Tag: Inspiration

Impossible for God to Lie – Part 3

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Hebrews 6:16-20 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

‘Two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie.’ There are thirty limitations of God noted in Scripture (continues): He cannot recognize any man as His child or His servant who serves sin and the devil (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 3:8-10). He cannot keep the saved from sin if he chooses to go back into sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:9-10, 19-20; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot keep one from incurring the death penalty should he go back into sin (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20). He cannot be lenient with any who sin or encourage anarchy in moral government (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 1:18-31; 5:12-21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20).

‘Fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.’ Here we have an allusion to the cities of refuge, and to persons who fled to them in safety (Num. 35:1-34; Jos. 20:2-3). The sinner can flee to Christ and find eternal refuge and safety (John 3:16).

‘Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.’ Here Paul changes the allusion from safety in the cities of refuge to a ship reaching the harbour after a tempestuous voyage, knowing that her anchor is sure and steadfast. So it is with the believer who has the hope of eternal life anchored safe in heaven (6:19-20).

‘Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever.’ Jesus is our Forerunner to heaven and our High Priest to represent us until we are safe in heaven with God.

Impossible for God to Lie – Part 2

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Hebrews 6:16-20 …That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie… 

‘Two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie.’ There are thirty limitations of God noted in Scripture (continues): He cannot tolerate hypocrisy (Isa. 1:13). He cannot spare Himself or Christ in the redemption of the human race from eternal hell (Matt. 27:42). He cannot turn down one soul that comes to Him according to His terms (John 6:37). He cannot judge the righteous with the wicked (Gen. 19:22; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot forgive one unconfessed sin (Luke 13:1-5; 1Jn. 1:9). He cannot keep one saved who lives in sin (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot automatically cancel the death penalty when people sin and incur that penalty (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 16:1-27-23; 8:1-13). He cannot do away with free moral agency and moral responsibility (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot make one a slave to Himself so that he can never go back into sin if he chooses (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot guarantee that every saved man will continue in Christ (John 15:1-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 9:27; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot make any man a son of God in the same sense Jesus is (John 1:18; 3:16; Rom. 8:14-16). He cannot look upon the sins of the saved as being unreal, or deal with them on a different basis from those of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot cancel any reaping for what is sown (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). He cannot force a man to serve Him against his own will (John 3:16; 7:17; 8:34; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 22:17).

To be continued…

Impossible for God to Lie – Part 1

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Hebrews 6:16-20 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

‘Greater’ – One of great authority who can enforce the contract and punish for any failure to keep it.

‘Confirmation’ [Greek: bebaiosis] making fast or sure; establishing. It is a legal term for a guarantee.

‘The heirs of promise’ – The children of faith (Rom. 4:1-25).

‘The immutability of his counsel’ – The unchangeable purpose of calling the Gentiles to salvation by Jesus Christ and saving all who believe, of both Jews and Gentiles (Gal. 3:13-14; 1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 1:16).

‘Two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie.’ This refers either to God’s oath and promise (6:13) or to the two oaths of God confirming the promise to Abraham (6:13) and making Christ a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (7:21). There are thirty limitations of God noted in Scripture: He cannot break His own laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His own eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). He cannot save rebels who persist in rebellion, refusing to meet His terms (Pro. 1:22-33; 29:1; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3, 5). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13-15).

To be continued…

God made Promise to Abraham Part 1

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Hebrews 6:13-15 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 

‘Swore by himself.’ There was none greater than He to whom He could appeal, so He pledged His own eternal power to fulfil the promise.

‘Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.’ This is the 16th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (6:14; Gen. 22:17) and is fulfilled.

‘Obtained the promise.’ The promise referred to in this verse is the supernatural birth of Isaac, but forty-eight promises were given to Abraham: I will show you the land (Gen. 12:1). I will make of you a great nation (Gen. 12:2). I will bless you (Gen. 12:2; 22:17). I will make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless them that bless you (Gen. 12:3). I will curse them that curse you. In you all nations will be blessed (Gen. 12:3; 22:18). I will give this land to your seed forever (Gen. 12:7; 13:14-17; 15:18-21; 17:8). I will make your seed as the dust in number (Gen. 13:16). I am your shield (Gen. 15:1). I am your great reward (Gen. 15:1). Your own son shall be your heir (Gen. 15:2-4). Your seed shall be as the stars in number (Gen. 15:5; 22:17). Your seed shall be strangers and oppressed for 400 years (Gen. 15:13). I will punish their oppressors (Gen. 15:14). I will bring your seed out of bondage (Gen. 15:14-16. Fulfilled in Exo. 12:1-51). I will bless your seed with great material substance (Gen. 15:14). You will die in peace (Gen. 15:15). You will be buried in a good old age. I will make an eternal covenant with you (Gen. 17:4, 7).

