BIBLE SURVEY - HEBREWS

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“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
 
Background
Origen, Eusebius and Clement of Alexandria identify Paul as the author of Hebrews. Hebrews 13:23 mentions Timothy as the author’s co-worker. Hebrew Christians in Jerusalem were still participating in Temple sacrifices and rituals and were tempted to avoid persecution by returning to Judaism. The Book of Hebrews makes it clear that there is no Salvation outside of Christ. The blood of bulls and sheep can never take away sins. This letter is a solemn warning against the Judaizers’ legalism, rituals and sacramentalism. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12. As the Book of Romans was addressed to the capital of the secular world – Rome, so the Book of Hebrews is addressed to the capital of the religious world – Jerusalem. There are more than 80 quotes and references to the Old Testament in Hebrews.

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The Message of Hebrews – The Supremacy of Christ

1. Jesus is greater than the prophets. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Heb. 1:1-3
2. Jesus is greater than the angels. “Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: You are My Son, today I have begotten You?’ and again: ‘I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son?’ But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.’ And of the angels, He says: ‘Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.’ But to the Son He says: ‘Your Throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore, God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness… But to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:4-14
3. Jesus is greater than Moses. “…Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honour than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:1-6
4. Jesus leads us into a greater rest than Joshua did. “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me and saw My works forty years. Therefore, I was angry with that generation and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart and they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest.’ Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end...” Hebrews 3:7-14
5. Jesus is a greater High Priest than Aaron. ‘“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins… He is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also, Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’ As He also says in another place: ‘You are a Priest forever according to the Order of Melchizedek’ …He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the Order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 4:14-5:10
6. Jesus is of a greater priesthood than Levi. “…Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better…. Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the Law…. For He testifies: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’…You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’, by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better Covenant. Also, there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:11-28. Christ’s priesthood is superior and permanent.
7. Jesus is the Mediator of a greater Covenant. “…Now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established on better promises. For if, that first Covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah - not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My Covenant and I disregarded them, says the Lord. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My Laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be My people…. In that He says, ‘A new Covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:6-13
8. Jesus serves in a greater Tabernacle than the Temple. “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord erected and not man.” Hebrews 8:1-2. The Tabernacle is appropriate for people on the march. (The Temple suggests a people who have arrived and settled down.) We are pilgrims.
9. Jesus has offered a greater Sacrifice. “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own Blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal Redemption… how much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:12-14
10. Jesus offers us a greater Salvation. “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:19; “Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28; “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honourably.” Hebrews 13:18.

 
In Christ We Have:

1. A superior Name. “Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they.” Hebrews 1:4.
2. A greater High Priest. “Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.” Heb. 7:7.
3. A better hope. “For the Law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:19.
4. A better Covenant. “By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better Covenant.” Heb.7:22.
5. A superior ministry. “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry…” Hebrews 8:6.
6. A superior Covenant. “…inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better Covenant…” Heb. 8:6.
7. Better promises. “…Which was established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6.
8. A better sacrifice. “…but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” Heb. 9:23.
9. Better and more lasting possessions. “…knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in Heaven.” Hebrews 10:34.
10. A better country. “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country… for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16.
11. A better Resurrection. “Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better Resurrection.” Hebrews 11:35.
12. A better plan. “God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews 11:40.

 
The Titles, Names and Attributes of Jesus in Hebrews:

