JESUS PROVIDES A BETTER HOPE

Hebrews 7:19

Jesus provides "...a better hope...", Hebrews 7:19

The book of Hebrews was written to Hebrew Christians. It was difficult for them to turn loose of the old ways. It would be like one of the Islamic religions to turn to the Baptist faith. They would need be converted from the hatred of Christ to cleaving to Him as Saviour of their soul, and Lord of their life. The previous practices would at time haunt and allure them back to the old ways.

The writer shows this as he addresses Hebrew converts:

". . . we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1. Regressing after starting to walk with the Lord is a serious matter. I think of those who once professed Christ and since have started:

(1) to not pray,

(2) stopped studying the Word,

(3) started missing church services,

(4) cultivate complaints about the brethren, and

(5) close the book on church going, and association with the church folk.

The book contrasts Grace with law;and shows the superiority of Christ to angels, the Aaronic priesthood, and sacrifices of old.

There is a particularly wonderful statement made in Hebrews 7:24-27. Briefly, it speaks of Christ as:

(a) continuing ever,

(b) having an unchangeable priesthood,

(c) able to save to the uttermost all who come to God BY HIM,

(d) he ever lives to make intercession for them,

(e) He was made higher than the heavens,

(f) He was sinless and need not offer sacrifices for Himself.

Therefore, when He died for our sins and offers us: ". . . a better hope . . ." than in any previous time. Be thankful for the "better hope" found in Jesus alone. DDH