Glorious Privileges

In the penultimate consideration of this mighty book, the writer turns to the privileges that people of the new covenant have over and above the people of the old covenant. He further suggests that godly pastors and elders should lead by example, and that their faith should be ruled by the authority of the Scriptures, as it is God's word.

The controversy about which foods should be eaten belonged to the period of the old covenant era but not to the time of the new covenant. Likewise, every period of church history has its own strange doctrines that carry people about but which have no spiritual value.

The author of the Book of Hebrews then develops the theme of food in a spiritual direction. He is able to talk of real spiritual food, by which most of all he means the Lord Jesus Christ who does not change, being 'the same, yesterday, today and forever.' (verse 8).

We are reminded that the privileges new covenant believers have are something to review and to enjoy. They are spurs to duty and to service, being the type of sacrifice with which the Lord is 'well pleased'. They are resources to stimulate us in obedience.