Go On Unto Perfection Part 5

October 31, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [3] Baptisms – there are seven baptisms in Scripture: (1) John’s baptism in water (Matt. 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-45; Luke 3:1-38; 7:29-30; John 1:31-33; 3:23-26; 10:40; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 19:3). This was an immersion in water in the name of God only because John did not know the Son [Jesus Christ] until a certain sign happened (John1:33), so he could not have baptized except in the name of God (John 5:43). Those who were baptized by John (and his disciples) in this manner, was rebaptized in water, so they could conform to Christian water baptism “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 28:19). (2) Christ’s baptism in water (John 3:22; 4:1-2). Christ was baptized to testify of His death, His burial and His resurrection. If it was never to remit sins for He had no sins to remit (1Pet. 2:21-23). He experienced it as a figure of His death, burial, and resurrection (John 1:31; 1Jn. 5:6-12). For this same reason, believers are baptized in water (1Pet. 3:21), so they can testify of dying to their old nature and ways and following in Christ’s footsteps (1Pet. 2:21-23).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 4

October 30, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [2] Faith in God through Christ (6:1; 11:1,7; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 15:1-8).

The program that will pay is that of having personal faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ, faith in the Holy Spirit, faith in the Word of God, faith in the atonement, and total consecration personally to believe God regardless of anything that might happen to hinder prayer. The right program is not talking about faith or the need for it, but the actual exercise of it. Simple faith in the Word regardless of feelings and circumstances is never possible to the man who lives only in the realm of his senses, for he believes only what he can see, feel, hear, or understand to be possible. This was the kind of faith Thomas had when he declared that he would not believe until he had seen. It was the kind that Martha had when she could see nothing but the natural fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days. This is the kind of faith taught and encouraged by modern religious leaders, but it is not the kind required by the New Testament.

Neither mental faith nor mere assent to truth and dependence upon feelings is enough. The individual must come to life and action before he will realize the benefits of active, living faith that refuses to know defeat and failure. A man must learn to fight the fight of faith and lay hold of God and His Word. He must learn that he is surrounded by an unbelieving world and an atmosphere of doubts, that demons and fallen angels and men have lived for centuries in unbelief and wickedness creating currents of doubt and mistrust that are very subtle, and that effects of the Fall have left in the lives of fallen men deep wounds of doubt and wavering that must be healed – hence the commandment for ‘no friendship with the world’ (1Jn. 2:15-17; 2Jn. 1:9-11; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 6:10 – 7:1). He must learn that he has to wrestle with powers of darkness and currents of mistrust and unbelief which make it a struggle to exercise active living faith for things that are not seen. He must not only learn how to do this, but he must do it to get results (Eph. 6:10-18).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 3

October 27, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [2] Faith in God through Christ (6:1; 11:1,7; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 15:1-8).

The average person who seeks to exercise faith depends upon what he can see, hear, or feel. Testimonies concerning faith are usually expressed in connection with feelings and emotions, or the various senses. Sense-faith is based upon physical evidence or the emotions and feelings of the soul. All who take this road as the basis of faith will sooner or later be deceived. Faith should be based upon the Word of God regardless of any sense-knowledge, or feeling-evidences. People are constantly looking to feelings as to whether prayer has been heard or not. If they happen to feel good, or if something happens that encourages them, they think that it is easy to believe, but if reverses come and feelings take wings, these same people are in the depths of despair. They are quick to accuse God of being unfaithful and untrue to His Word. If they do not go this far, they are quick to imagine that it was not God’s will to grant the answer. They become satisfied to go without what God has plainly promised.

People should not believe they are healed because the pain is gone, or that they are saved because they feel they are forgiven. They should not think that their prayers are answered because things are working out that way. Instead, they should always maintain faith because of what the Word of God says. The Word of God should have first place in their lives instead of the senses (feelings). All basing of faith upon what we have done, how well we live, or what experiences we have had will lead to failure in answered prayer. God does not answer on these grounds. He answers solely upon the grounds of grace and faith in Him and in His Word.

True faith is not trusting in the goodness and the faith of another man. It must be personal faith in God and His Word. People continually go about seeking someone who has faith and who can get answers to prayer for them. If we do not properly learn and develop a personal faith that refuses to be denied, we shall eventually revert to failure and unbelief, and we shall have to be satisfied with the modern theory that answered prayer is not for everyone.

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 2

October 26, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity: [1] Repentance – It is one of the main themes of the Bible, being found 110 times from Genesis 6:6 to Revelations 16:11. There are seven original words for “Repent”: (1) [Hebrew: nacham] to sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry in the literal sense (Gen. 6:6; Ex. 13:17; 32:14; Jdg. 2:18; 1Sam. 15:35; 2Sam. 24:16; Job 42:6; Ps. 106:45; Jon. 3:10). (2) [Hebrew: shuwb] to turn back (1Kin. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6). (3) [Hebrew: nocham] regret (Hos. 13:14). (4) [Hebrew: nichuwm] compassion (Hos. 11:8). (5) [Greek: metanoeo] to change the mind for the better morally, not merely to forsake sin, but to change one’s attitude toward it and his love for it. Hence, it is demanded by God as a condition of forgiveness and grace (Luke 13:3, 5; 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; Matt. 4:17). (6) [Greek: metamellomai] to regret; to have deep remorse at the consequence of sin rather than a deep regret at the cause of it. It is never used for genuine repentance to God (Matt. 27:3; 2Cor. 7:8). (7) [Greek: metanoia] is a real change of mind and attitude toward sin and its cause, not merely the consequences of it (Matt. 3:8, 11; 9:13; Luke 24:47).

