In fact, one plausible summary of the book of Hebrews is “Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed, but it will have no effect on Christians because we have a heavenly temple, spiritual High Priest, and look for a future city.”
In that time of destruction and uncertainty, with people fleeing their homes, the writer of Hebrews gave Christians a list to adhere to in order to continue serving God. This list is also very relevant for the times in which we live.
The specific purpose statement or summary statement of the message is given in Hebrew 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
Chapter 13 then continues with the writer’s list of important things not to forget even in times of upheaval. The list includes:
- Entertaining strangers—refugees and those in need would be frequent
- Remembering Christians in jail for their beliefs
- Keep your marriage honorable—avoid adultery
- Don’t be covetous of physical possessions—live by faith that God will provide
- Remember the ministry that Jesus Christ established and provided for the direction and teaching of the Church. We are admonished to follow their example, and this is repeated twice. Verse 17 adds: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account….”
- Reject different and strange doctrines
- Give thanks to God continually
- Do good and forget not to fellowship (referring back to 10:25, “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together”)
- Pray for the ministry
- Embrace—warmly receive—the ministers who guide the Church (verse 24).
Romans 13:11-12 also warns Christians: “…now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12). Jesus Christ promised never to leave us or forsake us, but that promise carries with it our responsibility to continue in the faith and obey and serve Him from the heart.
