“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21
 
This is the benediction to Hebrews Christians (and us) by the writer at the conclusion of this Letter to Hebrews.  The writer is telling of the superiority of Christ; His person, His work and the Christian’s walk of faith.
 
Because of the persecution by their countrymen, the writer exhorts them not turn back, but to go on to perfection,
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection (maturity), not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”  Hebrew 6:1
 
They had been taught these things so instead of falling back, they needed to go on to perfection.  This appeal is based on the superiority of Christ!  
 
Chapter 1 starts with Christ’s superiority!
Christ’s person and His name, Hebrews 1:1-4,
“God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in the time past to the fathers by the prophets,”   Vs. 1
But now--
“has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  Vs. 2
How He is described--
“who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,   Vs. 3
He is superior!--
“having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”   Vs. 4
 
Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks of Jesus’ (the Son) deity, also in Vs. 8
“But to the Son He (God) says:
Your throne, O God is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”
 
Of His humanity,
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”  Hebrews 2:9
 
“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”  Hebrew 2: 17-18
 
Paul in Romans 1:16-17 tells us,
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes...For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 
‘The just shall live by faith.’”
 
Hebrews 11:1-3 gives us the definition of faith:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.   Vs. 1
“For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  Vs. 2
“By faith we understand the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”  Vs. 3
(The rest of the chapter gives testimony of those who died in faith!)
 
The writer also speaks of God’s chastening His own, Vs. 5-11, please read them for they are for our benefit.  It is for our training unto righteous.  
Vs. 11 tells us,
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
 
The Hebrews writer assures us that God is with us always!:
“Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5-6.
 
We belong to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Read again our opening verses and be blessed and rejoice in God’s goodness!  All praise and glory to Christ Jesus who is above all and superiority to all!  With grateful hearts we say, Thank You Most Holy God:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen