Our final line of inquiry into the Biblical book of Hebrews involves the purpose of this book. One way to ascertain that purpose involves a look at the cultural challenges faced by the original audience for this letter…
“We need to keep in mind that this epistle is directed to Hebrew believers who stood at the juncture of two great dispensations. The dispensation of law had come to an end. The sacrifices in the temple that had once been so meaningful were now meaningless. What God had before required was now actually sin for a believer to practice, as this epistle will make very clear.” (1)
This brings us to the primary theme that marks the book of Hebrews: Jesus Christ is the ultimate, final, and complete revelation of God to humanity. Every other practice, illustration, created being, or individual person who ever pointed to God has now been superseded by Him.
However, the book of Hebrews features another important theme…
“Hebrews places great emphasis on the importance of living by faith. It teaches us three things about faith (ch. 11): First, Hebrews defines faith. “Faith” is volitional surrender and obedience to God, regardless of appearances. It is not just intellectual conviction. It is the action of the will that expresses intellectual conviction. This epistle regards unbelief as disobedience, as does all of Scripture. People in the past who lived by faith made decisions and acted because they believed God, in spite of appearances (ch. 11).
Second, Hebrews also illustrates faith. It describes faith as doing, as suffering, and as waiting. These are the primary activities of faith that the writer of Hebrews emphasized. They are progressively more difficult. It is harder to suffer persecution for our faith than it is to obey God when obedience does not involve suffering. It is most difficult to keep on trusting God when suffering does not end. Waiting for God to fulfill His promises is hardest of all when our hopes do not materialize (e.g., Christ’s return).
Third, in addition, Hebrews vindicates faith. It assures us of the ultimate triumph of faith. People in the past, who acted in faith, achieved. People who suffered for their faith triumphed. People who waited in faith received their reward. There are examples of all three types of people in Hebrews. On the positive side, then, we need to continue to trust God in order to realize our full reward as believers. What we must not do is turn away from God. This is the negative responsibility that the letter also stresses. If we apostatize, we will lose our full reward.” (2)
(1) J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee, “Hebrews 1:1-3” Copyright 1981 by J. Vernon McGee
(2) Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Hebrews 2021 Edition https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/hebrews/hebrews.htm