SUMMARY
These verses offer one of several exhortations by the author that his readers should attend more closely to the word they have received and not drift from it as time passes.
ANALYSIS
The Letter to the Hebrews calls readers to remember what they have learned and to live as that learning implies, lest they miss the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The attention of readers has drifted from the message of the Son’s work on their behalf. This is a bigger problem than those reading the letter might think. Not only the readers’ present hope and courage, but also their future participation in the rule God has established for Christ, depends upon their recognizing this revelation of God for what it is.
As a prelude to reviewing again how JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. is greater than the angels, and his work mightier than theirs, the author reminds readers that the new work of God was (1) communicated by Christ (2) confirmed by the first followers of Jesus, and (3) further confirmed by God who used signs and wonders, as well as the gift of the HolyHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine Spirit, to bear witness to it. As hearers of this word, the letter’s recipients need to wake up to its implications or risk losing the life that the word promises.
