Page 4 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

readers and some current issues they were facing (e.g., 2:1–4; 3:12–14; 4:1, 11–14; 5:11–6:12; 10:19–
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12:29).

A sustained theological argument goes through the whole letter, causing some to conjecture that
perhaps the work was originally a homily, or even a series of homilies that were later gathered together
and presented as an anonymous letter. Who can say, given our present shortage of evidence?
Nevertheless, it still has the feel of a real letter with numerous personal touches, as seen in the constant
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exhortations and the closure of the letter.
In the book of Hebrews faith is not a forensic position (justification by faith), but a faithful life to the end
(chapters 11-12).

Hebrews is an occasional document, like all the NT books.

I must let the author speak even when he/she makes me uncomfortable; even when he/she does not
use my cherished categories or even radically disrupts those categories. I dare not substitute my
systematic theology for an inspired NT author's message.

I prefer to repent of my theological dogmatism and live within a New Testament tension that I do not
fully understand or like!

I am afraid I view the New Testament through the filter of a modern evangelical, conversionist grid. I
want to affirm biblical promises; promises of God's love, provision, and keeping power; yet I am
convicted by the powerful warnings and mandates of the New Testament authors. I desperately need to
hear Hebrews, but it is so painful! I want to explain away the tension. I suppose, in reality, I want to
affirm a free salvation and a cost-everything Christian life. But where do I draw the line when the ideal is
not met? Is eternal fellowship with God an initial faith response or a continuing faith response?
Hebrews clearly states the mandate of a continuing faith response.

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Uttly states that “The Christian life in Hebrews is viewed from the end, not the beginning!”

This is not meant to imply a works-oriented salvation, but a works-oriented confirmation. Faith is the
evidence, not the mechanism (which is grace). Believers are not saved by works, but unto works. Works
are not the means of salvation, but the result of salvation. Godly, faithful, daily Christlikeness is not
something we do, but who we are in Him. If there is no changed, and changing life of faith, there is no
evidence of our salvation, no security for such a person. Only God knows the heart and the
circumstances. Assurance is meant to be a companion in a life of faith, not an initial theological
assertion devoid of lifestyle evidence.

My prayer is that we will allow this inspired New Testament author to clearly speak and not relegate
Hebrews to a theological footnote in a systematic theological grid, be it Calvinistic or Arminian

1 Kaiser, W. C., Jr. The promise-plan of God: a biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments, MI: Zondervan, Grand Rapids (2008),
(p. 357).

2 Ibid
3 Bob Uttly, Bible commentary; New Testament commentaries, Bible Lessons International, The Lockman Foundation, © 2012,
(Hebrews)
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