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BOOK OF HEBREWS: ORIENTATION
1. THE RECIPIENTS of this letter are Christians. It is claimed by some that
they are specifically Hebrew Christians, but there is no evidence of this in
the letter. However, even if it be conceded that the recipients are
specifically Jewish Christians, there is no distinction between Jew and
Gentile in the body of Christ. Everything that pertains to Jewish Christians
within the context of Christian doctrine and living, pertains equally to ALL
Christians.
Thus, everything in the letter applies to all Christians both Jew and
Gentile.
The purpose of the book is to basically establish the superiority of Christ
to Moses and of Christianity to the Mosaic law; the superiority of the new
covenant over the old covenant.
The book of Hebrews establishes the fact that the salvation-blessing of the
New Covenant applies to the church, the body of Christ, comprised of both
Jew and Gentile. And the writer exhorts all Christians to righteous living
and testimony. This is really no different from what Paul did in Galatians,
Ephesians, Colossians, Romans and 1 Corinthians.
Christianity is built upon the foundation of the OT Scriptures (Heb. 1:1);
then on the person and work of Jesus (Heb. 1:2); and then on the word of God
given to the apostles (Heb. 2:3-4).
Throughout the New Testament and especially in the book of Hebrews, the OT
SCRIPTURES are quoted because that was some of the first things taught to
the Christians, both Jew and Gentile after their conversion.
At the time of writing the only SCRIPTURES were those of the Old Testament.
Notice 1 Timothy 3:15 and even 16-17 refer specifically to the Old
Testament.
It is claimed that this is a letter to Jewish Christians because the
Gentiles would have little knowledge about all the Old Testament information
referenced throughout the book. However, the book of Hebrews was probably
written some 30+ years after the start of the church. By then, Gentile
believers would have a great frame of reference for not only the OT
scriptures, but also the history of God's chosen people; the Jews.
The book certainly has a specific group (probably a specific geographical
location) in view as the writer gives specific exhortation in view of
specific present failures and past successes. But of course, this is no
different than the other letters in the New Testament.
Heb. 5:11-14, is the first reference to a specific group of people who have
failed to advance in their spiritual growth.
And at 6:9-12, the writer expects better things from them even though in the
past they have shown love for God and done many good deeds.
And while chapter 13 has several wonderful general exhortations, it also has
some specific personal notes.
Based on these factors, the content of the book is TO and FOR all
Christians. And the information about the new covenant has specific
application to all Christians as the spiritual seed of Abraham and joint
heirs to the promises in Christ.
2. THE PROMISES
There are two categories of promises in the book of Hebrews.
A. Category one includes promises for spiritual blessings during our life
here on earth. These revolve around trusting in the character and the plan
of God for everything encountered in life. Chapters 1-4 begin with a barrage
of promises for spiritual peace and stability in our life.
This section ends at 4:14-16, "since then we have a great high priest . . .
let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace . . ."
From chapter 5 through 10:18, the writer then explains more fully about the
priesthood of Christ.
Then at verse 10:19, he picks up where he left off at verse 4:16 with
further experiential application of Christ's priesthood.
Verse 4:14,
1. SINCE WE HAVE A GREAT HIGH PRIEST.
2. LET US DRAW NEAR with confidence to the throne of grace . . ."
(big parenthesis at Verses 5-10:18)
Verse 10:19, "since therefore brethren we have confidence for entrance into
the Holies by the blood of Jesus. . ."
1. SINCE WE HAVE A GREAT PRIEST.
2. LET US DRAW NEAR.
The writer then picks up at chapter 10:19 to the end and gives us more
principles and promises for spiritual blessing during our Christian life.
Everything from faith-living to production of righteousness and divine
discipline.
B. Category two is the ONE PROMISE for salvation and the hope of eternal
life through forgiveness of sin. Titus 3:7
From chapter 5 to 10:18, we are given a discourse on the validity of our
Savior's character and sacrifice for sin. This revolves around the
fulfillment of the NEW COVENANT.
