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Jesus Christ, “the Author of Eternal Salvation”







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Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson


Dr Matthew Gray provides a fantastic overview for the Book of Hebrews on Follow Him podcast. He frames the historical and literary context of this book beautifully, and outlines these chapters in a way that makes them very approachable and very powerful. In opening his discussion, Dr. Gray begins with the following statement, which is a very helpful perspective when one begins to study this book.


It's really fun to work through Hebrew scholarship and interact with scholars who spend a lot of their career studying this book. Speaking of the complexity of the background and how much we do or don't know, one of my favorite common sayings in Hebrew scholarship, the more you study the epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, the more you come away with three certainties.

  • One is that it's not an epistle.

  • Two, that it was not written by Paul, and

  • Three, that it was not written to the Hebrews.


With that in mind there are a lot of different theories in circulation about who the author of Hebrews actually was and we simply do not know. The following resource discuss some of those theories, and can be helpful. “Authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews


Condescension of God


I am a visual learner, and it helps me to see things mapped out, and I believe that is what the author of Hebrews is doing in their summary. In previous lessons, we discussed the principles of Justification through the Grace of Jesus Christ and Sanctification.


Justification is offered through the Grace of God, it is a gift that only He can provide through the Power of His Atonement, which he performed as part of His Condescension. This was the process of Jesus Christ "coming down" from the Throne of Heaven in steps and stages, to descend below all things, to rescue us, to be with us, so he can help to lift us up. The word condescension literally means to descend together with (synapago, yarad, katavaino). The English word comes from the Latin root skala, and the Greek root klino which is where we get the English words scale, escalator, ascend, descend, climb. The Greeks borrowed this word from Latin to indicate a stair, staircase, ladder, rungs, and even a stumbling block or scandal. These are concepts indicative of falling, bowing, bending, being made low, laying down, and becoming humble.


Sanctification is the process of an individual's ascension from Earth to the Heavenly throne on High. This also comes in steps and stages, like a ladder, as one learn to become spiritually mature and apply the blessings of God's Laws to their life as they learn to Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is indicative of the process of Ascending the Mountain of the Lord that is found all throughout Scripture. This topic is introduced in Chapters 5 and 6, and is the primary topic for next week's lesson.


In this week's lesson we are examining Chapters 1-5, which primarily focus on Christ's Condescension, and we see the author demonstrate the concept of descension by outlining the hierarchical steps of Christ's gradual descension from his throne on high to his descension below all things, into Hell itself, to rescue the sinner from both spiritual and physical death, those who want/choose to be saved. One can observe this visually from the authors description in Hebrews.



Overview:


Hebrews 1


The Book of Hebrews addresses a Christian audience, emphasizing the preeminence of Jesus Christ, especially for believers from Jewish backgrounds who might be tempted to revert to their former religious practices or doubt Christ's significance.

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Verses 1-4:

Supremacy of Christ

  • This introductory hymn highlights God's communication with various patriarchs and prophets at various times, and in various ways throughout history to describe these principles. The author describes Jesus Christ as the latest and most recent individual who taught these principles, and he sets Christ apart not only as the most recent revelator but also as the Son of God, the appointed heir, the Creator, and the sustainer of eternal worlds. He explains that this was done through the Power of the Atonement. The author continues to explain that because of Christ's "brightness" (his ability to reflect the light and majesty of the Father perfectly), he was able to uphold the power of the word, (law, promise, decree). By himself, Christ purged our sin and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High.

Verses 5-14:

​Christ as the Son of God, the Eternal King, Supremacy to Angels

  • The author supports Christ's superiority as the begotten son of God to angels (ministers). He references seven specific Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate and support these principles.

  • Verses 5-7 establish Jesus' divine role as God's sole and first Begotten Son. These passages remind the reader that God never said to any angel, "You are my Son." This emphasizes Christ's role as the eternal, ruling King whom the angels worship, for it is Christ who manifests his spirit in the angels and lights his flame of fire within his servants.

  • Verses 8-9: The author continues to highlight the superiority of the Son, Jesus Christ, over the angels. This passage references the angels as God's servants and ministers, but it contrasts them with the Son, who is positioned above his fellows and seated upon God's eternal throne, carrying the scepter of righteousness, the scepter of kingship, and anointed with the oil of gladness (exultation). This passage emphasizes the unique and exalted nature of Jesus, who is not just a servant but the divine Son of God, worthy of worship and eternal glory.

  • Verse 10 reflects Jesus Christ as the Creator, who laid the foundations of the earth and heavens, and everything within them, through the work of his own hands.

