BOOK OF HEBREWS

 

I – PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST THE MAIN EMPHASIS IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

     Based on word count in the original Greek, the Book of Hebrews is typically considered the third longest letter (epistle) in the New Testament. Only the books of Romans and 1 Corinthians are longer than the letter to the Hebrews, though some rankings might differ. Its thirteen chapters are filled with rich truths that believers everywhere need to understand.

1st Longest Letter: Romans

2nd Longest Letter: 1 Corinthians

3rd Longest Letter: Hebrews 

     While the book of Acts is the longest narrative in the New Testament, Hebrews ranks high among the epistles.

     The Book of Hebrews is a New Testament letter written to encourage persecuted Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Jesus, arguing that He is supreme over all Old Testament figures, laws, and sacrifices. It emphasizes that Jesus provides a better, final covenant through His superior sacrifice and priesthood.

     In the book of Hebrews, we see the superiority of Christ as Jesus is depicted as better than angels, Moses, and the Aaronic priesthood.

     Perhaps nowhere in the New Testament as the Book of Hebrews like the Old Testament that focus more on the Levitical priesthood as its foundation. The writer to the Hebrews constantly compares the inadequacies of the Old Testament sacrificial system to the perfection and completion in Christ. The book of Hebrews teaches about the finality of Sacrifice through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is describe as the New Covenant provides a one-time perfect sacrificial act that replaces the required continuous sacrifices of the Old Covenant and a once-a year atonement for sin offered by a human priest (Hebrews 10:10 “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”) and direct access to the throne of God for all who are in Christ.

     The book is often considered a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, explaining how Jesus fulfills the purpose of the Mosaic Law. 

 

II – PERSON WHO WROTE THE BOOK OF HEBREWS 

     We are not certain who wrote the book of Hebrews. The author of the Book of Hebrews is officially unknown, anonymous, as the text itself does not identify its writer. Although some include the Book of Hebrews among the apostle Paul’s writings, the certain identity of the author remains an enigma.

     This is unusual, because we are sure who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and who wrote the book of Romans. We are sure that the writer of the book of Acts is Luke. We are certain who wrote the other 26 books of the New Testament.

     Likewise, there are several books in the Old Testament whose human authorship is unknown.  

     For example, we do not know for sure who wrote the books of Kings and Chronicles.  

     Although the writer of Hebrews is unknown, the book is considered canonical and divinely inspired because it was accepted as scripture by the early church due to its content and authority.

     

     Some Scholars attribute Luke as its writer; others have thought and suggested several individuals, including Apollos (due to his eloquence and knowledge of scripture – Acta 18:24), Barnabas (a Levite, fitting the book's themes), or Silas or Philip, or Aquila and Priscilla may have written the book of Hebrews.

 

     Many believe the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Hebrews. In fact, in the King James Version, the title of the letter is given as follows: "THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE HEBREWS."

     Historically, many assumed Paul wrote the book of Hebrews due to its inclusion in early Pauline Canons and the mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23 “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.”). Papyrus 46, one of the earliest collections of Paul’s letters, places Hebrews among them, reflecting early Alexandrian tradition. The themes of justification by faith and the Pauline-style closing blessings (similar to I Timothy 6:21 or II Timothy) align with Paul's theology. Early church tradition, particularly in the East, supported this, though Western scholars long doubted it.  

     While traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul in the early church, there are missing in Paul’s customary salutation common to his other works. In addition, most scholars argue against Pauline authorship due to significant differences in writing style, language, and the author's description as a second-generation Christian who received the message from the apostles, and relied upon knowledge and information, provided by others who were actual eye-witnesses of Christ Jesus, therefore this suggests the author was not an original Apostle (Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”) and makes Pauline authorship doubtful and suggest another human writer.

     This verse states that the message was confirmed to the writer by those who heard the Lord, whereas Paul consistently argued he received his gospel directly from Jesus (Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.¹² For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”).

     The Greek in the book of Hebrews is more polished and rhetorical than Paul's. Making the unknown writer a mystery, the safest thing to say is what leading early scholars and early church father like Origen who said in the third century (about 200 years after the book of Hebrews was written): "who it was that really wrote the Epistle (to the Hebrews), God only knows." 

     The book of Hebrews is lack of introduction. Unlike all of Paul’s letter, the book of Hebrews does not identify the author in its introduction. Paul in all of his other letters, gives his name at the very beginning (Romans 1:1; I Corinthians 1:1; etc.). However, no name is given in the letter to the Hebrews, that is why it is difficult to know for certain that Paul was the writer.

     Some things we know about the human writer of the Book of Hebrews:

1. The writer knew Timothy very well. (Hebrews 13:13 “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.”)
2. The writer was probably an ethnically Jewish Christian with a deep Greek education and one who knew the Old Testament Scriptures very well.
3. The writer had spent some in prison (Hebrews 10:34 “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”).

Although, all of these facts would fit the Apostle, they could also fit someone else as well.

                                                      

     It is common that the name of the human writer is given at the very beginning of the letter. The very first word tells us who is the author of the book.

     Give the first word of the books below to identify the writer:

1. I Timothy 1:1 ________
2. James 1:1 ___________
3. I Peter 1:1 ___________
4. Jude 1:1 ____________

     Now how about the book of Hebrews 1:1, what is the first word? ________  

Hebrews 1:1 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” Notice it is God who hath spoken. God is the author of the book of Hebrews.

     Despite we are uncertain who the human writer was, the truth is that the book of Hebrews is the Word of God. Our focus and attention is not on the human writer, but on what is much important that is that what God hath spoken which is written.

     When quoting from the Old Testament Scriptures, the human writer always emphasized that God was the Author. The writers of the books pointed us to God instead to the human writer.  

     The human writer reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the true Author of the Bible.

Hebrews 3:7 “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,”

Hebrews 9:8 “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:”

Hebrews 10:15 “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,”

     Regardless of the human hand that held the pen, the Holy Spirit of God is the divine author of all Scripture (II Timothy 3:16). Therefore, the book of Hebrews speaks with the same canonical authority as the other sixty-five books of the Bible.

 

III – PEOPLE WHO WERE RECEIPIENT OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

     The book of Hebrews was sent to the Hebrews. The Book of Hebrews was written by a Hebrew to other Hebrews telling the Hebrews to stop acting like Hebrews.

     This letter to the Hebrews addresses three separate groups:

They were of Hebrew/Israelite descent who had accepted Jesus as their Messiah. For the most part they were true believers in Christ (Hebrews 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”)

They were some who merely professed Christ but who did not actually possess Christ.

     Is it possible for a person to say that he is a Christian, but not really be a saved, born-again Christian?  

abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

     This verse describes individuals who outwardly or verball profess to know God but whose actions, lifestyle, and disobedience contradict their claims, revealing them as false believers. Paul highlights that true faith is validated by actions; therefore, these individuals are considered detestable and unfit for good works. In context Paul is warning Titus about false teachers or insincere, hypocritical believers in Crete. It serves as a reminder and wakeup call that true knowledge of God produces obedience and righteous living, not just empty words.

truth is not in him.”

     This verse emphasizes that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands, not just verbal profession, making obedience a test of genuine faith. Whosoever claims fellowship with God but ignores His commandments, they are contradicting their own claim and are labeled a "liar" in this context.

now.”

     This verse teaches that genuine faith is validated by love for others, while holding onto hatred reveals a person is not actually living in fellowship with God. John argues that it is impossible to be walking in God's light while simultaneously harboring hatred for another believer. Such hatred indicates the person is still in spiritual darkness. This verse is a challenge to examine one's heart, affirming that love is the essential evidence of a transformed life in Christ, while hate is a sign of remaining in darkness.

his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

     This verse teaches that claiming to love God while hating fellow believers is a lie, asserting that love for the invisible God is impossible if one cannot love visible, tangible people. It highlights that true love for God is proven by loving others, making interpersonal love a direct reflection of one's spiritual, godly state. Love for God and hatred for people (specifically "brothers/sisters in Christ") are incompatible. The verse demands that love for others is not optional but a concrete, visible manifestation of inward spiritual life

faith save him? ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

     James argues that true saving faith must be accompanied by actions. It asserts that belief without outward evidence (works/deeds) is "dead," useless, and not true faith. James is not saying works earn salvation, but rather that true, saving faith will inevitably produce good works. Paul focuses on the root of salvation (faith), James focuses on the fruit of salvation (works).

     In verse 18, highlights that genuine, saving faith cannot be separated from action. It argues that good works are the visible, outward proof of an internal, living faith.

     It is important to understand which of these three groups is being addressed in which passage. To fail to know who specifically the people in context can cause us to draw conclusions inconsistent with the rest of Scripture.

  

     The location of the readers: 

     

     The recipient and readers of this book were Jewish converts to Christianity, likely a specific congregation in Rome (probably living in Italy). Hebrews 13:24 “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.” The mention of the phrase “They of Italy” (or “Those from Italy”) suggests the recipients were likely living in Rome. The author was writing to Italian believers from Italy, or with a group of Italian believers currently living elsewhere. 

 

     The Spiritual Condition of the readers:

     These Jewish Christians were going through some very difficult times. They were suffering through great affliction and under intense persecution

Hebrews 10:32-33 “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; ³³ Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.”.

The readers or recipients of the letters in the first century facing severe opposition from their community after embracing Jesus as the Messiah or after their conversion. Believers were made a public spectacle often dragged into the public eye to the mocked, insulted, or physically assaulted. The term “reproaches” means verbal abuse, and the term “afflictions or tribulations” means physical pain or distress. Notice “ye became companions of them that were so used” means refers to the readers sharing in suffering as they stood in solidarity with others, visiting prisoners and supporting those who were persecuted, even when it cost them their own reputation or safety.

