In this exposition of the Book of Hebrews we have now come to the last chapter, which, as we shall see, deals largely with practical matters. In religion one must have, not only the theory, but also the practice. Christianity is a workable religion. What God works into us we are to work out in Godly lives (cf. Phil. 2:12,13). In the first six verses of Hebrews, chapter 13, the apostle especially mentioned various and sundry practical outworkings in the Christian life.

In the first place he exhorted that "love of the brethren continue." The Lord Jesus said: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). God put his love into our heart through the Holy Spirit and expects us to yield to Him in order that we may become empty channels through which this love may flow and thus express itself.

Christians are not only to love their brethren but are also to show love and consideration for strangers, as verse 2 exhorts. Abraham received three strangers. When he did so he "entertained angels unawares" (vs. 2). Two of these were ordinary angels, but one was "the Angel of Jehovah,"—the Lord Jesus Christ himself. One never knows when he extends a kindness or a courtesy to a stranger what the results may be. At the same time I believe that the Lord expects us to use judgment and discretion in our extending courtesies and favors to others.

The days of persecution against the church had already begun when the Hebrew Epistle was written. Certain of the brethren, as we see from verse 3 were in bonds. The writer therefore exhorted his brethren to remember them as being bound with them. They were to enter sympathetically into their sufferings. By so doing, their hearts would go out in compassionate love, and they would discover ways and means by which they might assist those thus distressed.

In verse 4 the writer urged that the marriage relationship should be held on the high and holy plane upon which God placed it in the very beginning. Christian men and women are commanded by the Lord to be faithful and true to their marriage vows. The husband is to be faithful and true to his wife. The wife likewise is to be equally faithful to her husband. Immorality and unfaithfulness, should never, according to this verse, be known among the people of God. The exhortation of this verse is of great importance today when the marriage relationship is looked upon very lightly, and the divorce evil is allowed to dissolve these God created ties between a man and his wife.

Human nature is the same today as it has always been. Men have been lovers of money and material goods from the beginning and have always been grasping for more. Unfortunately many born-again people lose sight of the temporary character of wealth and riches and strive for them as if they were to remain here always. The apostle by the Spirit exhorted the brethren to be free from the love of money and to be content with whatever things God gives. Sometimes we hear that certain ministers are mercenary and are often dissatisfied from what they receive from the brethren for the services that they render. I have heard that some ministers even set a price upon their services. Personally I cannot believe that this is in harmony with the will of God. The apostle Paul never set a price upon his ministerial service. Neither did the Lord Jesus Christ; and I cannot believe that any of the Apostles ever did.

We have the promise of the Lord that He will in no way fail us, nor in anywise forsake us. Hence the writer declared that with good courage we may say,

     "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear:
      What shall man do unto me?"

In this connection I wish to give my personal testimony: I have been preaching the gospel for thirty-eight years. Never one time have I entered into any contract or bargained with any man or group of men, church or churches, for a stipulated sum. I have always gone forth upon the promise of the Lord, believing that he would give me through His people that which He wanted me to have. There have been times when the offerings have been small; at other times they have been reasonable; and on some occasions they have been abundant and have always met the actual needs. It is far better to have the promise of God and to lean upon it then to have the signed statements of men. May the Lord deliver us from the bargaining, grasping, money spirit, and may His grace enable us to trust His promises. May we by faith march forward looking to Him alone to fulfill the promises and to take care of all our needs.

The writer exhorted his readers to remember his spiritual leaders who are looking after the welfare of the flock of God. Evidently those brethren to whom the writer referred were exemplary characters. The first generation of them seemed to have passed away when the letter was written. These men had faithfully proclaimed the Word of God to his people and then had passed on to their reward. Thus the apostle urged his readers to consider the issue or the outcome of their lives and to follow their example. We would do well to chose as models, if we so desire, the Godliest and most consecrated loyal, faithful servants of God and emulate their faith and conduct.

