Christ Is Better
The book of Hebrews is a book I enjoy reading and studying. One main thought found within the book of Hebrews is that Christ is “better.” As we read the epistle to the Hebrew Christians, we see that this book is written to keep those Christians from returning to the practices of the old law (Heb. 6:4-6; etc.). These folks had a unique problem, in that they were not only persecuted by Rome for being Christians; but they were also persecuted by their families and fellow Jews for renouncing Judaism! Therefore, this book encourages them to remain faithful to the end by showing how Christ and their relationship to Him is better than anything else (Heb. 3:14, 10:32-39).
He Is Better Than Angels
As we read the book of Hebrews, we find that one way in which these people were encouraged to continue in faithfulness was by showing them that as Christians, when they forsook family and friends to follow Christ (Matt. 10:34-39), they were following One not only better than any man; but One better than angels! Therefore, the book of Hebrews begins by stating that Christ is “so much better than the angels” (Heb. 1:4). God had not fulfilled His plan of salvation through an angel or a plurality of angels, but through One even “better” than angels — Christ (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 1:2-4)!
He Is Better Than Moses
In Hebrews, we find Christ contrasted with Moses. In fact, Jesus is better than Moses (“worthy of more glory than Moses,” 3:3). Yet, while Moses was a “faithful servant” in God’s house, we see Jesus described as “a son over his own house” (Heb. 3:5-6). In fact, Jesus made the point of telling people that Moses wrote of Him (Jn. 5:46-47) and they needed to “search the scriptures” in order to find out this truth (Jn. 5:39). In the Hebrew letter, we see that Jesus is in fact better than Moses in many ways. This will be made clearer as we continue our study.
He Has A Better Priesthood Than Aaron’s
In chapter five, Christ is contrasted with Aaron. At this time, we are shown how Christ’s priesthood is a better priesthood than Aaron’s. In contrast with Aaron who was born into the family of Levi and became a high priest, Jesus’ priesthood is an everlasting priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:6, 10, 6:20, 7:17, 21). The explanation of Christ’s priesthood continues into the seventh chapter of Hebrews. In chapter five, though, we are reminded of the incident in Genesis 14 where after the battle of the kings and the rescue of Lot, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20). In Hebrews 7, the Holy Spirit notes how the Levites received tithes of the people (7:5). Yet, in Genesis 14, it was Abraham (Levi’s great-grandfather) who gave tithes to Melchizedek (Heb. 7:6)! God made the point that due to Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, by extension, it was also Levi paying tithes to Melchizedek (7:9-10). So, for Jesus to be a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” actually gives Him a “better” priesthood, for “the less is blessed of the better” (7:7). This was also a better priesthood than Aaron’s, for Christ was made a priest by God’s oath; whereas the Levites became priests without an oath (7:20-21). Christ could not be a priest on earth, for He was of the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14). Yet, God was able through a change of the law, to make Him a better priest with an unchangeable priesthood!
He Gives A Better Hope
Within Hebrews 7, we also read of the “better hope” in Christ (7:19). That verse shows us that the Law of Moses could not provide for a “better hope,” but Jesus could! Through this “better hope,” folks are then able to “draw nigh to God”! This becomes yet one more reason for the Hebrew people to continue in their service and faithfulness to Christ. If they tried to return to the Old Law, they would have no access to that better hope, for it is only found in Christ! For this same reason, James is able to write to Christians and tell them, “draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you...” (Jas. 4:8). When Christ brought a “better hope,” men were then able to “draw nigh to God”!
He Has A Better Testament
Another “better” thing found in Hebrews 7 is that in Christ, we have a “better testament” (7:22). This is repeated in Hebrews 8:6 and said that Christ is “the mediator of a better covenant established upon better promises”! What a beautiful thought! The new covenant that Christ brought into being is actually better than the previous covenant; and those of us living after Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension can take full advantage of this “better covenant”!
He Offered Better Sacrifices
While continuing to convince the Hebrew Christians to remain faithful to the Lord, they were also reminded of the “better sacrifices” offered in Christ. In Old Testament days, sacrifices of bulls, goats, turtledoves, sheep, etc., were offered to God. Blood from sacrificial animals was sprinkled for the people, for “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). Yet, Christ offered “better sacrifices”! In this case, our high priest became the sacrifice for sins (Heb. 9:14, 26). He offered Himself once and for all (Heb. 10:10, 12), and applied His blood in Heaven for us (Heb. 9:24, 10:19). Hebrews 12:24 says Christ’s blood “speaks better things than that of Abel”! Truly, His sacrifice became the better sacrifice by which we can obtain salvation and look forward to Heaven when this life is over!
