Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

The Throne of Grace

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

‘Come’ [Greek: proserchomai] draw near (7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22).

‘Boldly’ [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).

‘Throne of grace’ – The throne from which all grace proceeds. In Israel, it was the mercy seat or covering for the ark between the two cherubim. The high priest could approach this only once a year and that with the blood of atonement. If he transgressed in anything he would be struck dead. His approach was with fear and trembling. The new covenant believers can come boldly to God’s throne without fear and trembling, and that is daily and at any time of the day. This is the freedom, confidence, and liberty of approach they are commanded to keep until the end.

‘That we may obtain mercy, and find grace.’ Two blessings we may expect from God: [1] The Greek word eleos means mercy, pity, and compassion. Used 28 times, 23 of which are associated with God (4:16; Matt. 9:13; 12:7; 23:23; Luke 1:50, 54, 58, 72, 78; 10:37; Rom. 9:23; 11:31; 15:9; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 2:4; 1Tim. 1:2; 2Tim. 1:2, 16, 18; Tit. 1:4; 3:5; Jas. 2:13; 3:17; 1Pet. 1:3; 2Jn. 1:3; Jude 1:2, 21). [2] Grace to help or support when needed, where needed, and to the extent needed. It is not a help for needs we think we shall have in the future, but immediate and present needs.

‘Help in time of need.’ Seven steps in obtaining help: Recognition of a meeting place with God – the throne of grace (4:16). Consciousness that this meeting place is made possible through the atoning blood of Christ (10:19-20). Obedience in coming to this throne (4:16; 10:22-23). Calling upon God for mercy and grace to help in times of need (4:16). Boldness in approach (4:16). Fervency and earnestness in presenting needs (Jas. 5:16; Luke 11:5-13). Faith in the answer (11:6; Jas. 1:5-8; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24).

Without Sin

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

‘Touched’ [Greek: sumpatheo] sympathize (4:15; 10:34).

‘Infirmities’ – Feebleness of mind and body, malady, frailty, disease, sickness, weakness. All this Christ bore on the cross, fulfilling Isaiah 53:1-12. Every infirmity is not a disease or sickness but all these are infirmities (Luke 5:15; 7:21; 8:2; 13:11-12; John 5:5). Priests had infirmities (5:2; 7:28), but not diseases or physical imperfections, for they had to be perfect physically (Lev. 21:17-24). All saints have infirmities or weaknesses of various kinds (Rom. 8:26), but not necessarily sickness and disease (Rom. 14:1-2; 15:1). Paul had infirmities or weaknesses in the body because of the sufferings of 2Corinthians 11:24-30; 12:5-10; Galatians 4:13, but there is no indication that he had sicknesses and diseases that Christ died to take from him. His thorn was “a messenger (angel) of satan” who caused these beatings, stonings, etc. (2Cor. 12:7). Any weakness in body, soul, spirit, faith, ability, etc. is an infirmity. The same Greek word astheneia and is translated weakness (1Cor. 2:3; 15:43; 2Cor. 12:9; 13:4; Heb. 11:34) and infirmity (Rom. 6:19; 8:26; 2Cor. 11:30; Heb. 4:15; 5:2; 7:28).

‘Was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ He was tempted in all things like human beings, without consenting to sin.

We have a Great High Priest

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest.’ Paul mentioned Christ as our High Priest before (2:17; 3:1) but did not attempt to prove it until now, which he does at great length in Hebrews 4:13 – 10:39.

‘That is passed into the heavens.’ Christ is better than other priests: Jesus Christ was God’s only begotten Son (4:14; 1:5-7; 5:5; John 3:16). He was not a descendant of earthly priests (7:11-14; Matt. 1:1). He passed into heaven to minister to us (4:14; 7:25; Rom. 8:34). Jesus Christ was sinless (4:3, 15). He lives forever to help in times of need (4:16; 7:25). He was not taken from among men or ordained by them, but sent from heaven and ordained by God (5:1, 5; John 3:16; Acts 10:38). Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (5:6, 10,20). He was perfect (5:9). Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all people who obey (5:9). He made a way of access to God (4:14-16; 10:19-23).

