Hebrews 13:20-25
“I want to do it myself.”
Nearly every child can be heard to make such a statement at some point in time. Usually their skills or strength turns out to be at best marginal and at worst totally insufficient. The job is very poorly done if finished at all. Wise parents make it a point to only let the child do the whole thing on things where failure will not cause a disaster. For less important things they may allow him to do it all, and fix it after he moves away if it is that important.
God is fully aware of the situation Paul describes in Romans 7:19-23. “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Our ability to control our sin nature is dependent on our mental capability to decide not to please our flesh. The mind frequently gives in as it is strongly influenced by the flesh.
Paul finished the chapter by saying that the only solution was through Christ. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:24-25). Hebrews 13:20-21 promises that God will do the same for us.
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
All the glory belongs to Christ for our ability to overcome our sin. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” It is the Holy Spirit in us that makes us able to dead to sin and alive to God, and removes the flesh’s influence over ourt mind. Romans 8:11-13 describes the Spirit’s work.
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” As a result, Galatians 5:16 promises, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
“And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.” (Hebrews 13:22) The author requests that readers not ignore the letter, which is relatively brief. Because Paul was frequently accompanied by Timothy, the following comments indicate that Paul was probably the author. He sends greetings to the leaders, and the people. He also forwards greetings from the churches in Italy.
“Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:23-25)
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Obeying Our Leaders
Hebrews 13:17-19
Several years ago, a water main broke near Tse Bonito, New Mexico. The company I worked for was hired to repair it. We shut the water off, dug up the line and measured the fittings. Our supplier agreed to bring the proper size pipe and fittings after hours so we could get the line up and going that night. The guys pumped out the hole, and got everything ready while they waited for the parts.
When the supplier arrived , the parts were quickly installed, and the water turned back on. The repair leaked like crazy. As it turned out, the original pipe was made in Belgium and was a metric size. Standard American fittings were just slightly oversize and would not seal. For four days, we had to leave the hole open and the line leaking until the proper parts arrived from Belgium. It was really frustrating.
God has given some responsibility for building the church and training Christians. Paul describes the job in Ephesians 4:11-15.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Christians that refuse to cooperate with the leader can be just as frustrating as the improperly fitting parts were to the foreman. He could not finish his job until the proper parts were received, and had to give account to the water company why he hadn’t finished. The leader has to give an account to God for how he did his job. It will be somewhat frustrating to report that he was unable to complete the job because some of his people refused to do their part. Each individual will be held accountable for his refusal to do his part according to Romans 14:12. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” The leader will not be held accountable for the actions of those under him. He cannot take your responsibility.
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With that in mind, the author instructs, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you,” (Hebrews 13:17).
It will be very unpleasant to find that we have hampered Gods work by not doing our job.
We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Even the best leader can get focused on the wrong things and lead into problems like David numbering the people in II Samuel 24. Paul told the Corinthians, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” in I Corinthians 11:1. He told the Thessalonians, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:” (I Thessalonians 1:6)
Clearly we are not to blindly follow the leader or pastor. In a situation where religious leaders were giving instructions, the Apostles pointed out that our responsibility is ultimately to God. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men,” (Acts 5:29). A sergeant is not qualified to countermand the written orders of the general. The soldier is responsible to obey the general’s orders if he knows the sergeants are incorrect.. It is the sergeant’s responsibility to correctly relay them to the soldier. The Bible is our written orders.
“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner,” (Hebrews 13:18-19). As a leader, the author desires their prayers. He left with a good reputation and relationship. There is need for more work and among the Christians and churches and he would like to come back and continue what he had started. He did not burn his bridges behind him like so many do. He recognized that there might be a need for him to return in the future.
Hebrews 13:17-19
Several years ago, a water main broke near Tse Bonito, New Mexico. The company I worked for was hired to repair it. We shut the water off, dug up the line and measured the fittings. Our supplier agreed to bring the proper size pipe and fittings after hours so we could get the line up and going that night. The guys pumped out the hole, and got everything ready while they waited for the parts.
When the supplier arrived , the parts were quickly installed, and the water turned back on. The repair leaked like crazy. As it turned out, the original pipe was made in Belgium and was a metric size. Standard American fittings were just slightly oversize and would not seal. For four days, we had to leave the hole open and the line leaking until the proper parts arrived from Belgium. It was really frustrating.
God has given some responsibility for building the church and training Christians. Paul describes the job in Ephesians 4:11-15.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Christians that refuse to cooperate with the leader can be just as frustrating as the improperly fitting parts were to the foreman. He could not finish his job until the proper parts were received, and had to give account to the water company why he hadn’t finished. The leader has to give an account to God for how he did his job. It will be somewhat frustrating to report that he was unable to complete the job because some of his people refused to do their part. Each individual will be held accountable for his refusal to do his part according to Romans 14:12. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” The leader will not be held accountable for the actions of those under him. He cannot take your responsibility.
.
With that in mind, the author instructs, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you,” (Hebrews 13:17).
It will be very unpleasant to find that we have hampered Gods work by not doing our job.
We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Even the best leader can get focused on the wrong things and lead into problems like David numbering the people in II Samuel 24. Paul told the Corinthians, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” in I Corinthians 11:1. He told the Thessalonians, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:” (I Thessalonians 1:6)
Clearly we are not to blindly follow the leader or pastor. In a situation where religious leaders were giving instructions, the Apostles pointed out that our responsibility is ultimately to God. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men,” (Acts 5:29). A sergeant is not qualified to countermand the written orders of the general. The soldier is responsible to obey the general’s orders if he knows the sergeants are incorrect.. It is the sergeant’s responsibility to correctly relay them to the soldier. The Bible is our written orders.
“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner,” (Hebrews 13:18-19). As a leader, the author desires their prayers. He left with a good reputation and relationship. There is need for more work and among the Christians and churches and he would like to come back and continue what he had started. He did not burn his bridges behind him like so many do. He recognized that there might be a need for him to return in the future.
Showing Our Love For God
Hebrews 13:1-7
Most of our study of Hebrews has focused on what God has done for us. Chapter 12 finished up with the concept of showing appreciation for what God has done. Chapter 13 will be devoted to some specific and practical things we can do to demonstrate our love for him and our appreciation for his actions on our behalf.
In John 14:15, Jesus said “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John said that is what loving God is in I John 5:3. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” It not only demonstrated our love, it is the very essence of loving God. Back in John 14, Jesus goes even further. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” (John 14:23-24).
Literally, a person who doesn’t keep God’s commands doesn’t love him, and doesn’t appreciate Christ’s sacrifice of himself. As Jesus says, that is God’s statement about it. We are simply lying to ourselves when we say we love him and don’t obey him.
Jesus gave a new commandment, which I John 2 says is not really a new commandment, but just a restating of the originals. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” (John 13:34-35). This commandment is especially important as it is the evidence of our faith to others. The author Gives specific guidelines on how to show this love towards others.
“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body,” (Hebrews 13:1-3). We are to love others just as we love our own family. This means sometimes we need to reach out to complete strangers as well. Sometimes the result is surprising. While there are some guidelines, by doing for strangers, we do it for Christ according to Matthew 25:31-46. We are not to forget fellow Christians who are having trouble, but to encourage and assist them when we can. They are part of our family.
A vital area in loving others is that of maintaining a pure relationship. Promiscuous sex exposes people to much emotional pain, as well as physical problems. Love is more concerned with not hurting the other than with pleasing oneself. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge,” (Hebrews 13:4). I Corinthians 6:13-20 warns of the effects of promiscuous sex on the person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (I Corinthians 6:13-20)
Unlike food, which our body requires for life, sex is optional. It is not necessary to have for a contented or happy life. It is to be used in the marriage setting only. Use outside is disobedience to God and shows that the participant doesn’t care either about God, or the other person. It brings both under the judgment and chastisement of God.
Love for others will prevent our wanting to get what they have, causing us to rejoice that they have it. Faith in God and his love will help to trust him to supply what is needed. As the author puts it, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
A final area of demonstrating our love for Christ by loving others is in love for our leaders and teachers. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,” (Hebrews 13:7). It is easy to resent leaders, or to forget they are human and have the same needs and desires as everyone else. Qualified spiritual leaders should be an example for people to follow in every area of their life. Examining the results of their faith and life style should be considered before following too far. As Paul told Timothy, their qualifications should be demonstrated before they are given positions even as a deacon.
Most of our study of Hebrews has focused on what God has done for us. Chapter 12 finished up with the concept of showing appreciation for what God has done. Chapter 13 will be devoted to some specific and practical things we can do to demonstrate our love for him and our appreciation for his actions on our behalf.
In John 14:15, Jesus said “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John said that is what loving God is in I John 5:3. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” It not only demonstrated our love, it is the very essence of loving God. Back in John 14, Jesus goes even further. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” (John 14:23-24).
Literally, a person who doesn’t keep God’s commands doesn’t love him, and doesn’t appreciate Christ’s sacrifice of himself. As Jesus says, that is God’s statement about it. We are simply lying to ourselves when we say we love him and don’t obey him.
Jesus gave a new commandment, which I John 2 says is not really a new commandment, but just a restating of the originals. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” (John 13:34-35). This commandment is especially important as it is the evidence of our faith to others. The author Gives specific guidelines on how to show this love towards others.
“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body,” (Hebrews 13:1-3). We are to love others just as we love our own family. This means sometimes we need to reach out to complete strangers as well. Sometimes the result is surprising. While there are some guidelines, by doing for strangers, we do it for Christ according to Matthew 25:31-46. We are not to forget fellow Christians who are having trouble, but to encourage and assist them when we can. They are part of our family.
A vital area in loving others is that of maintaining a pure relationship. Promiscuous sex exposes people to much emotional pain, as well as physical problems. Love is more concerned with not hurting the other than with pleasing oneself. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge,” (Hebrews 13:4). I Corinthians 6:13-20 warns of the effects of promiscuous sex on the person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (I Corinthians 6:13-20)
Unlike food, which our body requires for life, sex is optional. It is not necessary to have for a contented or happy life. It is to be used in the marriage setting only. Use outside is disobedience to God and shows that the participant doesn’t care either about God, or the other person. It brings both under the judgment and chastisement of God.
Love for others will prevent our wanting to get what they have, causing us to rejoice that they have it. Faith in God and his love will help to trust him to supply what is needed. As the author puts it, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
A final area of demonstrating our love for Christ by loving others is in love for our leaders and teachers. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,” (Hebrews 13:7). It is easy to resent leaders, or to forget they are human and have the same needs and desires as everyone else. Qualified spiritual leaders should be an example for people to follow in every area of their life. Examining the results of their faith and life style should be considered before following too far. As Paul told Timothy, their qualifications should be demonstrated before they are given positions even as a deacon.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Demonstrating Our Appreciation
Hebrews 12:22-29
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)
A young man we’ll call Jack was needing a place to stay. A couple of friends of mine offered to allow him to stay with them if he’d help out with the groceries and the house work. He told them he’d gotten a job close by but they found he wasn’t going to work. He regularly ate all the food the lady had prepared for the family, refused to clean his room, and stayed out as late as he wished, waking them up when he came home.
They confronted him about the behavior, and he promised to do better, but nothing changed. Finally they found evidence that he had been using drugs in the home and forced him to leave. When he resisted they called the police and he finally left. They were shocked to learn that he had a criminal record and left only because he was on probation and any charges would have landed him in prison again.