The "promises" (plural) of verse 11:13 refers to the "seed" promise of verse
12 and in turn refers primarily to the spiritual seed, which is fulfilled by
the salvation of multitudes of both Jew and Gentile. This can be seen
because at verse 16, it is clarified by their anticipation of a HEAVENLY
"country." AND at verses 39-40, "did not receive what was promised because
God has provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should
not be made complete." IE. spiritual life IN HEAVEN with God.
3. THE COVENANT in Hebrews.
HEBREWS 7:22 gives us the first mention of the covenant, "Jesus has become
the guarantee of a better covenant."
And this actually goes back to verses 18-19, "for on one hand there is a
setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and
uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there
is a bringing of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."
The "better hope" is in fact, "the better covenant."
And the better hope takes us back to -
HEBREWS 6:11, "and we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so
as to realize the full assurance of THE hope (he elpis) until the end."
The HOPE refers to the promises of verse 12, 13 and 14.
Verse 12, "inherit the promises."
Verse 13, "the promise to Abraham."
Verse 14. The promise is summarized by "I will surely bless you and I will
surely multiply you." With the emphasis on BLESS YOU.
And of course, this naturally extends to "and in you all the nations will be
blessed," which of course is a reference to salvation through the gospel of
Jesus Christ for all peoples. Gal. 3:8.
At Col. 1:5, "because of the hope that is laid up for you in heaven." And at
verse 23, it is called "the hope of the gospel."
Titus 3:1, 7, the hope of everlasting life.
As Paul proclaimed at Acts 13:32, "And we proclaim to you the good news of
the promise made to the fathers."
Which is stated at verse 38-39, "Therefore let it be known to you brethren,
that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him,
EVERYONE who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not
be justified from through the law of Moses."
The "hope of everlasting life;" the "promise made to the fathers;" is seen
as a HEAVENLY hope and promise at Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40.
At Hebrews 11:13-16 we learn that they were looking for a HEAVENLY country.
They had believed the promise of God; seen it and welcomed it from a
distance, but they died without receiving or experiencing the entire package
of promises. However, they were confident that God would fulfill what He had
promised. And they had in view, "a heavenly country."
HEBREWS 6:18, "we have strong encouragement, we who have fled for REFUGE in
laying hold of THE HOPE set before us."
Refuge from what? Refuge from the penalty of sin. Thus, "the hope" that we
have laid hold of must be "the hope of eternal life" that Paul mentions at
Titus 1:2, "the hope of eternal life which the non-lying God PROMISED before
the everlasting times."
And everlasting life includes the forgiveness of sins and justification as
at Titus 3:7, "so that having been justified by His grace we have become
HEIRS according to the hope of eternal life."
Paul had this same hope in mind as he talked to Agrippa at Acts 26:6-7, "the
HOPE of the PROMISE made by God to our fathers."
And later at verses 22-23, he clarifies that this refers to what the
prophets and Moses said was going to take place, "that the Christ was to
suffer and that through resurrection from the dead He should be the FIRST to
proclaim light, both to the people and to the Gentiles."
HEBREWS 6:19 tells us that this is the HOPE that enters into the veil where
Christ entered first as our forerunner.
Heb. 9:11, Christ entered into the Holy place as our high priest and on that
basis became the mediator of the new covenant. Heb. 9:15.
"in order that those who have been called receive the eternal inheritance."
Heb. 6:15, Abraham "obtained the promise" but he died without receiving the
promise (Heb. 11:39), so that the Old Testament believers would not
experience heaven apart from the church age believers. Heb. 11:40,
"so that apart from us they should not be made perfect."
This recognizes the view that Old Testament believers went to Paradise in
the heart of the earth before the resurrection of Jesus, and that they were
taken to the third heaven by Jesus when He ascended on high." Ephesians
4:8-10; Luke 23:43; 16:22ff; 2 Cor. 10:1-4.
