I Will Put My Laws Into Their Mind

February 2, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said 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. In that he said, A new covenant, he had made the first old. Now that which decayed and waxed old is ready to vanish away.

‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord …’ The nature of the gospel system: I will put My laws in their mind (8:10). They will be fully enlightened and have perfect knowledge of truth. I will write them in their hearts (8:10). All their affections, passions, and appetites shall be purified so that they shall willingly obey My Word. I will be their God, and they shall be My people (8:10). I will make them new creatures and unite them to Me forever (2Cor. 5:17). They shall all know Me from the least to the greatest of them (8:11). I will be merciful when they commit injustices against God or man (8:12). I will forgive their sins and lawlessness, remembering them no more (8:12). All this implies genuine repentance and forsaking of sin (Zech. 12:10-13:1; Rom. 11:25-29).

‘Old’ [Greek: palaioo] to annul; be antiquated; no longer in force; to be obsolete, out of date. Translated “old” and “decay” (8:13) and “wax old” (Luke 12:33; Heb. 1:11).

‘Waxed old’ [Greek: gerasko] to grow aged; become old and infirm.

‘Vanish away’ [Greek: aphanismos] making away with; disappearance. Employed only here, but used by the Greeks for laws that became outdated and abolished.

I Will Make a New Covenant

February 1, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:7-9 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he said, Behold, the days come, said 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, said the Lord.

‘First covenant had been faultless.’ The law of Moses was faulty and had to be done away so that the perfect covenant might come into force.

There are fifteen things that the Law could not do: Justify (Acts 13:38-39; Gal. 2:16); Free from sin and death (Rom. 8:2); Free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4); Redeem (Rom. 3:24-31; Gal. 3:13-14); Give inheritance (Rom. 4:13-14); Bring righteousness (Rom. 8:4); Impart Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:2); Perform miracles (Gal. 3:5); Free from the curse (Gal. 3:10-14); Impart faith (Gal. 3:12); Impart grace (Gal. 5:4); Make perfect (Heb. 7:19); Control sin in man (Rom. 7:7-23; 8:2); Keep man from sin (Rom. 7:7-23; 8:7); Enable a man to obey (Heb. 7:18).

‘Second’ – The second or the new covenant was necessary because the first or the old covenant did not provide salvation and eternal life.

‘Finding fault with them’ -This could refer to finding fault with the Jews and not with the covenant, as Jeremiah 31:31-34 complains that they broke the covenant; but Hebrews 8:7 is clear that the covenant itself was faulty.

‘Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.’ This is the 19th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (8:8-12; Jer. 31:31-34).

‘And with the house of Judah’ – With both houses of Israel – all the descendants of the 13 tribes.

‘Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers.’ The new covenant is far different from the old covenant in nature and contents.

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

A Better Covenant – Part 8

January 31, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Promises in Revelation: Blessing by reading (Rev. 1:3); The tree of life (Rev. 2:7; 22:2); Escape from hell (Rev. 2:11); A white stone (Rev. 2:17); A new name; Power to rule nations (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:9-10; 22:4-5); The morning star (Rev. 2:28); White robes (Rev. 3:4-5; 7:9; 19:8); Name retained in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; cp. Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-28); A place in God’s temple (Rev. 3:12); The name of God; The name of God’s city; Christ’s new name; The descent of the Holy City to earth (Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 9-10); Eternal supply (Rev. 7:16); No more heat; Divine shepherding (Rev. 7:17); No more tears (Rev. 7:17; 21:4); Defeat of all earthly kindoms (Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21; 20:1-10); Rest from hard labour (Rev. 14:13); Works will be manifest; Kingship and priesthood (Rev. 20:4-6; 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5); God’s tabernacle with human beings (Rev. 21:3); No more death (Rev. 21:4); No more sorrow; No more pain; All things new (Rev. 21:5); Water of life (Rev. 21:6; 22:3, 17); Eternal nations to be saved and multiply forever (Rev. 21:24-27; 11:15; 22:4-5); Eternal healing (Rev. 22:2); No more curse (Rev. 22:3); A right to the tree of life (Rev. 22:14); A right to enter the Holy City (Rev. 22:14; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15); Plagues of Revelation upon rebels (Rev. 22:18-19); Names of rebels blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 22:19; cp. Rev. 3:5; Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-29); Rebels lose their right to the Holy City (Rev. 22:19); Rebels will be denied the blessings of Revelation (Rev. 22:19); Soon return of Jesus Christ to fulfill all the above promises (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20; cp. Rev. 3:11).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits because many of the promises are repeated in different books. Some are not in the form of a promise, but the truths they contain make the basis of our claims for gospel benefits, so they are listed as promises. Generally, verses are listed with the book wherein the promise is found first.

