Encounter the Truth

Here is perhaps the Bible’s clearest definition of faith: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Abel, Enoch, and Noah are all examples of this faith, trusting in unseen realities and living in costly ways because of this faith.

In light of all the truths we have learned in chapters five to ten, we now reach the heart of the exhortation of the letter: we must draw near, hold fast our confession, consider how to stir up one another, and we must never throw away our confidence.

In light of all the truths we have learned in chapters five to ten, we now reach the heart of the exhortation of the letter: we must draw near, hold fast our confession, consider how to stir up one another, and we must never throw away our confidence.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.

Jewish converts might wonder if they are really safe without going to the Levitical priests at the Temple. The point here is to show that Jesus is a legitimate priest—not in the Levitical order, but in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus is the legitimate, promised priest who really is able to deal with our sin and bring us into the presence of God. We can have great confidence and comfort—and must no...

Jewish converts might wonder if they are really safe without going to the Levitical priests at the Temple. The point here is to show that Jesus is a legitimate priest—not in the Levitical order, but in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus is the legitimate, promised priest who really is able to deal with our sin and bring us into the presence of God. We can have great confidence and comfort—and must no...

Jesus offers us eternal rest—but we must take warning from the wilderness generation. We must listen and be faithful to him, responding in faith and obedience to his word. When we fail—as we do and will—our Great High Priest gives grace and help.

Jesus offers us eternal rest—but we must take warning from the wilderness generation. We must listen and be faithful to him, responding in faith and obedience to his word. When we fail—as we do and will—our Great High Priest gives grace and help.

Jesus is not only greater than angels, but greater than Moses. And he offers us a promised salvation greater than that offered through Moses. But we must learn from the sinful mistakes of the Exodus generation, and not harden our hearts to God’s word—but be fearfully listening and obedient.

Jesus is not only greater than angels, but greater than Moses. And he offers us a promised salvation greater than that offered through Moses. But we must learn from the sinful mistakes of the Exodus generation, and not harden our hearts to God’s word—but be fearfully listening and obedient.

Although he is the eternal Son, Jesus became human and suffered death for the sake of our salvation—fulfilling the glorious destiny that God planned for humanity, leading many to glory.

Although he is the eternal Son, Jesus became human and suffered death for the sake of our salvation—fulfilling the glorious destiny that God planned for humanity, leading many to glory.

God has spoken his supreme and final word in the person of his Son. We must listen carefully to the gospel message that God has declared through Jesus so that we do not drift away.

God has spoken his supreme and final word in the person of his Son. We must listen carefully to the gospel message that God has declared through Jesus so that we do not drift away.

Prayer is more powerful than we believe. It can lead to the restoration of people and the transformation of situations. So often we doubt that prayer achieves anything, but James calls us to pray with faith.

Prayer is more powerful than we believe. It can lead to the restoration of people and the transformation of situations. So often we doubt that prayer achieves anything, but James calls us to pray with faith.