Serving God Acceptably Through Grace

Within the framework of evangelical theology, the concept of serving God acceptably through grace stands as a foundational element of the Christian life and witness. This principle arises from the overarching Biblical narrative of transformation and sanctification that believers undergo as they move from the dominion of spiritual darkness into the unshakeable kingdom of God. One crucial verse that encapsulates this truth is Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (English Standard Version). This appeal highlights the new citizenship that the believer enjoys in the eternal, stable kingdom of God and the manner of service that must characterize those who belong to it. In an age of spiritual instability, moral relativism, and theological confusion, the believer’s calling remains clear: to serve the Lord in a manner that befits the divine nature of His kingdom and His presence. To do so, evangelicals have long emphasized the indispensable provision of divine grace. When grace is the motivating and empowering force behind the believer’s service, it ensures that such service is not a matter of legalistic human striving but rather a fruit of faithful reliance on the divine resources given in Christ.

This topic is theologically significant for the Church, as it touches upon the nature of God’s kingdom, the believer’s identity in Christ, and the necessity of grace as the driving dynamic behind all acceptable service. The Gospel hinges on grace—God’s unmerited favor—and the Church’s faithful witness depends on believers embracing and proclaiming this grace in every aspect of life. Equally important is the recognition that the same grace that justifies believers (Romans 3:24; 5:2) also sanctifies, equips, and sustains them in lifelong service. This understanding sets Christianity apart from mere moralism or works-based religion. Rather than urging believers to strive through fleshly effort, Scripture calls them to serve through the grace that flows from union with Christ.

Exegetical Analysis of Hebrews 12:28

The Epistle to the Hebrews is an intricate theological work addressed to a community familiar with Old Testament sacrifices and temple worship. The Apostle Paul aims to demonstrate the superiority of Christ’s person and work compared to the old sacrificial system. By the time readers reach Hebrews 12:28, they have journeyed through the rich Christological tapestry of the letter, culminating in exhortations that encourage perseverance, reverence, and proper worship. The verse states: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (ESV).

The Greek text provides helpful insights into the theological depth of the passage. The phrase “let us be grateful” translates the Greek verb ἔχωμεν χάριν (echōmen charin), which can be rendered more literally as “let us have grace.” This textual nuance suggests that the foundation for gratitude and acceptable worship is grace itself. While many English translations read “let us be grateful,” the underlying sense of “possessing grace” (from the Greek χάρις, charis) is crucial to understanding the relationship between believers and the divine resources available for their service.

The term “serving God acceptably” involves a Greek concept related to worship or religious service, often associated with the verb λατρεύω (latreuō), meaning “to serve” or “to minister.” This service implies more than mechanical obedience; it points to a heartfelt submission and devotion that arises from faith. The word translated as “acceptable” finds resonance in terms like εὐάρεστος (euarestos), meaning “well-pleasing” or “acceptable” to God. Throughout the New Testament, this term emphasizes the quality of worship that pleases God—not outward conformity but inward reliance on His provision.

Similarly, “reverence and awe” reflect the Greek terms αἰδώς (aidōs) and εὐλάβεια (eulabeia). Both terms relate to a profound respect and holy fear before God. This posture stands in contrast to casual or presumptuous attitudes. Such reverence emerges not from a spirit of bondage but from recognizing God's holiness, sovereignty, and purity. Ultimately, the acceptable worship envisioned by Hebrews 12:28 can only emerge in the hearts of those who have received divine grace and are continually receiving the unshakable kingdom of God.

The verse’s context is essential. In Hebrews 12, the author contrasts the terrifying theophany at Mount Sinai (Hebrews 12:18–21) with the gracious assembly at Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:22–24). The former represents the old order, mediated by the Law, where God’s holiness induces fear and trembling without providing the indwelling grace necessary for perfect obedience. The latter depicts the believer’s current reality: having come to “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22, ESV), believers partake in a new covenant of grace. The appeal to serve God acceptably thus flows from this grace-oriented context, in which believers have a stable identity and a firm foundation, unthreatened by earthly turmoil.

Biblical Foundations for Serving by Grace

The notion of serving God through grace rather than mere human effort resonates throughout Scripture. From the earliest pages of the Biblical narrative, God’s dealings with His people reveal that their standing and fruitfulness hinge on divine initiative and sustaining power, not human merit. After the Fall, God’s gracious promise to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15) sets the stage for all of redemptive history. The covenant promises—first to Abraham, then to Israel, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ—demonstrate that God’s people live and serve by His grace. The Apostle Paul’s letters reinforce this truth. In Romans 3:24, believers are “justified by his grace as a gift” (ESV). Yet this grace does not cease at justification; it provides ongoing access to God’s empowering presence. In Romans 5:2, believers “have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (ESV). This gracious standing is the very environment in which Christian service flourishes.

In Acts 4:33, the early Church exemplifies grace-empowered ministry: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all” (ESV). This depiction underlines that the Apostolic witness, far from being a product of human ingenuity, relied upon the grace God lavishly poured out on them. Similarly, Ephesians 1:3 teaches that believers have been “blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (ESV). This comprehensive bestowal of blessings underscores that the kingdom resources available to the believer do not originate from human schemes but God’s gracious hand.

