Category: Bible

God the Judge of All

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Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church [congregation] of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect

‘God the Judge of all’ Three offices of the Messiah is given in Isaiah 16:5- Judging: giving justice to all people; Seeking judgment: anxious to do and hasting righteousness: quick in equity. Both God the Father (12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 20:12; 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16) and God the Son (John 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11) will judge sinners at the White Throne Judgement of Revelations 20:11-15. The Father will decree, and the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

‘Spirits of just men made perfect.’ Another proof of the immortality of the soul (1Pet. 3:4). Twenty-five proofs of the immortality of the soul: The hidden man of the heart is not corruptible (is immortal, 1Pet. 3:4). Hell from beneath is moved to meet thee at thy coming (Isa. 14:9-11). They have eternal life (John 3:15-16; 6:54, 6:58; 17:2-3). They are passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 6:40, 47). He shall live forever (John 6:51). They shall never perish (John 10:28). They shall never die (John 11:25-26). Man is not able to kill the soul (Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5). There appeared Moses talking with Him (Matt. 17:3; cp. Deut. 34:6). Their worm dieth not (Mark 9:43-49). In hell he lifts up his eyes, being in torment (Luke 16:19-31). All live unto Him (Luke 20:37-38). Though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day … The things which are not seen (the soul and spirit) are eternal (2Cor. 4:16-18). To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Cor. 5:8). To depart (die, the inner man leaving the body, Jas. 2:26) is to be with Christ (Php. 1:21-24). Whether we wake (live) or sleep (die), we shall live with Him (1Thess. 5:10). You are come unto the spirits of just men and made perfect (Heb. 12:22-23). The souls of the dead live according to God in the spirit (1Pet. 4:6). He that does the will of God abides forever (1Jn. 2:17). We know we have passed from death unto life because we love (1Jn. 3:14-15). God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1Jn. 5:11). He that had the Son had life (1Jn. 5:12; 2:24-25). Your heart shall live forever (Ps. 22:26). The path of the just shined more and more unto the perfect day (Pro. 4:18). I saw under the altar the souls . . . they cried, saying (Rev. 6:9-11).

Mount Sion

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Hebrews 12:18-22 For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But you are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels

‘For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire.’ Ten facts about Mt. Sinai: Not to be touched (12:18; Ex. 19:12). Burned with fire (12:18; Ex. 19:18). Full of blackness (a thick cloud). Full of darkness (12:18; Deut. 4:11). Full of tempest (12:18; Ex. 19:16). Full of a sounding trumpet (12:19; Ex. 19:19). Full of the voice of God (12:19; Deut. 4:12; 5:4). Israel could not endure the voice or commandments (12:19-20; Deut. 5:23-26). Anything that touched the mount was killed (12:20; Ex. 19:12, 21). The sight was so terrible that even Moses trembled with fear (12:21).

‘Sion, and unto the city of the living God.’ Seven things in Heaven: The heavenly Mount Zion (12:22; Rom. 11:26; Rev. 14:1). The capital city of God (12:22; 11:10, 16; 13:14; Rev. 3:12; 21:1-27; 22:1-5; John 14:1-31). Innumerable angels (12:22; 1:5-14; Rev. 5:11-14). The general assembly and congregation of the firstborn (12:23; Col. 1:18). God the Judge of all (12:23). The spirits of just men made perfect (12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant (12:24; 9:15; Matt. 26:28). The blood of Christ (12:24; Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:20; 1Pet. 1:18-23).

Many Be Defiled

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Hebrews 12:15-17 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 there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For you know how that afterwards, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 

‘Looking’ [Greek: episkopeo] means to look at; inspect; examine; pay regard to (1Pet. 5:2).

