As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10
Hebrews, actually a sermon, was spoken to Christian Jews who seemed to have a degree of formal education. Persecution was the experience of early converts across the Roman Empire in the years before Jerusalem fell. Their faith was wavering and they were considering a return to the traditions of their youth, Judaism. The author of Hebrews tells that Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient Priesthood, making the perfect sacrifice once and for all, Jesus the Lamb of God.
The speaker compares these people to the Hebrew children of the Exodus, who see God do miraculous things, but at the first sign of discomfort or insecurity, they forget their faith and fail to trust and obey. For these there was no promised land, no place of peace and rest.
Traditional Jews depend on their strict laws and the act of circumcision (the physical attribute that sets them apart from all others on earth) to assure them the favor of the LORD. However, it is not these things, but the fact that they were given charge, or keeping, over God’s word. He told them, and showed them, His love and character so that they could bless all nations. Their Righteousness does not derive from who they are by birth, but who they chose to be in rebirth.
There is no way to Heaven other than faith, which brings Holiness and perseverance.
Happy Weekend,
Gretchen