Tag: Truth

Our God is a Consuming Fire

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Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. 

‘We receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved.’ We receive the kingdom; that is, we shall be kings and priests of the eternal earthly kingdom (Dan. 7:18, 27; Zech. 14:5; Rom. 8:17-18; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 2Tim. 2:12; Jude 1:14; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 22:5).

‘Reverence’ [Greek: aidos] sense of honour; regard for others; respect; reverence; self-restraint, modesty or bashfulness toward men; not being bold or forward. Translated as “reverence” in Hebrews 12:28.

‘Godly fear’ [Greek: eulabeia] fear of the gods; piety; caution; discretion (5:7).

‘For our God is a consuming fire.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 4:24. God is provoked to jealousy by sins such as murmuring (Ex. 17:2; 1Cor. 10:10), unbelief (Ex. 17:7; Heb. 4:1-11), rebellion (Num. 14:22; 21:1-9), provoking God (Ps. 78:17-18, 56), backsliding (Ps. 78:41, 56), hardening the heart (Ps. 95:8-9), lust and sin (Ps. 106:14; Ex. 32:1-35), idolatry (1Cor. 10:18-22). When His people, whom He commands to have no other gods, insist on mixing idolatry and demon worship with true worship, as some of the Corinthians did, then God is under obligation to judge them (1Cor. 8:4-13; 10:1-22).

Him That Spoke On Earth – Part 2

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Hebrews 12:25-27 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he had promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Jesus predicted many earthquakes for the last days as a sign of His second coming (Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11). Several are mentioned in Biblical history (Amos 1:1; Zech. 14:5; Matt. 8:24; 27:51; 28:2; Acts 16:25). The greatest earthquake of all will take place at the end of the Millennium (Hag. 2:6-7, 21-22; Heb. 12:25-29; 2Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 20:11). This will result in the renovation of the heavens and earth, making the third perfect earth, and the end of the earth’s second sinful career (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 66:22-24).

‘Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Hebrews (12:27-29) and is unfulfilled This refers to the renovation of the heavens and the earth by fire, as in 2Peter 3:10-13.

‘Removing of those things that are shaken.’ The renovation of the heavens and earth at the end of the Millennium will remove all things of the curse and those that are man-made which need to be taken away, so that the things of God may remain eternally (Heb. 12:27-29).

‘Cannot be shaken may remain.’ Some things cannot be shaken. They will remain eternally. One is the earthly kingdom which cannot be moved (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-27; Zech. 14:1-21; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 22:5).

Him That Spoke On Earth – Part 1

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Hebrews 12:25-27 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he had promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 

‘See’ [Greek: blepo] take heed; beware that you refuse not Christ who speaks from heaven (12:24-25; 1:1-2).

‘Turn away’ [Greek: apostrepho] means to turn back; to turn oneself away. Translated as “turn away from” (12:25; Matt. 5:42; Acts 3:26; Rom. 11:26; 2Tim. 1:15; 4:4; Tit. 1:14); “pervert” (Luke 23:14); “put up again” (Matt. 26:52); and “bring again” (Matt. 27:3). If there is no escape when one does this, then how could such a person be saved?

‘Whose voice then shook the earth.’ This indicates that it was the voice of God that spoke the law on Sinai (1:1-2).

‘Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.’ This is the 27th and last Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (12:26; Hag. 2:6) and it is unfulfilled. Four earthquakes will happen during the future 7-year tribulation: Under the 6th seal in the first 3½ years of the 70th week (Rev. 6:12). Between the 7th seal and the first trumpet in the first 3½ years (Rev. 8:5). Under the 7th trumpet in the middle of the week (Rev. 11:19). Under the 7th vial at the end of the week (Rev. 11:13; 16:19; Zech. 14:4-8).

To be continued…

Jesus the Mediator

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Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that spoke better things than that of Abel. 

‘Jesus the mediator’ – Christ became the mediator of the new covenant, that through His death sins could be remitted and men be given eternal inheritance. He became the Mediator between God and man (1Tim. 2:5), and through His mediation and intercession all blessings of grace shall come to us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

He is the mediator of a better covenant based upon better promises (8:6; 9:15; Matt. 26:28). By the atonement and the new covenant we have a personal approach to God which no man had by the law program (7:19; 10:19-23).  

Hebrews 7:22 states Christ was made a surety [Greek: enguos] meaning that He gave surety or bail. Christ became the guarantee that the benefits of the new covenant would be given to all men who meet the terms. In this sense, He is the mediator (8:6; 9:15).

‘Mediator’ [Greek: mesites] is a middle person to reconciles two parties at enmity – God and man.

‘Blood of sprinkling, that spoke better things than that of Abel.’ Only here and in 1Peter 1:2. It refers to the blood of Christ that speaks better things than the blood of Abel’s offering (11:4).

