Tag: Hebrews

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).

I will Put My Trust in Him

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Hebrews 2:13-15 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God had given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

‘I will put my trust in him.’ This is the 9th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:13; 2Sam. 22:3) and is fulfilled. From 2Samuel 22 and Psalms 18, we have twelve things that God is to His people: Rock (2Sam. 22:2, 3, 29, 31, 32, 33, 40; Ps. 18:2). Fortress. Deliverer. God of my Rock. Shield. The horn of my salvation. High tower. Refuge. Saviour. Lamp. Buckler. Strength.

‘Behold I and the children which God had given me.’ This is the 10th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:13; Isa. 8:18) that is fulfilled.

‘Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.’ Seeing that those whom He represents are flesh and blood, it was necessary for Him also to become flesh and blood that He might be capable of dying in their place, by this act of destroying satan and annulling his power of death over mankind.

‘And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.’ This refers to the deliverance of all righteous souls from the captivity of satan and their prison in the lower parts of the earth. Christ descended first into hell (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27), in the lower parts of the earth (Eph. 4:8-10; Matt. 12:40), then captured the righteous souls from satan, leading them captive to heaven when He ascended on high as referred to in Ephesians 4:8-10. This fulfilled Psalm 68:18. Before this, all righteous souls went into hades or sheol, along with the souls of the wicked, but in another compartment with a great gulf between them (Luke 16:19-31). Now, the souls of the righteous no longer go into the heart of the earth to be held captive against their will. They go immediately to paradise at physical death to await the resurrection of their bodies (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24). The wicked continue to go to the torment compartment of Hades or Sheol and will continue to do so until the end of the Millennium. Then death and Hades will deliver up the wicked souls who will be united with their bodies in the resurrection to be judged and sent to eternal hell (Rev. 20:11-15).

What is Man?

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Hebrews 2:5-9 For unto the angels had he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou are mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visited him? Thou made him a little lower than the angels; thou crowned him with glory and honour, and did set him over the works of thy hands: Thou had put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 

‘Unto the angels had he not put in subjection the world to come.’ The angels will not be the rulers on earth during the Millennium for they are not God’s children, heirs or co-heirs (Rom. 8:16-17).

‘World to come.’ This refers to the kingdom of the Messiah that wil start with the Millennium that follows the battle of Armageddon at the Second Coming of Christ.

‘What is man, that thou are mindful of Him? or the son of man, that thou visited him.’ This is the 7th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:6-7; Ps. 8:4-6) and it is unfulfilled but will be fulfilled in the Millennium and New Earth.

‘Did set him over the works of thy hands.’ Including the sun, moon, and stars to rule them (Ps. 8:3-6).

‘Put all things in subjection under his feet.’ The purpose of the first 1,000 years of the eternal reign of Christ is to put all enemies down and rid the earth of all rebellion (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 20:1-15).

‘For the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.’ This is why He was made lower than angels. They are immortal and cannot die (Matt. 22:30). Christ needed to be capable of death so that He might taste death for every man.

How shall We Escape

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Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 

‘How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? … What is man, that thou are mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visits him?’ If those who had fewer privileges were punished for every sin, we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished also for each sin. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

‘Neglect’ [Greek: ameleo] neglect (2:3; 1Tim. 4:14); be negligent (2Pet. 1:12); regard not (Heb. 8:9); and make light of (Matt. 22:5).

‘So great salvation’ – Ten reasons why salvation is great: [1] Its Founder: Christ preached it (2:3). [2] Its price: Death of only begotten Son (John 3:16; Col. 1:20; 1Pet. 2:24). [3] Its scope: (1) Time and eternity (2Cor. 6:2; Isa. 45:17; Heb. 5:9). (2) The Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 1:16). [4] Its benefits: (1) Physical healing (Acts 3:16; 4:9-12; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14). (2) Soul salvation (1Pet. 1:9; 2Cor. 7:10; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-9). (3) Deliverances (Ex. 14:13; 1Sam. 14:45; Isa. 33:2). (4) Joy and peace (Ps. 20:5; 51:12; Isa. 12:3; Rom. 5:1-2). (5) Preservation (Isa. 26:1). (6) Daily benefits (Ps. 68:19). [5] Its infinity: it reaches to the greatest depths and the farthest ends to redeem, exalting the redeemed to the highest heavens (Eph. 3:18; Acts 13:47; Ps. 98:3; Isa. 49:6). [6] Its divine source (Ps. 25:5; 37:39). [7] Its confirmation (Heb. 2:3-4; Mark 16:15-20). [8] Its basic requisites: Grace and faith alone (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 2:11). [9] Its exclusiveness (Acts 4:12). [10] Its utter simplicity of reception (John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9).

