Month: March 2026

REFLECTIONS IN HEBREWS, AN EXHORTATION FOR PERSEVERANCE

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

Many view the book of Hebrews as a doctrinal book and it does contain many very helpful doctrinal truths but in the mind of its author, it was a letter of exhortation to believers. In 13:22 he says, “I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.”

When we consider the content of Hebrews we can conclude that it was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., because the writer of Hebrews makes reference to the temple service, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense. In the present tense, he makes a comparison between the superiority of Jesus’ ministry in the heavens (in the greater and more perfect tabernacle) to that which was on earth (which only served as a shadow and an example) to point men to Christ.

Many who continued in the old Jewish system rejected the Christian faith and persecuted the Jewish Christians. We see this play out in Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts. In Hebrews 10:32-34 the writer of Hebrews addresses it as well.

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. ~ Hebrews 10:32-34 TNLT

According to the author, his audience had suffered for their faith in Christ.

In chapter 2, he tells them that they are sanctified by Jesus as brethren to Christ and as the church. He goes on to say that Jesus is a faithful high priest for them: his brethren.

In 3:1, the author of Hebrews addresses his audience as holy brethren and partakers of the heavenly calling. He tells them that Jesus is the apostle and high priest of their profession of faith. This would no doubt be believers and not unbelievers.

Nowhere in the entire letter is he talking to unbelievers. He calls them brethren throughout the letter (2:11, 12, 17; 3:1, 12; 7:5; 10:19; 13:22). He also includes himself by using the pronouns we (51 times) us (31 times) and our (16 times). He also refers to his audience as “beloved” in 6:9.

The author of Hebrews tells them they are partakers of Christ’s house if they hold fast to the faith (3:6,14). In chapter 5 and 6 he admonishes them to move on from the elementary stages of the Christian faith to maturity.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ~ Hebrews 5:12-14

According to the author of Hebrews his audience was still living as babes in Christ in their spiritual growth and unable to teach others because they were not yet skillful in the word of righteousness. In chapter 6, he urges them to move on to perfection (i.e., spiritual maturity).

He admonished them regarding those who turn back (6:4-5) and declares that he is persuaded differently about them.

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. ~ Hebrews 6:7-9

Verse 9 (above) speaks volumes of the author’s view of those to whom he is writing. Though he gives them repeated warnings concerning the danger of apostasy, he constantly affirms them as believers and admonishes them to persevere in their faith. Notice verses 10-12 which follows the previous verses of Hebrews 6:7-9 above.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. ~ Hebrews 6:10-12 

Again, notice how the author of Hebrews mixes admonition with encouragement. Encouragement that God has not forgotten, and admonishment not to give up but to persevere until the end.

Exhortation mixed with admonition is weaved all throughout the letter to the Hebrews as he repeatedly explains to them, and admonishes them concerning the importance of perseverance in the faith.

Later in his letter (chapter 11) he speaks of many of the Old Testament saints who persevered in faith, referring to them as “a great cloud of witnesses,” as he urges his audience to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets them. He tells them to run with patience the (spiritual) race that is set before them as they look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

He also admonishes them concerning the chastisement of the Lord which comes through in the stern warnings given in his letter as he reminds them to whom they belong.

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:). Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. ~ Hebrews 12:22-24

He exhorts them to not refuse him who speaks from heaven but rather to have grace so that they will serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. ~ 12:25-29

As he begins to close his letter (chapter 13) he tells them to do the following:

  • continue in brotherly love
  • entertain strangers
  • remember those who are in prison
  • remember those who are being mistreated
  • be faithful in marriage
  • do not love money
  • remember God’s promise to never fail or leave them
  • remember those who have taught them the word of God and follow their faith
  • do not be carried away by various and strange doctrines
  • establish your hearts in grace
  • bear the Lord’s reproach (i.e., suffer for his name)
  • offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually in the name of Jesus
  • don’t neglect doing good to the needy
  • submit to those who are their leaders in the Lord
  • continue praying for him (the writer) and those with him.