The doctrine of repentance: Its nature: contrition, confession, faith, restitution (2Cor. 7:8-11). Its necessity (Luke 13:1-5). Its power (Rom. 10:9-10; Luke 18:14). How it is produced (4:12; John 16:8; Rom. 2:4; 2Cor. 10:8-11). Not expiatory or meritorious, but qualifies for pardon (1Jn. 1:9; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Rom. 10:9-10). Demanded of all people (Luke 13:1-5; 24:47; Acts 10:35; 17:30). By whom preached (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20). How preached (2:1-4; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 5:31-32; 2Cor. 2:1-5; 4:1-18:20; Rom. 15:18-19, 15:29). Must not be delayed (4:7; 2Cor. 6:2; Eph. 5:14). How attested (Luke 3:8; Rom. 1:5; 10:16; Acts 5:32; 2Cor. 10:11).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 1

October 25, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Therefore’ – Because of your lack of progress, you must leave the infantile stage of the Christian experience and become an adult. Most Christians suffer greatly in this area because they rather listen to teachings (from others) on the Word of God instead of studying God’s Word for themselves (Rom. 10:17) and they never progress spiritually because they learn of God and not from Him.

‘Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.’ Two things manifest Christian maturity: To leave the first principles – cease to remain in the state of babes by understanding the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Go on to perfection – never rest [studying God’s Word by reading it Rom. 10:17] until you are an adult capable of taking strong meat, of being a living example, and of exercising all senses in righteousness (5:13-14; 6:1).

‘Go on’ [Greek: phero] to be borne along as a ship driven by a wind (Acts 27:15-17). Here the Spirit is the power that moves believers forward (Acts 2:2-4; 2Pet. 1:21; Rom. 8:14).

‘Laying’ [Greek: kataballo] casting down or overthrow (6:1; 2Cor. 4:9; Rev. 12:10). It means, do not cast down or destroy the foundation already laid of the six fundamental doctrines of (6:1-2). These doctrines are what is referred to as the ‘milk phase’ (5:11-13) and believers must study them, know them and live according to them, but no more teaching in them shall be required if one is an adult and has come to full knowledge (5:14).

‘Dead works’ [Greek: nekra and erga] 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).

To be continued…

Senses Exercised to Discern

October 24, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

‘Full age’ [Greek: teleios] is one who has reached full maturity as to age or qualification, or by initiation (1Cor. 14:20). Two characteristics of adults: Capable of instruction. Have powers of discrimination – know what is right and what is evil as stated in Scripture, not trying to bypass God’s Word by asking others whether something is right or wrong.

We are commanded to be perfect throughout Scripture and are disobedient if we fail to attain this state of being. Perfect in Greek is teleios which means to be mature and complete. We must be of full growth, as men, and not children, in Christian knowledge – thoroughly instructed and deeply experienced, as in 2Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:15; Colossians 1:28; James 1:4; 3:2; Hebrews 5:14 and 1John 4:18.

‘Senses’ [Greek: aistheterion] organs of sense, such as the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, palate, fingers, and the nervous system in general. These organs properly exercised and employed give one immediate consciousness of sight, hearing, taste, smelling, and all feelings. There is something in the soul that corresponds with all these senses and through them, the soul is blessed and perfected.

‘Exercised’ [Greek: gumnazo] to train stripped of clothes, as in gymnastic exercises (5:14; 12:11; 1Tim. 4:7; 2Pet. 2:14).

‘Discern’ [Greek: diakrisis] to discriminate; the faculty of distinguishing; judgment (5:14; Rom. 14:1; 2Cor. 12:10).

There is no excuse for any Christian to not know what qualifies as sins to the death – those that cut us off immediately from God (Mar. 7:21-23; Rom. 1:28-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Efe. 4:17-31; 5:3-7, 11-12, 18; Col. 3:5-10).

You are Dull of Hearing

October 23, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:11-13 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing. For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that uses milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

‘Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered.’ Of Christ, we have many things to say which are difficult to make clear to you, not because they are mysteries, but because you are slow to grasp the doctrines delivered to you.

‘Dull’ [Greek: nothros] dull (5:11) and slothful (6:12). It is not the truth that is so complicated; the trouble is with men who take the wrong attitude due to religious background and their traditions (Matt. 13:14-15; Acts 28:27).

