Tag: Gospel

The Foundation of the World

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:25-26 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world had he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 

‘Foundation of the world’ [Greek: katabole] overthrow of the world that Lucifer ruled before Adam 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, the 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 (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 (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.

‘End of the world’ [Greek: sunteleia] closing time of one age and the beginning of another (9:26; Matt. 13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20).

‘Sacrifice of himself’ – The perfect sacrifice at the end of the ages (the Greek for the world is aion, ages) of preparation for the Messiah, Christ has come to put away sin by His own sacrifice. The Greek: word for sin here is hamartia, missing the mark. It is used in connection with the sin offering in Hebrews 9:26; 10:6, 8, 18; 13:11. The meaning here is no doubt that Christ has come to do away with the sin offerings of the Mosaic system by His one offering which cleanses from all sin. It is a historical fact that after Christ died the sacrifices of the law ceased. Jews had no sacrifices for 1,900 years (Hos. 3:4-5).

The Figures of the True

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:23-25 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood of others 

‘Patterns’ [Greek: hupodeigma] a sign; token; copy; example or representation. Translated as “pattern” (9:23); “ensample” (2Pet. 2:6); and “example” (4:11; 8:5; John 13:15; Jas. 5:10). Here, the things in the tabernacle (8:5), were purified ceremonially by the blood of animals (9:18-23). The heavenly patterns are purified by the blood of Christ (9:12-15, 23).

‘For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.’ Christ is not entered into earthly holy places to minister, but into heaven itself to represent us (8:1-6). No earthly buildings can be called holy places, for our bodies are now the earthly vessels through which God are glorified on earth (1Cor. 6:19-20).

‘Figures’ [Greek: antitupon] an antitype; exact representation (1Pet. 3:21). The earthly holy places and things are mere representations of the true and the heavenly (9:24).

‘Appear’ [Greek: emphanizo] to show forth; make clear and plain. Translated as “appear” (9:24; Matt. 27:53); “manifest” (John 14:21-22); “show” (Acts 23:22); “declare plainly” (11:14); “inform” (Acts 24:1; 25:2, 15); and “signify” (Acts 23:15). Christ represents us (1Jn. 2:1-2).

‘Nor yet that he should offer himself often.’ Christ does not have to offer Himself and die often, as under the law (Lev. 16:1-34). It is enough that He died once and for all to put away sin (9:25-28; 10:1-18).

All Things are by the Law Purged – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:19-22 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God had enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 

‘Purged with blood.’ Ceremonially purged (9:13), not purged from sin (10:4).

‘Without shedding of blood.’ Here Paul shows that there can be no redemption except through the blood of Christ, and to prefigure this the law could not grant any remission of sin without the blood of a victim.

‘Blood is not remission.’ The word “atonement” is used 80 times in the Old Testament and only 1 time in the New Testament. The word “blood” is used 329 times in the Old Testament and 101 times in the New Testament.

Fourteen blessings of the blood: Atonement for the soul (Lev. 17:11; Rom. 3:24; 5:11; Col. 1:20). Remission of sins (9:22; Matt. 26:28; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7). Life and peace (Rom. 5:1-21; Col. 1:20). Redemption (9:12-15; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:18-23; Rev. 5:9). Justification (Rom. 5:9; Gal. 3:6-14; Acts 13:38-39). Brought close (10:19; Eph. 2:13). A pure conscience (9:14). Cleansing from sin (1Jn. 1:7). Sanctification (10:10-14; 13:20). New covenant (10:29; 12:24; 13:20; Matt. 26:28). The new birth (1Pet. 1:18-23). Overcoming power (Rev. 12:11). A member of the Body of Christ (Acts 20:28). Salvation (9:15; Ps. 51:1-19).

All Things are by the Law Purged – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:19-22 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God had enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 

‘This is the blood of the testament which God had enjoined unto you.’ Quoted from Exodus 24:4-8 (cp. Matt. 26:28). This represents Christ’s blood. The wine was “the fruit of the vine” and should not be substituted by water, intoxicants, or anything else (Matt. 26:29). If any scripture is worth obeying, then it should be obeyed to the letter. No covenant was made without blood (9:20; Ex. 24:8), and there can be no remission of sins without it (9:22; Lev. 17:11). Christ’s own blood atoned for sin and it alone can redeem if accepted for personal atonement and proper terms are met (9:12-15; 10:19-29; 12:24; 13:12, 20; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; John 6:53-56; 19:34; Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9; 1Cor. 10:16; 11:25; Eph. 1:7; 2:13-16; Col. 1:14-20; 1Pet. 1:2, 18-23; 1Jn. 1:7; 5:6; Rev. 1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11).

‘Ministry’ [Greek: leitourgia] is translated as “ministry” (8:6; 9:21); “ministration” (Luke 1:23); and “service” (2Cor. 9:12; Php. 2:17, 30).

‘Almost all things are by the law.’ Almost. Some were ceremonially purged with water and fire (Num. 31:23) and some with the ashes of a red heifer (Num. 19:2-10), but ALL were first consecrated by blood.

To be continued…

The Testator

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:16-18 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 

‘Testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.’ All redemptive covenants, whether typical or actual, were ratified by the death of a victim (Gen. 15:9-18). The Old Covenant thus ends with Christ’s crucifixion, when He was offered as the only and final sacrifice for all sin, and the New Covenant starts.

