About This Book
Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as superior to all previous revelations and religious systems, urging Jewish believers to persevere in faith rather than returning to Judaism. The book opens by declaring that God, who spoke through prophets, has now spoken through His Son, the radiance of God's glory and exact representation of His nature. Jesus is shown superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. The author warns against drifting away from the gospel and emphasizes that Jesus became fully human to destroy the devil's power and free those enslaved by fear of death.
Christ serves as a merciful and faithful high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted yet without sin. Unlike earthly priests who repeatedly offered animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once for all, securing eternal redemption. He serves in the heavenly sanctuary as our mediator of a new and better covenant written on hearts, not tablets. The famous faith chapter (11) catalogs Old Testament heroes who trusted God despite not receiving promised blessings in their lifetimes, demonstrating that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we cannot see.
Believers are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses and must fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. The book includes stern warnings against apostasy and falling away from the living God. Christians should pursue holiness, show hospitality, remember imprisoned believers, keep marriage honorable, and remain content. Leaders should be obeyed and imitated.
The author concludes with the blessing that the God of peace equip believers with everything good for doing His will.