The Unique Sacrifice of Christ According to Hebrews 9: A Study in Theological Creativity

Abstract

The letter to the Hebrews develops a distinct christological and soteriological concept of Jesus as both high priest and unique sacrifice once and for all. In doing so, Hebrews remains largely faithful to cult traditions of Second Temple Judaism. Especially the concept of Jesus as sacrifice is, however, theologically creative and innovative. The present essay explores these dynamic developments and discusses how they led early Christianity to ultimately abandon the temple cult.

Keywords

• Jesus
• Christology
• soteriology
• sacrifice
• creativity
• metaphor
• Second Temple Judaism
• early Christianity
• letter to the Hebrews