Tag: Jesus Christ

After the Power of an Endless Life

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Hebrews 7:15-18 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arose another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testified, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 

‘And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arose another priest.’ It is more abundantly manifest [Greek: katadelos] very plain; that God designed the Levitical priesthood to be changed, because of the oath in Psalms 110:1-7 which declares the Messiah should be a priest after the order of Melchizedek who was not only a priest but also a prophet and a king (7:1-10). None of the Levitical priests exercised a double or a triple office, as was manifest in Jesus Christ.

‘Carnal’ [Greek: sarkines] fleshly; natural; human (7:16; Rom. 7:14; 15:27; 1Cor. 3:1-4; 9:11; 2Cor. 10:4). Here it means the full depravity of fallen man, sold as a slave and under the control of animal appetites and the forces of evil spirits. The word carnal does not always mean sinful or corrupt, but sometimes feeble, frail, or human. The idea here is that Christ was not appointed a priest after the order of Aaron wherein weak and perishing men must succeed each other, but He was made a High Priest after another order – after the power of immortality or endless life (7:16-17).

‘Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.’ This is the 17th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (7:17; Ps. 110:4).

‘Disannulling’ [Greek: athetesis] abolition, rejection. Translated as “disannulling” (7:18) and “put away” (9:26). What was disannulled? Not only the commandment of Hebrews 7:16-18 concerning the priesthood but all the law, including the Ten Commandments. That the commandment here refers to the law is made clear in Hebrews 7:19.

Fifteen things the Law was unprofitable in Redemption from sin (9:15; 10:1-18). Making perfect (7:19; 10:1). Giving eternal inheritance (Rom. 4:13). Freeing from sin and death (Rom. 8:2-3). Imparting faith (Gal. 3:12). Giving life (2Cor. 3:7; Gal. 3:21). Purging the conscience (9:9; 10:1-4). Working miracles (7:18; Rom. 8:3). Giving access to God (9:7-8; 10:19-23). Giving mercy (10:28). Justification (Gal. 2:16; Rom. 4:1-25). Imparting righteousness (Rom. 3:21-25). Imparting the Spirit (Gal. 3:1-5, 14). Providing realities (Col. 2:14-17; 8:5; 10:1). Sanctification (10:9-14).

The Priesthood Being Changed

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Hebrews 7:12-14 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertained to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 

‘For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.’ Change in Priesthood and Law: The priestly order of Aaron was now being abolished to make way for the original priesthood that preceded it – the order of Melchizedek. This made it necessary to change the law also and abolish all its sacrificial offerings which could not bring perfection, reconcile men to God, make them holy or take away sins (7:12; 10:5-10). God planned to change the law and its priesthood to introduce Jesus Christ as the only Priest and Sacrifice and substitute the gospel system for the Levitical institutions.

‘For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.’ The Messiah, of whom these things were predicted, did not come from the tribe of Levi and had no Levitical genealogy to prove His claim to the priesthood.

‘Evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda.’ Paul speaks with all confidence that Christ came from Judah, according to the official Jewish genealogies. The genealogies of both Matthew and Luke establish this fact. There were no difficulties in them in that day or the enemies of the gospel would have used them as proof against Christ being the Messiah.

‘Sprang out’ [Greek: anatello] had risen. Generally used of the sun rising (Matt. 4:16; 5:45; 13:6; Mark 4:6; 16:2; Jas. 1:11; 2Pet. 1:19; cp. Luke 12:54). Here, Christ is risen out of Judah as the sun in all its strength to bring light to Israel and knowledge to His people (Isa. 9:1-2; 11:1; Matt. 4:16; Luke 1:77-79).

Another Priest Should Rise

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Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

‘Perfection’ [Greek: teleiosis] completing or finishing anything, to leave nothing imperfect or wanting. Translated “perfection” and “performance” (Luke 1:45). Here it means that the Levitical priesthood was faulty. The Levitical system was merely a shadow, not the substance and reality of the eternal priesthood of Christ. It represented a perfect system but was imperfect itself. It pointed to a perfect sacrifice that would take away sin but was helpless to cleanse from sin. 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 the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:2). Perform miracles (Gal. 3:5). Free individual 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).

‘Under it the people received the law.’ Not under it, but on account of it, for the law was given before this priesthood was established (Ex. 40:12-14).

‘What further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?’ The eternal priesthood typified by Melchizedek was the original priesthood. It existed over 400 years before the Levitical order. Over 600 years after the Levitical priesthood David by the Holy Spirit predicted that another priest – a perfect one – would arise after the order of Melchizedek. The law, therefore, did not contain the original priesthood, which existed typically in Melchizedek and became reality in Jesus Christ.

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).

Captain of their Salvation

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Hebrews 2:10-13 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 

‘Became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory.’ It was suitable to divine wisdom and justice and the program of grace to offer Jesus as a sacrifice to bring many sons to glory.