‘Fail’ [Greek: hustereo] means to come late for. Translated as “fail” or “fall from” (Heb. 12:15); “be behind” (2Cor. 11:5; 12:11); “come short of” (Heb. 4:1); “lack” (Matt. 19:20; Mark 10:21; Luke 22:35); “want” (John 2:3); “part which lacked” (1Cor. 12:24); “come behind” (1Cor. 1:7); “come short of” (Rom. 3:23); “be destitute” (Heb. 11:37); “be in want” (Luke 15:14; 2Cor. 11:9); “suffer need” (Php. 4:12); and “be the worse” (1Cor. 8:8).

Eight proofs Paul is warning Christians: They are instructed to: To follow the faith heroes of Hebrews 11:1-40 who surround them (12:1). To lay aside every weight. To lay aside the besetting sin. To run with patience the Christian race. To consider and look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith (12:2-4). To recognize and submit to God’s chastening as true sons in order to partake of His holiness (12:5-11). To follow peace and holiness and meet other terms of blessing lest they fail of the grace of God (12:12-17). The whole book is for Christians and to them, as proved by: (1) We – the Christians (2:3; 3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:9, 19; 10:10, 26; 12:1; 13:10, 14). (2) Let us – the Christians (4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22-24; 12:1, 28; 13:13, 15). (3) Their salvation (2:10). (4) They were sanctified (2:11; 10:10, 29). (5) Holy brethren (2:11-12; 3:1, 12; 10:19). (6) Them – the saints (2:15, 18). (7) Many other terms in all chapters are used which prove Christians are referred to, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.

‘Bitterness’ [Greek: pikria] means bitterness (12:15; Acts 8:23; Rom. 3:14; Eph. 4:31).

‘Fornicator’ [Greek: pornos] means male prostitute, fornicator.

‘Profane person’ [Greek: bebelos] a despiser of sacred things; an irreligious man (12:16; 1Tim. 1:9; 4:7; 6:20; 2Tim. 2:16).

‘For he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.’ He sought to change his father’s mind.

Follow Peace

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Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

‘Follow peace with all men.’ Romans 12:18 teaches that if it is possible, as much as lies in us, we must live peaceably with all men. 

‘Holiness’ [Greek: hagiasmos] means consecration. Translated as “holiness” (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Thess. 4:7; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (1Cor. 1:30; 1Thess. 4:3-4; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

Fourteen requirements of the will of God and of sanctification (1Thess. 4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (1Thess. 4:3). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (1Thess. 4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (1Thess. 4:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. No man defraud his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (1Thess. 4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it deals with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (1Thess. 4:7; Rom. 1:24). Do not despise men (1Thess. 4:8). Love one another (1Thess. 4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (1Thess. 4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (1Thess. 4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (1Thess. 4:11). Work with your hands (1Thess. 4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (1Thess. 4:12). Have a bright hope (1Thess. 4:13-17). Comfort one another (1Thess. 4:18).

Make Straight Paths – Part 2

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Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

‘Out of the way’ – Psalms 119 gives the different names for the Word of God – one of them is “the way” [Hebrew: derek] means to proceed, walk with the feet (Ps. 119:1, 3, 5, 14, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 59, 168; cp. John 14:6; Rom. 3:12). It is the way of God; how God instructs man to go to be saved, holy, and happy. It is the revelation of the way that God would act among men. It is called: Thy way (Ps. 119:37; 86:11). His way (Ps. 18:30; 25:9; 37:23, 34). The way of Thy testimonies (Ps. 119:14). The way of Thy precepts (Ps. 119:27). The way of truth (Ps. 119:30; 2Pet. 2:2). The way of Thy commandments (Ps. 119:32). The way of Thy statutes (Ps. 119:33). The way of the righteous (Ps. 1:6). The way everlasting (Ps. 139:24). The way of His saints (Pro. 2:8). The way of good men (Pro. 2:20). The way of wisdom (Pro. 4:11). The way of life (Pro. 6:23; 10:17; Jer. 21:8). The way of righteousness (Pro. 8:20; 2Pet. 2:21). The way of understanding (Pro. 9:6). The way of the Lord (Pro. 10:29; Jer. 5:4-5; Ezek. 18:25, 29; 33:17, 20; Acts 18:25). The way of the just (Isa. 26:7). The way of Thy judgments (Isa. 28:7). The way of peace (Isa. 59:8; Rom. 3:17). The good way (Jer. 6:16). The way of God (Matt. 22:16; Acts 18:26). This way (Acts 22:4). That way (Acts 22:4; 24:22). The way of salvation (Acts 16:17). The way which they call heresy (Acts 24:14). The right way (2Pet. 2:15).

