This is a post from last year, motivated by Hebrews 11: 13-16. (If you don't think this question is a serious one, please take a look at the Make America Great Again hymn written and performed by the First Baptist Church in Dallas.)
This past week, as we worked our way through the New Testament, a chapter a day, we hit Hebrews 11. This lengthy chapter is the culmination of the author's essay on the importance of following Christ and the patience required in being a citizen of Heaven. Although some describe the chapter as a list of heroes of faith, the chapter has a secondary undercurrent which surfaces in verses 13-16 of that chapter. The author insists that these past heroes of faith saw themselves as citizens of God's country and recognized that they were "aliens and strangers" on this planet.
This theme occurs in other places throughout the New Testament. Jesus, throughout his ministry, announced the beginning of the kingdom of God (or kingdom of Heaven) and in various ways (see Matthew 22:15-22 and Matthew 4:8-10) made it clear that the kingdom of God was much more serious than mere political power.
Paul, in II Corinthians 5: 17-21 , describes his role as that of an "ambassador", reaching out to people in this world to encourage them to be reconciled to God. The ambassador metaphor is a strong one; the ambassador lives in one country but represents another. We, as Christ's ambassadors, currently live in a strange country, one "not our own"; we live as ambassadors for another country.
This image is true throughout all time, since the day of Jesus. Christians are citizens of "another country", whether they live in the Roman Empire or the Holy Roman Empire, whether living in the German kingdoms of Luther's day or the Scotland of John Knox.
From time to time, Christians forget this. Christians are occasionally seduced by political power into believing they can create a "Holy empire" or a "Christian nation." This seduction first occurred in the Roman Empire when Constantine converted and decided to make his empire "Christian." Later Charlemagne called his empire "Holy". The Catholic Spanish Empire mixed Christian missions with imperialism and oppression throughout South America. Protestant England claimed to be a "Christian nation" and used that motive to build its global empire. In justification of this, there even arose the cult of British Israelism, in which many claimed that Britain was the new Israel. Some English Christians even claimed that the kings of England were descendants of King David.
A Christian does not have to read world history to see the problems with this "Christian Nation" philosophy. The New Testament says nothing about "Christian nations" or godly kingdoms! Indeed, the last book in the New Testament, the book of Revelation, assures Christians that the heavenly kingdom is waiting in the wings, for the final trumpet, after all the earthly kingdoms have undergone their violent tantrums against God.
The only references in the Bible to a "godly nation" are in the Old Testament. There the references are to the nation of Israel, set up as a theocracy, a nation ruled by God alone. As that ancient nation repudiated the theocracy, it replaced God with kings and kingdoms and it alternated (for centuries!) between obedience and disobedience to God. Yes, there are many passages in the Old Testament (such as II Chronicles 7:14) in which God made promises to the nation of Israel. But one should be careful within that context and not presume that those verses somehow apply to the Holy Roman Empire or the Spanish Empire or even countries or kingdoms in existence today.
Jesus told the Herodians and Pharisees "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." He also said, "No one can serve two masters." One cannot pledge allegiance to the future kingdom of God and to one's country at the same time, for they are in conflict; they both will seek to be the master.
Adolf Hitler, attempting to promote German nationalism among German Christians, created the Reich Church. The book Mein Kampf appeared on the altars of those churches (presumably next to the Bible) and the national symbol, the swastika, appeared in the front of the sanctuaries. We may laugh at this today -- it seems ludicrous to us -- but I have been in American churches where the national symbol was visible up front, near the cross.
The New Testament has a lot to say about Christians serving as good citizens within our communities and within our countries, wherever God places us. Yes, we may serve our country. But it does not allow us to make our country an idol. If we follow the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, then we are citizens of another country and we are aliens and strangers here.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Hebrews 13, Final Exhortations
At the end of the letter to the Hebrews, like the end of many New Testament letters, we have a collection of final words -- a series of commands or exhortations. Given the Jewish background, it is not surprising that these come off as a series of proverbs.
Hebrews 13:1-3, Compassion and empathy
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Amidst the persecution, we have a reminder to care for those who are in prison. Although always appropriate advice, this is probably especially poignant here since some of the believers (or their family members) are probably in prison for their faith.
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Amidst the persecution, we have a reminder to care for those who are in prison. Although always appropriate advice, this is probably especially poignant here since some of the believers (or their family members) are probably in prison for their faith.
Old Testament examples of people entertaining angels occur in Genesis 18 and Genesis 19 where first Abraham and then Lot entertain a small group of angels.
