Tag: Gospel

Until the Time of Reformation

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Hebrews 9:9-10 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 

‘Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.’ These refer to true Bible types. Not only were the Tabernacle and its services of “the time then present” a parable or an illustration of good things to come, but they were nothing more than temporary outward rites and ceremonies to be observed until the setting of all things right when the Messiah should come (9:10). They stood for the body and could not save the soul. The word “carnal” simply refers to that which is natural, not necessarily sinful. It is not used in a sinful sense here and in many other places. Had these carnal ordinances been sinful, God would not have commanded them to be observed, nor could they have been shadows of good things to come (8:5; 10:1).

‘Imposed’ [Greek: epikeimai] to be laid upon; imposed on. Translated as “imposed on” (9:10); “press upon” (Luke 5:1); and “lie upon” (John 11:38; 21:9; Acts 27:20; 1Cor. 9:16). These natural rites and ceremonies were commanded by divine authority, as proper representations of the gospel system, which should come and rectify all things.

‘Until the time’ – The law was to be in force only until Christ came (Matt. 11:13; Luke 16:16; 2Cor. 3:6-14; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 7:28; 9:9-10).

‘Reformation’ [Greek: diorthosis] is a making straight; correcting; amending of a fault; reformation. It refers to correcting the faults and weaknesses of the law of Moses by the abolishment of it, and the substitution of a perfect covenant which meets every need wherein the law failed (7:11-19, 27-28).

Pertaining to the Conscience

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Hebrews 9:7-9 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience 

‘Once every year’ – On the great day of atonement (Lev. 16:14; 23:27). This going only once a year into the holy of holies testified that the way into the holiest of heaven had not been made (9:8). Now it has been made by the death of Christ (10:19-23).

‘Figure’ [Greek: parabole] is translated as “figure,” but in the gospels it is always translated “parable,” except in Mark 4:30 and Luke 4:22. A shadow of the realities in Christ (8:5; 10:1). A program of types for the time then present – the dispensation of law in which both gifts sacrifices were offered, none of which could make men perfect as to the conscience (9:9; 10:1-18).

‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] is the joint knowledge of God and man; knowledge of our acts, state, or character as to right and wrong; the faculty, power, or principle which decides the lawfulness of our actions and affections, and approves or condemns them; the moral faculty or sense; consciousness of actions; the eye, judge, and guide of the inner man. Used 32 times. The word “conscience” is not found in the Old Testament. There are twelve kinds of conscience: Awakened (John 8:9); Seared (1Tim. 4:2); Purged (Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2); Pure (Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3); Weak (1Cor. 8:7, 12, 13); Defiled (Tit. 1:15); Witnessing (Rom. 2:12-15; 9:1; 2Cor. 1:12); Good (Acts 23:1; 1Tim. 1:5, 19; 1Pet. 2:19; 3:16, 21; Heb. 13:18); Convicting or healthy (Matt. 27:3); Satisfied (1Cor. 10:25-29); Evil (Heb. 10:22); Perfect (Heb. 9:9).

Shadowing the Mercyseat

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Hebrews 9:4-6 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 

‘Ark of the covenant’ – A box or chest about 0,9 x 0,9 x 1,5 meter in which were the golden pot of manna (9:4; Ex. 16:32-34), Aaron’s rod that budded (Num. 17:1-13), and the tables of the covenant – two stones on which were written the Ten Commandments (2Cor 3:3, 7; Ex. 25:16). The golden censor (Lev. 16:12) appears to have been left in the holy of holies with the ark.

‘And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat.’ This describes the lid to the ark of the covenant (Ex. 25:10-22). Two cherubim, one on each end of the lid stretched forth their wings to touch each other over the mercy-seat which typified God’s throne and the divine presence (Ex. 25:18-22).

The cherubim were patterned after heavenly spirit beings (Ex. 25:18-22; cp. Ezek. 1:1-28, 8:1-18 and Ezek. 10:1-22). Between them was the mercy seat, the visible symbol of God’s presence. Their wings stretched over the mercy seat and their faces looked toward it, symbolizing the eternal watchfulness of angels in ministry to the redeemed, and their cooperation with God in the plan of redemption as typified by the Tabernacle and offerings of the law of Moses (Ex. 25:21-22; 30:16; Heb. 1:14). The cherubim and mercy seat was beaten out of a piece of pure gold – no dross or alloys – signifying freedom from hypocrisy in God’s dealings with Israel (Ex. 25:17-22; 37:6-9).

