Discussion Identifying the Central Issue in a General Epistle

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Discussion Thread: Identifying the Central Issue in a General Epistle Bratt sickman post: We don’t know the author of the Book of Hebrews, and we don’t know the specific audience for whom the book was written.1 But the message and purpose of the book is clear. Early Christians who had accepted Christ were reverting to a form of non-Christian Judaism as well as returning to lifestyles in disregard of Christ’s teachings. The Book of Hebrews was written to warn and encourage early Christians who were turning away from Christ. Hebrews starts by detailing numerous Old Testament individuals, events, themes, and scriptures. It then juxtaposes those topics with Jesus. In each case the Old Testament subject is shown to be fulfilled, and ultimately subordinate to, Jesus Christ.2 For example, one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history was Moses. Moses brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, led Israel through the wilderness for 40 years, and brought the Law to Israel. Who could be greater than Moses? Hebrews gives us the answer. “For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself” (Heb 3:3).3 And a short time later, “Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son” (Heb 3:5-6). Since a substantial portion of the letter is dedicated to establishing the supremacy of Jesus, it must mean that there was some doubt in this regard among the audience. The overall argument is aimed at correcting this error, which likely led some early Christians to go back to a form of Judaism that either placed Jesus in a subordinate role or left him out entirely.
Another associated problem involved early Christians losing faith and turning away from God, reverting to a sinful lifestyle contrary to Jesus’ teachings.4 The author of Hebrews begins to address this issue with an eloquent definition of faith, complete with relatable examples from the Old Testament (Heb 11). It seems that through trials and false teachings, some followers of Jesus were neglecting their spiritual growth and turning to a sinful lifestyle. In essence, they appear to have been losing faith. The author warns, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Heb 10:26). Why would the author issue such a warning if this were not a problem among the audience? But the author encourages these early believers and seeks to build their faith when he writes, “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2). Though initially directed toward members of the early church, Hebrews continues to be relevant to Christians today. Today, faith is often defined within popular culture as antithetical to reason and knowledge. Practices such as abortion, homosexuality, and the denial of religious freedom, as well as the popularity of moral relativism, are all ways in which the world is calling followers of Jesus to walk away from Him and join the popular crowd. Persecution against Christians is increasing as the world convinces the general population that Christian teachings are ignorant and intolerant, based on outdated teachings from an antique book of myths. It is all too easy to lose faith. And once that faith is lost, there is little to keep Christians from falling into lifestyle choices and habits that are completely opposed to the “knowledge of truth” (Heb 10:26). These challenges are all consistent with the challenges Hebrews addresses. The warnings and encouragement offered in this sermonic letter makes Hebrews vital to contemporary Christians to this day.
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