Philippians 3:20 further clarifies the believer’s identity: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). This heavenly citizenship starkly contrasts the dominion of darkness described in Colossians 1:12–13, where believers have been transferred from the old kingdom to the “kingdom of his beloved Son” (ESV). Moreover, Ephesians 2:8–9 states that salvation by grace through faith excludes all boasting, thereby laying the foundation for the understanding that all subsequent Christian service must also originate in God’s gracious work.

Theological Discussion: Evangelical Perspective on Grace and Service

From an evangelical perspective, the doctrine of grace is one of the most central theological distinctives. Historically shaped by the Reformation’s emphasis on sola gratia, evangelicals hold that saving grace—unmerited favor—is the initial and ongoing impetus of the believer’s life. Grace does not merely bring one to Christ; it keeps, empowers, and propels one into God-honoring service. If justification is by grace through faith, so must sanctification and the resultant works of service.

In evangelical thought, grace is not a static commodity but a dynamic reality. By union with Christ, the believer partakes of divine resources for growth in holiness. The Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer (Romans 8:9), administers these resources. Evangelicals understand that it is the Spirit who applies the benefits of Christ’s redemptive work, enabling believers to walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4) and to be transformed from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). Such transformation equips believers to serve the Lord acceptably, aligning their desires, motives, and deeds with God’s character and will.

Without grace, attempts at serving God inevitably degenerate into legalism, pride, or despair. Legalism emerges when believers mistakenly attempt to earn divine approval through their own efforts. Pride thrives where one believes that success in ministry or obedience arises from personal capability. Despair arises when one realizes the impossibility of achieving God’s standards apart from His provision. Grace, however, cuts through these distortions by reminding believers that their acceptance before God rests on the finished work of Christ, and their fruitfulness springs from the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 12:28 invites Christians to reflect deeply on the relationship between the unshakable kingdom they have “received” and the grace-driven manner of their service. The term “receiving” in Greek (παραλαμβάνω, paralambanō) is present and continuous, suggesting that believers continually appropriate the kingdom’s resources by faith. This dynamic reception of kingdom blessings parallels a purely future eschatological hope. While the kingdom's fullness awaits Christ's return, believers now experience a genuine foretaste of its reality. Evangelicals interpret this tension as characteristic of the “already/not yet” dimension of Christian existence: the kingdom is present and future, imparting security and a call to vigilant service.

The call to serve God with “reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, ESV) underscores that grace-driven service is not flippant. Grace does not abrogate reverence; it cultivates it. This correction challenges any notion that abundant grace could encourage moral laxity or irreverence. On the contrary, when believers grasp the magnitude of God’s holiness and the depth of His mercy, the appropriate response is humble wonder and worship. The Apostle Peter’s exhortation complements this view: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14, ESV). Instead, believers are called to “be holy,” reflecting the character of the one who saved them by grace (1 Peter 1:16). Thus, grace and holiness coexist, reinforcing each other in the believer’s life.

Implications for the Church and Christian Living

As a community of grace, the Church must cultivate structures and practices that facilitate serving God acceptably. Corporate worship, preaching, discipleship programs, mission endeavors, and acts of mercy take on their rightful character when fueled by grace. Rather than pressuring believers to serve from guilt or obligation, Church leaders should emphasize that service arises naturally from gratitude and empowerment. As Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to consider how to stir one another to love and good works, it is evident that grace facilitates a culture of mutual improvement, in which believers encourage one another to steward their gifts faithfully.

A grace-centered approach also addresses the perennial problem of burnout in ministry. When leaders serve under the assumption that God’s favor depends on their productivity, they risk exhaustion and spiritual stagnation. A grace perspective reorients leaders, reminding them that their ministry successes do not define their identity but by their adoption as children of God. The Apostle Paul modeled this perspective: “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV). This acknowledgment allowed him to serve tirelessly yet rest securely in God’s provision and calling.

Moreover, evangelicals understand that grace-empowered service bears witness to the reality of the Gospel itself. When unbelievers observe Christians who serve joyfully, humbly, and sacrificially—without seeking personal gain or applause—they encounter a living demonstration of the Gospel's transforming power. Grace-shaped service is thus both doxological, honoring God, and missional, drawing others toward Christ. Such a witness starkly contrasts the strife, competition, and self-promotion often observable in secular contexts.

Original Language and Etymology Considerations

To deepen the theological understanding, examining relevant key terms in their original languages is instructive. The source for the Greek lexicon used here is the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition, and the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon for the Old Testament. While Hebrews is written in Greek, understanding the Old Testament background also aids interpretation since Hebrews heavily relies on the Hebrew Scriptures.

“Grace” (χάρις, charis): In classical Greek, charis often referred to favor, kindness, or a gift bestowed by a benefactor. In the New Testament, charis consistently points to God’s redemptive generosity in Christ. This theological usage transcends secular connotations, embedding charis in the fabric of God’s self-revelation and covenant faithfulness.

