The Word of God – Part 2

October 9, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ 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

October 6, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘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

October 5, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ 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

October 4, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ 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

October 3, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ 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

October 2, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘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…

The Word Preached Did not Profit Them

September 29, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:1-2 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

‘Us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest.’ Let us (holy brethren, Heb. 3:1, 6, 12-14) fear, lest we come short of eternal life. That the promise here is eternal life is clear in Hebrews 4:14; 9:15 and 1John 2:25.

‘Any of you should seem to come short of it.’ If there is no possibility of any of the “holy brethren” (3:1, 6, 12-14) coming short of eternal life, such warnings are vain.

‘Gospel preached’ – The gospel was preached to Abraham, 430 years before the law (Gal. 3:8; Gen. 12:1-3), and to Israel under the law (Rom. 9:6-8; 10:7-21).

‘Mixed’ [Greek: sungkerannumi] to mix together; mingle; to blend together; temper by mixing. Translated mix (4:2) and temper together (1Cor. 12:24). It seems to be an idea taken from the human body which is kept alive by proper mixing of food with the saliva and gastric juices. Should this mixture not take place such food would be a means of death rather than life. So here, the gospel does not profit unless it is properly mixed and blended together with faith. God has obligated Himself to bless only those who believe – and have utter confidence in His Word (Mark 16:15-20; John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

We are made Partakers of Christ

September 28, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:14-19 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

‘For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.’ After warning Christians that they can fall into sin and apostasy and be cut off from God by sin, as Israel was, the apostle lays down the condition they must meet to be finally saved. It is to hold the original “confidence stedfast unto the end.”

‘To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.’ This is the 12th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (3:15; Ps. 95:7-8) and it is fulfilled. This is the third time today is used to emphasize it is the present – NOW – when God’s voice is heard (3:7, 13, 15). Make the best of time while you have it; listen to God.

‘Sware he that they should not enter into his rest.’ God still swears that: The soul that sinned, shall surely die (Ezek. 18:4). Whosoever sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book (Ex. 32:32-33; Rev. 3:5; 22:19). When a righteous man sins he will die for his iniquity (Ezek. 18:26; 33:18). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:21; 6:7-8). If you live after the flesh you will die (Rom. 8:12-13). The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1Cor. 6:9-11). If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy (1Cor. 3:17; 6:9-11; Rom. 8:12-13; Rev. 21:8). They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). They that commit such things are worthy of death (Rom. 1:21-32). If we deny Him he also will deny us (2Thess. 2:12). Every man will be judged according to his deeds (Rom. 2:6). He that sowed to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (Gal. 6:7-8). These scriptures and many others like them apply to everybody. God is under oath to enforce these laws regardless of who is guilty, a sinner or a professing Christian.

Take Heed

September 27, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:9-12 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

‘Proved’ [Greek: dokimazo] to put to the test; tested Me. Translated as “prove” (3:9; Luke 14:19; Rom. 12:2; 2Cor. 8:8, 22; 13:5; Gal. 6:4; Eph. 5:10; 1Thess. 5:21; 1Tim. 3:10) to assay metals; to prove or test. Also translated as “try” (1Cor. 3:13; 1Thess. 2:4; 1Pet. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:1); “examine” (1Cor. 11:28); “discern” (Luke 12:56); “approve” (Rom. 2:18; 1Cor. 16:3; Php. 1:10); “allow” (Rom. 14:22; 1Thess. 2:4); and “like” (Rom. 1:28).

‘Grieved’ [Greek: prosochthizo] to be angry with; to be offended at (3:17). Used in the Septuagint in Psalms 95:8, from which this is quoted.

‘Take heed, brethren.’ Here Paul again warns brethren – Christians – by the examples of Israel’s failures in the wilderness. They were brought out of Egypt with the fullest assurance of blessing, prosperity, and eternal rest. By their sin and unbelief, they came short of the promised blessings, fell in the wilderness, and were cut off from God. Paul states plainly that Christians – born-again or saved men – can also return to an evil heart of unbelief, departing from the living God, be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, be cut off by God, and be finally lost (3:12-14).

‘Lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.’ Seven stages of apostasy: Refusal to hear God (3:7). Hardness of heart through refusal to hear and obey God (3:8, 13, 15). Unbelief is a consequence of hardening the heart against God (3:12). Departure from the living God (3:12). Open rebellion against God to provoke and tempt Him (3:8-9, 16). Habitual sinning, careless living, and flagrant violation of God’s laws (3:10, 17). Apostasy – all faith in God and His redemptive work thrown overboard – beyond all hope of repentance because of no more faith (3:11, 18-19).

‘Exhort one another daily.’ This is further proof that Christians are referred to. Sinners are not advised to exhort one another daily, neither can they revert to sin and depart from the living God, for they are already estranged from God.

Harden Not Your Hearts – Part 2

September 26, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:7-8 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost said, To day if you will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness

Twenty-two warnings to Christians (continues): 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).

‘Harden not your hearts.’ If there is no possibility of Christians failing to hear God’s voice, hardening themselves and being cut off from God as Israel was in the wilderness, why did Paul use this as a lesson to Christians (3:1, 6-14)?

‘Provocation’ [Greek: parapikrasmos] to embitter; provoke; cause bitter provocation. Used only in Hebrews 3:8, 15, 16. The provocation, and “the day of temptation in the wilderness” here and in Psalms 95:8-11 refer to the whole wilderness experience of 40 years (3:8-9, 15-17).