Hebrews Sometimes going through a book of the bible verse by verse can be very tedious and not very enlightening. By the time you get to the end you have forgotten what was the beginning. You never really get any idea of just what the whole thing is about. However, if you read the whole book straight through and just note words or thoughts that stand out you can begin to get a picture of what the writer was thinking and the message that they are trying to get across. As I read through Hebrews the word ‘therefore’ stood out, so I started counting. Fifteen times the writer uses the word! So it is a fairly mathematical book! Statements shown to be true and the consequent conclusions outlined. Let’s have a quick gallop through the letter to the Hebrews finding out what are these statements and conclusions and never mind the bits that we don’t understand! [You could spend a week discussing ‘these last days’ in Ch. 1:2] Ch. 1. The contrast between the ‘angels’ and the ‘Son’ is outlined. The angels are ‘winds’, ‘flames of fire’ Vs. 7 and ‘ministering spirits’, Vs. 14. The Son, on the other hand, ‘reflects the glory of God’, ‘has made purification for sins’ and ‘is now seated at the right hand of the majesty on high, Vs. 3. The Son is in a different class, way above the angels, Therefore pay attention to what we have heard about Him, 2:1. The message declared by the angels was one of ‘just retribution’ from which there is no escape if we ignore the great salvation declared by the Son, Vs. 2, who was made a little lower than the angels, i.e. human, and died for everyone. The result of this is that those who are sanctified by this death, those who say ‘yes’ to God and acknowledge that that death was for them, now become one with the One who provided the salvation, Vs.11. He and we become ‘brethren’. Therefore, Vs. 14. Vs. 14-18 outline more reasons why the Son took on human form: 1. By becoming human He would die, but because He was also the Son He could ‘destroy him who has the power of death’, Vs. 14, and 2. As a human He would know what it is to suffer and be tempted. Therefore, Vs 17, He would be able to become a merciful high priest on our behalf. [It seems that the characteristics of humanity are death, suffering and temptation! Discuss!] Conclusion? The Son was truly human; He suffered, was tempted and died. Therefore, 3:1, Consider Him! Think about Him! He was an apostle, [one who was sent], Vs. 1. He was, is, our high priest, Vs. 1. He was faithful, Vs. 2. And now we have a contrast between Moses, also a faithful servant sent to Gods people. But the difference is that, whereas Moses was faithful as a servant, Jesus was faithful as a Son. So He is entitled to much more glory than Moses is. Just as the builder is entitled to more praise than the house that he builds! Therefore, Vs.7, Again, take care that you pay attention to Him. Don’t harden your heart. Exhort, encourage each other. Because if we don’t hold firm to the end we won’t make it! 3:6, ‘hold fast our confidence’, 3:14, ‘if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end’. Vs. 16-18, we are reminded of those who journeyed to the Promised Land, who disobeyed and who never set foot in it. Therefore, 4:1, Although the promise of eternal life always remains there are those who will not enter because of unbelief. We have to live by faith, Vs. 2, constantly saying ‘yes’ to God. No one said it would be easy. Therefore 4:11, We need encouragement and are given it. Vs. 12. We have the Word. Vs. 14. We have a great high priest. Vs. 16. We have confidence. [Have we?] The concept of a high priest acting on our behalf has been introduced and this is now expanded a little in Ch. 5. In case we have any doubts about his credentials we are reminded that: He was appointed, Vs. 5. Being truly human He suffered, Vs. 8. Because He was perfect he became the source of salvation, Vs. 9, for those who obey. Now, that is the basics complete! The foundation has been laid! Now we go on to the solid food, to the meat! Therefore, 6:1, If someone is: Enlightened, Has tasted the heavenly gift, [all the blessings of God], Partaken in the Holy Spirit, Vs. 4. Tasted the goodness of the ‘Word’, Knows something of the power of God, Vs. 5. And they then turn back to their old ways, turning their back on the sacrifice that the Son made on their behalf; it is impossible to restore them! This theme is taken up again in Ch. 10. Let’s look at it now. Accepting the reality of the Sons sacrifice on our behalf indicates that we have a certain amount of knowledge. What, then, are the consequences if we deliberately sin? If we deliberately disobey, if we ignore and/or deny the knowledge that we have been given? In sinning we: Spurn the Son of God, Profane the blood of the covenant, i.e. the Sons’ sacrifice, Outrage the Spirit of grace, 10:29. Notice that