Page 14 - December 2025 - Truth & Tidings

he letter to the Hebrews has a cap- to withstand persecution and reproach, to
tivating aura. It reveals deeply pro- endure severe tests of faith, and to resist
Tfound spiritual truth in language the temptation to give up and go back to
that is majestic and eloquent, articulate Judaism.
and incisive, solemn and compelling. It The thread of exhortations is worthy of
impresses the Spirit-filled mind with the daily reflection; we need to pay serious
glory of Christ’s eternal Person, Priesthood attention to the Word of God (2:1). We
and, in Him, the infinite fulfillment of should consider carefully (or observe ful-
Messianic prophecy and type. It stirs the ly) the glory and faithfulness of our Lord,
devoted soul with the hope of exceedingly Christ Jesus (3:1). It is imperative that we
glorious prospects: of being heirs with hear His voice today (3:7,13,15; 4:7), give
Christ to an eternal inheritance, and of diligence to entering into His rest (4:11),
dwelling with Christ in His kingdom. It and exercise our God-given privilege to
fills the hands with sweet incense beaten come boldly (or draw near) to Him upon
small and points the heart aflame with the throne of grace (4:16). We must move
burning coals to the heavenly sanctuary on from the milk of infants to the meat of
where Christ is, to engage in true spiritual adults (5:12-14) and therewith press on to
worship. maturity (6:1). We must draw near to God
Yet, the chief objective of the letter is with a true heart (10:22), holding stead-
exhortation. Not only is this obvious from fastly the confession of our hope (10:23),
the writer’s heartfelt appeals and admo- and we ought to consider one another,
nitions, but the writer says so himself: “I love one another, gather together with
beseech you, brethren, suffer the word one another, help one another, and exhort
of exhortation: for I have written a letter and encourage one another (10:24-25).
unto you in few words” (13:22). Hence, We must abandon all things that impede
with a few God-breathed words directed spiritual progress, and pursue the course
at the heart and conscience, the writer with patient endurance (12:1), while con-
throughout sustains an urgent appeal to sidering attentively the Lord Jesus Christ
his beloved brethren to remain steadfast who endured the severest of trials (12:2-3).
in their faith and loyalty to Christ. Faith It is our duty to pursue peace and purity,
would enable them to behold their heav- and look carefully for dangers that lead
enly position in Christ and its attendant to irrecoverable forfeiture of birthright
spiritual privileges and prospects still yet privileges (12:12-15). In chapter 13 (which
hoped for. Loyalty would strengthen them we haven’t considered), the writer issues

366 TRUTH kTidings December 2025