Category: Inspiration

Partakers of the Heavenly Calling

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Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

‘Holy brethren’ – Brethren consecrated to God, holy in life and conduct. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren [male and female Gal. 3:28]. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).

‘Partakers of the heavenly calling.’ [Greek: metochos] partaker (3:1, 14; 6:4; 12:8); partner (Luke 5:7); and fellow (1:9). All holy brethren are partakers, partners, and fellows in the heavenly calling. Israel had an earthly calling and those who are alive when the Messiah comes will enter an earthly program of replenishing the earth forever. Israel is often spoken of as a woman and as the wife of the Lord (Isa. 54:4-6). This wife of the Lord is the woman of Revelation 12:1-17. Those of both Jews and Gentiles [male and female] who are saved and who will partake of the resurrection will be kings and priests to reign over the earth and all other creations forever. They will help God administer the affairs of the universe in all eternity (Rev. 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5). Their calling is heavenly in that they will not be limited to an earthly program as all people would have been if man had not sinned (Gen. 1:27-31; cp. Matt. 22:30; Luke 20:34-35; Heb. 11:10-16; 12:22-23).

‘The Apostle and High Priest.’ Among the Jews, the high priest was also considered the Apostle of God. This no doubt is the meaning here to Israel. The Mosaic program had ended and there had been a change in the law and the priesthood (7:11-17).

‘Profession’ [Greek: homologia] agreement; terms of surrender; confession. Translated “profession” (3:1; 4:14; 10:23; 1Tim. 6:12; 2Cor. 9:13) and “confession” (1Tim. 6:13).

The Nature of Angels

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Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself had suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 

‘For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.’ Here Paul sums up his argument about Christ being better than angels, declaring He did not take on the nature of angels, but became the natural seed of Abraham. He needed to be made in all things like unto His brethren “that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest” in the things of God, to remit their sins by His own atonement, and to represent them in time of temptation (2:17-18). Thus, Paul shows the Jews that Christ had to be made a human being; that He came from Abraham according to the flesh; that He was one of their own people; that redemption could not have been possible otherwise; that the Messiah had to suffer to redeem; and that He is now able to help and deliver all men who are tempted.

‘Nature of angels’ – They are heavenly spirit beings with (1) Personal spirit bodies with bodily parts, such as hands, feet, eyes, heads, voices, mouths, hair, faces, and other parts which men have (Gen. 18:2, 4, 8; 19:1-22; Jdg. 13:6). (2)  Personal souls with emotions (Luke 15:1-10), passions (Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 1:6-7); appetites (Gen. 18:8; 19:3); anger (Rev. 12:12); enmity (Gen. 3:15); lusts (John 8:44); vengeance (1Pet. 5:8); desires (1Pet. 1:12); pride (Ezek. 28:17; 1Tim. 3:6); and other soul passions, feelings, and desires. (3) Personal spirits with intelligence and wisdom (2Sam. 14:20; 19:27; Matt. 24:36; Eph. 3:10); patience (Num. 22:22-35); meekness (2Pet. 2:11; Jude 1:9); modesty (1Cor. 11:10); holiness (Mark 8:38); obedience (Ps. 103:20; Matt. 6:10); knowledge (Mark 13:32; 1Pet. 1:12); willpower (Isa. 14:12-14); ability to speak languages (1Cor. 13:1); and other spirit faculties.

‘High priest’ – Used of Christ 15 times in Hebrews (2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1-10; 6:20; 7:1, 26-27; 8:1, 3; 9:11, 25; 10:21; 13:11).

Captain of their Salvation

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Hebrews 2:10-13 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 

‘Became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory.’ It was suitable to divine wisdom and justice and the program of grace to offer Jesus as a sacrifice to bring many sons to glory.

‘Captain of their salvation.’ The Originator of Salvation. Without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleioo] make a full end; complete. The idea is that Christ could not have been made complete or bring to a complete end the work He was supposed to do without His sufferings.

‘For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.’ Christ is the great Sanctifier, who sets apart and consecrates men to the service of God. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren. The brethren are those who represent the body of Christ which is male and therefore called brethren. During Old Testament times the nation Israel was referred to as God’s wife and the representative of God during those dispensations.

‘I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.’ This is the 8th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:12; Ps. 22:22) and is fulfilled in Christ declaring the Father to His followers – the Christians, also called His brethren. The Old Testament use of congregation is the correct translation instead of using the word “church” which derives from the translations period where King James’ translators changed the word to fit the Roman Catholic Church.