God the Judge of All

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Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church [congregation] of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect

‘God the Judge of all’ Three offices of the Messiah is given in Isaiah 16:5- Judging: giving justice to all people; Seeking judgment: anxious to do and hasting righteousness: quick in equity. Both God the Father (12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 20:12; 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16) and God the Son (John 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11) will judge sinners at the White Throne Judgement of Revelations 20:11-15. The Father will decree, and the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

‘Spirits of just men made perfect.’ Another proof of the immortality of the soul (1Pet. 3:4). Twenty-five proofs of the immortality of the soul: The hidden man of the heart is not corruptible (is immortal, 1Pet. 3:4). Hell from beneath is moved to meet thee at thy coming (Isa. 14:9-11). They have eternal life (John 3:15-16; 6:54, 6:58; 17:2-3). They are passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 6:40, 47). He shall live forever (John 6:51). They shall never perish (John 10:28). They shall never die (John 11:25-26). Man is not able to kill the soul (Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5). There appeared Moses talking with Him (Matt. 17:3; cp. Deut. 34:6). Their worm dieth not (Mark 9:43-49). In hell he lifts up his eyes, being in torment (Luke 16:19-31). All live unto Him (Luke 20:37-38). Though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day … The things which are not seen (the soul and spirit) are eternal (2Cor. 4:16-18). To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Cor. 5:8). To depart (die, the inner man leaving the body, Jas. 2:26) is to be with Christ (Php. 1:21-24). Whether we wake (live) or sleep (die), we shall live with Him (1Thess. 5:10). You are come unto the spirits of just men and made perfect (Heb. 12:22-23). The souls of the dead live according to God in the spirit (1Pet. 4:6). He that does the will of God abides forever (1Jn. 2:17). We know we have passed from death unto life because we love (1Jn. 3:14-15). God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1Jn. 5:11). He that had the Son had life (1Jn. 5:12; 2:24-25). Your heart shall live forever (Ps. 22:26). The path of the just shined more and more unto the perfect day (Pro. 4:18). I saw under the altar the souls . . . they cried, saying (Rev. 6:9-11).

Mount Sion

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Hebrews 12:18-22 For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But you are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels

‘For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire.’ Ten facts about Mt. Sinai: Not to be touched (12:18; Ex. 19:12). Burned with fire (12:18; Ex. 19:18). Full of blackness (a thick cloud). Full of darkness (12:18; Deut. 4:11). Full of tempest (12:18; Ex. 19:16). Full of a sounding trumpet (12:19; Ex. 19:19). Full of the voice of God (12:19; Deut. 4:12; 5:4). Israel could not endure the voice or commandments (12:19-20; Deut. 5:23-26). Anything that touched the mount was killed (12:20; Ex. 19:12, 21). The sight was so terrible that even Moses trembled with fear (12:21).

‘Sion, and unto the city of the living God.’ Seven things in Heaven: The heavenly Mount Zion (12:22; Rom. 11:26; Rev. 14:1). The capital city of God (12:22; 11:10, 16; 13:14; Rev. 3:12; 21:1-27; 22:1-5; John 14:1-31). Innumerable angels (12:22; 1:5-14; Rev. 5:11-14). The general assembly and congregation of the firstborn (12:23; Col. 1:18). God the Judge of all (12:23). The spirits of just men made perfect (12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant (12:24; 9:15; Matt. 26:28). The blood of Christ (12:24; Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:20; 1Pet. 1:18-23).

Many Be Defiled

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Hebrews 12:15-17 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 there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For you know how that afterwards, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 

‘Looking’ [Greek: episkopeo] means to look at; inspect; examine; pay regard to (1Pet. 5:2).

‘Fail’ [Greek: hustereo] means to come late for. Translated as “fail” or “fall from” (Heb. 12:15); “be behind” (2Cor. 11:5; 12:11); “come short of” (Heb. 4:1); “lack” (Matt. 19:20; Mark 10:21; Luke 22:35); “want” (John 2:3); “part which lacked” (1Cor. 12:24); “come behind” (1Cor. 1:7); “come short of” (Rom. 3:23); “be destitute” (Heb. 11:37); “be in want” (Luke 15:14; 2Cor. 11:9); “suffer need” (Php. 4:12); and “be the worse” (1Cor. 8:8).

Eight proofs Paul is warning Christians: They are instructed to: To follow the faith heroes of Hebrews 11:1-40 who surround them (12:1). To lay aside every weight. To lay aside the besetting sin. To run with patience the Christian race. To consider and look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith (12:2-4). To recognize and submit to God’s chastening as true sons in order to partake of His holiness (12:5-11). To follow peace and holiness and meet other terms of blessing lest they fail of the grace of God (12:12-17). The whole book is for Christians and to them, as proved by: (1) We – the Christians (2:3; 3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:9, 19; 10:10, 26; 12:1; 13:10, 14). (2) Let us – the Christians (4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22-24; 12:1, 28; 13:13, 15). (3) Their salvation (2:10). (4) They were sanctified (2:11; 10:10, 29). (5) Holy brethren (2:11-12; 3:1, 12; 10:19). (6) Them – the saints (2:15, 18). (7) Many other terms in all chapters are used which prove Christians are referred to, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.

