Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Abel

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Hebrews 11:4 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 spoke. 

‘Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice.’ Abel – faith’s worship: Offered a sin offering, acknowledging his own sinfulness and need for mercy. Cain offered a eucharistic offering of the fruit of the ground, ignoring his sinfulness and personal need of God. Abel was justified by faith in Christ’s blood which he acknowledged in type. God testified to his righteousness by accepting his sacrifice (Gen. 4:4). By his faith in blood atonement, he still preaches to men of such need. The word “gifts” indicates more than one offering, thus testifying of his faith in the utter insufficiency of what he did offer, but true faith in what they typified.

Burnt offerings were made to God from the earliest times, as a token of faith in the coming Redeemer (Gen. 4:1-8; 8:20; 22:2-13; Ex. 10:25). Sacrifices are often distinguished from burnt offerings, though burnt offerings were also sacrifices (Ex. 20:24; Lev. 1:3-17). Sacrifices were not all burnt offerings; some were poured out and others eaten. Anything offered to God is a sacrifice: firstborn sons (Ex. 13:15); praise (Ps. 107:22; 116:17; Heb. 13:15); a broken and contrite heart and spirit (Ps. 51:17); the offering of Christ on the cross (2Cor. 5:7); and many other kinds as well.

All the types of sacrifices and offerings from Abel picture the sufferings of Christ; so beginning with Moses and all the prophets God made it clear why these events had to take place before the coming of glory and the kingdom (Luke 24:25-27). Many offerings were made under the old covenant (9:12-13), but only ONE offering for us under the new (10:10-14).

The Worlds Were Framed

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Hebrews 11:3 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. 

‘Worlds’ [Greek: aion and ages] age – a period of time whether long or short. Translated “world” (1:2; Matt. 12:32; 13:39); “age” (Eph. 2:7; Col. 1:26); “course” (Eph. 2:2); and other ways. Here it means Christ was the agent in planning the ages and making God’s plan for man. In this sense, He is the everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6). He not only planned the ages but all creations (Col. 1:15-18; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9).

Colossians 1:15 calls Christ Jesus the firstborn of every creature. He is the firstborn of creation. The Greek word prototokos means firstborn (Col. 1:15, 18; Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 11:28; 12:23) and first-begotten (Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5). It is used of Jesus the firstborn of Mary (Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7) and of the firstborn of Egyptians (Heb. 11:28). It means the first one born in the family. It must also be understood in this literal sense in connection with Jesus being the firstborn in God’s family. However, Sonship in this case refers to His humanity and not to deity. Jesus took a human body to redeem (Php. 2:5-11; Isa. 7:14; 9:6). It was when God had a Son through Mary (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14). This happened on a certain day: “This day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5-7). Therefore, we cannot say that God had a Son before this time. This proves that sonship in connection with God had to refer to humanity and not to deity.

With these facts it is clear in what sense Jesus is “the firstborn of every creature” or of all creation (Col. 1:15), and “the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). All creation came into existence by creative acts, not by a begetting as in the case of Jesus. Even the “many brethren” are not begotten in the sense Jesus was by the Holy Spirit. They were begotten by people, not by God, and were thus brought into the human family, not the family of God. The only way one gets into God’s family is by adoption (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:5-6; Eph. 1:5). Jesus is the only begotten Son … the first of all creatures to be begotten of God, the only one of all beings begotten of God, the first and only one of the family of adopted and “created” brethren begotten of God (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), the first-begotten of or from the dead, and the firstfruit of the resurrection of all men (1Cor. 15:23-33; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5). Christians are the called-out people of the one who is the firstborn (Heb. 12:23). Adam and angels were by creation, not by begetting (Luke 3:38; Gen. 6:1-4; Job 1:6; 38:4-7).

‘Were framed’ [Greek: katartizo] The ages were planned by the Word of God and the things that are now seen were not made of existing material. Both the ages and dispensations as well as the material creations are referred to here (Gen. 1:1; Heb. 1:2).

Elders

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Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

‘Elders’ [Greek: presbuteros] The word “elders” in the Old Testament meant the heads or rulers of the tribes, cities, and nations. In the Gospels and Acts, it generally refers to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; Acts 4:5, 8, 23). In the early congregational period, elders were the ministers and deacons, or preaching elders and business elders of the local congregations (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 16:4; 20:17, 28; 21:18; 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14). All apostles were elders (Acts 11:30; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Jn. 1:1; 3Jn. 1:1), but all elders were not apostles (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The elders of Acts 20:17, were the overseers of Acts 20:28. The elders of 1Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-10 and 1Peter 5:1-2 were preaching elders or bishops – the ones that were commanded to preach (bring) the Word of God to men – they wrote the gospels and epistles as record of what they received from Christ. The business elders were deacons (Acts 6:1-15). Bishops and deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1 and 1Titus 3:1-13. The word presbuteros is also used of older men and women (Luke 15:25; John 8:9; Acts 4:22; 17:1-34; 1Tim. 5:2). It is used also of heavenly ranks (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). It is found 68 times and is translated “elder” except in John 8:9 and Acts 2:17; 4:22.

