Jesus' Way is Far Better!

HEBREWS SEVEN

Chapter seven assures Christians that it makes all the difference in the world whether they approached God through the priestly order of Aaron or the High Priest of Melchisedec’s order. Christ’s priesthood, like Melchisedec’s, is superior in its order—it is eternal and effective. Through Christ believers have immediate access into the very throne room of God and eternal security in salvation.

The initial truth in this chapter presents the fact that Melchisedec’s priesthood preceded Aaron’s and the Law (7:1-10). First this is observed in the fact that Melchisedec was serving as a priest when Abraham first met him (7:1). Secondly because Abraham recognized the greatness of this priest and even offered him tithes. Thirdly, because the Scriptures do not record his parentage, birth, or death, one is left with the impression of his endless life. Thus, Melchisedec ministers continually as a priest and in this regard he is like “the Son of God” (7:3). W. W. Wiersbe observed, “Melchisedec was a type of Christ as both king and priest (Heb. 7:3, 15).  Jesus is our King of Peace, our Prince of Peace and God’s Righteous King. So, in his name and his offices, Melchisedec is a beautiful likeness of Christ.”

In fact, Abraham, the chief patriarch, offered him tithes! This act demonstrated the superiority of Melchisedec’s priestly order. Necessarily, unborn Levi, head of the tribe of the Aaronic priests, is said to have paid tithes to Melchisedec through his great-grandfather, Abraham (7:1–10). Thus the Aaronic priestly order acknowledged the superiority of the Melchisedecian priestly order through their chief representative Abraham. The major argument for superiority continues with the giving of a blessing (7:1, 6, 7). The greater Melchisedec blessed Abraham!

The second major truth presented is Christ’s priesthood supersedes Aaron’s and the Law (7:11-22). This is achieved through a series of contrasts. Christ’s priesthood is contrasted with that of the OT order of Aaron to demonstrate its superior ministry (7:11–28). Christ’s priestly work brought about perfection while the Aaronic priesthood was totally incapable of doing this (7:11). Kenneth Wuest observed that the word “perfection” signifies the act or process of consummating. An institution is perfect or complete when it effects the purpose for which it was instituted. The purpose of the priesthood was to remove the obstacle of sin, which kept man from God, and make a way of access for man to God. The Levitical priesthood could only typify this pointing to the Messiah and His substitutionary death on the Cross. Because the Levitical system could not actually provide salvation for sinful man, a new priesthood after the order of Melchisedec was introduced.

As with Melchisedec, Christ’s priestly ministry does not rest on family line, but on the power of an indestructible life (7:16). Not merely an endless life, but a life undying and risen in character—the power of a life not subject to destruction noted William Newell. The word “disannulling” (7:18) presents the fundamental idea of doing away with something established. It means the making void of a document; cancelling or being superseded by another document. The law which established the priesthood of Aaron has been annulled because of its weakness and ineffectiveness. It has been canceled by the coming of Jesus Christ. Aaron’s priesthood was likewise set aside because it was unable to provide perfect access to God. In the Lord Jesus, Christians have “a better hope … by the which we draw nigh unto God” (v. 19). Additionally, Christ was not appointed by a weak commandment, but by God’s oath and he serves as a guarantee of a better testament than the law of Moses (7:21, 22). Newell stated, “The solemnity of the oath of God is the covenant with which this priesthood was inaugurated, is the measure of its superiority and existence.”

The third major mark of superiority is Christ’s priesthood proceeds beyond Aaron’s and the Law (7:23-28). Aaron’s priests died. Jesus continues forever as a permanent Priest. Therefore as Christians’ everlasting Intercessor, Christ is able to save them completely (7:25). This the Law nor Aaronic priesthood could achieve. Christ the sinless and perfect priest is the best fit for believers. According to Hebrews 7:27, there is a threefold difference between High Priest Jesus and the Aaronic priests. First of all is the frequency: their offerings were daily, but Christ’s only once.  Secondly, they offered mere animals, but the Lord Christ offered Himself.  Thirdly, they offered sacrifices for their own sins, but Christ had no sins to atone for. These facts evidence the weaknesses and imperfections of the Levitical priesthood.  Christ's way is far better!

Looking to Jesus

These Hebrew believers were experiencing some forms of persecution. MacDonald and Farstad (Believer’s Bible Commentary) noted this in light of the fact that these believers had forsaken Judaism for Christ. Thus they were facing bitter religious and social opposition. There was a danger that they might construe their distresses as indications of God’s displeasure. If this were to happen, they might become disheartened and cave in under the pressure. Worst of all, they might be tempted to give in to the religious pressures and return to the law, the temple and the sacrificial system.

