Aspects of the Priestly Cosmology of the Letter to the Hebrews - Essay Example

Aspects of the priestly cosmology of the Letter to the Hebrews Insert (s) Aspects of thepriestly cosmology of the Letter to the Hebrews Introduction Throughout the epistle of Hebrews, there are numerous instances where different aspects of priestly cosmos are revealed. Although the author of the epistle of Hebrews is subject to debate, many theologians concur that the author substantially shed light on several themes including cosmology, priestly work, and supersessionism among others. This is particularly because the epistle was primarily written to exhort the role of Christ in the mediation between God and humanity. There are several chapters in the book of Hebrews that are primarily devoted to the early Christians’ view of cosmos. One of the aspects of priestly cosmology in the book of Hebrews is found in the author’s description of Melchizedek priesthood which the author largely considered to be raised by eternal life and is superior to Aaron’s priesthood (Heb.7.11-19). As the Melchizedek, Jesus was believed to have the power to rescue his people from the power of evil. The role of Jesus Christ is, therefore, to restore the true temple (Barker, 2004, p. 11). Another possible aspect of priestly cosmology in the epistle is the imagery of the temple. Throughout the book, there are a number of instances where various practices in the temple such as the offering of sacrifice are described. Incarnation and resurrection are also presented as some of the ways through which human beings can become divine and move to the eternal world which is believed to be the true temple. Scholars agree that the aspects of cosmology depicted in the book of Hebrews fit well in the world of the first century. For example some of the elements of cosmology contained in the Epistle include the description of the metaphysical dualism between the natural world and the highest heaven. Scholer (1991, p.17) also concurs that the Epistle was generally meant to exalt Jesus Christ as the high priest and son of God. The contemporary view of cosmos is, however, based on the today’s astronomical understanding of the universe, rather than the on the aspects of priestly cosmology found in the Letter to the Hebrews. This paper discusses the various aspects of priestly cosmology in the Epistle of Hebrews, its comparison to the contemporary world view of cosmos and the potential insights which can be used in teaching Christianity faith. Comparison between priestly cosmology and the contemporary view of cosmos Cosmology is generally concerned with the origin, organization, structure, as well as the beauty of natural laws that ensure order in the universe. The contemporary view of cosmos is based on the today’s astronomical understanding of the universe, rather than the on the aspects of priestly cosmology found in the Letter to the Hebrews. As opposed to the first biblical view that the earth and heaven are the center of the universe, several discoveries have proven that the sun is the center of the solar system and the vast cosmos. On the other hand, the theological view of cosmos depicted in the Epistle of Hebrews is based on the belief that God is the maker of the universe and Jesus is seen and his true manifestation (Hughes, 1997, p.45). Jesus Christ is seen as the perfect son of God and is the source of salvation to humanity. The book also highlights the first century’s understanding of cosmos with regard to God controls the universe. Throughout the letter to Hebrews, Jesus is depicted as high priest, son of God; everything brings out the aspects of the beginning of the universe that is from creation to the eternal end (Bruce, 1990, p.79). Irrespective of the views attributed by individuals in the modern world, it remains clear that there is a spiritual being that ensures order in the universe and to whom we all attribute our origin from. Science alone has failed to explain this and in the context of spiritual wellbeing, this is God whom Christians put their faith in; this has helped in teaching of Christian faith in the modern world. A critical analysis of various chapters of the Epistle of Hebrews also reveals the nature of Jesus as the source of Christianity faith. In its contextual understanding, the letter severally refers to Jesus as a Son. The writings begin by looking at the olden days that God spoke to His people through ancestors. The relationship of God and humanity in the teachings of this book shows that started long tome ago at the time of creation of the universe (Hurst, 1990, p.34). God now makes himself manifested to his people through Jesus Christ in order to complete the journey through divinity and experience. Through Jesus resurrection, the promise of salvation is fulfilled as the book clearly explains that the resurrection is in order for Jesus to go and prepare for His followers away. Potential insights from the priestly cosmos which can be used in teaching Christianity faith The priestly aspect of Jesus Christ is clearly elaborated in the teachings of the Book of Hebrews. As in the Old Testament, the primary role of priests was to act as mediators between humanity and the spiritual world. This is exactly what is portrayed by Jesus acts and life on the universe as Christ’s followers are promised eternal life. The uniqueness of Jesus as portrayed from the letter of Hebrew in his ability to exist in the divine presence and mediate for human kind to achieve salvation and eternal life. In the Epistle of Hebrews, Jesus is also depicted as the true son of God, as well as the priest who mediates for His people and gets eternal life. According to Gordon (2008, p.46), he is seen as a peaceful, righteous and perfect intercessor to guarantee a new covenant between God and people. From these acts, the theological interpretation is that he is not racial and in line with the contemporary world, he does not discriminate in terms of race or origin and is a true savior of all human kind. This insight into the Biblical teachings helps in teaching of Christian faith by emphasizing on the meaning and understanding of God’s abilities, rather than aiming at scientific proof. All these insights are important in teaching Christianity and the role played by Jesus Christ in the search for eternal life. The understanding that God is the beginning and the end perfects the whole existence of humanity (Heil, 2010. p.8). The Old Testament teachings showed that various priests had weaknesses; Jesus’ coming promised hope to Christians and his followers. According to Lane (1985, p.56), it is this hope for life after death that has helped in the contemporary world to accept the teachings of God. In the Old Testament, there were tribal divisions and racial segregation but from the teachings in the New Testament, it is clearly shown that this is no longer the case with the coming of Jesus. This has helped the spread of faith as followers see each other as people who belong to one God who does not segregate people. This brings out the aspect of Jesus as the redeemer and savior of the universe. Conclusion In conclusion, the aspects of priestly cosmos presented in the epistle of Hebrews are largely based on the biblical view of that the current world is the first temple and Jesus came to the world to save humanity and bring eternal life to the Christian believers. Although this is significantly different to the contemporary view of cosmos, the divine nature of Jesus Christ as depicted in a number of verses of the Epistle of Hebrews enables us to teach Christianity and its promise of eternal life. References Barker, M., 2004. Temple Theology: An Introduction. London: SPCK.  Bruce, F.F., 1990. The Epistle to the Hebrews: The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.  Gordon, R., 2008. Hebrews, Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press.  Heil, J.P., 2010. Hebrews: Chiastic Structure and Audience response. The Catholic Bible Quarterly Monograph, 46(4) p.12-13. Hughes, P.E., 1997. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Pub. Co. Hurst, L. D., 1990. The Epistle to the Hebrews: Its Background and Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lane, W. L., 1985. Call to Commitment: Responding to the Message of Hebrews. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Scholer, J., 1991. Proleptic Priest: Priesthood in the Epistle to the Hebrews, Sheffield, JSOT press.  Read More