Hebrews 5:8-9 interpretation

I’m writing this to explain the true meaning of this scripture as a lot of people take this verse out of context to suggest that this is talking about living a righteous lifestyle or doing good works in order to obtain salvation.

Living a holy life is great and this should be the goal of every believers life so that we can have a more intimate relationship with Jesus, however this is not what grants someone eternal life.

Let’s begin

Hebrews 5:8-9

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;


The word “obey” in this scripture means to simply believe the gospel, to believe that you are a sinner and that you can do nothing in your power to change it and that the only way you can receive salvation and true freedom is through Jesus death burial and resurrection as a sufficient payment for your sin.

Once you believe this you have already obtained eternal life.

We can see that in numerous passages that obedience, in the context of receiving eternal life is synonyms with belief.


Romans 6:17-18

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.


The form of doctrine that was presented to these servants was the gospel of Jesus Christ. Once they obeyed from the heart (believed in their hearts) the true gospel. were set free  from sin as were delivered unto righteousness.


Romans 10:16-17

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath BELIEVED our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 1:5-6

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

>From these passages we can clearly see that the obedience required to obtain eternal life is to simply put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, that he died and rose again as atonement for our sins.

We now live strive to live a righteous life through the power of the Holy Spirit, NOT to be saved or to maintain our salvation, but BECAUSE we have been saved, we do this out of the love and gratitude that we have for him because of what he did for us on the cross.

We must understand that salvation is not believe jesus plus anything that we’re doing. Some people think that believing the gospel is not enough and that they have to also try their best to live right or to give tithes, obey the Ten Commandments ect...

If anyone adds the gospel it can be very dangerous and in some cases damnable.

God says our good works is as filthy rags

Isaiah 64:6

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.


Jesus paid it all and the only thing that he requires us to do is believe and trust in his finished work.

All the glory goes to God.


God Bless

If you do not know how here is a short and simple prayer. Don't just say the words because just saying them does not mean anything, but pray this with your heart and in genuine faith.

Dear God

I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I am sorry and I repent. I ask you to forgive me.I believe that your son Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, to save me and I believe that he risen from the dead three days later to pay the penalty for my sins so that I could be forgiven. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you in Jesus’ name amen.