Hebrews — Beyond the Basics

There’s a Reason for Mature Instruction

One of the things Hebrews reveals is a series of comparisons between Angels and Jesus, Moses and Jesus, Jesus and Melchizedek, and the Levitical High Priest and Jesus our High Priest, all showing the superiority of Jesus. Not to mention comparisons between the Tabernacle and Heaven, the old and new covenants, and between animal sacrifices and Jesus' sacrifice.

But, there are other things mentioned too. In the passage of Hebrews that identifies and contrasts the elementary teachings to teachings for the mature Christian we find a context that is the book of Hebrews in miniature. The Hebrew writer is in the middle of a deep discussion when he stops to give a criticism, a list of elementary teachings, and a warning to his audience. After the warning he returns to his discussion right where he left off. We see this cycle of instructing & warning repeated over several times

The instruction is aimed to address the warnings the writer presents to his audience to help them maintain their walk with Christ. Some warnings are listed.

Heb 2:1-4, Pay attention,

  • lest we drift away

  • How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

Heb 3:7-4:13 - If you hear His voice,

  • do not harden your hearts [as previous generations did]

  • [God says], "They always go astray in their heart

  • They have not KNOWN my ways,

  • I swore in my wrath, 'They shall NOT enter My rest.’”

Heb 10:26-31 — if we go on sinning deliberately

  • after receiving the knowledge of the truth

  • there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

  • but a fearful expectation of judgment,

Take time to read Hebrews and see for yourself how the writer tailors his instruction to the warnings he presents. Give careful thought to his message. It is as pertinent today as it was 2,000 years ago.

— Scott R