‘Passed into’ [Greek: dierchomai] go or pass through; arrive at (4:14; Luke 4:30; 1Cor. 10:1; 16:5).

The Word of God – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

‘Sword’ (continues) It is the book that reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding, its histories true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. The Bible contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet in righteousness and true holiness. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully, meditatively, searchingly, devotionally, and study it constantly, perseveringly, and industriously. Read it through and through until it becomes part of your being and generates faith that will move mountains. The Bible is a mine of wealth, the source of health, and a world of pleasure. It is given to you in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and will stand forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward any amount of labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

‘Dividing asunder of soul and spirit.’ Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being). We must examine ourselves against God’s Word (1Cor. 11:28, 31-32; 1Jn. 1:7; Col. 2:6-7; 3:5-10; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26) to ensure that no sin occupies or controls our thoughts, emotions or actions. We cannot just claim to be saints without living in faith and obedience (11:6; Rom. 1:6; Jam. 1:6-8, 22-26).

‘Creature’ [Greek: ktisis] created thing. Every thought, desire and intent of every creature of God are constantly under His eyes.

The Word of God – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

‘Sword’ [Greek: machaira] translates as sword, 29 times (4:12; 11:34, 37; Eph. 6:17; Matt. 10:34; 26:47-55; Mark 14:43-48; Luke 21:24; 22:36-52; John 18:10-11; Acts 12:2; 16:27; Rom. 8:35; 13:4; Rev. 6:4; 13:10, 13:14).

Twelve symbols of the Word of God: A hammer to convict (Jer. 23:29). A fire to refine (Jer. 23:29). A mirror to reflect (Jas. 1:23). Seed to multiply (1Pet. 1:23). A laver to cleanse (Eph. 5:26). A lamp to guide (Ps. 119:105). Rain and snow to refresh (Isa. 55:10). A sword to cut (4:12; Eph. 6:17). A bow for revenge (Hab. 3:9). Gold to enrich (Ps. 19:7-10). Power to create faith (Rom. 10:17) and eternal life (1Pet. 1:23). Food to nourish: Milk for babes (1Pet. 2:2); Bread for the hungry (Matt. 4:4); Meat for people (5:11-14); Honey for dessert (Ps. 19:10).

The Bible is not an amulet, a charm, a fetish, or a book that will work wonders by its very presence. It is a book that will work wonders in every life, here and hereafter, if acted upon and obeyed in faith and sincerity. It is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things, written in the most simple human language possible so that the most unlearned can understand and obey its teachings. It is self-interpreting and covers every subject of human knowledge and needs now and forever.

As a literary composition, the Bible is the most remarkable book ever made. It is a divine library of 66 books, some of considerable size, and others no larger than a tract. These books include various forms of literature – history, biography, poetry, proverbial sayings, hymns, letters, directions for elaborate ritualistic worship, laws, parables, riddles, allegories, prophecy, drama, and others. They embrace all manner of literary styles in human expression.

To be continued…

The Word of God – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 

‘Word of God’ – The Scriptures. Twenty-one names of the Bible: The Scripture (Mark 15:28; John 7:38). The Scriptures (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). The Promises (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8). The Oracles of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11). The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38). The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:25, 44). The Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2). The Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15). The Book of the Lord (Isa. 34:16). The Word of God (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17). The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The Old and New Testament (2Cor. 3:6-15). The First and Second Covenant (Heb. 8:7). The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). The Word of Life (Php. 2:16). The Scripture of Truth (Dan. 10:21). The Word of Truth (2Tim. 2:15). The gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). The Word of Faith (Rom. 10:8). The Word of the Lord (2Thess. 3:1). The Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13).