Make Straight Paths – Part 1

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Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 

‘Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.’ Ten commands for Christians: Lift up the hands which hang down (12:12). Strengthen the feeble knees. Make straight paths for your feet (12:13). Let the lame be healed. Follow peace with all men (12:14). Follow holiness – consecrate by setting yourself apart from the world. Look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God (12:15; Gal. 5:4). Look diligently lest any root of bitterness springing up defile you (12:15). Look diligently lest you become a fornicator as Esau (12:16). Look diligently lest you be rejected and find no repentance (12:16-17).

‘Lift up’ [Greek: anorthoo] means to set upright again; restore; to set straight again. Translated as “lift up” (12:12); “set up” (Acts 15:16); and “make straight” (Luke 13:13).

‘Feeble’ [Greek: paraluo] palsied, as translated elsewhere (Luke 5:18, 24; Acts 8:7; 9:33). Quoted from Isaiah 35:3 of worn and sick persons who are totally discouraged. Here, they are exhorted to take courage and persevere to the end (12:12-15).

‘Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.’ Make straight paths, lest you get into rough and stoney ways, become lame, and be prevented from reaching the goal. If you go into the proper path, though you have been wounded in the wrong path, your wound will be healed.

To be continued…

His Holiness

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Hebrews 12:10-11 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

‘Few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit.’ Even earthly parents chasten for only a few days. Shall we believe that God is less loving (Matt. 7:7-11)? Shall we say that lifelong sicknesses are His doing and that He is the only parent who never finishes chastening His children? Is God one to continue chastening after obedience has been learned? Paul is here showing that God is a better parent than men, not a worse one.

Christ is better than parents and others: Christ suffered more than they (12:3). His chastening to a better end (12:10). Not a fornicator as Esau (12:16-17). Provided the better way to God (12:18-24). Provided the better covenant (12:24). Provided the better atonement (12:24). Speaks from heaven (12:25-29). Gives us a kingdom (12:28). The same always (13:8). Sanctified us (13:12-13). The way of goodness and praise (13:15-16). The Great Shepherd and source of perfection and works (13:20-21).

‘That we might be partakers.’ This is the object of all the chastening (child training) and correction of God.

‘His holiness’ – not the man-made kind that sets up human standards of dress and outward appearance which create pride, false humility, and strife among Christians. God’s emphasis is on inward holiness; man’s emphasis is on outward appearance (1Sam. 16:7).

‘No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous.’ Neither correction, restraint, rebuke, nor discipline is pleasant for the moment, but by these means obedient children and men are made.

The Father of Spirits

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Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 

‘Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?’ True chastening or correction is by learning the will of God through the Word and by the Holy Spirit. As we live in the Spirit we are led, taught, and shown the will of God daily (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-26; 1Jn. 1:7). This is proper and true child training, and if one rebels he has to be dealt with according to his sowing (Gal. 6:7-8).

‘The Father of spirits.’ Sets forth the biblical doctrine of the immortality of the souls and spirits of all men, and the distinct difference between the material and spiritual natures of man (Num. 16:22; Isa. 42:5; Zech. 12:1; Heb. 12:23). All souls and spirits are in the keeping of God (Eccl. 12:7). Those who have already left their bodies (Jas. 2:26) are either in hell awaiting their resurrection (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19-31), or in paradise awaiting the resurrection (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24). God will have the final say as to their destiny (2Cor. 5:9-10; Rev. 20:11-15).

Without Chastisement

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Hebrews 12:8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. 