To be continued…

The Full Assurance of Hope Unto the End

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Hebrews 6:9-12 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

‘We are persuaded better things of you.’ We are persuaded that you will not apostatize and not neglect your salvation to reap the judgment of God (2:2-3), as some of your brethren have done (6:4-8).

‘For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.’ God’s promises are His debts to man. His righteousness and justice require Him to keep them, so you will be rewarded.

‘Ministered to the saints.’ This refers to contributions to the poor saints in Judea, as in 2Corinthians 8-9.

‘We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.’ Paul comes back to his often repeated subject to the Hebrews here – that of warning them they must continue in full assurance of the hope of eternal life even to the end, and that by so doing they will finally inherit the blessings of the promises (6:11-12; cp. 2:3; 3:6, 12-14; 4:1-2, 6, 11; 6:1-8). Slothfulness will deprive them of both hope and faith.

‘Followers’ [Greek: mimetes] imitators. He gives Abraham as an outstanding example of faith (6:12-15), then gives a whole list of faith-worthies of the Old Testament whom we can imitate in faith (Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3).

Put Him to an Open Shame

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Hebrews 6:6-8 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God: But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 

‘If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance.’ Fourfold apostasy and the end of apostates: [1] If they shall fall away (6:6). “Fall away” is from the Greek: parapipto, to fall aside; apostatize; fall away. It means to throw overboard all faith in the experiences of the gospel and to deny them. People are here warned that such is possible. How could they fall away from the experiences of Hebrews 6:4-5 if they never had them? The language is past tense and factual so it cannot be denied that the ones referred to did at one time have experiences. [2] To renew them again to repentance is impossible. The reason given is that they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to open shame. This is the final act of apostasy. They publicly judge Him as an imposter and worthy of death. That is, they do not believe in Him or His atonement any longer. Since such faith is the only thing that could renew them again to repentance, it then becomes impossible. How could they be renewed again to repentance if they had not experienced repentance before? The word “again” means once more; another time; anew; and this requires repentance once before. [3] As that which bears thorns and briers, they are rejected (6:8). The Greek: adokimos means reprobate (Rom. 1:28; 2Cor. 13:5-7; 2Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16); rejected (6:8); and castaway (1Cor. 9:27). It means to become Christless and literally rejected. [4] The end of apostates (6:8). Just like that which bears thorns and briers is burned, so apostates are to be punished in eternal hell (Isa. 66:22-24; Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43-49; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10-15).

It Is Impossible

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Hebrews 6:4-5 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come 

‘For it is impossible …’ Two outstanding facts: Christians can backslide, tearing down the foundation of repentance that is already laid. Should they ever again be admitted into Christ, they will have to build again the foundation of repentance and do their first works again (6:1-2; 2:1-4; Rev. 2:5). Christians can fully apostatize from Christ, completely rejecting Him and His atoning work, so that it is impossible to renew them again to repentance (6:4-9; 10:26-29; 2Pet. 2:20-22).

