A Shadow of Good Things to Come

February 28, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 10:1-3 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

‘Shadow of good things to come.’ The law gave only a faint outline of good things to come (8:5; Col. 2:14-17).

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] form, a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image (Matt. 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24; Rom. 1:23; 1Cor. 11:7; 15:49; 2Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Rev. 13:14-15; 9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4). It is used only three times of moral and spiritual likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10).

‘Can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.’ There are fifteen things noted in Scripture 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 the 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).

After This the Judgment – Part 3

February 27, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 9:27-28 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

‘Bear’ [Greek: anaphero] Translated as “offer up” (7:27; 13:15; Jas. 2:21; 1Pet. 2:5); “bear” (9:28; 1Pet. 2:24); “lead,” “carry,” and “bring up” (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 24:51).

‘Look’ [Greek: apekdechomai] wait for (Rom. 8:19, 23, 25; 1Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5) and look for (9:28; Php. 3:20; 1Pet. 3:20).

‘Second time without sin unto salvation.’ This refers to the second coming when Christ will come to earth without being a sin offering to save men. He will come the next time to reign and put all enemies under His feet. The time of the Second Coming according to Scripture: Immediately after the tribulation (Matt. 24:29; 25:31; Rev. 11:1-19:21). At the beginning of the Millennium (Rev. 19:11-21; 20:1-10). After the Antichrist reigns 31/2 years (Rev. 13:5; 19:11-21; 2Thess. 2:7-8). At the end of this age (Matt. 13:38-43, 47-50; 24:3, 29-31; 25:31-46). After the ten kingdoms are formed inside the old Roman empire (Dan. 2:44-45; 7:23-24; Rev. 13:1-18; 19:11-21). In the days of terrible moral conditions as in the days of Lot and Noah (Matt. 24:37-51; Luke 17:22-27; 2Tim. 3:1-13; 4:1-4; 2Pet. 2:1-22; Jude 1). After the congregational period (2Thess. 2:7-8; Acts 15:13-18; Jude 1:14; Zech. 14:5). When Jerusalem is surrounded by armies and half the city is taken (Zech. 14:1-5, 14-21; Joel 3:1-21). After the resurrection of the righteous dead and 1,000 years before the resurrection of the wicked (Rev. 20:1-15; Zech. 14:5; Jude 1:14). After all of Revelation 4-19 is fulfilled (Rev. 19:11-21; 20:1-10). At the time satan is bound before the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-7). When Israel is restored and converted Christ takes the throne of David to begin His reign over Israel forever (Isa. 9:6-7; Hos. 3:4-5; Luke 1:32-33; Ezek. 36:23-28; 37:16-28).

After This the Judgment – Part 2

February 26, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

The judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:21; Rom. 2:16) shall be as follows (continue): (4) The basis: (A) the law of conscience (Rom. 2:12-16); (B) the law of memory (Luke 16:25); (C) the law of Moses (Rom. 2:12-16); (D) the law of character (Heb. 3:8-10; Eph. 4:19); (E)the Gospel (Rom. 2:12-16); (F) Records of personal acts (Matt. 12:36; Luke 12:2-9; John 3:18; Rev. 20:12); (G) the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 8; Rev. 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:18-19; Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Php. 4:3). (H) the Word of God (John 12:48). (5) The judges: (A) God the Father (Rev. 20:12; Heb. 12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16); (B) God the Son (John 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11). God will judge by Jesus Christ. The Father will decree, and the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16). (6) The nature: It will not be a spiritual, invisible, endless process but a definite, literal, visible, and personal trial in God’s court similar to a trial on earth (Rev. 20:11-15; Ps. 9:8; Matt. 7:2, 21; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:12-16; Heb. 9:27). (7) Universality: (A) The sea gave up the dead in it. This could only refer to bodies, for souls and spirits of the wicked dead do not remain in the sea at physical death. They go to hell and await the resurrection of their bodies (Rev. 20:13; Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9). (B) Death gave up the dead that are in it. This could only refer to bodies, for the body only dies at physical death (Jas. 2:26). Souls are dead in trespasses and sins while yet in the body (Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1-9; 1Tim. 5:6). Physical death only, therefore, could be the reference. (C) Hades delivered up the souls that are in it (Rev. 20:13). Souls and not the bodies of the wicked go to Hades (Luke 16:19-31). (8)The purpose: (A) To give every man a fair trial before his eternal punishment (Acts 17:31; Ps. 9:8); (B) To judge the secrets of people (Rom. 2:16); (C) To judge idle words (Matt. 12:36); (D) To judge all the works, thoughts, actions, and sins of man (1Tim. 5:24; 1Pet. 1:17; Rev. 20:12-13; 22:12; Rom. 2:5-6, 2:12-16); (E) To mete out degrees of punishment according to deeds (Matt. 7:2; 10:15; 11:22-24; 12:41-45; 23:12-14, 33; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:14; 11:31-32; Rev. 20:11-15; 22:12). (9) The length: time in judging all the wicked is not known, but the length of the sentence for all will be eternal (Matt. 5:29-30; 10:28; 13:42-50; 18:9; 23:15, 33; 24:51; 25:41, 46; Mark 9:42-48; Luke 12:5; Heb. 6:2; 10:26-31; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:15; Isa. 66:22-24). (10) Results: all in death and hell sent to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15).

To be continued…

After This the Judgment – Part 1

February 23, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Appointed unto men once to die.’ Man’s inescapable appointment The Greek word apokeimai, means be laid up in store or be in reserve. Translated as appoint (9:27); be laid up (Luke 19:20; Col. 1:5; 2Tim. 4:8). It is appointed or laid up by divine decree: “Dust thou are, and unto dust shall thou return” (Gen. 3:19). This law of death will hold firm for all men until the time of the rapture when the living who are to be translated will not see death (1Cor. 15:51-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:21). All who live at the end of the Millennium and who do not rebel against God will be permitted to live on the new earth forever without dying. Death will be destroyed and all things will be restored as they were before Adam sinned (Rev. 20:7-10; 21:1-22; 1Cor. 15:24-28).

‘After this the judgment’ – Death ends our probation period – After death the judgment, not a second chance to live on earth and be saved. Death ends all probation for the one who dies. If he is righteous at death, his soul and spirit go to heaven awaiting the resurrection of the body (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). If he is wicked at death his soul and spirit go to hell to await the resurrection of his body (Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9; Rev. 20:11-15). There is no such thing as purgatory or a second chance to be on probation in the Millennium or any other time. Neither is there a reincarnation or a transmigration from body to body.

The judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:21; Rom. 2:16) shall be as follows (1) The subjects: The wicked dead (Rev. 20:5-6, 12-15) who are not judged at the judgment of the nations 1,000 years before (Matt. 13:30, 39-50; 24:51; 25:3-46; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20). These include all wicked people from Adam to end of Millennium. (2) The time: (A) End of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15); (B) When heavens and earth are renovated by fire (Rev. 20:11; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Heb. 1:10-12; 12:25-28; Rom. 1:21-23). (3) The place: at the great white throne (Rev. 20:11; Ps. 9:7-8). The throne is literal and the white indicates absolute righteousness and justice of the judgment (Ps. 45:6-7; 96:10-13; John 7:24; Acts 17:31; 2Tim. 4:8), just as white robes indicate the righteousness of the saints (Rev. 19:8).

To be continued…

The Foundation of the World

February 22, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ 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

February 21, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ 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

February 20, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ 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

February 19, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘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

February 16, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ 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 Eternal Spirit

February 14, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ 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).