‘Quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.’ Seven facts about the Word of God: Quick [Greek: zao] to live; to be full of vigour; be strong; powerful; active. Translated “quick” (4:12; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:1; 1Pet. 4:5); “lively” (Acts 7:38; 1Pet. 1:3; 2:5; and “to live” and “be alive”). Powerful [Greek: energes] is also translated “effectual” (1Cor. 16:9; Phm. 1:6). Sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing even to divide asunder of soul and spirit. Dividing the joints and marrow. Discerning the thoughts. Discerning the intents of the heart.

‘Twoedged’ [Greek: distomos] (Rev. 1:16; 2:12). It pierces even to divide the soul and spirit, the joints and marrow and the purpose is to reveal motive and intent by discerning the thoughts and the intents of the heart.

To be continued…

Rest to the People of God

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:9-11 There remained therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

‘Rest to the people of God.’ Eternal Rest – [1] The rest that remains for the people of God could not be: (1) The sabbath of Genesis 2:1-4, for this was God’s rest and not man’s; (2) The sabbath of Exodus 20:8-11; (3) The rest in the promised land, for both David and Paul spoke of a future rest long after these three rests (4:7-10). [2] The rest that remains for the people of God is twofold: (1) Rest in Christ (4:3; Matt. 11:28-30); (2) Eternal rest in the next life (3:11, 18; 4:1, 5, 9-11; 14:13).

Greek verbs translated as “Rest”: [1] Anapauo, to cause or permit one to cease from labour (Matt. 11:28; 26:45; Mark 6:31; 14:41; 1Pet. 4:14; Rev. 6:11; 14:13). [2] Katapauo, to make quiet; cause one to be at rest (4:4, 8). [3] Epanapauomai, to rest upon, cause to rest upon (Luke 10:6; Rom. 2:17). [4] Hesuchazo, to cease from labour (Luke 23:56). [5] Kataskenoo, to lodge, pitch one’s tent (Acts 2:26). [6] Episkenoo, to take possession of; dwell in or on (2Cor. 12:9).

Greek nouns translated as “Rest”: [1] Sabbatismos, sabbath rest; keeping the sabbath; rest from toils and trouble, in the life to come (4:9). [2] Anapausis, cessation of motion, business or labour (Matt. 11:29; 12:43; Rev. 4:8; 14:11). [3] Katapausis, put to rest; resting place; cessation from labour so that the weary body may be rested and refreshed (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5, 10, 11; Acts 7:49). [4] Anesis, relief (2Cor. 2:13; 7:5; 2Thess. 1:7). [5] Koimesis, reposing, reclining (John 11:13). [6] Eirene, translated “peace” 89 times, but rest in Acts 9:31.

‘Rest’ –  This is more than a sabbath day which every man can observe as a rest period. One has to labour to enter into it. One can fail to enter this rest (4:1), but no man can possibly escape ordinary rest periods – saint or sinner.

Entered Not in Because of Unbelief

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:6-8 Seeing therefore it remained that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limited a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

‘Must’ – There is no word in Greek for must. It should read, “It remains for some to enter it.” Just who they are is left up to the individual and not to the choice of God in any case. God wills that all be saved if they want to be (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17).

‘To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.’ This is the 13th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (4:7; Ps. 95:7-8). Here Paul applies the 95th Psalm in a prophetic sense to this present dispensation, warning men today not to harden their hearts and be cut off as Israel was in the wilderness.

‘Jesus’ – This should have been translated as “Joshua,” for he is the one referred to here. The Hebrew: Yehoshua‛ which we write Joshua, is everywhere rendered Iesous (Jesus or Saviour) by the Septuagint. It is this rendering that the apostle follows. If Joshua had given Israel rest God would not have spoken of another day of rest for His people (4:8-9).

Christ is better than Joshua: Jesus was God’s only begotten Son; Joshua was not (1:5-7; 4:14). Christ’s followers enter rest now (4:3, 10; Matt. 11:28-30); Joshua did not give rest (4:8). Christ provided the real rest of which sabbath days under Joshua were mere types [examples] (4:9-10; Col. 2:14-17). Christ provided eternal rest; Joshua did not (4:8-10). Christ provided rest both here and hereafter; Joshua did not (4:8-10; Matt. 11:28-30).

