Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Strangers and Pilgrims On The Earth – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:13-16 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 had prepared for them a city.

‘Country’ [Greek: patris] fatherland; native city (11:14; Matt. 13:54, 57; Mark 6:1, 4; Luke 4:23-24; John 4:44).

‘Mindful’ [Greek: mnemoneuo] to remember; to call to mind. Translated “be mindful of” (11:15); “make mention” (11:22); and “remember” 19 times (Matt. 16:9; John 15:20; Rev. 2:5; 3:3; etc.). They were not compelled to be strangers and pilgrims or to leave their native country for a heavenly city and country. They had the gospel (Gal. 3:8) and knew that their right to the promises came by utter renunciation of this world and its ways, and consecration to obey the One who made the promises.

‘Opportunity to have returned.’ They could have returned at any time to the place God called them out of, but they were true to Him and their faith in spiritual and eternal things (11:8-16).

‘Desire’ [Greek: oregomai] desire. Ten facts about Christians (11:13-16): They have not received all that was promised. They see clearly promised blessings. They are persuaded that the promises are true. They embrace all the promises. They confess that they are strangers on earth. They confess that they are only pilgrims on earth. They declare that they seek heaven. They are not mindful of earthly things. They are not willing to go back to the world. They desire a heavenly country.

‘Heavenly’ [Greek: epouranois] is that which pertains to heaven. Translated “heaven” (Php. 2:10); “heavenly” (Matt. 18:35; John 3:12; 1Cor. 15:48-49; Eph. 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 2Tim. 4:18; Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22); “high places” (Eph. 6:12); and “celestial” (1Cor. 15:40).

Strangers and Pilgrims On The Earth – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:13-16 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 had prepared for them a city. 

‘Promises’ The faith-worthies died in faith, not yet receiving their promises. There are twenty-five unfulfilled promises: Becoming a great nation (Gen. 12:2). A great name (Gen. 12:3). Their blessers blessed. Their cursers cursed. All nations blessed through them (Gen. 12:3; 18:18). The promised land (11:8; Gen. 12:3; 13:15; 15:18; Acts 7:5). Innumerable seed (11:12; Gen. 13:16). Many nations from them (Gen. 17:6, 16). Many kings from them. Covenant with their seed (Gen. 17:7). Ishmael a great nation (Gen. 17:20). Their descendants serve God in righteousness (Gen. 18:18-19; Luke 1:70-75). Their descendants served God in Canaan (Gen. 15:13-14; Acts 7:6-7). The complete fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 18:19). Their seed possesses their enemies (Gen. 22:17-18; Luke 1:71-74). A heavenly city (11:10, 16). A heavenly country (11:14-16). The salvation of the heathen (Gal. 3:8). A spiritual seed (Rom. 4:16; 9:8). First coming of Messiah (Gal. 3:16; Luke 1:68-75). Death of Messiah and defeat of satan (11:4, 17-18; Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:13-14). Second coming of Messiah (11:5; Jude 1:14-15). Resurrection (11:10, 16, 19; Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2). Eternal life to come (11:10-16; Gen. 17:8; Matt. 8:11; 22:32; Luke 1:55). Eternal inheritance (11:10-16; Gal. 3:17-18, 29; Luke 1:68-75).

‘Embraced’ [Greek: aspazomai] Translated as “embrace” (11:13; Acts 20:1); “take leave of” (Acts 21:6); “greet” 14 times (Rom. 16:3-11; 1Cor. 16:20; etc.); and “salute” 37 times (Matt. 5:47; 10:12; Rom. 16:5-23; etc.).

‘Strangers’ [Greek: xenos] Translated as “stranger” (11:13; Matt. 25:35-44; 27:7; Acts 17:21; Eph. 2:12, 19; 3Jn. 1:5); “strange” (Acts 17:18; Heb. 13:9; 1Pet. 4:12); and “host” (Rom. 16:23). It refers to people who are outside their own country; foreigners.

‘Pilgrims’ [Greek: parepidemos] (sojourners; not permanent dwellers; not naturalized (1Pet. 1:1; 2:11).

