An Introduction to Hebrews: Christ is Better
The Epistle to the Hebrews stands as a monumental theological treatise within the New Testament, unique in its style, structure, and profound Christological exposition. While its author remains unknown, traditionally attributed to Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos, its divine inspiration and powerful message are undeniable. Written primarily to Jewish believers in the first century, who were grappling with persecution and the temptation to revert to the familiar, tangible rituals of Judaism, this epistle serves as a robust declaration of the absolute and unparalleled superiority of Jesus Christ. The central theme, repeated and reinforced throughout its thirteen chapters, is captured succinctly: Christ is Better.
The book does not merely assert Christ's superiority but systematically demonstrates it by comparing Him to various revered elements of the Old Covenant. This meticulous comparison was crucial for an audience steeped in the Law, the prophets, and the temple service, as it revealed that what they held dear were but shadows, while Christ was the very substance and fulfillment.
The Superiority of Christ: A Comprehensive Revelation
The author of Hebrews meticulously unfolds the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ, presenting Him as superior to every aspect of the Old Testament system.
Better Than AngelsThe epistle immediately establishes Christ's preeminence over angels, beings held in high esteem by Jewish tradition, who often mediated God's law and will. The author quotes extensively from the Old Testament to prove Christ's divine Sonship and eternal nature, contrasting it with the created, ministering role of angels. Angels are servants; Christ is the Son and Heir.
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
He continues, showing that God never called an angel His Son in the same unique way He did Christ, nor did He command angels to worship angels. Rather, angels are commanded to worship Christ.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Furthermore, while the law was ordained by angels (Galatians 3:19), the salvation proclaimed by Christ is far greater and more sure, confirmed by God Himself.
Better Than MosesFor if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Moses was revered as the lawgiver, the mediator of the Old Covenant, and the most prominent figure in Israel's history. Yet, the author of Hebrews places Christ above him, not by diminishing Moses's role, but by elevating Christ's. Moses was a faithful servant in God's house; Christ is a faithful Son over His own house.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Moses was part of the house; Christ built the house and is its owner. This distinction highlights Christ's divine authority and inherent superiority as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Better Priesthood and CovenantThe heart of the Old Covenant was the Levitical priesthood and its system of sacrifices. The book of Hebrews dedicates significant portions to demonstrating Christ's superior priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," not Aaron.
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Because He lives forever, His priesthood is unchangeable.
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
His blood, unlike the blood of bulls and goats, truly cleanses the conscience and perfects those who are sanctified.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
The Context and Call to Endurance
Understanding the audience of Hebrews is crucial to appreciating its message. These Jewish believers were likely facing severe persecution, ostracism from their communities, and the allure of returning to the familiar, less persecuted path of Judaism. The author's repeated warnings against apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-31) underscore the real danger they faced: abandoning Christ for a system that was obsolete and powerless to save.
The epistle's declaration of Christ's superiority was not merely theological exposition; it was a pastoral imperative. If Christ is truly better than angels, Moses, and the entire Old Covenant system, then there is no logical or spiritual reason to turn back. To do so would be to despise the very Son of God.
Practical Implications for Believers
The profound theological truths of Hebrews culminate in powerful exhortations for practical Christian living. If Christ is better, then our response should be:
- Hold Fast to Our Profession: Since we have a great high priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we must cling to our faith without wavering.
- Draw Near with Confidence: Because Christ has opened a new and living way into the holiest of all, believers can approach God's throne of grace with boldness to find mercy and grace in time of need.
- Live by Faith and Endure: The famous "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 serves as a testament to those who lived by faith, looking forward to God's promises. This chapter encourages believers to run the race with patience, fixing their eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith.
- Encourage One Another: In light of Christ's return, believers are exhorted to assemble together and provoke one another to love and good works.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Conclusion: The All-Sufficient Christ
The Epistle to the Hebrews is a clarion call to fully embrace the all-sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ. It meticulously dismantles any argument for returning to the shadows of the Old Covenant by unequivocally demonstrating that Christ is not merely a prophet, a priest, or a king, but the very Son of God, God manifest in the flesh, the ultimate High Priest, and the mediator of an eternal, perfect covenant. He is the fulfillment of all that the Law and the prophets foreshadowed.
For the first-century Jewish believers, this message was a lifeline, anchoring them to the truth amidst a storm of persecution and temptation. For believers today, the message remains equally vital. In a world full of competing philosophies, transient promises, and false securities, Hebrews reminds us that our hope, our salvation, and our access to God rest solely and perfectly in Jesus Christ. He is better than all things, and in Him, we have everything we need for life and godliness. Let us, therefore, "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" (Hebrews 13:13), fixing our eyes upon the One who is eternally and unequivocally Better.