Are You Still Trying to Prove You Are Worthy?

Unlike a driver's license, your salvation is not a temporary status. It's not something that needs to be renewed. There is no expiry date!

Hebrews 7:23-27 – “The former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office. But he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, wholly innocent, unstained, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens. He has no need like those high priests to offer sacrifices daily first for his own sins and then for those of the people since he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.”

The author of the Book of Hebrews is unknown. But it is obvious that he wrote this book to the Jewish people, who understood the Levitical law and the priests’ need for daily sacrifices in the temple for their own sins and the sins of the people they served. The author of Hebrews makes it clear. Jesus died once and for all for our sins. Not only is He our high priest, but He died for all once. He took care of it.

There’s nothing more you can do to prove you are worthy of salvation. In fact, there is nothing you can do to prove that you are worthy! Salvation is not about our worthiness but about God’s grace and love for us.

Unlike a driver’s license, your salvation is not a temporary status. It’s not something that needs to be renewed. There is no expiry date!

As it says in verse 25, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who are drawn near to God through Him.” The NIV uses the word ‘completely.’ The English Standard Version uses the word ‘uttermost.’

There’s nothing more that we can do. There’s nothing more anyone else can do that trumps Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s complete. There is nothing more that we can add to it.

There were believers then, and there are now who while are thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice, they still believe they must prove themselves worthy of the gift of salvation. This is a futile endeavor. Salvation is not something we can earn, but something that has been freely given to us.

Unlike renewing your driver’s license every few years by proving you are still able to get behind the wheel, you never have to renew your salvation status. Once you accept Jesus as your Savior, you never need to prove anything to earn or keep your salvation.

Yes, there are things that you can do to grow in your faith and strengthen your spirit. Reading your Bible, having quiet times, worshipping and fellowshipping with other believers—these all please God because He sees the benefit of these disciplines in your life. Giving to the poor, contributing financially to a church, and volunteering are all good, but none of these acts are needed to get a mythical stamp of approval that says, “Saved for another five years.” It doesn’t work that way.

If you’re trying to keep in God’s good graces, let go of striving. As a Christ follower, grace already surrounds you, and it’s a free gift.

©2024 Katherine Walden