f. Encouragement as well as warning can be based on the failure of the Israelites. Under Joshua they did not reach their rest. The promise of it remains for us (iv. 1-13).
{218}
B. The high-priesthood of Christ, superior to that of Aaron's line, universal and royal: iv. 14-vii. 28.
a. Transition to the doctrine of Christ's high priesthood (iv. 14-16).
b. The characteristics of a high priest, human sympathy and divine appointment, fulfilled in Christ (v. 1-10).
c. A digression to urge the readers to advance; the writer's hope for the Hebrews, God's blessing is assured (v. 11-vi. 20).
d. The characteristics of Christ, as perfect and universal High Priest, shadowed forth by Melchizedek (vii.).
C. The liturgy and sanctuary of Christ superior to those of Judaism: viii. i-x. 18.
a. Christ offers sacrifice in heaven (viii. 1-6).
b. Thus He maintains the New Covenant between God and man promised in the Old Testament (viii. 7-13).