Chapter 1104 of 1163

HEBREWS

The author of Hebrews is unknown to us, but the theme of the book is clear: “Let us go on to perfection [spiritual maturity]” (6:1). The epistle was written to Jewish believers who were tempted to abandon the fullness of Christ and go back to the emptiness of a religious system soon to be destroyed.

Lost people are still “in Egypt” and need to be redeemed through faith in Christ. Those who are redeemed are privileged to enter their spiritual inheritance (“Canaan”) and enjoy His “rest” (4:11; Matt. 11:28–30). Entering Canaan is not a type of going to heaven. It is a picture of conquering the enemy and claiming your spiritual inheritance by faith.

But too many believers, like Israel in the Old Testament, are wandering in the wilderness of unbelief and yearning to go back to the old life. The message of Hebrews is especially for them: “Let us go on to maturity!”

Hebrews is one of three New Testament letters written to explain Habakkuk 2:4, “The just shall live by his faith.” (See Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38.) The emphasis in Hebrews is on “by faith.” God has spoken through His Son, and we must respond to that Word. Our response determines the kind of life we live and how much of our spiritual inheritance we claim. We are not only saved by faith, but we must live by faith.

One key word in Hebrews is better. Christ is better than the angels (chaps. 1–2) and better than Moses and Aaron (chaps. 3–6). He has a better priesthood (chap. 7), covenant (chap. 8), sanctuary (chap. 9), and sacrifice (chap. 10); and He gives His people a better life (chaps. 11–13), a life of faith.

As you meditate on this profound letter, ask yourself, Am I looking back and craving the old life, or am I pressing on by faith to claim my inheritance in Christ? Am I wandering in a wilderness of unbelief or resting in His finished work and faithful Word?

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