To be continued…

Sara

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Hebrews 11:11-12 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. 

‘Sara’ – faith’s reckoning: Received strength to conceive seed. Was delivered of a child when past age (11:11; Gen. 17:17, 19; 21:1-8). She reckoned or counted God to be true to His word (11:11; cp. Rom. 4:19). She was as good as dead as far as having children was concerned (11:12). Innumerable seed came from her by God’s power through faith (11:11-12).

‘Received strength’ – Received here; given from above. Sara was 90 years old when she fell pregnant with Isaac.

‘To conceive’ [Greek: katabole] casting down. The idea is not only to conceive but to bring forth.

‘Sprang’ [Greek: gennao] Translated as “sprang” (11:12); “gender” (Gal. 4:24; 2Tim. 2:23); “conceive” (Matt. 1:20); “be delivered of” (John 16:21); “bring forth” (Luke 1:57); “beget” 24 times (Matt. 1:2-16; Acts 7:8, 29; 13:33; 1Cor. 4:15; Phm. 1:10; Heb. 1:5; 5:5; 11:23; 1Jn. 5:1, 18); “bear” (Luke 1:13; 23:29); “be made” (2Pet. 2:12); and “be born” 35 times (Matt. 1:16; 2:1, 4; 19:12; 26:24; Mark 14:21; Luke 1:35; John 1:13; 3:3-8; 8:41; 9:2, 19, 20, 32, 34; 16:21; 18:37; Acts 2:8; 7:20; 22:3, 22:28; Rom. 9:11; Gal. 4:23, 29; 1Jn. 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18).

Abraham and the Land of Promise – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:8-10 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 had foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

‘City’ – The new Jerusalem, the capital city of God over the universe (11:10, 13-16; 12:22-23; 13:14; Rev. 3:12; 21:1-22:5).

‘Builder’ [Greek: technites] is an architect, one who plans, calculates, and constructs a building. Translated builder (11:10) and craftsman (Acts 19:24, 38; Rev. 18:22). From the same Greek root we have the word tekton which means a carpenter, one who is a builder and constructor (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). The word is used in contempt of Christ. The Lord chose this occupation in preference to being a shepherd, like David. Christ is the great Architect, Designer, and Fabricator of all material creations (11:10; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9), and of all moral creations of all moral creations (Co. 1:15-18). He is the Preparer, Arranger, and Constitutor of the ages and dispensations (1:2; 11:3; Isa. 9:6). God worked through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:30).

‘Maker’ [Greek: demiourgos] is a maker; author; magistrate; one who calls men to work. Employed only here in the Bible, but this Greek term was used by the Gnostics of the Creator of the world.

Abraham and the Land of Promise – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:8-10 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 had foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

‘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.’ Abraham – faith’s obedience: Called to go into a new life and new land (Gen. 12:1-4). Promised the new land (Gen. 15:18). Obeyed, not knowing whither he went. Sojourned in the promised land with Isaac and Jacob (11:9). Jacob was 15 years old when Abraham died. Dwelled in tents with his heirs. Looked for a permanent dwelling – a city in heaven (11:10, 13-16).

Abraham saw three things clearly: The plan of God in sending the Messiah for His people to redeem them and guarantee to them the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; and he was happy (Gen. 12:1-3; 17:1-22). He saw the plan of God in the Messiah being sent through his natural seed (Rom. 4:13-22; 9:4-7; Gal. 3:16) and rejoiced by faith (Rom. 4:1-25). He saw the second person of the Trinity in visible form (Gen. 18:1-8, 19-20; 19:24).

