Tag: Word

The Eternal Spirit

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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).

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 3

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Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

Twenty-two warnings to Christians from Hebrews: We ought to give the more earnest heed lest we slip away from the truth (2:1). How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (2:3). Whose house are we, if we hold fast the hope firm unto the end (3:6). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (3:12). Exhort one another daily … lest any of you be hardened through sin (3:13). We are made partakers of Christ if we hold steadfast unto the end (3:14). Let us, therefore, fear, lest you come short of the promised rest (4:1-2). Let us labour to enter into rest, lest any man falls through unbelief (4:11). Let us hold fast to our profession (4:14). If they fall away, to renew them again unto repentance is impossible (6:4-9). Show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end (6:11). Be not slothful, but faithful and patient to inherit the promises (6:12). Lay hold upon the hope of eternal life set before us (6:18-19). Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (10:23). If we sin wilfully we will receive judgment and fiery indignation (10:26-31). Cast not away confidence (10:35). If any man draws back from Me, My soul shall have no pleasure in him (10:38-39). Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us (12:1). Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed (12:13). 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 any become a fornicator and sell his birthright like Esau (12:15-17). See that you refuse not God. For if Israel escaped not God’s wrath when she refused Him, much more shall we not escape His wrath, if we turn away from Him (12:25). Let us have grace and serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for God will punish by fire (12:28-29).

‘Redemption’ [Greek: lutrosis] is a ransoming. It is from lutron (a ransom price of redemption; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45) and lutroo to redeem (1Pet. 1:18; Luke 24:21; Tit. 2:14).

Eternal Redemption for Us – Part 2

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Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

‘Eternal’ – The redemption price that stands good forever. It is eternal in its merit and efficacy. Man’s possession of it does not make it eternal. It would be eternal if no man ever received or kept it. There are certain conditions one must meet to get it and keep it.

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood – take part in communion (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls through a sinless life (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep God’s commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 2:26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John. 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

To be continued…

Until the Time of Reformation

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Hebrews 9:9-10 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 

‘Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.’ These refer to true Bible types. Not only were the Tabernacle and its services of “the time then present” a parable or an illustration of good things to come, but they were nothing more than temporary outward rites and ceremonies to be observed until the setting of all things right when the Messiah should come (9:10). They stood for the body and could not save the soul. The word “carnal” simply refers to that which is natural, not necessarily sinful. It is not used in a sinful sense here and in many other places. Had these carnal ordinances been sinful, God would not have commanded them to be observed, nor could they have been shadows of good things to come (8:5; 10:1).

‘Imposed’ [Greek: epikeimai] to be laid upon; imposed on. Translated as “imposed on” (9:10); “press upon” (Luke 5:1); and “lie upon” (John 11:38; 21:9; Acts 27:20; 1Cor. 9:16). These natural rites and ceremonies were commanded by divine authority, as proper representations of the gospel system, which should come and rectify all things.

‘Until the time’ – The law was to be in force only until Christ came (Matt. 11:13; Luke 16:16; 2Cor. 3:6-14; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 7:28; 9:9-10).

‘Reformation’ [Greek: diorthosis] is a making straight; correcting; amending of a fault; reformation. It refers to correcting the faults and weaknesses of the law of Moses by the abolishment of it, and the substitution of a perfect covenant which meets every need wherein the law failed (7:11-19, 27-28).

Shadowing the Mercyseat

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Hebrews 9:4-6 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 

‘Ark of the covenant’ – A box or chest about 0,9 x 0,9 x 1,5 meter in which were the golden pot of manna (9:4; Ex. 16:32-34), Aaron’s rod that budded (Num. 17:1-13), and the tables of the covenant – two stones on which were written the Ten Commandments (2Cor 3:3, 7; Ex. 25:16). The golden censor (Lev. 16:12) appears to have been left in the holy of holies with the ark.

‘And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat.’ This describes the lid to the ark of the covenant (Ex. 25:10-22). Two cherubim, one on each end of the lid stretched forth their wings to touch each other over the mercy-seat which typified God’s throne and the divine presence (Ex. 25:18-22).

The cherubim were patterned after heavenly spirit beings (Ex. 25:18-22; cp. Ezek. 1:1-28, 8:1-18 and Ezek. 10:1-22). Between them was the mercy seat, the visible symbol of God’s presence. Their wings stretched over the mercy seat and their faces looked toward it, symbolizing the eternal watchfulness of angels in ministry to the redeemed, and their cooperation with God in the plan of redemption as typified by the Tabernacle and offerings of the law of Moses (Ex. 25:21-22; 30:16; Heb. 1:14). The cherubim and mercy seat was beaten out of a piece of pure gold – no dross or alloys – signifying freedom from hypocrisy in God’s dealings with Israel (Ex. 25:17-22; 37:6-9).