Ordinances of Divine Service

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Hebrews 9:1-3 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all

‘Ordinances’ [Greek: dikaioma] rites and ceremonies. Translated ordinances (Heb. 9:1, 10); judgment (Rom. 1:32; Rev. 15:4); righteousness (Rom. 2:26; 5:18; 8:4; Rev. 19:8); and justification (Rom. 5:16).

‘Worldly’ [Greek: kosmikos] earthly; of the world (Tit. 2:12). This refers to the tabernacle made by Moses after the patterns shown him of heavenly things (8:5; 9:23-24).

‘Tabernacle’ [Greek: skene] Translated as “tabernacle” 19 times and “habitation” once (Luke 16:9). Seven kinds of tabernacles: Temporary dwellings (Matt. 17:4; Mark 9:5). Tabernacle of Moloch (Acts 7:43-44). Kingdom of David (Acts 15:16). Heavenly sanctuary (8:2; 9:11). Mosaic tabernacle (8:5; 9:2, 6, 8, 21; 13:10). Tents of dwelling (11:9). The Holy City (Rev. 13:6; 21:2-23).

The heavenly tabernacle is called the temple of God in Isaiah 6:1; Revelation 3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 14:15, 17; 15:5-8; 16:1, 17.

‘First, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread.’ The first room of the tabernacle – the holy place wherein there were: The golden candlestick (lampstand) (9:2; Ex. 25:31-40). The golden altar of incense (9:2; Ex. 30:1-10). The table of showbread with 12 loaves representing 12 tribes (9:2; Ex. 25:23-30).

‘Second veil’ – A second veil separates the holy place from the most holy place or holy of holies. The first veil separated the holy place from the tabernacle court and prevented the people from looking into the holy place (Ex. 26:31-38).

‘Holiest of all’ – The holy of holies which contained the ark of the covenant (9:4-5; Ex. 25:10).

I Will Put My Laws Into Their Mind

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Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he said, A new covenant, he had made the first old. Now that which decayed and waxed old is ready to vanish away. 

‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord …’ The nature of the gospel system: I will put My laws in their mind (8:10). They will be fully enlightened and have perfect knowledge of truth. I will write them in their hearts (8:10). All their affections, passions, and appetites shall be purified so that they shall willingly obey My Word. I will be their God, and they shall be My people (8:10). I will make them new creatures and unite them to Me forever (2Cor. 5:17). They shall all know Me from the least to the greatest of them (8:11). I will be merciful when they commit injustices against God or man (8:12). I will forgive their sins and lawlessness, remembering them no more (8:12). All this implies genuine repentance and forsaking of sin (Zech. 12:10-13:1; Rom. 11:25-29).

‘Old’ [Greek: palaioo] to annul; be antiquated; no longer in force; to be obsolete, out of date. Translated “old” and “decay” (8:13) and “wax old” (Luke 12:33; Heb. 1:11).

‘Waxed old’ [Greek: gerasko] to grow aged; become old and infirm.

‘Vanish away’ [Greek: aphanismos] making away with; disappearance. Employed only here, but used by the Greeks for laws that became outdated and abolished.

I Will Make a New Covenant

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Hebrews 8:7-9 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he said, Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, said the Lord. 

‘First covenant had been faultless.’ The law of Moses was faulty and had to be done away so that the perfect covenant might come into force.

There are fifteen things that the Law could not do: Justify (Acts 13:38-39; Gal. 2:16); Free from sin and death (Rom. 8:2); Free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4); Redeem (Rom. 3:24-31; Gal. 3:13-14); Give inheritance (Rom. 4:13-14); Bring righteousness (Rom. 8:4); Impart Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:2); Perform miracles (Gal. 3:5); Free from the curse (Gal. 3:10-14); Impart faith (Gal. 3:12); Impart grace (Gal. 5:4); Make perfect (Heb. 7:19); Control sin in man (Rom. 7:7-23; 8:2); Keep man from sin (Rom. 7:7-23; 8:7); Enable a man to obey (Heb. 7:18).

‘Second’ – The second or the new covenant was necessary because the first or the old covenant did not provide salvation and eternal life.

‘Finding fault with them’ -This could refer to finding fault with the Jews and not with the covenant, as Jeremiah 31:31-34 complains that they broke the covenant; but Hebrews 8:7 is clear that the covenant itself was faulty.

‘Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.’ This is the 19th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (8:8-12; Jer. 31:31-34).

