All the books of the Bible are important, yet some are uniquely significant in the canon of Scripture. For example, Romans establishes us in the truth of the gospel. We could say Romans was written for our feet, presenting the work of Christ and giving us a place to stand. As an essential companion to Romans, the Book of Hebrews was written for our hearts, presenting the Person of Christ and attracting us to Him.

The original readers of Hebrews were Jewish believers who had already “endured a great struggle with sufferings” (10:32). Some were so discouraged that they considered returning to the traditions of their past. Therefore, the writer of Hebrews sets before them the superiority of Christ. This is always the way to strengthen a wavering Christian! And then, sprinkled throughout the letter are at least five passages of warning, passages intended not to make Christians doubt but to exhort us as we make our “call and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10).

Hebrews 1 provides a stirring presentation of the supreme glories of Christ. He is Creator and Sustainer, the Heir of all things, the brightness of God’s glory and the exact representation of His character. He supersedes all the prophets and is far better than the angels. Seven Old Testament passages elaborate on His deity and glory. He is beyond compare!

And then comes the solemn “Therefore” in our verse above. With such a Person set before us, we must give earnest heed to every truth about Him. The concern is not that we might let the teachings slip—as some translations put it—but that we ourselves might slip away. This is a worthy exhortation. If our hearts are not attached to Christ, we soon will drift from Him.