The Abrahamic covenant is noted in Genesis 12:1-3. This was made with Abraham after the confusion of tongues – at Babylon – when God saw that it was impossible to deal with the race as a whole. It ushered in the Dispensation of Promise (Gen. 13:14-18; 15:1-21; 17:4-8; 22:15-18; 26:1-5; 28:3, 10-15). The covenant consisted of two parts: (1) The sevenfold promise: “I will make of thee a great nation” (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:16; 17:18-20; 24:34, 35; Gal. 3:1-29); “Make thy name great” (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 2:24, 25; 6:3-8); “Thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:13, 14); “I will bless them that bless thee” (Gen. 12:1-3; Matt. 25:31-46); “I will bless thee” (Gen. 13:14-18; 15:18-21; Gal. 3:1-29); “I will curse them that curse thee” (Zech. 14:1-21; Matt. 25:31-46); “In thee shall all the nations of the world be blessed” (Deut. 28:8-14; Isa. 60:3-5; 66:18-21; John 8:56-58; Gal. 3:16). (2) The sign of the covenant: circumcision (Gen. 17:1-21; Isa. 24:5).

To be continued…

Noah

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Hebrews 11:7 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. 

‘Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.’ Noah – faith’s work: Warned of God of things not seen. Moved with fear – religious fear or reverence toward God, not from fear of losing his life. Prepared an ark to save his house. Warned the world (Genesis 6:8-8:19; 1Pet. 3:20). Became heir of the righteousness – justified by faith (Rom. 3:21-31; 4:1-25).

We read about the Noahic covenant in Genesis 8:20-9:29. This contract was made with Noah and the beasts of the field after the flood and ushered in the Dispensation of Human Government. The terms of the covenant were: that God would not curse the ground or living creatures any more “while the earth remaineth” (Gen. 8:22; 9:12, 16). Man should replenish the earth forever (Gen. 9:1, 12, 16). Mankind should rule the earth (Gen. 9:2, 9:3). Clean animals should be eaten, but not the blood (Gen. 9:3, 4). There should be a capital punishment for murderers (Gen. 9:5, 6; Num. 35:1-34). The rainbow should be a sign of the covenant (Gen. 9:12-17). The covenant would be eternal (Gen. 9:12, 16).

Noah had three sons, Japheth, Ham and Shem and from them, all nations were formed on earth after the flood (Gen. 9:19; 10:32). Japheth settled in the north, west and east of Europe, and in Asia; Ham settled in Africa; and Shem settled in countries surrounding Palestine.

Noah planted the first vineyard (Gen. 9:20) and became drunk of it, making it the first drunkenness on record (Gen. 9:21). Ham saw the nakedness of his father and broke the law of parental authority (Gen. 9:22) and because of this Ham’s son Canaan was cursed to become servants (Gen. 9:24-26). Noah lived 950 years.

He is a Rewarder – Part 3

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Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The only reason for unanswered prayer to a Christian is “unbelief” (Matt. 17:17-21; Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6). Unbelief is caused by wrong teaching (Rom. 10:17). The promises are unlimited (Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11; 91:1-12; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16), so if there is a limitation in answer there is a limitation of faith, not of God’s will or power.

There are many reasons given for unanswered prayer in Scripture: Refusing to listen to the truth (Pro. 28:9). Refusing to humble self (2Chron. 7:14). Forsaking God (2Chron. 15:2). Provoking God (Deut. 3:26). Hardheartedness (Zech. 7:12-13). Lack of charity (Pro. 21:13). Regarding iniquity in the heart (Ps. 66:18). Wrong motives (Jas. 4:3). Dishonour of companion (1Pet. 3:7). Unbelief (Matt. 17:20-21; 21:22). Sin (Jas. 4:1-5; John 9:31; Isa. 59:2). Parading prayer life (Matt. 6:5). Vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7). Unforgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26). Hypocrisy (Luke 18:9-14). Being discouraged (Luke 18:1-8). Worry and anxiety (Php. 4:6). Doubting – double-mindedness (Jas. 1:5-8).

From James 4 another twelve reasons are given for unanswered prayer: Lusts (Jas. 4:1, 2, 3, 5; John 8:44); murders, covetousness, fighting and war, asking amiss to satisfy lusts, adultery, friendship, pride, rebellion against God, backsliding and sin, double-mindedness or doubt and the misuse of the tongue. This passage should never be taken by the Christian as an excuse for unanswered prayer. By so doing he automatically classes himself as lustful, murderous, covetous, adulterous, worldly, proud, sinful, and blasphemous. No man can ask amiss if he is in Christ and asks according to the promises (John 15:7; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). The reason Christian prayers are not answered is because of their unbelief.

