tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34413755068470396692024-03-13T16:20:21.428-05:00BIBLE COMMENTARYLector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-32045799738996521042015-12-25T06:29:00.001-06:002015-12-27T06:48:20.830-06:00Romans 1 - Introduction:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Romans 1 - Introduction:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>INTRODUCTION<br /><br />
The subject matter of the Sixth Chapter of Romans, as given to us by the
Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, is without a doubt the single
most important teaching in the entirety of the Word of God, as it
regards victorious Christian living. In fact, it is impossible for the
Believer to live a consistent, overcoming Christian life, victorious
over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, without properly understanding
the Sixth Chapter of Romans. Tragically, precious few Christians
understand this Chapter.<br />
<br />
HOW TO LIVE FOR GOD<br />
<br />
Less than one percent of the Bible is given over to the great principle
of “How to be Saved.” To be sure, what is given on this all-important
subject is clear, concise, and to the point (Jn. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264396" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:16</span></span>; <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264397" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:37</span></span>–38; <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264398" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:10</span></span>; Rom. 10:9–10, 13; Rev. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264399" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">22:17</span></span>;
etc.). That means over ninety-nine percent is given to us, as it
regards instructions, on how to live for God once we have given our
hearts to the Lord. In fact, it doesn’t really take much to be saved.
The Holy Spirit through Paul said, “For whosoever shall call upon the
Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264400" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:13</span></span>). Of course, in that is incorporated the principle of believing on Christ (Rom. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264401" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:11</span></span>).<br />
But once a person gives their heart to Christ, then the task of properly
living for God becomes the all-important aspect of life and living. The
Bible deals with this in every capacity, taking us step by step through
progressive revelation, until we come to the finished work. One might
say, and be Scripturally correct, that all the teaching of the Word of
God, as it regards victorious living, is wrapped up in the Sixth Chapter
of Romans. In that Chapter, the Holy Spirit through Paul brings it all
together. In fact, a proper chronology of the Epistle to the Romans
proclaims this in no uncertain terms.<br />
<br />
THE BOOK OF ROMANS<br />
<br />
The First Chapter of Romans establishes the terrible, lost condition of the Gentile world.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the Jewish question. It was to these
indigenous people, incidentally raised up exclusively by the Lord, to
whom the great promise of Redemption was given. Paul declares that they
need a Redeemer exactly as the Gentiles. That Redeemer is Christ, as
promised by their Prophets, and unless the Jews accept Christ, they will
be eternally lost—the same as the Gentiles. So, in Chapters 1 through 3
of Romans, Paul establishes the fact that the entirety of humanity is
totally depraved, and all because of the Fall. There is no way that man
can save himself. So, within man, there is no hope for the fallen sons
of Adam’s lost race. But then, in Chapters 4 and 5 of Romans, the Holy
Spirit through Paul shows us the answer to this dilemma. It is
“Justification by Faith.” In these two Chapters, Paul laboriously points
out that Salvation is never by works, but always by Faith. The central
theme of these two Chapters is: “Abraham believed God, and it was
counted unto him for Righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). In fact, Paul is quoting
Genesis 15:6.<br />
<br />
Actually, Paul uses two men from Old Testament times to prove his point.
He uses Abraham to establish the fact that Salvation comes by Faith,
and Faith only. And he uses David to establish the fact that our
maintaining Salvation comes, as well, by Faith. When Paul speaks of
“Faith,” without exception, he is speaking of Faith in Christ and what
Christ did for us at the Cross.<br />
<br />
After the great Salvation principle is established, which is by Faith,
we then go to Chapter 6, which tells us how to live for God, which will
be the Chapter of our study.<br />
<br />
If we do not properly learn and obey the teaching of Chapter 6, we are
doomed to repeat Chapter 7 all over again, which is the personal story
of Paul, as he attempted to live for God without understanding the
principles of Chapter 6. To his credit, there was no one else in the
world at that time who understood the principle of Grace through Faith.
In fact, that great Truth, the meaning of the New Covenant, was actually
given to Paul. At any rate, Paul concluded Chapter 7 by saying, “O
wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this
death?” (Rom. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264402" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:24</span></span>).
This is the experience of a man, even Paul, who doesn’t understand
Romans 6. Of course, when Paul wrote Romans 7, he very well then
understood Romans 6, but he is showing us what happens to the Believer
who doesn’t understand the great principle of Faith.<br />
<br />
We then go to Romans 8, which tells us “What” the Holy Spirit will do in
our lives, once we understand “How” He works, which is the teaching of
Chapter 6. Someone has well said that Romans 6 presents the “Mechanics
of the Holy Spirit,” which tells us “How” He works, while Romans 8
presents to us the “Dynamics of the Holy Spirit,” which tells us, as
stated, “What” He does for us, once we learn “How” He does it.<br />
Romans, Chapters 9 through 11 are mostly misunderstood by virtually the
entirety of Christendom. They think that Paul is dealing with Prophecy,
as it regards the Jews.<br />
<br />
While some Prophecy is definitely included in those three Chapters, that
is not the intent of the Holy Spirit in giving us that particular
teaching. What the Holy Spirit is saying through the Apostle, as it
regards those three Chapters, is:<br />
If the Church ignores what is taught in Romans 6, which means that it
rejects God’s prescribed order of victorious living, the Church will
come to the same sad end as did Israel. Israel went about attempting to
“establish their own righteousness,” and would not “submit themselves
unto the Righteousness of God” (Rom. 10:3). As a result, they completely
lost their way. So the Holy Spirit through the Apostle is telling us
that if the Church does the same thing as did Israel, which means to
reject Christ and what He has done for us at the Cross, that the Church
will be cut off exactly as was Israel. Paul said to them:<br />
“Well; because of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off, and you (the
Church) stand by faith (Faith in Christ and what Christ did for us at
the Cross). Be not highminded, but fear:<br />
“For if God spared not the natural branches (Israel), take heed lest He also spare not you.”<br />
He then said, “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on
them which fell, severity (because of their unbelief in Christ and the
Cross); but toward you (the Church) goodness, if (the condition) you
continue in His goodness (which, again, is Christ and the Cross):
otherwise, you also shall be cut off” (Rom. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264403" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:20</span></span>–22).<br />
<br />
THE REMNANT<br />
<br />
The truth is, the Church, at least as it regards the institution, has
already been cut off. While there definitely is a “Remnant” that is
truly living for God, as with Israel of old, that “Remnant” is small
(Rom. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264404" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:27</span></span>).<br />
<br />
The seven Messages that Jesus gave to the seven Churches of Asia portray
the entirety of the Church Age from the time of its inception on the
Day of Pentecost to the close of that Dispensation. The Message of
Christ to the Church at Laodicea presents the last stage of the Church,
in fact, the time in which we now live. In other words, the Laodicean
Church is the apostatized Church, and pertains to the modern Church of
this day. Jesus said of this Church:<br />
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot.<br />
“So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of My mouth (vomit you up).<br />
“Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and do not know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor,
and blind, and naked” (Rev. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264405" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:15</span></span>–17).<br />
At the beginning of the Church Age, Christ is pictured as standing in
the very “midst” of the Churches (Rev. 1:12–13). At the close of the
Church Age, which is the Age we now live in, He is pictured as being
outside the Church, in effect, trying to get in. He said:<br />
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
Me” (Rev. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264406" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:20</span></span>).<br />
<br />
So presently, instead of the Lord dealing with the institutionalized
Church, He, instead, is dealing with individuals, hence Him saying, “I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”<br />
Therefore, for all practical purposes, at least as an institutionalized
body, the Church has been cut off, exactly as Israel of old. It is all
because of a rejection of Christ and what Christ has done for us at the
Cross. And we must remember, Christ must never be separated from the
Cross, hence Paul saying, “We preach Christ Crucified” (I Cor. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264407" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:23</span></span>).<br />
<br />
Romans 12 through the conclusion of the Epistle deals with the practical
aspects of Christianity, in other words, what the Christian will do as
it regards living for the Lord, once he knows and understands God’s
prescribed order, which is Christ and Him Crucified.<br />
<br />
In fact, the only way that the Believer can “present our bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service”
is by being “transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, Will of God” (Rom.
12:1–2).<br />
Any time the word “sacrifice” is used in the capacity that it is used in
Romans 12:1, it is speaking, without exception, of the Sacrifice of
Christ. In other words, we can be a “living sacrifice” only as our Faith
is constantly placed in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the
Cross. This is what Jesus was speaking of when He said:<br />
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself (not asceticism,
but rather the denial of our own abilities), and take up his Cross
daily, and follow Me” (Lk. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264408" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:23</span></span>).<br />
Jesus says here that we must look away from ourselves, looking entirely
to Him and what He did for us at the Cross, thereby taking upon
ourselves the benefits of the Cross, even on a daily basis. Only by this
manner can we properly live for God.<br />
<br />
JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED: THE STORY OF THE BIBLE<br />
<br />
In fact, the entirety of the story of the Bible, all the way from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264409" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">22:21</span></span>, is the story of Christ and Him Crucified.<br />
The first three Chapters of the Bible tell of man’s Creation and his
Fall. The balance of the entirety of the Bible proclaims the story of
man’s Redemption. That Redemption is exclusively in Christ and the
Cross. It is pictured in the Sacrifices, beginning in Genesis 4. In
fact, almost immediately after the Fall, the Lord said to Satan through
the serpent, “And I will put enmity (hatred) between you (Satan) and the
woman (in other words, Satan hates the female gender of humanity), and
between your seed (all of humanity without God), and her Seed (Who is
Christ); it (He, meaning Christ), shall bruise your head (speaks of what
Christ would do to Satan at the Cross, which would take back the stolen
dominion), and you shall bruise His heel (the sufferings of the Cross)”
(Gen. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264410" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:14</span></span>; Col. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264411" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:14</span></span>–15).<br />
<br />
Almost immediately after that great prediction given by Jehovah, the
Bible says: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats
of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264412" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:21</span></span>).<br />
These “coats of skins” required animals being killed, which was a type,
even then, of what Christ would do for us at the Cross. These “coats of
skins” were to take the place of the apron of “fig leaves,” which Adam
and Eve had themselves devised to cover their nakedness (Gen. 3:7).
Regrettably, man has been attempting to cover his spiritual
nakedness from then until now with “fig leaves,” which are always
devices of his own ingenuity and making, which God can never accept. The
Lord can only accept Christ and Him Crucified.<br />
<br />
We find the Sacrificial System beginning in Chapter 4 of Genesis, and
continuing all the way through the entirety of Old Testament times. In
fact, the Sacrificial System was the very heart of the Mosaic Law, with
the System symbolically portraying what Christ would do for us at the
Cross. The entirety of the Tabernacle System, which Paul used as an
example in Hebrews, pictured Christ in its totality, in His Atoning,
Mediatorial, and Intercessory Work. Actually, there is almost no
symbolism of the Resurrection given in the entirety of this description,
with virtually all pertaining to the Cross. In fact, in the entirety of
the Book of Hebrews, which is an explanation of our Salvation and
Sanctification according to Old Testament typology, only one mention is
made of the Resurrection, with the entirety of the Book given over to
the Cross. Paul said, “Now (since the Cross) the God of peace, Who
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus (the Resurrection), that
great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting
Covenant (the Cross),<br />
“Make you perfect in every good work to do His Will, working in you that
which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be
glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264413" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">13:20</span></span>–21).<br />
<br />
This is in no way meant to demean the Resurrection, which is of all
significance, even as we will deal with later, but, still, it was at the
Cross where our Redemption was effected, and totally at the Cross,
hence the great emphasis.<br />
<br />
ST. JOHN CHAPTER ONE<br />
<br />
We find the entirety of the story of the Bible given to us in capsule
form in the First Chapter of St. John. The great Apostle said:<br />
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word (the Lord Jesus Christ, the
Living Word) was with God, and the Word was God (Christ is God, the
Second Member of the Godhead, one might say)” (Jn. 1:1).<br />
So, we learn from this particular Verse that the “Lord Jesus Christ” and
the “Word” are One and the same. This, in effect, tells us that the
“Written Word” and the “Living Word” are, in essence, the same.<br />
Now we learn something else about the Living Word. The Holy Spirit through John said:<br />
“And the Word (the Lord Jesus Christ) was made flesh (the Incarnation),
and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only
Begotten of the Father,) full of Grace and Truth” (Jn. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264414" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:14</span></span>).<br />
So we learn that this “Word” became “flesh.” Now we will learn why the “Word” became “flesh.” John the Baptist said:<br />
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264415" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:29</span></span>).<br />
So we learn that the “Word” became “flesh” in order to go to the “Cross”
that the “sin of the world” might be “taken away.” God cannot die, so,
in order to die, God would have to become flesh, which was the answer to
the dilemma of the human race.<br />
If it is to be noticed, John referred to Christ as the “Lamb of God,”
because Christ was the fulfillment of all the millions of sacrifices of
lambs that had been offered up during Old Testament times. So, in these
three Verses (Jn. 1: 1, 14, 29), we have the story of the entirety of
the Word of God. It is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. I Cor. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264416" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:23</span></span>).<br />
<br />
THE GREAT ATTACK AGAINST THE CROSS<br />
<br />
Satan has attacked Christ and the Cross from the very beginning. In
fact, most of his energy is spent in this direction. He does that
because he knows that what Jesus did at the Cross is the only answer for
lost, dying humanity.<br />
<br />
Almost always those attacks have come from within the Church. In Paul’s
day, it was in the form of Judaism, which pertained to Christian Jews
attempting to add Law to Christ and the Cross. In fact, much of Paul’s
writings dealt with this very subject. The entirety of the Book of
Galatians deals with this problem.<br />
<br />
Almost immediately after that, the ugly head of Gnosticism began to
arise in the Church, with Paul dealing with this in Colossians, and John
the Beloved dealing with it in his First Epistle.<br />
After that, the Church itself became Satan’s great effort. Little by
little, the Apostolic Church, which is portrayed in the Book of Acts,
gradually apostatized until the rudiments of what we now know as the
Catholic Church were the result. It was A.D. 602 when the Bishop of Rome
was first referred to as the “Pope.” So it took approximately 600 years
for the Church to completely apostatize, which means that the Church
took the place of Christ and the Cross, which was one of Satan’s
greatest efforts, and which continues unto this day. In fact, all of
these things that Satan energized continue unto this present hour.<br />
<br />
The Reformation brought the Church and the world out of the Dark Ages,
but then, Satan’s great effort was “legalism.” Into the “Church,” and I
speak of the apostatized Church, legalism crept in little by
little.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
WORD OF FAITH DOCTRINE<br />
Beginning in about the 1960’s, the Word of Faith doctrine began to take
hold, and continues unto this hour. It has impacted the Church possibly
as no other false doctrine. It openly attacks the Cross, claiming that
it was “the worst defeat in human history.” In fact, in most of the
Churches, which go under that particular banner, and they number into
the tens of thousands, they will not even sing any songs concerning the
Blood, the Cross, etc., referring to such as “defeatist terminology.”<br />
<br />
The central doctrine of the Word of Faith message is the “Jesus Died
Spiritually Doctrine.” In simple terms, this means that the Cross was of
no consequence whatsoever. In fact, they teach that Jesus became one
with Satan on the Cross, actually becoming demon-possessed. They claim
that He died as a lost sinner and thereby went to the burning side of
Hell, where He writhed in agony for three days and nights, tortured by
demons, etc. And then, they continue to teach, at the end of the three
days and nights of torture, God the Father said, “It is enough,” and
Jesus was then “born again,” exactly as any sinner is Born-Again, and
raised from the dead.<br />
They teach that man’s salvation actually was consummated in Hell, of all
places. As stated, they completely demean the Cross, referring to it
also as “past miseries.”<br />
<br />
As ought to be obvious, the entirety of this fiasco, and a fiasco it is,
is a fabrication from beginning to end. In other words, there is
absolutely nothing in the Bible that even remotely addresses itself to
such.<br />
<br />
In this scenario, they teach that the “Resurrection” is the capstone of
Christianity. In fact, they tell Christians to shun the Cross, and tell
Preachers not to preach the Cross. They say that preaching the Cross
will bring only death (Kenneth Hagin’s monthly magazine, April 2002).
