The book of Hebrews shows how the Old Testament pointed to Christ. The author of the book declared of God, “he is faithful that promised” (Hebrews 10:23). God’s faithfulness to His promises encourages those who read His word to continue to hold fast to Him in faith (Hebrews 13:22). Even though Hebrews shows how Christ is far better than the Old Testament system He replaced, there is still benefit in learning from the Old Testament. Comfort and encouragement come to us from those scriptures (Romans 15:4). We want to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit God’s promises (Hebrews 6:12), such as Abraham who patiently endured and obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:15).
The New Testament opens with establishing the fact that Jesus Christ is a descendant of Abraham (Matthew 1:1). God had made a promise to Abraham that in him all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Though Abraham was childless at the time, God promised great things would come through his progeny. Abraham waited a quarter of a century from God’s initial promise to the actual birth of Isaac (Genesis 12:4; 21:5). Abraham was not sinless, but he was faithful; God regarded him as righteous based on this (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; James 2:20-24). The blessing of Abraham comes to us through Jesus Christ so that we might receive the promise (Galatians 3:14). Those who walk in faith like Abraham, receive the righteousness that comes by faith (Romans 4:12-13). When one is baptized into Christ, one becomes a child of God by faith (Galatians 3:26-27). One then belongs to Christ, becomes part of Abraham’s seed, and an heir of the promise (Galatians 3:29).
Abraham obeyed God, keeping His commandments, charges, and laws (Genesis 26:5). To be of the seed of Abraham, one must do the same. Jesus said if one follows his own desires rather than following God, then one is a child of the devil, even if one’s physical lineage could be traced back to Abraham (John 8:39-41, 44). Descendants of Abraham had to bring forth the fruits of repentance from sin (Matthew 3:8-10). Even though Abraham died in peace, his descendants were servants in Egypt for over 400 years (Genesis 15:13-15). However, sin is an even harsher taskmaster (John 8:24; Romans 6:19-21). Sin leads to death and torment (Romans 6:23; James 1:15; Revelation 20:10; 21:8). The descendants of Abraham hoped in death to be at rest, comforted alongside Abraham (Luke 16:22-25). However, Jesus is the only way of truth that sets one free from sin (John 8:31-32; 14:6). He offers rest to all who follow Him (Matthew 11:28).
We realize God’s promise of rest remains for us (Hebrews 4:1). Some of the descendants of Abraham fell short of receiving rest because they lacked faith, giving in to various sins (Hebrews 3:16-18; 1 Corinthians 10:1-14). Therefore, we do not turn away from God in unbelief, but rather “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6). Considering the faith of men like Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10) should spur us on to continue in obedience and faithful endurance to the end of our race, focusing our attention on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
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