‘Those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost.’ The fivefold former state of apostates: [1] Were once enlightened, but not now enlightened (6:4). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says this refers to “those who have been made Christians.” Paul uses the same term for saved individuals elsewhere (Eph. 1:18; Heb. 10:32; cp. Ps. 19:7-8; Luke 11:34-36). Only saints are called “children of light” (Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12; 1Thess. 5:5), and only saved people are spoken of as being in the light (Matt. 5:14-15; Luke 16:8; John 3:20-21; 8:12; 12:36; Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:14; Col. 1:12; 1Jn. 1:7; 2:9-10). Only people who have not been saved as spoken of as being darkened from gospel light (2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 4:18; 5:8; Col. 1:13; 1Thess. 5:5; 1Pet. 2:9; 1Jn. 1:6; 2:8-11). [2] Have tasted of the heavenly gift (6:4). The Greek: geuomai means to have experience of. Translated as “to eat” (Acts 10:10; 20:11; 23:14) and “to taste” (6:4, 5; 2:9; Matt. 16:28; 27:34; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27; 14:24; John 2:9; 8:52; Col. 2:21; 1Pet. 2:3). How could one taste of death, taste the Lord, taste the heavenly gift, and other things of these passages without experiencing them? [3] Were made partakers of the Holy Spirit (6:4). The Greek: metochos means partner and fellow with (3:1). No sinner is a partaker of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9-16). It is almost blasphemy to accuse the Holy Spirit of being a partner, sharer, and associate with the ungodly. Jesus said that sinners cannot receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:17). Jude confirmed the same truth (Jude 1:19). [4] Have tasted the good Word of God (6:5). To taste the Word of God is to be saved, as proved in Matthew 13:20-23; Luke 8:13-15; John 15:3; Acts 2:41; 4:4; 8:14; 11:1; 17:11; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 5:26; James 1:18-25 and 1Peter 1:18-23. No man receives the Word and remains unsaved. [5] Have tasted the powers of the world to come (6:5). To taste these powers means to experience eternal life. Every time such a statement is found it refers to eternal life (Matt. 10:30; Luke 18:30; 20:35).

Go On Unto Perfection Part 18

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). There are seven judgments noted in Scripture (continues): [7] Judgment of the wicked dead (continues): (6) 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: 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). 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 in sins while yet in the body (Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1-9; 1Tim. 5:6). Physical death only, therefore, could be the reference. 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) Purpose: To give every man a fair trial before his eternal punishment (Acts 17:31; Ps. 9:8). To judge the secrets of people (Rom. 2:16). To judge idle words (Matt. 12:36). 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, 12-16). 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) Length: time in judging all the wicked is not known, but the length of the sentence for all will be eternally (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).

Go On Unto Perfection Part 17

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). There are seven judgments noted in Scripture (continues): [7] Judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:21; Rom. 2:16): (1) 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 the end of the Millennium (1000 years of peace). (2) Time: at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15), during which time the 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) 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). (4) Basis: by the law of conscience (Rom. 2:12-16), the law of memory (Luke 16:25), the Law of Moses (Rom. 2:12-16), by the law of character (Heb. 3:8-10; Eph. 4:19), the Gospel (Rom. 2:12-16), by the records of personal acts (Matt. 12:36; Luke 12:2-9; John 3:18; Rev. 20:12). The book of life (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 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) and by the Word of God (John 12:48).

(5) Judges: God the Father (Rev. 20:12; Heb. 12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16) and God the Son – Jesus Christ (John 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11). The Father will judge by Jesus Christ. The Father will decree, and the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 15

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). ‘Dead works’ [Greek: nekra and erga] 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).

There are seven judgments noted in Scripture: [1] The judgment of believers’ sins in the cross of Christ (John 12:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers as to sin (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28). (2) Time: on the cross (John 3:14; 17:4; 1Pet. 2:24). (3) Place: Calvary (Luke 23:33; John 19:1-42). (4) Basis: Christ’s perfect work (John 3:16; 5:24; Rom. 6:8). (5) Result: death to Christ; life to believers (Rom. 4:1-24; 5:1-21; 8:1-16). [2] Believers’ self-judgment throughout life (1Cor. 11:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers walking in the light (1Jn. 1:7). (2) Time: every day (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:5-17). (3) Place: in the earth (Rom. 8:1-16; Heb. 12:5-11). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: chastisement or approval from God (Heb. 12:5-11). [3] Judgment of Israel for her many centuries of rebellion (Ezek. 20:33-44): (1) Subjects: the living Jews of the future tribulation (Zech. 12:10 – 13:1). (2) Time: during the great tribulation (Jer. 30:3-11; Matt. 24:4-15; Dan. 9:27; 12:1). (3) Place: Palestine, Edom, and Moab (Zech. 12:1 – 14:21; Dan. 11:40-45; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezek. 20:33-44; Hos. 2:14-17; Matt. 24:15-31; Rev. 12:6, 14). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: conversion of Israel as a nation at the second coming (Isa. 1:27; 66:7-8; Jer. 30:3-11; Ezek. 22:19-22; Zech. 12:10 – 13:1; Matt. 23:37-39; 24:31; Rom. 11:25-29).

To be continued…