Hebrews - Introduction (2)

Hebrews is important in understanding how the Old and New Testaments fit together. It focuses on the absolute supremacy of Christ, in fact the book is all about Jesus from beginning to end. It helps us to understand the nature of Christ’s priesthood, and the importance and effect of His sacrifice. At the same time as extolling the greatness of Christ, the book stresses the humanity of Christ and is crucial to understanding the incarnation and the trinity. Then of course there is the importance of faith.  It also contains several severe warnings.

The writer has a clear interest in the Old Testament, and in particular with the first five books, the Pentateuch. This is a difference with Paul, and indeed with Peter, who seem more interested in the relation of Christ to the prophets. Moreover, the writer of Hebrews is concerned with the Levitical details of the sacrifices, tabernacle etc, rather than contemporary temple practice. Jewish practice had inevitably deviated from the intentions of the Old Testament. Likewise it is always good for us to check our beliefs and practices from time to time so we can correct areas where we have allowed traditions and contemporary practices to deviate us from God’s original intentions.

However, the writer is influenced not just by the Pentateuch, Psalms and Jeremiah 31 play a big role. In fact it is interesting how important the Psalms are in establishing theology. This is true of Jesus (Matt 22:44), Paul (Romans 3:10-18; 4:7,8) and Hebrews (1:5-7; 2:5-9; 3:7-4:13; 4:14-7:28 etc). Now the Psalms are expressions of the heart of the psalmist, yet deep theological truths are revealed in them as well.

The focus is on Jesus throughout. His high-priestly role, His role in creation, His supreme once-for-all sacrifice, but also His humanity. The writer seems to be very aware of the life that Jesus lived. He is also deeply concerned with our sanctification and our maturing as believers. Hebrews is an intensely practical book. It is rooted in history, rooted in the Old Testament, rooted in the context of its time, and rooted above all in Jesus Christ.