He Gives A Better And Enduring Substance
This is the promise to all the redeemed! Read Hebrews 10:34, and realize that in context, these people had suffered much for Christ. They had “endured a great fight of affliction”, “were made a gazingstock”, “became companions of them that were so used”, and “took joyfully the spoiling of your goods” (Heb. 10:32-34). Yet, as bad as this was, they were encouraged to continue in Christ, for in Him, there is a “better and enduring substance” awaiting them. He continues by saying they had “great recompence of reward” (Heb. 10:35). What encouragement! Such things ought to have helped them see past the terrible, but momentary problems in this life and focus upon Heaven. Hebrews 11 says that it was to Heaven, the “better country”, that those great faith heroes looked while they endured hardships and suffered (Heb. 11:16). The same words of encouragement given to the Hebrews ought to encourage us. As Jesus said, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22). This promise is made not only to the Jewish Christians, but to anyone who belongs to Christ! Therefore, let us be ready to endure our problems and temptations, and remember, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). The apostle Peter also wrote about this, telling Christians that they have, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you” (I Pet. 1:4). Truly, it is a “better and enduring substance” that awaits the child of God in eternity!
He Promised A Better Resurrection
Continuing to read in Hebrews 11, we find some folks who truly suffered terrible tortures for God. In their suffering, we see folks who did not flinch, nor try to run from the pain and suffering. Rather, “... others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). This passage touches my heart in many ways. Notice that there were folks who endured trial and tortures, including death, because they knew there was a “better resurrection” to come. Friends, can we understand that because of Christ, those who have obeyed His plan of salvation can also look forward to that “better resurrection”?!? There is something far better than being released from a prison cell, or even from a torturer’s whip. At most, all those people can do is kill you (Matt. 10:28). There is a better resurrection to come. Jesus guaranteed that it is going to happen one day (I Cor. 15:20-24).
He Is The Better Thing
Don’t forget to read Hebrews 11:40! The “better thing” of this passage ties together the above passages we have studied, and prepares us for the description of Christ in Hebrews 12:1-2!!
Conclusion
Based upon this study, can we see why it was so important that the Jewish Christians remained faithful to God? Friend, remember that Christ needs to be the focus of all we do! We Christians are recipients of these blessings in Christ. Can you think of anything “better” than being a Christian? I can’t!
The book of Hebrews is a book I enjoy reading and studying. One main thought found within the book of Hebrews is that Christ is “better.” As we read the epistle to the Hebrew Christians, we see that this book is written to keep those Christians from returning to the practices of the old law (Heb. 6:4-6; etc.). These folks had a unique problem, in that they were not only persecuted by Rome for being Christians; but they were also persecuted by their families and fellow Jews for renouncing Judaism! Therefore, this book encourages them to remain faithful to the end by showing how Christ and their relationship to Him is better than anything else (Heb. 3:14, 10:32-39).
He Is Better Than Angels
As we read the book of Hebrews, we find that one way in which these people were encouraged to continue in faithfulness was by showing them that as Christians, when they forsook family and friends to follow Christ (Matt. 10:34-39), they were following One not only better than any man; but One better than angels! Therefore, the book of Hebrews begins by stating that Christ is “so much better than the angels” (Heb. 1:4). God had not fulfilled His plan of salvation through an angel or a plurality of angels, but through One even “better” than angels — Christ (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 1:2-4)!
He Is Better Than Moses
In Hebrews, we find Christ contrasted with Moses. In fact, Jesus is better than Moses (“worthy of more glory than Moses,” 3:3). Yet, while Moses was a “faithful servant” in God’s house, we see Jesus described as “a son over his own house” (Heb. 3:5-6). In fact, Jesus made the point of telling people that Moses wrote of Him (Jn. 5:46-47) and they needed to “search the scriptures” in order to find out this truth (Jn. 5:39). In the Hebrew letter, we see that Jesus is in fact better than Moses in many ways. This will be made clearer as we continue our study.
He Has A Better Priesthood Than Aaron’s
In chapter five, Christ is contrasted with Aaron. At this time, we are shown how Christ’s priesthood is a better priesthood than Aaron’s. In contrast with Aaron who was born into the family of Levi and became a high priest, Jesus’ priesthood is an everlasting priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:6, 10, 6:20, 7:17, 21). The explanation of Christ’s priesthood continues into the seventh chapter of Hebrews. In chapter five, though, we are reminded of the incident in Genesis 14 where after the battle of the kings and the rescue of Lot, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20). In Hebrews 7, the Holy Spirit notes how the Levites received tithes of the people (7:5). Yet, in Genesis 14, it was Abraham (Levi’s great-grandfather) who gave tithes to Melchizedek (Heb. 7:6)! God made the point that due to Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, by extension, it was also Levi paying tithes to Melchizedek (7:9-10). So, for Jesus to be a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” actually gives Him a “better” priesthood, for “the less is blessed of the better” (7:7). This was also a better priesthood than Aaron’s, for Christ was made a priest by God’s oath; whereas the Levites became priests without an oath (7:20-21). Christ could not be a priest on earth, for He was of the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14). Yet, God was able through a change of the law, to make Him a better priest with an unchangeable priesthood!