     Some of them had lost many of their earthly possessions

Hebrews 10:34 “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”

     This verse describes early Christians joyfully accepting the "spoiling of your goods"—the plundering, confiscation, or looting of their property—due to persecution for their faith. They accepted this loss because they knew they possessed a "better and an enduring" eternal reward in heaven. 

     The term “substance” in Greek “huparxis” refers to property, wealth, and goods. And the word “spoiling” in Greek “harpage” refers to robbery, seizure, or plunder. It implies their homes were looted, furniture stolen, or property confiscated by authorities or mobs. This was likely a past event where the believers faced severe, likely physical, persecution and financial loss for their commitment to Christ. Despite losing their possessions, the believers reacted with joy. This echoed the apostolic response to suffering for Christ's name. Their joy was not due to a love of poverty, but because they knew they had a "better possession and an abiding one" in heaven. They valued their eternal, imperishable heavenly reward over temporary earthly possessions.

     Some of these Jewish people were wavering in their faith because of these difficulties and trials.

Some were in danger of turning away from Christ and from Christianity and going back to the religion and rituals of Judaism in order to escape the mounting persecution.

They were discovering that the Christian life is not always a bed of roses.

 

 Parable of a Sower: (Luke 8:6, 13)  

     The Lord Jesus told a parable about a Sower. Some seed fell among rocky soil (Luke 8:6 “And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.”).

This describes the type of soil, where seeds land on rocky, shallow ground. 

     According to Jesus in Luke 8:13 “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” This represents a shallow, rocky heart that receives the word superficially. This rocky soil represented people who have heard the Gospel and receive it with joy and with enthusiasm and believe it for a time, but notice the plants in verse 6 “it withered away” and verse 13 “no roots” symbolizing that a faith has no deep roots, the faith often emotional rather than deeply rooted in understanding and commitment to the Word, that is why cannot endure hardship or persecution.  Their faith is shallow and temporary, causing them to fall away or abandon their belief when they face trials, testing, or temptation. This verse warns that a, superficial, short-lived response to the Gospel is not true, lasting conversion.  

     According to Jesus what does this people do in time of testing and difficulty? They F ______ A ______

For these people had no ______ (Luke 8:13).

 

     The primary purpose of the writer of Hebrews was to encourage Jewish Christians, who were facing persecution, that they might get their roots to go deep down into the Lord Jesus Christ. The writer does everything to exhort these people to be rooted and built up in Chrit.

in the grace of Jesus Christ. This book of Hebrews serves as a sermon designed to strengthen their faith, to endure hardships and to avoid from abandoning Christianity and not fall back for the safety of their former traditional old Jewish religious practices (Judaism). The human writer of the Hebrews encourages his readers to persevere proving the superiority of Jesus Christ to all elements of the old covenant, or over the Old Testament sacrificial system, making a return to those rituals unnecessary and inferior. The letter was likely sent o prevent them from reverting to Judaism due to persecution. 

 

IV – PERIOD OF YEARS THE BOOK OF HEBREWS WAS SENT

     The Lord Jesus had predicted years before a terrible judgment of God would come upon Jerusalem because of their unbelief (Matthew 23:38; 24:2; Luke 21:5-6). This prediction of Jesus Christ was literally fulfilled about forty years after the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. History tells us that in the year 70 A.D. the Roman General Titus captured and completely destroyed Jerusalem with great slaughter. Since this time the nation Israel has been without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a priesthood, and without a Jewish temple (Hosea 3:4 “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim:”). Since then, the Jews have never had a temple. For nearly 2000 years the Jewish people have been scattered and persecuted throughout the world. Instead of enjoying God’s blessings, they have been under God’s curse (see Deuteronomy 28).  

     Before this great destruction took place, the book of Hebrews must have been written. Why? We learn in (Hebrews 10:11 “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:”) that the Jewish temple was still standing, there was priesthood function where the Jewish priests were still ministering, and animals’ sacrificial system was still active. These things would have been true after 70 A.D. This indicates that the letter to the Hebrews must have been sent between 64 and 68 A.D. that is before the fall of Jerusalem.   

 

V – PROCEDURE HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

     Many said that one of the hardest books to understand is the book of Hebrews. So, let us know some ways how to understand the book of Hebrews.  The Jews very familiar with the 39 Old Testament Scriptures. This book to the Hebrews was written for the Jewish people. Unless you understand the Old Testament Scriptures, especially the first five book of the Old Testament, from Genesis through Deuteronomy which we called Pentateuch, we will find that book of Hebrews is difficult to understand.

     Some topics that included in the book of Hebrews were:

     In the Book of Hebrews, Old Testament priests (descendants of Aaron) are presented as a temporary, imperfect, and shadow-like system.  Priesthood in Hebrews defines Jesus as the supreme, eternal High Priest who supersedes the old Levitical system. Unlike earthly priests who offered repeated, imperfect sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus offered Himself as a single, perfect sacrifice for all time. He acts as the mediator between God and humanity, providing direct access to God.

     The wilderness wanderings refer to the 40-year period (could be estimated 1446 BC) when the Israelites wandered in the Sinai desert after escaping slavery in Egypt, yet failed to enter the Promised Land immediately due to lack of faith. It was a time of divine testing, provision, and training in dependence on God before entering Canaan.

The 40-year wilderness wandering of the Israelites serves as a stern warning against disobedience and unbelief. It portrays the generation that left Egypt as failing to enter God's rest due to a hardened heart, prompting the author to encourage early Christians to remain faithful and avoid a similar spiritual failure.

     Sabbath rest (“Sabbatismos”) in Hebrews (specifically Hebrews 4:9-10) signifies a spiritual, eternal rest found in Jesus Christ rather than just a weekly day off. It represents ceasing from trying to earn salvation through works, instead trusting in the finished work of Christ, which brings peace with God, spiritual rejuvenation, and hope for eternal life.

That rest is beyond physical rest because while the Old Testament focused on a weekly physical cessation of labor, Hebrews presents a deeper, spiritual rest that is accessible to believers. This is a rest from spiritual labor because it signifies ceasing the futile effort to earn salvation through the law or good deeds, allowing believers to rely solely on Christ’s sacrifice. It also emphasizes rest from spiritual labor because it signifies ceasing the futile effort to earn salvation through the law or good deeds, allowing believers to rely solely on Christ’s sacrifice. It also gives us a application that just as God rested on the seventh day after creation, believers enter rest based on the finished work of Jesus. It also referring to a present and future reality because this rest is something believers can enter now by trusting in Christ and will be fully realized in eternity. It also provides with a warning against disobedience because Hebrews 4 warns that, like the Israelites who failed to enter Canaan, believers must not miss this rest through disobedience or lack of faith. Essentially, the Sabbath rest in Hebrews is the peace, freedom, and spiritual security found in trusting Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament rest.

     In the Book of Hebrews, Melchizedek is presented as a mysterious, kingly priest from Genesis 14 who serves as a direct type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. As "King of Righteousness" and "King of Salem (Peace)," he represents an eternal priesthood superior to the Levitical law, serving as a model for Jesus’s role as the final, permanent high priest.

     In the Book of Hebrews, the tribe of Levi represents the old, temporary Aaronic priesthood based on physical descent, while the tribe of Judah represents the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews argues that Jesus, from Judah, replaces the Levitical system with a superior, Melchizedek-style covenant, fulfilling the law.

     Tribe of Levi (The Old Covenant): Descendants of Levi were designated as priests responsible for Temple rituals and sacrificial duties. Hebrews 7 highlights that this priesthood was limited, unable to bring perfection, and temporary.

Tribe of Judah (The New Covenant): Jesus Christ descended from Judah, not Levi. As a "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" and a priest in the order of Melchizedek, Jesus established a superior, permanent priesthood that nullifies the need for the old Levitical system.

The Transition: The book explains that because the priesthood has changed (from Levi to Judah), the law must also change. Jesus's priesthood is based on an "indestructible life" rather than legal requirements of lineage.

Hebrews 10:1-4 The Law is only a "shadow" of future good things.

Hebrews 7:12-19 Jesus is a priest from the line of Judah rather than Levi.

Hebrews 8:6-13 Jesus is the mediator of a "better covenant" built on better promises. 

Hebrews 9:10-12: The law only dealt with food, drink, and ceremonial washings.

Hebrews 10:9-10 Christ came to do God’s will, taking away the first covenant (sacrifices) to establish the second,

     In the Book of Hebrews, the Law of Moses refers to the Old Covenant's legal, ceremonial, and sacrificial system (including the Ten Commandments and dietary/purity rules) given through Moses. Hebrews frames this law as a temporary, imperfect "shadow" of good things to come, which was fulfilled and superseded by the superior, eternal priesthood and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

     In the Book of Hebrews, the tabernacle is presented as a temporary, earthly "shadow" or copy of the true, heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 9:1–10 describes it as the Old Covenant's, mobile tent of meeting where priests offered sacrifices, ultimately acting as a temporary, symbolic foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's superior, once-for-all sacrifice and his ministry in the heavenly tabernacle. The tabernacle in Hebrews serves to show that the Old Covenant was temporary and imperfect, whereas the New Covenant brought through Jesus provides direct access to God's presence.

     Difference between the earthly and heavenly table is that in the book of Hebrews contrasts the “earthly sanctuary” built by Moses with the “true tabernacle” in heaven, which was built by God, not man. The earthly tabernacle was a model, or "copy and shadow," of this heavenly reality. The structure and symbolism of this tabernacle is recorded in Hebrews 9:2–5 details of the structure, including the outer Holy Place (with the lampstand, table, and showbread) and the inner Most Holy Place (containing the golden censer and the Ark of the Covenant). There is the limitation of the Old System of the earthly tabernacle because the sacrifices could not perfect the conscience of the worshippers. The high priest could only enter the inner Holy of Holies once a year, highlighting limited access to God. This tabernacle was fulfilled in Christ because Jesus is the high priest of the "greater and more perfect tabernacle". The Jesus’ sacrifice replaced the need for the earthly tabernacle and its rituals.