In a similar manner, we are on God’s property, even in his very home. We are there by his choice, not because of some inherent right. He has the right to decide what is allowed in his home. We have no right to be there if we will mot live according to his standards. If we abuse his concern and hospitality, we can expect our privilege may be revoked just as my friends did their offer to the young man. Other families have been forced to take the same action with their own children. They are still their children, but they are not permitted to live in their parents home. If we are God’s children, we do not lose that, but we may lose our privileges as his children.
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:25-27)
Sometimes children who are excluded from their home attempt to force their parents to let them come back by threats of physical violence. If the parents are strong enough or can get help. The son or daughter will be stopped. God will not be intimidated by our threats. He can shake the entire world just by speaking, and will one day destroy the entire world. Like the Jack, we need to appreciate what he has done for us, giving back more than he has required, just as a way of showing our appreciation.
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Refusal to obey the guidelines my friends had established demonstrated that Jack did not appreciate what they were doing for him in providing a place for him to live, or the food the wife prepared. He was not concerned that both of them had to work to provide it, nor that they had food for themselves, and had no respect for them. People who don’t obey God have the same selfish attitude. They have no appreciation that it cost him his only son to provide their salvation. They show no respect for him or his power. He is a consuming fire and will not continually endure such treatment. He will judge them for their actions.
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)
A young man we’ll call Jack was needing a place to stay. A couple of friends of mine offered to allow him to stay with them if he’d help out with the groceries and the house work. He told them he’d gotten a job close by but they found he wasn’t going to work. He regularly ate all the food the lady had prepared for the family, refused to clean his room, and stayed out as late as he wished, waking them up when he came home.
They confronted him about the behavior, and he promised to do better, but nothing changed. Finally they found evidence that he had been using drugs in the home and forced him to leave. When he resisted they called the police and he finally left. They were shocked to learn that he had a criminal record and left only because he was on probation and any charges would have landed him in prison again.
In a similar manner, we are on God’s property, even in his very home. We are there by his choice, not because of some inherent right. He has the right to decide what is allowed in his home. We have no right to be there if we will mot live according to his standards. If we abuse his concern and hospitality, we can expect our privilege may be revoked just as my friends did their offer to the young man. Other families have been forced to take the same action with their own children. They are still their children, but they are not permitted to live in their parents home. If we are God’s children, we do not lose that, but we may lose our privileges as his children.
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:25-27)
Sometimes children who are excluded from their home attempt to force their parents to let them come back by threats of physical violence. If the parents are strong enough or can get help. The son or daughter will be stopped. God will not be intimidated by our threats. He can shake the entire world just by speaking, and will one day destroy the entire world. Like the Jack, we need to appreciate what he has done for us, giving back more than he has required, just as a way of showing our appreciation.
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Refusal to obey the guidelines my friends had established demonstrated that Jack did not appreciate what they were doing for him in providing a place for him to live, or the food the wife prepared. He was not concerned that both of them had to work to provide it, nor that they had food for themselves, and had no respect for them. People who don’t obey God have the same selfish attitude. They have no appreciation that it cost him his only son to provide their salvation. They show no respect for him or his power. He is a consuming fire and will not continually endure such treatment. He will judge them for their actions.
The Danger Of Substituting Religion For Faith.
Hebrews 12:14-24
A woman I know has held a grudge against her parents for more than fifty years. She resents the fact that they would not allow her to date a boy she knew who came from an alcoholic family and was continually in trouble in school. She is bitter that her Dad required that as long as she lived in his home she follow his rules. He was did not allow her to do as she pleased, and expected her to go to church.
As soon as she was able, she married a guy much like the guy she wanted to date, against her parents advice. He turned out to be an alcoholic, and a gambler, finally losing their home and ruining the lady’s credit rating. When her father helped her get another home. Her husbands creditors seized it as well. Finally they divorced, and she remarried.
Her second husband had much the same attitude, although he had stopped drinking. The second marriage is about to fall apart as well. By rebelling against her parents and holding to that rebellion, she has condemned herself to a less satisfactory life than what her parents had hoped to help her attain. As a result, she is in frequent conflict with someone. I doubt she even realizes what she has missed in her efforts to get her own way. Even her ties to her brothers and sisters are less close than they could be because of her bitterness and preferred pleasures, and she has no children to be close to.
The lady can show pictures of places they have been, and things they have done, but cannot tell of a time when she has been truly happy. People who refuse to allow God to have his way miss out in the same way. While their life may have some real high points, the majority of it is spent just putting up with things they do not enjoy. There is real danger for them of missing out completely.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12:14-17)
By their lack of faith some never allow God to control their lives. Many try their entire lives to be good enough, and miss God’s gift of righteousness trying to keep a set of rules. Galatians 5:4 describes their state. “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” They have missed God’s gift in an effort to do it themselves, as Paul describes in Romans 9:31-32.
Others are like Esau, choosing the temporary pleasures of the world over the promises of God. Paul describes Demas in II Timothy 4:10. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.” I John 2:15 warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Like Esau, they may well come to a point of wishing that they had not rejected Christ, but as Hebrews 6:4-6 says, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
It is especially important that we obey God and yield to him because we are not just coming to the earthly law, majestic and powerful as it was. The penalties it prescribed for disobedience or ignorance were still just physical death. It was still just the model.
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quakeJ” (Hebrews 12:18-21)
We come to the real thing. Just as the sacrifices demand a greater sacrifice, failure to meet the requirements demands a greater penalty, eternal condemnation and damnation. We accept or reject the very son of God and the power of God. It is far more serious than Esau’s rejection or than Cain’s.
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)
Once again, we have come to the point that we are only fitted to enter the heavenly places when Christ has cleansed us and given his Holy Spirit to produce peace and holiness in our lives. There is the danger that some will still not have accepted Christ, but striving for such a spiritual walk will make those who have not aware of their deficiency.
A woman I know has held a grudge against her parents for more than fifty years. She resents the fact that they would not allow her to date a boy she knew who came from an alcoholic family and was continually in trouble in school. She is bitter that her Dad required that as long as she lived in his home she follow his rules. He was did not allow her to do as she pleased, and expected her to go to church.
As soon as she was able, she married a guy much like the guy she wanted to date, against her parents advice. He turned out to be an alcoholic, and a gambler, finally losing their home and ruining the lady’s credit rating. When her father helped her get another home. Her husbands creditors seized it as well. Finally they divorced, and she remarried.
Her second husband had much the same attitude, although he had stopped drinking. The second marriage is about to fall apart as well. By rebelling against her parents and holding to that rebellion, she has condemned herself to a less satisfactory life than what her parents had hoped to help her attain. As a result, she is in frequent conflict with someone. I doubt she even realizes what she has missed in her efforts to get her own way. Even her ties to her brothers and sisters are less close than they could be because of her bitterness and preferred pleasures, and she has no children to be close to.
The lady can show pictures of places they have been, and things they have done, but cannot tell of a time when she has been truly happy. People who refuse to allow God to have his way miss out in the same way. While their life may have some real high points, the majority of it is spent just putting up with things they do not enjoy. There is real danger for them of missing out completely.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12:14-17)
By their lack of faith some never allow God to control their lives. Many try their entire lives to be good enough, and miss God’s gift of righteousness trying to keep a set of rules. Galatians 5:4 describes their state. “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” They have missed God’s gift in an effort to do it themselves, as Paul describes in Romans 9:31-32.
Others are like Esau, choosing the temporary pleasures of the world over the promises of God. Paul describes Demas in II Timothy 4:10. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.” I John 2:15 warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Like Esau, they may well come to a point of wishing that they had not rejected Christ, but as Hebrews 6:4-6 says, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
It is especially important that we obey God and yield to him because we are not just coming to the earthly law, majestic and powerful as it was. The penalties it prescribed for disobedience or ignorance were still just physical death. It was still just the model.
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quakeJ” (Hebrews 12:18-21)
We come to the real thing. Just as the sacrifices demand a greater sacrifice, failure to meet the requirements demands a greater penalty, eternal condemnation and damnation. We accept or reject the very son of God and the power of God. It is far more serious than Esau’s rejection or than Cain’s.
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)
Once again, we have come to the point that we are only fitted to enter the heavenly places when Christ has cleansed us and given his Holy Spirit to produce peace and holiness in our lives. There is the danger that some will still not have accepted Christ, but striving for such a spiritual walk will make those who have not aware of their deficiency.
Faith In The Love Of God
Hebrews 11:39-12:13
Every one of those who have gone before us are witnesses of the power and faithfulness of God, both those who experienced the miracles, and those who suffered without seeing them. “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect,” (Hebrews 11:39-40). They are examples and witnesses to what he has promised.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
By example, all those who have gone before demonstrate that it is possible to serve and trust him despite not seeing the end result, and like Noah their faithfulness condemns unbelief on our part. By focusing on the end result, we can ignore intermediate distractions. As Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Focusing on the ultimate goal rather than immediate pleasures will enable us to continue in faith, demonstrating real faith. Christ is himself the best example of all. “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds,” (Hebrews 12:3)
Some children feel unloved because they do not get everything their way. They resent having to do chores or eat something they don’t want. They feel that if their parents loved them, they would buy what the child wanted. That It will not kill them to eat those peas or carry out the trash, or do without that toy never occurs to them. They become especially resentful if the parents punish them for something they’ve done. The parents may well be not doing what the children want in order to provide food or housing, or to protect them from serious injury, but the child is only concerned with his own desires.
Christians can develop the same selfish and rebellious attitude toward God, resenting not having their own way, or having to experience some problem. That God has protected them from death, and is acting to protect them from other things never occurs. They simply have no faith in the love of God.
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:4-6)
God corrects and punishes every one of his children because he loves them and wants what is best for them. A parent who allows their children to do wrong does not really care what happens to their child. They are more concerned for their own pleasure at the moment. It is hard to be consistent and stern, but it is essential if the child is to learn to do what is right, and thus avoid problems later. The correction and punishment, like the not giving everything the child wants are demonstrations of real love.
“If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7-10)
How many of us hate our parents because they insisted on our doing right? Unfortunately, even the best parents sometimes focus on their own benefit, rather than the child, but most try to help their children. God never acts except in our interest. That doesn’t mean we enjoy the punishment, but if we understand his love, we’ll be like the little child who, after being punished turns and hugs his father and says “I love you, Daddy.”
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11-13)
If, instead of acknowledging God’s love, we dwell on not getting our way, we become like the rebellious child, moping along with our lower lip hanging out, and taking our resentment out on others. We find ourselves in more sin, but often cause others to sin as well. We need to acknowledge our wrong doing, and that we deserved what we received, and correct our behavior. Sulking is evidence we really don’t believe in God’s love. We’ve become like the lady who said “I’d not believe my husband loved me if he didn’t buy me flowers every week.” There is no faith in his love, because there is no understanding of real love.
Every one of those who have gone before us are witnesses of the power and faithfulness of God, both those who experienced the miracles, and those who suffered without seeing them. “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect,” (Hebrews 11:39-40). They are examples and witnesses to what he has promised.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
By example, all those who have gone before demonstrate that it is possible to serve and trust him despite not seeing the end result, and like Noah their faithfulness condemns unbelief on our part. By focusing on the end result, we can ignore intermediate distractions. As Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Focusing on the ultimate goal rather than immediate pleasures will enable us to continue in faith, demonstrating real faith. Christ is himself the best example of all. “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds,” (Hebrews 12:3)
Some children feel unloved because they do not get everything their way. They resent having to do chores or eat something they don’t want. They feel that if their parents loved them, they would buy what the child wanted. That It will not kill them to eat those peas or carry out the trash, or do without that toy never occurs to them. They become especially resentful if the parents punish them for something they’ve done. The parents may well be not doing what the children want in order to provide food or housing, or to protect them from serious injury, but the child is only concerned with his own desires.
