Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

The Testator

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Hebrews 9:16-18 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 lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 

‘Testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.’ All redemptive covenants, whether typical or actual, were ratified by the death of a victim (Gen. 15:9-18). The Old Covenant thus ends with Christ’s crucifixion, when He was offered as the only and final sacrifice for all sin, and the New Covenant starts.

‘Testator’ -The New Covenant ratified: [Greek: diatithemai] arrange; to make a covenant with; appoint; to dispose of by a will; make a testament. Translated as “testator” (9:16-17); “make” (8:10; 10:16; Acts 3:25); and “appoint” (Luke 22:29). In this case, the word refers to the death of Christ who was charged to make the new covenant with man. Since the victims involved were under the penalty of death for their sins, and since the covenant had to do with the redemption of these victims from their sins by the death of a substitute, it was necessary for the one making the covenants to die to redeem those He volunteered to free from death. Such a covenant could only be in force after the victim was dead and the covenant ratified by such death (9:17).

‘Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.’ Wherefore, as the death of a victim was necessary to ratify covenants, the first or Mosaic covenant was dedicated by blood (9:18-22).

‘Dedicated’ [Greek: engkainizo] is translated as consecrate or dedicate (10:20).

The Mediator of the NewTestament

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Hebrews 9:15  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. 

‘And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament.’To this end, Christ became the mediator of the new covenant, that through His death sins could be remitted and men be given eternal inheritance.

‘Mediator’ [Greek: mesites] mediator, Moses (John 1:17; Deut. 5:1-33). Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (8:6; 9:15; 12:24; 1Tim. 2:5). This again is proof that Christ and God are separate Persons, for a mediator is the middle person mediating between TWO other persons who are at enmity with each other.

‘New Testament’ [Greek: diatheke] Translated as “covenant” 18 times (8:6-10; 9:4; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20; Luke 1:72; Acts 3:25; 7:8; Rom. 9:4; 11:27; Gal. 3:15, 17; 4:24; Eph. 2:12;) and “testament” 12 times (7:22; 9:15-20; Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1Cor. 11:25; 2Cor. 3:6, 14; Rev. 11:19).

‘By means of death’ – It was only through death that man could be saved, for death was the penalty for sin (2:9-15; 9:15; Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:6-11; 6:10; 14:9; 1Cor. 15:3; 2Cor. 5:14-21; Col. 1:14-22; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘For the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.’Christ died to redeem the Old Testament saints who looked forward to the cross by faith as we look back to the cross by faith (11:1-40).

‘They which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.’ Final calling and election are based upon meeting the terms of God in our period of probation. 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).

The Eternal Spirit

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Hebrews 9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies 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? 

‘For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies.’ For if these carnal rites and ceremonies set the body apart and ceremonially purify the flesh of defilement giving it re-admission to public worship and freedom from temporal punishments of the law, how much more shall the blood of Christ through the Holy Spirit purge your conscience from sin and make you inwardly holy before God (9:13-15)?

‘Purifying of the flesh’ The rituals of the law only cleansed the body – the flesh. The blood of Christ cleanses the soul and spirit and reconciles one to God (9:14-15; Col. 1:14-22; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 1:5).

‘Eternal Spirit’ – The Holy Spirit is eternal (1Jn. 5:7).

‘Spirit offered himself without spot to God.’ Through the Spirit: Christ was begotten (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35). Christ was trained (Isa. 50:4; Luke 2:40, 52). Christ was tested (Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1). Christ worked (Matt. 12:28; Luke 4:14-21; Acts 10:38; Isa. 11:1-2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2). Christ offered himself as a sacrifice (Heb. 9:14). Christ was resurrected (Rom. 8:11). Christ was justified (1Tim. 3:16).

‘Dead works’ – [Greek: ‘nekra’ and ‘erga’] It refers to the works of the old nature which deserve death and cause death in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-8; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:21-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-10; Mark 7:19-21).

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 3

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Hebrews 9:11-12 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. 