  • Verses 11-12: The author continues to assert the superiority of the Son, contrasting Him with the created universe, which will perish, and emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ, which will remain throughout the ages. He uses the analogy of an old garment that will eventually wax old. As a vesture, it will be folded up and changed, yet the consistency of Christ will remain the same and will not fail.

  • Verse 13-14 This passage reaffirms that the angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the believers, those who are intended to be heirs of salvation with Christ.

  • (Hebrews 1:5) Psalm 2:7 - "You are my Son; today I have become your Father."

  • (Hebrews 1:5) 2 Samuel 7:14 - "I will be his father, and he will be my son."

  • (Hebrews 1:6) Deuteronomy 32:43 - "Let all God's angels worship him."

  • (Hebrews 1:7) Psalm 104:4 - "He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire." Psalm 102:25-27

  • (Hebrews 1:8-9) Psalm 45:6-7 - "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom."

  • (Hebrews 1:10) Psalm 102:25-27 "And thou Lord, in the beginning has laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the works of your hands."

  • (Hebrews 1:13) Psalm 110:1 "sit on my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool."

Hebrews 2

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Hebrews 2


INT

Verses 1-18

Jesus descends below the Angels and takes a Human Form in His Role as Savior and Redeemer


  • Verses 1-4: The author warns the saints to heed the things we have heard earnestly so that we do not slip or drift away. He reminds his audience that the message spoken by angels was steadfast (binding), and every transgression (violation) and disobedience (negligence) would receive a just recompense. If one neglects the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, there will be no escape; they will, therefore, be obligated to pay the penalty for their sin, as the Lord first explained from the beginning. When we heard this proposal, we agreed to it and confirmed it. According to God's will, this message was confirmed multiple times through reliable witnesses and accompanied by various signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to God's will.

  • Verses 5-9: This passage speaks about the exalted destiny of humanity. It highlights that God did not subject the world to come to angels but to humans. He quotes Psalms 8:4-9, emphasizing the unique position and authority given to mankind. It discusses Jesus, who, for a little while, was made a little lower than the angels but is now crowned with glory and honor. The passage underscores Jesus' role as the Savior and Redeemer because he tasted the death of every individual being and collective whole through his suffering and death. Because of His victory and grace, he has opened the pathway for mankind to receive redemption and salvation.

  • Verses 10-13: This passage elaborates on Jesus' humanity and his role as the pioneer (captain, author, prince, first/principle leader) of our salvation through his suffering. It underscores that Jesus, who is perfect, became the source of salvation for all believers because he became like us in every way; he suffered as we suffer. And because of this, he has the ability and experience to make things whole and perfect (for us, in the end). The author explains that through this process, both Jesus as the sanctifier and those who are sanctified become one (the at one ment), and because of this, he is not ashamed to call them brethren (and sisters). He even says that Jesus will declare the names of his brothers and sisters in the midst of the assembly and will sing their praises. For this purpose, the author states he will put his trust in Christ because he wants to be among those children that Jesus claims.

  • 14-18 Jesus is described as the "high priest" who sympathizes with human weaknesses and is able to help those who are fallen. The author explains that because the children of God became partakers of flesh and blood, Christ himself took part in the same so that through His death, He might destroy the power that the devil (Lucifer) held over them as the owner of death. In so doing, the Savior could deliver his people from the fear of death, which they were subjected to throughout their lifetimes as slaves to the devil. In so doing, he did not take upon himself the form or nature of an angel but the form and nature of the seed of Abraham. In everything He did, it behooved him (he was under obligation) to be made like his brethren so that he could pay their debt, their ransom. so that he could become a merciful and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the people's sins. Due to His own experiences of temptation and suffering, He possesses the empathy and capability to succor (help, lift, comfort, support, console) those who cry out to Him while enduring life's trials, challenges, and tests of faith.

(Hebrews 2:6-8) Psalm 8:4-6 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:


Hebrews 3

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Jesus as the Superior to Moses, the Prophet, Apostles, and High Priest

  • Verse 1: Introduction, the author presents Jesus Christ as The High Priest and Apostle of the Christian faith. This is his profession. It is also the profession of all who become heavenly partakers of the holy calling.

  • Verses 2-6: The author compares Jesus to Moses, acknowledging Moses' faithfulness as a worthy servant in God's house. However, it emphasizes that Jesus is worthy of greater honor as the builder of God's house. The passage underscores the significance of Christ's role in the Christian faith and presents Him as the central figure and the one to whom believers should look for guidance and salvation.