That is strange, when Paul said: “For Christ sent me not to baptize
(Water Baptism: Paul is not meaning to denigrate Water Baptism, but
rather to put it in its proper place), but to preach the Gospel: not
with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none
effect” (I Cor. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264417" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:17</span></span>). If it is to be noticed, the Apostle did not say, “Lest the Resurrection of Christ should be made of none effect.”<br />
<br />
He then said: “For the preaching of the Cross …” (he did not say, “For the preaching of the Resurrection …”) (I Cor. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1028264418" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:18</span></span>).<br />
Pure and simple, the “Word of Faith” doctrine is not of the Lord,
because it’s not Biblical. Its emphasis is on fabrications made up by
man, which actually had their beginnings with E. W. Kenyon, and its
birth by Satan.<br />
<br />
Following the Word of Faith doctrine, which has done so much damage to
the modern Church, we now have (2004) the “Purpose Driven Life”
Apostasy, along with the “Government of Twelve,” etc. In fact, the
“Purpose Driven Life” Apostasy has taken the Church world by storm,
infiltrating every particular Denomination, at least those of which I am
aware, even including Catholicism, and even the business world.<br />
<br />
Without going into detail, all of these things are wrong, simply because
they have attempted to replace Christ and the Cross with something
else. In fact, when one pulls off the face or facade of these things,
whatever they might be, whatever name they go under, always and without
exception one finds a departure from the Cross of Christ.<br />
So, if some think that I place too much emphasis on the Cross, I reply
by stating that it’s impossible to place too much emphasis on the Cross,
considering that the entirety of the story of the Bible is the story of
Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. And if I seem to place too much
emphasis upon this all-important aspect of Christianity, and, to be
sure, the central theme of Christianity is “Christ and Him Crucified,”
it is only because the pendulum has swung so far the wrong way, that
extra weight has to be added to the other end of the fulcrum to bring
everything back into proper balance.<br />
<br />
My introduction has been long, but I felt it was necessary in order to
set the stage for the Sixth Chapter of Romans, which is simply the most
important Chapter in the entirety of the Bible, at least as it refers to
the Believer’s Sanctification.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-45003701607737119012010-04-13T11:23:00.000-05:002015-08-25T01:43:42.814-05:00Galatians 2:11 - 21<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(11) “BUT WHEN PETER WAS COME TO <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">ANTIOCH</st1:place></st1:city>, I WITHSTOOD HIM TO THE FACE, BECAUSE HE WAS TO BE BLAMED.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Before we go into some depth regarding this particular Scripture, I think it would be helpful to look at Simon Peter a little more closely, concerning his former days. I speak of his denial of Christ, for in some way this has a bearing on Peter’s action at this particular time as it regarded Paul. And yet, whatever we say, is only meant for instruction that we may learn from the great Apostle’s personal experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">No man is perfect, even the greatest have had great problems. But they overcame these things and that’s what made them great. Whatever we might say about this man as we attempt to learn from his mistakes, which the Holy Spirit intends for us to do, the fact remains, that Simon Peter was one of the greatest men of God who ever lived. Nothing can change that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT WAS PETER’S REAL SIN? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Recently a prominent Religious Leader implied that Peter’s sin of denying Christ was only an impulsive act spawned by fear while he was temporarily backslidden. What does the Bible reveal about Peter’s problem? It is, after all, the final authority on this and all other matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We obviously cannot draw a conclusion about this issue by just taking a few Verses out of context. The Scriptures reveal a rather consistent pattern in Peter’s life. We view this pattern during the approximately three years that he physically walked with Jesus. So it is safe to assume that the same basic way of life existed before he became a Disciple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PETER’S PERSONALITY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">He lived up to the name Jesus ascribed to him (Jn. 1:42). Both the Aramaic </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Cephas” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and the Greek </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Peter” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">mean </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Rock.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It does not take much reading about this Fisherman to realize that he was an extremely self-confident individual. Because of this pride in his own ability, he constantly made rash statements and performed impetuous acts that revealed his overconfidence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter, for example, was the only one of the Disciples that asked to be allowed by Jesus to walk on the water; however, he soon began to sink and the Lord had to rescue him and rebuke him for his lack of Faith (Mat. 14:28-31). However, despite the sinking, it must as well be remembered that he did walk on the water — twice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In one breath this same man could announce his spectacular confession of Jesus as the Messiah, even as the Son of God, yet in another breath acquiesce as a mouthpiece of Satan who adamantly opposed the concept of Jesus suffering for the sins of mankind (Mat. 16:13-23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter could reject the Lord’s offer to wash His Feet, then suddenly leap to the opposite extreme and ask Jesus to wash his feet, his hands, and his head (Jn. 13:6-10). He could <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">rashly endeavor to rescue the Lord by attempting to decapitate the High Priest’s servant (Mat. 26:50-51), yet shortly after cringe in terror when asked by a servant girl if he was one of the Lord’s Disciples (Mat. 26:69-75). It does not take very much imagination to realize that his denial of Christ was the culmination of a consistent and longstanding pattern of pride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CHRIST’S DEALINGS WITH PETER <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Lord obviously attempted at different times and in a variety of ways to get Peter to recognize his problem. To illustrate, the interesting story in Luke 5:1-11, definitely contains a far more important Message than just the fact that Peter, James, and John caught a draught of fish. After fishing all night and catching nothing, these Disciples were instructed by Christ to cast their nets once more. Peter obeyed and as a result of their great catch fell before the Lord, acknowledging his own utter sinfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Another step in the Lord’s patient dealing with Peter can be seen in conjunction with the Disciple’s boastful proclamation of his willingness to go with Christ to prison and even to death (Lk. 22:33). Just before this haughty pronouncement, Jesus told Peter that Satan desired (literally, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“begged earnestly”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">) permission to sift him as wheat. He also assured Peter that He had prayed for him, and that he should strengthen his Brethren after his predicted return (Lk. 22:31-32). The Greek word Jesus used for </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“converted,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“return,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">is in the Greek </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“epistrepsas.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“a change in the course of action,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">so it does not in itself imply that Peter backslid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Among other things, this incident shows that the Devil must obtain permission from God before he can try a Believer. More importantly, it points us to the fact that God many times accomplishes His purpose by actually using the Devil as His instrument in sifting Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, the Devil probably thought he had gained the upper hand in this situation, while all the time the Lord was using him to awaken Peter to his underlying problem. He may never have recognized his own pride if he had not failed in such a dramatic fashion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DEPENDING ON THE GRACE OF GOD <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We know that this event caused Peter to change from a man who depended on his own <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ability to a man who depended on God’s Grace. This is evident from his dialogue with Jesus after the Lord’s Resurrection (Jn. 21:15-19). When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“these,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He could have been referring to the fishing implements or to the other Disciples. I believe He was talking about the latter to remind Peter of his former boast that the others might desert the Lord, but he would not (Mk. 14:29). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">More importantly, Jesus used the verb </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“agapao,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which refers to unconditional Love, or the Love that God Himself is (I Jn. 4:16). Peter, however, responded with the Greek verb for a less lofty type of love, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“phileo,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which means, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the love of friends.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Jesus, in the second question, again used the Greek </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“agapas,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and Peter again used </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“phileo.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In the third question Jesus shifted to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“phileis,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and Peter responded with the same basic word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Why? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Some people might say these two words are used interchangeably. It is true in some cases, but it is not likely that Jesus would use the two different terms in the same context to mean the same thing, especially in the configuration in this Passage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Is this just a play on words? No. I sincerely believe it indicates Peter’s refusal now to manifest the former confidence in his own ability. He had fallen into that trap once, he was determined not to do so again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Furthermore, it indicates that his entire life has turned to a total dependence on God’s Grace. That fact was evidenced a few days later when God miraculously used him on the Day of Pentecost. He finally was truly qualified to be God’s instrument. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DESIRE AND SINCERITY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter had the willingness before, and he manifested that desire many times and in a multitude of ways. It was he who exclaimed that there was no one else to whom they could go because Jesus had the Words of Eternal Life. This transpired after many Disciples ceased to follow the Lord (Jn. 6:68). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Despite his pride, Peter possessed a sincere desire to do God’s Will; therefore, the Lord did not cast him aside but lovingly worked in his life until he finally came to that place of humility and dependence on <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">God’s Grace. Perhaps Peter’s desire was one reason the Lord accorded him the privilege of participating in events that only two other Disciples, James and John, were allowed to share (Mat. 17:1; 26:37; Mk. 5:37). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In conclusion, it seems quite obvious from the total picture that Peter’s betrayal was not just the result of one rash act. More importantly, the entire scenario of Peter’s life in the Gospels clearly indicates the way the Lord patiently worked with him until he finally came to that place of throwing himself utterly on the Grace of God. The Book of Acts reveals the glorious results! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Are you allowing the Lord to conquer self in you so that He truly can manifest Himself through you? (Rossier). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHEN PETER WAS COME TO <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">ANTIOCH</st1:place></st1:city> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“But when Peter was come to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">presents this city as the one used by God to spearhead World Evangelism. In fact, the spiritual emphasis had shifted from <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on">Antioch</st1:city>, and possibly because of the insistence of the Christian Jews in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> to continue the Law of Moses, which of course, was an untenable situation, considering that Jesus had already fulfilled the types and symbolisms of the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">There were several cities named </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“<st1:city st="on">Antioch</st1:city>,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">but this city was situated on the River Orontes, and was long the capital of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Syria</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Hence, it was known as <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Antioch</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Syria</st1:country-region></st1:place>. It was built by Seleucus Nicanor, and was called <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> in honor of his Father Antiochus. It was founded about 300 years before Christ. It was long the most powerful city of the East, and was inferior only to <st1:city st="on">Seleucia</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alexandria</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It was famous for the fact that the Right of Citizenship was conferred by Seleucus on the Jews, as well as the Greeks and Macedonians, so that here they had the privilege of worship in their own way without molestation. It is probable that the Christians were regarded merely as a Sect of Jews, even though it seems that most in the Church were Gentiles, and would be here suffered to celebrate their worship without interruption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This city was honored as a Roman colony, a metropolis, and an asylum. It was large; was almost square; had many gates; was adorned with fountains; and was a city of great opulence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE JEWS AND THE MOSAIC LAW In this Verse Paul opens the question as to whether the Jew himself is still bound by the Mosaic Law, which of course they were not. In the Jerusalem Council, the question was as to whether the Rite of Circumcision should be re-quired of the Gentiles? The particular Mosaic Legislation to which Paul had reference here and which he presented as a test case before the Galatians, had to do with the Levitical Legislation regarding the eating of certain foods. While one purpose of the giving of this Legislation permitting the eating of certain foods and the prohibition regarding other foods, was a dietary one to promote the physical well-being of the Jews, yet another was that of keeping the Jews a separate people from the Gentiles, thus preserving clean the channel which God was using to bring Salvation to the Earth. The forbidden foods were found on the tables of the Gentiles. Hence, a Jew could never accept a dinner invitation of a Gentile. This was one of the factors which kept the nation of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> apart from the Gentile world. THE CROSS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">God had made clear to Peter that this Legislation was set aside at the Cross, by the vision He gave him while he was on the housetop of Simon the Tanner, with the result that Peter was willing to go to the home of the Gentile Cornelius (Acts Chpt. 10). This occurred before the incident to which Paul refers in these Verses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">When Peter came to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, he saw Jews and Gentiles eating together, enjoying their fellowship. Then, when certain Jews from the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Jerusalem</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> came as representatives of James, and saw Peter eating with the Gentiles, they contended that he was going against Levitical Legislation. They brought pressure to bear upon Peter, and he discontinued his fellowship in this manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This caused the Jews in the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> to cease eating with the Gentiles, and brought about a division in the Church. Thus, Paul, in resisting Peter, showed that he not only refused to take orders from the Jerusalem Apostles, but on the other hand felt that his Apostolic position gave him the right to stand openly against them in matters which he considered to be wrong conduct. In no way could he have better demonstrated his independence <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as an Apostle, than this which he did regarding Peter at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE DESIGN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The design for which Paul introduces this statement here is evident. It is to show that he regarded himself as on a level with the chief Apostles, and that he did not acknowledge his inferiority to any of them. Peter was the eldest, and no doubt the most honored of the Apostles. Yet Paul says that he did not hesitate to resist him in a case where Peter was manifestly wrong, and thus showed that he was an Apostle of the same standing as the others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Besides, what he said to Peter on that occasion was exactly pertinent to the strain of the argument which he was pursuing with the Galatians, and he, therefore, introduces it (vss. 1421) to show that he had held the same Doctrine all along, and that he had defended it in the presence of Peter, and with Peter not contradicting Paul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The time of this journey of Peter to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> cannot be ascertained; nor the occasion on which it occurred. There are some who feel this incident took place before the Council in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>, and others after. I personally believe it occurred after that Council, but there is no proof, I think, either way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE GALATIANS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In this narrative which Paul gives, several points here, were definitely meant by him, I think, to be directed toward the Galatians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He shows to these Gentile Galatians who were wavering in their attachment to him and to the Gospel which he had preached to them, how he had successfully asserted their rights and their equal standing with Jewish Believers, when the Gentiles were assailed by </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“certain who came from James.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In contrast with his own unflinching championship of their cause, were here seen vacillation and inconsistency on the part of Peter. Were, then, any justified in exalting these </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Pillars, James and Peter,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as certain were disposed to do, for the sake of disparaging him? (Disparaging Paul). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, this experience at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> should lead them to regard with suspicion the Jewish Brethren, who were setting themselves to tamper with the Truth of the Gospel. Crooked <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">conduct was sure to accompany such darkening of the Truth, as on that occasion was most palpably evinced in the case of even Barnabas, and was in open encounter before the whole Church exposed and rebuked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">And especially, there was the grand principle that the Law of Moses was for the Christian Believer annihilated through the Crucifixion of Christ; which principle Paul had then held aloft in the view of the Church, and here takes occasion to enlarge upon, because it was so directly relevant and helpful in respect to the trouble now springing up in Galatia (Huxtable). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PETER IN <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">ANTIOCH</st1:place></st1:city> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The manner in which Peter’s coming to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> is introduced seems to proclaim that his coming was not felt to have been at all an extraordinary circumstance. In other words, it seems to be obvious, that he had possibly visited the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> several times. It is even thought that he traveled often, taking his wife with him (I Cor. 9:5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Actually, there is a tradition, which gained early acceptance in the Church (Eusebius), that Peter ultimately became the Bishop (Pastor) of the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>. There is little proof as to whether or not that is true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WITHSTOOD HIM TO THE FACE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“I withstood him to the face,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">means that Paul openly opposed him, and re-proved him. Thus, Paul showed that he was equal with Peter in his Apostolic authority and dignity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The instance before us is one of faithful public reproof; and every circumstance in it is worthy of special attention, as it furnishes a most important illustration that at times there must be reproof, and the manner in which such re-proof should be conducted: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. Peter allowed the opinions of others to influence him, and by his action overturned the Truth. Paul lived in the light and power of the Gospel of which a Glorified Christ is the Center, and being both firm and ardent as well as clear-sighted, he did not spare Peter, but rebuked-him in the presence of all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. Paul did this openly. It was reproof addressed to the offender himself. Paul did not go to others and whisper his suspicion; he did not seek to undermine the influence and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">authority of another by slander; he did not vilify Peter, and then attempt to justify himself on the ground that what he had said was no more than true: he went to him at once, and evidently before others, frankly stating his views, and reproved him in a case where he was manifestly wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">3. The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“but” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">as it introduces Verse 11, presents the contrast between the fellowship of Paul with the Jerusalem Apostles and his attitude against them respecting that which he thought was wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“withstood” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to set oneself against, to withstand, resist, oppose.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This verb implies that the initial attack came from the other side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It was Peter in Paul’s mind, who was the aggressor. Although not intentional, yet in effect, it was an attack on the position which Paul was maintaining at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>. Actually, what Peter did, undercut Paul in all that he had taught, even as we shall see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS IN CHURCH HISTORY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We see Peter and Paul here in open antagonism: the rebuke coming from Paul, and the blame resting unequivocally on Peter, and this on a question very seriously affecting Christian Faith and conduct in all future ages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE DEFENSE OF THE TRUTH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Here we have no trifling matter at hand, but the chief article of all Christian Doctrine. We are speaking of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Justification by Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">or otherwise, when in reality, there is no otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The utility and majesty of this of which we speak, and which Paul addressed, is of such significance, that it beggars description. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Who is Peter? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Who is Paul? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Who is and what is an Angel from Heaven? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What are all the creatures together, to the article of Justification, which Paul saw here in danger by the conduct of Peter. Wherefore he is obliged to put aside the dignity of Peter for the Truth’s sake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Wherefore we must not be ashamed for the defense of the Truth, to pay whatever price must be paid, be we called proud, obstinate, or what they will, we must hear none of this. We must give place to none when it comes to the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Truth. Only here are we allowed to be obstinate and inflexible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">For this cause we offend man, that is if we have to do so, even tread down the majesty of his person, or the entirety of the world for that matter, simply because, the only avenue of the soul, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Justification by Faith,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">must never be hindered, weakened, or compromised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When it says that Paul </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“withstood Peter to his face,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">he makes points against the Apostles of Satan, who slander those who are absent, and in their presence dare not open their mouths. Paul did not do that, he frankly and openly withstood him to his face, not for any ambition or other carnal affection, but because he was to be blamed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE INFALLIBILITY OF THE APOSTLE? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">I think it is here obvious that Apostles, even though their Calling is from God, and even though it is the highest rank there can be under the New Testament Economy, are not infallible. It is possible for an Apostle to be wrong, even as Peter here was. In fact, the Prophets themselves have sometimes erred, and been deceived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Nathan said unto David that he should build an house unto the Lord (II Sam. 7:3). But this Prophecy was shortly corrected by Revelation from God. So did the original Twelve err also, for they imagined that the <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Christ</st1:placename> should be carnal and of this world, saying, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore the Kingdom to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Acts 1:6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">And again Peter, although he heard the Command of Christ, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“To go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature”” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Mk. 16:15), still, had not gone, and would not go to Cornelius, if he had not been admonished and compelled by a Vision (Acts Chpt. 10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">And in this matter of Paul’s rebuke, Peter did not only err in judgment, but committed a great sin; and if Paul had not resisted him, all the Gentiles which did believe, would have been constrained to receive Circumcision, and to keep the Law of Moses, which would have destroyed their Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The believing Jews would have been confirmed that these things were necessary to Salvation, and by this means would have received again the Law instead of the Gospel, Moses instead of Christ. And of all this great enormity, Peter, by his dissimulation, had been <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the occasion. Therefore, we may not attribute to the Saints such perfection, as though they could not sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE WORD IS THE STANDARD, NOT MEN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In this entire scenario it is plainly obvious that the Word of God is to be the Standard, the Foundation, the Guiding Light of all that is done, and not men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">However, the Catholic Church would proclaim the opposite, demanding that the people heed the Pope, Bishops, and Priests, with the Word of God given no place at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">All too often, even in Protestant circles, men demand obedience even at the expense of the Word of God, men incidentally who refer to themselves as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Spiritual Leaders,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">but in fact, have been given that position by elective ballot, and not by God. In other words, they occupy a man-devised position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even though all Preachers of the Gospel have some spiritual authority, still, the only binding </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“spiritual authority” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">so-called, is the Word of God. It is infallible, unchangeable, and is to be the rule of conduct, thought, decision, and direction respecting all things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TRUTH? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">I think we should see from this scenario given by Paul, actually prompted by the Holy Spirit, as to how significant all of this is. As we’ve already stated, we are speaking here of the single most important thing there is, the Salvation of the soul. Satan would love to compromise that Message. In fact, he does all within his power to compromise it, and has succeeded in many if not most religious circles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I do not at all enjoy taking the stand that I feel we must take respecting my own personal Ministry. I have suffered much for that stand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I have watched the Church drift into Humanistic Psychology, into what has actually ceased to be a drift, but rather a speedy slide downward, and I have lifted my voice as strongly as possible against this direction. It has not endeared me to the Leadership of the Assemblies of God, the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>, the Charismatics, or others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I personally consider this problem, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“The <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Psychological Way</st1:address></st1:street> versus the Biblical Way,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to be little less significant, if any at all, than the </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law/Grace” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">issue of Paul’s day. As Believers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">could not have both Law and Grace then, they cannot have the </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“<st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Psychological Way</st1:address></st1:street> and the Biblical Way” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">at the same time presently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">As well, it has not endeared us regarding many to take a stand against the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Prosperity Gospel,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">which in fact, is no prosperity at all. The same can be said for the music of the world brought into the Church, which affects worship, and above all, substitutes an ungodly direction for the Holy Spirit respecting the winning of people to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The list could go on. It is not pleasant to be looked at as a pariah, to have every type of lie that Satan can devise told about one’s person, and even have so-called Religious Leaders aid and abet the Evil One in the spreading of these lies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">However, and irrespective, as a Minister of the Gospel, I have but one duty, one obligation, one responsibility. That is to hear from Heaven, and to deliver to the people exactly that which I have heard. Consequently, I lay on my face before God day after day, asking Him to give me leading and guidance, that I may be anointed to proclaim His Word, and which He has done. By His Grace, He has helped us to see untold thousands brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We give Him all the Praise and all the Glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Yes, the Truth is worth defending, and at whatever price. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">BLAME <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Because he was to be blamed,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">indicates that Peter’s action had aroused the indignation of the Antioch Christians. The intrigue of the Jerusalem Jews who had come to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, their purpose of which was to affix the stigma of uncleanness on the uncircumcised Gentile Christians, was countenanced by Peter and Barnabas. Consequently, the public judgment had turned against Peter. Paul could not, therefore, keep silent, but was forced to rebuke Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Here the argument for Paul’s Apostolic independence has come to the highest level yet attained. In Jerusalem Paul faced Peter as an equal in rank and in the Gospel Ministry. At <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> he faced him as his superior in character and courage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(12) “FOR BEFORE THAT CERTAIN CAME FROM JAMES, HE DID EAT WITH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE GENTILES: BUT WHEN THEY WERE COME, HE WITHDREW AND SEPARATED HIMSELF, FEARING THEM WHICH WERE OF THE CIRCUMCISION.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is clear that these men were sent by James, and not that they merely claimed such. They were men of importance as is shown by the deference with which Peter treated them, and the manner with which he bowed to their request (or demands). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">As well, they were not from the ranks of the Judaizers who Paul had castigated. James would not send men of that stamp, but rather Jewish Christians of Jerusalem who like James were still most scrupulous in their obedience to the Mosaic Law. James, even after the decision of the Council at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> regarding the relation of the Law to Gentile converts to Christianity, still held to the view that the Jewish converts were under the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, we have here Paul’s statement as it regarded the lapse of James regarding the Jews, when he gave his decision concerning Gentiles and the Law recorded in Acts 15:19-29. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Whereas James lapsed there, which caused great difficulties, some Scholars believe that Paul himself lapsed in Faith, when the Apostle at the request of James took upon himself a Jewish Vow to show the Jews in Jerusalem that he was still a strict Jew (Acts 21:18-26). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Actually, I have taken the position that Paul did not at that time lapse, with Commentary on that particular Chapter in Acts, hopefully explaining the situation to a greater degree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">And here we have the occasion of Peter’s lapse when James sent this mission to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> with the purpose of enforcing the Mosaic Law so far as the Jewish Christians were concerned. News had reached <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> that Jewish and Gentile Christians were mixing together and even eating together, hence the mission from James. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CERTAIN CAME FROM JAMES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For before that certain came from James,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">gives us all too well another example as to why Apostles or anyone else for that matter, are not to be the final word, but rather the Word of God itself. As we’ve already stated, this is one of Satan’s greatest efforts, to demand that men follow man instead of God. While Apostles and all others as well, are to be loved, respected and appreciated, as it regards the Call <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of God upon their lives, with the Believer gleaning all that is possible from the Ministries of these particular individuals, still, it is always the Word of God which is the final authority on all things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As we have said a number of times, if James had included the Jews in his decision respecting Acts Chapter 15, it would have been a tremendous boon to the Work of God. It should be obvious to the Reader, that the Lord did not and does not, have one Salvation for Gentiles and another for Jews. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHY DID NOT PAUL RAISE THAT QUESTION AT THE COUNCIL IN <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">JERUSALEM</st1:place></st1:city>? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I think it is obvious as to why he said nothing at that time. He was very thankful to the Lord, considering this decision by James respecting the Gentiles as a tremendous victory. In fact, Paul held very little status in that particular Council; consequently, his position of authority would have counted for little at that particular time. However, if Peter had come out strongly for this cause, that the ruling should apply to Jews as well, it would have carried great weight, no doubt carrying the day; however, even though Peter did stand strongly for the Gentiles not having to abide by Mosaic Law, he said nothing respecting Jews (Acts 15:7-11). Considering the great Vision the Lord had given him concerning this very problem, even as recorded in Acts Chapter 10, should have been sufficient ground on which he could have stood respecting this issue. Nevertheless, he took no stand except for the Gentiles, for which Paul regarding that much, was no doubt, extremely thankful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">EAT WITH THE GENTILES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“He did eat with the Gentiles,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">shows that Peter knew the right way, especially considering the remarkable Vision which he had as recorded in Acts Chapter 10. He had learned that God designed to break down the wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles, and he, consequently, familiarly associated with them, and partook with them of their food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This means that he evidently disregarded the peculiar Laws of the Jews about meats and drinks, and partook of the common food which <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">was in use among the Gentiles, whatever that may have been. Thus, he showed his belief that all the race was henceforward to be regarded as on the same level, and that the peculiar institutions of the Jews, which were now fulfilled in Christ anyway, were not to be considered as binding, or to be imposed on others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“eat with” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">in the Greek implies close fellowship or cooperation. In the Greek, this tells us that it was a practice of Peter to eat with the Gentiles. In other words, he held not at all with the old Jewish rituals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The preposition speaks of the fact that in the act of joining in their meals, not only in the Christian Love-Feasts which were connected with the Worship Program of the Local Church, but also held the same in their homes. In other words, Peter was on terms of the greatest intimacy with these Gentiles. In fact, at that particular time, the Love-Feasts were recognized as the bond of fellowship in the infant Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:city st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ANTIOCH</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> AND THE COUNCIL AT <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">JERUSALEM</st1:place></st1:city> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Some hold that this Council of Acts Chapter 15 was held after the situation at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> of which Paul speaks; however, it is my personal thought that evidence points in the other direction — that the Council was conducted before this incident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">That being the case, the probable origin of the Antioch practice of Jews and Gentiles eating together, was that the Church argued that since the Jerusalem Council had upheld the position of Paul on the freedom of the Gentiles from the obligation of Mosaic Law, in this case Circumcision among other things, that all the restrictions of the Mosaic Economy had been set aside, which was of course correct. This would as well include the Levitical Legislation regarding foods. In other words, the foods previously forbidden the Jew and found on Gentile tables, now could be included in his menu. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Accordingly, the Jewish and Gentile Christians welcomed the opportunity of Christian fellowship at meals. This practice could not have been in force before the Jerusalem Council, for, had it been, that question would also have been dealt with. Peter, finding this situation at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, fell in with it in his usual impetuous way. The Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>, hearing of his actions, sent this deputation it seems <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to investigate. These men sent by James, found Peter eating with the Gentiles (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">RELIGION OR RELATIONSHIP? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Reader may be somewhat confused re<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:5.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\TRANSL~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="3" shapes="_x0000_i1026" src="file:///C:/Users/TRANSL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg" width="7" /><!--[endif]-->garding this great to-do concerning food. We have already explained in previous Commentary the dietary laws contained in Mosaic Legislation. As stated, all of this was given by God for a particular purpose, which in effect, pertained to the coming of the Messiah, which were all fulfilled when Jesus came. In other words, these things were no longer necessary when Jesus came and died on the Cross, such having fulfilled its purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, the Jews desired to continue these Laws and Regulations of old, some of them even claiming that one had to do these things in order to be saved. In fact, eating or not eating certain foods did not make any difference, unless one construed that it had something to do with one’s Salvation, which is exactly what was happening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is the same presently. Let’s use jewelry for instance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">One particular Pentecostal Denomination for years, forbade the wearing of any type of jewelry by women in that particular Church. Now, the wearing or not wearing of jewelry had nothing to do with anything for that matter; however, if they claimed, which some did, that such had to do with one’s Salvation, then it falls under the same category of this of which we are discussing here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">People are saved by Faith in Christ, and not because they do or don’t do certain things of this nature, which in fact, have no moral bearing on anything, just as the food or Circumcision, of which Paul spoke. In other words, when these type of things are done, religion is the result and not relationship with Christ. As a result, all of this contains some very important lessons for us about the difference between re<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:6pt;height:2.25pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\TRANSL~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.jpg" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="3" shapes="_x0000_i1027" src="file:///C:/Users/TRANSL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image004.jpg" width="8" /><!--[endif]-->ligion and relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN PETER AND PAUL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even though we will discuss this further, please notice a few facts presently about this incident: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. It was such a serious issue that Paul </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“opposed” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter against, or to, his face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. Paul twice labeled Peter’s conduct </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“hypocrisy” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and added that the remaining Jews and even Barnabas were led away by it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. Peter apparently knew he was wrong because he did not attempt to defend his action. At least we have no record of any defense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What makes this encounter so serious? The key is in Verse 14, which begins with a very strong, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“but.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul followed this contrasting term with </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“When I saw that they walked not straight with the Truth of the Gospel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Walking straight with” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“conforming to” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">the Truth of the Gospel was paramount in Paul’s life, and thank God it was, or Salvation in Christ may have at that time been destroyed, which was Satan’s intention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The simple but profound fact that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures was the Message that Paul gave </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“first priority” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(I Cor. 15:3-4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PETER’S PROBLEM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter knew that acceptance of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross was the only thing that would bring Salvation to a life (Acts 2:38; 4:12). Why then did he temporarily fail to act in conformity to the Truth of the Gospel? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When he segregated himself from the Gentile Believers in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> and fellowshipped only with Jewish Believers, he was turning his back on the Gospel by showing his preference for the religion in which he participated before his conversion to Christ. However, as we shall see, he did this out of fear instead of conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PAUL’S LESSON <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Paul learned about religion the hard way. Before his conversion to Christ (Acts 9:1-19), his entire life was absorbed in Religion, yet he did not have a relationship with Jesus. Some people do not seem to realize that he was not converted until he was in his thirties, or at least in his late twenties. In fact, he lived nearly half of his earthly life as a zealous self-righteous Pharisee (Phil. 3:4-6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">At a particular time, though, God allowed him to hear the Testimony of a person, Stephen, who did have a living relationship with Jesus (Acts 7:54-60). The attitude and words of Stephen while being martyred must have had a profound impact on Saul of Tarsus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Anyhow, the time arrived when he ex<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:6pt;height:2.25pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\TRANSL~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.jpg" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="3" shapes="_x0000_i1028" src="file:///C:/Users/TRANSL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image004.jpg" width="8" /><!--[endif]-->changed those 25 or 30 years of empty religion for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:7-14), the same kind of relationship that Stephen enjoyed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Is it any wonder that he was so disturbed when he viewed the hypocrisy of Peter, Barnabas, and the other Jews in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>? This matter wasserious because their action was implying that Justification could come from practicing religion. I know that is why he stated unequivocally </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“that a person is not justified by works of Law but through Faith in Christ Jesus” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DOING AND BEING <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Religion deals with </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“doing,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">but relationship is concerned with </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“being.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Religion attempts to gain merit with God by doing good things. On the other hand, a person with a genuine rela-tionship with Christ will also perform good works, but those deeds will emanate from the relationship (James 2:18-26). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In other words, we are facing a battle between what is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“good,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">and what is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“best.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Religion constantly involves itself in doing good things. This is commendable, but it is not </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“best.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">God’s Way is the only </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“best” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Way because it emphasizes a living relationship with Christ, and out of this relationship will come good works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul was distressed with any theosophy that even suggested Salvation could result from good works. He had tried that approach for approximately half of his earthly life, and he knew it did not work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Why did it not work? Because God willed that Salvation would be granted to people </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“by Grace through Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Eph. 2:8) and not </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“by works” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Eph. 2:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Why did the Lord design the receiving of Salvation in this manner? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In brief, God’s justice could never have been satisfied by man’s works, inasmuch as the sin debt was so great, that man could never hope to settle the account in this manner. Consequently, the only way for people to be saved, was for Jesus Christ to settle that account, which He did at Calvary’s Cross, and the believing sinner having Faith in that, what Christ did at Calvary, instantly, wondrously, even miraculously, insures Salvation (Jn. 3:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Once Paul realized these things of which we have just said, which were actually given to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">him by Jesus Christ through Revelation, Paul </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“died to the Law . . . in order to live to God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:19). This is a way of saying that he rejected the religion of trying to gain merit with God by performing good works. Instead, he accepted Christ and was thereby granted a living relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A CONTINUOUS LIFE OF VICTORY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This great Truth does not end there, though. You see, God does not just want us to experience the initial victory over sin that comes at conversion. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“He has provided a continuous life of victory for us, as we appropriate on a daily basis the benefits of the Cross.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"> That’s what Jesus was talking about, respecting the taking up of the Cross daily and following Him (Lk. 9:23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is because of this that Paul’s discourse on relationship contains three definite aspects: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. The historical basis, or the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. The initial experience of conversion that occurs when a person accepts Christ as Saviour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. The continuous aspect of living the overcoming Christian life. All three are based on God’s Grace, and come through the Cross of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">We continue to enjoy a constant relationship with Christ because of the process described in Galatians 2:20, which we will arrive at momentarily. Unfortunately, some people fail to live overcoming Christian lives because they shift from relationship to religion after they become Christians, which in fact, is a problem I think for every Believer. In other words, they seem to think they are living proper Christian lives because of their works. The Bible teaches no such thing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">If we are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“trying” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to live overcoming Christian lives by practicing good works, we need to stop </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“trying” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and start allowing Christ to live through us. The good works will be present, but they will result from relationship and not from religion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE PROCESS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">According to Verse 20, which we will address to a greater degree momentarily, this is the way the process works. </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I have been crucified with Christ”</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> comes from a perfect tense verb in the Greek, so it relates to the process that begins <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">at conversion and continues throughout this earthly life. In other words, the sinful Adamic nature is constantly being put to death, by our constant trust in what Jesus did for us at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection. In other words, our victorious overcoming is not a one time affair, but rather a continuing, daily process. We must exhibit Faith daily in the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In addition, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And I no longer live” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">shows that the human nature or sin nature is no longer in control. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But Christ lives in me” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">indicates a new source of control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">How does the Life of Christ operate through us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I live by Faith in the Son of God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">shows that Faith must not only be exercised at conversion but throughout our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But Faith in what? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Faith in what Jesus did for us at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection. There He paid the terrible sin debt and as well, He broke the grip of sin within our hearts and lives. However, even as we have stated, it takes a continuous Faith, which means continuous believing even on a daily basis, which is what Jesus referred to in taking up the Cross daily and following Him, in order for us to maintain this victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To be frank, the key is in the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“maintain.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In fact, every single Believer is already an overcomer and victorious in Christ, through his Faith in Christ. In other words, there is nothing the Believer can do in the form of works, to make himself victorious or an overcomer, that already having been done in Christ. In other words, Jesus defeated Satan on our behalf, consequently becoming victorious. As well, He overcame every rudiment of Satan, sin, and darkness, and did such on our behalf. Our Faith in Him, and what He did, grants us the status of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“victory” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“overcomer.