Hebrews in Light of Grace (Part 3): The Historical Background of Hebrews
The Need for Context in Scripture
When we approach any specific portion of Scripture without first
understanding its historical and dispensational background, confusion follows
very quickly. Hebrews is one of the clearest examples of this. It stands as the
fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and it leans on the foundation already laid in
the fifty-seven books before it. If isolated passages from Hebrews are lifted
out of that larger line of revelation, it becomes easy to misread truths that
are plainly established elsewhere in the Word of God.
To read Scripture accurately, a believer needs to recognize
that God speaks across different time periods and to different groups of people.
Every word of God is pure, plain, and right to those who seek truth, but
spiritual clarity also requires us to respect the distinct settings in which
God revealed His plan (Ps.12:6; Prov.8:8-9). That is why a faithful study of
Hebrews must trace the movement of Scripture from creation through the calling
of Israel, observing how God’s dealings develop across time. Without that context,
someone could easily take a handful of verses from Hebrews and use them to
challenge clear doctrines given to us for the present age of grace.
Two Realms, Man's Creation, and Earthly Dominion
The story of Bible history begins at the very start of
creation. When God brought the universe into existence, He established two primary
realms: the heaven and the earth (Gen.1:1). Scripture identifies the heaven as
the location of God’s supreme throne, while the earth was fashioned to be His
footstool (Isa.66:1). These were not empty spaces without meaning. They were
filled with order, authority, government, and purpose.
Within these two realms, God established a complete system
of rule. All things in heaven and on earth—visible and invisible, whether
thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers—were created by Jesus Christ and
for Him (Col.1:16). Every authority structure was originally designed to carry
out the divine will and reflect the absolute glory of the Creator (Rev.4:11). This
is also where the repeated biblical pattern of the number twelve becomes
significant, as it appears in connection with governmental perfection: the
twelve constellations, the twelve months of the year, the twelve tribes of
Israel, and the twelve apostles who will sit on twelve thrones (Gen.49:28;
Matt.19:28; Rev.21:12-14).
So from the beginning, Scripture presents creation not merely as a physical environment, but as a governed order under God’s throne.
