Hebrews - session 1
Hebrews 1 - 10
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The NIV Study Bible gives a commentary on the "tug of war" between old traditions of Old Testament origin and the "new" discoveries of Believers in Christ as the Messiah. Old Testament passages are cited 80 times in this book written to all Hebrews. Some scholars are not sure who gets the credit as the author. Up until fairly recently, Paul was thought to have written this. The writing style of Hebrews varies somewhat from his usual style, but the Theology would be solidly approved by Paul. Christians believed then (as now) that Jesus is "the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3). The author included Psalms 104:4 & 110:1 when he wrote,
But about the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom." To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?" (Hebrews 1:8 and 1:13)
Hebrews provides a refresher course on the highlights of the Old Testament. In order to persuade those who were doubtful about the Sonship of Jesus, we read He was designated to high priest "in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:10). The name Melchizedek appears in the book of Genesis 14 and in Psalm 110. His name was well known to the Judean Priests as a mysterious priest under God (not of the Levi family).
We do have such a high priest [Jesus] who sat down at the right hand of the throne of God . . . who serves in the sanctuary the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not of man. (Hebrews 8:1-2) The covenant of which He [Jesus] is mediator, is superior to the old one . . . founded on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6)
This must have angered many a Hebrew, although a quote from the revered Jeremiah was an important prophecy to be reckoned with. As he spoke for God in Jeremiah 31:31-34, "The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah." This was written in 650 B.C., over 700 years before the book of Hebrews was written; yet, it seemed to be fulfilled in the Good News of the Christian Church.
The age old tabernacle in Jerusalem was described as housing "The Most Holy Place".
When Christ came as high priest . . .he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle [the actual presence of God] that is not man made. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ . . . cleanse our guilt from acts of sin that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
The age old tabernacle in Jerusalem was described as housing "The Most Holy Place".
When Christ came as high priest . . .he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle [the actual presence of God] that is not man made. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ . . . cleanse our guilt from acts of sin that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant. We have been made holy once for all, through the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus, our Savior. (Hebrews 10:10)
Let's read further in Hebrews. The author gives a strong case to draw all to Christ. God bless!