‘Confirmed unto us by them that heard him.’ Not only was it confirmed then, but it should be likewise confirmed today (Matt. 18:18; 28:20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1Cor. 12:4-11; etc.).

‘Also bearing them witness.’ God also bore witness. He did not leave the confirmation of such great salvation to men alone. He bore witness by: Signs and wonders (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 2:43; 5:16; 10:38; 1Cor. 12:4-31). Various miracles (Acts 2:43; 19:11). Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28-31; Rom. 1:11; Heb. 2:4). These powers are still for Christians today.

More Earnest Heed

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Hebrews 2:1-2 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward

‘Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard.’ Because God has spoken unto us by His Son, because He is such a glorious personage, and because what He says is of such infinite importance to our eternal welfare.

There are eighteen safeguards for Christians noted in Hebrews: Hearing (2:1); heeding (3:12); exhorting (3:13); fearing (4:1); labouring (4:11); coming (4:16; 10:19-20); leaving (6:1); showing (6:11-12); drawing (10:22); holding (3:6; 10:23); Laying (12:1); looking (12:2; Hebrews 15); considering (12:3); lifting (12:12); making (12:13); following (12:14); going (13:13); obeying (13:17).

‘Slip’ [Greek: pararrhueo] to flow beside or past; to slip away from one’s memory. Only here and means, lest we should let the truth slip away from us and forget we were purged from our old sins (2Pet. 1:4-10).

‘Word spoken by angels’ – Referring to the law which was given by angels (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19), and also to special messages from angels, as in the case of Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:17-26); Samson (Jdg. 13:5; with Jdg. 16:19-22), and others.

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

‘Transgression’ [Greek: parabasis] Here translated transgression and in Hebrews 9:15; Romans 4:15; 5:14; Galatians 3:19 and 1Timothy 2:14. Translated “breaking the law” in Romans 2:23.

‘Disobedience’ [Greek: parakoe] means an unwillingness to hear (2:2; Rom. 5:19; 2Cor. 10:6).

‘Recompense of reward’ [Greek: misthapodosia] payment of wages; recompense for breaking the law (2:2; 10:35; 11:26).

Ministering Spirits

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Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 

‘Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.’ This is the 6th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (1:13; Ps. 110:1) and is fulfilled (Matt. 26:64; Markl 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:1-3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22).

‘Sent forth to minister’ – Angelic Apostles [Greek: apostello] to send forth as a messenger with a commission, the sender remaining behind. An apostle is one thus sent. Here angels are sent like apostles to minister to the heirs of salvation. It is used for the apostles in Matthew 10:5, 16 and Mark 3:14; 6:7. The word is used 133 times and generally for special missions, not for a permanent job or calling. This may help us to understand why the disciples failed in Matthew 17:1-27, after being sent on a special mission with the power to heal and represent Christ in the cities He was to visit on a special tour. They evidently received power for this one mission, Christ knowing that their full reception of power would come later at Pentecost (Acts 1:8).

‘Heirs’ [Greek: kleronomeo] heirs (1:14; Gal. 4:30); obtain by inheritance (1:4); and to inherit (Matt. 5:5; 19:29; 25:34; Mark 10:17; Luke 10:25; 18:18; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 15:50; Gal. 5:21; Heb. 6:12; 12:17; 1Pet. 3:9; Rev. 21:7). Salvation, like eternal life, is not an unforfeitable possession until we inherit it fully in the next life (Rom. 13:11; 1Thess. 5:9; Heb. 9:28; 1Pet. 1:5, 9,  13).

In the Beginning Part 1

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Hebrews 1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning had laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remained; and they all shall wax old as do a garment; And as a vesture shall thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou are the same, and thy years shall not fail. 

‘Thou, Lord, in the beginning had laid …’ This is the 5th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (1:10-12; Ps. 102:25-27) and is unfulfilled. This will be fulfilled at the end of the Millennium when the heavens and earth will be renovated and made renewed (1:10-12; 12:25-28; Rom. 8:21-25; 2Pet. 3:10-13).

‘Foundation of the earth’ [Greek: katabole] to cast or throw down (note the verb kataballo, translated as “cast down” in 2Cor. 4:9; Rev. 12:10). 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, 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; 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 systems, 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).

To be continued…

Unto the Son He Said

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Hebrews 1:8-9 But unto the Son he said, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou had loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, had anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 

‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever …’ This is the 4th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (1:8-9; Ps. 45:6-7) and it is unfulfilled.