‘Captain of their salvation.’ The Originator of Salvation. Without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleioo] make a full end; complete. The idea is that Christ could not have been made complete or bring to a complete end the work He was supposed to do without His sufferings.

‘For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.’ Christ is the great Sanctifier, who sets apart and consecrates men to the service of God. 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. The brethren are those who represent the body of Christ which is male and therefore called brethren. During Old Testament times the nation Israel was referred to as God’s wife and the representative of God during those dispensations.

‘I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.’ This is the 8th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:12; Ps. 22:22) and is fulfilled in Christ declaring the Father to His followers – the Christians, also called His brethren. The Old Testament use of congregation is the correct translation instead of using the word “church” which derives from the translations period where King James’ translators changed the word to fit the Roman Catholic Church.

The Foundation of God Stands Sure

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2Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that named the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 

‘Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his.’ Here it is stated that God’s truth is like a sure foundation regardless of how many make shipwrecks of their faith. People are to build upon this foundation and be judged as to how they build (1Cor. 3:11-15).

‘Purge himself from these.’ Seven things to purge self from: Affairs of this life (2:4). Backslidings (2:12). Unbelief (2:13). False doctrines that destroy faith (2:14, 18). Profane and vain babblings that lead to ungodliness (2:16-17). False teachers that overthrow faith (2:17-18). All iniquity and dishonour (2:19-20).

‘He shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.’ Four blessings of purging self: [1] A vessel of honour. [2] Sanctification [Greek: hagiazo] to separate from a profane to a sacred use; to consecrate self wholly to God and His service. The primary meaning is separation, not making holy. It means to make holy only when the person or thing sanctified needs to be cleansed from sin or defilement to be fit to be separated unto God and His service. Material things such as a day (Gen. 2:3); the tabernacle (Ex. 29:43-44); clothes (Lev. 8:30); houses (Lev. 27:9-29); or the temple (2Chron. 7:16-20) must be cleansed from all defilement to be fit to be presented to God for His holy uses. God’s name (Ezek. 36:23); God (1Pet. 3:15); Christ (John 10:36; 17:19); or the already cleansed disciples (John 13:10; 15:3; 17:2, 6, 14, 16) need not be cleansed from sin.[3] Meet [Greek: euchrestos] useful or profitable for the Master’s use. [4] Prepared unto every good work (Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).

Prayer

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1Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

‘Exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.’ Four duties of Christians: [1] Supplications (Eph. 6:18) [Greek: deesis] and entreating; continued strong and incessant pleadings until the prayer is answered (Luke 18:1-8). Translated “request” (Php. 1:4); “supplication” (2:1; 5:5; Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Php. 4:6); and “prayer” 12 times. [2] Prayers (2:1; 5:5); [3] Intercessions (2:1; cp. Rom. 8:26-27, 34; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 53:12); [4] Giving of thanks (2:1).

We are commanded to let our hope be a joy to us, to show patience in all our trouble and to live in fervent prayer to God. Prayer should not be rehearsed, but a continuous conversation with God just as we would talk to those we love and find joy in our communion with them.

‘For all men’ – Three classes to be prayed for (2:1-3).

‘Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ Two things always the will of God: That all men be saved (Mark 16:15; John 3:16; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). That all come to the knowledge of the truth (Heb. 4:12; 2Tim. 3:16).

The Only Wise God

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1Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.’ Four facts about God the Father: [1] The King eternal [Greek: basilei, ton and aionon] meaning the King of the Ages (cp. Isa. 9:6; Jer. 10:10). [2] Immortal [Greek: aphthartos] incorruptible. The same word translated to show the spirit and soul of man as not being corruptible (1Pet. 3:4); and other things as being incorruptible and immortal (Rom. 1:23; 1Cor. 9:25; 15:52; 1Pet. 1:4, 23). If God is immortal, and man’s spirit is immortal (1Pet. 3:4), then it is a settled fact that the inner man is just as immortal as God. [3] Invisible [Greek: aoratos] (Col. 1:15-16; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 11:27). The word means not in sight, unseen, or concealed. Invisibility consists more of distance than substance. Cities or other material objects cannot be seen even 30 kilometres away. At this distance they are invisible. Objects concealed are invisible. Anything out of eyesight is invisible. God, angels, and other spirit beings are thus invisible. They can appear or disappear at will. They have been seen with the natural eyes many times, proving that invisibility must be understood with them as with all other invisible things that can become visible. [4] The only wise God (cp. 1Tim. 6:16). God is the source of wisdom and immortality. But He is not the only one that has wisdom and immortality, for Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and the inner man also have wisdom and immortality.