     In the book of Hebrews (specifically Hebrews 9:2), the Table of Shewbread is identified as sacred furniture in the Tabernacle's Holy Place, symbolizing God's presence, covenant, and constant provision for the 12 tribes of Israel. It represents Jesus as the "Bread of Life," sustaining believers spiritually.

     The Definition and the purpose of it is that it was located in the Holy Place, the table held 12 loaves of unleavened bread (representing the 12 tribes), replaced every Sabbath. The old bread was eaten by priests. The symbolism of the Shewbread is it is literally translated as "bread of the presence" (or "face"), because it signified that God’s people were always in God’s presence and sustained by Him. How it was constructed? The Table of shewbread was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, featuring gold molding and rings for transport, representing both Christ's humanity and divinity. The Table of shewbread in the context of the of the book of Hebrews, is that in Hebrews 9:2-5, the writer lists the table as part of the earthly sanctuary that functioned as a “copy and shadow” of heavenly realities. It has a fulfillment in the New Testament because it points to Jesus Christ as the true Bread of Life who provides eternal, spiritual nourishment.

     The table serves as a reminder of God's fellowship and care, with the bread representing Christ's sacrifice and the believers' sustenance.

     In the Book of Hebrews, the veil is a thick curtain in the tabernacle/temple that physically separated humanity from the Holy of Holies (God's presence), representing restricted access to God, as only the high priest could enter behind it once a year under the Old Covenant. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains this veil symbolizes Jesus' body (flesh); his death "tore" this barrier between God and humanity, opening a new, and direct living way for believers to access God. We could see that the veil represents the transition from Old priestly system which could not fully cleanse conscience, to the New Covenant established by Jesus. The veil represents the transition from the old priestly system, which could not fully cleanse conscience, to the new covenant established by Jesus. 

     In the Book of Hebrews (specifically Hebrews 9:5), the mercy seat is the golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, representing the throne of God's grace and presence, where atonement was made. It symbolizes the spot in the Holy of Holies where blood was sprinkled to cover sin, prefiguring Christ's ultimate sacrifice. 

     Mercy seat in Hebrew “kapporeth” means covering and in Greek “hilasterion” means propitiation or place of atonement, and it was the lid of the Ark featuring two cherubim. The High Priest sprinkled blood on the Mercy seat once a year on the day of atonement in order to atone for the sins of Israel. It was in the Mercy seat that God’s holiness met human need by transforming a place of judgement (the law inside the Ark) into a place of mercy. In Hebrews 9 explains that the high priest in the Old Testament entered with animal blood annually, but Christ entered the heavenly holy place once for all with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption.

     In the book of Hebrews, the most holy place is the heavenly sanctuary (or "inner sanctuary behind the curtain"), where Jesus entered as high priest. Unlike the earthly tabernacle's Holy of Holies, this, true, heavenly, and "greater" holy place represents direct access to God's presence, made possible through Jesus’s sacrifice, rather than a physical room.

     In Hebrews 9:11-12, 24 explains that Christ did not enter a man-made, earthly sanctuary, but entered heaven itself to appear before God on behalf of believers, fulfilling the function of the old tabernacle's inner room. The writer of Hebrews calls this inner sanctuary “the inner place behind the curtain” (Hebrews 6:19-20), separating God’s presence from humanity, which was torn down by Jesus’ death. Jesus being a forerunner acts as the High Priest who went before, entering this space permanently. In contrast to the Old Covenant where only the High Priest could enter annually (Hebrews 9:7), Christians now have boldness to enter this “Most Holy Place” anytime through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). In Hebrews 6:19-20, the writer uses the metaphor of an anchor for the soul, which is fastened securely inside this heavenly sanctuary where Jesus is.

     The "Most Holy Place" in Hebrews is not just a location, but a position of permanent, blood-cleansed reconciliation with God in heaven.

     What is the difference between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place? Perhaps the most significant distinction between these two important rooms in the tabernacle is that the Holy Place was the arena for priestly service throughout the year while the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year and then only on the Day of Atonement.

What is inside the Most Holy Place? Inside the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant—a gold-covered chest containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's budding staff, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The atonement cover (or mercy seat) rested on top, flanked by two cherubim that were carefully sculpted out of pure gold.

     In the Book of Hebrews, the primary sacrificial animals mentioned are bulls and goats (Hebrews 10:4), which represent the Old Testament system of animal sacrifice that offered temporary, repeated atonement for sins. These, along with lambs, were used to "cover" sins but were inadequate to fully remove them. 

     The Book of Hebrews argues that the blood of bulls, goats and lambs were all temporary sacrifices and could never permanently remove sins, but only served as a shadow or foreshadowing of the ultimate perfect sacrifice of Jesus. The book of Hebrews contrasts these animal sacrifices with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the perfect “Lamb of God”. Unlike the daily or once a year animal sacrifice by the priests on the day of atonement, Jesus offered Himself once for all time, establishing a new, better covenant. These sacrificial animals symbolized the need for a substitute to pay the penalty for sin, pointing towards the final, perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

     In Hebrews 9:13, the "ashes of a heifer" refers to an Old Testament purification ritual (Numbers 19) where a flawless red heifer was burned, and its ashes mixed with water to cleanse people defiled by contact with dead bodies. Hebrews uses this as a "lesser" example to show that Christ’s sacrifice is greater, cleansing the conscience permanently rather than just outwardly.

The purpose of the ashes is that they were used in the "water of cleansing" to remove ritual impurity contracted from touching a corpse, bones, or a grave. The red heifer had to be without blemish and never yoked. It was burned outside the camp, and the ashes were stored for use in purification rituals. The writer of the book of Hebrews contrasts this temporary outward and physical cleansing as symbol with the greater and more effective blood of Christ. While the ashes only sanctified the flesh temporarily, but the sacrifice of Christ cleanses the conscience permanently from dead works.

     In Hebrews 12:16-17, Esau is cited as a warning against being "immoral" or "godless" for trading his spiritual inheritance—the covenant blessings of Abraham—for a single meal. He represents prioritizing temporary, physical desires over eternal, spiritual promises, ultimately losing his birthright and being unable to reverse his decision, even with tears.

The writer of Hebrews describes Esau as a profane or godless person, not because he was overtly evil, but because he valued immediate gratification which is a bowl of stew over his significant, long term spiritual legacy. Esau showed disdain for the spiritual privilege of being the firstborn by selling his birthright, which included the promise of the Messiah and a double portion of inheritance. When Esau later sought the blessing, he was rejected. This shows that a warning that some decisions have permanent, irreparable consequences regarding spiritual standing. The warning in this passage serves as a warning to Christians to not turn away from their own spiritual inheritance (the church of the firstborn) for the sake of temporary, worldly pleasures.

     These were only some of those topics recorded in the book of Hebrews. The Jews knew very well all of these mentioned topics, same is true with Christians who knew very well about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, about the shepherds in the night and the wise men who visited place of Jesus birth. It is very important for a person to be familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures because if not they will not understand many of the things written in the book of Hebrews.

     Notice that lot of characters mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 were in the Old Testament and what all of them have done. Therefore, it is very essential that understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures help anyone who would read the book of Hebrews.

      The Book of Hebrews uses the word "better" (occurring 13–15 times) to demonstrate that Jesus Christ and the New Covenant are superior to the Old Testament system. It highlights that Christianity offers a higher, eternal, and complete fulfillment of God’s promises compared to the symbolic rituals of Judaism.

     In Hebrews, what God has done in Christ is "better" because Jesus is superior to all Old Testament figures, systems, and covenants.

 

VI – PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURES THAT SHOW CHRIST AND OLD COVENANT IS MUCH BETTER 

     Select the verse on the right corner then put it on the blank which refers to the word “better.”

 

__________ better promises These promises are superior because they are rooted in Christ's finished work, providing internal transformation (laws on hearts), direct personal knowledge of God, and complete, permanent forgiveness of sins, rather than just outward compliance.	Hebrews 1:4 “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they”.
_________ better resurrection a "better resurrection" refers to the final, eternal resurrection to immortal life, which is superior to temporary resurrections (like Elijah raising the widow's son) that only return people to mortal life.	Hebrews 7:7 “And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.”
_________ better hope the "better hope" as the superior, Jesus-centered New Covenant that allows believers to directly "draw near to God".	Hebrews 7:19 “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”
_________ better sacrifices while the earthly tabernacle (a copy) was cleansed with animal blood, the heavenly sanctuary required a "better sacrifice"—Jesus Christ's own blood. This superior, one-time sacrifice was necessary to remove sins permanently, provide eternal redemption, and grant believers direct access to God’s presence, unlike repetitive, limited Old Testament rituals.	Hebrews 7:22 “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.”
_________ better country people of faith (the patriarchs) desire a "better country" —a heavenly, eternal home—rather than returning to their earthly past.	Hebrews 8:6 “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
_________ better testament Jesus is the guarantor ("surety") of a superior covenant compared to the Mosaic Law because His priesthood is eternal and based on a divine oath.	Hebrews. 8:6 “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
________ better covenant Jesus mediates a "better covenant" enacted on "better promises" than the Old Covenant.	Hebrews 9:23 “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”
_______ Christ is better than angels Jesus is superior to angels because he inherited a more excellent name (Son of God) and is seated at God's right hand. While angels are created ministering spirits, Jesus is the eternal Creator, ruler, and the exact representation of God.	Hebrews 10:34 “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”
________ Abraham (the lesser) is blessed by the better (Melchisedec) establishes that in biblical, spiritual transactions, the authority to bestow a blessing signifies a superior, or "better," position. It highlights that Melchizedek, as a priest-king, held a higher status than Abraham, who paid him tithes and received his blessing.	Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
________ better substance (possessions) refers to the eternal, incorruptible heavenly rewards and spiritual treasures believers possess in Christ, which far outweigh any earthly property lost due to persecution. This lasting inheritance is contrasted with temporary earthly goods, providing comfort and motivation to endure hardship.	Hebrews 11:35 “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:”

 

VII - POWERFUL CHAPTER IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called “The Great Faith Chapter”. Chapter 11 is one of the greatest encouragements in the book of Hebrews.  Chapter 11 defines faith as the assurance of things hope for and conviction of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”). These verses in this chapter have been very meaningful to Jews because they were reminded of the faith of their forefathers. These Jewish people knew their Old Testament Bible very well and thus they were very familiar with the lives of Old Testament figures including Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Sarah, and Moses, and all the others mentioned in this chapter. They pleased God by trusting God’s promises, acting against all odds, and enduring hardships. And if these men and women could trust God despite, they encountered difficult circumstances, then so can we today. Just as we have the Baseball or Basketball “Hall of fame” that was dedicated to the memory of the great athletes of the past, Hebrews chapter 11 called the “Hall of faith” is dedicated to the memory of the great believes of the past.

