This episode addresses the subtle idolatry of many believers who fail to grasp the purpose of salvation, which should be, according to Hebrews 9:14, service/worship of God. The previous episode noted typical reasons why many say they go to church: "being a better person" and "feeling better about oneself" are some of the anthropocentric responses indicating a worship disorder. Salvation in this skewed perspective is principally about the forgiveness of sins and addressing low self-esteem, making man's needs the purpose of salvation. Hebrews 9:14 however insists that forgiveness of sins is simply the necessary condition of being a better worshipper: "the blood of Jesus cleanses our consciences from dead works [forgiveness] to serve the living God." Biblical salvation always has worship and service to God as the driving motivation behind all religious activity. While it necessarily addresses mankind's sin issues, and by declaring him holy, his esteem issues, salvation always considers the endgame, which is worship and service of the living God. All "good" works flow from sanctified worship. If worship of God is not the ultimate goal of salvation, then believers will naturally make themselves the idol gods they serve, corrupting all so-called "good" works they produce.