The Brightness of His Glory

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Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

‘Brightness’ [Greek: apaugasma], translated as reflection.

‘Glory’ [Greek: doxa] translated as glory 145 times (1:3; 2:7, 9, 10; 3:3; 9:5; 13:21); glorious (Rom. 8:21; 2Cor. 4:4; Php. 3:21; Col. 1:11); praise (John 9:24; 12:43; 1Pet. 4:11); honour (John 5:41, 44; 8:54; 2Cor. 6:8; Rev. 19:7); worship (Luke 14:10); and dignity (2Pet. 2:10; Jude 1:8).

‘Express image’ [Greek: character] exact expression, or impression as when metal is pressed into a die, or as a seal upon wax.

‘Person’ [Greek: hupostasis] person (1:3); substance (11:1); confidence (3:14; 2Cor. 11:17); and confident (2Cor. 9:4). Here it refers to an essential substance or that which constitutes deity in body, soul, and spirit.

‘Word of his power.’ By His word of power, all things are upheld and sustained eternally.

‘By himself purged our sins.’ By His atonement sins are purged, not by water baptism, the Lord’s Supper, or any other ritual or form of religion (Matt. 26:28; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:22; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 1Pet. 1:18-23; 2:24; Rev. 1:5; 5:8-10).

‘Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’ Christ’s exaltation at the right hand of God (Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). Another proof of God and Christ being separate and distinct persons who sit side by side.

Spoke In Time Past Part 3

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Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Had in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he had appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

We see that Christ is better than the prophets from Hebrews 1:1-3, 9 and other Scriptures: Creator of prophets (1:1-3). Lord and Master of prophets (1:1-2; Matt. 22:41-46; 1Pet. 1:10-13). Only-begotten Son of God (1:1-3; John 1:18; 3:16-20). God manifested in the flesh (John 1:14). Sinless (1Pet. 2:21-22). He had greater anointing (John 3:34). He was the fulfilment of their writings (Luke 24:25, 44-45; 1Pet. 1:10-13). He is the heir of all things (1:2). He is the planner of the ages (1:2). He is the brightness of God’s glory (1:3). Express the image of God’s person (1:3; Php. 2:5-11). He is the upholder of all things (1:3). He was God’s perfect sacrifice (1:3, 9; 9:11-28; 10:1-18). He is the Saviour of the prophets (1:3; 7:25; 1Pet. 1:10-13). He was and is exalted higher than prophets (1:3; 1Pet. 3:22).

‘Last days’ – Fourteen end-time expressions: Latter times – last years ending this age before the Millennium (1Tim. 4:1). Latter years – Armageddon and the end of this age (Ezek. 38:8, 16). Latter days – the future tribulation (Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30; 31:29; Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Dan. 2:28; 10:14). Latter day – Millennium (Job 19:25). Latter days – Millennium (Hos. 3:5). Last days – end of this age preceding the Millennium (Dan. 8:19; 2Tim. 3:1; Jas. 5:3; 2Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:18). Last day – the rapture, at least seven years before the Millennium and second advent (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24). Last days – the tribulation period or the last seven years of this age (Acts 2:16-21). Last days – first coming (Heb. 1:1-2). Last times – first coming (1Pet. 1:20). Last time – apostolic times and the congregational period (1Jn. 2:18). Last time – second coming (1Pet. 1:5). Last days – Millennium (Gen. 49:1; Isa. 2:1; Mic. 4:1). Last day – end of the Millennium (John 12:48; cp. Rev. 20:7-15).

To be continued…

Spoke In Time Past Part 2

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Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Had in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he had appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

‘In time past unto the fathers by the prophets.’ Moses was the author of the Law – Genesis to Deuteronomy –  he was also called a prophet for God commanded Him to write these first books (Ex. 3:8,12,17-22; 4:8-9,14-17,21-23; 6:1-8; 7:3-5,9,15-19; 8:2-4,10-11,16,20-23; 9:1-5,8-9,13-19,29; 10:2-6,29; 11:1,4-9; 12:12-13,23-27; 13:5,19; 14:3-4,13-18,26; 15:13-18; 16:4-8,12; 17:6,14-16; 19:5-6,9-13; 22:23-24; 23:20-33; 33:1-3,14; 34:10-11,24; Leviticus 18:24-28; 26:3-45; Numbers 10:9; 11:17-20,23; 14:21-24,28-35; 16:29-30; 17:5; 33:55-56; Deut. 1:35-38; 2:24-25,31; 3:2,21-22,27-28; 4:10,21-22,25-31; 6:10-12; 7:20-24; 8:3,10-20; 9:3-6; 11:13-32; 12:1-32; 15:4-6; 17:14-20; 18:15,18-19; 28:1-68; 29:17-28; 30:1-10,15-20; 31:1-8,16-23,27-29; 32:19-32; 33:6-29; 34:4). He also wrote Psalms 90 and 91.