There are eighteen proofs that God can be seen: God has been seen with a body (John 4:24). Man was made bodily in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6). God ate food with Abraham (Gen. 18:8). Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32:24). Seventy-four men ate with God (Ex. 24:1-11). Moses saw God face to face out of His glory (Ex. 33:11; 1Tim. 6:16), and he saw His back parts when he requested to see His glory (Ex. 33:18-23). Joshua and all Israel saw Him (Jos. 5:13-15). Gideon saw God (Jdg. 6:11-23). Samson’s parents saw Him (Jdg. 13:3-23). David saw God (1Chron. 21:16-17). Job saw God (Job 42:5). Isaiah saw and described God (Isa. 6:1-13). Amos saw the Lord (Amos 9:1). Ezekiel described God (Ezek. 1:26-28; 10:20; 40:3 with Ezek. 43:7; 7; 47:1-6). Daniel described God, even His clothes, body, and hair (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-6). Stephen saw God and Christ (Acts 7:56). John described God (Rev. 4:2-5; 5:1-7). All will see God (Rev. 21:3-4; 22:4).

Peace Part 3

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2Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

All the promises of God reveal that He has provided for man here and now despite the curse. Everyone can enjoy to the full all the benefits of these promises if he will surrender his life to God, experience the genuine new birth and live a godly life in this present world according to the gospel of Christ. Many of these benefits are even for the unsaved to prove to them that God provides for all creation despite their rebellion. The purpose of such goodness to the unsaved is to lead to repentance (Rom. 2:4). The following scriptures teach that it is God’s will for man to be blessed: [1] Prosperity (Jos. 1:5-9; 1Sam. 2:7-8; 1Kin. 2:3-4; 1Chron. 29:12; Ezra 8:22; Job 36:11; Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 6:31-33; 7:7-11; Mark 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16; 2Cor. 9:6-8; Php. 4:19; 3Jn. 1:2). [2] Healing and health (Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91:1-16; 103:3-5; Isa. 53:4-5; 58:8; Matt. 8:16-17; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2). Christ came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1Jn. 3:8), and to deliver “all that were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). He came to do this not only for three years during His ministry but forever. He commissioned the disciples to carry on the work that He began both to do and to teach (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; Acts 1:1-2, 8). Early believers did carry on this work until they lost faith (Acts 3:1-26; 5:16; Jas. 5:14-16; etc.). Present Christians are to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3; 2Cor. 10:4-6; Eph. 6:10-18). [3] Wants and needs (Ps. 23:1-6; 34:9-10; 37:3-6; 84:11; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; 1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15).

The scriptures prove that Divine providence has been working in all ages in all the affairs of men. It was providence that originally brought all things into existence (Isa. 45:18; Col. 1:15-19), that provided redemption for the fall (Gen. 3:15; Eph. 1:1-11), that preserved humanity at the flood (Gen. 6:8 – 8:22), and that dealt with men in each dispensation giving them a chance to make good in every age. The continued preservation of all things from the creation of man proves that God’s providence is working out all things after the counsel of His own will. God’s love in creating and redeeming all things proves His desire to preserve creation and finally reconcile it to Himself. The prevalence of order in all things proves divine providence. One can see fixed and eternal laws governing everything in creation, evidencing an all-wise Ruler and Preserver of all things.

God’s purpose has been to create a race of beings who would find their highest degree of happiness in the highest degree of holiness and who would, in proportion to their highest holiness and happiness, glorify their Creator (Gen. 1:26-28; Isa. 43:7; 45:18; Eph. 1:12; Col. 1:15-22; Rev. 4:9-11; 5:11-14; 7:10-12).

Peace Part 2

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2Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

‘The Lord of peace himself give you peace always.’ There are however eight reasons for God not to hold His peace: The mouth of the wicked man is opened against me (Ps. 109:2). The mouth of the deceitful man is opened against me. They have lied against me. They surrounded me with words of hatred (Ps. 109:3). They fought against me without cause. They are my adversaries despite my love toward them (Ps. 109:4). They have rewarded me evil for good (Ps. 109:5). They have rewarded me hatred for love.

Five blessings to him who fears God: He will be taught by God (Ps. 25:12). He will be safe and at peace (Ps. 25:13). His children will be blessed. He will know God’s secrets (Ps. 25:14). He will know God’s covenant.

From Psalm 34 we have eighteen secrets of a long life: Freedom from fear (Ps. 34:4). Quickening from God (Ps. 34:5). Boldness – freedom from shame. Freedom from troubles (Ps. 34:6). Divine deliverance (Ps. 34:7). Partaking of God’s life (Ps. 34:8). Absolute trust in God. Fear (respect) of God (Ps. 34:7-9). Freedom from want (Ps. 34:9-10). Seeking God first (Ps. 34:10, 15; Matt. 6:33). Godly teaching (Ps. 34:11; 2Tim. 3:15). Control of the tongue (Ps. 34:12-13). Godliness – departing from evil (Ps. 34:14-16). Consecration to doing good (Ps. 34:14). Seeking and pursuing peace. Brokenness and humility (Ps. 34:18). Salvation of the soul (Ps. 34:22). Prosperity – freedom from worry.

To be continued…