I Will Put My Laws Into Their Mind

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Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he said, A new covenant, he had made the first old. Now that which decayed and waxed old is ready to vanish away. 

‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord …’ The nature of the gospel system: I will put My laws in their mind (8:10). They will be fully enlightened and have perfect knowledge of truth. I will write them in their hearts (8:10). All their affections, passions, and appetites shall be purified so that they shall willingly obey My Word. I will be their God, and they shall be My people (8:10). I will make them new creatures and unite them to Me forever (2Cor. 5:17). They shall all know Me from the least to the greatest of them (8:11). I will be merciful when they commit injustices against God or man (8:12). I will forgive their sins and lawlessness, remembering them no more (8:12). All this implies genuine repentance and forsaking of sin (Zech. 12:10-13:1; Rom. 11:25-29).

‘Old’ [Greek: palaioo] to annul; be antiquated; no longer in force; to be obsolete, out of date. Translated “old” and “decay” (8:13) and “wax old” (Luke 12:33; Heb. 1:11).

‘Waxed old’ [Greek: gerasko] to grow aged; become old and infirm.

‘Vanish away’ [Greek: aphanismos] making away with; disappearance. Employed only here, but used by the Greeks for laws that became outdated and abolished.

I Will Make a New Covenant

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Hebrews 8:7-9 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he said, Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, said the Lord. 

‘First covenant had been faultless.’ The law of Moses was faulty and had to be done away so that the perfect covenant might come into force.

There are 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 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).

‘Second’ – The second or the new covenant was necessary because the first or the old covenant did not provide salvation and eternal life.

‘Finding fault with them’ -This could refer to finding fault with the Jews and not with the covenant, as Jeremiah 31:31-34 complains that they broke the covenant; but Hebrews 8:7 is clear that the covenant itself was faulty.

‘Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.’ This is the 19th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (8:8-12; Jer. 31:31-34).

‘And with the house of Judah’ – With both houses of Israel – all the descendants of the 13 tribes.

‘Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers.’ The new covenant is far different from the old covenant in nature and contents.

‘Covenant’ [Greek: diatheke] is translated as “covenant” 18 times (Luke 1:72; Acts 3:25; 7:8; Rom. 9:4; 11:27; Gal. 3:15, 17; 4:24; Eph. 2:12; Heb. 8:6-10; 9:4; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20) and “testament” 12 times (Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1Cor. 11:25; 2Cor. 3:6, 14; Heb. 7:22; 9:15-20; Rev. 11:19).

A Better Covenant – Part 8

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in Revelation: Blessing by reading (Rev. 1:3); The tree of life (Rev. 2:7; 22:2); Escape from hell (Rev. 2:11); A white stone (Rev. 2:17); A new name; Power to rule nations (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:9-10; 22:4-5); The morning star (Rev. 2:28); White robes (Rev. 3:4-5; 7:9; 19:8); Name retained in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; cp. Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-28); A place in God’s temple (Rev. 3:12); The name of God; The name of God’s city; Christ’s new name; The descent of the Holy City to earth (Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 9-10); Eternal supply (Rev. 7:16); No more heat; Divine shepherding (Rev. 7:17); No more tears (Rev. 7:17; 21:4); Defeat of all earthly kindoms (Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21; 20:1-10); Rest from hard labour (Rev. 14:13); Works will be manifest; Kingship and priesthood (Rev. 20:4-6; 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5); God’s tabernacle with human beings (Rev. 21:3); No more death (Rev. 21:4); No more sorrow; No more pain; All things new (Rev. 21:5); Water of life (Rev. 21:6; 22:3, 17); Eternal nations to be saved and multiply forever (Rev. 21:24-27; 11:15; 22:4-5); Eternal healing (Rev. 22:2); No more curse (Rev. 22:3); A right to the tree of life (Rev. 22:14); A right to enter the Holy City (Rev. 22:14; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15); Plagues of Revelation upon rebels (Rev. 22:18-19); Names of rebels blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 22:19; cp. Rev. 3:5; Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:25-29); Rebels lose their right to the Holy City (Rev. 22:19); Rebels will be denied the blessings of Revelation (Rev. 22:19); Soon return of Jesus Christ to fulfill all the above promises (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20; cp. Rev. 3:11).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits because many of the promises are repeated in different books. Some are not in the form of a promise, but the truths they contain make the basis of our claims for gospel benefits, so they are listed as promises. Generally, verses are listed with the book wherein the promise is found first.

