A Study in Hebrews: Israel and the New Covenant

The Book of Hebrews is regarded by many as the most eloquently written piece of literature. It sits in the cannon of Scripture as the first of what we call "the Circumcision Epistles." These epistles (Hebrews through the Revelation) will give redeemed Israel all of the information that they will need to get through the coming Tribulation Period and into the promised Kingdom of Heaven. It is the foundational book regarding the atoning work of Jesus Christ in the context of God's redemption of Israel. The Book of Hebrews will provide for the Jewish people who will be going through the coming tribulation period what the Book of Romans does for us who live in the dispensation of grace. It presents the merits of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the price of redemption.

Three key points of doctrine are found in Hebrews pertaining to that nation. They are: 1) the atoning work of Jesus Christ as Israel's High Priest who went into the real tabernacle in heaven. He did this not with the blood of bulls and goats, but with His own blood to obtain eternal redemption for the nation. 2) As the nation's High Priest, He will initiate the New Covenant for the nation to equip that nation to be the blessing to the Gentiles nations that God intended it to be in the beginning. 3) The book of Hebrews presents a series of warnings that stress the importance of enduring the chastening that will come on the nation because Israel is God's Son.

Each chapter in this Bible study guide relates to the corresponding chapter in the Biblical book of Hebrews. At the end of each chapter there are a series of study questions. The author hopes these questions will be useful for many purposes such as small-group Bible study prompts, textbook or framework for a Bible study course, and thought-stimulating questions for self-study.

Michael J. Tiry came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of twenty-nine while in the midst of a career as an engineer. Michael served in the United States Civil Service as a professional engineer for 25 years. After that, Michael started, owned, and operated a private engineering company. While engaged in a career as an engineer, he also was involved in founding a local Bible believing church. His deep appreciation for having the assurance of eternal life, his passion for study, and his quest for truth compelled him to search deeply into the Bible with a desire to learn its truth that he might present the riches of God's grace to others. Over the last forty-five years, Michael has been involved in itinerant preaching, a church planting ministry, and a teaching ministry at Berean Bible Church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Michael serves Berean Bible Church as director of the Timothy Institute -- a Bible curriculum designed to prepare men for leadership in local churches. Additionally, Michael has been active over a span of twenty-three years in a prison ministry. Michael and Linda, his wife of forty-five years, have raised five daughters.