‘And with the house of Judah’ – With both houses of Israel – all the descendants of the 13 tribes.

‘Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers.’ The new covenant is far different from the old covenant in nature and contents.

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

A Better Covenant – Part 8

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in Revelation: Blessing by reading (Rev. 1:3); The tree of life (Rev. 2:7; 22:2); Escape from hell (Rev. 2:11); A white stone (Rev. 2:17); A new name; Power to rule nations (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:9-10; 22:4-5); The morning star (Rev. 2:28); White robes (Rev. 3:4-5; 7:9; 19:8); Name retained in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; cp. Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-28); A place in God’s temple (Rev. 3:12); The name of God; The name of God’s city; Christ’s new name; The descent of the Holy City to earth (Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 9-10); Eternal supply (Rev. 7:16); No more heat; Divine shepherding (Rev. 7:17); No more tears (Rev. 7:17; 21:4); Defeat of all earthly kindoms (Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21; 20:1-10); Rest from hard labour (Rev. 14:13); Works will be manifest; Kingship and priesthood (Rev. 20:4-6; 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5); God’s tabernacle with human beings (Rev. 21:3); No more death (Rev. 21:4); No more sorrow; No more pain; All things new (Rev. 21:5); Water of life (Rev. 21:6; 22:3, 17); Eternal nations to be saved and multiply forever (Rev. 21:24-27; 11:15; 22:4-5); Eternal healing (Rev. 22:2); No more curse (Rev. 22:3); A right to the tree of life (Rev. 22:14); A right to enter the Holy City (Rev. 22:14; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15); Plagues of Revelation upon rebels (Rev. 22:18-19); Names of rebels blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 22:19; cp. Rev. 3:5; Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-29); Rebels lose their right to the Holy City (Rev. 22:19); Rebels will be denied the blessings of Revelation (Rev. 22:19); Soon return of Jesus Christ to fulfill all the above promises (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20; cp. Rev. 3:11).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits because many of the promises are repeated in different books. Some are not in the form of a promise, but the truths they contain make the basis of our claims for gospel benefits, so they are listed as promises. Generally, verses are listed with the book wherein the promise is found first.

A Better Covenant – Part 7

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in Philippians and Timothy: Peace shall keep you (Php. 4:7); Needs supplied (Php. 4:19); God’s will to save all people (1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17); Profit in godliness (1Tim. 4:8); Power, love, and a sound mind (2Tim. 1:7); Honour and usefulness (2Tim. 2:21); Crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8).

Promises in Hebrews: Angel ministers (Heb. 1:14); Help in temptation (Heb. 2:18); Partaking of Christ (Heb. 3:14); A high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 6:20); Uttermost salvation (Heb. 7:25); A better covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); A new covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); Personal representation (Heb. 9:24); Eternal substance (Heb. 10:34); Holy City (Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14); A better thing (Heb. 11:40); Disciple (Heb. 12:6, 11; Rev. 3:19); Jesus to be the same (Heb. 13:8).

Promises in James: God to be the same (Jas. 1:17); Liberal answers to prayer (Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Matt. 21:21-22); Crown of life (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10); Grace (Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:5); satan to flee when resisted (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9); God to pity sufferers (Jas. 5:11).

Promises in 1 Peter and 2 Peter: New birth (1Pet. 1:23; 1Jn. 5:1); Crown of glory (1Pet. 5:4); All things (2Pet. 1:3); Great promises (2Pet. 1:4); The divine nature (2Pet. 1:4); Escape from the corruption of the world (2Pet. 1:4); Security (2Pet. 1:10); Abundant entrance into the kingdom of God (2Pet. 1:11); New Heaven and New Earth (2Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21-22).

Promises in 1 John and 2 John: Cleansing from sin (1Jn. 1:7, 9); An advocate with God (1Jn. 2:1-2); Boldness in judgment (1Jn. 4:17); Witness of sonship (1Jn. 5:10-11); Renewed life (1Jn. 5:16; Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 4:19; 6:1); Eternal truth (2Jn. 1:2); Both God and Christ (2Jn. 1:9).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 6

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in 1 Corinthians: Confirmation (1Cor. 1:8); God to be faithful (1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 1Thess. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 13:5); Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1Cor. 1:30); Unlimited blessings (1Cor. 3:21-23; Eph. 1:3); Judgeship of saints (1Cor. 6:2-3); Nine spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:8-11); Baptism in one body (1Cor. 12:13); Eternal love (1Cor. 13:8); Perfection (1Cor. 13:10; 1Pet. 5:10); We shall know as known (1Cor. 13:12; 15:35-54); Putting down of rebellion on earth (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21-22); Destruction of death (1Co. 15:26).