Finally, he closes his letter with the following words:

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, brethren,suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothyis set at liberty; with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.  Grace be with you all. Amen.

REFLECTIONS IN HEBREWS – THE TABERNACLE

/ Michael Battle / 6 Comments

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernaclewas yet standing… ~Hebrews 9:6- 8

Impactful truths can be missed when reading the book of Hebrews if we are not following the flow of thought being expressed by the writer. This is especially true in the middle portion of the epistle, because he speaks of things which Bible students may feel they have a background knowledge in, and consequently the student may actually miss what is being said.

Take for instance, the tabernacle. I had always read the words, the first tabernacle, in verse 8 as a reference to the entire tabernacle of Moses (the outer court, the inner court, and the Holy of Holies). However, as I pondered the teaching in Hebrews regarding the Holy of Holies, my understanding was opened and I realized I had been reading this text wrong. 

It dawned on me that the writer of Hebrews refers to each tented compartment within the tabernacle of Moses, as a tabernacle. He uses the term tabernacle, to refer to the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. He calls the Holy Place, the first tabernacle, and he calls the Holy of Holies the second tabernacle.

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all… ~ Hebrews 9:1-3 

Now even the first covenant had regulations for divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was equipped, the outer sanctuary, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Most Holy Place… Hebrews 9:1-3 ~ NASB

The Amplified Bible says, Behind the second veil there was another tabernacle [the inner one or second section] known as the Holy of Holies…

The Berean Literal Bible says, Now behind the second veil was a tabernacle, being called the Holy of Holies.

The writer of Hebrews viewed each tented compartment of the tabernacle as a tabernacle. So when he mentions the first tabernacle in verse 6, we should follow his flow of thought and understand that he is referring to the inner court, and not the complete structure that we know as the tabernacle of Moses (the outer court, inner court, and Holy of Holies).

This clarification is a key component in understanding what the writer of Hebrews is teaching us regarding the High Priestly Ministry of Jesus and the new and living way that is opened to us through Jesus.

Under Moses, the High Priest entered alone, once a year. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people… ~ v 7 

Under the law, the lone entrance by the High Priests into the Most Holy Place (the 2nd tabernacle) was the continual reminder that reconciliation had not yet come. This correlates with what the writer of Hebrews will tell us in chapter 10 regarding the sacrifices offered by the High Priests.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ~ Hebrews 10:3

In contrast, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in Heaven with no intention of staying there alone, because he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (9:26). The separating veil has been removed through Jesus who came in the flesh and dwelt, (“tabernacled”) among us. Through Jesus, the holy place (the believer’s walk of faith), and the Most Holy Place (Christ in the presence of God), have become one with no separating veil.

Through the Holy Spirit the two compartments have become one, and we can dwell daily in the presence of God through the Spirit that our Heavenly Father has bestowed on us through the Son who is the radiance of his glory.  

REFLECTIONS ON HEBREWS ~ CLEANSED FROM DEAD WORKS

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ~ Hebrews 9:12-14

The audience to which the writer of Hebrews is making his appeal were his fellow Hebrew believers who had come out of the old temple worship according to the law.

These Hebraic believers were being tested in their faith and the temptation to abandon Christ for the old worship was a real thing. This is one of the reasons there is such an emphasis on the superiority of the sacrifice of Jesus in contrast to the animal sacrifices under the law. A return to animal sacrifices after coming to the knowledge of Christ would be considered apostate.

The temple worship with its carnal ordinances, which included the animal sacrifices, is specifically what the writer of Hebrews is referring to when he speaks of the dead works, from which they had been cleansed by the blood of Christ. ~ Hebrews 9:1-14

Of course, for us today, dead works could refer to other things such as religious duties, but for the audience at the time of the writing of Hebrews, the dead works was the old worship (the carnal ordinances) which had been prescribed under the law with its priesthood and sacrifices.