Father.

This peace comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author has expounded on Christ's sacrificial death, but here emphasizes His resurrection—a vital part of the gospel. Without it, Paul says we are most to be pitied, still dead in our sins. Yet Christ's resurrection guarantees our own future resurrection to eternal life, not judgment. As Romans 4:25 declares, Christ was raised for our justification. The Father declares us "not guilty" by faith in Christ's perfect life, death, burial, and resurrection.

Christ is the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant. This eternal covenant means we will never perish. As Jesus says in John 10:27-30:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.

No one—not even yourself—can snatch you from Christ's hand. The Father holds you securely, and the Spirit seals you. This is assurance of salvation, a constant reality amid worldly chaos.

The Purpose of the Christian Life

Verse 21 summarizes Christianity: God makes you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ.

Christianity is not rogue or self-centered. It is God equipping you to serve as a steward of His will. Salvation's purpose is to produce good works aligned with God's will: your salvation, sanctification (holiness without which no one sees Him), and even suffering for Christ's name.

Romans 12:1-2 shows how to prove God's will:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Prove God's will by holiness, rejecting worldly conformity, and renewing your mind through Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, Scripture makes the man of God complete, equipped for every good work.

Do not rely on your strength; God works in you. He who began a good work will complete it. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for God works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Live to please God through Christ. A God-centered life glorifies Him forever. A man-centered approach leads to grief and failure. Embrace humility: God is God, and you are not. Trials produce maturity and joy when endured for His glory (James 1).

Bear with the Word of Exhortation

But I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

The author urges endurance with this exhortation, calling the entire book "few words." The Word of God is living, active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Treasure it in your heart that you might not sin (Psalm 119). Mine its depths like gold.

Motivation for Hospitality: Timothy and the Saints

Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Timothy's release brings encouragement. As Philippians 2:19-22 describes, Timothy is like-minded, genuinely concerned for others—not seeking his own interests but Christ's. In a persecuted church enduring plundering and mockery, news of Timothy's freedom and visit stirs joy. He proves valuable, selfless, action-oriented in care.

Greet the leaders (plurality emphasized) and saints. Those from Italy greet you—hospitality from afar, celebrating common faith across distances. Express love, care, and welcome to traveling believers.

Grace be with you all: God's enabling power to be and do what you cannot in your strength.