We could get along better without some things in life. We can even get along without some things that are needful. But, we are talking about three things that we must absolutely have in order to go to heaven. All three are found in Hebrews, and our English word "without" is joined with them. What are they?

I. WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS (9:22).
A. Blood atonement is taught throughout the Bible.
1. Necessary because of sin and justice. Can penalty be set aside?
2. As provided perfectly by God in Christ.
a. He was sinless; and also of the same nature. Not at fault.
b. He had the right and approved (John 10:18; Matthew 5:17).
c. He answered the demands and supplied the curse (Galatians 3:13).
3. Thus, leaving the sinner without an excuse (John 3:14-18).
B. This doctrine is most repulsive to the "modernist."
1. He has come to mock this precious truth because he mocks all that leads up to it (sin, immorality, resurrection, etc.).
2. Without the efficacy of the shed blood of Jesus, Christianity has no cause to justify its continuance.
C. How are our sins remitted through the blood?
1. There must be faith in the blood (Romans 5:1, 9).
2. Christ's blood and death are inseparable (Romans 5:8-10).
3. Jesus shed his blood in His death (John 19:33-34).
4. We are baptized into His death [active faith] (Romans 6:3-4).
5. He then provides spiritual light to walk in (1 John 1:7).

II. WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT FAITH IN GOD (11:6).
A. That faith which is in God is of a two-fold character.
1. It accepts His divine existence.
a. This first declaration is not argued! (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1).
b. Opposite of Atheism, Agnosticism, Pantheism and Deism.
2. It places its trust in this divine being.
a. His works display His essential attributes.
b. His word declares His moral attributes.
c. His Son declared both categories (John 14:8-9).
B. There is only one source of faith (Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31).
C. Faith has only one way to exemplify itself. It must work!

a. Obedience to moral commands (James 2:17, 20, 26; Ephesians 5:6).
b. Obedience to positive commands (Romans 1:5; 16:26).

III. WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT HOLINESS OF LIFE (12:14).
A. This has always been a requirement (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16; Titus 2:11-12).
B. The text presses the need upon us in a most powerful way.
1. The ERV uses the word "sanctification."
2. People, places and things were set apart because God was there.
3. We can never be holy apart from God; and the presence of God brings holiness into our lives.
C. The text declares the wonderful benefit of holiness (Revelation 21:27).
1. Implied in the positive, because of it we shall see the Lord.
2. Would you be satisfied to carry your sins with you to heaven?
3. What sort of place would heaven then be? "pigs in a parlor."
These are indispensable things in the believer's salvation and daily walk with God. We cannot talk about things to come without these things.-104 Calhoun Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150