
Deep Dive into The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments by Thomas R. Schreiner - The Epistle to the Hebrews
The theology of the Apostle Paul and the Epistle to the Hebrews both emphasize an "already but not yet" framework where the kingdom has arrived through Jesus but awaits final consummation. Paul identifies Jesus as the new David and the Lord who defeated the serpent, though enemies like death remain to be abolished. Similarly, Hebrews describes a worldview where heaven has touched earth, providing direct access to God. Jesus is the definitive Word, surpassing previous mediators such as angels, Moses, and Joshua. As the priest-king and Son of God, Jesus succeeded in extending God's rule where Adam previously failed. While angels mediated the old law, Jesus is the divine Creator who sits at God's right hand. As a Melchizedekian priest-king, Jesus holds a superior, permanent priesthood established by a divine oath and an indestructible life. This priesthood renders the Levitical system obsolete by providing a once-for-all sacrifice that purifies the conscience and secures eternal redemption. The author maintains that God's holiness required a better, more effective sacrifice than animal blood to be satisfied. The earthly tabernacle was merely a copy of heavenly realities, pointing toward the true sanctuary where Jesus ministers. Unlike the temporary rest under Joshua, Jesus secures a permanent heavenly rest. The author issues warnings against apostasy, urging believers not to drift back to inferior old covenant rituals. These admonitions address those who have shared in the Spirit, warning that willful rejection of Christ’s sacrifice leads to irrevocable judgment. Believers are identified christologically as children of Abraham who will inherit the world. Those who persevere in faith are exiles seeking a future heavenly city. Ultimately, the greatest joy is entering God's presence through Jesus' blood. This is like a play where the decisive turning point has occurred, though the final curtain hasn't fallen.
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