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used in Ephesians is employed. The Ephesian saints had been `made nigh'
whereas the Hebrews are exhorted to `draw near'.
Comparison No. 6. Both in Hebrews and in Ephesians the outstanding
position of Christ is `seated at the right hand of God', but in Hebrews, He is
seen seated there as `the High Priest' whereas in Ephesians He is seated there
as `The Head'. In Ephesians, the believer is looked upon as being seated with
Him, in Hebrews He is there alone. In the whole of Paul's thirteen epistles
there is not a single reference either to a priest or to a high priest, yet,
without these offices, the teaching of Hebrews could not proceed.
An examination of the Scriptures written prior to the law of Sinai,
reveals that sacrifices were offered, not by a priest, but by the head of a
family or tribe. Priesthood is thus linked with Israel, but the Gentile
calling of Ephesians is linked with Christ as Head.
Comparison No. 7. The word diatheke, `covenant', lies at the heart of
Hebrews. No covenant, old or new, enters into the teaching of Ephesians. The
`seated Priest' of Hebrews is the Mediator of the new covenant, but this is
entirely foreign to the calling or dispensation of Ephesians. In the place
occupied by the new covenant in Hebrews, Ephesians places `The Mystery'.
Comparison No. 8. The hope of both epistles, when examined and compared,
reveals the same associations that have marked all the preceding studies.
`Prove all things, hold fast that which is good'.
(C)
Hebrews and Philippians compared.
The preceding comparison is negative in character, but the present
reveals that the purpose with which Hebrews was written is similar to the
purpose of Philippians. The dispensation in which the two epistles work are
different, but their teaching is parallel. Both urge the believer to `go on
unto perfection' whatever that perfection may mean in either case, and both
warn about drawing back `unto perdition' whatever that perdition may prove to
be. In both a race and a prize is in view, even though the prize be different
and the sphere of enjoyment different.