The list of faith-worthies begins with Abel (11:4). No report is given of Adam and Eve – not a word of any repentance, faith, or holiness of life. We read in Geneses 6:3 God’s final warning to Adam: “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” This was the 5th prophecy in Genesis and was fulfilled in Adam; it gave him 120 more years to live before being cut off. This was given when he was 810 years old, making Genesis 6:1-2 refer to the 810 years since Adam’s creation, and Genesis 6:4 refer to the days after this to the flood. Scripture does not state that Adam or Eve repented or reconciled with God. From Genesis 4 we see God continuing His redemptive work through the next generation bypassing Adam and Eve completely.  Abel, Enoch and Noah were the only godly people mentioned in this period (Gen. 4:4; 5:22; 7:1; Luke 17:26-27; Heb. 11:1-7; 1Pet. 3:20; 2Pet. 2:4-5; Jude 1:14).

Faith Part 3

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

‘Things hoped for.’ Twelve things Christians hope for: Salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Thess. 5:8). Righteousness (Gal. 5:5). Hope of his calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4). Christ in them (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). Greater New Testament glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). Future life (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32). Resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7). Final rewards (1Thess. 2:19). Final grace (1Pet. 1:13). Coming of the Lord (Tit. 2:13). Being like Christ (1Jn. 3:1-3). Eternal life (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3).

Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Things not seen’ Twelve kinds of things not yet seen: The restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Invisible things (Rom. 1:20). Things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). Things to come (Rom. 8:38). Things prepared for us (1Cor. 2:9). Eternal things (2Cor. 4:18). Things in heaven (Php. 2:10). Things under the earth (Php. 2:10). Future things (Php. 3:13). Things above (Col. 3:1-2). The Lord (1Pet. 1:8; 1Tim. 6:16). Final salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

Faith Part 2

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The word “believe” denotes the act and process of faith. It comes from the Greek verb pisteuo which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. This use of the present tense indicates that faith must be continued, to receive its benefits (Acts 14:22; Eph. 6:16; Col. 1:23; 2:5-7; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 2:15; 3:9; 6:12; 2Tim. 3:8; 4:7; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 10:23-38; 2Pet. 1:5-10). It can be lost (Luke 8:13; 1Tim. 1:19; 4:1; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 21; 2Tim. 2:18; 3:8; Jude 1:3; Rev. 2:13). Faith means: To be persuaded of (Rom. 4:17-22; 8:38-39; 2Tim. 1:12). Place confidence in (Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:6; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:35; 1Jn. 3:21; 5:14). The substance or conviction of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen (Heb. 10:19-38; 11:1, 6; Rom. 4:17; 8:24). Absolute dependence upon and reliance in the Word of God and of Christ (Matt. 8:8-10; 15:28; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:1-12:3). Full surrender, yieldedness, and obedience to all known truth (Rom. 1:5; 6:11-23; 16:26; Jas. 2:14-26; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Heb. 11:6). Trust wholly and unreservedly in the faithfulness of God (Matt. 6:25-34; 12:21; Luke 12:28-31; Eph. 1:13; 1Tim. 4:11; 6:17; 1Cor. 10:13). Give one’s self over to a new way of life (Rom. 1:17; 6:11-23; 8:1-16; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:5-10; Heb. 12:1-15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1Jn. 1:7; 2:6; 3:8-10; 4:17; 5:1-5, 18). The attribute of God and restored faculty of man whereby both can bring into existence unseen things (Rom. 4:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 17:6; Heb. 11:1-40). The whole body of revealed truth (Luke 18:8; Jude 1:3; Rom. 10:17; 1Tim. 4:1, 6; 6:10; 2Tim. 3:16-17). Joyful faith in, and acceptance of Christ as the substitute for sin and our Saviour whereby one receives salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Rom. 1:16; 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9); access into grace (Rom. 5:2); fulfilment of the promises (Heb. 6:12); the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:14); righteousness (Rom. 4:1-25; 9:30, 32; 10:6; Php. 3:9); sonship (Gal. 3:26); healing (Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24); eternal life (John 3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:47); and answers to every prayer (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:21; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 18:1-8; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

To be continued…

Faith Part 1

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] faith – eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (11:1). Evidence of things not seen (11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (11:2). Creative power of divine works (11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (11:5). Basis of pleasing God (11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (11:7). Trust in an unknown future (11:8-10). Counting things that are not as though they were (11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (11:13-16). Assurance of God’s faithfulness (11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). The down payment of things desired (3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (11:6; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Jas. 1:1-27).

The law of faith: “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matt. 8:13; 9:29; Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Mark 11:22-24).

‘Substance’ [Greek: hupostasis] is a support; ground work; confidence; subsistence; reality; and essence. Used in the Papyri of title deeds.

To be continued…

The Just Shall Live By Faith

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Hebrews 10:37-39 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. 

‘For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.’ This is the 24th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (10:37; Hab. 2:3). This refers to the second coming of Christ for the battle of Armageddon (9:28; Dan. 7:13-14; Zech. 14:1-5; Rev. 19:11-21).

