P S A L L O S

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[1] In days past, God spoke to us through the prophets. But now, God has spoken to us by His Son, Jesus Christ. [2] Listen to him!

[3] Jesus is far superior to the angels. [4] If it was important for God’s people to obey the Mosaic law, which was proclaimed by angels, how much more should you listen to the word of salvation declared by Christ? [5] Despite Jesus’ supremacy, He humbled himself, becoming positionally lower than the angels by taking on human form. He did this in order to become both the high priest and the sacrifice for sins. [6] Jesus is due more honor than Moses, being more faithful as a Son than Moses was as a servant. [7] In Moses’ day, the Israelites failed to enter God’s rest because of their disobedience. [8] You also should be careful, lest you fail to enter God’s eternal rest. [9] Remember that the Word of God pierces as a word of judgment, revealing all our thoughts and actions.

[10] Since we have Christ as our great high priest, we should therefore hold fast to our commitment and draw near to God. Christ has been appointed after the order of Melchizedek. [11] I would like to tell you more about all of this, but your spiritual immaturity prevents me. You need to grow up, [12] for there is a real danger of falling away from God, which would be unimaginably terrible. [13] Nevertheless, as I recall your faithfulness in the past, I am confident that you will endure to the end. [14] As I was saying before, Jesus was appointed a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, a better priestly line than that of Levi. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus never dies. He will always intercede for his people.

c h a p t e r s    e i g h t    t h r o u g h    t h i r t e e n

[15] Having died for sins as a sacrifice, Jesus returned to heaven and entered the true holy of holies to offer himself as a Day of Atonement offering. [16] His sacrificial offering inaugurated a new covenant, one that was anticipated by the prophet Jeremiah. [17] The old covenant, with its repetitive animal sacrifices in the earthly tent, was never intended to save people. [18] It foreshadowed the new covenant, in which the one-time offering of Jesus’ blood through death in the heavenly tent dealt decisively with sins. [19] Therefore, believers in Christ can and should draw near to the throne of God through Jesus Christ.

\[20] But be warned: if those who rejected the law of Moses perished in their sins, how much worse punishment will be given to those who reject Christ? [21] Again I look back on your obedience in the past, and I urge you to press on to receive the inheritance that lies ahead. [22] Consider the saints of old who endured numerous hardships by faith—and they never saw the promises fulfilled in their lifetimes! [23] And consider Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of faithfulness and endurance. Be like him, and do not grow weary in the midst of adversity. [24] For you have not come to Mt. Sinai, with its terrifying scenes of the old covenant, but you have to come to Mt. Zion, the city of the living God, to the new covenant promises of eternal life. [25] Now let me offer you one final warning: do not reject what you have heard, for judgment will surely come against those who do.

[26] In closing, I exhort you to take care how you live your life. Be holy and ever on your guard against the deceitfulness of sin. [27] May the Lord give you everything you need to endure in faithfulness and receive the promises of the new covenant.