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">However, Satan does all within his power to shove us away from that position we have in Christ. He makes us believe that we have to do something, perform good works, become very religious, etc., in order to be an </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“overcomer,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">which he knows will never work, and in fact, is an insult to Christ. Such action portrays, whether we realize it or not, that Jesus did not finish the Work at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and consequently, needs our help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, I think I can say that most every Christian has fallen into this trap in one way or <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">the other. We should understand, that it makes no difference as to how sincere we are, how hard we try, if we’re trying to gain victory outside the legal confines of Calvary and the Resurrection, in other words what Jesus did for us, we will fail every time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">That which makes this process work is the Grace of God. In other words, the Holy Spirit works on our behalf, which He will do only within the legal confines of <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection, which alone will gain us victory through the Grace of God. We did not earn such as we cannot earn such, it being given to us freely by the Lord upon our Faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">That is why Paul closed the Passage with the affirmation, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“I do not set aside the Grace of God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Truth is, if we do not permit the Grace of God to operate in us, we will not be overcoming Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Religion says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I can do it.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Relationship says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ can do it through me.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Take your pick! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Do you want religion that operates by works — or a relationship that operates by Grace? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Religion guarantees failure, while the Grace of God, which all of us desperately need, and can have through Christ, guarantees victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">HE WITHDREW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“But when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">suggests a retreat on the part of Peter from motives of caution. The Greek Text indicates that Peter did not start his withdrawal from the Gentile tables at once, but gradually, under the pressure of the criticism of those sent from James. It gives a graphic picture of Peter’s irresolute and tentative efforts to withdraw from an intercourse that gave offense to these visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“withdrew” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">also was used of furling the sails of a boat. Peter, the former Fisherman, was expert at that. Now, he was trimming his sails in a controversy that involved Jewish freedom from the Mosaic Law which had been set aside at the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“separated” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">also speaks of a gradual separation. The whole incident is characteristic of Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It seems he was always the first to recognize great Truths and the first to draw back from these Truths. Witness his great confession of the Deity of the Lord Jesus, and so soon after, his repudiation of the prediction of our Lord to the effect <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">that He would die at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> and be raised again (Mat. 16:13-23); also his call to preach (Mat. 4:18-20), and his action of returning to his fishing business instead of fulfilling his Commission of preaching the Gospel (Jn. 21:3). And of course, the greatest failure of all, in his proclamation of faithfulness to the Lord, and then a few hours later, his denial (Lk. 22:31-34). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is much to be marvelled that Peter, being so excellent an Apostle, should fall into this error, for at the Council in Jerusalem, he was very bold in defense of this very article, when the Pharisees which believed, held that it was necessary to circumcise the Gentile converts, and command them to keep the Law of Moses. Peter then protested vehemently against putting a yoke upon the Gentiles, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“which neither our Fathers nor we were able to bear” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:5-11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(I Cor. 10:12). No one would think what danger there is in traditions and ceremonies. Of the Law and good works comes a trust in such, and where that is, there can be no proper trust in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter knew the article of Justification better than we do, and yet how easily he gave great occasion of offense, that is, if Paul had not withstood him (Luther). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">BEFORE MEN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter allowed the opinions of others to influence him, and by his action overturned the Truth. Consequently, the weakness and poverty of man are seen in Peter’s conduct. A man is weak in proportion to his importance before men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When he accepts the position of being nothing he is independent of public opinion and can do everything. A Christian exercises an evil influence over the world to the degree in which it influences him; and the potential for evil is increased if the Christian has a reputation for Godliness. In fact, it is a great snare for the heart to seek to maintain a reputation among men; and when this is a motive, the esteem, even though just in itself, becomes an agency for evil. So Peter drew away all the Hebrew Christians, and even Barnabas with him, into his dissimulation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FEAR <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Fearing them which were of the Circumcision,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents Peter’s problem <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— man fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It is not known exactly when Peter came to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, but the flow of events suggests that it was after the Council of Acts Chapter 15. It is true that the verb </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“had come”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"> allows the view that Paul is here reverting to an earlier incident, i.e., before the Council. If this is so, then Peter’s defense of Paul at <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city> in Acts Chapter 15 naturally reflects their earlier confrontation and conversation at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>. Some have defended this view on the basis that Peter could not have acted as he did following the Council. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, this overlooks both the reality of human inconsistency (even among the best people) and the fact that the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> incident reflects an entirely new situation. Actually, this was a new issue: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. Foods rather than circumcision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. A new area of the Faith — Christian living rather than the basis of Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. A new subject — Jewish liberty rather than the liberty of Gentile Christians. This dispute could have fallen naturally upon the compromise reached at the Council. Here is the reason why Peter was in the wrong or stood condemned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE FEAR OF MAN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It must be noted that Peter did not simply make an honest mistake. The Peter who had received the Vision prior to going to the house of Cornelius and who had defended Paul at the Council was not fooled by the arguments of the Legalizers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The difficulty was that he gradually gave in to pressure exerted by the Legalizers, even though he </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">knew </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">what was right. In other words, Peter played the hypocrite. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“The same Peter who had denied his Lord for fear of a maidservant now denied Him again for fear of the Circumcision party.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As this problem was acute, it is acute now. Most Preachers, and I think I speak without exaggeration, are not free in their own spirit to preach what they know in their heart to be true. They fear what certain people in the Church will say, or what denominational heads may say or think, or other of their peers in some way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, there is something in all men that desires to be accepted, or even applauded by other men. So, when </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“fear” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is coupled with self-will, there are very few who will Preach </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Thus saith the Lord,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">irrespective as to what others <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">think. To be sure, there will be adverse results from some quarters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A PERSONAL EXAMPLE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In the early 1980’s, we had the largest Television audience in the world relative to Gospel. In prayer one particular morning, the Lord spoke to my heart with a great Moving of the Holy Spirit, telling me certain things He desired that I address. It concerned the Catholics and their gospel of works, the Denominational world and their denial of the Holy Spirit, the Pentecostals and their abandoning the Holy Spirit, the Charismatics and their false doctrine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This was something which went on for many weeks regarding the Moving of the Holy Spirit upon my heart. The Holy Spirit was perfectly open with me, telling me exactly what would happen. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Your own will turn against you!” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">He said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Even though I understood that readily, I am glad that at the time I did not fully understand the implications of what was being said. If so, I am not certain if I would have been strong enough to have obeyed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Dealing with the Catholics at first, to be frank, I knew absolutely nothing about Catholic doctrine at that particular time. Besides that, Catholic Charismatics were giving to our Ministry millions of dollars each year in donations. However, when I began to study Catholic doctrine, I began to realize what the Holy Spirit was saying to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The conventional wisdom at that particular time among Pentecostals and Charismatics was that Catholics who had truly been saved, with many being Baptized with the Holy Spirit, were to stay in the Catholic Church. That was the message that was being propagated. To be frank, I knew very readily as to what was being preached about this particular situation, but I thought little about its direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When I began to study Catholic doctrine, I began to realize that there was no way the Holy Spirit could condone Catholics, who had truly been saved staying in this error. Such was not Scripturally or Spiritually possible (Jn. 16:1315). If they were truly saved, they had to come out of this false way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I BEGAN TO PREACH THIS WHICH I KNEW TO BE TRUE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I little dreamed the furor which would erupt upon my first Message. Having the ear at that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">time of most of the Church world, my Message came across like a bombshell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">To be sure, I did everything to be diplomatic and kind, but yet, I unequivocally stated, at least as it regards Catholics, that if they were truly saved, they were going to have to come out of the Catholic Church. I made no bones about it, I pulled no punches, I stated it just like I believed it to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Almost instantly, the giving from Catholic Charismatics dried up, with my Pentecostal and Charismatic friends castigating me in no uncertain terms for my particular stand. I mean that my Message aroused an anger from those quarters which I little expected, at least to that degree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Whether it was true or not I had no way to prove, but I was told that the leader of a major Pentecostal Denomination stated that he wished he could publicly apologize to the Catholics for my stand. In other words, he was greatly displeased at my Message. As stated, whether this man actually said this or not I am not sure; however, I do know that the policy of the leadership of that particular Denomination, at least for the most part, was definitely opposed to my Message. There was no doubt about that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">By the way, and I think I can say without fear of exaggeration, we saw untold thousands of Catholics brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ all over the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ANGER! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">One particular Pastor of a very large <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pentecostal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>, very angry about my stand, and confronting me in the presence of other Preachers, I quietly asked him as to how many Catholics he had seen saved under his Ministry? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He sat there for a few moments, and then finally said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“None, of which I am aware.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I answered and said, “</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">By the Grace of God, I have seen thousands brought to Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">His ridiculous answer was, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“If you had not told them to come out of the Catholic Church, you would have seen many more saved.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, he was saying that if we preached a lie, that would get people saved. To be frank, I really did not know how to answer such stupidity. I guess I would have to say with Jesus, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Lk. 6:39). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The man-fear which Peter experienced, and which millions of other Preachers have experienced down through the centuries, has been one of Satan’s greatest weapons against the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Truth.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Most are not willing to pay the price demanded in order to take a proper stand. It is much easier to compromise the Message, and thereby gain the plaudits of the crowd. Of course, when this happens, the Preacher then becomes a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“hireling.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There is every evidence that Peter repented regarding this thing, but the facts are, most never do repent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(13) “AND THE OTHER JEWS DISSEMBLED LIKEWISE WITH HIM; INSOMUCH THAT BARNABAS ALSO WAS CARRIED AWAY WITH THEIR DISSIMULATION.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Unfortunately, conduct such as that of Peter is not inconsequential, neither in his day nor now. So one is not surprised to read that other Jews, including Barnabas, were led away by his dissimulation. If Peter had been a lesser man or less prominent, the defection might have been less serious. Of course, I speak of influence and not of the individual. It is always serious with the individual, irrespective as to whom they may be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But this was Peter, the pillar Apostle, the companion of the Lord during His earthly Ministry! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What Peter did moved others. It is obvious that any Christian must give heed to his actions and the greater the position or responsibility, the more important those actions become. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DISSEMBLED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">gives the result of Peter’s action in the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Jewish Christians there refused to eat anymore with their Gentile Brethren in the Lord. In fact, the Church was split wide open on the issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Love-feast, the bond of fellowship expressive of Christian Love amongst the Brethren, was now divided into two groups. The friendly groups of Jews and Gentiles in the fellowship of the homes were discontinued. The fact that the Jews of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Antioch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> followed Peter in his withdrawal from the Gentiles, shows that the entire group had previously eaten with the latter. In other words, they had <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">all been one, which is what was intended by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Dissembled” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">in the Greek is, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“hupokrinomai,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">and speaks </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“of the act of concealing one’s real character under the guise of conduct implying something different.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The word itself means literally </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“to answer from under,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">as an actor who speaks from under a mask. Our word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“hypocrite” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">comes from this Greek word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In this present case, the knowledge, judgment, and feelings which were concealed, were worse only from the viewpoint of those who had come from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> of whom Peter and the Antioch Jews were afraid. From Paul’s viewpoint, it was their better knowledge which they covered up by their misconduct, the usual type of hypocrisy that proceeds from fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul, by characterizing their actions as hypocrisy, implied that there had been no real change of conviction on the part of Peter and the rest of the Jews, but only conduct that misrepresented their true convictions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, Peter and the other Jews at Antioch did not really believe in what they were doing, but succumbed to this false position because of fear of the Jews who had come from James in Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PAUL’S POSITION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Although Peter’s concern about his visit to the home of Cornelius was expressed in terms of that which was </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“unclean,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">it involved more than the actual eating of food. Certainly the central issue was fellowship which was typified in Semitic culture by the common table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There is no evidence, however, that the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Jerusalem</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> understood the incident (Peter’s Vision) as a new general policy of Jewish-Gentile fellowship. Instead, there is every indication that it’s significance was simply the recognition that the Gospel had been given to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. In fact, the decision of the Jerusalem Council further indicates that the two groups would continue to be separate, with the Jews continuing under the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This presented a critical problem for Paul, as should be obvious, because his Churches in <st1:country-region st="on">Macedonia</st1:country-region> and Achaia, as well as <st1:place st="on">Asia Minor</st1:place>, were in great part made up of both groups. How was Christian fellowship possible if the Jewish Believers were separated from their Gentile <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Brethren because of the restrictions of their Law? So it becomes obvious here as to what Paul had done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, as no doubt was the case elsewhere as well, Paul had taught the Jewish Believers to place the unity of their Christian fellowship above the limitations of the Law. In other words, all were one, which meant that the Jews were to ignore the restrictions of the Law, which were fulfilled in Christ and set aside anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Considering the tremendous influence of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Antioch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>, it seems that James had sent a delegation to that city to check on the proceedings respecting the mingling of Jews and Gentiles. Every indication is, that this delegation made a serious consequence out of this matter. So serious in fact, that Peter along with Barnabas and the other Jews defected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">As we have repeatedly stated, if James had included the Jews in his decision of Acts Chapter 15, this problem would never have arisen. As well, any error if not corrected, always leads to greater error, until it finally engulfs the whole. How could there be one Gospel, if Jews were not free to have fellowship with Gentiles? In fact, what kind of Gospel would that be? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul completely ignored the Law-keeping demands of the Jewish Leadership in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> as it referred to Jews, which is what he should have done. However, it did not endear him with that particular Leadership, as should be obvious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">HYPOCRISY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The problem was one of basic insincerity — either while participating in the table fellowship or by separation from that fellowship in the interests of the Law. Paul concludes that at one time or the other the action was a sham. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It will be seen, as the Apostle proceeds, that it was this duplicity that was the great wrong <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— not simply the refusal of Jews to share table fellowship with the Gentiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In the strictest Scriptural sense hypocrisy is the direct opposite of sincerity. Hypocrisy is duplicity, and insincerity in purity or singleness of motive. Thus, such profession is hypocritical only to the degree that it reflects insincerity. But to the extent that one’s words or actions are not sincere he is being hypocritical. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">BARNABAS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">once again uses the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“hypocrisy,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“dissimulation.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">But now regarding Barnabas, and the fact that he was swept off his feet and carried away with their hypocrisy. It was hard enough for Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles and the champion of Gentile liberty from the Law, to have Peter act as he did. But the hypocrisy of Barnabas was the cruel blow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">With the single exception of Paul, Barnabas had been the most effective Minister of the Gospel in the conversion of the Gentiles. He had been deputed with Paul by the <st1:placename st="on">Antioch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> to the Council at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> as its representative. He had come back with the news that the position held by Paul and himself with regard to Gentile freedom from Circumcision had been sustained by the Jerusalem Apostles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Now, his withdrawal from social fellowship with the Gentiles, came with the force of a betrayal to Paul and the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>. The defection of Barnabas was of a far more serious nature with regard to Gentile freedom even than the vacillation of Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Barnabas was Paul’s chief colleague in the evangelization of the Gentiles, and now to have him play the hypocrite and deserter, was a bitter blow to the great Apostle. This may well have prepared the way for the dissention between them which shortly afterwards led to their separation (Acts 15:39). Barnabas, the foremost champion of Gentile liberty next to Paul, had in a sense, become a turncoat (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Incidentally, all of these matters lend great credence to the contention that this situation occurred after the Jerusalem Council and instead of before, as contended by some. If this matter had taken place before the Jerusalem Council, there would not have been near the furor. As well, I seriously doubt that Paul previous to that Council, would have felt nearly as free as he did to take the steps he took, after the Council. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CHARGE MADE BY PAUL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter knew the Truth. So, we know that hypocrisy, at least as it is entertained in this capacity, is not a sin of ignorance, but rather <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the very opposite. Considering the defection of all the other Jews, even Barnabas, we begin to get the picture as to how serious the situation actually was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is a wonderful matter to consider that God preserved the Church being yet young, and the Gospel itself one might say, by one person only. Paul alone stood, it seems, for the Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Paul then reproved Peter for no small matter, but for the chiefest article of all Christian Doctrine, which by Peter’s dissimulation (hypocrisy) was in great danger. Certainly it is much to be marvelled that such excellent men as Peter, Barnabas, and others, should so suddenly and so lightly fail, especially in that thing which they had before held, and taught unto others. It is a perilous thing to trust to our own strength, for in that we think ourselves most sure, we may err and fail, and bring ourselves and others into great danger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Thus, we see that we are nothing with all our gifts be they ever so great, except God assist us. When he leaves us to ourselves, our wisdom and knowledge are nothing. For, in the hour of temptation, it may suddenly come to pass, that, by the subtlety of the Devil, all the comfortable places of the Scriptures shall be taken away out of our sight, and such places only as contain threatenings, shall be set before our eyes, which shall oppress us, and utterly confound us. Consequently, let no man glory of his own righteousness, wisdom, and other gifts; but let him humble himself, and pray with the Apostles, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Lord increase our Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Lk. 17:5) (Luther). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(14) “BUT WHEN I SAW THAT THEY WALKED NOT UPRIGHTLY ACCORDING TO THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL, I SAID UNTO PETER BEFORE THEM ALL, IF THOU, BEING A JEW, LIVEST AFTER THE MANNER OF GENTILES, AND NOT AS DO THE JEWS, WHY COMPELLEST THOU THE GENTILES TO LIVE AS DO THE JEWS?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul has already shown that he opposed Peter to his face because he was wrong, but we are not to think that he did this because he loved exposing error or, even less, because he loved an argument or desired to enhance his own prestige. To be frank, there was nothing of that in this. Paul’s real concern was for the Truth of the Gospel. It was not a matter of personalities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">To the Corinthians he wrote, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“What after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(I Cor. 3:5). As well, it is not a matter of trivial forms or ceremonies. What was at stake was the Gospel itself. Hence, Paul acted out of the very concern that Peter lacked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This is the second time that Paul has spoken of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“the truth of the Gospel” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(vss. 5, 14) — the good news that men and women do not become accepted with God because of anything they have done, or can do, but solely on the basis of God’s Grace shown in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moreover, on the basis of this Death all who believe become fully accepted by God and are accepted equally. Peter’s conduct compromised this principle for it implied that there could be a superiority in some Christians based on race or traditions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is not enough merely to understand and accept the Gospel, as Peter did, nor even to defend it, as he amply did at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. A Christian must also practice the Gospel consistently, allowing it to regulate all areas of his conduct. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WALK NOT UPRIGHTLY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents the idea that Paul may not have been present when all of this began. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Could he have been present in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> and yet have failed to see what was happening before such tragic consequences developed? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Is it possible that, even though seeing it, Paul hesitated to take drastic action? But this hardly fits his personality. Thus, it has been suggested that he was absent from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> when the situation was developing and saw it only when he returned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">So Paul confronted Peter before them all. His primary concern was to defend the Truth of the Gospel, but he was also convinced that the hypocrisy should be clearly revealed. To accomplish this it was necessary for him to publicly rebuke Peter, the recognized and highly respected leader of the Church. Such action was indeed a bold step, but Paul was convinced that the enormity of the error justified it. Now, at this later time, he could refer back to it as evidence that he had Divine authority for the Gospel which he preached. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Uprightly” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in the Greek is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“orthopodeo,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to walk with straight feet,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">thus </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">walk a straight course.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It speaks of straightforward, unwavering, sincere conduct in contrast to a crooked, wavering, and more or less insincere course such as Paul had said Peter and the other Jews were guilty of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“according to” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">are from the Greek </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“pros,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">and put definite limitations upon the words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“walked uprightly.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The sense here is not that Peter failed to walk in conformity to the precepts of Evangelical Truth, but that his attitude towards the Truth of the Gospel was not straightforward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The idea is, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“He did not pursue a straight course in relation to the Truth of the Gospel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He did not deal honestly and consistently with it. His was an attitude that led him to juggle with its Sacred Truth, to warp it, to misrepre-sent it, to deal crookedly with it. What an indictment of Peter (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Truth of the Gospel” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is the Truth which the Gospel embodies, with special reference to the Doctrine of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Justification by Faith.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter and Barnabas were acting in a manner which both were inconsistent with their holding of that great Truth, and, thusly, by their actions contravened its advancement in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Peter knew that acceptance of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross was the only thing that would bring Salvation to a life (Acts 2:38; 4:12). So, Satan would use some of the greatest men in the Church to hinder the great avenue of Salvation, which is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Justification by Faith,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">even though it is certain that they did not intend to do that. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what they did! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Was this constituted as sin on their part by God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Scripture plainly says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For whatsoever is not of Faith is sin” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 14:23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It also says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(James 4:17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Yes, what they did was sin, and a very grievous sin at that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This matter was so serious because their action was implying that Justification could come from practicing religion. Peter knew better! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Called by the ascended Christ Himself, Paul never forgot the great meaning of this call and its implications for his total life as <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Christ’s Apostle to the Gentiles. He never com-promised the Truth of the Gospel and its tremendous possibilities for Faith and Life. This becomes very apparent when studying his fourteen Epistles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, his firm refusal to compromise the Truth of God’s Word can be seen in his reactions to this very disturbing situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">BEFORE THEM ALL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I said unto Peter before them all,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means that Paul’s rebuke was in the presence of everybody, the whole <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Antioch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This means that the rebuke was not given before the Officers of the Church only, or before a specially convened and restricted number of people, but right in open Church meeting and before all the members of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Antioch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> who were present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Evidently, Paul felt he had no choice in this matter, and was no doubt led by the Holy Spirit. The situation had become the discussion throughout the entirety of the Church, therefore, if Paul confronted it at all, he had to confront it publicly, which he did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This case was of such significance, that it was necessary to establish fixed and just principles; consequently, Paul took occasion to do exactly that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, if the situation had not been corrected at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, it would soon have spread to all the other Churches as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CONTENDING FOR TRUTH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The fact that Paul reproved Peter before </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“them all,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">proves several things: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. That he regarded himself, and was so re-garded by the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, as on an equality with Peter, and as having equal authority with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. Public reproof is right when an offense has been public, and when the Church at large is interested, or is in danger of being led into error. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. It is a duty to reprove those who err. It is a painful duty, and one much neglected for that very reason; still it is a duty often enjoined in the Scriptures, and one that is of the deepest importance to the Church. He does a favor to another man, who in a kind and gracious spirit, admonishes him of his error, and reclaims him from a course of sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He does another the deepest injury, who suffers sin unrebuked to lie upon him, and who sees him injuring himself and others, and who is at no pains to admonish him for these faults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">4. It is the duty of one Christian to admonish another who is an offender, and to do it in a kind spirit. It is also the duty of him who has offended to receive the admonition in a gracious spirit and with thankfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Excitable was Peter by nature, yet there is no evidence that he became angry here, or that he did not receive the admonition of his Brother Paul with perfect good temper, and with an acknowledgement that Paul was right and that he was wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Indeed, the case was so plain — as it usually is, if men would be honest — that he seems to have felt that it was right, and to have received the rebuke as became a Christian. In fact, Peter at heart, was too good a man to be offended when he was admonished that he had done wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">A good man is willing to be reproved when he has erred, and it is usually proof that there is much that is wrong when we become excited and irritable if another admonishes us of our faults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, it may quickly be added here, that nothing should be inferred from this in regard to the inspiration or Apostolic authority of Peter. The fault was not that he taught error of Doctrine, but that he sinned by his actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT ABOUT PETER’S POSITION AS AN APOSTLE? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even though we ask this question, actually it should not even be necessary. However, due to the erroneous thoughts of many, it is best that it be addressed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">None of the Apostles, or Patriarchs, or Prophets, were perfect. Paul himself said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the Mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Phil. 3:13-14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Calling and Apostleship of these Brethren were not effected as it could not be effected. Of course, this predisposes repentance and correction of the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Word plainly says that the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Gifts and Calling of God are without repentance” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">11:29). In other words, if God calls an individual, that Calling remains irrespective as to what happens in the future. While it may be true that the individual may fail, with some even ceasing to function in that which the Lord has called them to do; still, they will answer to God for that calling when they stand before Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The situation for Apostles who do wrong, at least as far as God is concerned, is the same as with anyone else. They have to repent of the situation and put it behind them, and then function as God has called them. This is what Peter and Barnabas did, and which all Apostles must do, that is if such a situation occurs, in fact, which all must do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There has never been a perfect human being other than Christ. All have had to go before the Lord, asking for Mercy and Grace, which He always gives without reservation. There is no such thing, at least in Scripture, of someone forfeiting their Calling, that is, if they will humble themselves before the Lord, seeking to follow Him in all His ways. Sinless perfection does not exist in any, even Apostles, and such is not the idea as taught in Scripture. However, a broken and contrite spirit </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">that which the Lord demands of all (Ps. 51; Lk. 18:9-14; I Jn. 1:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ONE REQUIREMENT FOR ALL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">God does not have one requirement for Laypersons and another for Apostles, etc. The penalty for sin is the same for all, and the solution for sin is the same for all, as should be obvious. As well, when God forgives, it is total and complete. There is no such thing as a partial justification. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The moment that Peter and Barnabas repented of this situation, at that moment they were fully restored and in every capacity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, all sin is put in the same category. The Lord does not have one type of repentance for one type of sin and another type of repentance for other types of sin. Such thinking is silly. When Jesus died on <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>, paying the price for man’s Redemption, that price sufficed for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, Preachers who run around claiming that certain ones are not qualified because of something which happened in the past, which has been duly and Scripturally repented of, simply don’t know what they are talking about. They should understand, that if they attempt to apply such to others, they have at the same time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">applied such to themselves, which means they have automatically condemned themselves (James 4:11-12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHY? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">, points out graphically so, the apostasy of the Apostle. (Apostasy is a departure from Truth.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Compellest” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">means here moral compulsion or persuasion. The idea is, that the conduct of Peter was such as to lead the Gentiles to the belief that it was necessary for them to be circumcised in order to be saved. So this tells us, that Peter’s defection went much further than the mere dietary laws, but included the basic content of Mosaic legislation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“live” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“livest” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">as Paul used it here, does not refer to the moral living according to Gentile or Jewish fashion, but to the shaping of the life with reference to the external social observances in the Christian fellowship, such as Levitical restrictions on eating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The present tense of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“live” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">must not be pressed to the point of teaching that Peter at the time of this rebuke, was living as the Gentiles do, for he was not. It describes a mental attitude or habit which had in times past shown itself in outward actions, and which was still enforced, but which was being hypocritically covered up by his action of withdrawing from fellowship with the Gentiles. In other words, Peter though continuing to live as a Jew, knew in his heart that all of these things, Levitical Law, Circumcision, Sabbath keeping, etc., had all been fulfilled in Christ. In other words, he now placed no spiritual attachment to these things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, what he did here was to trim his sails according to the sudden change of wind that came from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>, while not in principle abandoning his convictions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul, in his rebuke, forcibly sets forth Peter’s inconsistency, for that’s what it was, in compelling the Gentiles to obey the Levitical Legislation regarding foods, for the Gentiles had only one of two choices in this matter, either to refuse to obey the Law in this respect and thus cause a split in the Christian Church, or to preserve harmony by coming under the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Worse yet, Peter did all of this with a full understanding of the Vision God had given him, which clearly taught him that the Levitical Legislation for the Jew was now a thing of the past (Acts 10:28), and that the line of separation had been broken down between Jew and Gentile by the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT SATAN INTENDED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Peter’s action of refusing to eat with the Gentiles, did not merely have the affect of maintaining the validity of the Law for Jewish Christians, but it involved the forcing of that Law upon the Gentile Christians, that, or creating a wide-open division in the Church. This latter was what concerned the Apostle Paul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">He deemed it of utmost importance to maintain the unity of the Christian Church as against any division into Jewish and Gentile groups. At the Jerusalem Council he had agreed to a territorial division of the Missionary field into Gentile and Jewish divisions, but to create a division respecting Doctrine between Jew and Gentile in a Gentile community and Church, was out of the question and was something not to be done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In effect, at the Jerusalem Council, it was agreed that the Jewish Christians should continue to keep the Law, which of course was wrong, and that the Gentile Christians were to be free from the Law, which was right. But as is obvious, this arrangement left the question undecided as to which decision of the Council should take precedence when an issue arose such as we see at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> where Peter’s action brought pressure to bear upon the Gentiles. Paul insists that in such an instance, the Jews were not obligated to keep the Law (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This shows us the problems which arise, when the right thing is not done to begin with. When James made his decision in Acts Chapter 15 concerning this matter, Scripturally, the Jews should have been included with the Gentiles. In fact, the failure to do this, ultimately destroyed the Jewish segment of the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Going back to the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“compelled,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">then adding the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“thou,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“compellest thou,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“settest thyself to compel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“compulsion”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> applied by Peter was a moral compulsion; he was, in effect, withholding from the Gentiles, Christian fellowship, unless they Judaized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Put into words, his conduct said this: </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“If you will Judaize, I will have fellowship with you; if you will not, you are not qualified for full fraternal recognition from me.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, this was an outrage upon what Paul here refers to as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Truth of the Gospel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is at our peril that we grieve, by a cold or unbrotherly bearing towards him, one whom we have reason to believe God has </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“received” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 14:3; 15:7). If God in Christ owns and loves him as a Son, we ought to frankly own and love him as a brother (Huxtable). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Martin Luther said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Many have the Gospel, but not the Truth of the Gospel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">So Paul says here of Peter, Barnabas, and other Jews, they </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“went not the right way of the Gospel,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">that is to say, they had the Gospel, but they walked not uprightly according to the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">They preach the Gospel, but through their hypocrisy (dissimulation), they establish the Law: but the establishing of the Law, is the abolishing of the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Is it any wonder that Paul was so disturbed when he viewed the hypocrisy of Peter, Barnabas, and the other Jews at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>? This matter was serious because their action was implying that Justification could come from practicing religion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Neither Peter nor Barnabas had changed their views about the fact that God did not require Gentile Believers to become Jewish proselytes. That can be seen from Paul’s use of the Greek word for hypocrisy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The problem was that they had been following Gentile customs, in other words, there was no discrimination between Jews and Gentiles, until they gradually retreated because of the presence of certain Jews who had come from James in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>, who emphasized legalism. As stated, Peter and Barnabas were suggesting by their actions that Gentile Believers had </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“to Judaize”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"> or become Jewish proselytes. Consequently, it is easy to see the seriousness of their offense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(15) “WE WHO ARE JEWS BY NATURE, AND NOT SINNERS OF THE GENTILES,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Verses that conclude this Chapter contain capsule statements of some of the most significant Truths of Christianity. In particular, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Paul clearly states the Doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith and defends it over against the traditional objection that Justification by Faith leads to lawlessness. Actually, the words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“justify” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“justification” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">occur in these Verses for the first time, at least as it respects this great issue. Consequently, Paul now begins to develop the Message that is central to this Epistle, to his Gospel, and indeed to Christianity in general. This statement flows out of the situation at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> and anticipates the fuller argument of the same Doctrine occurring in Chapters 3 and 4. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Ramsay states, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“After working through the rest of the Epistle, one turns back to these Verses and finds in them the whole Truth in embryo.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">JEWS BY NATURE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We who are Jews by nature,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents Paul here speaking to Peter on the common ground of their former Judaism and in an ironical fashion using the language of Judaism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In using the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“we,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul includes himself, Peter, and the Jewish Christians at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> in contrast to the Gentile Christians. In effect, he is saying that he and they are Jews by birth, not only not Gentiles, but not even Gentile proselytes. He implies that as such, the Jews have special privileges and prerogatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It has been argued as to whether Verses 1521 are part of Paul’s words to Peter in the hearing of the Antioch Church, or whether Paul’s words in Verse 14 are all that is reported of what he said to him on that occasion, and that Verses 15-21 are specially written to the Galatians as an answer to the question of Paul. The matter is not that important, but most probably, the entirety of the balance of the Chapter was spoken to Peter. In fact, in Galatians 3:1, Paul resumes his direct words to the Galatians in the expression </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“O foolish Galatians” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The idea of Paul’s statement concerning </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Jews by nature,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is that both (Peter and Paul) have felt the force of hereditary prejudice. Both had overcome this prejudice. Both had upheld Christian freedom, alike in theory and in practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">GENTILES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And not sinners of the Gentiles,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means that the Jews were not born under the disadvantages of the Gentiles in regard <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to the true knowledge of the way of Salvation. Paul does not mean that he does not regard the Jews as sinners, for his views on that subject were fully expressed in Romans Chapters 2 and 3. However, whereas the Jews did have the knowledge of God, the Gentiles had none at all. In fact, the Jews, even from their very beginning as it regarded the Abrahamic Covenant, knew about Justification by Faith as it pertained to Salvation (Gen. 15:6). That they veered from this, was not through ignorance, but rather because of their own obstinacy and self-will; however, the Gentiles, as stated, had no knowledge of God whatsoever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">By using this phraseology as he did, Paul puts himself for the moment in the position of the most prejudiced Jew, uses his language, and thus makes his argument as strong as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Admitting to the full of all the religious advantages of Judaism, and all the moral degradation of the Gentiles, yet, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“even we” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">have renounced this hope of being justified through Judaism. Actually, this manner of speaking of the Heathen was customary and proverbial among the Jews. We may even refer to the language of the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 6:7, 32). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LAW OF MOSES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In this Verse and those that follow in this Chapter, Paul brings out the fact that for all the privileges of the Jew, it was found that there was no Justification whatsoever from the Law; and this sent them to Christ, or rather was intended to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In effect, Paul says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We thus abdicated our privileged position; we put ourselves on the same level as the Gentiles, and became ‘in the eye of the Law’ sinners like them. Sinners? </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Must we then admit that all Christ has done for us is to make us sinners? Far be so irreverent a thought. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Our sin consists not in quitting the Law, but in returning to that which has been abandoned. The function of the Law was preparatory and transitional. The Law itself taught me to expect its own abrogation. It was a stage on the way to Christ. To Him have I given in a complete adhesion. In His Death I am severed from ancient ties. In His Death I cease to have any life of my own. All the life I have, man as I am, I owe to Christ, my Saviour. Thus, I accept and do not reject and frustrate the Gift </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">so freely offered me: whereas, by going back to the Law for Justification, I should be practically declaring the Death of Christ useless and unprofitable.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(16) “KNOWING THAT A MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, BUT BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, EVEN WE HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST, AND NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW: FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This is one of the most important Verses in the Epistle as already noted, it contains the first mention of the words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“justify” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Justification.” “Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is mentioned for the first time. This is also the first place in the Letter in which </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is brought forward as the indispensable channel of Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Justify” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">is a forensic term borrowed from the law courts. It means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“to declare righteous or innocent.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The opposite of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“to justify” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“to condemn” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“to pronounce guilty.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Such a term involves an objective standard, and since Righteousness is understood to be the unique characteristic of God, that Standard must be the Divine Standard. In ourselves, all persons fall short of this Standard — </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Rom. 3:23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But in Christ, God declares all righteous who believe, that is believe in Christ and what He did at Calvary and the Resurrection, imputing Divine Righteousness to them. In this sense, Justification does not express an ethical change or influence (though ethical changes follow); rather, it expresses the Judicial action of God apart from human merit according to which the guilty are pardoned, acquitted, and then reinstated as God’s children and as fellow heirs with Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CHANNEL OF HUMAN FAITH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This experience does not happen automatically. It is true that God justifies, but He does so only as He unites a man or woman to Christ, a union that takes place only through the channel of human faith. In other words, Faith in Christ and what He did is a requirement, an absolute requirement. Faith is the means, not the Source, of Justification, that being Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Faith is trust. It begins with knowledge, so it is not blind. It builds on facts, so it is not speculation. It stakes its life on the outcome, so it is not impractical. Faith is trusting Christ and proving His Promises. The expression in the middle of Verse 16, literally </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“we have believed into Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">implies an act of personal commitment, not just assenting to the facts concerning Christ, but actually running to Him for refuge and seeking mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WORKS ARE OUT <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is also implied in this commitment that a person will turn his back on the only other apparent possibility — the attempt to be justified by works done in obedience to formal statutes from whatever source. It is important to note that the Greek article is not present in the phrases </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“observing Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“works of Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This means that Paul’s emphasis is not really on the Jewish Law, the Law of Moses, though it includes it, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“but rather on any system of attempting to please God by good deeds of any nature.