The term "Hebrew" was first used as a name to describe Abram as he crossed into Canaan. (See Genesis 14:13) In the Bible, the word Hebrew then becomes an ethnic term used interchangeably with "Israelite."
This book was written to those Hebrews who believed in Jesus Christ but were still trying to live under the law of sacrifices. They were struggling with what was their traditional way of life under the Law and the freedom they had in Christ.
The “New Covenant” needed to be explained, so the author of Hebrews goes into great detail to explain how Christ’s blood sacrifice was “once for all.” No longer would they need to make the atoning animal sacrifices for sin. Christ had completed that sacrifice with His own blood once for all people and once for all time.
The Hebrew believers no longer had to sacrifice animals for their sins. They had the ability to approach the very throne of God because of the blood covering of their Savior, Jesus Christ. Their part was to accept that sacrifice through faith and ask for forgiveness of their sin.
What does the biblical book of Hebrews mean to New Testament Christians?
We learn that we can
· Be set free from the slavery of sin.
· Be in a relationship with a Holy God.
· Join in His rest.
· Have hope for our future.
· Live in obedience to God.
· Know what the “New Covenant” is in our personal walk with Christ.