The book of Hebrews stands out among the numerous epistles of the New Testament for several reasons. First, the epistle is anonymous. All of the other epistles clearly are claimed by the writer, but Hebrews is not. This has caused a great deal of confusion among many for a long time; however, its unity with all of the rest of the Bible clearly marks its inspiration. Therefore even though the penman may not be known, there is no question the author was indeed God. Second, the book of Hebrews stands out because of its subject. While other of the epistles dealt with Christians with Jewish backgrounds, this epistle was written specifically to Christians with Jewish backgrounds. There was a very specific problem arising and the means by which the author goes about to instruct the readers marks the book as true masterpiece. Then, third, Hebrews stands out because of its arrangement. In order to help those to whom he was writing, the author went about to go almost point by point and disprove that to which they were so tempted to return. And though many other reasons could be noted, at least these three clearly indicate the unique nature of this marvelous book.
In order to understand the book of Hebrews it is absolutely essential to get some insight into its purpose. Scattered throughout the epistle are numerous references to persecution, trials, and temptations (Hebrews 5:12-6:3; 10:23-25; 12:3-4; 13:22; etc.). Given this and other evidence throughout the book and from history, it has been generally concluded that:
“Because of bitter persecution, the Jewish Christians addressed seemed to think that in espousing Christ they had lost everything. They had a tendency to disbelieve Christ and to undervalue their blessings and privileges in Christ. Absorbed with their sufferings, they were in danger of falling away from Christ. By filling their minds with the glory of Christ, and the grandeur of His work, the writer shows that instead of losing all, they had gained all” (Dunn).
And putting yourself in the shoes of the writer, seeing the great emotional and spiritual struggle with which the audience was faced, how would be the best way to approach their downward spiral? Simply put, the best way to convince these Christians from a Jewish background that they should remain in Christianity rather than revert back to Judaism is to tell them about the superiority of Christ and Christianity. Lay it all on the table side by side, and point by point, and prove by each that a life in Christ is better because Christ Himself is better. That would make the most sense, and inspired by God, that is the exact tactic used by the writer. In fact, in thirteen ways the book of Hebrews compares Christianity to Judaism and concludes honestly and forthrightly that the better life is in Christ. What are these examples?
1. Christ is superior to the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-4).
2. Christ is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4-2:18).
3. Christ is superior to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-19).
4. Christ is superior to Joshua (Hebrews 4:1-8).
5. Christ offers a superior rest (Hebrews 4:9-13).
6. Christ is superior to Aaron (Hebrews 4:14-5:10).
7. Christ has the superior priesthood (Hebrews 6:13-10:18).
8. Christ has the superior covenant (Hebrews 8:6-10:18).
9. Christ is the superior atonement (Hebrews 9:1-10:18).
10. Christ has the superior tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-10:18).
11. Christ is the superior way (Hebrews 10:19-11:40).
12. Christ offers the superior relationship to God (Hebrews 12:1-29).
13. Christ has a superior work and worship (Hebrews 13:1-21)
2. Christ is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4-2:18).
3. Christ is superior to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-19).
4. Christ is superior to Joshua (Hebrews 4:1-8).
5. Christ offers a superior rest (Hebrews 4:9-13).
6. Christ is superior to Aaron (Hebrews 4:14-5:10).
7. Christ has the superior priesthood (Hebrews 6:13-10:18).
8. Christ has the superior covenant (Hebrews 8:6-10:18).
9. Christ is the superior atonement (Hebrews 9:1-10:18).
10. Christ has the superior tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-10:18).
11. Christ is the superior way (Hebrews 10:19-11:40).
12. Christ offers the superior relationship to God (Hebrews 12:1-29).
13. Christ has a superior work and worship (Hebrews 13:1-21)
That essentially is the book of Hebrews. Christ is the superior One and offers the superior way. And while the circumstances through which a temptation to draw one’s self away from Christ may be different the way to counter it has not changed a bit. Is denominationalism appealing to you? Christ’s way is better! Does the carnal world of atheism look tempting? Christ’s way is better! Are the feel good ways of the world pulling at your heart? Christ’s way is better! Whatever to which you might be looking as a pleasing alternative to Christianity, do not be fooled. Once and for all let it be known and shouted from the rooftops—Christ is superior!
-Andy Brewer