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Works of Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">are literally </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“deeds of men,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and of whatever nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, the introduction of the Greek article </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the works of the Law,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">should not have been included in the translation, because it is not in the original. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">GREAT SIGNIFICANCE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The threefold repetition of the Doctrine of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Justification by Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">in this one Verse is important, because it shows the importance the Holy Spirit through the Apostle gives to the Doctrine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Besides, the three phrases increase in emphasis. They are as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. Paul says, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“A man is not justified by observing . . . Law, but by Faith in Jesus Christ.” “A man” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is any man, anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. The second phrase is particular and personal. </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We, too, have put our Faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by Faith in Christ and not by observing the Law.” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This phrase involves Paul himself, as well as all who stand with him in the Faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. The final statement is universal: </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“By observing the Law no one will be justified.” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The words are literally </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“all flesh,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">i.e., mankind without exception. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This universal application of the teaching is heightened by the fact that Paul apparently quotes from Psalms 143:2 (as he also does in Rom. 3:20), thereby, adding the stamp of a more general, Biblical principle to his statements (Gaebelein). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FAITH IN CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 7.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 7.5pt;">“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the Faith of Jesus Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 7.5pt;">in effect, as one might say, is speaking of himself and Peter. This is what rendered the conduct of Peter and the other Jews who </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 7.5pt;">“dissembled” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 7.5pt;">with him, so entirely inexcusable. Peter knew better and so did Barnabas, and for that matter, so did all the other Jews in the Church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>, who had been beneficiaries of the teaching of Paul. They could not plead ignorance on this vital subject, and yet they were pursuing a course the tendency of which was to lead the Gentile converts to believe that it was necessary to observe the Law of Moses, or any other laws for that matter, in order to be justified and saved — in other words, a Salvation of works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Apostle plainly intends here to make the categorical affirmation that no man gains Justification save through Faith in Christ. In fact, the way he states the case, works of the Law (any law) can never have any part whatsoever in procuring Justification. In fact, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“works of the Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">in attempting to gain Justification, actually has the opposite effect, succeeding only in nullifying one’s Salvation (Gal. 5:4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As we have already stated, however, Faith is, strictly speaking, only the means, not the Source of Justification, that being Jesus Christ, and more specifically, that which He did at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Even we have believed in Jesus Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">refers to taking upon oneself all the qualities, attributes, and life of the one in whom is believed, in this case Christ. So, it is far more than mere mental affirmation. It concerns giving one’s heart and life in totality to Christ, in essence, making Him the Lord of one’s life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even though the </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“believing” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">refers to all things about Jesus, His Person as the Son of God, His Virgin Birth, His sinless, perfect life, but more than all it refers to what He did for <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">sinful humanity, which included the entirety of the human race and for all time, at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection. He in effect, became our Substitute and identification with Him, which comes by Faith, meaning to simply believe in Him and what He did, guarantees Salvation (Jn. 3:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In essence, Paul is saying here, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We, i.e., you and I, Peter, who are Jews by natural birth, even we — you and I — have believed in Christ Jesus in order that we might be declared righteous upon the principle of Faith in Him and not on the principle of legal works.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even as we have already stated, the literal translation is, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We have believed into Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which implies an act of personal commitment, not just assenting to the facts concerning Christ, but actually running to Him for refuge and seeking mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">JUSTIFIED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“That we might be justified by the Faith of Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">presents the act of God in justifying a believing sinner which consists of taking away his guilt and its penalty, since Christ bore both on the Cross, which also includes the imputation of Righteousness, even Christ Jesus Himself, in Whom the Believer stands not only guiltless and uncondemned for time and eternity, but also positively righteous in the sight of the eternal Laws of God (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“by” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as it speaks of the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Faith of Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“through,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and indicates the channel through which one secures Salvation, namely Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE WORKS OF THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">makes the statement as emphatic as is possible for a statement to be made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">As we have already stated, the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“the” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">should not have been included in any of the three cases where the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is used. While the Holy Spirit through Paul is definitely referring to the Law of Moses, He is not referring just to the Law of Moses, but actually to any type of Law devised by men, in order to achieve Justification by God. This is very important! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">While the Jews of Paul’s day and previous, attempted to gain Salvation by merit or works of the Law as it pertained to Moses, this is not <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">the problem with most Gentiles. In fact, most of the Gentiles who came to Christ during the time of Paul and even thereafter knew and know almost nothing about the Law of Moses. The idea is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The concept of trying to earn one’s Salvation, or approval by God, or Justification, had its origin in the thought and practice of man all down through the ages since its inception in the heart of Cain. The whole world in one way or the other, thinks it can earn Salvation by a system of good works, etc. In fact, the world, at least for the most part, whatever it is they believe about life after death, or eternity, etc., pretty well judges everything on the basis of what I refer to as a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“brownie point system.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In other words, if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, which they always do in their own eyes, this constitutes Salvation, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Actually, just last night over Television, I heard a Movie Actor say, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I know when I die that I will go to Heaven.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He was asked by the man interviewing him, as to how he knew that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Because I am good,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">was his reply! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What he constituted as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“good,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I have no idea; however, whatever it was, is not, and in fact, can never be recognized by God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">GOOD WORKS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This Word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“works of the Law,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">reaches far; it extends to all that is contrary to Grace. Whatsoever is not Grace, is the Law, whether it be Judicial, Ceremonial, or the Ten Commandments, or any type of Law of one’s own making, which constitutes works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, the entirety of the Catholic Religion bases its so-called Salvation, upon works. Martin Luther called it </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the divinity of the anti-Christian kingdom.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He then went on to say, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And moreover, that all men may see how far from the Truth these blind guides, and leaders of the blind, have wandered, and how by this wicked and blasphemous doctrine they have not only darkened the Gospel, but have taken it clean away, and buried Christ utterly.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Truth is, if anyone can earn Salvation by </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“good works” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of any nature, why did Christ have to come down to this Earth and die on a cruel Cross? The facts are, a person can have one or the other, he cannot have both. Its either <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">works or Christ. To attempt to co-mingle the two, automatically nullifies Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WORKS CAN CAUSE SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Please allow us to plainly define what a deadly sinner actually is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">He is such an unholy and bloody hypocrite as Paul was, when he was on the way to <st1:city st="on">Damascus</st1:city>, to persecute Jesus of Nazareth, to stamp out the Doctrine of the Gospel, to murder the faithful, and utterly to overthrow the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">And who will not say, but that these were horrible sins? Yet Paul could not see them. He was blinded by a perverse zeal for God, so that he thought these things were perfect righteousness, and high service unto God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Wherefore with Paul, we utterly deny the merit of self-worthiness, and affirm that these speculations are nothing else but mere deceits of Satan. For God never gave to any man Grace and Everlasting Life for the merit of self-righteousness or personal worthiness. Dependence on these things, rather than drawing men toward God, have a tendency to have the opposite effect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">These </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“good works” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">fool people, simply because they are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“good.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Inasmuch as they are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“good,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">surely, at least as human nature thinks, this will earn or merit something with God, etc. Consequently, we are deceived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This feeling and spirit which affects all men everywhere and for all time, comes from the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“good side” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2:17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“evil” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">part of that tree is obvious, and opposed by all the world. I speak of stealing, murder, hatred, racism, etc. However, the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“good” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">part fools people and deceives them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">That’s the reason that the doing of religion is the most powerful narcotic there is. Notice what I said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“the doing of religion.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">I speak of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“good works,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">and the involvement with </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“religious ceremonies and rituals,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“doing” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of these things, assuages somewhat the guilt of man, thereby making him believe that all is well spiritually, when in fact, nothing is well spiritually, that is if he trusts in such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE WAY OF BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The way to True Christianity is this, that a man do first acknowledge himself by the Law, to be a sinner and that it is impossible for him to do any good work. For the Law says that man is a corrupt tree (Mat. 7:17), and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. In fact, all that one does in this category, despite the efforts otherwise, thinks and speaks against God, whether they realize such or not. There is no way a person can deserve Grace by works. In fact, if one thinks he deserves Grace, this great attribute of God is instantly nullified. Grace can only go to one who is undeserving, and who knows it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The trouble with the human race is that it doubles its offense. First of all, it is an evil tree, and then second, it tries to deserve Grace by works or merit, which does the very opposite, actually heaping sin upon sin, which mocks God, and guarantees His Wrath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The first part then of Christianity is the preaching of repentance, and the knowledge of ourselves, of what we are, namely sinners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The second part is: if one is to be saved, he must forsake salvation by works, understanding that God has sent His Only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. He was crucified and died for us, actually offering up Himself as a Sin-Offering. In other words, the Wrath of God which should have been poured out upon us who rightly deserved it, instead was poured out upon Him, as He took our place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">So, the whole thing of Salvation is wrapped up in Jesus and what He did at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>, and our Faith in Him. In other words, we simply believe what He did, and Salvation is instantly given to the believing sinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">By this means we are delivered from sin, justified, and made inheritors of Everlasting Life, not by our own works and deserts, but for our Faith, whereby we lay hold upon Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHO IS CHRIST? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Christ, according to His true definition, is no Law-giver, but a forgiver of sins and a Saviour. And yet, many in the Church look at Him as though he were a Law-Giver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">That’s the reason when He came that He did not condemn, for that is what Law-givers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">do. Instead, He redeemed sinful men, for that’s what a Saviour does. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Jesus had to pay for our sins, for God could accept nothing less. He paid for them by the shedding of His Own Life’s Blood, for the life is in the blood. That’s the reason the Cross is so very, very important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The shedding of His innocent Blood, Blood incidentally that was never tainted by sin, not a product of Adam’s Fall, was an absolute necessity as it regards our Salvation. The price had to be paid, and that was the price — the offering up of a spotless, pure, sinless body and life. That He did, and it was done at the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">When we speak of Justification, there is no time or place to speak of the Law: but the question is, what Christ is, and what benefit He has brought unto us. Christ is not the Law; He is not my work, or the work of the Law; He is not my charity, my obedience, my poverty; but He is the Lord of life, a mediator, a Saviour, a Redeemer of those who are under the Law and sin. In Him we are by Faith, and He in us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">We must learn to discern all Laws, even the Law of God, and all works, from the Promise of the Gospel, and from Faith, that we may define Christ rightly. That’s the problem with the world, and even the problem with the Church, we do not know how to properly define Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">For Christ is no Law and, therefore, He is no exacter of the Law and works, but </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“He is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jn. 1:29). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE FLESH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In the last part of the 16th Verse, Paul uses the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“flesh.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What does he mean? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Flesh does not signify here manifest and gross sins, for these Paul calls by their proper names, as adultery, fornication, uncleanness and such like: but by flesh, he means here, as Christ says in the Third Chapter of John, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Flesh, therefore, signifies the whole nature of man, with reason and all other powers whatsoever do belong to man. Flesh, therefore, according to Paul, signifies all the righteousness, wisdom, devotion, religion, understanding, and will, that is possible to be in a natural man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He is saying that all of this, can never be justified according to works, merits, devotion, and religion, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The idea is this, if no flesh can be justified by the works of the Law of Moses, which is the True Law of God, how much less shall it be justified by puny Laws made up by religious men or even by the individual! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LAW OF MOSES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In Commentary on this Verse, we have mentioned in effect, two types of Laws. I speak of the Law of Moses, and then all other Laws, irrespective as to what they might be, or who originates them — Laws, devised in order to secure righteousness in one way or the other, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Inasmuch as the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is the only true Law of God, and especially considering if that cannot justify, and it can’t, then how in the world does anyone think they can be justified by Laws or works of their own making? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Inasmuch as the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">sets the standard, let us look at this a little more closely, which will hopefully help us to understand moreso what Paul is saying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE DEFINITION OF LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Is the Believer under the Law, under Grace, or under both? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This is a question which was settled almost 2000 years ago, and yet millions of Christians are still confused, and fail to understand the clear distinction between the Ministry of the Law (the Law of Moses) and the Ministry of Grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Bible, however, leaves no question about the matter. The Law was never given to save anyone. Not one single sinner, be they Israelites or otherwise, in all the history of the human race, has ever been saved by keeping the Law of God. In fact, God never gave the Law that it would bring about Salvation. He knew, before He ever gave Israel the Law, and commanded them to obey it, that no one (except the Lord Jesus Himself) would ever keep the Law of God perfectly; yea, more, He never expected anyone to keep it perfectly, for the simple reason that He gave no power in order for men to keep the Law, without which they were helpless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We might multiply Scriptures by the score to prove that the Bible teaches the absolute inability of the Law to save a single sinner, or keep a single Saint saved. However, we do not wish to weary the Reader with the recitation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of Scriptural Passages, feeling that the 16th Verse of Galatians Chapter 2 is sufficient. However, if desired, the Reader may peruse the following: (Rom. 3:19-20, 28; Gal. 2:21; 3:10-11, 13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">If these Verses mean anything at all, they teach the utter hopelessness of attempting to be saved by human works or keeping the Law of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To be saved by the Law, the Law must be kept perfectly and continuously without interruption. And it applies to everyone. The Bible says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">EVERYONE? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">There are no exceptions, for it says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“everyone.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">There must be unbroken obedience. One single transgression places man under the Law’s curse. There must be obedience in all things, without one single interruption or failure. The Bible is crystal-clear, that the Law was never given to save a person, never given to justify the sinner, or sanctify the Saint. We repeat, therefore, God never expected a single sinner to keep the Law, for He knew when He gave the Law that this was impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We come, therefore, to the question: </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Why did God give the Law anyway, if it could not save man or make him better or change his heart?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">First, we must clear up some misunderstanding about the word, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">itself. What are we to understand by the expressions, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“The Law of God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">or </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“The Law of Moses”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">? There are many people who think only of the Decalogue (the Ten Commandments), whenever they read the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">in the Bible. But the Bible uses the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">to describe different things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Sometimes the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">refers to the whole Word of God. Sometimes the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is used to distinguish the Books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy) from the rest of the Scriptures. Jesus speaks of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Law and the Prophets” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Mat. 7:12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THREE DIVISIONS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Jews of Jesus’ day divided the Old Testament into: A. the Law; B. the Psalms; and, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">C. the Prophets. The Law thus referred to, consists of the five Books of Moses. In a general sense the first five Books of the Old Testament <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">are referred to as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Law,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as distinguished from the Prophetic Books of the Old Testament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In a more narrow sense, the instructions God gave to <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> through Moses on <st1:place st="on">Mount Sinai</st1:place> are also referred to as the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This Law which God gave to <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> at Mount Sinai after their deliverance from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> was a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“unit,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">yet consisted of different Commandments. Most people imagine that the only Law Moses brought down from the mountain was the Tables of Stone — the Ten Commandments <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— but this was not all. God gave also to Moses the Laws concerning the Feast Days, Holy Days, Sacrifices, Offerings, Dietary Laws, Civil Laws, and the Pattern of the Tabernacle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This Law, consisting of all these different Commandments and Ordinances, which Moses received on the Mountain, was given at the same time that he received the Ten Commandments, and is described in detail in Exodus from Chapters 20 through 34. All these Laws <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— Civil, Dietary, Sacrificial, and Moral — together constitute the Books of the Law. And this Law of God is a unit. There are many Commandments but they are all a part of the Book of the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">NOT TWO LAWS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">There are also those who, because they do not understand the Grace of God and the purpose of the Law, make a distinction between the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of the Lord,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">or the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">They seem to think that the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Ten Commandments” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">are the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of the Lord,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">while the Laws concerning Ordinances, Offerings, Feast Days, and the Dietary Laws are the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of Moses.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">They tell us that Christ fulfilled the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">consisting of Ordinances, but His Finished Work did not include the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Ten Commandments.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">However, the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">are one and the same, and to state that the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">was fulfilled and abolished at Calvary, and not the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Lord,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is a complete misunderstanding of the Bible. The expressions in the Bible </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Lord,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">etc., are used interchangeably. