Opening Up Hebrews

by Philip Hacking

Publisher:

Day One

, 2006

Overview

The letter to the Hebrews is a challenging document for our multi-faith age, with the book’s stress on the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in his person and work. In its call to come to Jesus "outside the camp," it reminds us of the need for sacrifice in the Christian church. Yet it is full of the assurance of hope in Christ. In its context and in its relevance for today, Hebrews brings a special word to all who are in danger of losing heart or choosing the easy way in life. This book comes with a spiritual health warning!

Contents

Top Highlights

“One of the common misconceptions of our day is the belief that the Old Testament is dominated by the theme of the judgement of God and the New Testament by that of the love of God. In fact, both themes run together in both Testaments and reach their highest fulfilment in the New. That fits with verse 2 and its reference to God speaking by his Son ‘in these last days’. That phrase ‘in these last days’ is shorthand for the whole era of grace in which we live, between the first and second comings of Christ. All roads in the Bible lead to him and revelation is complete in him. Beyond him the church’s task is to interpret these truths within the context of our day, but there is no further new revelation from God. He has spoken finally in Jesus Christ.” (Page 12)

“The three great Christian festivals help us to keep the balance here: Christmas speaks of God with us; Easter, of God for us; Pentecost, of God in us.” (Page 19)

“To accept Jesus will often be very costly; to reject him will always be more costly and very foolish, for where else can we go (see John 6:68–69)?” (Page 15)

“This is not a case of a sad period of backsliding, not uncommon in many Christians, but rather of a complete denial of the faith, with that terrible picture of ‘crucifying the Son of God all over again’ (v. 6). To reject the message of the cross, the authority of the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, is to put oneself outside the realm where God is at work. No sensible person plays with fire like that.” (Pages 37–38)

“we do not move from the less true to the more true when we pass Malachi; rather, we move from promise to fulfilment.” (Page 12)

Product Details

• Title: Opening Up Hebrews
• Author: Philip Hacking
• Publisher: Day One
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 96

About Philip Hacking

Philip Hacking is a retired Anglican Minister, Vicar of Christ Church Fulwood, Sheffield, for almost thirty years and Rector of St Thomas' Edinburgh for the previous ten years. He is former Chairman of the Keswick Convention of Word Alive (Spring Harvest) and of Reform (action group within the Church of England). He is married to Margaret with two children and five grandchildren. In retirement he has a wide itinerant preaching ministry and is an occasional author.