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"Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp..."

Text: Hebrews 13:13

A CHALLENGE TO FULLY IDENTIFY WITH CHRIST

There is no mistaking the stirring challenge found in the following text.

“Therefore let us go forth to Him,
outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
For here we have no continuing city,
but we seek the one to come.”
Hebrews 13:13-14

How may believers truly identify with Christ? Let us ponder the words of exhortation given.

1. Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp

a) Identifying with Christ is the most natural response.

b) Thus the word “therefore” was used most appropriately.

i) It is through Christ we have justification.

ii) It is through Christ we have sanctification.

2. Bearing His reproach

a) This phrase is best understood when it is contrasted.

b) The contrast is “the camp”.

c) The camp is supposed to be holy or sanctified in contrast to “outside the camp”.

d) However, it was “the camp” that had ordered the death of Jesus.

e) Jesus was brought “outside the camp” to be killed (as the Passover Lamb).

f) The challenge is to be fully identified with Christ even if it means suffering the shame of being put “outside the camp”. This is “bearing (with Christ) His reproach.”

3. For here we have no continuing city

a) Ostracism may arise from full identification with Christ, even death.

b) But the believer is encouraged to think beyond this life on earth.

c) Every genuine and instructed believer “seek the one to come” (“heaven”).