Disciples Digital Library

The first literary section of the Letter to the Hebrews concludes with an exhortation to hold fast to the apostolic tradition, and an ominous warning against the failure to do so. The believer who disobeys the superior “ word ” of the “ Son ” will suffer even “ sorer punishment ” than any Israelite who violated the regulations of the Mosaic legislation. God Himself validated the word of “ salvation ” delivered by Jesus and his apostles with signs, miracles, and the “ distributions ” of the Holy Spirit.

After a curt introduction, Paul began his  Letter to the Galatians  with a stern warning and a sharp rebuke. What some members of the congregation were contemplating would replace Jesus with a false messiah and a counterfeit gospel. Abandoning the “ faith of Jesus Christ ” by engaging in circumcision and other “ works of the law ” for justification before God would lead inevitably to being severed from Christ. Thus, the seriousness of his language.

The Son achieved the “ Purification of Sins ,” thereby qualifying to “ sit down at the right hand of the Majesty on High .” As the appointed High Priest “ after the order of Melchizedek ,” he now intercedes for his people in the very presence of God. Moreover, he inherited a “ more distinguished name ” than even the angels, namely, “ Son .” In its first chapter, the Letter to the Hebrews demonstrates that this “ Son ” and High Priest is superior to even creatures as glorious as the angels of God.