“elenchos”) of things not seen." It is the confident trust in God's promises and character, acting as the title deed to future spiritual realities, it is not a blind leap but a reasonable trust in the dependability of God, built on His past actions and word. It means being certain of what is unseen. It characterizes faith not as a vague wish, but as a firm, settled conviction that God will do what He promised.

earnestly seek God. Faith is the necessary means to please God and understand that the universe was created by God’s Word.

3. In v.8-22 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph). 
   1. Abraham obeyed God to leave for an unknown land, dwelling as a foreigner. Abraham’s obedience in leaving for

an unknown land is a foundational story of faith in the Bible, primarily recorded in Genesis 12 and highlighted here in Hebrews 11. At 75 years old, Abraham obeyed God’s command without knowing his destination, to leave Haran, relatives, and father’s household to travel to a land that would later be revealed to him. Abraham obeyed and went out without knowing his destination. Abraham's life demonstrated that true faith involves action, leaving behind comfort, and stepping into the unknown based on God's promise. Through his unwavering obedience, Abraham became known as a central figure of faith in both the Old and New Testaments. God promised to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. 

birth occurred at the exact "set time" promised by God (Genesis 21:2), overcoming Sarah’s lifelong infertility and advanced age. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, and the name Isaac, meaning "laughter," reflected the joy and incredulity surrounding this miracle. The name Isaac, meaning "laughter," reflects the disbelief and later joy Sarah felt regarding this. Despite her initial doubt, an evidenced by her laughing at the prophecy, God confirmed that “nothing is too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14).

 The story of Sarah is often cited as a testament to faith, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:11, and is highlighted as a moment of divine intervention.  

4. In v.20-22 (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)
   1. Isaac in v. 20, By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning future events. Despite his previous attempts to

favor Esau against God’s revelation, Isaac ultimately acknowledges God’s chosen line in his final blessing. 

his staff. Jacob demonstrated faith in God’s promise of a future land for his descendants, looking ahead rather than at his imminent death. 

bones be carried from Egypt to the Promised Land. This demonstrated his absolute confidence that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

     According to Hebrews 11:20-22, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph demonstrated faith in their final days by trusting in God's future promises, despite not seeing them fulfilled personally. They focused on passing the promise of a future homeland, blessing the next generation, and affirming the Exodus. These patriarchs all "died in faith," showing that true faith persists to the end, trusting that God's promises are secure, even if fulfilled long after death.

     Moses, upon growing up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, rejected the power, fame, and

luxury that came with being royalty in Egypt. Moses left Egypt without fearing the king’s anger because he kept his eyes on God.

     In v. 23-29, Moses choosing instead to be mistreated or share in the oppression alongside God's people rather than enjoying the temporary or passing pleasures of sin. He valued the reproach of Christ over Egypt's treasures, leading the Israelites to cross the Red Sea by faith, while the Egyptians drowned. 

     After mentioning the faith of the patriarchs, the text moves to those who secured the Promised Land and subsequent leaders. 

stating that time is too short to fully detail the stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. It serves as a rapid-fire list of individuals who demonstrated the power of true, godly faith.

endured trials. They conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut lions' mouths, quenched fires, escaped swords, gained strength from weakness, and routed foreign armies. 

their faith, choosing a "better resurrection" over freedom. They faced torture, mockery, imprisonment, stoning, sawing in two, and poverty, living in caves, and described as people "the world was not worthy of"

(the Messiah/new covenant) in their lifetime. God planned something "better" for New Testament believers, ensuring that Old Testament saints and current believers are made perfect together in the resurrection. These heroes were commended for their faith, but they did not receive the final promise (Christ and the new covenant) during their lives, which God has provided for believers today.

     Some heroes conquered; others were tortured. Faith is defined by trusting God in both situations.

      Chapter 11 encourages believers to live by faith, looking beyond immediate challenges to eternal rewards.

  

VIII – PURPOSES IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS          

     The Book of Hebrews was written to get people to the living God and to encourage Jewish believers facing persecution to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, rather than returning to the old sacrificial system. It presents Jesus as the supreme, final revelation of God—better than angels, prophets, and priests—serving as the only way to the living God.

    Jesus Christ is presented as the "great High Priest" who acts as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Having suffered temptation, died, and risen, He ascended into heaven and lives forever that He might bring us to God and to represent believers, offering a once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin, enabling direct access to God's presence.

 Hebrews 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

     This verse calls believers ("holy brethren") to fix their focus on Jesus as the ultimate authority and mediator, superior to Old Testament figures like Moses. It defines Jesus as both the "Apostle" (sent by God to reveal Him) and "High Priest" (sacrificed for and representing humanity) of the Christian confession, encouraging faithfulness. 

 Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

     Jesus is a high priest who intimately understands human weaknesses because Jesus was tempted in every way just as humans are, yet Jesus remained sinless. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus perfectly sympathizes with struggles while offering grace and forgiveness, acting as a compassionate mediator. 

 Hebrews 6:20 “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

     Jesus acts as a “forerunner” (“prodromos”) means Jesus is the first to enter heaven to pave the way, representing believers and demonstrating that ehy too, will follow. Jesus is the High Priest forever unlike earthly priests who had to be replaced, Jesus provides a permanent, eternal mediation between God and humanity. The phrase Jesus is after the order of Melchizedek refers to a priestly, royal, and eternal role separate from the traditional Levitical priesthood, highlighting Jesus superior and unending role. Then it says that Jesus is “Anchor of the soul” in verse 19, concludes the metaphor of hope, showing that because Jesus is in the presence of God behind the “curtain” (the heavenly sanctuary), the Christian’s hope is “sure and steadfast”.

     Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;”

     This verse summarizes that Jesus is the superior High Priest who, having finished His sacrificial redemptive work, sat down at the right hand of God’s throne in heaven. This signifies Jesus absolute authority and completed work, serving in the true heavenly sanctuary rather than an earthly, temporary temple. 

Hebrews 9:11, 24 “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” 

     These verses highlight Jesus as the superior High Priest who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary—not an earthly tent—once for all time with His own blood. This action finalized eternal redemption, replacing temporary animal sacrifices with a permanent, heavenly ministry in God's presence on our behalf.

    These Hebrew Christians are encouraged to "go on" and “grow up” and grow deep roots in Christ, moving beyond elementary teachings (like legalism or shadow rituals) to embrace the full maturity of salvation in Jesus. This means prioritizing personal knowledge of the Messiah over merely observing Mosaic Law, ensuring their spiritual foundation is rooted in Christ’s finished work 

     There are two messages that has been repeated again and again whenever you read the book of Hebrews.

1. You will find Encouragements given for Jewish people to draw near to God, urging a shift from Old Covenant sacrifices to the "better hope" and direct access provided by Jesus. 
2. You will find warnings given for Jewish people to prevent believers from developing an unbelieving heart and departing from the living God.

     The Purposes of the writer in the book of Hebrews are warning and encouragement to his Jewish readers.

     Here are the encouragements and warnings given to these Jewish Christians: (Put the right answer)

A: The purpose of WARNING:

Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”

     This warns that ignoring or neglecting the message of salvation brought by Jesus Christ brings serious, unavoidable consequences. As part of a warning against "drifting away" from faith, the verse emphasizes that if disobeying the Old Covenant brought punishment, neglecting the "so great a salvation" offered by Jesus is even more dangerous. 

     Notice the phrase “neglect so great salvation” The Greek word amelēsantes means to be careless, disregard, or pay no attention. It is not necessarily an active rejection, but rather a passive apathy, taking the gospel for granted.

Hebrews 3:8 “Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:”

     This referencing the Israelites who provoked God through disobedience in the wilderness. It urges Christians to keep their hearts soft and responsive to faith, rather than rebellious, ensuring they do not repeat the mistakes of the previous generation. The phrase “Harden not your hearts” refers to becoming spiritually insensitive, stubborn, or disobedient, where conscience is seared and the truth makes no impression. It means choosing not to listen to God. 

Hebrews 3:12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

     It warns believers to guard against an "evil, unbelieving heart" that leads to falling away from God. Using Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness as an example, the passage urges Christians to maintain faith despite persecution and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The passage warns against drifting from faith in Christ back toward disobedience, similar to how the Israelites failed to trust God and lost the blessing of entering the Promised Land.

Hebrews 5:11 “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”

     Yes, we must pay attention to what God says. It addresses the readers’ spiritual stagnation, stating that complex truths about Jesus as High Priest (like Melchizedek) are difficult to explain because they have become "dull of hearing". It is a rebuke against complacency, suggesting that despite having time to mature, they remained spiritually immature, requiring basic teachings rather than deep doctrine.

