Moving away from the Old Covenant

From Harper Study Bible:

Introduction to Hebrews:

"The book of Hebrews does not state to whom it was written. But a reconstruction of the history of the times leads to the conclusion that the Christian church was moving away from the synagogue,."

No more synagogue practices. No more synagogue articles (prayer shawl, blow horn, scented oil, incense). No more Pharisaical habits. The Pharisees were 110% in Jewish custom practices.

Today, when we call someone a Pharisee, we tend to have a bad connotation. But in those days, the people are proud to be called a Pharisee. Because they are trying their very best to keeping the Laws of Moses. In fact, every person aspire to be a Pharisee, because they are seen to be very "holy" people. Almost perfect. BUT perfect in the eyes of man, but are totally unrighteous in the eyes of God.

God says perfection does not come from human effort, but from the free gift of perfection found only in the person of Jesus. And when Jesus became our sanctification, we are made perfect in the eyes of God. It does not come with feelings or any act on our part, but entirely the work of God.

"for by one offering (Jesus as our offering), God has perfected for ALL time those who are made holy."