1. The Son – Heir of all things – Creator of the Universe. “…His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:2.
2. The Radiance of God's Glory. “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person...” Hebrews 1:3.
3. The exact representation of God's being; Sustainer of all things. “…upholding all things by the Word of His power…” Hebrews 1:3.
4. God. “…‘Your Throne, O God, is forever and ever… You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness…’” Hebrews 1:8-9.
5. Lord. “…‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the work of Your hands.’” Hebrews 1:10.
6. Jesus. “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9.
7. The Apostle and High Priest -the Pioneer, One sent by God. “…Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1.
8. Christ. “But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:6.
9. Our Great High Priest – Jesus the Son of God. “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb. 4:14.
10. Sinless. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15; “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners…” Hebrews 7:26.
11. Selected by God to be High Priest forever. “…Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” Heb. 5:5.
12. Learned obedience from what He suffered and was made perfect. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8; “…the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:28.
13. The Source of Eternal Salvation. “And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:9.
14. Jesus lives forever. “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.” Hebrews 7:24.
15. He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15; “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him…” Hebrews 7:25.
16. Holy, Blameless, Pure – Set apart, Exalted. “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and has become higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:26.
17. Made Perfect forever. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8; “… the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:28
18. Seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Hebrews 8:1.
19. Mediator of a Superior Covenant. “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6.
20. The Author and Perfector of our Faith. “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
21. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.
22. The Great Shepherd of the sheep. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant.” Hebrews 13:20.

 
Priesthood
Levitical                                                                     Christ's
They were of the tribe of Levi                                 Christ was of Judah
They were many                                                       He was One
They offered animal sacrifices                              He offered Himself
They died                                                                   He Lives
They were sinful                                                       He is Holy
They had to atone for their own sins first            He was Sinless
Priests                                                                        A King and Priest
Of Aaron's priesthood                                             Of the Order of Melchizedek
Temporary                                                                Eternal
Carnal                                                                         Spiritual
Ineffective                                                                  Effective forever
Many sacrifices                                                         One Sacrifice
All the time                                                                Once for All
Cleaned the flesh                                                     Cleanses the Conscience
Represents Israel                                                     Represents all believers
Appointed on command                                         On Command and Oath of God
Imperfect                                                                   Perfect
Old Covenant                                                            New Covenant
Weak and useless                                                   Strong and Perfect
Incomplete                                                                Complete
                                                                                     Result: Access to God = Sins Forgiven
 
Judgement
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
 
The Word of God
“For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
 
Holiness
“Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
 
Perfect

1. Jesus, the Author of our Salvation, has been made perfect through suffering (2:10).
2. He learned obedience through what He suffered and once made perfect, He became the source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey Him (5:8-9).
3. The Law made nothing perfect (7:19).
4. Jesus has been made perfect forever (7:28).
5. The sacrifices made no one perfect (10:1-2).
6. God makes us perfect (11:40; 12:23).
7. Jesus perfects our Faith (12:2).

 
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…” Hebrews 2:3
 
Let Us

1. Let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of God's Rest (4:1).
2. Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest (4:11).
3. Let us hold fast our confession of the Faith we profess (4:14).
4. Let us, therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our need (4:16).
5. Let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God (6:1).
6. Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith (10:22).
7. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (10:23).
8. Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (10:24).
9. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (10:25).
10. Let us exhorting one another (10:25).
11. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (12:1).
12. Let us look unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our Faith (12:2).
13. Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (12:28).
14. Let us, go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach (13:13).
15. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God (13:15).

 
What We, as Christians, Have According to Hebrews:

1. We are God's House (3:6).
2. We have a Great High Priest (4:14).
3. We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, firm and secure (6:19).
4. We have an Eternal Redemption (9:12).
5. We have complete freedom to enter the Most Holy Place by the Blood of Jesus (10:19).
6. We are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken (12:28)
7. We have an Altar from which those who minister at the Temple have no right to eat (13:10).
8. We are looking for the City that is to come (13:14).
9. We have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way (13:18).

 
Therefore

1. Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away (2:1).
2. Therefore, holy brethren, consider and fix your thoughts on Jesus (3:1).
3. Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest anyone of you seem to have come short of it (4:1).
4. Let us, therefore be diligent to enter that rest (4:11).
5. Therefore, let us leave the elementary principles and go on to perfection and maturity (6:1).
6. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus (10:19).
7. Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God. (12:1-2).
8. Therefore, strengthen the hands, which hang down, and the feeble knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (12:12-14).
9. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom, which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire (12:28-29). Holiness is not an optional extra. Faith is more than belief. It is obedient action.
10. Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (13:15-17).

 
Benediction
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
 
Dr. Peter Hammond
Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za
Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za