He Gives A Better Hope
Within Hebrews 7, we also read of the “better hope” in Christ (7:19). That verse shows us that the Law of Moses could not provide for a “better hope,” but Jesus could! Through this “better hope,” folks are then able to “draw nigh to God”! This becomes yet one more reason for the Hebrew people to continue in their service and faithfulness to Christ. If they tried to return to the Old Law, they would have no access to that better hope, for it is only found in Christ! For this same reason, James is able to write to Christians and tell them, “draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you...” (Jas. 4:8). When Christ brought a “better hope,” men were then able to “draw nigh to God”!
He Has A Better Testament
Another “better” thing found in Hebrews 7 is that in Christ, we have a “better testament” (7:22). This is repeated in Hebrews 8:6 and said that Christ is “the mediator of a better covenant established upon better promises”! What a beautiful thought! The new covenant that Christ brought into being is actually better than the previous covenant; and those of us living after Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension can take full advantage of this “better covenant”!
He Offered Better Sacrifices
While continuing to convince the Hebrew Christians to remain faithful to the Lord, they were also reminded of the “better sacrifices” offered in Christ. In Old Testament days, sacrifices of bulls, goats, turtledoves, sheep, etc., were offered to God. Blood from sacrificial animals was sprinkled for the people, for “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). Yet, Christ offered “better sacrifices”! In this case, our high priest became the sacrifice for sins (Heb. 9:14, 26). He offered Himself once and for all (Heb. 10:10, 12), and applied His blood in Heaven for us (Heb. 9:24, 10:19). Hebrews 12:24 says Christ’s blood “speaks better things than that of Abel”! Truly, His sacrifice became the better sacrifice by which we can obtain salvation and look forward to Heaven when this life is over!
He Gives A Better And Enduring Substance
This is the promise to all the redeemed! Read Hebrews 10:34, and realize that in context, these people had suffered much for Christ. They had “endured a great fight of affliction”, “were made a gazingstock”, “became companions of them that were so used”, and “took joyfully the spoiling of your goods” (Heb. 10:32-34). Yet, as bad as this was, they were encouraged to continue in Christ, for in Him, there is a “better and enduring substance” awaiting them. He continues by saying they had “great recompence of reward” (Heb. 10:35). What encouragement! Such things ought to have helped them see past the terrible, but momentary problems in this life and focus upon Heaven. Hebrews 11 says that it was to Heaven, the “better country”, that those great faith heroes looked while they endured hardships and suffered (Heb. 11:16). The same words of encouragement given to the Hebrews ought to encourage us. As Jesus said, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22). This promise is made not only to the Jewish Christians, but to anyone who belongs to Christ! Therefore, let us be ready to endure our problems and temptations, and remember, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). The apostle Peter also wrote about this, telling Christians that they have, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you” (I Pet. 1:4). Truly, it is a “better and enduring substance” that awaits the child of God in eternity!
He Promised A Better Resurrection
Continuing to read in Hebrews 11, we find some folks who truly suffered terrible tortures for God. In their suffering, we see folks who did not flinch, nor try to run from the pain and suffering. Rather, “... others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). This passage touches my heart in many ways. Notice that there were folks who endured trial and tortures, including death, because they knew there was a “better resurrection” to come. Friends, can we understand that because of Christ, those who have obeyed His plan of salvation can also look forward to that “better resurrection”?!? There is something far better than being released from a prison cell, or even from a torturer’s whip. At most, all those people can do is kill you (Matt. 10:28). There is a better resurrection to come. Jesus guaranteed that it is going to happen one day (I Cor. 15:20-24).
He Is The Better Thing
Don’t forget to read Hebrews 11:40! The “better thing” of this passage ties together the above passages we have studied, and prepares us for the description of Christ in Hebrews 12:1-2!!
Conclusion
Based upon this study, can we see why it was so important that the Jewish Christians remained faithful to God? Friend, remember that Christ needs to be the focus of all we do! We Christians are recipients of these blessings in Christ. Can you think of anything “better” than being a Christian? I can’t!
posted by Jarrod | 9:49 PM
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