‘Bitterness’ [Greek: pikria] means bitterness (12:15; Acts 8:23; Rom. 3:14; Eph. 4:31).

‘Fornicator’ [Greek: pornos] means male prostitute, fornicator.

‘Profane person’ [Greek: bebelos] a despiser of sacred things; an irreligious man (12:16; 1Tim. 1:9; 4:7; 6:20; 2Tim. 2:16).

‘For he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.’ He sought to change his father’s mind.

Follow Peace

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Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

‘Follow peace with all men.’ Romans 12:18 teaches that if it is possible, as much as lies in us, we must live peaceably with all men. 

‘Holiness’ [Greek: hagiasmos] means consecration. Translated as “holiness” (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Thess. 4:7; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (1Cor. 1:30; 1Thess. 4:3-4; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

Fourteen requirements of the will of God and of sanctification (1Thess. 4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (1Thess. 4:3). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (1Thess. 4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (1Thess. 4:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. No man defraud his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (1Thess. 4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it deals with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (1Thess. 4:7; Rom. 1:24). Do not despise men (1Thess. 4:8). Love one another (1Thess. 4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (1Thess. 4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (1Thess. 4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (1Thess. 4:11). Work with your hands (1Thess. 4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (1Thess. 4:12). Have a bright hope (1Thess. 4:13-17). Comfort one another (1Thess. 4:18).

Make Straight Paths – Part 2

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Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

‘Out of the way’ – Psalms 119 gives the different names for the Word of God – one of them is “the way” [Hebrew: derek] means to proceed, walk with the feet (Ps. 119:1, 3, 5, 14, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 59, 168; cp. John 14:6; Rom. 3:12). It is the way of God; how God instructs man to go to be saved, holy, and happy. It is the revelation of the way that God would act among men. It is called: Thy way (Ps. 119:37; 86:11). His way (Ps. 18:30; 25:9; 37:23, 34). The way of Thy testimonies (Ps. 119:14). The way of Thy precepts (Ps. 119:27). The way of truth (Ps. 119:30; 2Pet. 2:2). The way of Thy commandments (Ps. 119:32). The way of Thy statutes (Ps. 119:33). The way of the righteous (Ps. 1:6). The way everlasting (Ps. 139:24). The way of His saints (Pro. 2:8). The way of good men (Pro. 2:20). The way of wisdom (Pro. 4:11). The way of life (Pro. 6:23; 10:17; Jer. 21:8). The way of righteousness (Pro. 8:20; 2Pet. 2:21). The way of understanding (Pro. 9:6). The way of the Lord (Pro. 10:29; Jer. 5:4-5; Ezek. 18:25, 29; 33:17, 20; Acts 18:25). The way of the just (Isa. 26:7). The way of Thy judgments (Isa. 28:7). The way of peace (Isa. 59:8; Rom. 3:17). The good way (Jer. 6:16). The way of God (Matt. 22:16; Acts 18:26). This way (Acts 22:4). That way (Acts 22:4; 24:22). The way of salvation (Acts 16:17). The way which they call heresy (Acts 24:14). The right way (2Pet. 2:15).

Make Straight Paths – Part 1

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Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 

‘Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.’ Ten commands for Christians: Lift up the hands which hang down (12:12). Strengthen the feeble knees. Make straight paths for your feet (12:13). Let the lame be healed. Follow peace with all men (12:14). Follow holiness – consecrate by setting yourself apart from the world. Look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God (12:15; Gal. 5:4). Look diligently lest any root of bitterness springing up defile you (12:15). Look diligently lest you become a fornicator as Esau (12:16). Look diligently lest you be rejected and find no repentance (12:16-17).

‘Lift up’ [Greek: anorthoo] means to set upright again; restore; to set straight again. Translated as “lift up” (12:12); “set up” (Acts 15:16); and “make straight” (Luke 13:13).

‘Feeble’ [Greek: paraluo] palsied, as translated elsewhere (Luke 5:18, 24; Acts 8:7; 9:33). Quoted from Isaiah 35:3 of worn and sick persons who are totally discouraged. Here, they are exhorted to take courage and persevere to the end (12:12-15).

‘Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.’ Make straight paths, lest you get into rough and stoney ways, become lame, and be prevented from reaching the goal. If you go into the proper path, though you have been wounded in the wrong path, your wound will be healed.

To be continued…