He is a Rewarder – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

‘Must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ From Psalms 67:2 we have two reasons for answered prayer: That God’s way may be known upon earth and His saving health may be known among all nations.

Psalms 102:17 gives us another two facts about prayer: God will hear the prayer of the destitute and He will not despise their prayers.

John 16:24 states that we must ask and will receive so that our joy may be full. The purpose of answering prayer is to help us and to confirm the infinite Fatherhood of God (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:9-13; Jas. 1:17), so do not hesitate to ask – and thank Him (Php. 4:6) – for any material, physical, or spiritual blessing, for no good thing will He withhold from you (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; 91:1-12; Matt. 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15).

From Matthew 7:7-11 we are commanded to ask, seek and knock – five times. The idea here is to demand something due to one because of family and redemptive rights. It is God’s will that we ask and get what we want (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; Mark 11:24; John 15:7, 16). Seeking must be with the whole heart (Deut. 4:29; 2Chron. 7:14; 11:16; 15:2; Pro. 8:17; Luke 15:8; Col. 3:1; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8; 1Pet. 3:11). The third way of getting an answer to prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-18). To ask implies want; seeking implies loss; and knocking implies need. One must ask with confidence and humility, seek with care and application, and knock with earnestness and perseverance (Luke 11:4-8).

Everyone that asks will receive, that seek will find and who knocks shall be opened (Matt. 7:8). No exception to the rule for anyone. If there is it is because of the failure to ask in faith, nothing wavering (Jas. 1:5-8), to seek diligently (Heb. 11:6), and to knock with importunity (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8).

To be continued…

He is a Rewarder – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

‘Without faith it is impossible to please him.’ Here we see the absolute necessity of faith and the secret of pleasing God.

‘Must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ Here are four confidences of answered prayer: To please God (1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15). To come to God To come to God with the right attitude and motives (Matt. 6:5-15; 7:7-11; Php. 4:5-6). To believe that He is (John 16:23). To believe that He is a rewarder of them diligently seeking Him. If one can believe this as much as he believes in the existence of God, prayer will be granted. If one believes firmly in His existence and doubts His word, he makes Him a liar and God is not obligated to answer prayer (Jas. 1:4-8). The Greek for diligently is ekzeteo, translated as diligently seek (Heb. 11:6); seek after (Acts 15:17; Rom. 3:11); seek carefully (Heb. 12:17); require (Luke 11:50-51); and enquire (1Pet. 1:10). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

We have liberty in prayer. The Greek word parrhesia means freedom of speech; liberty of access to God. It refers to absolute confidence in access to God because all sins that separates from God are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In Old Testament days men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in a time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to his liberty of access to God we are His house (Heb. 3:6). If sin is in the life we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15).

To be continued…

Enoch

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Hebrews 11:5 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. 

‘Enoch was translated that he should not see death.’ Enoch – faith’s walk: He walked with God for over 300 years. He was transported (another word for raptured) so that he would not experience death in his generation. He could not be found because God had transported (removed him from earth) him (Gen. 5:21-24). He had testimony that he pleased God by being a man of faith (Heb. 11:5-6). He has been living in heaven for 5,238 years [2024] (Gen. 5:23; Zech. 4:11-14; Rev. 11:4). He will come back and die as one of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-11).

Enoch will be one of the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12, for he and Elijah – the other witness – were the only men transported so that they would not experience death in their lifetime on earth (Gen. 5:21-24; Mal. 4:5-6; Heb. 11:5; 2Kin. 2:1-25). Both were prophets of judgment (Jude 1:14-15; 1 Kings 17-18). Both must come back and die their own appointed death on earth, as all men who live before the rapture must (Heb. 9:27; 1Cor. 15:51-58). If either Enoch or Elijah had been transported in immortal, glorified bodies, they would have been the first fruits of the resurrection instead of Christ (1Cor. 15:20-23). This proves they are in heaven in their natural bodies. They will continue there until their return to fulfil Revelation 11:1-19. The lives of Enoch and Elijah are parallel in every sense, so their cases rise or fall together to be the two witnesses.