And of course, they are NOW considered in that "complete" condition in
heaven as per Heb. 12:22-24, "You have come . . . to the spirits of
righteous men made perfect."
Christ is able to enter into the holy place and be our mediator because of
his sacrifice for sins "since a death for redemption has taken place." Heb.
9:15.
Jesus is mediator of a NEW COVENANT.
Heb. 9:26, "but now one time at the consummation of the ages, He has been
manifested for a removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself."
Heb. 10:12-13, "But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time .
. . for by one offering He has perfected for all time, those who are
sanctified."
And this is the PRESENT fulfillment of the new covenant, as the writer
indicates at verse 15-16, "and the Holy Spirit bears witness to us, for
AFTER SAYING this is the covenant that I will make with them."
The writer then quotes the part of the new covenant from Jeremiah 31 that
refers to the START of the kingdom, when EVERYONE of Israel will be a
believer, for "all Israel will be saved." Thus, EVERYONE will have the laws
upon their heart and written on their mind. This is how the kingdom starts -
with all believers.
BUT then at verse 17, he quotes the part of the new covenant that is
fulfilled FIRST by the Messiah generation; then believers through all of
subsequent history; and finally to Israel after the return of Jesus.
"And there sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
For as at Acts 10:43, "of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His
name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."
And as Paul wrote, quoting David, "Happy are those whose lawless deeds have
been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Happy is the man whose sin
the Lord will not take into account." Romans 4:7-8 (Psalm 32:1-2).
HEBREWS 7 establishes the priesthood of Christ according to the priesthood
of Melchizedek which establishes Him as the guarantee of a BETTER covenant.
Heb. 7:22.
And on that basis "he is able to save forever those who draw near to God
through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Heb.
7:25.
This is as prophesied at Isaiah 53:11-12, "My servant will make righteous
the many for He will bear their iniquities . . . He Himself bore the sin of
many and shall intercede for the transgressors."
This "advocacy" of Jesus is seen at 1 John 2:1-2, "we have an advocate with
the Father. And He is the satisfaction for our sins; and not for ours only,
but also for those of the whole world."
HEBREWS 8:6, Christ "has obtained a more excellent ministry by as much as He
is also the mediator of a BETTER covenant, which has been enacted on BETTER
promises."
A mediator is a go-between; a negotiator; a representative; an intercessor
and advocate.
The BETTER covenant is between God and the Christian. Christ is the one who
negotiates it.
The BETTER hope, which is the BETTER covenant is dependable because it is
based on BETTER promises.
HEBREWS 8:7 contrasts the FIRST covenant with the SECOND covenant.
HEBREWS 8:8 indicates that what the writer means by the term "second
covenant," is in fact, the NEW covenant that was made with Israel and Judah
at Jeremiah 31:31-34.
This new covenant revolves around just two SPIRITUAL factors. (1) A
universal knowledge of God that is based on relationship with Him. "They
shall all know me."
(2) A universal forgiveness of sins.
No. 1 will not take place until the START of the millennial kingdom. But
this aspect of the new covenant is not in view by the writer of Hebrews. The
writer does not even mention the millennial, earthly kingdom anywhere in the
letter.
No. 2 is indeed a promise to Israel, but it is based on the crucifixion and
resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.
It is in fact already in effect and applies to all who put their trust in
Jesus as the Messiah. And that is why for explanation of the PRESENT
participation in the new covenant, the writer of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah
31:34,"for I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no
more."
This is no different than all the other salvation promises found throughout
the Old Testament and fulfilled by the crucifixion and resurrection of
Jesus.
As Jesus Himself said as recorded at Luke 24:-47, "These are My words . . .
that all things which are written about me in the law of Moses and the
prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled . . . Thus it is written that the
Messiah should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day, and
that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to
all nations."
And as is summarized at Acts 10:43, "of Him all the prophets bear witness
that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of
sins."
Acts 3:18, "but the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of
all the prophets, that His Messiah should suffer."