Christians can develop the same selfish and rebellious attitude toward God, resenting not having their own way, or having to experience some problem. That God has protected them from death, and is acting to protect them from other things never occurs. They simply have no faith in the love of God.
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:4-6)
God corrects and punishes every one of his children because he loves them and wants what is best for them. A parent who allows their children to do wrong does not really care what happens to their child. They are more concerned for their own pleasure at the moment. It is hard to be consistent and stern, but it is essential if the child is to learn to do what is right, and thus avoid problems later. The correction and punishment, like the not giving everything the child wants are demonstrations of real love.
“If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7-10)
How many of us hate our parents because they insisted on our doing right? Unfortunately, even the best parents sometimes focus on their own benefit, rather than the child, but most try to help their children. God never acts except in our interest. That doesn’t mean we enjoy the punishment, but if we understand his love, we’ll be like the little child who, after being punished turns and hugs his father and says “I love you, Daddy.”
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11-13)
If, instead of acknowledging God’s love, we dwell on not getting our way, we become like the rebellious child, moping along with our lower lip hanging out, and taking our resentment out on others. We find ourselves in more sin, but often cause others to sin as well. We need to acknowledge our wrong doing, and that we deserved what we received, and correct our behavior. Sulking is evidence we really don’t believe in God’s love. We’ve become like the lady who said “I’d not believe my husband loved me if he didn’t buy me flowers every week.” There is no faith in his love, because there is no understanding of real love.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Faith In The Wisdom And Power Of God
Hebrews 11:32-40
There is an old saying, “What man can conceive, man can achieve.” It is widely accepted and believed that man can do anything he puts his mind to. While I do not believe we have attained nearly what can be done. I do believe that man is subject to certain natural principles that limit what is possible. As a result, I believe tha better statement would be “what man can conceive, man will attempt.” As our understanding of those natural laws, established by God grows, we are able to do things that seemed impossible before. We are still confined by those laws or principles. Faith in our abilities will not enable us to exceed those limits.
As creator, God established those principles. Since he is outside the system, he is able to act outside those limits. In our example of the model train, the actions of the model train, and the cattle loading chute were controlled by certain mechanical principles. However something outside, the person who set up the train could do things the model could not. For example, he could take the plastic cow away so that no cow loaded on the train. He could also turn the engine around so that the mechanisms did not stop the train or activate the loading chute. Shutting off the power completely stopped everything. The train, the loading chute, and other things governed by those mechanical devices could not change the limits, but the person who set it up could.
Having established the governing principles of the world, God is able to change them at will. Like the boy setting up the model, he will not change the functions except when it is needed to meet his specific goals, he will leave the basic operation alone, but perhaps he wants to haul a car instead of cows. Then he will change what is needed to accomplish tat goal. God has that same capability with our world. Look at Jesus’ statement in Luke 18:27. “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” In Luke 1:37, he stated “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” We are governed and limited by those natural principles. God is not. As a result, he can perform miracles at will to accomplish his purpose. It would not be possible to identify all the times he has intervened.
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:32-34”
He only intervenes when it is needed to accomplish his purpose. He does not miraculously intervene just to please our desires. Some have taught that if we ask God for something he is obligated to give it. There are some restrictions. John 14:13-14 tells us, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” As a plumber. I was authorized to buy things in the company’s name. That does not mean I was authorized to buy everything I wanted, but just the things applicable to doing my job. I could buy needed materials for that job, but not ones for some job that the company had not authorized. The same principle applies to praying in Jesus name. It is not simple a matter of saying “in Jesus name.” I John 5:14-15 reiterates the idea. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
Real faith recognizes that our short term desires may be incompatible with the long term fulfillment of God’s promises, and accepts his allowing things we would prefer to avoid believing that he is acting for our long term good. While some see miraculous results immediately, others may not see the results in this life, experiencing great suffering instead. The author refers to these examples as well.
“Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38)
It was not a lack of faith preventing them from receiving their desires, but the greatness of their faith enabling them to continue when their desires were not met. Their faith was so strong they could face such problems. Everyone of those Old Testament saints died without seeing what they were hoping for, despite their faith.
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)
God had planned for more than just deferring the penalty for sins. Had he given the Jews their desire for their country, they would never have followed God’s plan in crucifying Christ, nor would other nations have been involved, giving the gentiles access. It was the Jew’s rebellion and punishment that helped set the stage for Christ’s coming. It was necessary that some things not go according to the saints short term desires. Peter advises us that the same is true in our day.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:12-13)
There is an old saying, “What man can conceive, man can achieve.” It is widely accepted and believed that man can do anything he puts his mind to. While I do not believe we have attained nearly what can be done. I do believe that man is subject to certain natural principles that limit what is possible. As a result, I believe tha better statement would be “what man can conceive, man will attempt.” As our understanding of those natural laws, established by God grows, we are able to do things that seemed impossible before. We are still confined by those laws or principles. Faith in our abilities will not enable us to exceed those limits.
As creator, God established those principles. Since he is outside the system, he is able to act outside those limits. In our example of the model train, the actions of the model train, and the cattle loading chute were controlled by certain mechanical principles. However something outside, the person who set up the train could do things the model could not. For example, he could take the plastic cow away so that no cow loaded on the train. He could also turn the engine around so that the mechanisms did not stop the train or activate the loading chute. Shutting off the power completely stopped everything. The train, the loading chute, and other things governed by those mechanical devices could not change the limits, but the person who set it up could.
Having established the governing principles of the world, God is able to change them at will. Like the boy setting up the model, he will not change the functions except when it is needed to meet his specific goals, he will leave the basic operation alone, but perhaps he wants to haul a car instead of cows. Then he will change what is needed to accomplish tat goal. God has that same capability with our world. Look at Jesus’ statement in Luke 18:27. “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” In Luke 1:37, he stated “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” We are governed and limited by those natural principles. God is not. As a result, he can perform miracles at will to accomplish his purpose. It would not be possible to identify all the times he has intervened.
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:32-34”
He only intervenes when it is needed to accomplish his purpose. He does not miraculously intervene just to please our desires. Some have taught that if we ask God for something he is obligated to give it. There are some restrictions. John 14:13-14 tells us, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” As a plumber. I was authorized to buy things in the company’s name. That does not mean I was authorized to buy everything I wanted, but just the things applicable to doing my job. I could buy needed materials for that job, but not ones for some job that the company had not authorized. The same principle applies to praying in Jesus name. It is not simple a matter of saying “in Jesus name.” I John 5:14-15 reiterates the idea. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
Real faith recognizes that our short term desires may be incompatible with the long term fulfillment of God’s promises, and accepts his allowing things we would prefer to avoid believing that he is acting for our long term good. While some see miraculous results immediately, others may not see the results in this life, experiencing great suffering instead. The author refers to these examples as well.
“Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38)
It was not a lack of faith preventing them from receiving their desires, but the greatness of their faith enabling them to continue when their desires were not met. Their faith was so strong they could face such problems. Everyone of those Old Testament saints died without seeing what they were hoping for, despite their faith.
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)
God had planned for more than just deferring the penalty for sins. Had he given the Jews their desire for their country, they would never have followed God’s plan in crucifying Christ, nor would other nations have been involved, giving the gentiles access. It was the Jew’s rebellion and punishment that helped set the stage for Christ’s coming. It was necessary that some things not go according to the saints short term desires. Peter advises us that the same is true in our day.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:12-13)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Demonstrating Their Faith
Hebrews 11:20-31
Several years ago, a counselor dealing with depressed and unhappy children observed that when they got involved in doing something, they forgot to be depressed and unhappy, and developed a more positive attitude. When a person acted as if they were not depressed, focusing on something else, they ceased to be depressed, or as he put it, Emotions follow actions, In a world where childhood and teen depression is rampant this is a valuable discovery. The best way to overcome these problems is to get the kids doing something. They’ll get over being depressed. The activity will produce feelings of enjoyment, even if the activity is something they don’t enjoy.
Faith has a similar relationship to works. Our beliefs influence our actions. A person who doesn’t believe he can write a book will never be sufficiently motivated to continue until he finishes. He may never start, or he may, with encouragement, start, but never commit to finishing. He will avoid actions crucial to success because they require faith in his ability. Faith in God is the same. If we don’t trust him, we will never commit except to do what we expect to produce immediate desired results with assurance we will be proven right, or receive the desired benefit. Real faith enables us to step beyond these immediate and obvious results.
“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”(Hebrews 11:20) Genesis 27:27-40 describes the blessing Isaac gave, a prophetic promise as to what they were to receive in the future. Had he not believed God’s promise, he could never have made such a prophecy. Genesis 48 records a similar blessing by Jacob on Joseph’s two sons, speaking of a time far in the future. Joseph made similar predictions, and instructed that when they occurred, his bones were to be transported to the place. His faith prompted giving these instructions.
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:21-22)
While there is an instinctive desire to protect our children, cultures who have no hope for their children’s survival, or who fear for their own lives may well allow their children’s death, as demonstrated by cultures such as China or India. Moses’ parents trusted God, hiding him for three months, then allowing him to be discovered in a specific manner, believing God was able to overcome the government’s power. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” (Hebrews 11:23)
Because of his faith in God’s promises, Moses chose to give up his secure position as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson, and as a potential heir to the throne of Egypt, one of the most powerful and richest nations in the world at the time. His decision resulted in loss of his position, and spending forty years herding sheep in isolation in the desert, having no contact with his friends and family.
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:24-29)
Moses continued to demonstrate his faith, by obeying Gods command in keeping the Passover and getting the nation of Israel to do so. Moses’ faith was a major factor in Israel trusting God to take them safely across the Red Sea and walking between the walls of water on both sides. Believing in their abilities to do anything others could do, the Egyptian army attempted to do the same and was destroyed as a result of misplaced faith.
Against one of the most heavily fortified cities of their day, Israel followed a battle plan that seemed doomed to failure because God directed them to do so. The result was the collapse of Jericho’s defenses and total annihilation of the city, except for Rahab’s family.
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:30-31)
All the people of Jericho acted on their belief that God would give Israel victory over Jericho. Most of them concentrated on strengthening their defenses, in hopes of thwarting God’s plan. Rahab, on the other hand, believed that God would prevail and offered her help in exchange for her life. Her faith caused her to take a different approach. It saved her, and her family’s lives.
Real faith often leads to actions contrary to the commonly accepted practice. Those actions are in accord with our beliefs. If the faith is properly placed, the final result will be as expected. If misplaced, it may be disastrous.
Several years ago, a counselor dealing with depressed and unhappy children observed that when they got involved in doing something, they forgot to be depressed and unhappy, and developed a more positive attitude. When a person acted as if they were not depressed, focusing on something else, they ceased to be depressed, or as he put it, Emotions follow actions, In a world where childhood and teen depression is rampant this is a valuable discovery. The best way to overcome these problems is to get the kids doing something. They’ll get over being depressed. The activity will produce feelings of enjoyment, even if the activity is something they don’t enjoy.
