Some people wonder why the writer of this letter goes into such detail about why the old covenant was obsolete - and how Jesus is at the centre of the new covenant. But for some 1st century Hebrew-background believers, whose families had, for generations, scrupulously observed the Jewish law, it must have seemed a betrayal of everything they were. From strict Sabbath observance to regulations about food and hygiene, and the need to offer sacrifices in the temple, those religious externals were redundant (Colossians 2:16) but still felt part of their spiritual identity.

The new believers in Jesus rejoiced in the new covenant, but their former co-religionists did not understand (Acts 22:1-5). The temple still existed. The machinery of worship and sacrifices continued as ever. And their families were still engaged with it all. The new believers-in-Christ faced many personal challenges. They were now part of a new worshipping community with once-despised Gentiles as well as Jews. They experienced a new intimate relationship with God through Jesus, and a new way to read the Scriptures with the help of the indwelling Spirit. They also faced personal opposition from their old religious community, their family and former business associates. So, their devotion to Jesus also brought social isolation, family rejection, financial hardship and outright persecution for some (Acts 8:1).

But God had brought in a new order. It was not dependent on vicarious intercession by priests but on a personal relationship with Jesus (Hebrews 8:6). It was the only totally effective way for people to come to God (John 14:6); Jews and Gentiles alike. But it would mean dying to their old religious way of life; as Jesus said, 'taking up their cross' meant that all their proud religious boasting had to die (Luke 14:25-27). The writer of this letter wanted to assure his readers that their previous religious rituals were incomplete and temporary – awaiting the day when Jesus would fulfil all the roles of priest, temple, sacrifice and law. Those who trust in Jesus, must never go back to redundant religion again.

And yet many believers still love to add on external practices to show their devotion (not only to God but to other people). Or they have come from a religious background and find it so hard to break free of what they think is expected of them. They do not want to lose anything of their old way of life or risk relationships. But that cannot work. In Christ we are new creations, the old has gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). The message of Hebrews is for us. Jesus is the only way forward. Externals do not impress God, but He will not turn away a humble, contrite and trusting heart (Psalm 51:17). May God give us the desire and grace to live in Christ and not rely on obsolete, external, religious regulations.