And Peter connects the old with the new at 1 Peter 1:10-12.
"As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace THAT WOULD
COME TO YOU made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what
person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He
predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was
revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, BUT YOU, in these
things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the
gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels
long to look."
In the Old Testament, we learn about both the physical suffering - as at
Isaiah 53:10, "But Yahweh was pleased to crush Him," and Psalm 22:14-15.
But also the SOUL suffering of Isaiah 53:10, "if He would render His soul as
a guilt offering," and verse 11, "as a result of the anguish of His soul."
And of course, Psalm 2:11-12, "Worship Yahweh with reverence, and rejoice
with trembling. Kiss the Son lest He become angry and you perish in the way,
for His wrath may soon be kindled. How happy are all who take refuge in
Him."
And Psalm 34:22, "Yahweh redeems the soul of His servants; and all who take
refuge in Him will not be condemned."
Isaiah 28:16, "Behold I place in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly
cornerstone for the foundation firmly placed. He who believes in it will not
be shaken."
And this of course is quoted at 1 Peter 2:8 as referring to Christ and our
saving faith in Him.
All these promises are fulfilled to the Jew first, and also to the Gentiles
(Rom. 1:16). And both are joined in one body as "the church of God."
Ephesians 2:13-22
HEBREWS 8:8-12 the wording of the new covenant, as quoted here, involves
only SPIRITUAL factors. There is no mention of the PHYSICAL blessings that
will come in Messiah's earthly kingdom as promised in the Palestinian
covenant, and of course in many places later; even later in Jeremiah 31.
The Abrahamic covenant involves a LAND, a SEED, and a BLESSING.
The Palestinian covenant amplifies the LAND.
The Davidic covenant amplifies the SEED.
The new covenant amplifies the BLESSING.
The FIRST PART of the new covenant promises a universal SALVATION for
Israel. That can ONLY be fulfilled at the start of the millennial kingdom,
"for all shall know me." This is as Paul wrote, "all Israel will be saved."
Rom. 11:26.
This will happen after "the fullness of the Gentiles comes in," and when
"the deliverer comes from Zion."
It will not be fulfilled until EVERY Jew on the face of the earth is a
believer in Jesus. And THIS will not happen until ALL unbelievers are
removed. And THIS will happen through the separation of the fat sheep
(unbelievers) from the lean sheep (believers) just before the start of the
earthly kingdom. Ezek. 34:17-22.
The SECOND PART of the covenant promises a universal PROVISION for
salvation. It actually precedes the first part and is in fact the basis for
the first part; forgiveness of sin.
HEBREWS 8:12, "for I will be merciful to their iniquities and I will
remember their sins no more."
The covenant that he will make with Israel, is summarized by Paul at Romans
11:27, "when I take away their sins."
And that PROVISION for forgiveness of sin; that fulfillment of this part of
the new covenant is BECAUSE of the salvation provision extended to the
Gentiles. Romans 11:31, "in order that because of the mercy shown to you
(Gentiles) they also may now be shown mercy."
Romans 11:32, "For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He might show
mercy to all."
In other words, Christ initiated the new covenant through His death and
resurrection, and applied it to all who trust in Him.
The institution of the new covenant begins with the establishment of the
church, the body of Christ, comprised of both Jew and Gentile.
HEBREWS 8:13, the new covenant is specifically the new covenant of Jeremiah
31, which AS QUOTED revolves around the issue of salvation; eternal life.
So clearly, there is a church age application of the eternal life covenant,
and a kingdom application. And the kingdom application depends on the
success of the Messiah at the first advent as the One who carries the sins
of the whole world.
HEBREWS 9:1-10
The first covenant was a symbol or type for the present time; the church
age.
HEBREWS 9:11-15
Because of Christ's work on the cross the first covenant is REPLACED by the
new covenant. "For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant.
It should be clear that the writer is talking about the same covenant of
salvation PROVISION that he quoted at chapter 8.
