The Power of Christ

W. Carl Ketcherside

[Page 73]

     For reasons which we will not take time here to mention we have long held the opinion that the epistle called "Hebrews" was addressed to Palestinian Jews. It was written while the temple was still standing and its daily ritual still prevailed. Those to whom it was addressed had accepted Jesus as the Messiah, but were in danger of defecting again to Judaism, thus denying the validity of the cross, and the efficacy of the blood shed by the Son of God.

     One can imagine the lure of the pageantry and pomp of the temple service to those who had grown up in orthodox Judaism. The simplicity which characterized the Way, without buildings, a priestly caste, or sacerdotal trappings, must have made it appear drab to many. Little groups meeting in private homes must often have noted those missing from their number, only to learn that they had returned to the temple and its daily sacrifices upon the altar.

     In order to counter this falling away the author wrote this treatise to show that in Christ we have something far superior to that which the Mosaic economy could offer. The keyword is "better" and it occurs thirteen times. Each chapter seems to prove that ours is a better arrangement. (1) Christ is better than angels. (2) The message of Christ is better than the one spoken by angels. (3) Christ is better than Moses. (4) Christ is better than Joshua. (5) Christ has a better priesthood. (6) We have a better hope. (7) Christ is better than Levi. (8)We have a better covenant. (9) We have a better service. (10) We have a better sacrifice. (II) We have a better faith. (12) We have a better kingdom. (13) We have a better altar.

     Jesus is the center and circumference of

[Page 74]

the Hebrew letter. Nothing had any authority which did not stem from Him; nothing had any validity which did not lead to Him. He was truly "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." He is revealed as the creator of the worlds (1:2); the captain of our salvation (2:10); the Apostle and High Priest of our profession (3:1); our forerunner (6:20); the minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched (8:2); the mediator of the new covenant (9:15; 12:24); and the author and finisher of our faith (12:2).

     It seems apparent from this that God's remedy against defection is to instil a proper understanding of our relationship to Jesus Christ our Lord. Every aspect of life must be adjusted in the framework of this relationship. Jesus is not the head of some department of life, or of some segment of daily existence. He is not the supervisor of the bureau of religion, but the Lord of the whole life. One is as much within His care and concern when sitting in a mathematics class, or when listening to the radio with his family, as when sitting in a pew of a "religious edifice." Life in Christ is not regulated by the clock or calendar. It is not turned on and off like a faucet.

     To be in Christ is to be plugged in to the very source of power, to be attached to the divine dynamo, or the generator of grace. There are seven things affirmed about the status of Jesus which indicate the nature of His power. These are concentrated in two verses--Hebrews 1:2, 3. Jesus is the heir of all things (universal power); the maker of the worlds (creative power); the brightness of God's glory (majestic power); the express image of God's person (divine power); the upholder of all things (sustaining power); the purger of our sins (saving power); and he is seated at God's right hand (ruling power).

     Here is the power to perform all that life demands of one. It is available unto us in the Savior. There is the power to properly handle whatever state comes to us, whether poverty or affluence; power to face pain and suffering, or the lack of them, which may be even harder; and the power to face either the cross or the tomb. How can anyone defect or desert who is conscious of what is ours in Christ?