Hebrews 13:4, Marriage matters
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Sex is always a place where we get to demonstrate our view of life and our relationship with God. We keep the marriage bed "pure" by being consistently committed to our spouse and faithful to a (joyful and affirming) sexual relationship with him/her.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
One piece of evidence that we belong to another country instead of a modern (capitalistic) country: "Be content with what you have". I have attempted most of my life to be free from the "love of money" and can chart my personal contentment as correlating fairly well with my success in this endeavor.
The quote in verse 5 ("Never will I leave you...") is from Deuteronomy 31:6; the quote in verse 6 is from Psalm 118:6,7.
The quote in verse 5 ("Never will I leave you...") is from Deuteronomy 31:6; the quote in verse 6 is from Psalm 118:6,7.
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Verse 8, in my experience, has been abused: I heard one church leader quote it in opposition to any change! It is Jesus who is eternal; the rest of us are not....
Hebrews 13:9, Focus on grace, not ritual
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.
It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.
Let our hearts be shaped by grace!
Hebrews 13:10-16, A holy altar and The Lamb
We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Yes, I want to join the Lamb, outside the camp.
The statement about the tabernacle is written in present tense, as if the tabernacle still stands. Indeed, the whole paragraph implies that, despite the reality of the temple in Jerusalem, the Hebrews should be ready to join Jesus "outside the city gate", as castouts, not part of the popular flow of society. For this reason, many believe this letter was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.
Regardless of the date of the letter, the viewpoint of this letter -- with Christians as members of a "better country", not one on earth -- is a viewpoint Christians should always have, in every time and every place.
Hebrews 13:17, Support your leaders
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Harmony with church leaders is a concept that runs throughout a number of New Testament letters. The human tendency for each of us to seek control is destructive to the church.
Hebrews 13:18-19, Pray for us and the integrity of our work
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
The author longs to rejoin the readers. Note that the pronoun here is singular, so the writer is probably not the couple Priscilla and Aquila?
Hebrews 13:20-21, May the Messiah continue His work in you -- and us!
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen!
Hebrews 13:22-25, Closing
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all.
Hebrews 13:22-25, Closing
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all.
Finally, here, we have evidence that this letter, although surely written by someone associated with Paul, is not written by Timothy! Could it be Barnabas who writes this?
This is only a short letter. What did the long letters look like?
This is only a short letter. What did the long letters look like?
Friday, July 21, 2017
Hebrews 12, Our Time in the Spotlight
The previous chapter has a long list of Old Testament heroes who followed God, looking for God's Country, aware that they were only aliens on this planet. Now it is our turn....
Hebrews 12:1-3, Witnesses
Hebrews 12:1-3, Witnesses
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The metaphor is a race; those who ran before are envisioned as watching us from the stands. We are to strip down to the essentials and get ready to run, to run with pace, consistency and seriousness. In this race, like any athlete, it helps to have a single focus. In this case, our focus is to be the Messiah who completed the Jewish sacrificial system in our place.
Hebrews 12:4-7, Loving discipline
Hebrews 12:4-7, Loving discipline
From verse 4: apparently elsewhere (?) persecution had led to genuine bloodshed, even death.(Certainly first century Christians were martyred for their faith, even in Rome.) Here the readers are chastised for their weakness and for their willingness to give in to pressure, even when the persecution has not been as severe. They are being reminded that any true growth will involve some pain and hardship.
A larger perspective is being placed on "discipline" and suffering. The message of Hebrews is that God's plan is a longterm one, through millennia and eons and that the Hebrews should seek to have God's view.
How does God's "discipline" show in our lives? What is it like? What is really meant here? I'm afraid we may confuse this too much with the "discipline" (punishment) meted out by angry broken fathers or step-fathers?
Hebrews 12:11-13, Moving on in growth
I equate discipline here with work, growth, drill, self-control? The athlete metaphor may be appropriate. The instruction to "make level paths" gives an image of smoothing out a difficult route for the one who is struggling. The modern metaphor would be building a wheelchair ramp.
See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
We are to encourage others (in our believing community) to live righteously. Esau is given as an example of one thinking only in the short term, thinking only of his hunger. Sexual immorality is another (easy) example of short term thinking with often long term consequences.
Hebrews 12:18-21, Moses trembled; you need not!
The image here is of Mt. Sinai, in the Exodus account of God bringing the laws to Moses. (The quote in verse 20 is from Exodus 19:12-13; the quote in verse 21 is from Deuteronomy 9:19.) In this passage, the terrified Jews begged that they not have to hear the voice of God. Even Moses was terrified.
