The Purpose of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is a profound and powerful letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and struggling with their faith. The author’s purpose is to encourage and exhort them to persevere in their faith in Jesus Christ, who is presented as the superior and ultimate revelation of God. Throughout the book, the author argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, and that the new covenant he established is better than the old covenant.
Christ: Superior to Angels and Moses
The author begins by showing that Christ is superior to angels, who were highly esteemed in Jewish tradition. He argues that Christ is not only the Son of God, but also the one through whom God created the world and sustains it. He is also superior to Moses, the great lawgiver and leader of Israel, who was highly respected by the Jews. The author shows that Christ is a greater leader than Moses, and that his priesthood is also superior to the Levitical priesthood.
Christ: The Great High Priest
The author then focuses on Christ’s role as the great high priest, who offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. He argues that Christ’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood because he is not only a priest, but also a king, and his sacrifice was once for all. He also shows that Christ is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations, and that he is able to help us in our time of need.
The New Covenant: Better Than the Old
The author then contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant that Christ established. He argues that the old covenant, which was based on the law, was unable to save us from our sins, and that it was only a shadow of the reality that was to come in Christ. He shows that the new covenant, which is based on faith in Christ, is superior because it provides forgiveness of sins, a new heart, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Faith: The Key to Pleasing God
The author emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God. He shows that faith is the key to pleasing God, and that we must trust in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. He also shows that faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. He gives examples of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated great faith, such as Abraham, Moses, and Rahab.
Endurance: The Mark of True Believers
The author then encourages his readers to endure in their faith, even in the face of persecution and suffering. He shows that endurance is the mark of true believers, and that we must run with perseverance the race that is set before us. He also warns against the danger of falling away from the faith, and urges his readers to hold fast to their confession of faith in Christ.
Warning Against Apostasy
The author issues a strong warning against apostasy, which is the rejection of Christ and the return to Judaism. He shows that apostasy is a serious sin, and that those who fall away from the faith will face judgment. He also shows that apostasy is a sign of unbelief, and that those who persist in it will not be able to repent and be saved.
Faith in Action: Examples of Old Testament Heroes
The author gives more examples of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated great faith, such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. He shows that their faith was not just a matter of belief, but also of action. They obeyed God’s commands and did great things for him, even in the face of great obstacles and dangers.
Running the Race: Encouragement to Persevere
The author then encourages his readers to persevere in their faith by fixing their eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He shows that Christ endured the cross and despised the shame for the joy that was set before him, and that we too must endure hardships and trials for the sake of Christ. He also shows that God disciplines those whom he loves, and that discipline is a sign of his love and care for us.
Conclusion: Final Exhortations and Benediction
The author concludes his letter with final exhortations and a benediction. He urges his readers to continue to show love and hospitality to one another, and to obey their leaders. He also reminds them that they have an altar that those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat from. He then offers a beautiful benediction, asking God to equip his readers with everything good for doing his will, and to work in them what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The book of Hebrews is a powerful and persuasive letter that presents Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, and encourages us to persevere in our faith in him. It shows that faith is the key to pleasing God, and that endurance is the mark of true believers. It warns against the danger of apostasy, and gives examples of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated great faith. It also offers a beautiful benediction, asking God to equip us with everything good for doing his will. May we be encouraged and strengthened by the message of Hebrews, and may we run with perseverance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.