The words “dull of hearing” in Greek term “nothroi” indicates laziness, sluggishness, or a lack of receptivity, suggesting they had become careless or indifferent toward their faith rather than being incapable of understanding.

Hebrews 6:6 “If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

     From the context of the rest of Hebrews, those who fall away are not genuine believers.

     A distinction must be made at this point. The author of Hebrews speaks about falling away, not about falling into sin. For example, Judas fell away from Jesus and never returned to him; Peter fell into sin but soon afterward saw the resurrected Jesus. The two concepts (apostasy and backsliding) may never be confused. In Hebrews 6:6 the writer refers to apostasy; he has in mind the person who deliberately and completely abandons the Christian faith. Apostasy does not take place suddenly and unexpectedly. Rather it is part of a gradual process, a decline that leads from unbelief to disobedience to apostasy. And when the falling away from the faith happens, it leads to hardening of the heart and the impossibility of repentance. The writer of the book of Hebrews, using the example of the Israelites, has shown the process that results in apostasy. If the Israelites in the days of Moses deliberately disobeyed the law of God and “received its just punishment” (Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 10:29), “how much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot”? (Hebrews 10:29).

Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

     Not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together is a warning against habitual missing church services or fellowship, which can lead to negligence of spiritual life and it weakened faith of a believer. 

     The purpose of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves is not just for our regular attendance but we should have a goal to encourage, strengthen, and motivate others to maintain faithfulness and showing love to others.

     Notice the word “day”, it refers to the return of Christ, so as Christians see the day of His return approaching, we emphasize the urgency of fellowship and mutual support for each other. 

    This teaches us that encouragement is more important than obligation. While this passage often misused to enforce attendance legalistically, but actually this emphasizes building each other to prevent backsliding when one is under pressure. 

    This verse was addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing severe persecution and were tempted to stop assembling of themselves because of fear or apathy. 

Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,”

     This warns that deliberately and persistently rejecting Jesus Christ—after knowing the truth of the Gospel—leaves no other sacrifice for sins, only judgment. It refers to apostasy (turning away from faith), not everyday sins or stumbling, but a calculated, intentional abandonment of Christ.

     The words “willful sinning” refers not to a single act of disobedience or everyday sins but this is a warn about hardened decision to turn away from Christ, or persistent, intentional rejection of Jesus Christ sacrifice after knowing and having understood the truth of the Gospel, this leaves no other sacrifice.

     This words of warning were written to Jewish people who were considering to return to the Old Testament sacrificial system, so this Hebrews were treating the offered sacrifice of Christ worthless. 

     There is no sacrifice remaining for sins to a person who rejects the only effective sacrifice of Jesus, because there is no other way for a person to be forgiven, but only making judgement inevitable. 

     This verse is a warning against apostasy, a total rejection of the unsaved from having faith on the gospel of Christ, and not a warning for a believer’s backsliding.

     There are misconceptions about this passage because it does not mean that if a Christian intentionally committed sin, they lost their salvation.

      This is not warning on losing of believer’s salvation because it is often interpreted that those believers who were never truly committed to God had tendency to loss their salvation.    

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

 The writer is writing to those Christians who were facing intense persecution that is why they were tempted to draw back into their traditional practice of Old Testament system Judaism. 

     This verse urging those readers to endure trusting God’s promises despite they were facing adversity. The writer stated “the just shall live by faith” quoting from Habakkuk 2:4 on which the believers can sustain their spiritual life by maintaining their trust in God. But on the other hand, any Israelites who turn away from Christ because of experiencing trials which causes God no pleasure on the soul of that certain Jew. 

 

B: The Purpose of ENCOURAGEMENT:

Hebrews 2:10 “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

     The purpose of Christ’s perfect suffering of salvation is to bring “many sons and daughters to glory”.

     This phrase “many sons and daughters to glory” means Jesus underwent human suffering to lead many to glory. Jesus embodies the suffering necessary for salvation and leads others to eternal life. Jesus trials and sufferings were integral to His role as captain of our salvation. So, Jesus understands our struggles and guide us towards glory. Jesus’ sufferings is part of greater plan of God, serving as a mean to bring the believers closer to God and into a relationship with the Lord.

     Interestingly, we notice that the writer speaks of “many” (not all) who will be saved, which directly contrasts with verse 9 which states “everyone” or “every man” which means Jesus died for all, but not all received Christ as their Savior.

     Christ gave up His glory to become man. Christ regained His glory when He arose and ascended to heaven. Now, Christ shares that glory with all who trust Him for salvation. Jesus is bringing many sons and daughters to glory. 

     Think for a while what the writer wants us to think, the truth that we are sinners and spiritually helpless ones who were hostile and alienated to God but now have been reconciled to God through the Blood of His Son and we are  now being prepared for the final redemption of our bodies that are fully conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ in glory. Imagine, the Almighty God who had everything and needed nothing even bothered with our hopelessness and helplessness, this should shock us and stirs our spirit of lethargy and laziness, which should motivate us to be dedicated because He chooses us as God’s own possession as His very sons and daughters who are His inheritance forever in glory.

     The writer explains the cost of our glorification, as God saved us worthy of Himself when He sent His only begotten Son to die in our place.

Hebrews 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”     

     The recipient of this letter were Jews who wants to go back to Judaism because of severe persecution against Christianity, so it is not surprising why this passage draws comparison between Jesus and Moses, and the writer emphasizes that Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, signifying divine authority of Jesus.

     The writer encourages those Jewish Christians to fix their thoughts or attention to Jesus who leads the believers to eternal salvation and as the ultimate mediator (high Priest) and messenger (apostle) of God, being the preeminent over Moses who was a faithful servant but not mediator.

     The writer urges this Jewish Christian to fix their faith and confidence in Christ, as the writer used the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness, so this serves as a reminder to this generation to persevere in faith.                                                          

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

     The words “Let us” is used 12 times in Hebrews.

     The word “come” or draw near is one of the most gracious invitations the world has ever received. To “come” or to draw near is used in priestly term for approaching God in worship (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:1,22). The writer invitation was addressed not to ignorant ears because they are those who would surely recall the OT high priest, and the day of atonement, when the human priest could draw near to the Holy of holies with the blood of the sacrificial animal and wearing a garment with tinkling bells on the hem of his robe (Exodus 28:33-34) and having a fear and trembling and surely without confidence or boldness (Leviticus 16:2-3). This exhortation emphasizes the fact that the New Covenant is far superior to the Old Covenant.

     How often we should come to the throne of God?

 This is an ongoing God’s invitation. Access to God is not a one-time event (unlike on the day of atonement and only for the high priest). Are you regularly drawing near to the throne of grace using your privilege as a follower of Christ?

ILLUSTRATION: In ancient courts, to address a king openly is a rare privilege, but in Christ every believer was granted freedom to draw near to God as our continual privilege.

ILLUSTRATION: Israelites trembled in fear at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16), but every believer in Christ may continually come boldly and fearlessly to His throne like a child approaching a loving father, knowing they are welcomed because our Great High Priest has opened the way.

     How we should draw near to the throne of God?

Speaking freely before the throne of the Most-High God.

     A Believer can come with boldness (confidence) to the throne of grace because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19). Therefore, believers should not cast away our confidence no matter what the circumstances might be. We should not have confidence in ourselves, because we are too prone to fail but our confidence should be on Christ who never fails.

Believers can tell Jesus the things that they can tell anyone. The Lord Jesus understands you and me. Jesus knows my and your weaknesses. I have learned to be very frank with Jesus. The Lord Jesus is God, and I and you should come to Him in worship and with reverence. However, I am free to speak to Him because Jesus is also a man. Jesus is God but He is a man, so I can come to Him with freedom. I and you can tell Jesus what is on our heart. I and you can open our heart to Jesus. Hence, all these pious and flowery prayers we make are not impressive to Jesus, especially when we are trying to cover up what is in our hearts and lives. One of the reason our prayer meetings are not more effective is because we do not come to with freedom and open our hearts to Jesus. We don’t come to Jesus with an open and sincere hearts so we come restrained.

     Where is that throne of grace?

called “a throne of grace”. Grace does not veil itself from the people. Grace does not hide itself in a tent.

Remember that when you approach this God’s throne, you don’t need to polish your prayers or hide your weaknesses, for our Father welcomes us as His very own children (I John 3:1).

Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”

     NASB: “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity,”

     ESV: “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity,”

     Yes, God wants us to go on and to grow up. Let us go on unto maturity.

     This urges Christians to move beyond foundational, basic teachings (elementary doctrine) and pursue spiritual maturity. It encourages building upon, rather than constantly re-laying, the basics of faith to prevent spiritual stagnation and foster a deeper understanding of Christ. 

     Notice the word “Therefore” is a term of conclusion. Why for? Conclusion because of the argument the writer has just mentioned about the difficulty of subject about the priesthood of Melchizedek, and the dullness of the readers which the writer said in Hebrews 5:12 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

     Now, because of their immaturity, they need to leave and stop focusing on the basics (elementary doctrinal teaching of Christ) and move on to deeper truths that produce maturity. So, the writer exhorts these persecuted Jewish Christians to move on to maturity which contrasts to their immature condition as “spiritual infants” who were still partaking only of milk. It is time for them to leave the crib, put down the bottle, and grow up in Christ. God’s goal is maturity, and the writer drives this home by contrasting mature Christians and those who remain immature (Hebrews 5:12-14 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ¹³ For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”).

     The practical example for this is that a church focusing only on initial salvation messages rather than growing in discipleship is an example of not moving "on to maturity". The emphasis is progressing in faith which the primary message is to advance from “spiritual infancy” (needing milk) to maturity (eating solid food).

