Unlocking the Unified Story of the Bible
The Bible is a complex and multifaceted book, containing sixty-six books that are divided into two testaments. Its pages are filled with history, poetry, lament, and letters, written by different authors in various times and cultures. However, amidst this diversity, there is a unified story that underlies the entire narrative. The book of Hebrews plays a unique role in revealing this cohesive thread, demonstrating that the Bible is not a collection of unrelated stories, but rather one glorious tale of redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Gravitational Center of Hebrews
At the heart of Hebrews is the declaration that “Jesus Christ is better” (the words “better,” “more,” and “greater” appear a total of twenty-five times). This central motif underscores the superiority of Jesus Christ above all things. He is superior to angelic beings, Moses, the high priests, and even the sacrifices. By understanding this, the complexities of the Bible become clearer, and we see the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes and promises in Christ.
Unfolding the Mystery
Hebrews contains thirty-five direct quotations from the Old Testament, along with numerous allusions and references. With this background in mind, the author argues that God’s glory and redemptive plan are finally and most clearly revealed in Jesus Christ. As we unfold the mystery of seeing Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament, we begin to grasp the unified story of the Bible.
From Complication to Clarity
When we understand that the glory of God as revealed in Jesus Christ is the gravitational center of Hebrews, the complexities of the Bible become less daunting. We see the long-awaited new covenant age ushered in by Christ, and the superiority of Jesus above all things. This 12-week study will help readers appreciate how the book of Hebrews testifies to Christ’s supremacy through imagery, metaphor, and Old Testament analogy.
The Goal of Theology
The goal of theology is not merely to grow in abstract knowledge of God but to understand what God is doing in history and to join Him on His mission through the power of the Spirit. The author of Hebrews helps us stay focused on how the good news of Jesus Christ leads us to mission, which is a crucial aspect of applying the Bible to our lives.
A Call to Response
Throughout Hebrews, readers are called to respond to the grace of God in worship, bolstered by the author’s encouraging words, firm warnings, and contrasting examples. The stark warning passages remind us of the call to live faithful and fruitful lives for the glory of God. In the end, we see that the strength of our faith is rooted in the object of our faith: Jesus Christ.
Not So Complicated After All
As we explore the book of Hebrews, we discover that the unfolding storyline of the Bible is not as complicated as it initially seems. The eternal kingdom of God is a kingdom that cannot be shaken, because it’s rooted in Jesus Christ, who holds all things together.
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