Promises in 2 Corinthians: All promises true (2Cor. 1:20); Removal of blindness when the heart turns to God (2Cor. 3:16); Liberty (2Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:13); Transformation (2Cor. 3:18); Constant physical degeneration and spiritual renewal (2Cor. 4:16-17); New creation work (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:24; Heb. 8:10-12); Divine fellowship (2Cor. 6:16; Heb. 8:10; Jas. 4:8; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 3:20); Divine reception (2Cor. 6:17); Divine Fatherhood (2Cor. 6:18; Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Heb. 12:5-10); Riches (2Cor. 8:9); Bountiful reaping (2Cor. 9:6); All sufficiency (2Cor. 9:8); Eternal righteousness (2Cor. 9:9); Increased righteousness (2Cor. 9:10); Enrichment in all things (2Cor. 9:11); Spiritual weapons (2Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18); Perfect strength (2Cor. 12:9); Life by God’s power (2Cor. 13:4).

Promises in Galatians: Deliverance from the present evil world (Gal. 1:4); Abraham’s blessing (Gal. 3:14); Heirship (Gal. 3:29; Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7); Adoption as sons (Gal. 4:5-7, 31; Eph. 1:5); Eternal death for sin (Gal. 5:21).

Promises in Ephesians: Redemption (Eph. 1:7, 14; Col. 1:14; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 2:9-15; 9:11-15); Restitution of all things (Eph. 1:10; Acts 3:21; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:1-27); Boldness and access to God (Eph. 2:18; 3:12; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23); Heavenly citizenship (Eph. 2:19; Php. 3:20); God’s infinite power (Eph. 3:20); Sealing (Eph.4:30; 1:13; John 6:27; Rom. 4:11; 2Cor. 1:22); Sanctification (Eph. 5:26; Heb. 10:10); Long life (Eph. 6:3); Soul-winning power (Eph. 6:15; 1Pet. 2:21-23).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 5

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in Acts: Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 2:13; 3:24-28; 4:25; 5:1-2; 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:24); Restoration of Israel (Acts 15:16-17; Rom. 11:25-29; Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27); Nearness of God (Acts 17:27; Eph. 2:13; Jas. 4:8); Edification (Acts 30:32); An eternal inheritance (Acts 26:17; 1Cor. 2:9; Eph. 1:1-23; 1Pet. 1:4; Rev. 21:7); Deliverance (Acts 26:18; Rom. 8:21).

Promises in Romans: Goodness of God (Rom. 2:4; 11:22); Justice (Rom. 2:6, 12-16; 8:33; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 4:5; 11:31); Indignation and wrath (Rom. 2:8-9); Glory and honour (Rom. 2:10; 8:18); Impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11); Righteousness (Rom. 3:22; 4:5, 16, 24; 5:19; 1Cor. 1:30); Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:11-12); God for all people (Rom. 3:29-30); Salvation from wrath (Rom. 5:9-10); Victory (Rom. 5:17; 8:4, 13; 37; 2Cor. 2:14; 1Jn. 5:4); Abundant grace (Rom. 5:20-21); Newness of life (Rom. 6:5, 8); A spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6); Restoration of creation (Rom. 8:21; Eph. 1:10, 12; Rev. 21:3-7; 22:3); Divine help (Rom. 8:26-27, 31, 34; 14:4; 1Cor. 10:13); A short work of God (Rom. 9:28); Salvation of Gentiles (Rom. 9:25-26; 11:11-12; 15:21); Salvation of Israel (Rom. 9:27; 11:23-39; Heb. 8:10-12; 10:17); Boldness (not ashamed of Christ, Rom. 9:33; 10:11; 1Pet. 2:6); End of law in Christ (Rom. 10:4); Word near all people (Rom. 10:8); Simplicity of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:2; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Thess. 2:13); Faith (Rom. 10:17; 1Cor. 12:9); Holiness (Rom. 11:16; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cp. Heb. 12:14); God unchangeable (Rom. 11:29); God’s vengeance (Rom. 12:19); Blessing or cursing (Rom. 13:2-3); Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17); Coming Messiah to reign (Rom. 15:12); satan’s defeat (Rom. 16:20; cp. Rev. 12:7-12; 20:1-10).

To be continued…