     Go on to maturity means move forward, advance, grow up, go on to perfection (using the Greek “teleios”), spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 10:19 “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,”

     To a Jew who was serious of the Old Covenant, entering the holy place was inconceivable and impossible. That is why the writer uses a persuasive message to bring his wavering Jewish readers to a right decision about the Messiah not just in their head but in their heart, that is the goal of the writer toward for 10 chapters of deep doctrinal truths.

     Under the Old Testament law, there was an ordinance that common people were barred from the Holy place and the most holy place, with one exception of the high priest, but only once a year and not without blood of sacrificial animal. Only the priests could enter the first room, and only the high priest could enter the second. Whosoever attempted to enter there that person must have died, because that person was guilty of great presumption and of profane intrusion into the secret place of the Most-High. God is a consuming fire, and who could stand in the holy presence of God?

     Now, that is all changed. God has no special place where only a special of men may approach Him. Instead, all believers may come into His presence by faith at any time and from any place on earth.

     This verse declares that believers have confidence to enter God’s presence directly, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood, rather than through a human priest. Now, all believers can enter. The mentioned of the “blood of Jesus” refers to substitutionary death on the cross, which removed the sin barrier between God and humanity.                                                                               

Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

     It encourages Christians to know that their sins are forgiven through the complete sacrificial redemption work of Christ, they can now approach God with confidence. The words “draw near with a true heart” referring to an invitation to approach God sincerely, genuinely, and without pretense, rather than maintaining distance due to guilt or fear.

     Notice the words “full assurance of faith” it talks about a confident trust in God’s promises and the effectiveness of Jesus sacrifice. The phrase “hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” refers to the inner removal of guilt and shame, made possible by the blood of Jesus, allowing a clear conscience. This emphasizes that Jesus provides a better, permanent sacrifice, superior to the old covenant’s animal sacrifices that could not fully clear conscience. It has to do with the priestly access because the Old Testament priests washing before entering the Holy place, but now it applies to the purity of all believers who can now enter God’s presence. The statement “bodies washed with pure water” signifies not a physical but a symbolical, internal washing or spiritual cleansing of the whole person.

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

     Notice the exhortation “Let us hold fast,” (katecho) means to grip tightly and was used of grasping in such a way so as  not to lose what was in one’s possession.

     The words “hold fast” is in the present tense, it carries the sense of continual, active, ongoing holding and thus holding something so that it does not drift away.

     The context of this verse shows that the writer is addressing believers who faced persecution and were tempted to wavering to their faith in Jesus (their confession of hope).

     When a believer has his hope fixed on Christ, and relies on the faithfulness of God, then that believer will not waver. The words “without wavering” the writer encourages the readers to be steady in their disposition of their faith, rather than letting it fluctuate based on circumstances.

     Instead of looking back (as the Jews so often did), we should look ahead to the coming of the Lord who faithfully promised He will. The stability of the believer’s hope rests on God’s character, not their own strength. God is trustworthy to fulfill His commitments.

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

     In context, this verse flows directly from Enoch’s example in Hebrews 11:5 which demonstrated that faith was the means by which Enoch’s life pleased God. After describing Enoch’s walk by faith, the writer draws a timeless principle: “without faith it is impossible to please God”, this is a life that is displeasing to God, the antithesis of Enoch’s walk. The emphasis of the writer shifts from one man’s example to every believer’s necessity. Without faith, prayer is a speech, praise is noise, sacrifice is mockery, and religious profession is hypocrisy. All activity apart from dependence on God’s truth and trust in His promise is spiritually powerless, and eternally without value. Jesus said in John 15:5 “without me ye can do nothing.” Jesus is saying apart from me you can absolutely do nothing of eternal, you cannot glorify and please God.

     All of us in ministry need to ask ourselves constantly, are we in the power of the Spirit when we are doing something for God or are we doing it just to please men? Faith is the key for effective ministry that pleases God. Every other offering, no matter how costly, carries no value apart from trust in God the Giver!

     Without faith, religion becomes routine, worship becomes performance, and obedience becomes self-effort. Faith turns duty into delight, because it rests in God Who is pleased by trust, not toil.

     Faith is the only way to please God because it affirms His existence and His trustworthiness. God is not pleased by outward acts detached from inward trust.

Hebrews 12:2 “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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

     This calls believers to persevere in their faith by fixing their focus on Jesus, the initiator and perfecter of faith, who endured the cross for future joy of redemption and is now exalted at God’s right hand, acting as the ultimate example of endurance.

     The writer having presented a record of Old Testament witnesses because of faith, the writer now speaks of Messiah, the Jehoshua of the Old Testament, the Jesus of the New Testament, the incarnate Son of God. The writer uses Jesus as the supreme example to which his persecuted Jewish readers should look as they run life’s race.

     The words “Looking unto Jesus” aphorao means to look away from all else and to look steadfastly, intently, toward a distant object. The idea of “aphorao” is to direct one’s attention without distraction. The idea is putting some things away (behind) to go with a forward gaze.

ILLUSTRATION: A lesson that Christian can learn technique in Christian running. The moment the Greek runner in the stadium takes his attention away from the race course and the goal to which runner is speeding, but turns on looking at the crowds, the speed of that runner is slackened. The same is true with the Christian, the moment that Christian takes his eyes off of the Lord Jesus, and turns them upon others, his pace in the Christian life is slackened, and his onward running progress hindered.

     Whenever our eyes gaze at things that engrosses our heart, and if worldliness and fleshly desires are secretly hidden in our heart, they will make our moral value blurred and even our ability to see Jesus as we should. Put it in our mind, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus is the only safe way to live in a sinful world. It means to continue looking away from all else that should turn us aside.

     It was in Looking unto Jesus that we were saved because to look means to trust. Remember, when the dying Jews looked to the uplifted serpent, they were healed and this is an illustration of our salvation through faith in Christ (Numbers 21:4, 25-29; John 3:14-16).

                                                      

IX – PERMANENT DECISION FOUND IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

     Whosoever saved by faith in Christ, should continue to live by faith in Christ, now, tomorrow and forever. Believing Christ as Savior is not a momentarily decision then turning back. When someone got saved, he is saying, I am going to trust Jesus Christ now, tomorrow and forever. The Bible tells us “The just (righteous) shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11 “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

     This is caught from Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith“ is a foundational biblical principle highlighting that true righteousness comes through trust in God, not works. It also emphasizes that believers are justified by faith alone and are sustained by faithful, consistent trust in God’s promises in the midst of trials. If you are saved by faith, you have to walk by faith no matter how struggles you face, until you get to heaven. It implies a lifestyle of relying on God's strength and promises rather than on personal strength, understanding, or sight. By putting faith in Christ to be saved is a permanent decision, no turning back.

     The book of Hebrews was written to the second-generation of Jewish people who were facing intense persecution. They were persecuted and under pressure, as they were being ostracized by their families and communities, facing pressure to return to a more familiar, “easier” religion to avoid the reproach of Christ. They were tempting to abandon their faith in Christ and in danger of turning back or return to Judaism. The roots of these Jewish people were shallow, were struggling with maturity, leading to wavering faith (Hebrews 6:1). They were going through great difficulties and they were wondering if they should endure to trust Christ and moving forward rather than shrinking back in fear. Being saved is a blessed spiritual condition and fixed decision of the soul and God wants no turning back the moment you got saved.

    This book was sent to them to warn them not to turn back. The book argues that returning to the old covenant (animal sacrifices, law of Moses) was foolish, as those were merely shadows. The writer urges them to hold fast to their profession of faith and endure; emphasizing Jesus is the better High Priest and mediator of a better covenant. This book encourages them to hang on to Christ by faith and never let Him go but continue abiding in Christ despite of everything.

     Do you know someone whom you considered a Christian, who comes to church regularly, who demonstrates an eagerness in the Holy scriptures and spiritual things, who also prayed to God, singing a godly song, etc. but suddenly seemed everything is change? That someone you whom know ceased attending church, no longer interested in the things of God then shocking that same person is living, thinking and speaking like people of the world. Maybe you are wondering what happened?

        How can we know if someone is a genuine Christian and truly a member of the body of Christ, the church?

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” 

        This verse also implies maintaining a strong, steadfast, confidence in Christ to the end. The verse calls for holding fast to the hope and confidence found in the Gospel. That is trusting Christ as Savior, a permanent decision in life. Being confident and rejoice of the living hope until the end.

     The verse says that we are Christ’s house IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. The point is if a person does continue unto the end, this is a proof that this someone who profess as Christian never really a true part of Christ’s house or Christ’s body, which is the church. That person is not a member of a church.

ILLUSTRATION: A scaffold

     During house construction, whenever a building is erected, we see a scaffold structure is also erected to provide those carpenters a platform needed where they can stand upon. Now, which of the structures belong to the true building? As the constructions goes by and time passes by, we will see which parts of the building remain. As the building nearer to its finishing work, we notice that the scaffold has been removed from the building and we see not the scaffold again. Why? It tells us that the scaffold was never a part of the true building. The scaffold was a needed attachment to the building but only temporary. 

     This truth is applicable in the spiritual realm. There are people who serves only an attachment to the church temporarily. Only time tells who they are really. Look at them if they will really continue until the end or they if will stopped after some moments of time that they show temporary active, involvement, in the things of God. 

     Distinction between genuine believer and not:

continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

     This verse states that false teachers or apostates who leave the Christian community never truly belonged to it, as their departure reveals a lack of genuine, enduring faith. This verse serves to distinguish true believers from those who are not truly born-again. 

     This passage describes the sifting of the church, the separation of the genuine from the counterfeit, the professors from the possessors. Jesus in His parable (Matthew 13:24-30) declared that the wheat and the tares (Greek “zizanion”) would grow together until the harvest. Matthew 13:30 “Let both grow together until the harvest:” The tares probably represent the weed as darnel. The Darnel usually grows in the same production zones as wheat and darnel is considered a weed. There is a big similarity between these two plants in some regions, and darnel is referred to as false wheat. Darnel has a close resemblance to wheat until the ear appears.

