The writer of the Book of Hebrews was writing to a group of discouraged Jewish Christians. They were so discouraged they were in danger of giving up on Christianity and going back into the life and practice they had known under the Old Covenant. This being the case, the author presents arguments for remaining true to Christ and continuing on in spite of tribulations, hardships, and discouragement. The New Covenant had a greater High Priest, greater promises, a greater hope, a greater sacrifice, and was greater in scope than the Old Covenant had ever been. To remain true and steadfast in this covenant would require a strong, active faith.