‘Sceptre’ – A rod or staff and a symbol of power and government (Ps. 2:9; Rev. 2:27).

‘Thou had loved righteousness, and hated iniquity.’ This is characteristic of a just ruler.

‘God, even thy God, had anointed thee.’ This is spoken of the Son by the prophet. How could the Son have a God who would anoint Him if He Himself were the only God? This clearly proves two separate Persons, both called God (1:8-9).

‘Above thy fellows’ – Threefold office of Christ – No man was ever anointed as prophet, priest, and king before Christ or thereafter. Some were anointed kings, some prophets, and some priests, but in Christ, all these offices are combined. He is Prophet to all mankind (Matt. 5:3-12, 17-20; 7:21-23; 8:11-12; 10:15, 17-23, 25-26, 41-42; 11:20-24; 12:36-37, 39-42, 45; 13:24-33, 35, 39-50; 15:13; 16:18, 21, 27-28; 17:22-23; 18:7, 35; 19:28-30; 20:18-19, 23; 21:2-3, 31; 22:30; 23:34-39; 24:2,4-25:46; 26:12-13, 18, 24-32, 34, 45-46, 64; 27:63; John 1:50-51; 2:19; 4:21, 50; 5:20, 28-30, 43; 6:35-40, 44-45, 62; 7:37-39; 8:21; 10:14-18; 12:31-32; 13:21, 26, 28-30; 15:18-21, 26-27; 16:1-16, 19-28, 32-33; 20:1721:18; Acts 1:4-8; Rev. 1:1-22:21), High Priest to the whole race (3:1; 4:14-16; 5:6; 6:20; 7:11-17), and King of all nations (Dan. 7:13-14; Isa. 9:6-7; Zech. 14:9; Luke 1:32-33; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 11:15; 22:4-5).

He is also called “The Creator;” (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-3) “Mediator;” (1Tim. 2:4-5; Heb. 8:6) “Head of the Body;” (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:16-24) “Saviour;” (2Pet. 3:2) “Judge;” (2Tim. 4:1) “Preserver;” (Heb. 1:1-3) “Life-Giver;” (John 10:28; 17:2) “Lord and Christ;” (Acts 2:36) “The Resurrection and the Life” (Jn. 11:25).

Some men tend to call themselves the prophet, priest and king of their household and over their wives and children, but it is against Scripture and blasphemous to put oneself equal to Christ’s offices for which He gave His life for all of mankind. No man can qualify for these roles in someone else’s life and marriage was not made to elevate one sex or role above the other (Eph. 5: 22-32; Gal. 3:28).

His Ministers a Flame of Fire Part 1

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Hebrews 1:6-7 And again, when he brought in the firstbegotten into the world, he said, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he said, Who made his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 

‘And let all the angels of God worship him.’ This is the 3rd Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (1:6; Deut. 32:43) and has been fulfilled. This prophecy is quoted from the Septuagint of Deuteronomy 32:43, “Rejoice, you heaven, together with him; and let all the angels of God worship him.”

‘Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.’ Quoted from Psalms 104:4.

‘Angel spirits’ – The word “spirit” is found 551 times in Scripture. From these references, the 297 times “angel” is found, and from over 20,000 others about God who is a spirit being, we learn all there is to know about the spirit world – all the various kinds of spirit beings that inhabit the unseen material world and under the earth (Php. 2:10; Rev. 5:3, 13).

There are ten kinds of spirit beings besides God: [1] Seraphim (Isa. 6:1-7). [2] Cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1:5-28; 8:1-4; 10:1-22). [3] Zoa, or Living Creatures (Rev. 4:6 – 5:14; 6:1-8; 7:11; 14:3, 9-11; 15:7; 19:4). [4] Spirit animals are shaped like the fleshly ones we have on earth (2Kin. 2:11-12; 6:13-17; Zech. 1:8-11; 6:1-8; Rom. 1:20; 2Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 19:11-21). [5] Archangels, or chief angels rule kingdoms (Col. 1:15-18; 1Thess. 4:16; Jude 1:9). (1) Michael, one of the chief princes, the prince of Israel (Dan. 10:13, 21; 11:1; 12:1; 1Thess. 4:16; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7-9). (2) Gabriel, who stands before God (Dan. 8:16-19; 9:20-23; 10:8 – 11:1; Luke 1:19, 26). (3) Lucifer, the original ruler of the Earth and present pseudo-ruler of man’s dominion on Earth (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 10:18; Eph. 2:2; Rev. 12:7-9). (4) Unnamed princes of Persia and Grecia (Dan. 10:13 – 11:1; Rev. 11:7; 17:8).

To be continued…