     If we continue in John next section, he gives us 3 characteristics of individuals who manifested an antichrist spirit:

1. These people depart from the fellowship
2. These people deny the truth that Jesus is the Christ
3. These people attempt to deceive genuine believers.

    Therefore, visible membership in the church does not guarantee salvation. Inward apathy or hostility to the Gospel may be masked by outward conformity. 

    Membership of the Church is no guarantee that a man belongs to Christ and not to Antichrist. - C. H. Dodd 

    There are many who have joined a church but never joined with Jesus! 

     Notice the phrase “They went out from us” refers to the antichrists (I John 2:18). 

     The words “out from” is one preposition (ek) which indicates that these antichrists were once in fact members of the community of believers. 

     The word “us” is the true body of Christ, the genuine believers, but professors of faith had later seceded from it, which proved they were never genuine members of the community. 

     The apostle John does not say these antichrists people or not genuine believers were thrown out (ex-communicated), but they voluntarily went out. The words “went out” is active voice, it means the subject is the doer of the action which therefore it speaks of volitional choice or a choice of a person’s will. When these people went out it was not simply a matter of leaving one church to join another church. These false Christians left the church, same as Judas left the fellowship of the disciples, indicating his betrayal of Jesus and denial of faith (John 13:30 “He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.”). The point is that the reason they stop following Christ because they were not true born-again, saved believers. They professed Christ but do not possessed Christ. They don’t do not attached to Christ permanently. 

 

John 6:66 “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

situation in Jesus ministry it says many of His disciples withdrew (literally went away backward) and were not walking with Him anymore. These disciples proved they were not truly of Jesus disciples. Their departure was necessary to expose that they were not actually part of the true faith, revealing their true colors. 

     Notice the phrase, I John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

True believers exhibit endurance and perseverance in the faith, continue following the Lord no matter what circumstances in life. Believing Christ as their Savior is a permanent decision, living with Christ today, and forever without turning back

 

     Again, Jesus’ spoke of those people who were not genuinely saved in Luke 8:13

which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

      It says they believe for a while but their faith was only temporary. 

     The evidence of true saved disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ continues in God’s Word.

Colossians 1:23 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

John 8:31 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”

 

 The book of Hebrews is written as an encouragement to continue on in the faith, if deeply rooted in Christ, that true saved will ever be endured with solid foundation. We need the permanent decision to continue until the end.

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” 

 

     Their perseverance provides the evidence indicating that they are part of "His house." Failure to cling to Messiah Jesus indicates they are not. They are "His house," a fact that both precedes and ensures their holding fast their confidence to the end. If we are sons of God and if we are partakers of the heavenly calling, we will be faithful and we will hold fast. This (HOLDING FAST) is the proof that we are of God's house.

Hebrews 3:14 “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;”

 

     Those who profess Christ but do not truly possess Christ (and His indwelling Spirit) cannot hold fast. They will walk away from the faith they once professed. 

Hebrews 10:39 “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

      The “we” is very emphatic. A complete distinction is being made, as previously in this passage and in Hebrews chapter 6, between true believers, whose life is that of doing the will of God, with the consequent reward, but those who are mere professors, whose doom is perdition. Perdition is not the destiny of any child of God.

      The Word of God is very clear in its statements to the effect that a person once saved can never be lost. Therefore, this person who draws back to perdition must be an unsaved person. 

 

     Notice the word “But” it gives the contrasts Jesus with Moses faithfulness as a servant while Jesus was faithful as a Son.   

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Hebrews 3:6 “but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end”.   (NASB)   

Hebrews 3:6 “but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” (ESV)

     The words “was faithful” has been added by the translators. Notice the contrasts between Moses a servant IN God’s house with Christ a Son OVER God’s house. We can sum up Jesus’ superiority over Moses as Moses was a servant in God’s house, Jesus is the faithful Son over God’s house.

     How faithful Jesus is? Jesus always perfectly does His Father’s will (John 6:38 “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”; John 8:29 “the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him”).

     It says that Christ was faithful over His house. We who are in the body of Christ, the church is His house.

     Notice the words “whose house are we”. 

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

     To most first century Jews they considered the Temple in Jerusalem as God’s house. Hence, the writer of Hebrews seeks to enlighten his readers understanding so that they grasp this truth that not only do believers get to live in God’s house, but we Christians actually are God’s house. One way the writer does to let the readers understand this is he uses the name “Christ” (Christos) which is the Greek term for the Hebrew Messiah, who the very One the Jews had been looking for. So, a church is not a building, a church is people. So, Christ church here refers to people of God or Christians.

     The word “house” (oikos) is a metaphor often used in the New Testament to describe the redeemed of the Lord.

I Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”  Peter describes the believers as living stones, being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Believers are God’s house.  

Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Paul speaks of believers as the household of faith.

Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Paul assures the Gentile believers of Ephesus that they are no longer strangers and sojourners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

     God becomes our dwelling place by faith in Jesus and we also as a people become God's dwelling place. (Ephesians 2:19-20; I Corinthians 3:16)

     The Bible never calls a church building God’s house. God’s people are His house.     

     The verse states that Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house, and believers are that house if they hold firmly to their confidence and hope until the end.  

     Jesus is faithful over His own house and we believers are His house. Are you faithful and committed to Jesus. From the moment you repented from your sins and trust Christ as your Savior, that is our permanent decision until the end.   
 X – PRESERVED ETERNALLY TAUGHT IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

     Is the true genuinely saved born again are eternally secured in Christ? Some theologian assumes that the book of Hebrews teaches that a saved person can his/her lost salvation when they do not persevere. They taught that those who were enlightened, taste the Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 6 and 10 were believers that lost their salvation. But the book of Hebrews presents that believers in Christ were eternally secured. 

     Please put the missing verses of the given chapter:

Hebrews 5:9 “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

      Jesus Christ became the author (or source) of eternal salvation for all who obey him, following His perfection through suffering. This "eternal" nature implies salvation is not temporary, but an everlasting, secure, and completed work by Christ. This eternal salvation is interpreted as a total deliverance from sin's power and penalty, highlighting a comprehensive salvation that includes justification and sanctification.

     Why is Jesus our eternal Source of salvation? Because Jesus sacrifice was once for all and thus, Jesus abides a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. And from a practical standpoint eternal salvation is a deliverance which keeps the believer safe both in time and in eternity. In other words, "in Christ' the believer is safe for ever. There are no circumstances that can pluck a believer from Christ’s hand (John 10:28-29 “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”).

Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

     The unchanging nature of Jesus’ priesthood means that the salvation Jesus gives is also unchanging, permanent, and secure. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. Obviously, Christ could save us from anything but the writer's point is that Jesus saves us to something to a complete, forever salvation. Because Jesus is our High Priest forever, Jesus can save forever. 

     The phrase “to the uttermost” refers to the intensity and duration of salvation. It is finished, perfect, and everlasting.

Salvation is not merely a one-time event, but a continuous, secured work by Christ in heaven on behalf of believers.     

Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

 There is an unending Priesthood: Unlike Old Testament priests who died and had to be replaced, Jesus lives forever, meaning Jesus’ intercession never stops.

 The primary purpose of this constant intercession is to ensure that believers are saved "to the uttermost" —completely, perfectly, and finally.

     When believers sin, Jesus acts as their "advocate" before the Father, pleading the merit of His finished sacrifice on the cross (I John 2:1 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”), countering accusations of their unworthiness. So, our salvation is secured because Christ will intercede when we sinned or failed as a redeemed by His blood.

      Because Christ intercedes forever, the believer’s salvation is secure, not dependent on their own perfect performance.

      Even in moments of weakness or failure, believers have a living advocate.

      Christ intercession brings the necessary strength, mercy, and guidance to manage daily struggles.

Hebrews 9:12 “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

     Jesus obtained or secured "eternal redemption" (or redemption forever) by entering the heavenly Holy Place once for all with his own blood, rather than animal sacrifices. This means salvation is permanent, completed by His perfect sacrifice, and not based on human performance, securing an everlasting inheritance, unrepeatable forgiveness of sins. 

     Eternal (aionios) emphasizes that our redemption is not temporary, but everlasting in its scope and effect. This is no tentative covering, but a finished deliverance, grounded in the once-for-all sacrifice of the Son of God.

     When Aaron went in with the blood of bulls and goats, he had not obtained “eternal redemption”; he had only obtained a symbolic and temporary purification for the people, and that was all.

     What is eternal redemption? - A redemption which really does redeem, and redeems forever and ever. If you are redeemed by it, you cannot be lost; if this redemption be yours, it is not for a time, or for a season, but it is “eternal redemption.” Oh, how you ought to rejoice in the one entrance within the veil by our great High Priest who has obtained eternal redemption for us!

     The redemption provided by the Messiah provides not only internal purity but also outward, eternal deliverance. Remember that at least some of the Jewish readers were being tempted to apostatize (renounce their previous loyalty to Yeshua, the Messiah) so that this truth about a secure, everlasting redemption would encourage them to hold fast to the end.

Hebrews 9:15 “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”  

     Christ’s death as the mediator of the new covenant secures an eternal inheritance for those who believed in Him sa Savior.

     The eternal inheritance speaks of salvation in its fullness and "foreverness!" (Hebrews 6:12; I Peter 1:3,4,5).

     This inheritance is imperishable, heavenly, and secured forever by the blood of Christ (I Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:11).

     When you come to deal with Christ, you have to do with eternal things. There is nothing temporary about Him, or about His work of redemption. It is eternal redemption that He has obtained for us, it is an “eternal inheritance” that Jesus has purchased for us.