The “Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15) is another name for the Old Testament as well as “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms;” (Luke 24:25, 44) “the Law of the Lord;” (Ps. 1:2) “the Book of the Lord;” (Isa. 34:16) “the Scripture;” (Mk. 15:28; Jn. 7:38; 2Tim. 3:16-17) “the Scriptures;” (Luke 24:27, 32; John 5:39; Acts 17:11) “the Holy Scriptures;” (Rom. 1:2; 2Tim. 3:15) “the Promises;” (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8) “the Oracles of God;” (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11) “the Lively (living) Oracles;” (Acts 7:38) “the Word of God;” (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 4:12) “the Sword of the Spirit;” (Eph. 6:17) “the Old and New Testament;” (Luke 22:20; 2 Cor. 3:6-15; Heb. 9:15) “the Word of Christ;” (Col. 3:16) “the Word of Life;” (Phil. 2:16) “the Scripture of Truth;” (Dan. 10:21) “the Word of Truth;” (2 Tim. 2:15) and “the Gospel of Christ.” (Rom. 1:16)

‘By’ [Greek: en] IN the prophets. The Holy Spirit indwelt the prophets and spoke through them in the same manner He dwells in men today. It testifies to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. Men can become one in spirit with God when joined to Him in consecration (1Cor. 6:17).

To be continued…

Spoke In Time Past Part 1

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Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Had in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he had appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds 

‘God’ – This is God the Father, the head of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 8:6; 11:3; Matt. 28:19; 2Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1Jn. 5:7).

‘Sundry times and in divers manners.’ In many parts in many ways (Isa. 28:10). From all these portions we get a perfect harmony, as in musical sounds made up of different parts. There is only one plan of God for man. All the prophets [Old Testament authors] gave perfect and harmonious testimony that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and Saviour of the world (Acts 10:43).

‘In time past’ [Greek: palai] of old (Matt. 11:21; Luke 10:13; 2Pet. 1:9; Jude 1:4).

‘In time past unto the fathers by the prophets.’ The Old Testament was by God the Father given to man by the prophets and From Hebrews 1:1-2 as well as Matthew 11:13 and Luke 16:16 we see that the Old Testament (Law and Prophets) ended with the last prophet John the Baptist who was a prophet (office bearer) called by God. The New Testament starts with Christ’s crucifixion (1Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15-16) and He again called the apostles who wrote the New Testament. God speak to us through His written Word today and no prophets or apostles – except false ones – are called anymore (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; 2Cor. 11:13; 2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2). Two prophets that will return during the last 3½ of the 7-year tribulation will be Enoch and Elijah will herald Christ’s Second Coming and to prepare the hearts of people to receive the Messiah (Mal. 4:5-6; Rev. 11:3-11; Ezek. 20:35-36).

To be continued…

Introduction to the book Hebrews Part 2

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The arguments for Paul’s authorship are (continues): [7] There is nothing in the epistle contrary to Paul’s authorship, and there is much internal evidence that Paul was the author: (1) Both books argue at length on the abolishment of the old covenant. (2) Both anticipate the visit of the writer (Gal. 4:20; Heb. 13:19). (3) Paul was the only writer of the New Testament who requested prayer for himself (cp. Heb. 13:18 with 2Thess. 3:1). (4) Many exhortations in Hebrews are similar to those of other epistles of Paul (cp. Heb. 12:3 with Gal. 6:9; Heb.12:14 with Rom. 12:18; Heb. 13:1-3 with Eph. 5:2-4; Heb. 13:16 with Php. 4:18; Heb. 5:12 with 1Cor. 3:2; Heb. 8:1 with Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24; Gal. 3:19-20; 1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 10:1 with Col. 2:17; Heb. 10:33 with 1Cor. 4:9; Heb. 13:9 with Eph. 4:14; Heb. 13:10 with 1Cor. 9:13; 10:18; Heb. 13:20-21 with Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2Cor. 13:11; Php. 4:9; 1Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:22 with Acts 24:16; etc.). (5) The author of both books wrote from Italy (Heb. 13:24). (6) Paul was the only New Testament writer who wrote from prison and expected release (Heb. 13:19, 23 with Php. 1:7-8, 13, 26; 2:23-24; etc.). (7) No other writer of epistles mentions Timothy. Paul refers to him 20 times in his recognized epistles (cp. Heb. 13:23). When Paul mentions Timothy to others he always calls him brother (2Cor. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1Thess. 3:2). (8) The conclusion of the epistle is like others of Paul (cp. Heb. 13:18-25 with the end of his other epistles).

