Final answer:
The main point of Hebrews is to demonstrate the perceived superiority of Christianity over Judaism, particularly by showing how the new covenant through Christ extends beyond Jewish law and is accessible to all people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary point of Hebrews was to show that Christianity is superior to Judaism. This idea is evident as the early Christian texts and leaders, such as St. Paul, emphasized that Jesus's death on the cross introduced a new covenant, which superseded the Jewish laws and was open to all people, not just Jews. Early Christianity, while originating from Judaism and seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Hebrew Bible's prophecies, delineated itself as a distinct religion. It was not until the second century that Christianity began to be understood as a religion distinct from Judaism. The universalism of Christianity stemmed from its inheritance of Jewish ideas, including the spiritual equality of all human beings, and opened up the faith to non-Jews.
The primary thrust of the Book of Hebrews is not necessarily to establish the superiority of Christianity over Judaism, but rather to address a Christian audience and highlight the significance of the new covenant brought about by Jesus Christ. While the exact authorship of Hebrews remains uncertain, the text emphasizes that Jesus, as the High Priest, offers a new and superior covenant that surpasses the old Mosaic Covenant.
The theological argument in Hebrews contends that Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfills and supersedes the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The focus is on the redemptive work of Jesus and the accessibility of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. It underscores the continuity of God's plan throughout history while emphasizing the transformative nature of the new covenant.
Therefore, the intent is not necessarily to diminish Judaism but to articulate the fulfillment and transcendence of the old covenant in the person and work of Jesus Christ within the Christian context.