all three persons of the Trinity are sinned against. From these two passages in Ch. 6 and 10, and the references in 3:6 and 14 it seems quite clear that eternal salvation results from a whole life commitment to the saviour. The important point is how we finish the race, 2Tim. 4:7. Paul got it right. Are we getting it right too? ‘He who endures to he end will be saved’, Mt. 10:22. [This statement is made in a different context but it is still true in the context I use it here] [Why is the question ‘can I loose my salvation if I knowingly sin?’ asked? Answer, because as humans we still want to enjoy the sins of the world with impunity! We have not been sanctified. For more about this read Rom. 6. Back to Ch. 6, of Hebrews! The writer feels sure the Hebrews will not fall into this category, of those who go back. They are encouraged to imitate those who have faith and patience, 9-12. We have two things, a promise and an oath that our salvation is secure, and these can be a ‘secure and steadfast anchor’ to us day by day as we follow Him. In Ch. 7 the concept of the priesthood of the Son is expanded a little and the similarities with Melchizedek are noted. Both are kings of righteousness and peace. The genealogy of both is unknown. If perfection could have been attained through the old system there would have been no need for the Son to come. But it was weak and useless, Vs. 18, and a better system was introduced. The Son has no need to offer sacrifice for his own sins. Instead ‘He did this once for all when He offered up himself’, Vs. 27. Contrast this with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church where priests offer ‘the holy sacrifice of the mass’ for sins daily. In Ch. 8 the contrast between Old and New is continued and also the contrast between the ministry of the Son and the ministry of the priest, Vs. 6. But, the New has come and the Old has become obsolete, Vs. 13. As the contrasts continue in Ch. 9 there is only one conclusion that we can arrive at: Therefore Vs. 15, He is the mediator of a new covenant! In the old system the blood of animals was required to sanctify anything, Vs.21. In fact, nothing could be sanctified without the shedding of blood, Vs. 22. How infinitely more effective is the blood of the Son? So effective that only one sacrifice deals with sin for all time, Vs. 26. [Compare again the teaching of the RC Church] The next time we see the Son, He won’t be coming to deal with sin, but to save all those who are eagerly waiting for Him, Vs. 28. Ch. 10. The law could never save us, Vs. 1,4 and 11. Contrast the Sons one sacrifice, Vs. 12. Once an effective sacrifice has been made and the forgiveness availed of there is no longer any need for any further offering, Vs. 18. Therefore Vs.19, We have confidence to: Enter the presence of God, Vs. 19. Draw near to God, bearing in mind that He is holy so we come having confessed and knowing where we stand, according to the Word. [Washed with pure water refers to applying the Word to our lives.] Vs. 22. Hold fast our hope, Vs. 23. Remember 3:6 and 14. We can now do so with confidence. Consider how to encourage each other in the performance of good works. Remember to meet together. If you do go back? See notes on Ch. 6. You won’t go back! Remember all you endured in the early days? Therefore Vs. 35, don’t throw it all away! There is a great reward. That is a promise! No we are not the sort of people who shrink back. We have faith and keep our souls, Vs.39. Look at what happens when you have faith, Ch. 11. Great things! Also, note that without faith, ie saying ‘no’ instead of ‘yes’ to God it is impossible to please him, Vs. 6. Therefore 12:1, Let’s be like them! Again, consider Him, Vs.3. While we note words like ‘weary’, ‘hostility’, ‘struggle’ and ‘shedding blood’ also note the encouragement of Vs. 5,6. Therefore Vs. 12, Lift your drooping hands, work on! Vs. 12. Strengthen your knees, travel on, Vs. 12. Straighten your route, watch where you are going, Vs. 13. [Remember the two roads of Mt. 7:13] Strive for peace and holiness, Vs. 14. See to it……Vs. 15. And don’t refuse the Holy Spirit! [Contrasts again!] When we consider all of what has gone before. Therefore Vs.28, be grateful, offer acceptable worship with reverence. Remember that our God is a consuming fire! Ch.13: 1-12. Because we have been brought into such a great relationship with such a great God there are some more instructions on how we should then live. Again we are reminded of the significance of the Sons’ sacrifice. Therefore Vs. 13, live like him. Here, in this world, we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Do we? A few more instructions and the letter is finished with the observation that this is just a brief note, Vs.22! No doubt a more exhaustive letter will arrive in due course! It never came! This one must have it all!