A Better Covenant – Part 7

January 30, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Promises in Philippians and Timothy: Peace shall keep you (Php. 4:7); Needs supplied (Php. 4:19); God’s will to save all people (1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17); Profit in godliness (1Tim. 4:8); Power, love, and a sound mind (2Tim. 1:7); Honour and usefulness (2Tim. 2:21); Crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8).

Promises in Hebrews: Angel ministers (Heb. 1:14); Help in temptation (Heb. 2:18); Partaking of Christ (Heb. 3:14); A high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 6:20); Uttermost salvation (Heb. 7:25); A better covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); A new covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); Personal representation (Heb. 9:24); Eternal substance (Heb. 10:34); Holy City (Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14); A better thing (Heb. 11:40); Disciple (Heb. 12:6, 11; Rev. 3:19); Jesus to be the same (Heb. 13:8).

Promises in James: God to be the same (Jas. 1:17); Liberal answers to prayer (Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Matt. 21:21-22); Crown of life (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10); Grace (Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:5); satan to flee when resisted (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9); God to pity sufferers (Jas. 5:11).

Promises in 1 Peter and 2 Peter: New birth (1Pet. 1:23; 1Jn. 5:1); Crown of glory (1Pet. 5:4); All things (2Pet. 1:3); Great promises (2Pet. 1:4); The divine nature (2Pet. 1:4); Escape from the corruption of the world (2Pet. 1:4); Security (2Pet. 1:10); Abundant entrance into the kingdom of God (2Pet. 1:11); New Heaven and New Earth (2Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21-22).

Promises in 1 John and 2 John: Cleansing from sin (1Jn. 1:7, 9); An advocate with God (1Jn. 2:1-2); Boldness in judgment (1Jn. 4:17); Witness of sonship (1Jn. 5:10-11); Renewed life (1Jn. 5:16; Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 4:19; 6:1); Eternal truth (2Jn. 1:2); Both God and Christ (2Jn. 1:9).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 6

January 29, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Promises in 1 Corinthians: Confirmation (1Cor. 1:8); God to be faithful (1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 1Thess. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 13:5); Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1Cor. 1:30); Unlimited blessings (1Cor. 3:21-23; Eph. 1:3); Judgeship of saints (1Cor. 6:2-3); Nine spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:8-11); Baptism in one body (1Cor. 12:13); Eternal love (1Cor. 13:8); Perfection (1Cor. 13:10; 1Pet. 5:10); We shall know as known (1Cor. 13:12; 15:35-54); Putting down of rebellion on earth (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21-22); Destruction of death (1Co. 15:26).

Promises in 2 Corinthians: All promises true (2Cor. 1:20); Removal of blindness when the heart turns to God (2Cor. 3:16); Liberty (2Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:13); Transformation (2Cor. 3:18); Constant physical degeneration and spiritual renewal (2Cor. 4:16-17); New creation work (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:24; Heb. 8:10-12); Divine fellowship (2Cor. 6:16; Heb. 8:10; Jas. 4:8; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 3:20); Divine reception (2Cor. 6:17); Divine Fatherhood (2Cor. 6:18; Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Heb. 12:5-10); Riches (2Cor. 8:9); Bountiful reaping (2Cor. 9:6); All sufficiency (2Cor. 9:8); Eternal righteousness (2Cor. 9:9); Increased righteousness (2Cor. 9:10); Enrichment in all things (2Cor. 9:11); Spiritual weapons (2Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18); Perfect strength (2Cor. 12:9); Life by God’s power (2Cor. 13:4).