Twenty-two warnings to Christians from Hebrews: We ought to give the more earnest heed lest we slip away from the truth (2:1). How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (2:3). Whose house are we, if we hold fast the hope firm unto the end (3:6). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (3:12). Exhort one another daily … lest any of you be hardened through sin (3:13). We are made partakers of Christ if we hold steadfast unto the end (3:14). Let us, therefore, fear, lest you come short of the promised rest (4:1-2). Let us labour to enter into rest, lest any man falls through unbelief (4:11). Let us hold fast to our profession (4:14). If they fall away, to renew them again unto repentance is impossible (6:4-9). Show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end (6:11). Be not slothful, but faithful and patient to inherit the promises (6:12). Lay hold upon the hope of eternal life set before us (6:18-19). Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (10:23). If we sin wilfully we will receive judgment and fiery indignation (10:26-31). Cast not away confidence (10:35). If any man draws back from Me, My soul shall have no pleasure in him (10:38-39). Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us (12:1). Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed (12:13). 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 any become a fornicator and sell his birthright like Esau (12:15-17). See that you refuse not God. For if Israel escaped not God’s wrath when she refused Him, much more shall we not escape His wrath, if we turn away from Him (12:25). Let us have grace and serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for God will punish by fire (12:28-29).

‘Redemption’ [Greek: lutrosis] is a ransoming. It is from lutron (a ransom price of redemption; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45) and lutroo to redeem (1Pet. 1:18; Luke 24:21; Tit. 2:14).

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 2

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Hebrews 9:11-12 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. 

‘Eternal’ – The redemption price that stands good forever. It is eternal in its merit and efficacy. Man’s possession of it does not make it eternal. It would be eternal if no man ever received or kept it. There are certain conditions one must meet to get it and keep it.

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood – take part in communion (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls through a sinless life (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep God’s commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 2:26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John. 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

To be continued…

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 1

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Hebrews 9:11-12 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. 

‘Good things to come’ – The realities of Christianity that were typified by the law system (10:1).

‘By’ [Greek: dia] through; referring to His passing through the heavens into the heavenly tabernacle to appear in the holy of holies there for us (9:11, 24).

‘Not of this building’ – Not of an earthly tabernacle like the tabernacle of Moses which was made by human hands.

‘Building’ [Greek: ktisis] creation (Mark 10:6; 13:19; Rom. 1:20; 8:22; 2Pet. 3:4; Rev. 3:14), creature (Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:25; 8:19-21, 39; 2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Col. 1:15, 1:23; Heb. 4:13); building (9:11); and ordinance (1Pet. 2:13).

‘Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood.’ Christ does not minister in an earthly tabernacle or offer the blood of goats and calves which cannot take away sins. He ministers in the holy place in heaven where He has offered the true atonement – His own blood which brings eternal redemption.

‘Once’ – He made atonement once for all and does not have to make a daily atonement as earthly priests (7:27; 9:6-7, 25-28; 10:1-18).

‘Obtained’ [Greek: heurisko] to find; discover; procure; obtain. Translated as “obtain” (9:12); “get” (Luke 9:12); “perceive” (Acts 23:29); and “find” 174 times (4:16; 11:5; 12:17; etc.). Christ found and obtained for man the only method of eternal salvation, that of dying in man’s place (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 2:9-15; 1Pet. 2:24).

To be continued…

Until the Time of Reformation

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Hebrews 9:9-10 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. 

‘Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.’ These refer to true Bible types. Not only were the Tabernacle and its services of “the time then present” a parable or an illustration of good things to come, but they were nothing more than temporary outward rites and ceremonies to be observed until the setting of all things right when the Messiah should come (9:10). They stood for the body and could not save the soul. The word “carnal” simply refers to that which is natural, not necessarily sinful. It is not used in a sinful sense here and in many other places. Had these carnal ordinances been sinful, God would not have commanded them to be observed, nor could they have been shadows of good things to come (8:5; 10:1).

‘Imposed’ [Greek: epikeimai] to be laid upon; imposed on. Translated as “imposed on” (9:10); “press upon” (Luke 5:1); and “lie upon” (John 11:38; 21:9; Acts 27:20; 1Cor. 9:16). These natural rites and ceremonies were commanded by divine authority, as proper representations of the gospel system, which should come and rectify all things.

‘Until the time’ – The law was to be in force only until Christ came (Matt. 11:13; Luke 16:16; 2Cor. 3:6-14; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 7:28; 9:9-10).

‘Reformation’ [Greek: diorthosis] is a making straight; correcting; amending of a fault; reformation. It refers to correcting the faults and weaknesses of the law of Moses by the abolishment of it, and the substitution of a perfect covenant which meets every need wherein the law failed (7:11-19, 27-28).

Pertaining to the Conscience

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Hebrews 9:7-9 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 

‘Once every year’ – On the great day of atonement (Lev. 16:14; 23:27). This going only once a year into the holy of holies testified that the way into the holiest of heaven had not been made (9:8). Now it has been made by the death of Christ (10:19-23).