Continuation is the emphasis of this first paragraph of Hebrews twelve, and ‘pressing on’ is presented in the metaphor of a race. If one is to run a race successfully, he must be focused on the goal and determined to endure. Continuing the Christian race likewise will require single-mindedness concentration on Christ and endurance throughout (Heb. 12:1-4). But how should the Christian go about this arduous undertaking? First it is by considering the great cloud of witnesses regarding both their example and limitations (12:1). One should continue by imitating Christ’s example of endurance as the perfect Model for Christians (12:2-3). Then thirdly, one can successfully complete his race by remembering their struggles could be much worse and their battles far more intense (12:4). Categorically, careful thought and consideration should be given to what Christians must do to run their race well. There are four primary considerations.

CONSIDER THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

The life of faith has been wonderfully and adequately demonstrated by this “great cloud” of Old Testament “witnesses” as disclosed in chapter 11 (Heb. 12:1). They illustrate what it means to obey God in spite of the circumstances. What an inspiration it is to read about the great things they experienced and endured because they believed God and acted on His truth. These Hebrew believers should remember also how many of these extraordinary believers from Old Testament times suffered greatly as they obeyed God. Suffering for righteousness sake is a part of the faith journey. This realization drives home the point that their sufferings were not unique. Many of the “witnesses” (Hebrews 11) suffered severely as a result of their loyalty to the Lord, yet they endured (11:36-39). Therefore, the witnesses inspire others to persevere through their own grueling and arduous struggles. The witnesses do not illustrate quitting.

Their exercise of faith demanded unflinching perseverance. This is in spite of the fact that they enjoyed significantly inferior privileges! How then can a Christian who has access to God, a great high priest, a new and living way, a better tabernacle, a perfect sacrifice, a greater prophet, a new testament, an eternal inheritance, and a complete faith cave in to human opposition and cower away from a bold profession of Christ Jesus the Lord. Indeed the “better things” of Christianity have come (11:40). With greater privilege comes greater responsibility!

CONSIDER RUNNING THE RACE WITH PATIENCE

The Christian life is a race that requires discipline and endurance. The Lord with the utmost thoughtfulness has designed a course or race for each child of God to run. It is “set before us.” It is not a competition against other believers, but a challenge to remain on stride with God’s expressed and personalized plan for each believer. Knowing the Lord designed their race course heartens the believer to continue the race with “patience”—undaunted persistence. The race was not contrived by a detached tyrant, but premeditated by a faithful, merciful, and empathetic Christ.

As Christians run, they must strip themselves of everything that would impede their progress. Newell said (Hebrews Verse by Verse), “runners strip themselves of every weight possible, wearing the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes! Many a weight carrier who eventually get to Heaven, will be passed on the way by those who have laid weights aside.” “Weights” are things that may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder progress according to MacDonald and Farstad in the Believer’s Bible Commentary. A Christian’s weights could include material possessions, family ties, the love of comfort, deference to convenience, and lack of mobility. In the Olympic races, there is no rule against carrying an over coat, extra changes of clothing, snow boots, several pieces of luggage, and a backpack with an abundance of food and beverages, but the runner can never win the race that way. Christians in a race desiring to continue their profession of Christ must run light. 

Christians must also lay aside the sin which so easily besets and ensnares them. Certainly this could refer to any form of sin—rebellion, unbelief, or transgression. Sins of omission as well as commission can readily be included in this admonition. Newell noted, “Sin is as natural to the flesh as it is for an animal to breathe. And the moment the eye is taken off Christ, you have the certainty of the sin besetting you.” However, the essential and most particular idea of sin here likely refers to the sin of unbelief. Christians are called upon to believe God regardless; to follow Christ outside the gates to bear His reproach. They must stop toying around with the ideas of compromise, quitting, or apostasy. They must have complete trust in the promises of God and entire confidence that the life of faith is sure to win.

Believers must guard against the notion that the race is an easy sprint. The idea that things will be easy, nice, cordial, uncomplicated, and free of opposition must evaporate in the sunlight of reality—the Christian life is no plush experience. No, believers must be prepared to press on with resolute and unwavering tenacity through all trials and temptations.