     Who can measure all the provisions of the eternal inheritance that is ours? The material wealth of a billionaire, left to us by human inheritance, cannot be compared with the incalculable spiritual riches given to us by Christ. The greater part of the New Testament has been written to set forth the wealth that has now come our way. Here, in this Hebrews letter, we have but a brief statement (eternal inheritance) of our benefits. 

Hebrews 9:24 “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

     It is difficult to understand why these Jewish people would want to leave the reality and go back to the copy, why anyone would leave the great High Priest serving in the heavenly sanctuary so that they could return to the priests of Israel serving in a symbolic tent.

      As the Jewish high priest appeared before the Shekinah, the symbol of the Divine Presence in the tabernacle, so Christ appears before God himself in our behalf in heaven. Jesus has gone to plead for our salvation; to present the merits of His blood as a permanent reason why we should be saved 

     This verse signifies that Christ appears as our superior High Priest, standing before the presence of God in our place or on our behalf. Christ serves as our mediator, offering His own blood once for all to secure eternal redemption and abolish sin. Just as the Levitical high priest entered on behalf of Israel only once per year on the Day of Atonement, Christ now stands in heaven for us all forever, as our personal representative before God’s face! Everything our Great High Priest does in the heavenly sanctuary is for our good, interceding, securing forgiveness, access, and eternal inheritance.

     The first readers of this epistle to the Hebrews were having a hard time letting go of the physicality of the temple and the sacrifices. So, the author emphasizes again (Hebrews 8:1-5; Hebrews 9:11) that he writes in Hebrews 9:24 “Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (NASB).

     Under the Jewish system, the high priest would go into the Holy of Holies once a year to represent the people before God, but Jesus is in the true holy place permanently (huper) on our behalf! Furthermore, the high priest had to keep returning year after year with the blood of the sacrificial animals. But Jesus once for all offered His own blood. Jesus didn’t have to suffer and die over and over again from the foundation of the world. His one sacrifice at the consummation of the ages put away our sin (Hebrews 9:26 “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”).      

Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

     The writer could have ended the quote (from Psalm 110:1 “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”) after the reference to Jesus’ sitting at God’s right hand, but the writer adds (Hebrews 10:13 “From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.”), Hebrews 10:13 “waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.” NASB.

     The writer of Hebrews may have done this for two reasons.

Perhaps their unbelieving Jewish friends were taunting them for their belief in a crucified Messiah. If Jesus is really Lord, then why do His people suffer persecution and martyrdom? The writer says, “Just wait! The day is coming when Jesus’ enemies will all become His footstool” (just as Psalm 110 predicts)

If they abandoned the faith and went back to Judaism, they would be placing themselves on the losing side. They would be making themselves enemies of Jesus, and that’s not where you want to be, because Jesus’ enemies are headed for certain defeat and judgment.

     In Hebrews 10:14, the writer of Hebrews again repeats the effect of Jesus’ one offering: “He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (literal translation). This verse brings together two vital truths.

God has forgiven all of their sins through Christ’s sacrifice, and God has imputed Christ’s perfect righteousness to them. These great facts are the basis of our standing before God.

They are growing in holiness in thought, word, and deed. The position is granted instantly at the moment of saving faith. The practice is worked out over a lifetime of growth in obedience. If there is no growth in holiness, there is reason to question whether the person has been perfected in his position through faith in Christ.

 

     The words “Hath perfected” (teleioo) accomplished that the Law could never do, bring believers in perfect standing before God (because we now stand in Christ's perfect righteousness). The believer is completely cleansed, justified, and accepted before God because of Christ’s finished work at the cross. It is in the perfect tense meaning a past completed act (which took place in our lives at the moment of our salvation) with continuing results, the effects of His Cross continuing forever. In effect has perfected describes our past tense salvation (justification). Believers are forever "perfect" in Christ (our position). As an aside, the permanence of the perfect tense undergirds the NT teaching that the believer once saved is eternally secure (but of course one must be absolutely certain that their salvation is genuine, an important issue addressed by Peter in 2 Peter 1:10,11).

     Through the cross Christ “perfected” every believer. Each believer has positional perfection in Christ, although he must advance toward maturity in his daily practice. Before God the believer is as perfect today as he will be in eternity future. .

     Those for whom Christ has died were perfected by His death. It does not mean that He made them perfect in character, so that they are no longer sinners, but that He made those for whom He died perfectly free from the guilt of sin. When Christ took their sins upon Himself, sin remained no longer upon them, for it could not be in two places at one and the same time. If it was on Christ, it was not upon them. They were acquitted at the court of God when Christ was, on their behalf, “counted with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). 

     The glory of the text is that we are perfected forever—not for tomorrow and then allowed to fall from grace; not for the next twenty years and then turned out of the covenant. The blood of Christ has been sprinkled on us; and, therefore, our standing before God is the standing of perfection. And we are always perfect, always fit to come to the throne of God, whatever our doubts, whatever our sins. We come before God in our position in Christ not in our character; and, therefore, we may come as perfect people at all times.

Hebrews 10:17 “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

     The Mosaic Law and the sacrifices of the Law brought a remembrance of sin (Hebrews 10:3) and the offeror’s conscience could not be cleansed (Hebrews 10:2 where "consciousness" is the Greek word for "conscience").  But Christ’s sacrifice is the basis for the New Covenant and any sinner who comes to Christ by grace through faith will have his sins forgiven and God will remember them no more. Sins are forever washed away by the sacrifice of Christ and the sins of God’s blood-purchased people cannot again come up. Why?  They are remembered no more, having been cast into the sea of God’s forgetfulness “forever.”

     The constant repetition of the sacrifices demonstrated that the sin question was not settled. The once for all offering of the Messiah shows that sin is paid for and put away.

     According to this gracious covenant the Lord treats His people as if they had never sinned. Practically, God forgets all their trespasses. Sins of all kinds He treats as if they had never been, as if they were quite erased from His memory.

     ILLUSTRATION: A pastor once illustrated forgiveness by holding up a ledger full of sins written in red ink. Then he took a white cloth soaked in red dye and wiped across the page — the red ink lists of our sins disappeared completely. “That’s what the blood of Christ does,” he said. “It doesn’t just cover the record — it removes it. God doesn’t keep a backup copy.”

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Hebrews 12:6-8 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸ But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

     God disciplines (chastens) believers out of love to foster holiness and spiritual maturity, not to condemn or punish them for sin.

     Disciplines (Paideuo) is not synonymous with punishment.

     Paideuo includes instruction, discipline, correction, and warning. In this passage, the chastening was not punishment for wrongdoing, but training through persecution.

     Punishing believers for their sins is most dishonoring to the blood of Christ. God is correcting you in love, not smiting in wrath.

     Whenever we are under the scourging hand of God, how we ought to be cheered with the thought that this is a part of the heritage of the children. There are those who spoil their children. God is not one of them. He does not spare the rod (Proverbs 13:24), and the more He loves, often the more He corrects. 

     Chastisement evidences our Divine sonship. Chastisement is not wages of our sins. Christian is not condemned in Christ – John 3:18, only chastened or discipline or trained as children of God.

Hebrews 13: 5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”   

     In the context, the verse encourages believers to live free from the love of money and be content with what they have, trusting in God's presence rather than material security.

     We are not defined by what we own, nor sustained by what we can earn. God calls us to loosen our grip on possessions and tighten our grip on His promises. Contentment isn’t the absence of desire, but it is the presence of Christ.

     Hebrews 13:5 shifts the focus from purity in marriage (Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge”) to purity in motives (or "possession of money"). The same God who calls His people to sexual faithfulness now calls them to financial faithfulness. The love of money is a subtle rival god, one that quietly promises security, identity, and contentment yet never delivers. This verse reminds us that true contentment is not found in accumulated possessions but in the abiding presence of God Himself.

      Hebrews 13:5 invites us to place our trust not in our possessions, but in the God who lovingly, graciously possesses us. The writer is not calling us to manufacture our own contentment, but calling on us to allow ourselves to be satisfied by God. God Himself supplies all that is needed. True contentment, then, is not something we achieve by self-effort, but something we receive by faith.

     The basis for our contentment is God’s unchanging promise of His presence and His power—His assurance that He will supply every necessity of life (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34). True contentment flows from confidence in the God Who is with us and for us. Contentment is the God-given capacity to be unmoved by what changes around us because we are anchored in the One Who is "the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).

     We see here a double promise. The original Greek text uses 5 negatives to emphasize the certainty of God's presence, which can be interpreted as "I will never, never leave you, never, never forsake you".

     It would hardly be possible in English to give the full weight of the Greek. We might render it, “He himself has said, I will never, never desert you, and I will never, never, never abandon you.” Though that would be not a literal, but rather a free rendering, yet, since there are five negatives in the Greek, we do not know how to give their force in any other way.

     I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) is a cornerstone biblical promise often cited to support eternal security, signifying God's unwavering commitment to never abandon a believer. It promises perpetual presence and preservation, often interpreted as "never ever" abandoning a person, even during times of struggle.

     The promise serves as a guarantee that God will see believers through to the end, completing the work He began. 

     The writer of Hebrews is quoting the Septuagint of Deuteronomy 31:6,8 (Joshua 1:5) is a promise by the Lord to all Israel first and then specifically to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites across the Jordan and into the promised land (of "rest" Joshua 1:13). The writer exhorts his Jewish readers with this well-known OT promise, the promise of God’s presence going with before them and with them. Jesus has made the same promise for us to claim as well (Matthew 28:20). And He has also entered in as a Forerunner for us into the very presence of God, our Source of eternal Rest (Hebrews 6:19,20). Christians salvation eternally secured, because He will never leave us nor forsake us here and forever.

      Because He will never abandon us, believers can confidently declare, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6). That is the ground of our confidence.

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