The new covenant WILL BE fulfilled for Israel BECAUSE it has been fulfilled
for those of the present time; the ones who trust in God through Christ.
HEBREWS 9:26
1. "but now once at the consummation of the ages:" Refers to the fulfillment
of OT prophecies for the arrival of the Messiah and the provision for
salvation from the penalty of sin.
It is called at Hebrews 1:2, "in the last of these days," and at Gal. 4:4,
"when the fullness of time came," and as Jesus said at Mark 1:15, "the time
is fulfilled."
The administration of the gospel is the administration of the fullness of
the times; the summing up of all things in Christ." Eph. 1:10.
At 1 Tim. 2:6, Christ gave Himself as a ransom for sin, the testimony in His
own times."
Titus 1:2-3, the hope of eternal life, promised long ages ago has now been
manifested at its own times.
2. He has been manifested for a removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
This fulfills the new covenant of replacing the first covenant by providing
the ultimate "once and for all" sacrifice for sin.
HEBREWS 9:28
1. So Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of the many:
fulfillment of the OT promises and fulfillment of the second part of the new
covenant; provision for forgiveness of sins.
2. Shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin:
This is a promise to CHURCH AGE BELIEVERS - the recipients of the book of
Hebrews. He will come again to complete the salvation package for the church
(comprised of BOTH Jew and Gentile) through resurrection, AND to fulfill the
first part of the new covenant; the universal salvation of Israel, which
will occur just before the start of the physical kingdom.
3. to those who eagerly await Him: Those who are living a life of
anticipation and hope will rejoice in great confidence when He appears. 1
John 2:28.
At Titus 2:12-13, the believer is exhorted to live sensibly, righteously and
godly, "looking for the happy hope and appearing of the glory of the great
God and our Savior Jesus Christ."
HEBREWS 10:1-8 explains the inadequacy of the Mosaic sacrificial system,
"for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin"
HEBREWS 10:9 Jesus said, "Behold I come to do Your will." He takes away the
first in order to establish the second.
The first is the Mosaic system. The second it the new covenant, and He came
to ESTABLISH it.
HEBREWS 10:10-17
The new covenant revolves around the removal of sins. For, He "offered one
sacrifice for sins for all time."
And by that offering, "He has perfected for all time those who are
sanctified."
And as I pointed out above, the writer offers proof that this sacrifice for
sin fulfills the new covenant, he quotes the 2nd part of the new covenant,
"and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
HEBREWS 10:19-25
As I have shown, this picks up from chapter 4:16. At chapter 4 because of
the high priesthood of Christ, we are to "draw near with confidence to the
throne of grace."
At Verse 4:16, the writer interrupts this wonderful exhortation to amplify
and expound on the priesthood of Christ.
Of men at chapter 5:1, "for every high priest taken from among men . . ."
And of Christ at verse 5:10, "being designated by God as a high priest
according to the order of Melchizedek.
Verse 10:19,
1. since we have a great high priest: LET US DRAW NEAR
Exhortation to confidence, stability, endurance and fellowship.
HEBREWS 10:26-39
Severe warning of divine discipline.
This is talking about discipline for the believer, not loss of salvation.
It is a warning about going back to Mosaic sacrifices, which was the false
doctrine being promoted by the Judaizers. And such "back-sliding" is
tantamount to totally dishonoring the salvation provision through the
sacrificial death of Christ. Such a one has "trampled underfoot the Son of
God and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was
sanctified and has insulted the Spirit of grace." Verse 10:29.
It is clear that the first and primary fulfillment of the new covenant is
the fact of salvation extended to both Jew and Gentile, and realized in the
establishment of the church.
Paul's reference to this at 2 Cor. 3:6 clearly indicates that the
fulfillment of the NEW covenant is realized FIRST in the establishment of
the church.
But the New Testament also indicates that the New covenant still has a
future application to the nation of Israel by means of the second coming of
Jesus and the events of His presence (parousia).