Faith has a similar relationship to works. Our beliefs influence our actions. A person who doesn’t believe he can write a book will never be sufficiently motivated to continue until he finishes. He may never start, or he may, with encouragement, start, but never commit to finishing. He will avoid actions crucial to success because they require faith in his ability. Faith in God is the same. If we don’t trust him, we will never commit except to do what we expect to produce immediate desired results with assurance we will be proven right, or receive the desired benefit. Real faith enables us to step beyond these immediate and obvious results.
“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”(Hebrews 11:20) Genesis 27:27-40 describes the blessing Isaac gave, a prophetic promise as to what they were to receive in the future. Had he not believed God’s promise, he could never have made such a prophecy. Genesis 48 records a similar blessing by Jacob on Joseph’s two sons, speaking of a time far in the future. Joseph made similar predictions, and instructed that when they occurred, his bones were to be transported to the place. His faith prompted giving these instructions.
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:21-22)
While there is an instinctive desire to protect our children, cultures who have no hope for their children’s survival, or who fear for their own lives may well allow their children’s death, as demonstrated by cultures such as China or India. Moses’ parents trusted God, hiding him for three months, then allowing him to be discovered in a specific manner, believing God was able to overcome the government’s power. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” (Hebrews 11:23)
Because of his faith in God’s promises, Moses chose to give up his secure position as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson, and as a potential heir to the throne of Egypt, one of the most powerful and richest nations in the world at the time. His decision resulted in loss of his position, and spending forty years herding sheep in isolation in the desert, having no contact with his friends and family.
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:24-29)
Moses continued to demonstrate his faith, by obeying Gods command in keeping the Passover and getting the nation of Israel to do so. Moses’ faith was a major factor in Israel trusting God to take them safely across the Red Sea and walking between the walls of water on both sides. Believing in their abilities to do anything others could do, the Egyptian army attempted to do the same and was destroyed as a result of misplaced faith.
Against one of the most heavily fortified cities of their day, Israel followed a battle plan that seemed doomed to failure because God directed them to do so. The result was the collapse of Jericho’s defenses and total annihilation of the city, except for Rahab’s family.
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:30-31)
All the people of Jericho acted on their belief that God would give Israel victory over Jericho. Most of them concentrated on strengthening their defenses, in hopes of thwarting God’s plan. Rahab, on the other hand, believed that God would prevail and offered her help in exchange for her life. Her faith caused her to take a different approach. It saved her, and her family’s lives.
Real faith often leads to actions contrary to the commonly accepted practice. Those actions are in accord with our beliefs. If the faith is properly placed, the final result will be as expected. If misplaced, it may be disastrous.
Faith And Works
Hebrews 11:8-18
The debate over faith and works has raged from the time of Christ. Part of the reason is that both sides have ignored some scripture. Books like the power of positive thinking have captured many peoples attention. They have lead to many successes, and to some spectacular failures. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, “Positive thinking never made me able to do anything, but it made me able to do everything better than negative thinking.” Our actions will be determined by what we believe, not our beliefs by our actions. Without faith, the actions will be tentative and ineffectual. Misguided faith will lead to disaster. The story of Abraham illustrates the relationship of faith and works.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Abraham acted on God’s command, with no idea of his destination. Believing God, he lived in tents never having land that he could call his own. He acted on that belief, and continued to do so, expecting that one day God’s promise would be fulfilled, not just in an earthly natural manner. His wife Sarah demonstrated a similar faith, resulting in Abraham having children. Even Sarah’s sin in giving Hagar demonstrated her belief in God’s promise, though diluted by human reasoning.
“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” (Hebrews 11:11-12)
At the time of her death, Sarah had only seen her son Isaac. Abraham only saw his sons Ishmael and Isaac and their children. Even Abraham’s grandson Jacob and his children never saw their family own the land, just living as nomads in other countries. Never the less, they believed that it would happen to the degree that Joseph, Abraham’s great grandson commanded that when Israel took possession of the land, they were to take his bones with them and bury them there.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-17)
Despite more than five hundred years of having no country of their own, including four hundred years of slavery, Abraham, and his family never went back to their homeland, because some of them believed God’s promise. Even when it seemed that obeying God would destroy all his hopes, Abraham continued to obey.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:18-19)
Sacrificing Isaac would have destroyed the last hope of seeing God’s promise fulfilled, but Abraham acted in obedience to God’s command. Doing so demonstrated Abraham’s faith in God. God intervened and saved Isaac’s life, providing another sacrifice. His faith came first, and led to his actions. Paul discuses the importance of this fact.
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:1-3”
If it were Abraham’s actions that produced the results, Abraham could say look at what he had accomplished by his own efforts. Instead, he trusted God to produce the results, just acting on those promises, and God counted it to him for righteousness. He cannot brag that they obtained the land. They received it from God. In Galatians Paul points out that our salvation and spiritual life are dependent on the same kind of faith.
“He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:5-7) Ephesians 2:8-9 reiterates the idea that the works do not result in salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
James stresses that faith is not complete until it is acted upon. Faith that does not result in action is powerless. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:20-24)
The action taken should have destroyed all hope of receiving the blessing, rather than fulfilling it. Faith prompted Abraham to obey contrary to all logic and reason. His actions demonstrated his faith. Isaac Bashevis Singer is quoted in New York Times Magazine, Nov. 26, 1978. “We know what a person thinks not when he tells us what he thinks, but by his actions.” If a person really thinks God will keep his promise, he will act on it, even though it seems counterproductive.
The debate over faith and works has raged from the time of Christ. Part of the reason is that both sides have ignored some scripture. Books like the power of positive thinking have captured many peoples attention. They have lead to many successes, and to some spectacular failures. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, “Positive thinking never made me able to do anything, but it made me able to do everything better than negative thinking.” Our actions will be determined by what we believe, not our beliefs by our actions. Without faith, the actions will be tentative and ineffectual. Misguided faith will lead to disaster. The story of Abraham illustrates the relationship of faith and works.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Abraham acted on God’s command, with no idea of his destination. Believing God, he lived in tents never having land that he could call his own. He acted on that belief, and continued to do so, expecting that one day God’s promise would be fulfilled, not just in an earthly natural manner. His wife Sarah demonstrated a similar faith, resulting in Abraham having children. Even Sarah’s sin in giving Hagar demonstrated her belief in God’s promise, though diluted by human reasoning.
“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” (Hebrews 11:11-12)
At the time of her death, Sarah had only seen her son Isaac. Abraham only saw his sons Ishmael and Isaac and their children. Even Abraham’s grandson Jacob and his children never saw their family own the land, just living as nomads in other countries. Never the less, they believed that it would happen to the degree that Joseph, Abraham’s great grandson commanded that when Israel took possession of the land, they were to take his bones with them and bury them there.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-17)
Despite more than five hundred years of having no country of their own, including four hundred years of slavery, Abraham, and his family never went back to their homeland, because some of them believed God’s promise. Even when it seemed that obeying God would destroy all his hopes, Abraham continued to obey.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:18-19)
Sacrificing Isaac would have destroyed the last hope of seeing God’s promise fulfilled, but Abraham acted in obedience to God’s command. Doing so demonstrated Abraham’s faith in God. God intervened and saved Isaac’s life, providing another sacrifice. His faith came first, and led to his actions. Paul discuses the importance of this fact.
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:1-3”
If it were Abraham’s actions that produced the results, Abraham could say look at what he had accomplished by his own efforts. Instead, he trusted God to produce the results, just acting on those promises, and God counted it to him for righteousness. He cannot brag that they obtained the land. They received it from God. In Galatians Paul points out that our salvation and spiritual life are dependent on the same kind of faith.
“He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:5-7) Ephesians 2:8-9 reiterates the idea that the works do not result in salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
James stresses that faith is not complete until it is acted upon. Faith that does not result in action is powerless. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:20-24)
The action taken should have destroyed all hope of receiving the blessing, rather than fulfilling it. Faith prompted Abraham to obey contrary to all logic and reason. His actions demonstrated his faith. Isaac Bashevis Singer is quoted in New York Times Magazine, Nov. 26, 1978. “We know what a person thinks not when he tells us what he thinks, but by his actions.” If a person really thinks God will keep his promise, he will act on it, even though it seems counterproductive.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Faith is Essential To Please God
Hebrews 10:35-11:1-7
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
In Luke 14, Jesus used the examples of a man building a house and a king going to war to illustrate the need of counting the cost and being willing to pay the price before getting involved. A person who is not willing to commit completely cannot be his disciple. The last part of Hebrews, after chapter 6 is for those who seem to have committed. The faith that saves makes that commitment, and acts on it according to James 2. Here, the author examines what such faith is like.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:1-3)
God pleasing faith is a faith that can accept God’s statements about creation. Faith which cannot will never save a person. It is not a blind faith with no understanding of the effect on ourselves, but a total conviction that God has done and will do what he has promised. It commits to obedience even despite seeming contradictions and failures, having already counted the cost.
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.“ (Hebrews 11:4)
Cain offered an offering of what was easily obtained, and which cost him little in extra effort or emotional value. Abel, on the other hand , offered a sacrifice of emotional value, requiring extra effort to give, simply because it was what God had specified. Cain offered what he wanted to give. He assumed that God must accept what he offered, that he, not God, was the authority. It is very much like telling the government that you will not pay your tax rate, but a lower one. They will not be pleased either, and will not settle for what you want to give.
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)
Genesis 5:21-24 describes Enoch’s life. “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” The primary statement is that he “walked with God.” This implies he maintained an attitude of respect and trust such that he associated freely with God. We do not associate with those we don’t trust or don’t believe very long. He pleased God.
Verse 6 makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith, both in his existence, and in his rewards for those who serve him. Romans 14:23b warns, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” The warning comes in the teaching that mechanical obedience to rules is not required to please God. Hebrews 4:2 states that the same things as others received had a different result because faith was left out. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Noah illustrated this fact, in warning the world as a “preacher of righteousness
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. “ (Hebrews 11:7)
Noah’s survival makes it obvious the others died as a result of their own choices. His obedience condemns them for their refusal to believe. His actions also earned him the righteousness which is by faith. He had never seen rain, but he believed God, and built the ark as God directed.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
In Luke 14, Jesus used the examples of a man building a house and a king going to war to illustrate the need of counting the cost and being willing to pay the price before getting involved. A person who is not willing to commit completely cannot be his disciple. The last part of Hebrews, after chapter 6 is for those who seem to have committed. The faith that saves makes that commitment, and acts on it according to James 2. Here, the author examines what such faith is like.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:1-3)
God pleasing faith is a faith that can accept God’s statements about creation. Faith which cannot will never save a person. It is not a blind faith with no understanding of the effect on ourselves, but a total conviction that God has done and will do what he has promised. It commits to obedience even despite seeming contradictions and failures, having already counted the cost.
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.“ (Hebrews 11:4)
Cain offered an offering of what was easily obtained, and which cost him little in extra effort or emotional value. Abel, on the other hand , offered a sacrifice of emotional value, requiring extra effort to give, simply because it was what God had specified. Cain offered what he wanted to give. He assumed that God must accept what he offered, that he, not God, was the authority. It is very much like telling the government that you will not pay your tax rate, but a lower one. They will not be pleased either, and will not settle for what you want to give.
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)
Genesis 5:21-24 describes Enoch’s life. “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” The primary statement is that he “walked with God.” This implies he maintained an attitude of respect and trust such that he associated freely with God. We do not associate with those we don’t trust or don’t believe very long. He pleased God.