A Better Covenant – Part 7

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in Philippians and Timothy: Peace shall keep you (Php. 4:7); Needs supplied (Php. 4:19); God’s will to save all people (1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17); Profit in godliness (1Tim. 4:8); Power, love, and a sound mind (2Tim. 1:7); Honour and usefulness (2Tim. 2:21); Crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8).

Promises in Hebrews: Angel ministers (Heb. 1:14); Help in temptation (Heb. 2:18); Partaking of Christ (Heb. 3:14); A high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 6:20); Uttermost salvation (Heb. 7:25); A better covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); A new covenant (Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17); Personal representation (Heb. 9:24); Eternal substance (Heb. 10:34); Holy City (Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14); A better thing (Heb. 11:40); Disciple (Heb. 12:6, 11; Rev. 3:19); Jesus to be the same (Heb. 13:8).

Promises in James: God to be the same (Jas. 1:17); Liberal answers to prayer (Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Matt. 21:21-22); Crown of life (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10); Grace (Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:5); satan to flee when resisted (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9); God to pity sufferers (Jas. 5:11).

Promises in 1 Peter and 2 Peter: New birth (1Pet. 1:23; 1Jn. 5:1); Crown of glory (1Pet. 5:4); All things (2Pet. 1:3); Great promises (2Pet. 1:4); The divine nature (2Pet. 1:4); Escape from the corruption of the world (2Pet. 1:4); Security (2Pet. 1:10); Abundant entrance into the kingdom of God (2Pet. 1:11); New Heaven and New Earth (2Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21-22).

Promises in 1 John and 2 John: Cleansing from sin (1Jn. 1:7, 9); An advocate with God (1Jn. 2:1-2); Boldness in judgment (1Jn. 4:17); Witness of sonship (1Jn. 5:10-11); Renewed life (1Jn. 5:16; Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 4:19; 6:1); Eternal truth (2Jn. 1:2); Both God and Christ (2Jn. 1:9).

To be continued…

A Better Covenant – Part 6

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Hebrews 8:6 But now had he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Promises in 1 Corinthians: Confirmation (1Cor. 1:8); God to be faithful (1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 1Thess. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 13:5); Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1Cor. 1:30); Unlimited blessings (1Cor. 3:21-23; Eph. 1:3); Judgeship of saints (1Cor. 6:2-3); Nine spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:8-11); Baptism in one body (1Cor. 12:13); Eternal love (1Cor. 13:8); Perfection (1Cor. 13:10; 1Pet. 5:10); We shall know as known (1Cor. 13:12; 15:35-54); Putting down of rebellion on earth (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21-22); Destruction of death (1Co. 15:26).

Promises in 2 Corinthians: All promises true (2Cor. 1:20); Removal of blindness when the heart turns to God (2Cor. 3:16); Liberty (2Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:13); Transformation (2Cor. 3:18); Constant physical degeneration and spiritual renewal (2Cor. 4:16-17); New creation work (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:24; Heb. 8:10-12); Divine fellowship (2Cor. 6:16; Heb. 8:10; Jas. 4:8; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 3:20); Divine reception (2Cor. 6:17); Divine Fatherhood (2Cor. 6:18; Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Heb. 12:5-10); Riches (2Cor. 8:9); Bountiful reaping (2Cor. 9:6); All sufficiency (2Cor. 9:8); Eternal righteousness (2Cor. 9:9); Increased righteousness (2Cor. 9:10); Enrichment in all things (2Cor. 9:11); Spiritual weapons (2Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18); Perfect strength (2Cor. 12:9); Life by God’s power (2Cor. 13:4).

Promises in Galatians: Deliverance from the present evil world (Gal. 1:4); Abraham’s blessing (Gal. 3:14); Heirship (Gal. 3:29; Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7); Adoption as sons (Gal. 4:5-7, 31; Eph. 1:5); Eternal death for sin (Gal. 5:21).

Promises in Ephesians: Redemption (Eph. 1:7, 14; Col. 1:14; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 2:9-15; 9:11-15); Restitution of all things (Eph. 1:10; Acts 3:21; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:1-27); Boldness and access to God (Eph. 2:18; 3:12; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23); Heavenly citizenship (Eph. 2:19; Php. 3:20); God’s infinite power (Eph. 3:20); Sealing (Eph.4:30; 1:13; John 6:27; Rom. 4:11; 2Cor. 1:22); Sanctification (Eph. 5:26; Heb. 10:10); Long life (Eph. 6:3); Soul-winning power (Eph. 6:15; 1Pet. 2:21-23).

To be continued…