Course Description

An intensive exegetical-theological study of Hebrews. The course includes an investigation of the doctrines of Christ, especially His mediatorship and priesthood, the doctrine of salvation as it relates to the problem of perseverance and apostasy, and the use of the Old Testament in this book. After a brief study of the introductory issues of authorship, date, audience, background, destination, purpose, etc., a section-by-section/verse-by-verse exposition of the text will follow.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Hebrews is one of the more important books in the New Testament. This is due to a number of reasons: (1) it presents more “unsettled problems” than probably any other book in the New Testament, (2) it makes more extensive use of the Old Testament than any other New Testament document, (3) it is the major work on Jesus’ high priestly ministry, (4) there are widespread interest and historical debates over its severe warning texts, (5) it has a skillful construction and scholarly appeal, and (6) it has as its message a “word of encouragement” (13:22). Hebrews is, therefore, one of the most crucial New Testament books, which will be to the benefit of the student to master.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the letter’s political, religious, and cultural context.
2. Examine select issues regarding the interpretation of Hebrews.
3. Discuss issues related to difficulties in the letter.
4. Analyze the Epistle’s major theological themes.
5. Apply some of the book’s truths to daily life.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

At Liberty University, After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Textbook readings and presentations

Students are required to complete all assigned weekly readings from textbooks throughout the course, as well as watch the video presentation[s] at the beginning of each module: week in preparation for each module’s: week study. (MLOs: A, B, C, D)

Discussions (5)

There will be 5 Discussions throughout this course. The student is required to provide a response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each discussion will provide a set of questions/prompts from which the student will choose only two to complete. The response will be done in two separate threads; each thread must be 400 words [for a total of 800 words] and demonstrate course-related knowledge.

In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200 words [for a total of 400 words]. Assertions should be supported with citations in the current Turabian format. Acceptable sources include textbooks, scholarly sources/articles, and online sources approved by the instructor. (MLOs: B, C, D, E)

Book Critique Assignment

The student will write a 6-8-page book critique in the current Turabian format that focuses on a critical review of Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews [edited by Herbert W. Bateman]. This paper does not require the use of any additional sources. (MLOs: C, D)

Research Paper Assignment

The student will write a 10–15-page research-oriented or exegetical paper in the current Turabian format that focuses on a topic or passage related to the letter to the Hebrews. A list of topics/passages is provided in the Assignments Instructions folder. The paper must include at least 7 references in addition to the class textbooks and the Bible. (MLOs: B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (4)

There will be four quizzes spread evenly throughout this course. Each quiz will cover the Reading & Study material for the modules: the weeks for which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/ open-notes. The first 2 quizzes will contain 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions and have a 1-hour and 15-minutes time limit. The last 2 quizzes will contain 30 multiple-choice, true/false, multiple-answer, and short answer questions, and have a 1-hour and 15-minutes time limit. (MLOs: A, B, C, D)