Promises in Galatians: Deliverance from the present evil world (Gal. 1:4); Abraham’s blessing (Gal. 3:14); Heirship (Gal. 3:29; Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7); Adoption as sons (Gal. 4:5-7, 31; Eph. 1:5); Eternal death for sin (Gal. 5:21).

Promises in Ephesians: Redemption (Eph. 1:7, 14; Col. 1:14; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 2:9-15; 9:11-15); Restitution of all things (Eph. 1:10; Acts 3:21; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:1-27); Boldness and access to God (Eph. 2:18; 3:12; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23); Heavenly citizenship (Eph. 2:19; Php. 3:20); God’s infinite power (Eph. 3:20); Sealing (Eph.4:30; 1:13; John 6:27; Rom. 4:11; 2Cor. 1:22); Sanctification (Eph. 5:26; Heb. 10:10); Long life (Eph. 6:3); Soul-winning power (Eph. 6:15; 1Pet. 2:21-23).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 5

January 26, 2024December 22, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Promises in Acts: Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 2:13; 3:24-28; 4:25; 5:1-2; 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:24); Restoration of Israel (Acts 15:16-17; Rom. 11:25-29; Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27); Nearness of God (Acts 17:27; Eph. 2:13; Jas. 4:8); Edification (Acts 30:32); An eternal inheritance (Acts 26:17; 1Cor. 2:9; Eph. 1:1-23; 1Pet. 1:4; Rev. 21:7); Deliverance (Acts 26:18; Rom. 8:21).

Promises in Romans: Goodness of God (Rom. 2:4; 11:22); Justice (Rom. 2:6, 12-16; 8:33; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 4:5; 11:31); Indignation and wrath (Rom. 2:8-9); Glory and honour (Rom. 2:10; 8:18); Impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11); Righteousness (Rom. 3:22; 4:5, 16, 24; 5:19; 1Cor. 1:30); Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:11-12); God for all people (Rom. 3:29-30); Salvation from wrath (Rom. 5:9-10); Victory (Rom. 5:17; 8:4, 13; 37; 2Cor. 2:14; 1Jn. 5:4); Abundant grace (Rom. 5:20-21); Newness of life (Rom. 6:5, 8); A spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6); Restoration of creation (Rom. 8:21; Eph. 1:10, 12; Rev. 21:3-7; 22:3); Divine help (Rom. 8:26-27, 31, 34; 14:4; 1Cor. 10:13); A short work of God (Rom. 9:28); Salvation of Gentiles (Rom. 9:25-26; 11:11-12; 15:21); Salvation of Israel (Rom. 9:27; 11:23-39; Heb. 8:10-12; 10:17); Boldness (not ashamed of Christ, Rom. 9:33; 10:11; 1Pet. 2:6); End of law in Christ (Rom. 10:4); Word near all people (Rom. 10:8); Simplicity of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:2; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Thess. 2:13); Faith (Rom. 10:17; 1Cor. 12:9); Holiness (Rom. 11:16; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cp. Heb. 12:14); God unchangeable (Rom. 11:29); God’s vengeance (Rom. 12:19); Blessing or cursing (Rom. 13:2-3); Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17); Coming Messiah to reign (Rom. 15:12); satan’s defeat (Rom. 16:20; cp. Rev. 12:7-12; 20:1-10).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 4

January 25, 2024December 22, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Promises listed under the following three headings (Mark, Luke and John) are those only which have not been listed under Matthew’s heading.

Promises in Mark: Reaping what is sown (Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38; Gal. 6:7-8); Persecution (Mark 10:30); Signs of the gospel (Mark 16:15-20).

