Hebrews 13:7-14
7 “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 9 Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the High Priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.”
Considering the result: We are to consider how Christian teachers live, and what they believe, and imitate their faith. For example, if a Christian teacher ever states that grace is a license to sin, then we are to run for the hills. Christ is expressed through the fruit of the Spirit, not sin.
Good for the heart to be strengthened by grace: The author wants people to see the transforming power of grace in contrast to the law and external regulations such as avoiding certain foods. Grace teaches us to deny sin and live godly lives (see Titus 2:11-14). The New Covenant, therefore, helps us to know God and live a life of victory over sin. The law, however, excites sin (see Romans 7).
No right to eat: The author is drawing a serious line. Those who serve in the way of the Old Covenant have no right to eat from the altar of Christ. This is because they have neglected the one sacrifice that can cleanse them of sin. They are living in an antiquated covenant.
Therefore Jesus also…suffered: Jesus suffered outside of the gate where sacrificial carcasses were burned. God could have been crucified at the center of the Jewish temple and yet God had Him killed outside of the town. This is significant because it explains precisely what Jesus was accomplishing: He was starting a New Covenant outside of the Levitical priesthood. Jesus was born inside of Judaism (Galatians 3:3) but crucified outside of Judaism, outside of the law. God does not mix Old Covenant with the New Covenant. In order to know God, we must meet Him in Christ outside of the city.
