The Hebrew letter reveals a great deal of information about Jesus Christ that we might not know and understand without its revelation. Its author is not known for certain, not being given in its text, however many, if not most, scholars can see no other writer than the apostle Paul who would have a better claim to its authorship. Hebrews presents Christ from two different perspectives. First, the person of Christ (1:1-4:13). Second, the work of Christ(4:14-10:18). Finally, Hebrews considers the superiority of the Christian’s walk of faith(10:19-13:17).

The Hebrew writer tells us that the person of Christ is superior to the prophets, superior to angels and superior to Moses. Right away we can see that this letter condemns the practice of following Moses and keeping the Law, something the present day Jews fail to either admit or understand. Jesus has superiority over the prophets because God now speaks to us through Jesus, not the prophets. Jesus is superior to the angels because of His Deity and His humanity(read chapters one and two). Chapter three verses 5-6 points out that Jesus is superior to His servant Moses because He is over His own house in which Moses was just a servant.

Not only is Christ superior in His person but also in His work(Chapters 4-10). Christ’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood since Christ is a better high priest seated at God’s right hand. Christ is superior qualifications as priest being sinless and having offered Himself as sacrifice for sin.

Christ is superior in His covenant having a new and better covenant based on a better sacrifice and on better promises as well as offering forgiveness of sin which the Law of Moses could not do.

Hebrews glorifies Christ as Prophet as Priest and as King of the New Covenant which has replaced the Old Testament /Law of Moses. The Covenant of Christ is known as simply Faith(Rom 3:27) or Grace(Joh 1:17) as well as the New Testament.

The Christian Walk of Faith or fulfilling the Law of Christ is superior to the Law of Moses, indeed to any religion that man has devised. The Hebrew writer urges us to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for God is faithful(10:22) remembering what Christ has suffered for us. Let us also not despise the chastening of the Lord for in doing so God deals with us as sons for whom the Lord loves he chastens for our chastening is to our profit that we might be partakers of His holiness (12:10).

Hebrews fills in many of the details of why we must follow Christ. This places those who are not Christians and still claim to be Jews outside the covenant of Christ and having no hope in the judgment.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net

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