‘Now the just shall live by faith.’ This is the 25th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (10:38; Hab. 2:4). Faith is the beginning of justification (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9). Faith is also the continuation of justification (10:38-39).

‘Draw back’ [Greek: hupostello] to let down; shrink back from. Translated as “draw back” (10:38); “withdraw” (Gal. 2:12); “shun” (Acts 20:27); and “keep back” (Acts 20:20). If Christians could not do this, these scriptures would mean nothing.

‘My soul’ – God has a soul. He has a personal soul with feelings of grief (Gen. 6:6), anger (1Kin. 11:9), repentance (Gen. 6:6), jealousy (Ex. 20:5), hate (Pro. 6:16), love (John 3:16), pity (Ps. 103:13), fellowship (1Jn. 1:1-7), pleasure and delight (Ps. 147:10), and other soul passions like other beings (Gal. 5:22-23).

‘But of them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ This is proof that those who draw back unto perdition lose their souls.

Your Confidence

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Hebrews 10:34-36 For you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompence of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. 

‘In heaven a better and an enduring substance.’ An everlasting inheritance (9:15; 1Pet. 1:4; Rom. 8:17-18). Final calling and election are based upon meeting God’s terms in our probation period. It is at the end of a life of conformity to the gospel that we receive the eternal inheritance (1Cor. 9:25-27; 2Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:4-5, 9, 13; 2Pet. 1:4-10).

‘Cast … away’ [Greek: apoballo] to throw away; lose (Mark 10:50). The reference is to cowardly soldiers, who throw away their weapons and flee from battle. Your confidence is your shield. So, keep it and use it (Eph. 6:10-18)!

‘Confidence’ [Greek: parrhesia] outspokenness. Translated: Boldness of speech (2Cor. 7:4). Plainness of speech (2Cor. 3:12). Freely (Acts 2:29). Openly (Mark 8:32; John 7:4, 13; 11:54; 18:20; Col. 2:15). Boldly (John 7:26; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 4:16). Boldness (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:20; 1Tim. 3:13; Heb. 10:19; 1Jn. 4:17). Confidence (Acts 28:31; Heb. 3:6; 10:35; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14).

To Fall Into the Hands of the Living God

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Hebrews 10:30-33 For we know him that had said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, said the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst you were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst you became companions of them that were so used. 

‘Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, said the Lord.’ This is the 22nd Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (10:30; Deut. 32:35). ‘The Lord shall judge his people.’ This is the 23rd Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (10:30; Deut. 32:36). Quoted in Romans 12:19 and here. To God belongs vengeance, recompense, and judgment.

‘Living God’ – A God who can punish eternally for insults from His enemies.

‘Former days’ – Remembrance of former days: They were illuminated (10:32). They endured persecutions (10:32; Acts 8:1; 9:1; 12:1). They became a gazingstock (10:33). The Greek word theatrizo means to be exhibited in theatres (1Cor. 4:9). They became companions of other suffering Christians (10:33). They had compassion on Paul (10:34). The Greek word sumpatheo is translated “touched with feeling” in Hebrews 4:15. They took joyfully the spoiling of goods for the gospel’s sake (10:34). They knew their reward (10:34).

‘Afflictions’ [Greek: pathema] Translated as “suffering” (Rom. 8:18; 2Cor. 1:5-7; Php. 3:10; Col. 1:24; Heb. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1); “affliction” (2Tim. 3:11; Heb. 10:32; 1Pet. 5:9); “affections” (Gal. 5:24); and “motions” (Rom. 7:5).

Sorer Punishment – Part 2

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Hebrews 10:28-29 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who had trodden under foot the Son of God, and had counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and had done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

‘Counted’ [Greek: hegeomai] Translated as “count” (10:29; Php. 3:7-8; 2Thess. 3:15; 1Tim. 1:12; 6:1; Jas. 1:2; 2Pet. 2:13; 3:9); “account” (2Pet. 3:15); “esteem” (Php. 2:3; 1Thess. 5:13; Heb. 11:26); “think” (Acts 26:2; 2Cor. 9:5; Php. 2:6; 2Pet. 1:13); “suppose” (Php. 2:25). If one does this to the blood of Christ he is worthy of eternal punishment.

‘He was sanctified.’ He was sanctified—not could have been, but was sanctified. This refers to personal holiness by the blood (13:12, 20; 1Jn. 1:7; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:5), and proves that sanctified people can apostatize to the point of final rejection of Christ and be lost.

‘Unholy thing’ The ultimate sin of apostates [Greek: koinon] is to make common or unclean. Translated as “an unholy thing” (10:29); “common” (Acts 2:44; 4:32; 10:14, 28; 11:8; Tit. 1:4; Jude 1:3); “unclean” (Rom. 14:14); and “defiled” (Mark 7:2). They count the blood of Christ a common thing, esteeming it of no value as an atonement. Once they did esteem it as the atonement or they could not have been sanctified by it; but later they became apostate, disregarding it all together as unfit to redeem.

‘Done despite’ [Greek: enubrizo] insulted.