‘Figure’ [Greek: parabole] is translated as “figure,” but in the gospels it is always translated “parable,” except in Mark 4:30 and Luke 4:22. A shadow of the realities in Christ (8:5; 10:1). A program of types for the time then present – the dispensation of law in which both gifts sacrifices were offered, none of which could make men perfect as to the conscience (9:9; 10:1-18).

‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] is the joint knowledge of God and man; knowledge of our acts, state, or character as to right and wrong; the faculty, power, or principle which decides the lawfulness of our actions and affections, and approves or condemns them; the moral faculty or sense; consciousness of actions; the eye, judge, and guide of the inner man. Used 32 times. The word “conscience” is not found in the Old Testament. There are twelve kinds of conscience: Awakened (John 8:9); Seared (1Tim. 4:2); Purged (Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2); Pure (Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3); Weak (1Cor. 8:7, 12, 13); Defiled (Tit. 1:15); Witnessing (Rom. 2:12-15; 9:1; 2Cor. 1:12); Good (Acts 23:1; 1Tim. 1:5, 19; 1Pet. 2:19; 3:16, 21; Heb. 13:18); Convicting or healthy (Matt. 27:3); Satisfied (1Cor. 10:25-29); Evil (Heb. 10:22); Perfect (Heb. 9:9).

Shadowing the Mercyseat

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Hebrews 9:4-6 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. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 

‘Ark of the covenant’ – A box or chest about 0,9 x 0,9 x 1,5 meter in which were the golden pot of manna (9:4; Ex. 16:32-34), Aaron’s rod that budded (Num. 17:1-13), and the tables of the covenant – two stones on which were written the Ten Commandments (2Cor 3:3, 7; Ex. 25:16). The golden censor (Lev. 16:12) appears to have been left in the holy of holies with the ark.

‘And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat.’ This describes the lid to the ark of the covenant (Ex. 25:10-22). Two cherubim, one on each end of the lid stretched forth their wings to touch each other over the mercy-seat which typified God’s throne and the divine presence (Ex. 25:18-22).

The cherubim were patterned after heavenly spirit beings (Ex. 25:18-22; cp. Ezek. 1:1-28, 8:1-18 and Ezek. 10:1-22). Between them was the mercy seat, the visible symbol of God’s presence. Their wings stretched over the mercy seat and their faces looked toward it, symbolizing the eternal watchfulness of angels in ministry to the redeemed, and their cooperation with God in the plan of redemption as typified by the Tabernacle and offerings of the law of Moses (Ex. 25:21-22; 30:16; Heb. 1:14). The cherubim and mercy seat was beaten out of a piece of pure gold – no dross or alloys – signifying freedom from hypocrisy in God’s dealings with Israel (Ex. 25:17-22; 37:6-9).

Ordinances of Divine Service

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Hebrews 9:1-3 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 shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all

‘Ordinances’ [Greek: dikaioma] rites and ceremonies. Translated ordinances (Heb. 9:1, 10); judgment (Rom. 1:32; Rev. 15:4); righteousness (Rom. 2:26; 5:18; 8:4; Rev. 19:8); and justification (Rom. 5:16).

‘Worldly’ [Greek: kosmikos] earthly; of the world (Tit. 2:12). This refers to the tabernacle made by Moses after the patterns shown him of heavenly things (8:5; 9:23-24).

‘Tabernacle’ [Greek: skene] Translated as “tabernacle” 19 times and “habitation” once (Luke 16:9). Seven kinds of tabernacles: Temporary dwellings (Matt. 17:4; Mark 9:5). Tabernacle of Moloch (Acts 7:43-44). Kingdom of David (Acts 15:16). Heavenly sanctuary (8:2; 9:11). Mosaic tabernacle (8:5; 9:2, 6, 8, 21; 13:10). Tents of dwelling (11:9). The Holy City (Rev. 13:6; 21:2-23).

The heavenly tabernacle is called the temple of God in Isaiah 6:1; Revelation 3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 14:15, 17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17.

‘First, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread.’ The first room of the tabernacle – the holy place wherein there were: The golden candlestick (lampstand) (9:2; Ex. 25:31-40). The golden altar of incense (9:2; Ex. 30:1-10). The table of showbread with 12 loaves representing 12 tribes (9:2; Ex. 25:23-30).

‘Second veil’ – A second veil separates the holy place from the most holy place or holy of holies. The first veil separated the holy place from the tabernacle court and prevented the people from looking into the holy place (Ex. 26:31-38).

‘Holiest of all’ – The holy of holies which contained the ark of the covenant (9:4-5; Ex. 25:10).