Fresh Perspective on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Just for your thoughts:
A Fresh Perspective on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Introduction
The Epistle to the Hebrews is a crucial book that every preacher who heavily emphasizes Old Testament events must deeply meditate upon. Even Martin Luther, in his early days, struggled to accept it as divinely inspired. However, without this book, many important Old Testament terms—such as altar, temple of Jerusalem, priesthood, sacrifices, and high priest—would remain unclear without the illuminating light of the New Testament.
The Role of Hebrews
This epistle stands as a strong bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
It was specifically written to encourage Jewish Christians who, after accepting Christ, faced persecution and began doubting whether the Gospel they had embraced was truly right. The author demonstrates how Jesus Christ is superior to Judaism and the Old Covenant.
Today, this same message is incredibly relevant. In many contemporary churches, sermons often focus 90% on the Old Testament. Preachers must turn to Hebrews to recognize and preach the supremacy of the New Covenant.
The Necessity for Modern Preachers
Hebrews is a deeply spiritual epistle and is absolutely essential for today's preachers, because:
It clarifies that the revelations given through the Son are better, eternal, and perfect.
It provides vitaJust for your thoughts:
A Fresh Perspective on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Introduction
The Epistle to the Hebrews is a crucial book that every preacher who heavily emphasizes Old Testament events must deeply meditate upon. Even Martin Luther, in his early days, struggled to accept it as divinely inspired. However, without this book, many important Old Testament terms—such as altar, temple of Jerusalem, priesthood, sacrifices, and high priest—would remain unclear without the illuminating light of the New Testament.
The Role of Hebrews
This epistle stands as a strong bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
It was specifically written to encourage Jewish Christians who, after accepting Christ, faced persecution and began doubting whether the Gospel they had embraced was truly right. The author demonstrates how Jesus Christ is superior to Judaism and the Old Covenant.
Today, this same message is incredibly relevant. In many contemporary churches, sermons often focus 90% on the Old Testament. Preachers must turn to Hebrews to recognize and preach the supremacy of the New Covenant.
The Necessity for Modern Preachers
Hebrews is a deeply spiritual epistle and is absolutely essential for today's preachers, because:
It clarifies that the revelations given through the Son are better, eternal, and perfect.
It provides vital context to understand Old Testament practices in the light of New Testament truths.
It emphasizes that Jesus Christ is not only a continuation but the fulfillment and perfection of God's plan.
It is a better revelation.
It is a revelation of eternal things.
It is the perfect revelation.
A Critical Observation
In most churches today, preachers frequently speak about figures such as Abraham, David, Daniel, and Joseph. However, it is rare to hear teachings about Paul, Peter, John, Barnabas, or their writings. Even the largest churches and most celebrated preachers often remain within the framework of the Old Testament.
This pattern must change.
We are called to focus more on the last days' messages and revelations delivered through Jesus Christ, as Hebrews highlights.
Those who preach Old Testament events must also reveal how those events point to the truths found in the New Testament. Unfortunately, many sermons fail to make this essential connection.
Key Teachings from Hebrews
Hebrews clearly explains the priesthood of all believers.
Only by understanding the change in priesthood (from the Levitical to the Melchizedekian priesthood through Christ) can believers be truly guided into the light of the New Covenant.
Sadly, while many focus only on Hebrews chapters 11 and 12, the first nine chapters, which contain profound spiritual truths, are often neglected.
A Balanced Approach
I am not saying we should stop meditating on the Old Testament. Rather, just as we preach Old Testament truths, we must equally emphasize the truths revealed through the Son in the New Testament.
As Warren Wiersbe beautifully said:
"When you combine these three words—Better, Perfect, and Eternal—you can discover the better and eternal blessings and gain a perfect standing before God."
Conclusion
I write this article not to offend, but to meet the genuine spiritual needs of believers. It is a heartfelt call for preachers and teachers to recognize and proclaim the superiority of the New Covenant, and to lead the Church to grow in the fullness of the Gospel revealed through Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel Shanmugavell context to understand Old Testament practices in the light of New Testament truths.
It emphasizes that Jesus Christ is not only a continuation but the fulfillment and perfection of God's plan.
It is a better revelation.
It is a revelation of eternal things.
It is the perfect revelation.
A Critical Observation
In most churches today, preachers frequently speak about figures such as Abraham, David, Daniel, and Joseph. However, it is rare to hear teachings about Paul, Peter, John, Barnabas, or their writings. Even the largest churches and most celebrated preachers often remain within the framework of the Old Testament.
This pattern must change.
We are called to focus more on the last days' messages and revelations delivered through Jesus Christ, as Hebrews highlights.
Those who preach Old Testament events must also reveal how those events point to the truths found in the New Testament. Unfortunately, many sermons fail to make this essential connection.
Key Teachings from Hebrews
Hebrews clearly explains the priesthood of all believers.
Only by understanding the change in priesthood (from the Levitical to the Melchizedekian priesthood through Christ) can believers be truly guided into the light of the New Covenant.
Sadly, while many focus only on Hebrews chapters 11 and 12, the first nine chapters, which contain profound spiritual truths, are often neglected.
A Balanced Approach
I am not saying we should stop meditating on the Old Testament. Rather, just as we preach Old Testament truths, we must equally emphasize the truths revealed through the Son in the New Testament.
As Warren Wiersbe beautifully said:
"When you combine these three words—Better, Perfect, and Eternal—you can discover the better and eternal blessings and gain a perfect standing before God."
Conclusion
I write this article not to offend, but to meet the genuine spiritual needs of believers. It is a heartfelt call for preachers and teachers to recognize and proclaim the superiority of the New Covenant, and to lead the Church to grow in the fullness of the Gospel revealed through Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel Shanmugavel