JESUS CHRIST

PREFACE

The Book of Hebrews is a book in the New Testament of the Bible. It is an epistle, or letter, written to a group of Jewish Christians or Hebrews, hence its title. However, the author of Hebrews is unknown, and there has been much speculation and debate among scholars about who wrote it.

The book of Hebrews is unique among the New Testament letters in its style and content. It contains rich theological and doctrinal teachings, drawing heavily on the Old Testament and Jewish traditions to emphasize the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The main theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ and the new covenant he established over the old covenant and its various elements, such as the priesthood, sacrifices, and the Tabernacle. The author argues that Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, the perfect sacrifice for sins, and the mediator of a better covenant based on grace and faith.

Hebrews also emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of trials and persecution. It encourages its audience to hold fast to their confession of Jesus Christ and to approach God with confidence through the access provided by Jesus’ sacrifice.

The book of Hebrews is often considered one of the most challenging books in the New Testament due to its complex theological arguments and references to Old Testament rituals and concepts. However, it is also highly valued for its profound teachings on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Overall, the book of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the believers’ need to remain faithful and steadfast in their Christian walk.

TITLE: JESUS CHRIST

Sub Title: “The Central Figure In the Book Of Hebrews”

Introduction:

The book of Hebrews stands as a remarkable testament to the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ. This epistle, whose authorship remains unknown, addresses a community of Jewish Christians, emphasizing the significance of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. Through its profound theological teachings and extensive use of Old Testament references, Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as the central figure around whom the entire book revolves.

Jesus as the Son of God:

The book of Hebrews begins by establishing the divine nature and exalted position of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 1:2–3, the author declares that God has spoken to humanity through His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He created the universe. This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity and authority, elevating Him above all other beings, including angels. The author further highlights Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father, describing Him as the “radiance of God’s glory” and the “exact representation of His being.”

Jesus as the Ultimate High Priest:

One of the central themes of Hebrews is Jesus’ role as the perfect High Priest. In Hebrews 4:14–16, the author presents Jesus as the High Priest who has passed through the heavens, sympathizing with human weaknesses. Unlike the Old Testament priests, Jesus is sinless and able to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sins once and for all. Hebrews 5:5–10 elaborates on Jesus’ priestly office, drawing a parallel between Him and the Old Testament figure of Melchizedek. The author establishes Jesus as the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, surpassing the limitations of the Levitical priesthood.

Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice:

The book of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice over the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:11–14 compares the temporary cleansing achieved through the blood of animal sacrifices to the eternal redemption obtained by Jesus’ blood. Jesus offered Himself as the unblemished Lamb of God, providing complete atonement for sin. Hebrews 10:10 reaffirm this truth, stating that “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice renders all other sacrifices obsolete, establishing a new covenant of grace and forgiveness.

Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant:

Hebrews underscores Jesus’ role as the mediator of the new and better covenant. Hebrews 9:15 declares that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, enabling believers to receive the promised eternal inheritance. The author contrasts the old covenant, associated with the Law of Moses, with the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ priestly ministry and His shed blood provide believers with direct access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19–22). Jesus’ mediation grants believers a new and living way to approach God with confidence, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Conclusion:

The book of Hebrews presents a compelling portrait of Jesus Christ as the central figure and focal point of the entire narrative. Jesus is depicted as the Son of God, the ultimate High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the mediator of the new covenant. Through profound theological insights and extensive use of Old Testament references Hebrews unveils the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. As believers reflect on the teachings of Hebrews, they are encouraged to place Jesus at the center of their faith, recognizing His unparalleled significance in their lives and embracing Him as the source of salvation, hope, and eternal life.

Written by: John U. Ordillo