CONSIDER FOLLOWING CHRIST’S EXAMPLE OF FAITH

Christians’ supreme Model in the faith race is the Lord Jesus. Though the “great cloud of witnesses” are admirable, Christ is the focal point in the most complete sense of the Christian race. The “great cloud of witnesses” did not experience the fullness of the promises of God (11:39, 40), therefore they are limited as examples. The Lord Jesus; however, is the most complete faith Racer and believers can confidently look to Him. Therefore, throughout the race, Christians should look away from every other object and keep their eyes riveted on Christ Jesus, their foremost Runner (Heb. 12:2).

Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse, pg. 402) noted that the Lord Jesus “Himself had perfect faith!” He is “the Author,” ‘Pioneer,’ or ‘File Leader’ of their faith in the sense that He has provided them with the only perfect and complete example of what the life of faith is like. Christ’s example of faith is unique and stands out from the previously mentioned examples. Thayer said of Christ, “Who in the pre-eminence of His faith far surpassed the examples commemorated in Chapter 11.” Jesus “pioneered” the path of faith Christians should follow. They must look objectively at Christ Jesus as the most outstanding “Witness” to the life of faith!

Jesus Christ is also the “Finisher” of believers’ faith. He is the ‘Perfecter’ or ‘Completer’ of the life of faith. He not only began the race but finished it triumphantly. He “perfected” the way of faith since He reached its end successfully. But how did the Lord Jesus exercise faith? In what way did He model the faith life?

Essentially the Lord Jesus kept His eye on “the joy that was set before Him,” (12:2) and as a result He obtained an eternal throne (1:9). Just as each Christian has a certain race “set before” them to run, Christ had a special object of joy “set” before Him. The Lord Jesus set Himself to the course with discipline and endurance. He completed every grueling inch of it to the glory of the Father and the redemption of sinners. He actually finished His course, while the Old Testament worthies will do so in the future. In so doing the Lord Jesus “please God” “by faith!” He even “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). MacDonald and Farstad (The Believer’s Bible Commentary) quipped,

For Him the race course stretched from heaven to Bethlehem, then on to Gethsemane and Calvary, then out of the tomb and back to heaven. At no time did He falter or turn back. He kept His eyes fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed would be gathered with Him eternally. This enabled Him to think nothing of shame and to endure suffering and death. Today He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Believers must keep their sharing and participation in that “joy” and glory clearly in view. After enduring the cross and scorning its shame, Jesus assumed that triumphant position at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12). This foreshadowed and signifies His and the believers’ final victory (Heb. 1:13-14). But don’t miss the point of points here: Jesus pleased God by enduring the hardness by faith. Yes, the Lord Jesus completely satisfied His Father’s holy will. He was ‘pleasing to God’ in the utmost and here once again as throughout the book of Hebrews, God gives His “good report” (Heb. 11:2, 6, 39) about Christ the Author and Finisher of Faith! Christians are to follow this Example of submission, obedience, and “please God” also by continuing in faith. Christ did not draw back, nor must they.

Believers are to rivet their spiritual eyes on Christ and never let them stray from His glorious Example. If they fail to recognize what horrid trials He endured, they could easily become “wearied and faint” in their minds (12:3). It is this consideration of Christ’s sufferings that heartens. This consciousness of the Son of God writhing in agony of body and soul to fulfill God’s will is a most potent medicine. Not only this, but coupled with Christ’s joy and glory that followed, Christians spirits are raised to continue (Heb. 12:3)!

CONSIDER NOTING THAT THINGS COULD BE WORSE

Someone has wisely noted that things could be a lot worse. This was expressed as an incentive to be thankful. Walvoord and Zuck (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) noted, “Nothing is more natural for a person than to overestimate the severity of his trials. The writer did not want his audience to do that.” Thus this is an appeal to embrace a clear and accurate perspective about what they have endured thus far. Compared to what the Lord Jesus went through, no Christian has room to feel too much is required of him or her as they face oppositions.

Now the picture or metaphor changes from a race to a fight against sin—a struggle to counter evil and unrighteousness (12:3). The word “striving” (12:4) is used to introduce this shift in emphasis. MacDonald and Farstad (Believer’s Bible Commentary) said,

Their undaunted Captain is the Lord Jesus; no one ever endured such hostility from sinners as He. Whenever they have a tendency to grow weary and discouraged, they should think of what He went through. Their trials will seem trifling by comparison.

