Hebrews 13:9-10 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
The author warns the readers about “strange teachings” and then gives an illustration of one of these. Apparently one of the strange teachings the readers were taught was to eat certain types of ceremonial foods. In today’s context, this might be eating a certain diet or avoiding certain types of food. The readers were probably influenced by a form of legalistic Judaism that was being taught by false teachers throughout the early church. Paul the Apostle had to deal with this issue in many of the churches (Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse). Rather than getting into the latest teaching fads which may lead to worthless endeavors, we should focus on being strengthened by grace. The source of this grace is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. This “good news” brings liberty, joy, and peace, not legalistic burdens to measure of to a certain standard. If we say “yes” to God’s promises in Jesus by following them in obedient faith, we will experience the freedom that God’s grace brings. We will find ourselves growing in faith, understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. That does not mean that the teaching of grace is easy. In fact, being lazy will only distract us from running the race with perseverance and endurance. Following God’s promises may mean sacrifice and will requirement dedication and commitment.
All of this is possible because we now have direct access to God. We can go directly to the altar of God in heaven through our prayers now and someday in real presence. This is available only to those who have put their faith in Jesus. Those who served in the Jewish system, “the tabernacle,” only functioned on a human level. The author has already shown that the earthly tabernacle was limited because of human sin and God’s holiness. In the Old Testament system, the priests were able to eat some of the food that people brought for sacrifices. It was how the priests made a living. But for believers, God supplies the food and it is never ending. We have direct access to God and God’s blessings. This is a great incentive to set aside human ways and seek God and all that God has promised in Jesus.
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