“Serve” (in a liturgical sense, λατρεύω, latreuō): This term in ancient Greek often signified religious or ritual service. The Septuagint and the New Testament denote the proper worship and service due to God. The believer’s service is not a menial task but a sacred offering to the Almighty.

“Acceptable” (εὐάρεστος, euarestos): This adjective signifies something pleasing, well-approved, or wholly acceptable. In the Pauline corpus, euarestos describes what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). In Hebrews, it underscores the notion that not all forms of service are equal; God accepts those works offered through faith and grace.

“Reverence” (αἰδώς, aidōs) and “Godly fear” (εὐλάβεια, eulabeia): Aidōs conveys a sense of modesty or respect, while eulabeia emphasizes caution, piety, and devout reverence. Together, they paint a picture of service offered in humility and sincere respect for God’s holiness.

This language study confirms that serving God acceptably cannot be reduced to mechanical obedience. Instead, it encompasses a whole-person emotional, intellectual, and volitional response fueled by divine grace and aiming at divine pleasure.

Counterarguments and Clarifications

Some might argue that an emphasis on grace encourages moral laxity, positing that the believer must not take obedience seriously if God’s acceptance is freely given. Evangelical theology, however, firmly rejects this conclusion. Paul’s rhetorical question in Romans 6:1–2 addresses this potential misuse of grace: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” (ESV). True grace changes the believer’s heart, inclining them toward holiness and service rather than indifference or rebellion.

Others might question whether grace alone empowers acceptable service, suggesting that human effort and discipline hold equal weight. While believers must certainly cooperate with grace through disciplined obedience (Philippians 2:12–13), the ultimate source of empowerment lies in human resolve and divine provision. Evangelicals uphold that spiritual disciplines are means of grace rather than ends in themselves. Prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship are channels through which believers access the resources already granted in Christ.

Additionally, some may wonder about the role of fear in acceptable service. The text in Hebrews 12:28 encourages service with “reverence and awe,” which may sound like fear. Yet this “fear” is not a cringing terror before a capricious deity but a respectful acknowledgment of God’s holiness and power. Evangelical thinkers note that authentic reverence emerges as believers stand in awe of God’s grace. Recognition that God is gracious and has chosen to reveal Himself in Christ should move believers to a worshipful, grace-infused reverence.

Historical and Contemporary Evangelical Voices

Historically, figures such as John Calvin and Martin Luther emphasized that God’s gracious action precedes all human response. Luther’s insight into the bondage of the will underscored that without grace, human beings cannot choose God, let alone serve Him properly. Calvin’s emphasis on the sovereignty of grace in sanctification further clarified that the believer’s ongoing conformity to Christ’s image is a work ultimately attributed to the Holy Spirit. In contemporary evangelical scholarship, theologians like J. I. Packer and John Stott have reiterated that Christian ethics and service flow from the assurance of God’s gracious initiative. They caution against the subtle infiltration of works-righteousness into the Church’s life, urging leaders and laypersons alike to rest in and rely upon God’s grace.

Practical Steps to Embrace Grace-Driven Service

To serve God acceptably through grace, believers should intentionally cultivate habits that remind them of their dependence on God. Regular engagement with Scripture nurtures a deeper understanding of God’s grace and character, while prayer fosters ongoing reliance on divine power rather than human energy. Confession and repentance keep believers humble and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, guarding against a drift into legalism or pride.

Local Churches can reinforce a grace-centered ministry ethos by celebrating testimonies of God’s transforming work rather than human accomplishments. Pastoral leadership that models a posture of dependence, gratitude, and reverent awe sets a tone for the congregation. Teaching spiritual gifts should highlight that each gift manifests grace (Romans 12:6), reminding believers that their service capacities originate from God’s generosity rather than their own prowess.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hebrews 12:28 provides a concise yet profound vision of serving God acceptably: it must be done “by grace.” Believers have received an unshakeable kingdom, a stable inheritance that anchors them amidst life’s turmoil. This kingdom is ever-present; believers continually receive it as they draw on the fullness of divine resources granted through Christ. Serving God acceptably is, therefore, not a feat of human determination but the fruit of divine grace at work. It requires a heart posture of reverence and awe, shaped by the knowledge that God is holy and that He graciously invites His people to participate in His eternal purposes.

This perspective lies at the heart of evangelical theology, which insists that the Christian life—from conversion to consummation—is a work of grace. Having been justified freely, believers can now serve without fear, anxiety, or pride. They can offer worship, work in ministry, engage in mission, and pursue holiness, all underpinned by the transforming power of grace. This Christ-centered, grace-empowered dynamic bears witness to the Gospel’s authenticity, challenges believers to forsake self-reliance, and nurtures a Church culture that honors God through humble service.

In an ever-shifting world filled with uncertainties, the believer stands secure in an unshakeable kingdom, strengthened by grace and infused with a reverent desire to please God. Far from discouraging obedience or reverence, grace calls forth the highest forms of both. It ensures that service to God is neither grudging nor half-hearted but arises from a profound sense of gratitude, dependence, and delight. Thus, the exhortation of Hebrews 12:28 remains as relevant and transformative today as it was for the first-century believers: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (ESV).