Tag: Hebrews

Rest to the People of God

~ 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

~ 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

~ 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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a 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. 

‘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

~ 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).

Harden Not Your Hearts – Part 2

~ 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).

Harden Not Your Hearts – Part 1

~ 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 

‘Wherefore’ – For this reason – because there is a danger of failing to hold fast the hope of eternal life unto the end (3:6), the Holy Spirit here warns Christians – not sinners – to take heed, seeing to it that they do not fail God as many in Israel did and were cut off (3:7-14).

‘To day if you will hear his voice …’ This is the 11th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (3:7-8; Ps. 95:7-11) and it is fulfilled. These words were originally a warning to Israel not to provoke God, lest they be excluded from the rest He had promised them. Paul quoted the words as a warning to Christians who could, through temptation and sin, fail to receive the eternal rest promised to them.

Twenty-two warnings to Christians: 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).

To be continued…

Rejoicing of the Hope – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

‘Confidence’ (continues) – From Psalms 66:18 we see that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us. Iniquity in the heart is the reason for many unanswered prayers. The writer says, If I had seen iniquity in my heart and encouraged it; if I had pretended to be what I was not; and if I had loved iniquity while I professed to pray and be sorry for my sin, the Lord would not have heard me. I would have been left without His help and support in my time of trouble.

‘Hope’ – The hope here is that of eternal life. Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Firm’ [Greek: bebaios] firm (3:6); stedfast (2:2; 3:14; 6:19; 2Cor. 1:7); sure (Rom. 4:16; 2Pet. 1:10, 1:19); and of force (9:17)..

‘End’ – Five things we must do to the end: Endure to the end to be saved (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13). Hold fast the hope of eternal life to the end (3:6). Hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (3:14). Show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end (6:11). Overcome and keep Christ’s works to the end (Rev. 2:26).

Rejoicing of the Hope – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

‘Whose house are we.’ This is Paul’s explanation of what he means by Christ’s house which He is building. We are that house – if we meet the condition of being a member of it, and “if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

‘Hold fast’ [Greek: katecho] hold fast (3:6; 10:23; 1Thess. 5:21); withhold (2Thess. 2:6); hold (3:14; Rom. 1:18; 7:6); retain (Phm. 1:13); stay (Luke 4:42); let (2Thess. 2:7); keep (Luke 8:15; 1Cor. 11:2); keep in memory (1Cor. 15:2); take (Luke 14:9); seize on (Matt. 21:38); possess (1Cor. 7:30); and make toward (Acts 27:40).

‘Confidence’ – Liberty in prayer [Greek: parrhesia] freedom of speech; liberty of access to God. Translated: Boldness of speech (2Cor. 7:4). Plainness of speech (2Cor. 3:12). Freely (Acts 2:29). Openly (Mark 8:32; John 7:4, 13; 11:54; 18:20; Col. 2:15). Boldly (John 7:26; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 4:16). Boldness (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:20; 1Tim. 3:13; Heb. 10:19; 1Jn. 4:17). Confidence (3:6; 10:35; Acts 28:31; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14) Here it refers to absolute confidence of access to God because all sins which separated from God are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In Old Testament days men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in time of need (4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to this liberty of access to God we are His house (3:6). If sin is in the life we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15).

To be continued…

More Glory than Moses

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 3:1b-5 …Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house had more honour than the house. For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after

‘In all his house.’ The house of Moses means the nation of Israel and the house of Christ refers to Christians (2:9-13; 3:6). Moses was not an ordinary prophet, but much more (cp. Deut. 18:18-19): He was a servant over God’s house (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:1-6). Israel is called God’s house in the same sense as the New Testament congregations (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 10:21; 1Pet. 2:5; 4:17). He spoke with God “mouth to mouth” (Num. 12:8). God and Moses actually saw each other and spoke face to face with audible voices (Ex. 33:11; Num. 14:14; Deut. 5:4; 34:10; cp. Jos. 6:22; 2Jn. 1:12). He saw God’s actual spirit [heavenly] body (Num. 12:8; Ex. 24:9-11; 33:11, 18-23).

‘More glory than Moses.’ Christ is better than Moses: He has a heavenly calling (3:1). He is the Apostle of our profession (3:1). High Priest of our profession (3:1). Christ is building His own house, consisting of Christian congregations (3:6), but Moses did not build his house, Israel (3:3). Christ as God created all things (3:4; 1:2; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15-18). Christ is a son over His house, not a servant as Moses was (3:5-6). Moses predicted Christ would be better than himself (3:5; Deut. 18:15-19).

‘For a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after.’ The law of Moses and some of his prophecies testified and typified the sufferings of Christ and other gospel truths, which were to be spoken later when the Messiah should come (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Luke 16:16; 24:25-27, 44-46).