Hebrews: Christ: Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest (MacArthur Bible Studies)

by John F. MacArthur

Paperback, 2016

Status

Available

Call number

225

Series

MacArthur Bible Studies

Genres

Religion & Spirituality

All Topics

Nonfiction

Publication

HarperChristian Resources (2016), Edition: Gld Rep, 144 pages

Description

The early Jewish believers had come from a background of legalism and works. When God came to earth in human flesh as the New Covenant, these believers discovered the freedom they could have in Jesus and the relationship they could enjoy with Him. Yet in the midst of persecution and rejection, they were often tempted to hold on to the former symbols, rituals, and traditions grounded in the requirements of the Old Covenant. The unknown author of Hebrews sought to address this problem by contrasting the Old and New Covenants, brilliantly showing that Christ is higher than any Old Testament character, priest, ritual, or sacrifice. Because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, He is the perfect sacrifice and our own High Priest. And He has given all believers unfettered access to God! The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member ebnelson

A particularly skewed look at a very difficult letter. There are no signs of careful exegesis here, as MacArthur not only goes for quick answers to tough questions (MacArthur suggests the author of Hebrews must be switching audiences even though there is no internal evidence for this) and makes

sloppy mistakes (MacArthur highlights six warnings for believers, even though four are in sections he later identifies as directed towards a different audience). In short, MacArthur’s interpretation of Hebrews allows for little grace, instead preferring an interpretation that encourages people to focus on their good works instead of the sovereignty of God’s Word—the opposite of what the author of Hebrews intended. The best example can be found in MacArthur's summary of chapter three where he suggest that the rest the author speaks of can only be found in rigorous self-discipline and examination and Pharisaical way of following the Law--the very thing New Testament writers, like the author of Hebrews, is trying to liberate Christians from.

The word study is helpful, though.

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