Warning to heed the lessons of the Rebellious Israelites

  • Verses 7-11: This passage issues a warning from the voice of the Holy Ghost and pleads for the listener to hear. It references the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness when they hardened their hearts, provoking God and testing His patience. For forty years, God proved himself to them; they saw his works and miracles, yet they continued to err in their hearts and refused to know His ways. Their disobedience and rebellion incurred God's wrath, according to his word, and they were excluded from God's rest. The Spirit's message is clear: one must heed God's voice and remain faithful to avoid the consequences of unbelief and unrighteousness.

  • Verses 12-15: The author exhorts humanity against having an unbelieving heart and departing from the living God (apostasy). He encourages mutual and daily exhortation and warns against the deceitfulness of sin. Members are reminded that from the beginning, we were made to be partakers of Christ, and the author encourages believers to hold fast to their confidence in Christ to the end. He encourages us to hear His voice, not to harden our hearts or provoke Him.

  • Verses 16-19: The author advises the audience to take a lesson from the account of the rebellious Israelites. Despite being God's chosen people, their persistent disobedience caused them to face dire consequences and perish in the wilderness. God had warned them of these consequences, yet their refusal to believe Him ultimately led to their permanent expulsion.

Hebrews 4

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

INT

Entering God's Rest through Faith, a Parallel to the Sabbath (7th) Day


  • Verses 1-3: This passage continues from the previous chapter, and emphasizes the importance of entering God's rest through faith and warns against falling short of it, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness. It stresses that the promise of rest remains available but can only be fully realized through faith. Unbelief, as seen in the Israelites' example, is a hindrance to entering God's rest. (Psalm 95:7-11).

  • Verses 4-10: The author discusses the concept of entering God's rest, emphasizing that God rested on the seventh day after creation. This section parallels this rest with the promise of entering God's rest through the regular observance of the Sabbath. The passage encourages readers to strive to enter that rest, just as Jesus did. It underscores the importance of ceasing from one's own works and relying on the rest provided by the Savior. Jesus is presented as the one who makes this rest possible. Compare this to the seven steps of condescension discussed in the opening summary.

  • Verses 11-13: This section underscores the importance of diligently laboring to enter into God's rest because if one fails to do so, they risk falling into apathy and unbelief. This passage also highlights the power of God's Word, "sharper than any sword, two-edged and piercing, even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joints and marrow." The author describes the Word as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. He explains that God's power is manifest in all things, He sees all things. The author emphasizes that everything is naked and exposed before God, and there is no creature hidden from His sight.

Jesus as the Great High Priest


  • Verses 14-15: describe Jesus as the great high priest who sympathizes with human weaknesses: infirmities, temptations. The passage emphasizes that Jesus has been tested and tempted in every way, yet He remained without sin. This portrays Jesus as a compassionate and understanding high priest who can help those facing trials and temptations.

  • Verse 16: An invitation for believers to confidently approach God's Throne of Grace to obtain mercy and find help in times of need. It underscores the accessibility of God's presence and willingness to offer assistance and favor to those seeking Him.

Hebrews 5

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

INT

Verses 1-10

Jesus as the High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek

  • Verses 1-4 describe the qualifications and responsibilities of a high priest, emphasizing the need for a high priest to be chosen among people and ordained before God so that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. The passage highlights that a high priest needs to show compassion for those who are ignorant and "out of the way," he recognizes that he is also encompassed by with infirmities. A High Priest does not take this honor upon himself but is called by God, as was Aaron.

  • Verses 5-6 introduce Jesus as a high priest, emphasizing that God appointed him to this role. The passage quotes Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:4 to illustrate Jesus' unique position as the Son of God and the high priest in the order of Melchizedek. This highlights the divine origin and significance of Jesus' priesthood.

  • Verses 7-10: This passage emphasizes Jesus' deep prayers and supplications to God the Father during His earthly life, describing events of mighty crying and tears, especially during the events surrounding his Atonement and Crucifixion. The Savior's mission caused him tremendous pain, and with reverence, he carried the burdens placed upon him as he witnessed and experienced the pains of the World. Through humility and his willing submission to obey the Father, Christ learned and experienced the pains of life and death. Being made perfect (complete, finishing his goal), he became the author of eternal salvation to all who would obey Him, those who are called high priests after the order of Melchizedek. All previous High Priests in the Ancient Temple served under God. On Yom Kippur, these stewards acted as proxies and shadows pointing to Christ. All current High Priests likewise serve in a similar capacity as His servants, pointing back to Christ and hopefully reflecting types and shadows of His divine attributes of love, humility, selflessness, and compassion.

