The Morning Psalm
New Testament

The Book of Hebrews

Jesus is better — the supremacy of Christ and a call to hold fast in faith.

Overview

Hebrews was written to weary believers tempted to give up, and its message is that Jesus is better — better than the angels, the prophets, and the whole old system of priests and sacrifices. He is the great high priest who opened the way to God once and for all.

Around this soaring theology runs a steady drumbeat of encouragement: hold fast, draw near, run with patience, and keep looking to Jesus.

Key themes

The supremacy of Christ

Jesus is greater than every person and institution that came before him.

Our great high priest

Christ's once-for-all sacrifice opens the way to God for good.

Hold fast in faith

The 'hall of faith' inspires weary believers to keep running the race.

Key verses from Hebrews

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, KJV

The Bible's own definition of faith.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12, KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1, KJV
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Hebrews 13:8, KJV

How to read Hebrews

  • Read chapter 11 as a gallery of faith that inspires your own.

  • Notice the repeated word 'better' — the book's whole argument.

  • Let its warnings and encouragements move you to keep going.