Hebrews 12:22-24, The City of the Living God
Hebrews 12:22-24, The City of the Living God
Why the change of direction in verse 18? What is the message here about God? Although there is terrifying imagery in verse 18, the message here (again) is that "you are past that", you are instead "come to Mount Zion", to the "joyful assembly"!
Hebrews 12:25-29, One last warning
Who is "him who speaks"? Verse 19 points out that the Jewish people were terrified by the Voice from Mount Sinai. Now that the voice comes from Mount Zion (verse 22), the writer pleads for his readers to listen to that voice and not turn away. The warning is couched in encouragement; I see an image of a frightened person (or animal) being coaxed into safety.
The quote in verse 26 is from Haggai 2:6; the quote in verse 29 is from Deuteronomy 4:24.
We will finish up the letter to the Hebrews next time.
We will finish up the letter to the Hebrews next time.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Hebrews 11: 17-40, Citizens of a Different Kingdom
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, concentrating on faith, now continues with many more examples.
Hebrews 11:17-22, The faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Hebrews 11:23-31, The faith of Moses (& his parents), Israelites, Rahab
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Hebrews 11:17-22, The faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, heroes of ancient Israel -- each is described as an example of faith in action. We are given here a motive for Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac -- that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead. This motive does not appear in the Genesis account (in Genesis 22.)
In verse 18 the Greek word translated here "offspring" is literally "seed". The quote in verse 18 is from Genesis 21:12.
In verse 18 the Greek word translated here "offspring" is literally "seed". The quote in verse 18 is from Genesis 21:12.
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
The faith of Moses begins with his parents, who had some type of desperate hope when they attempted to save him from the Egyptian king's command to kill the Jewish children. At each stage, Moses acts "in faith" although, to read Exodus, we see also that he was not confident, but at times somewhat confused and desperate. (That these "heroes" were also very frail and vulnerable is very reassuring to me!)
The "Red Sea" in verse 29 is literally "Sea of Reeds." (NIV footnote.)
The faith of the Israelites under Joshua, and then that of Rahab, also play an important part in the Old Testament (and in the lineage of David.) The description of Rahab as a prostitute is a common one, emphasizing God's work among broken people as He builds David's lineage and eventually that of Jesus.
The "Red Sea" in verse 29 is literally "Sea of Reeds." (NIV footnote.)
The faith of the Israelites under Joshua, and then that of Rahab, also play an important part in the Old Testament (and in the lineage of David.) The description of Rahab as a prostitute is a common one, emphasizing God's work among broken people as He builds David's lineage and eventually that of Jesus.
Hebrews 11:32-38, "And many many more!"
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
It is not clear who are described in this passage. We have a list of six names plus "the prophets" and then a list of actions, some identifiable, some not. Are they all from Old Testament passages? from Jewish folklore or history?
NIV footnote on verse 37: "Some early manuscripts [say] stoned; [others say] they were put to the test."
Hebrews 11:39-40, They all wait God's better plan
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
The summary for the readers of this letter -- God has something better, but it may not be in this world; you are part of an eternal, more important kingdom!
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Hebrews 11:1-16, Faith and the Divine Eternal Kingdom
Here we are given an essay on the importance of faith, with some historical models to imitate. This is a major point of our letter, for the Hebrew Christians have been facing persecution and wondering where God is in all of their pain. The response, here, is helpful and discouraging, all in one, for it points out a longterm view that the readers may not have....
Hebrews 11:1-3, Trust in God's plan -- that is an essential part of our lives
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
We open with a description of faith and why it matters. Note that this is not intended as an axiomatic definition (following Euclid) but a statement about the importance of faith for believers. Furthermore, this is not "blind faith". It has reasons, support, arguments. To make that clear, we follow with some examples.
Hebrews 11:4-5, Examples from Genesis
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Apparently Abel's dispute with Cain had to do with faith? (This is not clear from Genesis.) Similarly, another ancient hero, predating Abraham, is recommended to us as walking in faith.
Hebrews 11:6, God is not us -- and so faith is essential
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Why is faith a requirement for engagement with God?
Hebrews 11:7-12, Noah and Abraham
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Moses and Abraham join our honor roll of heroes. Maybe also Sarah; verse 11 is unclear. Who had faith, so that Abraham became a father? An alternate translation (NIV Footnote) is "By faith even Sarah, who was past age, was enabled to bear children because..." If we read back in Genesis on this account (Genesis 18:1-15), we don't really see much evidence of faith -- Sarah even laughed at God!
