Fridays are for Fred

Since we will cover 2 chapters the next time we get together I thought I’d give a bit of a summary of what we’ll discuss.

The writer of Hebrews is presenting Christ as the better way.  He is better than the angels (chpts.1 & 2), he is better than Moses (chpt. 3), he is the promised and better rest (chpt. 4), although Jesus was not of the priestly line, he is a priest like Melchizedek, who was greater than Abraham (chpt. 7).  Jesus is our High Priest, whose ministry is greater than the old priesthood, mediating a better covenant (chpt 8).

In chapter 9 we learn that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use.  The old system used the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer to cleanse the people’s bodies, but the once for all sacrifice of Christ will purify our consciences so that we can worship the living God.   

In chapter 10, the writer of Hebrews will continue to present Christ as the mediator of a new covenant superior to the old covenant.  God’s people are made holy by the one time sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, which gives us permission to enter heaven’s Most Holy Place.  The presence of our great High Priest ruling over God’s house gives us confidence to enter with a clean conscience.

The book of Hebrews encourages us to continue in the faith, preferring Christ and seeing Him as the superior way to reconciliation and true worship of God.  Have you been encouraged during this study?