Verse 6 makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith, both in his existence, and in his rewards for those who serve him. Romans 14:23b warns, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” The warning comes in the teaching that mechanical obedience to rules is not required to please God. Hebrews 4:2 states that the same things as others received had a different result because faith was left out. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Noah illustrated this fact, in warning the world as a “preacher of righteousness
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. “ (Hebrews 11:7)
Noah’s survival makes it obvious the others died as a result of their own choices. His obedience condemns them for their refusal to believe. His actions also earned him the righteousness which is by faith. He had never seen rain, but he believed God, and built the ark as God directed.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Hang On To What You Have
Hang On To What You Have
Hebrews 10:23-32
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Christ has taken away our sin and made us acceptable children to God. Some of my cousins were adopted. Some other kids were teasing them about not being wanted by their parents. My cousin said the other kids parents just got stuck with their children, but his parents came and picked them out special. It was true. That’s what God did for us. He picked us out for himself.
Sometimes children from the foster care system find it hard to fit into a family when they are adopted. They have been passed around by the state and some foster parents until they don’t really believe they are loved. As a result, they need constant affirmation and encouragement. Many become totally determined to do as they please. Our former life made it clear we didn’t matter much to the world. We need each others support to keep from falling into the same rebellious and rejecting attitude.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
Adopted children who rebel against their parents soon find themselves in constant conflict and punishment. They refuse to allow their parents to be parents. Sometimes people come to Christ with the same attitude. They want to get out of the system and do as they please. They are not willing to accept God’s authority as their father and Lord. By that attitude they reject what he has given for them. They may have just gone through the motions of accepting Christ as a way of obtaining something else. Their sins have already been atoned for. Christ will not go back and offer another deal because we aren’t satisfied with what he has already done. There is no need of more sacrifice for sin.
“He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:28-31)
By their refusal to allow God to be their Lord, they make it clear they have rejected the sacrifice of Christ for themselves. They have nothing to look forward to except the same judgment as everyone else who has rejected Christ as savior. In fact they have abused that offer, trying to get the benefits, while refusing to yield. How serious punishment do they deserve? One of the reasons for the church encouraging each other is in hopes of drawing those who have not yet committed to Christ to do so. As Hebrews 6:4-6 tells us, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” They have experience most of what Christ offers, and reject it, desiring something else.
When we think of the people who came out of Egypt, experienced all the blessings of God during their stay, and died without getting into the land because they refused to trust God, it seems like such a waste of their lives. It is no different for the person who has participated in the church for years without submitting to Christ fully. The author recommends looking back at what has been invested and received, and not to cast it away because the final result has not yet been received.
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” (Hebrews 10:32-34)
People believed God enough to get involved with the church, going through some of the struggles and trials the others have gone through. Why would they give up just before they receive the rewards and lose everything? The faith to continue may well be the faith to save them. James 2:18 stresses the idea that action demonstrates faith. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”
The ongoing works are not what saves us, but they demonstrate whether we have truly received salvation or not. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:31-32). I John 2:24-25 instructs us, “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
If salvation is real a person will continue. The Holy Spirit will continue to do his job of bearing witness and convicting of sin, not letting us turn completely away. He will also continue to work in those who have not received Christ, until they turn away, and fully reject his action.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
We can throw away a life of experiences of God’s work by turning our backs just as many did during the stay in the wilderness, as a result of a lack of faith. I Corinthians 10:11-12 tells us, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Hebrews 10:23-32
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Christ has taken away our sin and made us acceptable children to God. Some of my cousins were adopted. Some other kids were teasing them about not being wanted by their parents. My cousin said the other kids parents just got stuck with their children, but his parents came and picked them out special. It was true. That’s what God did for us. He picked us out for himself.
Sometimes children from the foster care system find it hard to fit into a family when they are adopted. They have been passed around by the state and some foster parents until they don’t really believe they are loved. As a result, they need constant affirmation and encouragement. Many become totally determined to do as they please. Our former life made it clear we didn’t matter much to the world. We need each others support to keep from falling into the same rebellious and rejecting attitude.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
Adopted children who rebel against their parents soon find themselves in constant conflict and punishment. They refuse to allow their parents to be parents. Sometimes people come to Christ with the same attitude. They want to get out of the system and do as they please. They are not willing to accept God’s authority as their father and Lord. By that attitude they reject what he has given for them. They may have just gone through the motions of accepting Christ as a way of obtaining something else. Their sins have already been atoned for. Christ will not go back and offer another deal because we aren’t satisfied with what he has already done. There is no need of more sacrifice for sin.
“He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:28-31)
By their refusal to allow God to be their Lord, they make it clear they have rejected the sacrifice of Christ for themselves. They have nothing to look forward to except the same judgment as everyone else who has rejected Christ as savior. In fact they have abused that offer, trying to get the benefits, while refusing to yield. How serious punishment do they deserve? One of the reasons for the church encouraging each other is in hopes of drawing those who have not yet committed to Christ to do so. As Hebrews 6:4-6 tells us, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” They have experience most of what Christ offers, and reject it, desiring something else.
When we think of the people who came out of Egypt, experienced all the blessings of God during their stay, and died without getting into the land because they refused to trust God, it seems like such a waste of their lives. It is no different for the person who has participated in the church for years without submitting to Christ fully. The author recommends looking back at what has been invested and received, and not to cast it away because the final result has not yet been received.
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” (Hebrews 10:32-34)
People believed God enough to get involved with the church, going through some of the struggles and trials the others have gone through. Why would they give up just before they receive the rewards and lose everything? The faith to continue may well be the faith to save them. James 2:18 stresses the idea that action demonstrates faith. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”
The ongoing works are not what saves us, but they demonstrate whether we have truly received salvation or not. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:31-32). I John 2:24-25 instructs us, “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
If salvation is real a person will continue. The Holy Spirit will continue to do his job of bearing witness and convicting of sin, not letting us turn completely away. He will also continue to work in those who have not received Christ, until they turn away, and fully reject his action.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
We can throw away a life of experiences of God’s work by turning our backs just as many did during the stay in the wilderness, as a result of a lack of faith. I Corinthians 10:11-12 tells us, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Do You Really Believe?
Hebrews 10:16-25
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:16-18)
On the basis of Chris’s death, our sins have been forgiven and erased, not just pushed back. Because they are gone, there is no further need for sacrifices for sin. God has established an attitude of righteousness, a new spirit in us, giving us a new nature, making the old nature dead. The old sins have been crucified. We are a new creature. There is no sin to offer sacrifices for.
We are clean to go directly into the presence of God with only a washing off of what has gotten dirty from contact with the world. In the tabernacle, the brazen laver stood between the Brazen altar and the priests, were to wash of any accumulated dirt befor entering the tabernacle proper. Jesus illustrates what is needed in John 13:8-10. “Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”
Just taking care of the day to day contamination is all that is needed. The blood of Christ has already taken care of everything else. We are free to come freely to God.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19-22)
We have been cleansed of our sin by the blood of Christ. He is serving as our advocate before God, making us acceptable so he adopted us as beloved children. Ephesians 1:5-6 explains, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
If we really believe this, we need to act on that belief. Just as a person can believe a chair is available for him, and strong enough to hold him, it still doesn’t allow him to rest until he sits on it. It doesn’t affect the chair’s ability, only the person’s benefit. So often we hear “God said it, I believed it, That settled it.” Paul said our belief is irrelevant as to whether God’s word is true in II Timothy 2:13. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
If we genuinely believe what God has promised, we need to encourage each other to keep on serving the Lord. In particular, assemble together. The word translated church, “ekklesia” means assembly. One who does not assemble with others is not part of the church. We need to meet to encourage each other. Failure to do so is deliberate disobedience, implying that we really don‘t believe. While many say they can Worship God just as well out on the river bank, They are disobeying him by going. It is a deliberate refusal to help others. As time goes by, that responsibility will increase.
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:16-18)
On the basis of Chris’s death, our sins have been forgiven and erased, not just pushed back. Because they are gone, there is no further need for sacrifices for sin. God has established an attitude of righteousness, a new spirit in us, giving us a new nature, making the old nature dead. The old sins have been crucified. We are a new creature. There is no sin to offer sacrifices for.
We are clean to go directly into the presence of God with only a washing off of what has gotten dirty from contact with the world. In the tabernacle, the brazen laver stood between the Brazen altar and the priests, were to wash of any accumulated dirt befor entering the tabernacle proper. Jesus illustrates what is needed in John 13:8-10. “Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”
Just taking care of the day to day contamination is all that is needed. The blood of Christ has already taken care of everything else. We are free to come freely to God.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19-22)
We have been cleansed of our sin by the blood of Christ. He is serving as our advocate before God, making us acceptable so he adopted us as beloved children. Ephesians 1:5-6 explains, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
If we really believe this, we need to act on that belief. Just as a person can believe a chair is available for him, and strong enough to hold him, it still doesn’t allow him to rest until he sits on it. It doesn’t affect the chair’s ability, only the person’s benefit. So often we hear “God said it, I believed it, That settled it.” Paul said our belief is irrelevant as to whether God’s word is true in II Timothy 2:13. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
If we genuinely believe what God has promised, we need to encourage each other to keep on serving the Lord. In particular, assemble together. The word translated church, “ekklesia” means assembly. One who does not assemble with others is not part of the church. We need to meet to encourage each other. Failure to do so is deliberate disobedience, implying that we really don‘t believe. While many say they can Worship God just as well out on the river bank, They are disobeying him by going. It is a deliberate refusal to help others. As time goes by, that responsibility will increase.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Proof of Salvation
Hebrews 10:11-18
Did you ever heat a house with a wood stove? That radiant heat is so pleasant early in the morning or when you come in from the cold. However, you are forced to constantly replenish the wood. No matter how much wood you stuff into the stove, in just a few hours at the most, the fire will start to dwindle and the room will begin to cool off. To warm the room back up, you will have to carry more wood and place it on the fire.
Modern automatic heaters are so nice by comparison. You turn it on and it regulates itself. Once the unit is hooked up and fired, your work is done. The furnace will turn on when the temperature drops and off when it gets warm. You don’t have to worry about things freezing up while you are gone, or about getting out of bed in the middle of the night to build up the fire.
The Old Testament priest was much like the person putting wood on the fire. It was a way of temporarily relieving the guilt of sin, but even as it was being done, the need for another sacrifice was building. Since the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin, any more than the wood stove could take away cold, just driving it back for awhile, The sacrifice would have to be repeated again and again. It was an exercise in futility, but it was essential just as maintaining the fire was..
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:” (Hebrews 10:11)
Christ, on the other hand took away the sin. Using the same analogy, it is like a late spring day, when the sun has warmed the ground and the air. The fire is no longer needed to keep from freezing because the sun has taken away the cold. Now you can be gone for many hours with no concern about the fire going out. Before you were a slave to the fire, to keep it going. Now you are free to do other things. The cold is gone. Christ has taken away our sin. There is no longer a need for continual sacrifices.
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14)
What a blessing! By one offering he has perfected us forever. There will never be a time when we don‘t measure up. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Perfected forever means I measure up now. I was just as sinful and away from God as anyone but as I Corinthians 6:11 says, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” It is him that made the change, and he did it completely, and forever, I can never go back.
The proof of this is the Holy Spirit. God promised that he would put his laws in our hearts and minds, and that he would never remember our sins any more. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and be in us in John 14:16-17. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” He went on to tell us that the Holy Spirit would teach us and remind us what God said in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Notice how the author puts it.