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Moses and Abraham join our honor roll of heroes. Maybe also Sarah; verse 11 is unclear. Who had faith, so that Abraham became a father? An alternate translation (NIV Footnote) is "By faith even Sarah, who was past age, was enabled to bear children because..." If we read back in Genesis on this account (Genesis 18:1-15), we don't really see much evidence of faith -- Sarah even laughed at God!
Hebrews 11:13-16, A country of their own!
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Here is why faith is important. Because we are aliens and strangers here; this is not our "natural" home anymore. There is a much more important citizenship than anything a country on Earth can offer.
We continue on Hebrews 11 in the next post.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Hebrews 10, Entering the Holy of Holies
We continue examining Jesus's sacrifice as God's High Priest.
Hebrews 10:1-4, The Law, a Shadow
Hebrews 10:1-4, The Law, a Shadow
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Once again, this sounds like Plato! (C. S. Lewis notes this in the psalms.)
Hebrews 10:5-7, Jesus comes to fulfill the Law
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, `Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'"
The quote in verse 7 is from Psalm 40:6-8 (the Septuagint.) The author is claiming that Jesus had one goal, to complete the mission of God.
Hebrews 10:8-9, Setting aside the old system
First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, `Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'"
The quote in verse 7 is from Psalm 40:6-8 (the Septuagint.) The author is claiming that Jesus had one goal, to complete the mission of God.
Hebrews 10:8-9, Setting aside the old system
First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.
And in so doing, Jesus sets aside the old covenant, the Law and its sacrifices.
Hebrews 10:10-14, The Final Sacrifice
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Hebrews 10:15-18, The Covenant written on hearts
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
So it is Jesus who is the Lamb of God, the very final Lamb. And so He will eventually defeat every nation, every enemy, every pain and evil.
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
The quote in verses 16 and 17 is from Jeremiah 31:33-34.
Hebrews 10:19-22, Enter the Holy Place with confidence!
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:23-25, and then go out to change the world!
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
This passage is the height, the climax, of the book of Hebrews. This should then change how we think for we, just like the ancient high priest, can go right into the Throne Room!
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Now that that mission has been accomplished, it is time to move on, as Kingdom citizens.
Hebrews 10:26-31, One more warning about the danger of disobeying God
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The quotes in verse 30 are from Deuteronomy 32:35-36 and Psalm 135:14.
And so we have a brief caution, a warning, about the need to leave the old ways behind.
Hebrews 10:32-35, Remember your early enthusiasm ...
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
Hebrews 10:36-39, ... and so persist.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
Remember how excited you were! Remember your earlier enthusiasm! Kindle it again! (A message for all ages, for indeed we can lose that old enthusiasm!)
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
The quote in verse 38 is from Habakkuk 2:3-4. It is one of three New Testament passages that quote Habakkuk 2:4. The other two are Galatians 3:11 and Romans 1:17.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Hebrews 9, A Sacrifice Once For All
The next two chapters of Hebrews form the most explicit New Testament statement on the role of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.
We now enter an in-depth look at how Jesus completes the old covenant created by the Mosaic law.
Hebrews 9:1-5, The original earthly temple
We now enter an in-depth look at how Jesus completes the old covenant created by the Mosaic law.
Hebrews 9:1-5, The original earthly temple
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
The earthly tabernacle was described and constructed in the book of Exodus as the Israelites fled into the desert of the Sinai peninsula. It represented God present, living among this young nation-tribe. In this passage the details of the inner sanctuary are described, based on the temple (present tense?!) and the past tabernacle.
Hebrews 9:6-7, The earthly high priest
When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.
The earthly tabernacle was described and constructed in the book of Exodus as the Israelites fled into the desert of the Sinai peninsula. It represented God present, living among this young nation-tribe. In this passage the details of the inner sanctuary are described, based on the temple (present tense?!) and the past tabernacle.
Hebrews 9:6-7, The earthly high priest
But the high priest went into an even more holy sanctuary, a dangerous and scary place! The Holy of Holies was where God was physically manifested and could only be entered once a year. That was a very serious thing. Leviticus 16 gives specific details to Aaron, after two of his sons died for entering the Holy of Holies. There is a legend, probably fictitious (see here) that claims that the high priest would have a rope tied around one ankle, for if God struck the high priest down, the worshipers would need a way to pull out his body! This legend persists because it summarizes the fear created by the idea of entering into such a supernatural, holy, special place.
Hebrews 9:8-10, There is a better temple
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
The Old Covenant was all outward actions without necessarily changing the inward heart. It was a metaphor, a symbol of things to come.
Hebrews 9:11-13, The Messiah enters the Most Holy Place
When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
So Christ is our new high priest. Which holy sanctuary did Christ enter? The inner one, and that in heaven, not here in the Shadowlands.
