A Simple Explanation of Hebrews 12:26-27
Introduction
Have you ever paused while reading the Bible and stumbled upon a phrase that seemed packed with mystery and promise? “Yet once more” is one of those phrases. Found in Hebrews 12:26-27, it points toward something profound—a divine promise intended to offer hope and stability in an often unpredictable world. If you’ve wondered what it means and why it matters, this post will walk you through its meaning in everyday language, drawing out its comfort and challenge for us today.
The Meaning of “Yet Once More”
The phrase “yet once more” appears in Hebrews 12:26-27, itself echoing language from Haggai 2:6 in the Old Testament. But what does it really say? At first glance, it might sound dramatic or cryptic. Yet, it’s a powerful statement, signaling a future event—a moment when God will intervene in a way that changes everything.
· In the context of Hebrews, “yet once more” refers to a coming “shaking.” But unlike an earthquake, this shaking isn’t just about the ground moving beneath our feet. It’s a spiritual, cosmic event—something that will affect everything we know.
· The phrase guarantees a thorough sorting: everything unstable, temporary, or fragile in our lives and world will be shaken and removed, while only what is solid and eternal will remain.
Tracing the Old Testament—Haggai’s Prophecy
To understand the full meaning, it helps to look back to Haggai 2:6:
· In Haggai, God promises to “shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.” This was spoken to the Israelites when they were rebuilding the Temple after exile—a time of insecurity and change.
· The shaking in Haggai pointed to both immediate political upheavals and a future, deeper transformation of reality.
The Big Shaking—What Does It Mean?
This “shaking” isn’t about physical earthquakes, but rather about God reordering reality itself. Hebrews explains that God is going to “shake” the created world so that only what is unshakable remains. It’s a powerful metaphor.
· Imagine shaking a tree: The dead leaves and weak branches fall off, but the sturdy trunk stands firm.
· Or picture shaking a box of pebbles and sand: The loose bits scatter, but the heavy stones stay put.
What Gets Shaken?
According to Hebrews, everything that is created—everything temporary, fragile, or changeable—will be shaken. That means:
· Possessions, status, awards, even worries and fears—all the stuff that doesn’t last
· Systems and powers of this world, which rise and fall
· Human achievements and pride
The Unshakable Kingdom
But what remains unshaken? The answer: God’s kingdom. This is the spiritual realm—the community, reality, and way of living rooted in God’s truth, love, and justice. It’s what stands firm when everything else falls apart.
· The shakable things: Money, popularity, temporary happiness, fleeting concerns
· The unshakable things: God’s truth, love, justice—and ultimately God’s eternal kingdom
What Stays and What Goes?
After the “shaking,” only the things that are truly solid and eternal will remain. The Bible paints the picture of God promising that after all the temporary, vulnerable things are gone, what’s left is strong, safe, and forever. It’s like the foundation of a building—even if the walls and roof are blown away in a storm, the base stands firm.
· God’s kingdom is the foundation that cannot be moved.
· It’s a way of life, a relationship, a hope that is not dependent on circumstances.
Why Does This Matter?
So why does the Bible tell us about this “shaking” and the promise of an unshakable kingdom? It’s meant to give us hope and comfort. All of us spend energy worrying about things that do not last—achievements, possessions, relationships, struggles. Hebrews 12:26-27 reassures us that these things aren’t permanent. Instead, God invites us to focus on what truly matters and what will never be lost.
· When life feels shaky, remember: God’s kingdom can’t be shaken.
· The things that last are the things built on God’s truth and love.
The Bigger Picture: Hebrews 12:18-29
This passage doesn’t just talk about shaking; it paints a bigger picture using two mountains:
· Mount Sinai: Where Jewish laws were given, associated with rules, fear, and tangible realities. It symbolizes the old covenant, which focused on external observance and the impossibility of reaching God’s holiness without a Mediator.
· Mount Zion: Symbolizes the gospel and God’s new way. It’s about kindness, forgiveness, and grace. The gospel invites all people to approach God with confidence, not terror.
Jesus is the “Mediator”—the bridge between God and people.
· Instead of fear and judgment, Jesus offers love, sacrifice, and a new relationship.
· His death and resurrection create the way for anyone to belong to God’s unshakable kingdom.
Christ’s New Covenant
The new covenant, made firm by the blood of Christ, is all about bringing people and God together.
· It keeps us united with God, assures us of forgiveness, and secures our place in God’s family.
· The blood of Christ “speaks” for us—not for vengeance, but for mercy. This is the heart of the gospel: grace instead of judgment.
What’s the Takeaway?
· You don’t need to be perfect or have it all together to belong.
· God offers a relationship based on grace and mercy, not on judgment according to rules.
· This promise means your hope isn’t tied to things that come and go, but to something truly lasting.
· When everything else shakes, God’s kingdom stands firm.
Worship and Reverence
Accepting God’s grace doesn’t mean we take it lightly. The closing verses remind us to worship God “with reverence and godly fear.” Only grace enables us to do this sincerely. God is just and righteous under both the law and the gospel—but the inheritance of believers is secure, and salvation is freely given to those who ask.
In Summary
When you see “yet once more” in Hebrews 12:26-27, think of it as a promise: All the temporary, fragile things will be shaken away—what’s left is God’s kingdom of truth, love, and peace. No matter how unstable life gets, you can count on something solid and unmovable at the center. That’s God’s gift—a life and a hope that cannot be shaken.
· Let go of worries about what doesn’t last—possessions, status, fears.
· Hold fast to what is eternal—God’s truth, love, and the promise of an unshakable kingdom.
· Find comfort in the knowledge that, after all is shaken, what remains is good, strong, and forever.
Final Encouragement
We are invited to shift our focus from the shakable to the unshakable, from the fleeting to the eternal. In all seasons of uncertainty, God’s promise stands: an unshakable kingdom, open to all, anchored in grace, and built to last.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 