“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.“ (Hebrews 10:15-17”
Paul says that we are in Christ, and that “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God,” in Colossians 3:3. In Ephesians 1:13-14, he tells us that we are sealed there with the Holy Spirit. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” To escape a sealed container, it it is essential to break the container or the seal. To get out of Christ, or lose our salvation would require breaking God’s power or the Holy Spirit’s seal.
He finishes by saying that he is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. Te earnest is the same as the earnest money offered when a person makes an offer on a piece of land. They give the money as proof of their intention to complete the transaction. Should they change their minds before the transaction is complete the money is forfeited. That is the concept here. The Holy Spirit is the proof of God’s plan until we actually receive that home in heaven. The earnest of the Spirit is referred to in II Corinthians 1:21-22 and 5:5 as well.
Romans 8:16-17 makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is to give assurance of our salvation. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” If the Holy Spirit isn’t present, a person cannot please God, and is not one of God’s children, according to Romans 8:8-9. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Once Christ takes away sin, there is no more offering for sin. The sin is already gone. There is no point in buying another ticket on the same trip for a person who already has one. He can’t use another. As Hebrews 10:18 says, “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”
Did you ever heat a house with a wood stove? That radiant heat is so pleasant early in the morning or when you come in from the cold. However, you are forced to constantly replenish the wood. No matter how much wood you stuff into the stove, in just a few hours at the most, the fire will start to dwindle and the room will begin to cool off. To warm the room back up, you will have to carry more wood and place it on the fire.
Modern automatic heaters are so nice by comparison. You turn it on and it regulates itself. Once the unit is hooked up and fired, your work is done. The furnace will turn on when the temperature drops and off when it gets warm. You don’t have to worry about things freezing up while you are gone, or about getting out of bed in the middle of the night to build up the fire.
The Old Testament priest was much like the person putting wood on the fire. It was a way of temporarily relieving the guilt of sin, but even as it was being done, the need for another sacrifice was building. Since the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin, any more than the wood stove could take away cold, just driving it back for awhile, The sacrifice would have to be repeated again and again. It was an exercise in futility, but it was essential just as maintaining the fire was..
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:” (Hebrews 10:11)
Christ, on the other hand took away the sin. Using the same analogy, it is like a late spring day, when the sun has warmed the ground and the air. The fire is no longer needed to keep from freezing because the sun has taken away the cold. Now you can be gone for many hours with no concern about the fire going out. Before you were a slave to the fire, to keep it going. Now you are free to do other things. The cold is gone. Christ has taken away our sin. There is no longer a need for continual sacrifices.
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14)
What a blessing! By one offering he has perfected us forever. There will never be a time when we don‘t measure up. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Perfected forever means I measure up now. I was just as sinful and away from God as anyone but as I Corinthians 6:11 says, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” It is him that made the change, and he did it completely, and forever, I can never go back.
The proof of this is the Holy Spirit. God promised that he would put his laws in our hearts and minds, and that he would never remember our sins any more. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and be in us in John 14:16-17. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” He went on to tell us that the Holy Spirit would teach us and remind us what God said in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Notice how the author puts it.
“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.“ (Hebrews 10:15-17”
Paul says that we are in Christ, and that “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God,” in Colossians 3:3. In Ephesians 1:13-14, he tells us that we are sealed there with the Holy Spirit. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” To escape a sealed container, it it is essential to break the container or the seal. To get out of Christ, or lose our salvation would require breaking God’s power or the Holy Spirit’s seal.
He finishes by saying that he is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. Te earnest is the same as the earnest money offered when a person makes an offer on a piece of land. They give the money as proof of their intention to complete the transaction. Should they change their minds before the transaction is complete the money is forfeited. That is the concept here. The Holy Spirit is the proof of God’s plan until we actually receive that home in heaven. The earnest of the Spirit is referred to in II Corinthians 1:21-22 and 5:5 as well.
Romans 8:16-17 makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is to give assurance of our salvation. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” If the Holy Spirit isn’t present, a person cannot please God, and is not one of God’s children, according to Romans 8:8-9. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Once Christ takes away sin, there is no more offering for sin. The sin is already gone. There is no point in buying another ticket on the same trip for a person who already has one. He can’t use another. As Hebrews 10:18 says, “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Law Proves The Need For A New System
Hebrews 9:27-10:10
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
As humans, we tend to try to avoid the thought of death. We don’t like to be reminded that we will die one day. As a result, there are people who never go to funerals. Others love to have a story told about the wonderful experiences the person feels after death. Some accept re-incarnation, or a spirit world where the person remains here on the earth to help those left behind. The fear of death is nearly universal, as is a belief in some kind of after life. Because it is unpleasant, most people prefer to procrastinate about planning for it.
As the previous verses tell us, we have an appointment to die, and we cannot avoid it. Following death, there is a judgment, where everyone of us must give an account of ourselves. According to Romans 1:20, there will be no excuses at that judgment. Matthew 25:31-46 describes that judgment. The things described seem minor in our world, yet they are described as the difference as to what individual judgment will be. Matthew 25:46 describes the difference in the penalties. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
We all are sinners, as we see in Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” As a result we need a way of taking care of the sin. Hebrews 7:19 was very clear that the Old testament law didn’t accomplish this. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” That better hope that perfected us was Christ. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) The proof that another covenant, and better sacrifices were needed lies in the law itself.
The Law required that an atonement for sin be made every year, even after daily sacrifices were offered. If the daily sacrifices had been sufficient there would have been no need for continuing the regimen. It is like a cure for a disease. If the medication must be taken continually to prevent reoccurrence, the disease is not cured, merely controlled. The Law did not cure sin.
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The Law, as a shadow of the real thing, demonstrated the need for a sacrifice for sin. By its constant requiring additional sacrifices, it also showed that it could never finish the job. The sacrifices of animals were incapable of removing sin. It is like a person who’s cancer is in remission going back every few months to be sure it hasn’t started to grow again. The cancer is not gone, it’s just not active at the moment. As long as it remains, it is still a threat. The single best proof that the Law is not a satisfactory alternative is the requirement for repetitive sacrifices. In fact, those sacrifices are not even pleasing to God.
“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” (Hebrews 10:5-7)
Proverbs 15:8 tells us, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” He would rather have repentance and humility than all the sacrifices. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
By recognizing that God was not pleased with the sacrifices, Giving himself as the ultimate sacrifice, Christ has placed the new testament in effect, superseding the old one. That constant need to offer sacrifices, always under the threat of sin and death was a curse. Christ freed us from it. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: “ (Galatians 3:13).
“Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:8-18)
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
As humans, we tend to try to avoid the thought of death. We don’t like to be reminded that we will die one day. As a result, there are people who never go to funerals. Others love to have a story told about the wonderful experiences the person feels after death. Some accept re-incarnation, or a spirit world where the person remains here on the earth to help those left behind. The fear of death is nearly universal, as is a belief in some kind of after life. Because it is unpleasant, most people prefer to procrastinate about planning for it.
As the previous verses tell us, we have an appointment to die, and we cannot avoid it. Following death, there is a judgment, where everyone of us must give an account of ourselves. According to Romans 1:20, there will be no excuses at that judgment. Matthew 25:31-46 describes that judgment. The things described seem minor in our world, yet they are described as the difference as to what individual judgment will be. Matthew 25:46 describes the difference in the penalties. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
We all are sinners, as we see in Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” As a result we need a way of taking care of the sin. Hebrews 7:19 was very clear that the Old testament law didn’t accomplish this. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” That better hope that perfected us was Christ. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) The proof that another covenant, and better sacrifices were needed lies in the law itself.
The Law required that an atonement for sin be made every year, even after daily sacrifices were offered. If the daily sacrifices had been sufficient there would have been no need for continuing the regimen. It is like a cure for a disease. If the medication must be taken continually to prevent reoccurrence, the disease is not cured, merely controlled. The Law did not cure sin.
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The Law, as a shadow of the real thing, demonstrated the need for a sacrifice for sin. By its constant requiring additional sacrifices, it also showed that it could never finish the job. The sacrifices of animals were incapable of removing sin. It is like a person who’s cancer is in remission going back every few months to be sure it hasn’t started to grow again. The cancer is not gone, it’s just not active at the moment. As long as it remains, it is still a threat. The single best proof that the Law is not a satisfactory alternative is the requirement for repetitive sacrifices. In fact, those sacrifices are not even pleasing to God.
“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” (Hebrews 10:5-7)
Proverbs 15:8 tells us, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” He would rather have repentance and humility than all the sacrifices. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
By recognizing that God was not pleased with the sacrifices, Giving himself as the ultimate sacrifice, Christ has placed the new testament in effect, superseding the old one. That constant need to offer sacrifices, always under the threat of sin and death was a curse. Christ freed us from it. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: “ (Galatians 3:13).
“Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:8-18)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
We have an Unavoidable Appointment
Hebrews 9:17-28
A testament is the covenant of on who has died with those who are alive, to be placed in effect at his death. A man may place his son as manager of his business, but retain ownership. However, in the event of his death, he assigns ownership to his son. That assignment is his testament. He covenants, or commits to give his son ownership. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Hebrews 9:16-17)
A testament must be validated as being actually the testators wish. Today it will be witnessed and notarized. A system of notaries was not available, and an animal was killed, and its blood applied to demonstrate commitment. That procedure was followed in instituting the old covenant, by sprinkling the blood of sacrificial animals.
“Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:18-22)
God established the principle of blood being required for sin in his statement in Genesis 2:17, stating ”But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” As Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” When God rejected attempts to use plants to comer man’s nakedness and sin, killing animals to make clothing, he demonstrated the requirement for blood sacrifice for remission of sin. The commandments regarding sacrifices under the law perpetuate and clarify the requirement. The same principle remains in effect under the new covenant and testament.
“It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:23-26)
The statement “and without shedding of blood is no remission” is interesting. When we say a cancer is in remission, we mean that it is no longer growing. It may or may not have been completely destroyed. Hebrews 10:4 informs us, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” To actually get rid of the sin, and institute the new Testament required a superior sacrifice. Christ offered himself, not the blood of an innocent animal , but of an innocent man. Since he removed the sin there is no need of additional sacrifices to keep sin in remission.
Because “the wages of sin is death,” and as Romans 5:12 tells “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” we all are condemned to die. As Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:“ Romans 14:12 reminds us, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Christ offered the solution, by sacrificing himself.
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) He did this for all mankind, not just a select few, according to I John 2:2. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” He did so because as II Peter 3:9 informs us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” It is his desire that every person be saved.
Mark 16:16 is quite clear that those who believe, and act on their belief will be saved, but those who do not believe will not. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” They choose what they want. God would prefer that they be saved. As Romans 1:20 says, “they are without excuse.” It is not God’s fault. Those who are looking for him will be saved.
A testament is the covenant of on who has died with those who are alive, to be placed in effect at his death. A man may place his son as manager of his business, but retain ownership. However, in the event of his death, he assigns ownership to his son. That assignment is his testament. He covenants, or commits to give his son ownership. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Hebrews 9:16-17)
A testament must be validated as being actually the testators wish. Today it will be witnessed and notarized. A system of notaries was not available, and an animal was killed, and its blood applied to demonstrate commitment. That procedure was followed in instituting the old covenant, by sprinkling the blood of sacrificial animals.
“Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:18-22)
God established the principle of blood being required for sin in his statement in Genesis 2:17, stating ”But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” As Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” When God rejected attempts to use plants to comer man’s nakedness and sin, killing animals to make clothing, he demonstrated the requirement for blood sacrifice for remission of sin. The commandments regarding sacrifices under the law perpetuate and clarify the requirement. The same principle remains in effect under the new covenant and testament.