Hebrews 9:14-15, But there is a New Covenant!
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
The phrase "from acts that lead to death" could also be "from useless rituals".
The Lamb of the New Covenant replaces all the sacrifices of the old! The writer's tone rises with excitement and enthusiasm, as we are members of the right kingdom!When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
So Christ is our new high priest. Which holy sanctuary did Christ enter? The inner one, and that in heaven, not here in the Shadowlands.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
The phrase "from acts that lead to death" could also be "from useless rituals".
Hebrews 9:16-18, Each covenant requires blood-death
In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.
When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.
In verses 16 and 17, the same Greek word is used, one meaning both covenant (contract) and testament (will.) But here we have that strange use of covenant as "testament", as in "last will and testament." Here the concept of a "will" or "last testament" is more meaningful since a person's will is not put into effect until after their death.
Hebrews 9:19-22, The old covenant required blood sacrificesWhen Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
The quote in verse 20 is from Exodus 24:8. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, there was no forgiveness without the replacement death of an animal. (The Old Testament sacrificial system was quite gruesome!)
Hebrews 9:23-26, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary
It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
The heavenly tabernacle is the real one....
"Once for all". A simple and deep concept. We resist it, as it is not human....
Hebrews 9:27-28, Our high priest brings final salvation!
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
The heavenly tabernacle is the real one....
"Once for all". A simple and deep concept. We resist it, as it is not human....
Hebrews 9:27-28, Our high priest brings final salvation!
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
And then this Messiah will come again!
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Hebrews 8, High Priest of a New Covenant
In the previous chapter we digressed to discuss an ancient high priest, Melchizedek, who (at least according to Jewish tradition) was an individual superior to Abraham. Some traditions even equated him with the archangel, Michael.
Hebrews 8:1-2, Our priest serves in the True Sanctuary
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
There is a Platonic view here -- a real sanctuary exists in heaven; the one on earth was just a shadow. Our high priest, Jesus, is even better than Melchizedek since he is the priest of the heavenly sanctuary.
Hebrews 8:3-5, The earthly sanctuary is just a copy
Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
The tabernacle of Moses is merely a shadow of the heavenly tabernacle. This is very reminiscent of Plato's shadows and forms, described in Plato's allegory of the cave, in his Republic. In that allegory, things we see on earth might be described as shadows cast on a cave wall; we see only the shadows, not the real, true objects.
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
There is a Platonic view here -- a real sanctuary exists in heaven; the one on earth was just a shadow. Our high priest, Jesus, is even better than Melchizedek since he is the priest of the heavenly sanctuary.
Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
The tabernacle of Moses is merely a shadow of the heavenly tabernacle. This is very reminiscent of Plato's shadows and forms, described in Plato's allegory of the cave, in his Republic. In that allegory, things we see on earth might be described as shadows cast on a cave wall; we see only the shadows, not the real, true objects.
Hebrews 8:6-7, A superior covenant
But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
The covenant offered by Jesus is a superior covenant. The word "covenant" here was translated "testament" in the King James Version and is the source of the terms "Old Testament, New Testament" for the two portions of the Bible.
Hebrews 8:8-9, A new covenant is coming (has come!)
But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
The new covenant (New Testament) is deeper, more profound, final.
In verse 8, an alternate translation to "God found fault with the people and said," is "God found fault and said to the people".
Hebrews 8:10-12, Laws in the mind and heart
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:13, The old now passes away
By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
The covenant offered by Jesus is a superior covenant. The word "covenant" here was translated "testament" in the King James Version and is the source of the terms "Old Testament, New Testament" for the two portions of the Bible.
Hebrews 8:8-9, A new covenant is coming (has come!)
But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
The new covenant (New Testament) is deeper, more profound, final.
In verse 8, an alternate translation to "God found fault with the people and said," is "God found fault and said to the people".
Hebrews 8:10-12, Laws in the mind and heart
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
The quote in verses 9-12 is from Jeremiah 31:31-34. Read that ancient passage for a beautiful Old Testament description of the new covenant! This New Covenant has the Holy Spirit teaching us, from within our hearts.
Hebrews 8:13, The old now passes away
By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
And so, the author argues to the Jewish readers, move on to the final, new covenant! It is silly to stay behind!
This chapter is a short 13 verses, serving as a hinge between Melchizedek and a detailed description coming in chapters 9 and 10, of the role Jesus plays as high priest.
This chapter is a short 13 verses, serving as a hinge between Melchizedek and a detailed description coming in chapters 9 and 10, of the role Jesus plays as high priest.
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