The theme of this book is to present Jesus Christ as deity, and as better than all human beings and angels; to prove that Judaism and the law have come to an end; to confirm Jewish Christians in the faith; and to set forth new covenant doctrines for all people.

Statistics: 58th book of the Bible; 13 chapters; 303 verses; 6,913 words; 17 questions; 270 verses of history; 9 verses of fulfilled and 24 verses of unfulfilled prophecy.

Introduction to the book Hebrews Part 1

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The book of Hebrews was written in Rome about 68 A.D., along with Galatians and 2 Timothy. Even though an author is not clearly stated, the arguments for Paul’s authorship are: [1] The thoughts and reasonings are Paul’s. Any difference in style is due to his writing to Jews as a Jew and not to Gentile congregations as in other epistles. Furthermore, the translation of the book into Greek by Luke may account for some change in style. [2] Peter confirms the fact that Paul wrote an epistle to Jews (2Pet. 3:15-16). [3] The book of Hebrews is ascribed to him by over 100 ancient writers in both Greek and Latin, from 70 to 73 A.D. [4] It was received as Paul’s by the council of Laodicea (363 A.D.), and by the council of Carthage (397 A.D.). [5] Paul is named as the author of the Alexandrian manuscripts (500 A.D.). [6] Some Latin churches questioned it only because Paul’s name is not used in the introduction as in all his other epistles, but this was for two reasons: (1) Eusebius, the father of congregational history, explains that Paul wrote the epistle in Hebrew, leaving his name off so that it would be read and received more readily by Jews who hated him and would not want to listen to anything he had to say. Luke translated it into Greek, hence it is similar to Acts in expression. (The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, p. 579). (2) In the oldest manuscripts the epistle follows Galatians with the title “To the Hebrews,” indicating that it was part of the Galatian letter. If this is true, the authorship stated in Galatians 1:1 applies to both books. This would explain why Paul speaks of Galatians as “a large letter” (Heb. 6:11). “The Israel of God” of Galatians 6:16 would be an appropriate introduction to the book of Hebrews.

To be continued…

In the Faith Part 4

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Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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. 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 in order to get results.

We must have strong faith (Rom. 4:20) – the kind that refuses to be defeated. It refuses to take no for an answer. It laughs at circumstances, symptoms, all outward appearances, and what is seen, heard, or felt, and it doggedly holds to the fact that what has been asked of God is granted. This is the kind of faith all men should have and could have if they would only persuade themselves that God is true to His Word. Most men claim that they have faith in God to this extent, and no one wants to say boldly that He is a liar and that He will not do as He said, but when it comes to exercising faith that will not doubt or waver in prayer, very few will maintain such a strong faith and thank God for the answer even before it is realized. Very few will simply refuse to question or waver in the least when it seems that things are going contrary to what has been asked of God. This is exactly why they do not get definite answers from God.

Great faith (Matt. 8:10; 15:28) is the true, unwavering faith that will always move God to answer according to His abundant promises (Heb. 11:6).

Unfeigned faith (1Tim. 1:5; 2Tim. 1:5) is the kind that knows no hypocrisy, sham, or counterfeit. It is the kind that does not brag or put on an outward show that it is real. It is simply genuine and real and sincere in every aspect. It proceeds out of a pure heart and from a good conscience, as stated in these Scriptures. It is not hereditary, although in 2Timothy 1:5 Paul speaks of it as being in three successive generations. It is the kind that all honest, pure, and sincere men have. It is the unselfish, holy, and godly kind that naturally increases in the life of every true child of God, as he grows in grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 1:4-9; 3:18).