Enter Into Rest – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

Hebrews 4:3-5 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

‘Rest the seventh day from all his works. Quoted from Genesis 2:2-3. God ceased work on this day of the week of re-creation – not from fatigue, but from achievement. He had completed His work, and was refreshed (Ex. 31:17). People were told to rest likewise and refresh themselves on the seventh [shebiy‛iy] day after six days of work (Ex. 20:8-11; 23:12; 34:21) as a picture of eternal rest (4:1-11; Col. 2:14-17). Genesis 2:3 says God “had rested.” God rested on that one day, not on every seventh day from then until now. He needed to work again when man sinned (Gen. 3:8-24), and not only for six days a week. The redemption program is carried out seven days a week. Therefore, the seventh day wasn’t set apart for God’s rest very long, and no scripture says that man was commanded to rest every seventh day from this time forward. God’s sabbath couldn’t be the same day as man’s sabbath, because Adam wasn’t created until the sixth day and had worked only one day – naming the animals (Gen. 1:24-31; 2:7, 19-25). The first sabbath for man is mentioned in Exodus 16:23-29, at least 2,513 years after God’s rest here. It was a sabbath for Israel only, as a sign between them and God, commemorating their deliverance from slavery (Ex. 31:12-18; Deut. 5:15; Ezek. 20:12-24).

‘If they shall enter into my rest.’ A reference to Psalms 95:7-11.

‘Rest’ [Greek: katapausis] is a putting down; to depose one from power. Used in Acts 7:49 and Hebrews 3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5, 10, 11. It refers to the complete putting down of enemies where one can rest secure from any danger of further uprising, as referred to in Acts 2:35 and Matthew 22:44. God’s rest from all redemptive work and of using force to put down rebellion will come at the end of the Millennium when Christ has put down all enemies and God becomes all and all (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:3-7; 22:3).

Enter Into Rest – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:3-5 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 

‘As I have sworn in my wrath, if thy shall enter into my rest.’ Quoted from Psalms 95:11.

‘Foundation of the world’ [Greek: katabole & kosmou] means the disruption or casting down of the social system – the one before Adam. Katabole should have been translated as “overthrow” or “casting down of the world” in Matthew 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:3; 9:26; 11:10; 1Peter 1:20 and Revelation 13:8; 17:8. Except for Hebrews 11:10, katabole is used with kosmos, which means the social world, and refers to the overthrow of the pre-Adamite world by the flood of Genesis 1:2; 2Peter 3:5-7; Psalms 104:5-9 and Jeremiah 4:23-26 and the defeat of Lucifer and his earthly kingdom before Adam (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Luke 10:18).

Katabole is not the ordinary word for founding or foundation. A reference to the founding of the world would require the use of themelios, as in Luke 6:48-49; 14:29; Acts 16:26; Romans 15:20; 1Corinthians 3:11-12; Ephesians 2:20; 1Timothy 6:19; 2Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 6:1; 11:10 and Revelation 21:14, 19. This word is never used with kosmos, social system, or used of ge, the earth. The verb, themelioo, occurs in Matthew 7:25; Luke 6:48; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 1:10 and 1Peter 5:10. This verb is used only once for the founding of the earth (Heb. 1:10).

Katabole, therefore, means the disruption, overthrow, or ruin of the social system before Adam. In Genesis 1:1 we have the themelioo, founding of the earth (Heb. 1:10), and in Genesis 1:2 we have the katabole, overthrow of the social system on the earth by a flood. Note in the first scriptures above that “from” is used seven times and “before” is used three times in connection with the overthrow of the social world. Thus, the New Testament is very clear that the earth became desolate and empty before it was re-created in the six days of Genesis 1:3-31.

To be continued…