2 Cor. 3:6, "who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant."
The issue here is whether Paul is referencing THE new covenant first given
to Israel and Judah at Jeremiah 31, or some other new covenant.
I will establish that Paul does in fact have in mind THE new covenant of
Jeremiah's prophecy. And that we therefore have a direct application of that
covenant to the church.
But let me clarify from the start that this application to the church is
simply the FIRST aspect of fulfillment. The new covenant will yet be
fulfilled literally to the nation of Israel in the earthly kingdom of
Christ.
There is no definite article and that is what seems to engender controversy.
It is properly translated as "a" new covenant.
But Paul is viewing the covenant based on its spiritual and even historical
significance - AND based on its usage in the rest of his writings, Paul
certainly has in mind "the new covenant."
For indeed, there is no other new covenant except the one that is first
referenced in Jeremiah, and which is certainly in view in Hebrews.
Jesus is the first one to make a direct connection to the "new covenant" at
Luke 22:20, "This cup which is poured out for you is (represents) THE new
covenant in My blood."
In My blood is the preposition, en + the locative or instrumental case. As
an instrumental it could be translated as "by means of My blood."
At Mat. 26:28, "for this is (represents) the blood of the covenant which is
poured out for many for (unto) the forgiveness of sins." Also Mark 14:24.
So this indicates that it is the pouring out of His blood that establishes
the forgiveness of sins that is directly related to the new covenant of
Jeremiah 31:31-34. "for I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will
remember no more."
And this justifies translating the preposition at Luke 22:20 as "by means of
My blood."
Paul has his own context:
1 Corinthians 11:25, which was written between 56-58 AD from Ephesus and
obviously before 2 Corinthians.
Here he references what Jesus said at the last supper.
"This cup is (represents) the New covenant by means of My blood." He uses
the preposition, en + the instrumental exactly how it is used at Luke.
2 Corinthians was probably written in 58 AD from Macedonia.
Acts 20:1-2, "he departed to go to Macedonia, and when he had gone through
those districts."
From here he probably wrote 2 Corinthians in 58 AD.
Romans 11:27, which was probably written after 2 Corinthians in 58-59 AD.
Acts 20:2-3.
Acts 20:2, "he came to Greece."
Romans 11:27, "And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their
sins."
There is nothing else to which this can refer except the New covenant of
Jeremiah 31:33-34.
Now although the book of Hebrews was probably written after Paul and he was
probably not familiar with it, he would still be familiar with the
principles and truths that are taught in that book. Accordingly, we can
reference that book to assist in justifying Paul's understanding at 2 Cor.
3:6, as referring to THE New Covenant."
Heb. 9:11-15, "for this cause He is the mediator of a new covenant."
But the "a" new covenant in context refers specifically back to Heb. 8:8-10.
Verse 8, "Behold days are coming says Yahweh, when I will effect a new
covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah."
Verse 10, "for this is THE covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel."
And forward to Heb. 10:16, "this is THE covenant that I will make with
them."
Heb 10:29, it is the blood of THE covenant that sanctifies the one who
trusts in Christ.
Heb. 12:24, Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled
blood."
Context makes this THE new covenant, and as consistent with the passages I
have referenced, it is THE new covenant that is in view, and that was
established by the sprinkled blood (of Jesus); and has application FIRST to
the body of Christ, the church.
But the New covenant also has a future fulfillment for the nation of Israel
in the earthly kingdom of Christ.
HEBREWS 11-13
Except for the references at 11:13-16 and 39-40, which have already been
discussed, this section gives exhortation for Christian living.
And finally we have the great benediction at 13:20, "Now the God of peace
who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the
blood of the everlasting covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every
good thing to do His will."
The everlasting covenant is the covenant of relationship with God through
faith in the Messiah. And the equipping is for our function here on earth as
representatives of the character and plan of God through proclamation of the
gospel and through radiating the character of Christ in our live.
See Topic:
The imitation of Christ
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