Promises in Luke: An eternal kingdom to Christ and His saints (Luke 1:32-33; 12:32; Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5); Deliverance from enemies (Luke 1:74); Peace (Luke 1:79; John 14:27; 16:33); Joy (Luke 2:10-11; 1Pet. 4:13-14); Universal salvation (Luke 3:6; Acts 10:35; 13:26, 47; 15:17; 28:28; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-13; Gal. 3:22); Now as the acceptable time (Luke 4:18-19; 2Cor. 6:2); Preservation (Luke 9:56; 21:18); Personal responsibility (Luke 12:48); Immortality of body (Luke 20:36; Rom. 2:7; 1Cor. 15:42-54; 2Cor. 5:1-8); Wisdom (Luke 21:15; Jas. 1:5); Rapture of all saints (Luke 21:36; John 14:1-3; 16:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Eph. 5:27; Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1Thess. 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:9-10, 23; 9-10, 23; 2Thess. 2:7; Jas. 5:7; 1Jn. 3:2);

Promises in John: Freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-18; Rom. 8:1; Heb. 9:13-15); A state of no hunger or thirst (John 4:14; 6:35); The resurrection of all people (John 5:28-29; 6:40, 44, 54; 14:19; Acts 24:15; 1Cor. 6:14; 15:20-58; 2Cor. 4:14; Rev. 20:11-15); Assurance (John 6:37; Php. 1:6; 2Tim. 1:12; 2:11-13; Heb. 6:1-20; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13); An indwelling Christ (John 6:56-57;:23; Rom. 8:10; Col. 1:27); Knowledge (John 7:17; 14:20, 26; 2Cor. 1:1-24; 2:12; 12:8-11); Light of life (John 8:12); Freedom (John 8:32, 36); Honour (John 12:26; Rom. 2:8-10); Universal dealing (John 12:32); Mansions (John 14:1-3); Greater works (John 14:12); Love of God (John 14:21); Manifestation of God (John 14:21); Abiding Presence (John 14:23; 15:10; Php. 4:9); Purging (John 15:2); Fruitfulness (John 15:5; 2Pet. 1:8); The Holy Spirit in a measure (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:14-16) and in all fullness (John 7:37-39; 14:12-18, 26; 15:26; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:16-21, 38-39; 5:32); Guidance (John 16:13-15).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 3

January 24, 2024December 22, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

The New Testament promises: Promises in Matthew (continues): Soul rest (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9); Only one unpardonable sin (Matt. 12:32; Mark 3:28; Luke 12:10); Judgment of minutest details (Matt. 12:36-37; 15:13; Mark 9:49; Rom. 2:16); Increased or decreased blessings (Matt. 13:12; 25:29; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 8:18; 19:26); Conversion upon obedience (Matt. 13:15; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5:19-20); Exaltation of righteous (Matt. 13:43); Separation of good and bad (Matt. 13:41-43, 49-50); Building of Christ’s congregation (Matt. 16:18); A victorious congregation (Matt. 16:18); Power to bind and loose (Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 14:12; 20:23); Rewards according to works (Matt. 16:27; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10); Unlimited power (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; 17:6; 24:49; John 14:12; Acts 1:8); Reception of Christ (Matt. 18:5; Luke 9:48); Salvation of the lost (Matt. 18:11; Luke 5:32; John 5:25; 10:9; Rev. 22:17); Divine presence now (Matt. 18:20; 20:23) and hereafter (Rev. 7:15; 21:3-7); Material blessings (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Rev. 21:21-22); Eternal life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-30; John 3:15-16, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27, 47, 50, 58; 8:51; 10:27-29; 20:31; Rom. 2:7; 6:22-23; Tit. 1:2; 1Jn. 2:25; 5:11-12); Exaltation through humility (Matt. 19:30; 20:16; 23:12; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30; 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:6); A ransom (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1Tim. 2:6); No marriages among resurrected people (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35); God’s Word unchangeable (Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; 1Pet. 1:25); Rulership for saints (Matt. 25:21, 23; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10); Atonement (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; John 1:29; Rom. 3:25; 5:11; Eph. 1:7); Food for the next life (Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:16, 18, 30; Rev. 2:7, 17; 7:11-17; 19:7-10).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 2

