A Glorious High Throne: Hebrews Simply Explained

by Edgar Andrews

Publisher:

Evangelical Press

, 2003

Overview

The epistle to the Hebrews begins by unveiling the glory of Christ—the eternal Son of God who shares the everlasting throne of "the Majesty on high." It shows in entrancing detail how he descended from that throne to become a man, that he might rescue his people from death, judgment, and the power of sin.

How? By inaugurating a new covenant—"the new covenant in my blood"—replete with better promises, a better priesthood, a better sacrifice, and a better hope than had hitherto prevailed under the Law of Moses. By one offering for sin forever, Christ our great High Priest has perfected forever those he has set apart for his glory and who come to God through him. He is their advocate, their rest, their righteousness, their example, and their "exceeding great reward."

Contents

Top Highlights

“The word ‘pursue’ is more forceful than ‘seek’ and suggests earnest striving” (Page 433)

“Where does this leave us? It means that the injunctions to ‘pursue peace’ and to ‘pursue holiness’ are emphasising the same need—to strive to lay hold upon the gift of God, the pure promise of grace in Jesus Christ. He alone is our peace, our sanctification, our holiness, and we are ‘complete in him’ (Col. 2:10).” (Page 435)

“Jesus is the divine craftsman who originates and shapes our faith, and brings it to perfection.” (Page 411)

“How do athletes overcome their physical weariness? In four ways. Firstly, by proper training; secondly by focusing on their goal; thirdly by overcoming the ‘pain barrier’ and getting the mysterious ‘second wind’; and fourthly by keeping their eyes on the front runner (perhaps a ‘pace-maker’). There are spiritual parallels to all these things.” (Pages 416–417)

“Thirdly, this salvation is great on account of its perfection or completeness. This is another major theme of Hebrews, namely that Christ ‘has perfected for ever’ those he has ‘set apart’ (10:14). This means that, for God’s elect, salvation is a complete and perfect work—one that befits and reflects the perfections of God himself.” (Page 73)

Praise for the Print Edition

Professor Andrews has tackled the task of unraveling the twists and turns of Hebrews with obvious enthusiasm and equally obvious integrity. None of the 'problem passages' is ignored, and none of the text is glossed over, while his careful scholarship is made accessible by the use of apt illustrations. Best of all, every page is full of Christ and 'the grace of God that brings salvation.' This volume will be of enormous help to the busy preacher, the enquiring student, and the ordinary Christian who wants to learn more about this wonderfully rich New Testament letter, and to apply its teaching to the problems and pressures of living a godly life in a godless world.

—Dr. John Blanchard

Product Details

• Title: A Glorious High Throne: Hebrews Simply Explained
• Author: Edgar Andrews
• Publisher: Evangelical Press
• Series: Welwyn Commentary Series
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 432

About Edgar Andrews

Edgar Andrews is emeritus professor of materials at the University of London and an international expert on the science of large molecules. In 1967 he set up the Department of Materials at Queen Mary College, University of London, and served both as its head and later as the dean of engineering. He has published well over 100 scientific research papers and books, together with two Bible commentaries and various works on science and religion and on theology.