‘Without chastisement’ – If you are not chastened you are not a child of God, but a child of satan – he whom you obey and follow you are a child of and he is your father (John 8:44). Either our consequences will pull us towards God to life in obedience to His Word so that we can be under His protection (Ps. 91), or we will rebel, complain and blame and move away even further from Him and play right into the enemy’s hand who will bring destruction to our lives (John 10:10; 1Pet. 5:7-8).

Ephesians 1:5 says we are predestined unto adoption to become children [of God] by Jesus Christ to himself. Predestinated [Greek: proorizo] means foreordained. Here God has predestined all children of God to be adopted into His family, but who becomes a child of God is left up to each individual (John 3:15-20; Rev. 22:17; cp. 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9).

The child of God must be led by the Spirit, to live and walk in the Spirit, and to meditate on His Word and to obey it – if he is to have success and live a Christian life (Rom. 8:1-16; Gal. 5:16-26; Jos. 1:8; Ps. 1:3-4).

‘All are partakers’ – referring to all true Christians who follow Christ according to Biblical standards (1Pet. 2:21-23) and don’t live in sin any longer (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3).

The Chastening of the Lord – Part 3

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Hebrews 12:5-7 And you have forgotten the exhortation which spoke unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou are rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?

Eight reasons when and why God chastises – allow consequences: When people refuse to hear (Job 33:1-33). When they commit iniquity (2Sam. 7:14). When people provoke God (Ps. 6:1; 38:1). When they forsake God (Ps. 89:30-32). When people refuse to judge themselves (1Cor. 11:32). When they stubbornly rebel (Deut. 11:2-6; Lev. 26:14-31; Num. 14:1-45). When people sow to the flesh (Gal. 6:7-8). When His children need instruction and correction (Heb. 12:5-10; Rev. 3:19).

Two kinds of chastening: [1] Child correction and training. The Greek word paideuo means child training. It is used of: (1) Instruction to rebels (2Tim. 2:25). (2) Rebels learning not to blaspheme by being turned over to satan (1Tim. 1:20; cp. 1Cor. 5:5). (3) People being educated in school or by private instructors (Acts 7:22; 22:3). (4) Grace teaching people (Tit. 2:12). (5) Christians being trained in the way of righteousness (Heb. 12:5-11; 1Cor. 11:32; Rev. 3:19). (6) Persecutions for the gospel through which Christians learn much (2Cor. 6:9). (7) Punishment of Christ who was accused of being a criminal (Luke 23:16, 22). [2] Punishments upon rebels. It is simply the law of sowing and reaping in operation. For rebellion, God promised certain curses and did allow certain plagues in Leviticus 26: (1) Terror, consumption, burning ague, and material loss (Heb. 12:16). (2) Death, oppression and fear (Heb. 12:17). (3) Humbling and poverty (Heb. 12:18). (4) Weakness and crop failures (Heb. 12:20). (5) Human beings and stock killed by wild beasts (Heb. 12:22). (6) Wars, pestilences, defeat in war, and famines (Heb. 12:25-26). (7) Cannibalism and destruction of cities (Heb. 12:29-31; Deut. 11:2-6; 28:1-64). 

Ten ways of chastening: Wars (2Sam. 7:14; Lev. 26:28-40; Hos. 10:10; Jer. 30:14). Whipping (Deut. 8:5; 21:18; Pro. 13:24; 19:18). Fasting (Ps. 69:10; Dan. 10:2-12). Persecutions (2Cor. 6:9; 11:23-30). Famine (Lev. 26:28-29). Fines (Deut. 22:18-19). Captivity (Hos. 7:12). Scourging (Luke 23:16, 22; 1Kin. 12:11, 12:14; 2Chron. 10:11, 10:14). Judgments (Deut. 11:2; Isa. 53:5). Sickness on sinners (Job 33:14-30).

‘Scourge’ [Greek: mastigoo] means to whip, flog or beat. Always translated as “scourge” (Matt. 10:17; 20:19; 23:34; Mark 10:34; Luke 18:33; John 19:1; Heb. 12:6).