The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
3) Those who have obeyed the truth have purified their souls - 1 Pe 1:22
b. If obedience is necessary for salvation, are we saved by works?
1) Not if by “works” you mean “meritorious works” (works by which we earn
salvation)
2) But if you mean by “works” the “works of God” (works by which we receive
God’s unmerited gift of salvation) which God has ordained, then yes!
a) E.g., believing in Christ is a “work of God” - Jn 6:28-29
b) Since repentance and baptism are likewise enjoined by God, they too would be
“works of God” that we must obey in order to receive salvation - e.g., Ac 2:
38; 10:48
-- Thus salvation “by grace through faith” does not preclude the necessity of obedience to
Christ and His gospel!
B. “ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK...” (10)
1. Here we begin to learn the distinct nature of Christ’s priesthood
2. As prophesied in Psa 110:4, the Messiah would be “a priest forever according to the order
of Melchizedek”
3. Thus His priesthood would be different from the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood
a. Different, but would it be superior?
b. Would the difference be enough to persuade them not to forsake Christ?
-- The difference between the two priesthoods and the superiority of Christ’s over
Aaron’s is taken up later in this epistle (cf. He 7:1-28)
CONCLUSION
1. The spiritual immaturity of the Hebrew readers will necessitate a temporary digression
2. But for the moment, the author has established “Christ’s Qualifications As High Priest”...
a. He was Divinely appointed
b. He is sympathetic because of His own sufferings
3. This makes Jesus suitable as the “author of eternal salvation”
a. But don’t forget that He is the author of salvation “to all who obey Him”
b. Have you rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ? - cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:36-39
Sermons From Hebrews 39