‘For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.’ You have been professed Christians long enough to be an example through your own lives to others, but because of your laziness and dullness in grasping the truth, you must be taught a second time the first simple doctrines of Christ. You have not grown at all. You are still unweaned babes (1Cor. 3:2; 1Pet. 2:2). Milk-feeding was a metaphor used by many writers, both sacred and profane, to express the first principles of religion and science. They applied sucking to learning; infant to every beginner; and meat to those who had learned the first principles of truth. No Christian should get stuck on milk, for it is a shame that their growth is hampered and they always struggle to grow and accomplish victory in Christ and always set a bad example of what true followers of Christ must be like (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘Unskilful’ [Greek: apeiros] inexperienced. Two characteristics of babes: Dull of hearing (5:11); and inexperienced in the Word (5:13).

Learned He Obedience

October 20, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:7-10 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

‘Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.’ Eight facts about Christ: His sufferings were in the days of His flesh on earth (5:7). He prayed with supplications, strong crying and tears to God (5:7). He prayed to be saved from death, not from death on the cross, for He was not saved from this. He was heard and saved from death at the hands of satanic powers that tried to kill Him before He could get to the cross where He was to fulfil prophecy and complete atonement (1Pet. 2:24; Gal. 3:13). He learned obedience by His sufferings. He was made perfect by His sufferings. He was perfected by means of suffering He made atonement and became the author of eternal salvation to all who will obey Him. He was called by God to be a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

‘Learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.’ As a human, Christ learned obedience through His sufferings, not that He as a human ever had any disobedience in Him as humans do. Scripture is clear that Christ sinned not, otherwise, He could not have made atonement for our sins, for a PERFECT sacrifice was required to take away sin (4:15; 1Pet. 2:22; Isa. 53:9). We must also learn obedience through our sufferings, for our sufferings are mostly because of the consequences of our sins and suffering, for some, open the ears to listen – to obey God.

Eight good results of chastening: Makes one pray (Ps. 38:1, 16, 21, 22). Awakens to the foolishness of sin (Ps. 38:3, 5). Makes one desire God (Ps. 38:9). Enables him to know his true friends (Ps. 38:11). Makes one compassionate and merciful to others (Ps. 38:12-14). Makes him penitent (Ps. 38:6, 8, 17, 18). Produces hope and faith (Ps. 38:15). Encourages a life of following that which is good (Ps. 38:20).

For Ever

October 19, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:6 As he said also in another place, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

‘Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.’ This is the 15th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (5:6; Ps. 110:4) and is fulfilled.

‘For ever’ – Christ is an eternal priest, proving there will be eternal worship and eternal duties of the priesthood (5:6; 6:20; 7:3, 17, 21).

‘Order’ [Greek: taxis] order, arrangement, rank, position (5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 17, 21; Luke 1:8; 1Cor. 14:40; Col. 2:5). If He is a priest forever, there can be no priestly succession. As long as men have access to God, there is no need for human mediators between God and man.

‘Melchisedec’ – Melchizedek was a Canaanite and the king of Salem [later named Jerusalem], he was a priest of the most high God and lived in Abraham’s time long before Aaron’s – the high priest of Israel – time (Gen. 14:16-18; Heb. 7:1-10).

Thou are My Son

October 18, 2023October 3, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou are my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

‘Thou are my Son, to day have I begotten thee.’ This is the 14th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (5:5; Ps. 2:7) and is fulfilled. This refers to the incarnation when the second person of the Divine Trinity took a human body to redeem (Php. 2:5-11; Isa. 7:14; 9:6). It was when God had a Son through Mary (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14). This happened on a certain day: “This day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5-7). Therefore, we cannot say that God had a Son before this time. This proves that sonship in connection with God had to refer to humanity and not to deity.

As God, the person we now know as Jesus Christ had no beginning, was not begotten, was not a Son, and did not come into being. He always existed as God (Ps. 90:2; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8). But as man and as God’s Son He was not eternal. He had a beginning. He was begotten – at the same time Mary had a Son. Therefore, the doctrine of the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ is irreconcilable to reason, unscriptural, and contradictory to itself. Eternity has no beginning, so if He has been God from eternity, then He could not have a beginning as God. Eternity has no reference to time, so if He was begotten “this day,” then it was done in time and not in eternity.

The word Son supposes time, generations, father, mother, beginning, and conception – unless one is a son by creation, as Adam (Luke 3:38), and angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen. 6:1-4). Time, created and beginning, are opposites to God and eternity and are absolutely impossible to reconcile with them. If sonship refers to deity, not to humanity, then this person of the Deity had a beginning in time and not in eternity. It is plainly stated in Psalms 2:7; Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5; 5:5 that God had a Son “this day” and not in eternity. It is stated in Hebrews 1:5-7; Luke 1:35 and Matthew 1:18-25 when this took place. It was nearly 2,000 years ago. It had been predicted that God would have a Son (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Heb. 1:5; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:32-35). This was fulfilled when the virgin conceived “of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:20), not at any other time. To say that God had an eternal Son would mean He had two; but it is plainly stated that Jesus was “the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14, 18; 3:16-18; 1Jn. 4:9).