Can you briefly explain the design of Hebrews?
Introduction. The Hebrew epistle is an outstanding treatise, if you will, in dissuading Christians from falling away. In fact, the original recipients of Hebrews were in danger, to put it mildly, of leaving Christ (Heb. 2: 1-3, 3: 12-4: 1, 6: 1-8). Indeed, one can be a genuine Christian and fall away to be lost (Heb. 6: 4-8). The writer repeatedly presents the exalted nature and position of Jesus, the one whom they would be repudiating (Heb. 1). In his persuasive argumentation to remain faithful, he also presents to them some better things they have in connection with Christ.
The exalted nature and position of Jesus. Jesus is God's spokesman (Heb. 1: 1). He is also "appointed heir of all things" and the Creator (vs. 2). Jesus is an exact duplication or representation of the Father (vs. 3). Jesus is over angels (vss. 4-14) and yet he subjected himself to a vicarious death (2: 9-18). Jesus was faithful, became our Great High Priest, and is the one whom we must obey to be saved (Chs. 3, 4, 7, and 5: 7, 8). If they left Jesus, "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" (10: 25-31).
The superior provisions presented in Hebrews. They had everything to gain in remaining loyal and all to lose if they fell away, the writer reasons. They had a "better covenant" (Heb. 8: 6-13). The Jew was taught to anticipate a new covenant (Jere.31: 31-34). This better covenant they enjoyed only in connection with Christ. It offered "complete" forgiveness, better promises, and a changed priesthood (9: 28, compare 10: 1-4, 8: 6, 7: 12). In association with Christ, they had a "better hope," and a "better country," heaven of which Canaan was a type (7: 19, 11: 16).
Conclusion. Jesus offers you and me abundant life (John 10: 10). However, we must accept His blessings by obeying him (Heb. 5: 8-9).
The exalted nature and position of Jesus. Jesus is God's spokesman (Heb. 1: 1). He is also "appointed heir of all things" and the Creator (vs. 2). Jesus is an exact duplication or representation of the Father (vs. 3). Jesus is over angels (vss. 4-14) and yet he subjected himself to a vicarious death (2: 9-18). Jesus was faithful, became our Great High Priest, and is the one whom we must obey to be saved (Chs. 3, 4, 7, and 5: 7, 8). If they left Jesus, "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" (10: 25-31).
The superior provisions presented in Hebrews. They had everything to gain in remaining loyal and all to lose if they fell away, the writer reasons. They had a "better covenant" (Heb. 8: 6-13). The Jew was taught to anticipate a new covenant (Jere.31: 31-34). This better covenant they enjoyed only in connection with Christ. It offered "complete" forgiveness, better promises, and a changed priesthood (9: 28, compare 10: 1-4, 8: 6, 7: 12). In association with Christ, they had a "better hope," and a "better country," heaven of which Canaan was a type (7: 19, 11: 16).
Conclusion. Jesus offers you and me abundant life (John 10: 10). However, we must accept His blessings by obeying him (Heb. 5: 8-9).