“It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:23-26)
The statement “and without shedding of blood is no remission” is interesting. When we say a cancer is in remission, we mean that it is no longer growing. It may or may not have been completely destroyed. Hebrews 10:4 informs us, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” To actually get rid of the sin, and institute the new Testament required a superior sacrifice. Christ offered himself, not the blood of an innocent animal , but of an innocent man. Since he removed the sin there is no need of additional sacrifices to keep sin in remission.
Because “the wages of sin is death,” and as Romans 5:12 tells “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” we all are condemned to die. As Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:“ Romans 14:12 reminds us, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Christ offered the solution, by sacrificing himself.
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) He did this for all mankind, not just a select few, according to I John 2:2. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” He did so because as II Peter 3:9 informs us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” It is his desire that every person be saved.
Mark 16:16 is quite clear that those who believe, and act on their belief will be saved, but those who do not believe will not. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” They choose what they want. God would prefer that they be saved. As Romans 1:20 says, “they are without excuse.” It is not God’s fault. Those who are looking for him will be saved.
Monday, November 16, 2009
It’s Not Just A Model
Hebrews 9:11-14
I was probably about 4 or 5 when I saw my first model train. It was fascinating to see that train go around the tracks, pull off onto a siding, and toy cattle load onto the train, It would then go around the tracks again and unload the cattle at a different platform, where they’d bee shuffled back into position to be reloaded. Is seemed almost miraculous.
More than 50 years later, The mechanism which resulted in what seemed so miraculous seem pretty simple and un sophisticated as compared to what is required to actually load cattle on a real train and ship them. Stops and switches forced the train to stop at exactly the right point so that the wheels would spin turning a device that pushed the toy cows up a ramp and into the car. After a certain number of revolutions it would lower the stop, raising the stop at the other platform, where the same mechanism pushed the cows off the car and into position to be reloaded.
The real life actions require coordinating the engineer of the train to properly position the train at the right time, various laborers to open gates, connect loading ramps, and convince the cows to walk into the unnatural environment of the cattle car despite their fear. Though the appearance may be similar to the model train the reality is much different. The same is true of the Old Testament priesthood Old testament Tabernacle and that of Christ.
He makes his offerings in a different tabernacle, not the earthly, man made model, but in the real one in heaven, built by God. The difference is at least as great as the difference between the holding pens of the model train and real holding pens. The difference between the sacrifice and what the Aaronic priests offered is similar to the difference between the toy cows, incapable of movement, and real cows, and the results are as different as the difference between the model train just moving the cattle to the other position to repeat the cycle and the real train actually transporting cows to an entirely new location.
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Because the model train cows were not real, no gates were needed on the holding pens, and no doors were needed on the cattle cars. Because the tabernacle was only a model, the blood of animals could serve to simulate cleansing from sin. A different sacrifice was required to truly take away sin.
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14)
While the blood of animals was good enough for the model, they would never work for the real thing. Hebrews 10:4 tells us “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
The model train, once it was set up, would continue to repeat the same actions unless something disrupted it. The real train, on the other hand, requires a live engineer to be in the cab, and live people to load and unload the cattle. While the model depicts a working business, a real business requires live people to work. Jesus Christ’s priesthood is not a model, but the real thing. Because he has fulfilled the requirements he is able to do for real what the model portrayed. Because the model could never takeaway sins, His sacrifice was needed even by those who lived under the law, just as the cattle on the model had to be shipped on a real train to the location where the model would be sold.
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” (Hebrews 9:15)
The High priest was a mediator between God, and man, the one who straightened out the differences between them by negotiating with both sides. As high priest, Christ was mediator of the new covenant. A testament is essentially a covenant that goes into effect on the death of the testator. In modern English, we usually call it a will. It has no force until the death of the person making the will. Other covenants or agreements are in effect until his death. By his death, Christ put his Testament into effect.
“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Hebrews 9:16-17)
I was probably about 4 or 5 when I saw my first model train. It was fascinating to see that train go around the tracks, pull off onto a siding, and toy cattle load onto the train, It would then go around the tracks again and unload the cattle at a different platform, where they’d bee shuffled back into position to be reloaded. Is seemed almost miraculous.
More than 50 years later, The mechanism which resulted in what seemed so miraculous seem pretty simple and un sophisticated as compared to what is required to actually load cattle on a real train and ship them. Stops and switches forced the train to stop at exactly the right point so that the wheels would spin turning a device that pushed the toy cows up a ramp and into the car. After a certain number of revolutions it would lower the stop, raising the stop at the other platform, where the same mechanism pushed the cows off the car and into position to be reloaded.
The real life actions require coordinating the engineer of the train to properly position the train at the right time, various laborers to open gates, connect loading ramps, and convince the cows to walk into the unnatural environment of the cattle car despite their fear. Though the appearance may be similar to the model train the reality is much different. The same is true of the Old Testament priesthood Old testament Tabernacle and that of Christ.
He makes his offerings in a different tabernacle, not the earthly, man made model, but in the real one in heaven, built by God. The difference is at least as great as the difference between the holding pens of the model train and real holding pens. The difference between the sacrifice and what the Aaronic priests offered is similar to the difference between the toy cows, incapable of movement, and real cows, and the results are as different as the difference between the model train just moving the cattle to the other position to repeat the cycle and the real train actually transporting cows to an entirely new location.
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Because the model train cows were not real, no gates were needed on the holding pens, and no doors were needed on the cattle cars. Because the tabernacle was only a model, the blood of animals could serve to simulate cleansing from sin. A different sacrifice was required to truly take away sin.
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14)
While the blood of animals was good enough for the model, they would never work for the real thing. Hebrews 10:4 tells us “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
The model train, once it was set up, would continue to repeat the same actions unless something disrupted it. The real train, on the other hand, requires a live engineer to be in the cab, and live people to load and unload the cattle. While the model depicts a working business, a real business requires live people to work. Jesus Christ’s priesthood is not a model, but the real thing. Because he has fulfilled the requirements he is able to do for real what the model portrayed. Because the model could never takeaway sins, His sacrifice was needed even by those who lived under the law, just as the cattle on the model had to be shipped on a real train to the location where the model would be sold.
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” (Hebrews 9:15)
The High priest was a mediator between God, and man, the one who straightened out the differences between them by negotiating with both sides. As high priest, Christ was mediator of the new covenant. A testament is essentially a covenant that goes into effect on the death of the testator. In modern English, we usually call it a will. It has no force until the death of the person making the will. Other covenants or agreements are in effect until his death. By his death, Christ put his Testament into effect.
“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Hebrews 9:16-17)
Friday, November 13, 2009
For Priests Only
Hebrews 9:1-10
When an architect wants to sell a large project, many times he will make a model, usually to scale. With standard architectural drawings, details are found across a number of pages. Most people have trouble assimilating all the details and visualizing them as a whole. By building a model, the buyer, the contractor, building officials, and other interested parties can get a clearer idea of what is proposed. Details may be as complete as scale model furniture in the rooms. Modern architects frequently use a computer generated virtual model rather than a physical one but it serves the same purpose.
The model enables the buyer to better understand the relationship of different aspects of the plan, and identify areas that are not satisfactory for the intended purpose. The contractor and can see details that may cause problems during construction, and the architect can see areas where changes would make the building more aesthetically pleasing. It is much easier to change a model, than a building.
The Old testament Tabernacle was a model to help in understanding what God was doing. It was not the final project, but was designed to convey understanding. The various components resemble the real thing, but are not identical. Just as in the architects model, a paper representation or a computer image may portray a couch, without actually being a real couch, elements of the tabernacle portray without actually being the real object or event. Chapters 9 and 10 of Hebrews focus on the details, explaining how the representation differs from the real thing. We start with a general description of the actual Tabernacle or tent located inside the linen enclosure.
“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.” (Hebrews 9:1-5)
The author starts in the Holy place. The curtain at the door was located on the east end. As you entered the sanctuary, or Holy place, the table of showbread was on the right, loaded with bread for the priests to eat.. On the left was the golden candlestick, similar to the Jewish menorah, the only source of light. Straight ahead of you would be the altar of incense.
The imagery here is very powerful, especially as we understand that the author has moved beyond the basics in the book. The outer enclosure represents the righteousness that keeps one out, or in eternal life, with only one entrance, through Christ. The brazen altar, and the laver and the courtyard are about the things mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-3. Remember the goal of the book? “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” Jews who were not priests were able to go into the courtyard, because the sacrifices included them as well, but they could not take part in the offering the sacrifice or use the laver unless they were priests.
The sanctuary or Holy place was reserved for the priests only. Revelation 1:6 says that Christ “hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;” Moving into the area reserved for priests, we find that the curtain we enter through represents Christ as our means of entry into the spiritual life. The showbread portrays him as the bread of life, the candlestick as the light of the world, and the altar of incense as intercessor and mediator with God, the incense representing our prayers according to Revelation 5:8.
Behind the altar of incense was another curtain, the veil, dividing the tabernacle into two rooms. Only the high priest was allowed to enter or even to see what was in the second room, the Holy of Holies. He could only enter once a year, when he came to sprinkle the blood of the atonement on the Mercy seat, to cover their sins for another year. Notice the description.
“Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” (Hebrews 9:6-10)
That veil pictured that there were limits under the Old Testament Law, shutting man out from the presence of God. The sacrifices could not complete our access, being based on physical sacrifices and actions which were required until a change was made. Christ freed us from the physical requirements of the law. Romans 10:4 tells us, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” It is true because “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” (Galatians 3:13)
When Christ was crucified, the limits were removed. Believers now have access to the very throne of God, as Mark 15:37-38 portrays. “And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” With his death, Christ offered his sacrifice as our high priest, changing the priesthood, and accordingly the laws. Through him, we were given complete access, not only to the holy place, but to the Holy of Holies. It is now available to every priest, to every believer. Romans 6:11 instructs us to recognize what we have. “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Until we go beyond the courtyard, those basics named in Hebrews 6:1-2, we can never attain the life God has for us, we cannot exercise our full privilege.
When an architect wants to sell a large project, many times he will make a model, usually to scale. With standard architectural drawings, details are found across a number of pages. Most people have trouble assimilating all the details and visualizing them as a whole. By building a model, the buyer, the contractor, building officials, and other interested parties can get a clearer idea of what is proposed. Details may be as complete as scale model furniture in the rooms. Modern architects frequently use a computer generated virtual model rather than a physical one but it serves the same purpose.
The model enables the buyer to better understand the relationship of different aspects of the plan, and identify areas that are not satisfactory for the intended purpose. The contractor and can see details that may cause problems during construction, and the architect can see areas where changes would make the building more aesthetically pleasing. It is much easier to change a model, than a building.
The Old testament Tabernacle was a model to help in understanding what God was doing. It was not the final project, but was designed to convey understanding. The various components resemble the real thing, but are not identical. Just as in the architects model, a paper representation or a computer image may portray a couch, without actually being a real couch, elements of the tabernacle portray without actually being the real object or event. Chapters 9 and 10 of Hebrews focus on the details, explaining how the representation differs from the real thing. We start with a general description of the actual Tabernacle or tent located inside the linen enclosure.
“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.” (Hebrews 9:1-5)
The author starts in the Holy place. The curtain at the door was located on the east end. As you entered the sanctuary, or Holy place, the table of showbread was on the right, loaded with bread for the priests to eat.. On the left was the golden candlestick, similar to the Jewish menorah, the only source of light. Straight ahead of you would be the altar of incense.