January 23, 2024December 22, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

The New Testament promises: Promises in Matthew (continues): Filling of righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21); Mercy (Matt. 5:7; Luke 1:50; Jas. 5:11); A visible God (Matt. 5:8; Rev. 22:4); Sonship (Matt. 5:9, 45; Luke 6:35; John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 16; Gal. 3:7-9, 26; Heb. 3:6; 1Jn. 3:2, 10); Blessing for persecution (Matt. 5:11); Great rewards (Matt. 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18; 10:42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36; 1Cor. 3:8-15; 15:58; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Heb. 10:35; Jas. 1:25); Greatness (Matt. 5:19; 18:4; Luke 9:48); Forgiveness of sins (Matt. 6:14; 12:31; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 5:24; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18; Rom. 3:25; 4:7-8; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1Jn. 1:9; 2:12); Necessities of life (Matt. 6:30, 33; Luke 11:9-13; 12:31); Answers to all prayers (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 18:19; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; John 14:12-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Rom. 8:32; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:17; 1Pet. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:20-22; 5:14-15); All good things (Matt. 7:11); Punishment in hell for rebels (Matt. 7:22-23; 8:11-12; 13:41-42, 49-50; 25:41, 46; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 3:17; 12:46; 1Cor. 3:17; 6:9, 13; Jas. 2:13; 2Pet. 2:12-13; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:15; cp. Isa. 66:22-24); Physical healing (Matt. 8:18; 9:29; 13:15; 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 4:18; John 10:10; 14:12; Acts 28:27; Rom. 8:11; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24); Answers to prayer according to faith (Matt. 9:29; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8); Degrees of punishment in hell (Matt. 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:41-42; 23:14); Inspiration (Matt. 10:19; Luke 12:12); Final salvation at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:23-25; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13); Second coming of Christ (Matt. 10:23; 16:27; 23:39; 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 26:54; Mark 13:24-27; 14:62; Luke 21:27-28; Acts 1:11; 3:20-21; Rom. 11:26; 2Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8-12; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:28; 10:37); Exposure of all secrets (Matt. 10:26; Luke 12:3; Mark 4:22; Rom. 2:12-16); Providence of God (Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 24, 28; Rom. 8:28-30; 1Pet. 5:7); Divine recognition (Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8; Rev. 2:5); Divine denial (Matt. 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 12:9); Life or death (Matt. 10:39; 16:25; Mark 4:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25); Prophet’s reward (Matt. 10:41); Righteous man’s reward (Matt. 10:41).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 1

January 22, 2024December 22, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

‘A more excellent ministry.’ A more excellent ministry because of the better covenant based upon better promises (8:6; 7:22; 2Cor. 3:6-18).

‘Ministry’ [Greek: leitourgia] is translated as “ministry” (8:6; 9:21); “ministration” (Luke 1:23); and “service” (2Cor. 9:12; Php. 2:17, 30).

‘Mediator’ [Greek: mesites] mediator, Moses (John 1:17; Deut. 5:1-33). Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). 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.

‘Better covenant’ Ten better things in Hebrews: Hope (7:19); testament (7:22); covenant (8:6); promises (8:6); sacrifices (9:23); substance (10:34); country (11:16); resurrection (11:35); thing (11:40) and things (12:24).

‘Promises’ – The claim of 33,000 promises in the Bible is wrong. There are not that many verses, much less promises. In the New Testament, there are only 750 promises in 250 classifications.

The New Testament promises: Promises in Matthew: Salvation from sin (Matt. 1:21); Spirit baptism (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:17-21, 38-39; 11:16; Gal. 3:14); Life by the Word (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4); Protection by angels (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Heb. 1:14); Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3, 10; 7:21; 8:11; 19:14; 25:34; Mark 10:14; Luke 6:20; 12:32; 13:29; 18:16; Jas. 2:5); Comfort (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 2Cor. 1:4, 7; 7:6); Earth as an inheritance (Matt. 5:5).

To be continued…