Page 67 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

3. This phrase may be parallel to "the power of an indestructible life" in 7:16 (p. 196).

Here F. F. Bruce makes an interesting comment that the concept of Spirit is an allusion to the sections of
Isaiah containing the "servant Songs" (chapters 40-54). In this section, 42:1 says "I have put my Spirit
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upon him" In a book like Hebrews, which uses the OT so freely, this makes good sense.

"to serve the living God" Notice that believers are saved to serve (cf. Romans 6). Salvation is a freedom
from the tyranny of sin, to lordship of God! Salvation is not a product (a pre-purchased ticket to heaven
or a fire insurance policy), but a relationship of faith, obedience and service. All believers are gifted for
ministry (cf. Eph. 4:11-12) and service to the body of Christ (cf. I Cor. 12:7,12).

The ADJECTIVE "living" is a play on the OT covenant name for deity, YHWH, which is from the root of the
VERB "to be." YHWH is the ever-living, only-living One!

"for the redemption of transgression that were committed under the first covenant those who have
been called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance" Remember that Hebrews is a comparison
of the Old and New Covenants. The Mosaic Covenant became a death sentence (cf. Eph. 2:14-16; Col.
2:14) to God's highest creation (mankind) because after Genesis 3 they were unable to obey and
perform God's commands. The first covenant said "do and live," but no one could fully conform to its
requirements. The Old Covenant stated "the soul that sins will die" (cf. 2 Kgs. 14:6; Ezek. 18:4,20). God's
answer was a sinless, ideal Israelite who would pay the price for all, for all time (cf. Isa. 52:13-53:12).

The phrase "those who have been called" refers to God's initiating call to know Him (cf. 3:1; John
6:44,65; Rom. 8:28,30; 9:24).

The concept of "inheritance" is linked to the Levites' unique relationship to YHWH. They were His
inheritance and He was theirs (not land like the other tribes). The new covenant believers are now like
OT priests (cf. 2 Pet. 3:5,9; Rev. 1:6). Believers have an eternal inheritance, which is provided by Christ,
guarded by God (cf. 1 Pet. 1:3-5).

9:22 "without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" In the Old Testament cleansing required (1)
fire, (2) water, or (3) blood. This author takes sin seriously. Forgiveness involves a life forfeited (cf. Lev.
17:11,14). The OT sacrificial system (cf. Leviticus 1-7) sets the stage for our understanding of Christ's
substitutionary death (cf. Matt. 26:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Cor. 11:25; 2 Cor. 5:21).

Here Uttly explains that, “In the Old Testament there were several ways things/people were cleansed
without blood.
1. By fire (cf. Lev. 13:52,55; 16:27; Num. 31:23)
2. Water (cf. Exod. 19:30; Lev. 15:5; 16:26,28; 22:6; Num. 31:24)
3. Flour sacrifice (cf. Lev. 5:11-13)
4. Incense (cf. Num. 16:46-48)
5. Intercession (cf. Exod. 32:30-32)
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6. Prayer of confession and contrition (cf. Ps. 32 and 51) “

51 F. F. Bruce, in the New International Commentary Series, on Hebrews, (p. 205).
52 Uttly (Hebrews 9:22)
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