Christians are indeed engaged in a perpetual fight—intense war—against sin (12:4). That is believers must continue in conflict against “sinful men” who opposed them. They must also strive against their own sinful tendencies; resisting all unholy impulses in order to maintain a steadfast Christian profession. Newell observes, “Blessed is the man that has made no inner truce with sin!” Yet they have not resisted to the point of bloodshed, that is, to the point of death. Squarely Christ Jesus did!  Their present situation was indeed challenging, but conditions could deteriorate further. Though things were difficult, they could get a great deal worse. Still they must endure with Christ always before them as their central focus and the joy of being with Him in glory will strengthen them. How are they to pull off such a challenge? The answer is obvious…by looking unto Jesus by faith. He has already successfully blazed the trail before every believer and they must follow Him to the finish line by faith. There enthroned in Heaven, Christ bears testimony to the fact that though the journey is hard, it is still worth it in the end. So, run your race with patience. 

Living by Faith is....

Faith is confidence in the trustworthiness of God. That is, it is deeply rooted in His character and credible statements. It is the conviction that God is honest, what He says is true, and that what He promises will come to pass (Heb. 11:1). Obviously biblical faith must have some revelation from God, some promise of God as its foundation. One cannot believe something until it is first communicated to them (Rom. 10:17). Obviously, then it is not a leap in the dark. It demands the surest evidence in the universe—the Word of God.

In order to appreciate fully what faith is, it is vital to disassociate it from the myths and secular ideas that have eroded its true and rich meaning. Faith is not taking a risk; it is not even a well-informed calculated risk. Faith is not a gut feeling that is followed. Faith is not hoping for the best, hoping that everything will turn out all right. Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse, pg. 372) says, “Hoping for something is not yet faith!” Faith is not a feeling of optimism. All of these are actually secular ideas or either extra-biblical concepts that have invaded the Christian idea. Faith must always be based on something God communicated or it is not biblical faith. Note again the words of Newell,

Things not seen show there is no consulting the human faculties or “feelings.” The ark is the test of faith. When Noah entered the ark, there was the same conviction of the fact of the coming flood that he had during the years of building the ark. God had spoken! That was all that was before his mind. He never looked at the sky.

Certainly there is a kind of natural faith that relies on nature evidences, but the focus of this writing is on supernatural faith. Living by faith results in supernatural living because one is literally trusting and relying on the Most High God and the supernatural realities He avails through the Cross of Christ.

So, how does Christ and His work fit into the category “of things hoped for” and “things not seen”? Preliminarily, the work of Christ is the primary focus of faith considered in these verses. Two words in Hebrews 11:1, conveys that authentic Bible faith has “substance,” and “evidence.” These words will point believers to what Christ has done for them. They galvanize their convictions about His High Priestly work, and secure God’s approval upon their lives (Heb. 11:1-2).

LIVING BY FAITH IS CONSISTENT WITH BEING SAVED

“The just shall live by faith,” says the writer of Hebrews. The challenges these believers were facing must be faced with confidence in God and what He has communicated. By faith they would be able to get a real grasp on the realities of Christ’s sacrifice, priesthood, New Testament, and the hard things they must face because they continue with Him.  A “just” person is a God-justified person—a believer in Christ. Every believer must settle in their minds that the Christian life can only be realized in its fullness as they “live by faith” (Heb. 10:38). “Faith” as used in verses 38, 39 (“believe,”) 11:1, and verse 3 refers to “conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it” says James Strong (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). This same word appears throughout Hebrews eleven. About living by faith W. Newell said, “not only the first step of faith, but a vital continuing on the path of faith, is set before us as a way of life: not only the obtaining of life, but the manner of life of the true believer….” This is precisely what the writer had been urging these Hebrew Christians to do.

No doubt some were tempted to “draw back” (Heb. 10:38) or shrink away from a bold confession of Christ, but this temptation must be resisted and genuine believers must persevere (Heb. 10:35-36). Such endurance under fire will require faith. God’s favor cannot rest on the believer who denounces his Christian faith—“My soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Heb. 10:38). To draw back unto perdition is to experience physical or moral ruin under the severe chastening of God. The chastening of God can be far worse than anything any human being or organization can bring to bear. Living by faith involves determining to never retreat from or recall one’s profession of faith in Christ. It involves going on with Christ consistently confessing Him and even though the climate and culture are hostile to Christianity. 

LIVING BY FAITH PROVIDES EVIDENCE OF THE UNSEEN

Not every reality is seen, felt, tasted, heard, or placed under a laboratory microscope to be understood. While it is true some things can be scientifically explored, it is equally true that other realities must be grasped by another means—faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” While it would be beneficial to explore this great verse, for now simply consider the phrase, “the evidence of things not seen.” Just because something is not seen does not mean it is not a reality. In Judaism there was an elaborate temple, a human priesthood on earth, the animal sacrifices were real, and all the trappings could be readily seen, but the realities of Christianity and the New Covenant are not visibly obvious. In fact they are not seen by the natural eyes.