In verse 8 we have a marvelous statement which relates to the nature and the person of our Lord Jesus Christ: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever." He was "the Word" in all eternity—prior to the creation of the universe. He then, at the proper time, brought into existence the material worlds. Since then He has been controlling their movements. He is working all things together for the good of those who love God during this present age (Rom. 8:28). He will return some day, and having lifted the curse, reign for a thousand years on this earth. After the Millennium the present universe will pass out of existence. He will then create the eternal heavens and the eternal earth—as we learn in Revelation, chapters 21 and 22. Thus the present heavens and earth will pass away, but the Lord Jesus Christ will remain the same. His love is unchangeable. His powers are unabated. He is able to meet the situation of the people of God under all circumstances and at all times. Thus we can believe with perfect assurance that He cares for us and that we are His.

In verses 9-17 we have a section of scripture which deals specifically with the Jewish question. It starts with an exhortation to the brethren not to be carried about by various and strange teachings. On the contrary, the author shows that it is important for the heart to be established by the grace and the power of God and not to be dependent on the outward observance of eating meats and the performing of certain rites and ceremonies. Engaging in such religious acts cannot establish the heart. Only the grace of God inwrought in the soul by the power of the Spirit can establish and can strengthen the believer so that he can stand for the Lord Jesus Christ and live and labor for Him.

These Hebrew Christians had their attention called to the fact that they too had an altar—just as the Jews had at the Temple in Jerusalem. At the Christian altar those who served the Temple had no right to eat. Just as the bodies of those animals which were brought to the holy place by the high priest were burned without the city, so was the Lord Jesus Christ led outside the city of Jerusalem in order "that He might sanctify the people through his own blood." The arrangement to carry the bodies of the offerings outside the city was designed to show that the Messiah would be offered for the sins of the world without the camp of Judaism—beyond the legalism and the ritualism of the Law.

The Jews looked to Jerusalem as their spiritual center. In a figurative manner we too have a city. Ours is not an abiding one here and now; but we have one that is to come. It can be none other than the great Millennial Jerusalem a description of which we find in Ezekiel 40-48. We are walking by faith and not by sight. We are not interested in the material things of life now. On the contrary we are seeking that city which has foundations whose maker and builder is God. Like the patriarchs of old we are walking by faith. God will never disappoint us.

Let us therefore, since Christ is our great High Priest, approach God through Him, offering "a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips which make confession to his name." As we thus live daily for Him let us be careful not to forget to do good to all and to communicate to the necessity of the needy. Moreover, let us obey those who have the rule over us and submit to their wise suggestions, for the true shepherds of God are working in behalf of our souls and for our good.

In verse 18 and 19 the apostle urged that prayer be offered in his behalf and that of his co-laborers in order that they might be restored to them the sooner.

One of the great doxologies of the Bible is found in verses 20 and 21 of this chapter.

"20 Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, 21 make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen."

The Almighty is indeed the God of peace. He brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ, through the blood of an eternal covenant. He is able to make us perfect in every good thing to do his will. The Lord urges us to be perfect even as God is perfect. We cannot do this in and by our own strength but can do so by the power which He supplies. It is possible for us to live such yielded lives that we can know what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God regarding ourselves. But to Jesus Christ be all the glory "for ever and ever," for all that we are, do, and accomplish now and in the future.

In the last four verses of chapter 13 are contained certain exhortations and personal matters. The apostle felt led to urge the brethren to "bear with the word of exhortation." He told them that Timothy had been set at liberty and added that he, accompanied by him, hoped to come to them shortly. He urged the brethren to salute and have respect for those who had the rule over them. He closed with a doxology similar to the one which is found at the end of all the Pauline epistles: "Grace be with you all. Amen." This familiar Pauline touch has led many brethren to believe that the Apostle Paul was the author of the Epistle of the Hebrews. I share this conviction.

The Hebrew letter is one of the profoundest, if not the most profound, in the entire Bible. We have merely scratched the surface in this series of articles. Someday, the Lord willing, I hope to write a book on this section of the Word.

In the meantime it is my sincere hope that those of you, my readers, who have followed this series have been blessed spiritually and that each one's life has been enriched by meditation upon the marvelous truths which our Heavenly Father has given to us in the Book of Hebrews through His servant the apostle.

THE END