Levitical Sacrifice and Heavenly Cult in Hebrews (Beihefte Zur Zeitschrift Fur die Neutestamentliche Wissensch) (Beihefte Zur Zeitschrift Für die Neutestamentliche Wissensch)

This monograph examines Hebrews’ understanding of the relationship between old covenant sacrifices and Christ’s new covenant sacrifice, especially as it relates to the question of efficacy. Most scholars think the author of Hebrews strips the levitical sacrifices of most, if not all, efficacy, but this work affirms a more positive depiction of the levitical sacrifices. A mystical apocalyptic tradition stands behind Hebrews’ description of the heavenly cult , which establishes the framework for relating the levitical sacrifice to Christ’s sacrifice. The earthly, levitical cult was efficacious when it corresponded to or synchronized with the heavenly sacrifice of Christ. Still, the author of Hebrews develops the notion of the heavenly cult in unique ways, as Christ’s sacrifice both validates the earthly practice but also, due to his new covenant theology, calls for its end. Ribbens’ bold proposal joins a growing number of scholars that place Hebrews in the mystical apocalyptic tradition, highlights positive statements in Hebrews related to the efficacy of levitical sacrifices that are often overlooked, and relies on the heavenly cult to reconcile the positive and negative descriptions of the levitical cult. This monograph examines Hebrews understanding of the relationship between old covenant sacrifices and Christ s new covenant sacrifice, especially as it relates to the question of efficacy. Most scholars think the author of Hebrews strips the levitical sacrifices of most, if not all, efficacy, but this work affirms a more positive depiction of the levitical sacrifices. A mystical apocalyptic tradition stands behind Hebrews description of the heavenly cult, which establishes the framework for relating the levitical sacrifice to Christ s sacrifice. The earthly, levitical cult was efficacious when it corresponded to or synchronized with the heavenly sacrifice of Christ. Still, the author of Hebrews develops the notion of the heavenly cult in unique ways, as Christ s sacrifice both validates the earthly practice but also, due to his new covenant theology, calls for its end. Ribbens bold proposal joins a growing number of scholars that place Hebrews in the mystical apocalyptic tradition, highlights positive statements in Hebrews related to the efficacy of levitical sacrifices that are often overlooked, and relies on the heavenly cult to reconcile the positive and negative descriptions of the levitical cult." This Monograph Examines Hebrews' Understanding Of The Relationship Between Old Covenant Sacrifices And Christ's New Covenant Sacrifice, Especially As It Relates To The Question Of Efficacy. The Heavenly Cult In Hebrews Gives The Framework For Relating The Levitical Cult To The Christ Cult, Leading To The Affirmation Of Positive Statements In Hebrews About The Efficacy Of Levitical Sacrifice That Are Held In Balance With Its Critical Evaluation. 1. The Efficacy Of Levitical Sacrifice Compared To Christ's Sacrifice In Hebrews -- 2. Sacrifice Theology In Second Temple Judaism -- 3. Heavenly Cult In Second Temple Judaism -- 4. Heavenly Tabernacle And Cult In Hebrews -- 5. Old Covenant Sacrifices -- 6. New Covenant Sacrifice -- 7. Conclusion -- Appendix: Perfection In Second Temple Literature And The New Testament. Benjamin J. Ribbens. Updated Version Of The Author's Thesis (doctoral--wheaton College, 2013). Includes Bibliographical References (pages 248-267) And Indexes.