Psalm 2:7: I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 110:4: The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Verses 11-14

Warning against Spiritual Immaturity

  • Verses 11-13 chasten the author's audience for their spiritual immaturity. The passage suggests that this community should have already become teachers, but they are still "dull of hearing," and they require someone to teach them the basic principles of God's Word (oracles). These verses highlight the need for believers to progress and move beyond the milk, the elementary teachings of faith (1 Cor 3:2). They need to progress to the point of being able to partake of and digest the meat, the necessary and sustaining nourishment for a mature disciple of Christ. He states that those who rely only on milk are unskilled (ignorant) in the word of righteousness; they don't understand the power and potential they possess, and they are still operating as babies

  • Verse 14 discusses those who are spiritually mature, stating that they have exercised, through their experience and senses, powers of discernment and are trained to distinguish good from evil. This verse underscores the importance and necessity of spiritual maturity and the ability to make wise, moral distinctions, which are characteristics of those who have grown in their faith.

Hebrews 6

Scripture

Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Hebrews 6

Verses 1-12

Nutrition: The Sustaining Power of Meat in Preventing the Believers from Deception and Apostasy

  • Verses 1-3 continue from the previous chapter and encourage believers to progress beyond the elementary teachings about Christ that were previously mentioned. It lists and reviews these elementary principles, outlining the foundation for the 4th Article of Faith: faith in God, repentance from dead works, instructions about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

  • Verses 4-6: In the author's introduction to the "meat," he stresses the importance of pursuing it because learning Gospel doctrine will help to protect members from deception and apostasy. The author stresses a sobering warning to those who fail to pursue this sanctification process and those who don't take their covenants seriously. According to the terms and conditions of the Oath and Covenant, where much is given, much is expected, and this knowledge comes with great responsibility. This passage describes and highlights individuals who come to the peak and goal of this pursuit. These are individuals who pass through the veil and approach the Throne of God. This is a description of individuals who have had their callings and elections made sure, who intentionally and knowingly commit the Unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost. These are individuals who, in spite of experiencing the marvelous blessings of God, including enlightenment and tasting the fruits of the heavenly gift (1 Nephi 8), which include receiving the sealing powers of the eternities to come and being made as partakers (partners) with the Holy Spirit, intentionally choose to fall and turn away (מָעַל). This passage states that renewing these individuals to repentance (to change their hearts and minds) is impossible, and they choose to become Sons of Perdition in that they shed innocent blood (D&C 132:27). Through their betrayal, they crucify the Son of God afresh and expose Him to open shame (as examples for Christ, they expose God's Church to public disgrace and mockery). This serves as a caution against turning away from the faith once embraced, as it clearly specifies the severity of the consequences.

  • Verses 7-8: The author uses an analogy of the Earth that receives and drinks abundant rain, having the potential to produce botanicals (fruit, herbs) and blessed dressings (agriculture). He contrasts that by describing a barren land that rejects the blessings, cursed, bearing thorns and briars that will eventually burn and end.

  • Verses 9-12 continue to discuss Jesus as the source of eternal salvation for those who obey Him, appointed as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. The author attempts to persuade his beloved audience to seek the better things that accompany salvation. He reminds them that God has not forgotten them and sees their labours of love; the charitable ministries they have pursued in His name. He desires to reassure them, that their diligence is recognized. He encourages them not to be slothful, but to have faith, patience, and hope as they endure to the end. In doing so, they will inherit the promised blessings.

​Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives "Brothers and sisters, how can we become the men and women—the Christlike servants—the Lord needs us to be? How can we find answers to questions that perplex us? If Joseph Smith’s transcendent experience in the Sacred Grove teaches us anything, it is that the heavens are open and that God speaks to His children...I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”12

Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!”... Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.

Verses 13-20

God's Unchanging Promise

  • Verses 13-16: The author refers to God's promise to Abraham and illustrates His faithfulness by highlighting the certainty of His promise. The passage emphasizes that when people make oaths, they swear by something greater to establish their word. There is nothing greater than God; he, therefore, swore against himself. He took full responsibility. God, desiring to show His purpose's unchangeable and patient nature, obtained and confirmed His promise with an oath. This demonstrates the absolute reliability of God's covenant and the surety of His commitments.

  • Verses 17-20: The assurance of God's immutable (unchanging) and willingly abundant nature and the hope he sets before us, as one who cannot lie, provides an anchor and consolation for the soul. We know we can trust him and be assured of the reliability of His covenant. This hope is described as entering within the veil, into the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary where Jesus, as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek, has gone before us. This chapter underscores the security of our hope and the assurance of our salvation in Christ.

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Reading Guide

Hebrews 1–6


Authorship, Context, and Themes:



“Jesus Christ Is ‘the Express Image’ of Heavenly Father”

“Jesus Christ Suffered Temptation and Infirmities so that He Can Understand and Help Me”

Melchizedek

Harden Not Your Heart


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