The word “substance” literally means “to stand under, to support.” It is the thought of a foundation or basis.  So faith is the foundation supporting the believer’s hope. Faith is to a Christian what a foundation is to a house: it gives confidence and assurance that one will stand. 

The word “evidence” presents the concept of “that by which something is tested or proof” and simply means “conviction.” Thayer commented on its use in this verse defines it as: “that by which invisible things are proved and we are convinced of their reality.” Real faith in the believer’s soul is the proof of the invisible and the persuasion the invisible is absolutely real. The evidence is the inward conviction from God that what He has promised, He will perform. The presence of God-given faith in one’s heart is conviction enough that He will keep His Word.

Now “evidence” is linked to “things note seen” (11:1). We cannot see Christ or His sacrifice, His High Priestly ministry, His Heavenly Tabernacle, or the satisfaction of the Father with Christ’s sacrifice.  But, we have evidence that these are still realities though we cannot currently see them. One simply knows them and understands they are realities because of this knowing in their heart of hearts. Believer’s faith is “the evidence” that these, though invisible, are yet realities—actualities, and factual!

Faith then provides a basic framework for understanding and dealing with Christian reality (Heb. 11:1-3). The first eight verses of Hebrews 11 describe faith and illustrate how faith in God and His Word provides a basic framework for understanding and dealing with reality. This great chapter emphasizes the vision and endurance of faith. Christian faith stands or falls on the truth that the Word of God reveals. Thus Hebrews 11 helps believers realize that it is confidence in the reality of things they cannot see that lies at the root of faith. It is only “by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:3).

Larry Richards observed that much of what Hebrews has communicated about believers’ new lives in Christ is invisible. One cannot presently see High Priest Jesus standing as the link between believers and the Father in heaven. Believers cannot see themselves as God does, holy and cleansed by the one great Sacrifice of Christ. They cannot see they are justified, accepted in Christ, and heir of an eternal inheritance. But when a genuine Christian accept these as fact, and they are convinced of them even though they cannot yet see their full reality revealed, then they are ready to begin to live by faith. Living by faith provides the needed “evidence of things not seen.”

LIVING BY FAITH IS PLEASING TO GOD

This basic truth is rehearsed in verse 11:2, “For by it [faith] the elders obtained a good report.” God approved of the lives of faith of these Old Testament worthies. This is mentioned in verse 11:4, “By faith Abel offered…God testifying of his gift,” and again in verse 5, “By faith Enoch was translated…he had this testimony that he pleased God.” Then notice the phrase in verse 6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” These phrases teach that living by faith is pleasing to God, and He bears witness to the faith of the believers listed in this great Bible chapter. Each divine ‘testimony’ is introduced by the words “by faith.” God was most pleased with these individuals who trusted what He communicated to them and boldly acted upon His Word to execute His will. Warren Wiersbe said, “The summary in Hebrews 12:1 calls this list of men and women “so great a cloud of witnesses.” They are witnesses to us because God witnessed to them. In each example cited, God gave witness to that person’s faith.

If God was pleased with the life of faith in the history of the nation of Israel and in the individual lives of the people mentioned in Hebrews 11, then he will be pleased with lives of faith today under the New Covenant. In the context of the book of Hebrews that means taking Christ as the last and greatest communication of God to mankind. It is believing that Jesus Christ is a greater and more faithful Servant than Moses. Faith is knowing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is greater and better than the angels of God. It is realizing that the priesthood of Christ is far superior to the priesthood of Aaron because it will endure forever in the power of a deathless life. It is believing that the Sacrifice of Christ is the final and satisfactory atonement for all sin forever. It is realizing that Christ did not present the value of His sacrifice at Calvary in a tabernacle on earth, but in the very Heaven itself. God wholly accepted it! He is satisfied!

Rely then on the truth that believers now have real cleansing, thorough forgiveness, an eternal inheritance, and full access to God because of faith in Christ! None of these realities can be seen, but believers know they are real by faith. That means forsaking the old systems of worship under the law and paganism and clinging to the new and living way that enters into the veil to the Heavenly Holy of Holies! The just shall live by faith! 

So then, living by Faith is the highest principle for Christian experience. In doing so, believers are sure to please God, sustain a distinctively Christian confession, secure eternal rewards, and effectively face the hazards of a righteous lifestyle.  Though staggering challenges pervade their lives, confidence in Christ enables them to respond with joyful obedience to still triumph in them all.  Forsaking Christ in fear ceases to be a consideration as they live by faith.