The first-century audience of Hebrews experienced great opposition to their new found faith in Jesus. As they face pressure to give up, the unknown writer of Hebrews reassures them that everything they seek is found in Christ. The writer reminds them that once their entire lives are transformed in Christ, believers can withstand any persecution the world throws their way.
Today, you and I recognize that hope in Christ is far better than anything society offers. There simply is no substitute to a life lived in Jesus. If Christ is for us, who can stand against us?
The book of Hebrews is often viewed as a sermon written by an unknown author, inspired by God. Some scholars credit the Apostle Paul with writing it, while some early Christians suggested other known authors in the young church, including Barnabas, Luke, and Clement of Rome. Whoever wrote it is believed to have done so by the mid-90s AD.
To kick off Hebrews, the unknown writer connects the revelation of Jesus Christ to God’s previous revelation to the OT prophets. From studying Scripture, we know that God spoke in the past by the prophets in a variety of ways and times. Now, the author relates, God progressed past this former revelation and spoke directly to humankind by his Son.
The doctrine of progressive revelation recognizes the prophets’ words as divine revelation, but their words pointed ahead to the promise of a Messiah. This anticipated Messiah has now come in the person of Jesus Christ.
Apparently, believers seem to have wavered in their faith in the face of suffering and adversity brought on them because of their faith in the Gospel. They questioned whether Christ’s sacrifice really dealt with their sins. As a result, it had become increasingly tempting to abandon Christ and go back to their former life.
How often is this true of us? Difficulties challenge our beliefs and cause us to yearn for the life we once lived. Yet, we know, in Christ, we are no longer who we were but who we are in Him.
As believers, we realize that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection a new dawn has come. Jesus, the writer reminds us, is the divine agent of creation, promised to come to our rescue. I don’t know about you, but this truth gives me great hope and unfathomable joy.
In Christ, each of us have all we ever need. Jesus is our salvation, our refuge, and our stronghold. With Him in our corner, there is nothing to fear. God is with us in every storm.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
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References:
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press.
Yarnell, M. B., III. (2017). Hebrews. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 1948). Holman Bible Publishers.
The Devotional Guy™ 
Yes, our cats have all the answers. Thanks, David! Blessings to you and Nancy.
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Thank you Cyndi!
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Your cat Boss sure knows what he is talking about!Bless you both for this message!
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Thank you, Jodi. I am also discovering the blessings of sharing and serving as a witness to a life changed by Christ. Jesus is with us in our uncertainty. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful comment(s) and that you took time to read my post. Blessings to you and yours!
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“How often is this true of us? Difficulties challenge our beliefs and cause us to yearn for the life we once lived. Yet, we know, in Christ, we are no longer who we were but who we are in Him”.
So true! I think often dear Rainer – of my “old self” and how I never struggled financially in my “mess”.
Sharing a message of hope – has been the single most powerful contributor to my RICHNESS in spirit … but it causes me to rely more heavily on my Creator and the promises.
I’m believing the blessing is in the sharing … thank you and keep sharing, please 🙏
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It’s so easy to mess with the “secret sauce” God provides. We think we can add something to it or take something away to improve it, but this is not true. Christ, and Christ alone is the broker for the new covenant between God and humanity.
Blessings, brother. Now I know how you get such good material, you have a cat theologian for an assistant. 🐈
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