The book of Hebrews places a heavy emphasis on the exalted Christ as our Great High Priest in the Heavens. This emphasis comes within the framework and context of the writer of Hebrews admonishing his audience to preserve in faith.

Laced all throughout the letter to the Hebrews is a warning to his audience of the danger of apostasy which was a real and present temptation. The writer minces no words in telling them of the dangers of apostasy.

In chapter 2, he writes, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him… ~ Hebrews 2:1-3

The message of the great salvation spoken by the Lord and the apostles is greater than the message given under the law by angels, who served as mediators.

He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ~ Hebrews 10:28-31

The book of Hebrews is a book of comparison, and a book of many themes that ultimately come together to point us to Christ.

The writer of Hebrews stands at the intersection of the two most pronounced themes in the epistle: the danger of apostasy, and the glorified Christ. The latter being the answer to the former. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews continually undergirds his warnings of the danger of apostasy with the hope and expectation that his Hebrew kinsmen will overcome because we have such a High Priest that lives in the presence of God.

Consider the following example.

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 better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 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 6:7-12 

In Hebrews 10, after telling his audience that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, the writer says the following:

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. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. ~ Hebrews 10:32-39 TNLT

The writer repeatedly, in the midst of warnings, speaks hope and encouragement that those to whom he is writing are going to be OK. The hope that he sets before them over and over is Jesus.

It is Jesus who calls them brethren (chapter 2). It is Jesus who is the apostle and High Priest of their faith (chapter 3). It is Jesus who brings them into the promised rest (chapter 4). It is Jesus who is the author of their salvation (chapter 5). It is Jesus who has entered within the veil on their behalf (chapter6). It is Jesus who lives forever to save them to the uttermost (chapter 7). It is Jesus who is the mediator of a better covenant that takes away there sin (chapter 8). It is Jesus who has obtained for them eternal redemption for them (chapter 9). It is Jesus who cleanses them based on his merrit (chapter 10). It is Jesus who is the author and finisher of their faith (chapter 12).

Though the threat of a hard heart through sin which leads to apostasy was a real danger, the writer of Hebrews was confident that his audience would make it because of Jesus!