The imagery here is very powerful, especially as we understand that the author has moved beyond the basics in the book. The outer enclosure represents the righteousness that keeps one out, or in eternal life, with only one entrance, through Christ. The brazen altar, and the laver and the courtyard are about the things mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-3. Remember the goal of the book? “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” Jews who were not priests were able to go into the courtyard, because the sacrifices included them as well, but they could not take part in the offering the sacrifice or use the laver unless they were priests.
The sanctuary or Holy place was reserved for the priests only. Revelation 1:6 says that Christ “hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;” Moving into the area reserved for priests, we find that the curtain we enter through represents Christ as our means of entry into the spiritual life. The showbread portrays him as the bread of life, the candlestick as the light of the world, and the altar of incense as intercessor and mediator with God, the incense representing our prayers according to Revelation 5:8.
Behind the altar of incense was another curtain, the veil, dividing the tabernacle into two rooms. Only the high priest was allowed to enter or even to see what was in the second room, the Holy of Holies. He could only enter once a year, when he came to sprinkle the blood of the atonement on the Mercy seat, to cover their sins for another year. Notice the description.
“Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” (Hebrews 9:6-10)
That veil pictured that there were limits under the Old Testament Law, shutting man out from the presence of God. The sacrifices could not complete our access, being based on physical sacrifices and actions which were required until a change was made. Christ freed us from the physical requirements of the law. Romans 10:4 tells us, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” It is true because “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” (Galatians 3:13)
When Christ was crucified, the limits were removed. Believers now have access to the very throne of God, as Mark 15:37-38 portrays. “And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” With his death, Christ offered his sacrifice as our high priest, changing the priesthood, and accordingly the laws. Through him, we were given complete access, not only to the holy place, but to the Holy of Holies. It is now available to every priest, to every believer. Romans 6:11 instructs us to recognize what we have. “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Until we go beyond the courtyard, those basics named in Hebrews 6:1-2, we can never attain the life God has for us, we cannot exercise our full privilege.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Why Keep The Old One?
Hebrews 8:7-12
The Old Testament law made no provision for the elimination of sin. It identified sin, and made provision for deferring judgment, but never eliminated it. As a result, it left mankind subject to the consequences of sin, death. The only things it could deliver were in the present physical life. It could not reach past death. Had it been able to eliminate sin, and consequently death, there would have been no value in a new covenant, a new testament. Even the promises of that old covenant were seldom attained because people didn’t meet their responsibilities under the agreement.
“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” (Hebrews 8:7-9)
It was not possible that any set of laws could take away sin. God had promised Life, but sin had limited life by death. Laws made us aware of sin, but did not stop people from doing the sin. The old saying “you can’t legislate righteousness” is true. The law just sets a standard by which sin can be identified. Galatians 3:21 says that it is impossible to make laws which make people do right. “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” As a result, a new covenant was needed. Man still sinned. The standards will be in the hearts and minds of the believers, rather than on stone tablets.
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:10-12)
Under the old law, man was still condemned, judgment was just postponed. Under the new covenant, the Condemnatio is removed. Romans 8:1-4 tells us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
That same spirit will teach us so we are not dependent on others to know what God expects as we see from John 16:13. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” He will make those things a part of our life, writing them on our heart as Paul tells us in II Corinthians 3:3. “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.”
When a new thing is obtained, all prior ones are automatically old by comparison. By establishing a new covenant, God made the previous one old. Once the new one is obtained, it is like buying a new microwave, there is no longer a need to keep the old one, especially if it does not do what is needed. Hebrews 8:13 says the same is true of the Law. “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
Paul asks how we could insist on keeping the law in such a case. “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:9) Why would we insist on using something that doesn’t work very well, if at all, when we have something better?
The Old Testament law made no provision for the elimination of sin. It identified sin, and made provision for deferring judgment, but never eliminated it. As a result, it left mankind subject to the consequences of sin, death. The only things it could deliver were in the present physical life. It could not reach past death. Had it been able to eliminate sin, and consequently death, there would have been no value in a new covenant, a new testament. Even the promises of that old covenant were seldom attained because people didn’t meet their responsibilities under the agreement.
“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” (Hebrews 8:7-9)
It was not possible that any set of laws could take away sin. God had promised Life, but sin had limited life by death. Laws made us aware of sin, but did not stop people from doing the sin. The old saying “you can’t legislate righteousness” is true. The law just sets a standard by which sin can be identified. Galatians 3:21 says that it is impossible to make laws which make people do right. “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” As a result, a new covenant was needed. Man still sinned. The standards will be in the hearts and minds of the believers, rather than on stone tablets.
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:10-12)
Under the old law, man was still condemned, judgment was just postponed. Under the new covenant, the Condemnatio is removed. Romans 8:1-4 tells us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
That same spirit will teach us so we are not dependent on others to know what God expects as we see from John 16:13. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” He will make those things a part of our life, writing them on our heart as Paul tells us in II Corinthians 3:3. “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.”
When a new thing is obtained, all prior ones are automatically old by comparison. By establishing a new covenant, God made the previous one old. Once the new one is obtained, it is like buying a new microwave, there is no longer a need to keep the old one, especially if it does not do what is needed. Hebrews 8:13 says the same is true of the Law. “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
Paul asks how we could insist on keeping the law in such a case. “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:9) Why would we insist on using something that doesn’t work very well, if at all, when we have something better?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Better Ministry, A Better Covenant And Better Promises
A Better Ministry, A Better Covenant And Better Promises
Hebrews 8:1-7
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2)
We have seen in previous discussions how that Jesus Christ has a different priesthood than the priests under the Mosaic law. The law was designed to make men aware of their guilt before God, according to Romans 3:19. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Galatians 3 tells us it was given as a separate covenant or testament from the promises as a temporary, stopgap measure to draw men to Christ.
Christ is a priest under the original promise to Abraham, of the true tabernacle made by God, not that made by the Jews. The other priests prepared and made the sacrifices for the people, killing the animals, and burning them on the altar, but the high priest was responsible for presenting them to God. He was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, the inner room of the tabernacle, or to see the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mercy seat, where he sprinkled the blood on the day of atonement. He was the only one who could do several of the other offerings. This is why the high priest was chosen.
“For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrews 8:3-5)
The descendents of Aaron were the only ones qualified to serve as priests under the Mosaic law. Even other descendents of Levi were forbidden to take the office and Numbers 16 describes the destruction Korah and his followers for trying to take the priests office. Korah was a Levite, but not of Aaron’s family. Even Christ could not serve as a priest in the earthly tabernacle. There was already a priesthood charged with serving there.
The earthly tabernacle is just a shadow of the true tabernacle which Christ serves as priest. The Tabernacle was built according to a pattern based on the heavenly tabernacle. As we are told, it is a shadow of those things, not the reality. In the animated movie Peter And The Wolf, Peter and his friends were terrified of a shadow. They didn’t realize the shadow was not a real danger. The reality was something very different than they had inferred from the shadow.
A shadow only gives the most general portrayal of an object. A round shadow could be equally the result of a flat disk, a tubular object, a cone, a ball, or a balloon All that is seen is the round shadow. It is an even less precise representation than a picture. It is not an exact image. It has no depth. Notice Hebrews 10:1: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” The law is not an exact representation of God’s plan and requirements, it is just a shadow.
Ministering in the true tabernacle, offering sacrifices that are capable of taking away the sin, rather than merely postponing judgment is a far greater ministry than that of the Aaronic priests under the law. Hebrews 10:11-12 describes the difference in their ministry. “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” Not only was the ministry greater, but it resulted in a better covenant for us.
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” (Hebrews 8:6-7)
Deuteronomy 4:40 gives a concise statement of the promises under the law. “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.” Though many other references expand on this, promising victory over their enemies, peace in the land, health and long lives, and productive crops and herds, all the promises end with this life. They are only physical, temporal promises, to be obtained through man’s efforts.
Our covenant is established on better promises. First, we will have our sin removed and be restored in the image of God, becoming like God or godly. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” (I Peter 1:4).
Receiving that Godly nature is beneficial both in the present life, and for eternity. It does not end with death. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come,” (I Timothy 4:8). Our own efforts to please God and accomplish things will be far outweighed in this life by letting God control our lives, and then extend into eternity, which it also guarantees us. “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life,” (I John 2:25).
Because the law offered nothing beyond this life, it needed to be replaced with a better covenant capable of providing Eternal benefits.
Hebrews 8:1-7
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2)
We have seen in previous discussions how that Jesus Christ has a different priesthood than the priests under the Mosaic law. The law was designed to make men aware of their guilt before God, according to Romans 3:19. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Galatians 3 tells us it was given as a separate covenant or testament from the promises as a temporary, stopgap measure to draw men to Christ.
Christ is a priest under the original promise to Abraham, of the true tabernacle made by God, not that made by the Jews. The other priests prepared and made the sacrifices for the people, killing the animals, and burning them on the altar, but the high priest was responsible for presenting them to God. He was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, the inner room of the tabernacle, or to see the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mercy seat, where he sprinkled the blood on the day of atonement. He was the only one who could do several of the other offerings. This is why the high priest was chosen.
“For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrews 8:3-5)
The descendents of Aaron were the only ones qualified to serve as priests under the Mosaic law. Even other descendents of Levi were forbidden to take the office and Numbers 16 describes the destruction Korah and his followers for trying to take the priests office. Korah was a Levite, but not of Aaron’s family. Even Christ could not serve as a priest in the earthly tabernacle. There was already a priesthood charged with serving there.
The earthly tabernacle is just a shadow of the true tabernacle which Christ serves as priest. The Tabernacle was built according to a pattern based on the heavenly tabernacle. As we are told, it is a shadow of those things, not the reality. In the animated movie Peter And The Wolf, Peter and his friends were terrified of a shadow. They didn’t realize the shadow was not a real danger. The reality was something very different than they had inferred from the shadow.
A shadow only gives the most general portrayal of an object. A round shadow could be equally the result of a flat disk, a tubular object, a cone, a ball, or a balloon All that is seen is the round shadow. It is an even less precise representation than a picture. It is not an exact image. It has no depth. Notice Hebrews 10:1: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” The law is not an exact representation of God’s plan and requirements, it is just a shadow.
Ministering in the true tabernacle, offering sacrifices that are capable of taking away the sin, rather than merely postponing judgment is a far greater ministry than that of the Aaronic priests under the law. Hebrews 10:11-12 describes the difference in their ministry. “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” Not only was the ministry greater, but it resulted in a better covenant for us.
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” (Hebrews 8:6-7)
Deuteronomy 4:40 gives a concise statement of the promises under the law. “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.” Though many other references expand on this, promising victory over their enemies, peace in the land, health and long lives, and productive crops and herds, all the promises end with this life. They are only physical, temporal promises, to be obtained through man’s efforts.
Our covenant is established on better promises. First, we will have our sin removed and be restored in the image of God, becoming like God or godly. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” (I Peter 1:4).
Receiving that Godly nature is beneficial both in the present life, and for eternity. It does not end with death. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come,” (I Timothy 4:8). Our own efforts to please God and accomplish things will be far outweighed in this life by letting God control our lives, and then extend into eternity, which it also guarantees us. “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life,” (I John 2:25).
Because the law offered nothing beyond this life, it needed to be replaced with a better covenant capable of providing Eternal benefits.
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