‘Testator’ -The New Covenant ratified: [Greek: diatithemai] arrange; to make a covenant with; appoint; to dispose of by a will; make a testament. Translated as “testator” (9:16-17); “make” (8:10; 10:16; Acts 3:25); and “appoint” (Luke 22:29). In this case, the word refers to the death of Christ who was charged to make the new covenant with man. Since the victims involved were under the penalty of death for their sins, and since the covenant had to do with the redemption of these victims from their sins by the death of a substitute, it was necessary for the one making the covenants to die to redeem those He volunteered to free from death. Such a covenant could only be in force after the victim was dead and the covenant ratified by such death (9:17).

‘Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.’ Wherefore, as the death of a victim was necessary to ratify covenants, the first or Mosaic covenant was dedicated by blood (9:18-22).

‘Dedicated’ [Greek: engkainizo] is translated as consecrate or dedicate (10:20).

The Mediator of the NewTestament

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:15  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 

‘And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament.’To this end, Christ became the mediator of the new covenant, that through His death sins could be remitted and men be given eternal inheritance.

‘Mediator’ [Greek: mesites] mediator, Moses (John 1:17; Deut. 5:1-33). Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (8:6; 9:15; 12:24; 1Tim. 2:5). This again is proof that Christ and God are separate Persons, for a mediator is the middle person mediating between TWO other persons who are at enmity with each other.

‘New Testament’ [Greek: diatheke] Translated as “covenant” 18 times (8:6-10; 9:4; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20; Luke 1:72; Acts 3:25; 7:8; Rom. 9:4; 11:27; Gal. 3:15, 17; 4:24; Eph. 2:12;) and “testament” 12 times (7:22; 9:15-20; Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1Cor. 11:25; 2Cor. 3:6, 14; Rev. 11:19).

‘By means of death’ – It was only through death that man could be saved, for death was the penalty for sin (2:9-15; 9:15; Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:6-11; 6:10; 14:9; 1Cor. 15:3; 2Cor. 5:14-21; Col. 1:14-22; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘For the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.’Christ died to redeem the Old Testament saints who looked forward to the cross by faith as we look back to the cross by faith (11:1-40).

‘They which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.’ Final calling and election are based upon meeting the terms of God in our period of probation. It is at the end of a life of conformity to the gospel that we receive the eternal inheritance (1Cor. 9:25-27; 2Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:4-5, 9, 13; 2Pet. 1:4-10).

The Eternal Spirit

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

‘For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies.’ For if these carnal rites and ceremonies set the body apart and ceremonially purify the flesh of defilement giving it re-admission to public worship and freedom from temporal punishments of the law, how much more shall the blood of Christ through the Holy Spirit purge your conscience from sin and make you inwardly holy before God (9:13-15)?

‘Purifying of the flesh’ The rituals of the law only cleansed the body – the flesh. The blood of Christ cleanses the soul and spirit and reconciles one to God (9:14-15; Col. 1:14-22; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 1:5).

‘Eternal Spirit’ – The Holy Spirit is eternal (1Jn. 5:7).

‘Spirit offered himself without spot to God.’ Through the Spirit: Christ was begotten (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35). Christ was trained (Isa. 50:4; Luke 2:40, 52). Christ was tested (Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1). Christ worked (Matt. 12:28; Luke 4:14-21; Acts 10:38; Isa. 11:1-2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2). Christ offered himself as a sacrifice (Heb. 9:14). Christ was resurrected (Rom. 8:11). Christ was justified (1Tim. 3:16).

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

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

Twenty-two warnings to Christians from Hebrews: We ought to give the more earnest heed lest we slip away from the truth (2:1). How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (2:3). Whose house are we, if we hold fast the hope firm unto the end (3:6). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (3:12). Exhort one another daily … lest any of you be hardened through sin (3:13). We are made partakers of Christ if we hold steadfast unto the end (3:14). Let us, therefore, fear, lest you come short of the promised rest (4:1-2). 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).

‘Redemption’ [Greek: lutrosis] is a ransoming. It is from lutron (a ransom price of redemption; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45) and lutroo to redeem (1Pet. 1:18; Luke 24:21; Tit. 2:14).

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

‘Eternal’ – The redemption price that stands good forever. It is eternal in its merit and efficacy. Man’s possession of it does not make it eternal. It would be eternal if no man ever received or kept it. There are certain conditions one must meet to get it and keep it.

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood – take part in communion (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls through a sinless life (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep God’s commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 2:26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John. 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

To be continued…

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

‘Good things to come’ – The realities of Christianity that were typified by the law system (10:1).

‘By’ [Greek: dia] through; referring to His passing through the heavens into the heavenly tabernacle to appear in the holy of holies there for us (9:11, 24).

‘Not of this building’ – Not of an earthly tabernacle like the tabernacle of Moses which was made by human hands.

‘Building’ [Greek: ktisis] creation (Mark 10:6; 13:19; Rom. 1:20; 8:22; 2Pet. 3:4; Rev. 3:14), creature (Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:25; 8:19-21, 39; 2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Col. 1:15, 1:23; Heb. 4:13); building (9:11); and ordinance (1Pet. 2:13).

‘Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood.’ Christ does not minister in an earthly tabernacle or offer the blood of goats and calves which cannot take away sins. He ministers in the holy place in heaven where He has offered the true atonement – His own blood which brings eternal redemption.

‘Once’ – He made atonement once for all and does not have to make a daily atonement as earthly priests (7:27; 9:6-7, 25-28; 10:1-18).

‘Obtained’ [Greek: heurisko] to find; discover; procure; obtain. Translated as “obtain” (9:12); “get” (Luke 9:12); “perceive” (Acts 23:29); and “find” 174 times (4:16; 11:5; 12:17; etc.). Christ found and obtained for man the only method of eternal salvation, that of dying in man’s place (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 2:9-15; 1Pet. 2:24).

To be continued…