Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 12:28

"Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:" — Hebrews 12:28 (ASV)

The “kingdom” is not a frequent subject in this letter (cf. 1:8; 11:33). This is in contrast to the Synoptic Gospels where the “kingdom” frequently occurs in the teaching of Jesus (see comment on Mk 1:15). But this passage shows that the author understood ultimate reality in terms of God’s sovereignty, in contrast with earthly systems. They can be shaken and in due course will be shaken. Not so God’s kingdom! The author does not simply say that it will not be shaken but that it cannot be shaken. The kingdom is something we “receive.” It is not earned or created by believers; it is God’s gift.

It is not quite certain how we should understand the expression “let us be thankful” (lit., “let us have grace [charis; GK 5921]”). Since elsewhere in this letter charis signifies “grace,” this phrase more likely means, “Let us hold on to God’s grace.” The writer appears to be saying that we must appropriate the grace God offers and not let it go, because only by grace can we serve as we should. “Worship” (GK 3302) is a word that is used of service of various kinds. Whether the meaning is service in general or worship in particular, it must be done “with reverence and awe.” The combination stresses the greatness of God and the lowly place his people should take in relation to him.