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THREE BODIES OF COMMANDMENTS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In this very connection we could say that the Law is divided into two parts, the </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Moral” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and the </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Ceremonial”</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">; however, to divide it into three areas would probably make it more understandable. These three parts of the Law are: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. The Commandments, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Moral Law” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Ex. 20:1-26). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. The Judgments, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Civil Laws” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Ex. 21:1-24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. The Ordinances, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Sacrifices and Feast Days, etc.,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Ex. Chpts. 24-31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Law of Commandments dealt with Israel’s moral conduct, and is set forth in the Ten Commandments. The second area (the Judgments) dealt with the social conduct of the people, and Civil Laws for the Nation; and the third area (the Ordinances) dealt with the Ceremonial and Religious Obligations of the Nation of Israel. These included the Holy Days, the Offerings, and Sacrifices. But all of these are part of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“The One Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">given by the One Same God, at One and the same place, at One and the same time, to One and the same Nation, by One and the same Moses, and for One and the same purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">To show the error of making a difference between the Laws of Moses and the Law of the Lord contained in the Ten Commandments, we would point out a most convincing fact. The Bible makes no distinction but uses the terms </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">and </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law of God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">interchangeably. As an example let me quote from Luke <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2:22. It records the observance of the Law by Mary, the Mother of Jesus: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And when the days of her </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Mary’s) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“(As it is written in the Law of the Lord, every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And to offer a Sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Lk. 2:22-24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LAW OF MOSES AND THE LAW OF THE LORD ARE ONE AND THE SAME <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice in this Passage that Mary is said to have taken the Baby Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord, in obedience to the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Lord” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and to offer a Sacrifice according to the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Lord.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Where, I ask you, does it say in the Ten Commandments that she was to bring a Sacrifice? That is found in <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the Ceremonial Law of Moses, but it is called the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Lord.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Again in Luke 2:39 we read: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee. . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">To make a distinction, therefore, between the Law of Moses and the Law of God or the Lord, for our own convenience, to prove our own point, is man-made and artificial, and is a violation of the Scriptures. If Christ fulfilled part of the Law, then He fulfilled all the Law, and now the Believer is not under the Law but under Grace (Rom. 6:14). We are delivered from the Law (Rom. 7:6), free from the Law (Rom. 8:2), and dead to the Law (Gal. 2:19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Actually, even as we’ve just stated, the Law is not dead, but we are dead to the Law. In brief, this means that Jesus fulfilled all the Ceremonial Law, thereby with it not anymore needed, and as well perfectly kept the Moral Law, which He in turn keeps through us. So, the Moral Law is still binding on Christians, for Moral Law cannot change. And yet, it is all kept in Christ, which is a Work of the Holy Spirit within our lives — Rom. Chpt. 8). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHY DID GOD GIVE THE LAW? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Now an important question arises which I am sure has been suggested by the statement that the Law cannot justify, sanctify, or satisfy. Consequently, the question is, then why did God give a Law which no man could keep, but instead only condemned the sinner? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul, the great exponent of Grace, anticipated that question, and says in Galatians 3:19, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Wherefore then serveth the Law?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Or in today’s language, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“What good is the Law?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It was an inevitable question, for Paul had proved in the previous Chapters that the Law was helpless to save a man or change a man. So the question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Then why did God give the Law?” “What good is it?” “What purpose does it serve?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul immediately gives the answer in one of the most condense, concise, yet comprehensive statements in the Word of God. Read carefully the inspired answer: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“It was added </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(necessary) </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">because of transgressions </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(to explain sin)</span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, till the Seed </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jesus) </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">should come to whom </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Israel) </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the Promise was made; and it </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(the Law) </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">was ordained by </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Angels in the hand of a mediator </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Moses)</span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 3:19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THREE THINGS STATED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice three things which are clearly stated in this answer of Paul, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice these three parts of the answer: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. The beginning of the Law — it was added <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">— added, of course, to something which must have existed before, which was sin. The Law explained what sin was, the transgression of a Commandment, and explained the different types of sin, stealing, adultery, lying, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. The end of the Law — it was added (necessary) till the Seed (Jesus) should come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law had not only a beginning, but its Ministry was until the Seed should come. It was for a period of time beginning when it was added, and lasting till the Seed should come. Now Paul tells us what he means by the Seed. In Verse 16 of this Chapter he says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Now to Abraham and his seed were the Promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of One, and to thy Seed, which is Christ” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 3:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Seed” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in our Verse is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and so we may substitute the Name </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> for </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Seed” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and thus we read that the Law </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“was added . . . till Christ should come to whom the Promise was made.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Ministry of the Law was dispensational, meaning that it was to exist only for a period of time. John the Baptist clears up the question as to the length of this Dispensation of Law. He says in introducing Jesus: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For the Law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jn. 1:17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Now let’s give the third thing mentioned by Paul as to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Why then the Law?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The first was the beginning of the Law; the second, the end of the Law; and now number three: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. The purpose of the Law. It was added because of transgressions. Literally we may read this, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“in order to reveal sin as a transgression.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Before the Law was given, there was no transgression of the Law. There was sin and there was rebellion, but it was not a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“transgression” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of the Law which had not yet even been given. Clearly and plainly Paul asserts this in Romans 4:15: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Because the Law worketh wrath: for where no Law is, there is no transgression.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The statement is clear, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Before the Law came, there was no transgression.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We then ask the question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Was there then no sin before the Law came in?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Yes, there was sin before the Law and it was just as wicked and wrong then as now; however, Paul also says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For until the Law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(as a transgression) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">when there is no Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 5:13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What did Paul mean by that statement? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Does it mean that God did not hold people accountable for sin before the Law was given to Moses? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">No! As stated, sin and rebellion were the same then as now. The people then were guilty of the fact of sin, even though sin was not specified or then properly identified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When the Law came, it gave to sin a new meaning — it specified what sin was and differentiated between types of sin. Then sin became a transgression of the Law. The idea is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If there is no speed limit posted on a road and a man is driving his car at 100 miles an hour, while he might not be breaking a Law, for the simple reason that no Law exists respecting this situation, he still is speeding, and if continuing in that capacity, will ultimately be engaged in a wreck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Not having a speed limit does not lessen the responsibility of the driver, or the danger of speeding. Likewise, even though there was no specific Law of God against sin before the Law of Moses was given, men were still sinners, and answered to its wages which was death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The purpose of the Law then was to reveal sin as rebellion against God, as a transgression against better light, for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. There is not one Verse in the Bible which says that by the Law is Salvation from sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This is the first thing a sinner must learn, that no man can be saved by trying to keep the Law. The only remedy for sin is to plead guilty before the Law, and flee to the Lord Jesus Christ for Salvation by the Grace of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Not the labors of my hands, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Can fulfill Thy Law’s demands; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“All for sin could not atone; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Thou must save, and Thou Alone.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(The statement on the definition of the Law was provided by the material of M. R. De Haan, M.D.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Inasmuch as this subject is so weighty, so necessary as it regards understanding on the part of Believers, I personally feel the following also given by Dr. De Haan, would be a blessing. I would encourage you to study it carefully. Some questions I think, will be answered for you. As well, the same problems the Early Church had, prevail presently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE EARLY CHURCH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The first Church Council in the city of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts Chapter 15, was necessitated by a question concerning the relationship of the Believer to the Law of Moses. Paul the Apostle had on his first Missionary Journey preached the Gospel of the Grace of God, which referred to Salvation without the works of the Law. Upon his return he had rehearsed to the Church at Antioch </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of Faith unto the Gentiles” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Acts 14:27). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul reported to the Church how Gentiles had been saved, without becoming Jewish Proselytes, or submitting to Circumcision, or Sabbath keeping, or any part of the Law of Moses for that matter. Actually, these Gentiles did not even know anything about the Law of Moses. The Christians at Antioch rejoiced at the good news of the free Grace of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">These reports of Gentiles being saved by Grace without the Law, reached Jerusalem, where a group of legalistic Jews insisted that Salvation necessitated placing these Believers under the Law. In other words, they were teaching that these Gentiles in order to be saved, had to become Proselyte Jews. These legalists came to Antioch and began to teach the Believers, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:1). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This started a real dispute between Paul and Barnabas on the one hand, and this group of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law Preachers” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">on the other. A real row broke out. Luke reports it as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:2). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(These legalists were Jews who did believe in Christ and believed in accepting Him as Saviour; however, they also believed that you had to keep the Law of Moses as well in order to be saved, which of course is wrong.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Unable to settle the question, they decided to submit the problem to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem. A Committee, including Paul and Barnabas, was appointed to go to Jerusalem. Upon their arrival in the city they were welcomed by the Church, to whom they reported all that the Gospel of God’s Grace had accomplished among the Gentiles. However, they were immediately opposed by the legalistic Pharisees who insisted, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“that it was needful to circumcise them </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(the Gentiles)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Acts 15:5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Apostles called the Church together and tried to settle the controversy, but instead disorder broke out and the meeting resulted in a heated debate. There was much disputing between the two factions which we might well designate as the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Grace party” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law party.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Peter is the first to testify of his experience, and rehearses his visit to the Gentile household of Cornelius, saying that God </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“put no difference between us </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Jews) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and them </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Gentiles)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">, purifying their hearts by Faith </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Faith only and not by any type of works, etc.)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Acts 15:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter calls the Law of Moses a yoke which they themselves (the Jews) were unable to bear (couldn’t live up to) (Acts 15:10), and then concludes with his judgment of the matter: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But we believe that through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jews) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">shall be saved </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(saved by Faith only)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, even as they </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(the Gentiles) (Acts 15:11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">JAMES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Peter’s speech came somewhat as a surprise to the legalists, the champions of the Law; and without any more disputing, the Assembly listened quietly to the Testimony of Paul, and Barnabas, corroborating the views of Peter. It was now time for James (the Lord’s Brother) and the Senior Pastor at the Church at Jerusalem (apparently the chairman of the meeting) to speak. The silence which followed the Testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas, left the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">opposition speechless. However, it raised a serious question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">If the Lord was now building a Church, the Body of Christ, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, while Jesus was in Heaven, then what about the Promises of the Scriptures concerning the Kingdom, and the reign of the Messiah on Earth? All the Prophets had clearly foretold that when the Messiah should come, He would restore the Kingdom of Israel, deliver them from the Gentile yoke of bondage, and Israel as a Nation would dwell in her repossessed land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Were all these Prophecies to be cast aside? Must we spiritualize these Promises and apply them now to the Church? If God is now calling out a Church, a Body from among the Gentiles, does that mean that God is through with National Israel? These were the questions which needed to be answered, and James rises to the occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">SIMPLICITY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The explanation James gives is the essence of simplicity, yet Scholars have little been able to grasp it, it seems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">James says that all the Promises to Israel concerning the Kingdom will be literally fulfilled, but not at that time. First, the Lord is going to carry out a part of His Plan, which until now had been a mystery, and then after that, the Kingdom Promises to Israel shall be realized. The words of James are clear: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Simeon </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Peter) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, did take out of them a people for His Name” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This is what God was now doing. The Kingdom (respecting Israel) had been set aside, and God is now </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“calling out” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">from among the Gentiles a people for His Name — the Body of Christ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— the Church. This, says James, was in full agreement with the Prophecies concerning the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“. . . as it is written, after this </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(after the Church) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(which it had been and fell completely in A.D. 70)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">; and I will build again the ruins thereof </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(The Second Coming)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">, and I will set it up” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Acts 15:15-16; Amos 9:11). (James was quoting Amos.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">After this I will return! After what? After He has gathered out from among the Gentiles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">a people for His Name. After this Body of the Church is complete, and the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, then the Lord will return and restore the Nation of Israel, and will set up the Kingdom here on Earth, and all the Prophecies of the Messiah’s reign will be fulfilled to the Letter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">TO WHAT ARE MODERN BELIEVERS SUBJECT? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Now comes the answer to the question which had brought them together. Are the Believers of this Church Age under the Law of the Kingdom? Is the Believer in this Dispensation of Grace subject to the Laws laid down by Moses for the Nation of Israel? James gives his sentence in the following words: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:19-20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Not a word about keeping the Law of Moses, not a word about Circumcision, but they were advised against four things: idolatry, fornication, things strangled, and eating of blood. The first two are obvious as to their meaning, but the last two which pertain to blood, also have a deep spiritual meaning, which we will not at this time explain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Abstinence from these things, was advised, not on the basis of Law, but Grace. These Gentiles had been idolaters; fornication was rampant; and they not at all respected the sanctity of blood. Because these things, so common among the Gentiles and so abhorrent to the Jews, were to be especially guarded against, they are warned about them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LETTER <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A letter is addressed to the Gentiles at Antioch, and sent by the hand of Paul, Barnabas, and a company of others. The letter is in answer to the question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Are the Believers </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(especially of the Gentiles) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">under the Law of Moses?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Here is a copy of the letter sent by the Jerusalem Elders to Antioch: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">must be circumcised, and keep the Law . . .” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice again the problem. The legalists from Jerusalem had claimed that the Gentile Christians at Antioch must become Jews by submitting to Circumcision, and to keep the Law. Now notice the decision: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . to whom we gave no such Commandment” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Acts 15:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Those who teach that Christians are under the Law are perverters of the Grace of God. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“We never gave any such Commandments,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">wrote the Apostles and Elders to the Church at Antioch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The legalistic sabbatarians were unauthorized, and we now repudiate their demand for </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“We gave no such Commandment.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This was the message relayed to Antioch — </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“The Gentile Believers are not under the Law of Moses.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE THREE ERRORS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The letter was delivered to the Church, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Acts 15:31). The matter should have been settled, but the Law Teachers continued their practice of following Paul everywhere he went, trying to undo the Grace preached by the Apostle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Everywhere he traveled he was opposed. No less than three Books of the New Testament were written to combat errors concerning the Law, with other Epistles dealing somewhat with these subjects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There were three errors present from the very beginning of the Apostolic Age, which in fact, continue with us unto this hour. They are as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. Legalism: Legalism teaches that men must be saved by keeping the Law, whether the Law of Moses, or a Law of one’s own making. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This error is answered in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. Antinomianism: This word actually means </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“conflicting Laws.” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This second error is the exact opposite of the first, teaching that it makes no difference how one lives, for it is all of Grace. In other words, after one is saved, it really doesn’t matter how much one sins, for it is all covered by the Grace of God. This error is answered in the Epistle of James. Of course, Paul addresses it in Romans as well and also in his other Epistles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">3. Galatianism: This third and the most subtle of the errors is the teaching that we are saved by Grace, and then we are kept in victory by obeying the Law perfectly — a Law of our own making, etc. It teaches that we are saved by Faith alone, but then our ultimate Salvation depends on our works. As stated, this error is called Galatianism because it was so prevalent in the Galatian Churches, and Paul wrote the entirety of this Epistle to refute this error — the Epistle to the Galatians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As stated, these three errors are still with us today. Nevertheless, the Word continues to say, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(II Cor. 3:17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(17) “BUT IF, WHILE WE SEEK TO BE JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST, WE OURSELVES ALSO ARE FOUND SINNERS, IS THEREFORE CHRIST THE MINISTER OF SIN? GOD FORBID.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In Paul’s day, as today, arguments were directed against this way of Salvation, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Justification by Faith.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">So in this Verse and the ones following Paul begins to answer these objections, first noting the main argument of his opponents and then revealing the argument by which he refutes theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul refers to the standard objection to the Doctrine of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Justification by Faith” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which, he also deals with elsewhere. He is answering the objection that to eliminate the Law entirely as he is doing, is to encourage Godless living. The argument would go in this fashion: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Your Doctrine of Justification by Faith is dangerous </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(as the Judaizers would say)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, for by eliminating the Law you also eliminate a man’s sense of moral responsibility. If a person can be accounted righteous simply by believing that Christ died for him, why then should he bother to keep the Law, or, for that matter, why should he bother to live by any standard of morality? There is no need to be good. The result of your Doctrine is that men will believe in Christ but thereafter do as they desire.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul’s reply is abrupt. His expression suggests that he was aware of the possibility that a Christian can in fact sin, and on occasion all do. But this is not the result of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith and, therefore, Christ is not responsible for it. Such a thought is abhorrent. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Absolutely not!” “God forbid!” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">If there is sin, as Paul acknowledges indirectly in the next Verse, man himself is responsible and not God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A MISUNDERSTANDING OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Why is it that Paul can reply so vigorously to the objection that his Gospel promotes </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Antinomianism </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Christians can sin all they desire because Grace covers it)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">especially since he seems to admit that those who have been Justified by Faith do at times sin? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The answer is that the objection totally misunderstands the nature of man’s Justification. In the eyes of legalizers, Justification by Faith is nothing more than a legal fiction by which men and women are accounted righteous when in fact they are not. But Justification is not a legal fiction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is true that men are accepted by God as righteous when in actuality they are not, but this takes place only because God has first joined them to Christ, which was carried out by Faith on their part, and this in turn implies a real transformation. They are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“in Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">says Paul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, they are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“a new creation” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Obviously, to return to the old way of life after such a change is inconceivable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means that the Jews needed Justification exactly as the Gentiles, because they all were sinners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In fact, when they (the Jews) sought Justification in Christ and thus by Grace, it was an admission on their part that there is no Justification by works, that the seeker is not justified by such, and is, therefore, a sinner. He would not be seeking Justification were he not a sinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The attempt to be justified in Christ awakens the consciousness of sin, which of course is why Justification is sought in the first place. This compels the Jew to put himself on the plain of the Gentile. The Jew who calls the Gentile a sinner, and seeking to be justified by Faith, is forced to admit that he is a sinner also. He has found that the Law of Moses had failed him as a justifying agency, which in fact, it was never meant to do to begin with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The whole contention was, that Jews were better than Gentiles, which Paul refutes. His argument is, if we Jews need Justification which we certainly do, then that means we are no better than the Gentiles. All are on the same level, sinners without God, and all must come to Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, in order to be saved. Many Jews had a problem with that, simply because they had the Law of Moses which was the Word of God, and the Gentiles had no such thing, and in fact, were idolaters. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit puts all on the same level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE FALSE ASSUMPTION OF THE JUDAIZERS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul repudiates the false assumption of the Judaizers who charge that Christ is the promoter and encourager of sin in that He causes the Jew to abandon the Law as a justifying agency, and in doing so, causes himself to be put on the same plain of a Gentile whom the Judaizers call sinners and dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Judaizers argued that in view of the fact that violation of the Law is sin, therefore, abandonment of the Law in an effort to be justified in Christ is also sin. Thus Christ, they deduced, is the promoter of sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is amazing at the lengths that men will go to in order to promote their erroneous doctrines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">SINNERS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“We ourselves also are found sinners,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">refers to the fact that Jews also were sinners, even though this they did not like to admit, and, therefore, needed Justification. The Jews would quickly admit that Gentiles were sinners and even grievous sinners, but they did not want to place themselves in the same category. However, Paul is saying that the Jews are sinners like the Gentiles and are in desperate need of Justification, which they can only receive by Faith in Christ, which they were loathe to admit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In Romans 3:9 Paul put all on the same level. He said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“What then? Are we </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jews) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">better than they </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gentiles)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE MINISTER OF SIN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The question, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Is therefore Christ the Minister of sin?”</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, refers to Christ being totally unlike the Law. The Law of Moses was designed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to be a </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Minister of sin,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in that it defined sin, and specified different types of sin. Speaking of the Law, Paul said, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But if the ministration of death . . .” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(II Cor. 3:7). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He also said, and continuing to speak of the Law, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For if the ministration of condemnation . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(II Cor. 3:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Christ is not the minister of sin, but rather Salvation. He does not deal in death, but rather Life. He is not the minister of condemnation, but rather Justification. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul is actually stating the fact that if anyone attempts to force the Law into Justification by Faith, they are actually making Christ a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“minister of sin,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">because that’s all the Law can do. In effect, that’s what Peter was doing along with Barnabas, in dragging the Law into the great Gospel of Grace which had brought Salvation to the Jews and Gentiles alike at Antioch. The answer to that is: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">GOD FORBID <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Christ did not come to define sin, to specify different types of sin, even as the Law did, but rather to get rid of sin. He came to cleanse people from sin, to set the captive free from sin, to break its stranglehold upon the human life and heart, and He succeeded in doing exactly what He set out to do. Mixing Law with Grace, irrespective as to whether it’s the Mosaic Law or a Law of one’s own devising, presents a tragedy of the highest order. It is like attempting to mix oil with water, or light with darkness, or salt with sugar. To understate the case dramatically so, it won’t work! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When Paul said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Is Christ therefore the minister of sin?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, he used a type of terminology which was known to the Jews. For instance, in II Corinthians 3:6, he spoke of two ministers, the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Letter and the Spirit,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of which the former kills while the latter gives Life. That is the Law kills, which it was designed to do, but the Gospel gives Life. Paul is accustomed to giving reproachful names to the Law, and for the simple reason that the Jews were attempting to make something out of the Law that God never intended. Consequently, it is necessary that we understand his manner of speech. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A SHOCK! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is impossible for the nature of man to keep the Law, for it is simply not in him to do such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Yes, even in those who are justified and Baptized with the Holy Spirit, even they cannot keep the Law. Paul found this out himself, incidentally the hard way, and gives us the account in Romans Chapter 7. So, the question is, if those who are truly justified cannot do this, how in the world can the wicked do it, who do not have the Holy Spirit? Wherefore he that teaches that Righteousness comes by Law-keeping, which much of the Church world believes presently, whether they understand such or not, doesn’t actually understand what he is saying, or what he is affirming. If he will be honest, he will admit that he cannot even keep the Law himself, much less trying to impose it upon others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The right use and end of the law is to accuse and condemn as guilty, in order to show man what he actually is, that man may see himself to be in danger of sin, wrath, and death, thereby to be brought to trembling desperation. The Law requires perfect obedience unto God, and condemns all who do not accomplish that, which in fact, includes everyone. In fact, there is no man living or who has lived, except Jesus Christ, who accomplished this which God requires of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, when Paul used the Word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“God forbid,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">he was answering the question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Is Christ the minister of sin?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Jesus Christ is rather the Giver of Righteousness and Eternal Life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, Christ keeps the Law through us and in us, which is done by our Faith in Him. Wherefore when we fly to Him, Moses and his Law vanishes away, so that his sepulchre can nowhere be found of sin and death, which can hurt us no more (Deut. 34:5). For Christ our Instructor is Lord over the Law, sin, and death: so that they which believe in Him are delivered from the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A PARTICULAR DESIGN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law of Moses was designed to show man exactly where he was spiritually, which in fact, was and is a sad state. Even though God commanded man to keep the Law, He gave man no power to do so, and this was done for purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Man’s problem all along has been and is, pride. Consequently, if God had given man the power to keep the Law, it would have only resulted in man being lifted up more in his own pride, with the situation then being worse than <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ever. So God gave no power for man to keep the Law and for the obvious reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Man was supposed to realize his inability, his lack of strength, and thereby to throw himself on Christ. Before Calvary, this was done through the Sacrifices. To be sure, the Sacrifices could not take away sin and could not afford any type of Salvation; nevertheless, the sinner in the offering up of Sacrifices, was to have Faith in what those Sacrifices represented, which was the coming Redeemer, which all Jews knew about, or were supposed to know about. Faith in that would save them (Gen. 15:6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The whole idea is, that man cannot make it without Jesus Christ. He must look to Jesus for Salvation. He must look to Jesus as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit. He must look to Jesus for overcoming strength and power. It is Jesus all the way and what he did at Calvary and the Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Holy Spirit works only in the legal confines of Jesus Christ, and what He did for us with His One Atoning Sacrifice. The Holy Spirit will not function outside of that capacity, will not help us in other ways as religious as they may be, but only through the Sacrifice of Christ (Rom. 8:1-3). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(18) “FOR IF I BUILD AGAIN THE THINGS WHICH I DESTROYED, I MAKE MYSELF A TRANSGRESSOR.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The interpretation of this Verse is not difficult if our interpretation of Verse 17 is valid. The legalizers had accused Paul of encouraging sin because Paul’s Doctrine, they say, throws over the Law for God’s Grace. This Paul denied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Nevertheless, he replies, sin could be encouraged if having once come to God by Faith in Jesus Christ, the one coming should then return to Law as a basis for victory or relationship. Actually, it refers to a situation precisely like the one into which Peter had fallen. How is it that returning to Law promotes sin? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The simple reason is, that the Holy Spirit Whose help the Believer must have, that is if we are to maintain our position as an overcomer, simply will not help us to keep the Law, whether the Law of Moses, or a religious Law of our own devising. He will only help us as we depend on the Sacrifice of Christ (Rom. 8:1-3). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">IF I BUILD AGAIN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For if I build again the things which I destroyed,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in its strict sense is referring <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">to Peter’s action of declaring the Levitical Legislation regarding the eating of certain foods, as null and void, which was Scripturally correct, which he proved by eating with the Gentiles, and then turning around and declaring these things valid by his act of withdrawing from that fellowship, which presented a total turnabout. Consequently, what he did was sin, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“made himself a transgressor.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">It is the same with modern Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When the Believer through ignorance or otherwise, turns away from Christ, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“the Grace of God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">to a Law of his own devising in order to overcome sin, instead of victory he will actually find the direct opposite, more sin. Let me explain: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Let’s say that a Believer has a problem with an uncontrollable temper. It could be cigarettes, alcohol, jealousy, lust, envy, greed, pride, etc. In other words it could be anything, but we will use the temper problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">He is now a Christian with the Divine nature within his heart and life; consequently, he instantly knows this is wrong, it is hurting his Testimony, and causing all types of problems. In other words, him losing control is sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Loving Jesus as he does, and woefully ashamed of his actions, he sets about to obtain victory over this problem. Oftentimes he will attempt to do so in many and varied ways. He’ll think that he must pray more, or perhaps fast one or two days a week. Perhaps he must witness to more people about Christ. Surely, he must study his Bible more, and these things will solve his problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If he is a Pentecostal or Charismatic, he will get in a prayer line somewhere in order for a Preacher to lay hands on him, and if the Power of God comes upon him, and he is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“slain in the Spirit,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">etc., he will think surely that this is the answer to his problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In fact, all of these things we have mentioned such as prayer, etc., are excellent in their own right; however, these things were never intended by the Lord to give us victory over sin. It is somewhat like using a handsaw as a hammer. While the handsaw does an excellent job at what it is built to do, it does not serve too well as a hammer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, in effect, the Believer has now made a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">out of these good and wonderful things, thinking surely that he will be helped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In fact, he will be helped, because prayer and fasting, as well as the study of the Word, and other such like things are always a great help; nevertheless, it will not be the help he’s looking for, which is victory over sin. He will find to his dismay, that not only does he still have this problem of an uncontrollable temper, but in fact, it’s even worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHY IS IT WORSE? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is worse simply because he has resorted to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">whether he realizes it or not, thereby abandoning the Grace of God. Consequently, he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit to help him, which the Holy Spirit will not do under those circumstances. As a result, he is doomed to failure irrespective of all of these things he is doing in order to bring about victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">You see, there is something in man, even Believers, that wants to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“do something.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"> And the doing is always wrong because it is outside of Christ. No matter how much willpower he uses, no matter how much effort he makes, the end result is going to be failure and despite all these other things he is doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Many Believers become frustrated at this stage, simply not knowing what to do. They’ve tried everything they know, and the problem is not getting better but rather worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">None of us think of prayer, or fasting, or the study of the Bible as Laws. In fact, they aren’t Laws; however, the Truth is, we make a Law out of these things, that is if we depend upon them for victory which has already been won in Christ. I pray the Reader can understand that of which I say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">By no means are we denigrating prayer or a study of the Word of God, but only stating that it must be done for the proper reasons. Then it brings good, beautiful, and wonderful results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">AN INSULT TO CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">By us adding these good things, as wonderful and helpful as they are in other capacities, in our efforts to overcome sin, we are in effect, whether we realize it or not, saying that Christ did not finish the task at Calvary and needs our additions. This is what I mean by our efforts being an insult to Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Truth is, Jesus paid it all. He defeated every demon and power of darkness at the Cross. He satisfied the claims of the broken <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Law, thereby satisfying God. He also broke the grip of sin whenever those claims were satisfied; consequently, Satan has no more hold upon the Believer. The following in brief is the answer for victory over sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A VICTORIOUS OVERCOMER <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Believer should not try to be victorious or to be an overcomer. If he tries such, he will fail for the simple reason that he is frustrating the Grace of God. The Truth is, the Believer is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">already </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">a victorious overcomer in Christ. It is given to us </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">freely </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">upon Salvation. We don’t have to do anything to receive it but simply maintain it. It is ours, a free Gift from Christ. It comes with Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The Believer should study Romans Chapters 6, 7, and 8. In the Sixth Chapter of Romans, he will find that we were literally baptized into the death of Christ when He died at Calvary. We will also find in that Chapter that we were buried with Him, and then raised with Him in Newness of Life. Consequently, we are now a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“new creature in Christ Jesus,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">and Satan has no more hold over us. In other words, exactly as Romans <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">6:14 says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Sin shall not have dominion over us: for we are not under the Law, but under Grace.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This means, that the Cross of Christ was not only the necessary vehicle for our Salvation, but as well, it pertains to our everyday victory in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">So, the Believer must understand what happened at Calvary, which we have just given in brief, and must have Faith in this which Jesus did, literally </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“reckoning himself to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 6:11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Once again, it’s all a matter of Faith. The Believer is to believe that Jesus paid the sin debt, and that He also broke the grip of sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When the Believer understands this and then believes it and keeps believing it, actually confessing it (Rom. 6:11), victory is his. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE HOLY SPIRIT <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When our Faith and Confidence is in what Christ did at Calvary and the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit will then help us overcome this </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“temper problem,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">or any other problem we may have (Rom. 8:1-3). What we found to be impossible for us, is no problem whatsoever to the Holy Spirit, for He is God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The idea is, that our Faith and Confidence is now in the Price paid by Jesus at Calvary, which the Holy Spirit always honors. So, the answer is not greater willpower, or dependence on anything else for that matter, but rather on the Finished Work of the great Sacrifice of Christ, which guarantees not only our Salvation, but perpetual victory. This is the only answer for the sin problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Then, we will actually pray more, study the Word more, and all these other things, which will now have even a greater purpose and meaning, because all of this now is in the right context. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A TRANSGRESSOR <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I make myself a transgressor,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is exactly what happens when we revert to Law, thereby taking ourselves away from the Grace of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The very term </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Grace of God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">means that we as human beings need something that we cannot supply for ourselves, and in fact, are not worthy of it at all, but upon Faith it is freely given to us by God. As someone has said, Grace is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“unmerited favor.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">We do not merit such, we are not worthy of such, but upon Faith in Christ, God gives us all the Grace we need in order for whatever is needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">There are enough problems in the Christian life for the simple reason that we live one might say, in an alien society, without us ignorantly or otherwise, making ourselves a transgressor. But yet, this is exactly what many Christians do, in fact, I think most! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The problem is, most Believers simply do not properly understand what they should understand about the great Sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. Please don’t misunderstand, this subject is so vast, so great, with such height and depth, that it would literally be impossible for it to be exhausted; nevertheless, about all that most Believers know about this greatest of all acts, is that </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Jesus died for my sins.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">That is about all they know, and to be sure, Satan takes full advantage of our ignorance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE BELIEVER SHOULD CONSIDER THIS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There are hundreds of millions of unbelievers at present, who are attempting to quit drinking, quit cigarettes, or a host of other things that one might name, which they know are killing them. They use willpower, secure the help <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of a Psychologist, or whatever — but with no satisfactory results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, when the believing sinner comes to Christ, thereby becoming a new creature, his dependence is then totally to be in Christ. And if one were to ask Believers that question, most all would claim that their dependence is in Christ, when in fact, it isn’t, at least for many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">We are fooled so easily, because these things which we select such as prayer, etc., which we think will get victory over sin for us, are in actuality very good things. They are spiritual things. So, we think surely that is the answer. In Truth these things are definitely answers for many things, but as we’ve already stated, not for victory over sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">When we start depending on these things, we are in effect, not depending on Christ whether we think so or not. We are then depending totally on willpower, which is the same thing we depended on before coming to Christ. Just as surely as we failed then, we will fail now. Paul said this himself, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Rom. 7:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, willpower is not sufficient, even for the Believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul found the answer, which he gave to us in Romans Chapters 6 and 8. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(For a greater treatment of this very important subject, please see our Commentary on Romans, Chapters 6-8.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE SPOTLESS RIGHTEOUSNESS GIVEN FREELY BY CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The argument of Verses 17 and 18 is: Man is guilty and needs a spotless Righteousness. This Righteousness can be obtained, not through Law-keeping, but through Christ-believing. A professor of the Doctrine of Salvation by Faith who preaches Salvation by works, reerects the legal structure which he himself cast down when he came to Christ, whether he realized it or not, and so proves himself to be a transgressor in having thrown it down. In other words, if the Law could not save us, which it couldn’t, why do we return to the Law in order to obtain victory over sin, which in fact, cannot give any victory. To do so, makes us a transgressor both ways. We are abandoning Grace which is a sin, and reverting to Law, which is another sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law is Divinely perfect; man is hopelessly impotent, hence it is useless for him to seek Righteousness by the Law. Christ Who is the Righteousness envisaged by the Law, becomes such to whosoever believes upon Him; and thus He glorifies the Law and at the same time redeems the sinner, which God intends. Please understand, only Christ can glorify the Law, because He Alone kept the Law. Man cannot do such, I don’t care how hard he tries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE POPULARITY OF CEREMONIES AND ORDINANCES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Man delights to return to those things which gratify the flesh. Consequently, he eagerly accepts whatever appeals to him. Hence, the popularity of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Religious Ceremonies and Ordinances.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">But to rest upon them, even though they may be good within themselves, is to rest upon the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“flesh.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If Christ be everything then there is neither room nor necessity for Ordinances. Those who occupy themselves with these find in them a fatal sustenance. Their effect is to veil the person and the perfections of the Great High Priest, The Lord Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Do you understand what we are saying? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This does not mean that Ceremonies or Ordinances such as the Lord’s Supper or Water Baptism, or Prayer, etc., are wrong within themselves, for they aren’t. They definitely have a purpose, but they are not to be used outside of that purpose. Once again, we go back to taking a handsaw and trying to make a hammer of that instrument. It won’t work! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">If we improperly use these things, or improperly look to these things, those things become larger and larger, and Christ becomes smaller and smaller. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DISTASTEFUL AND REPELLING <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Man likes to have some credit and some position. He likes that which he can see and handle. He refuses to be treated as vile and incapable of good, and is angered that he and his religious efforts should be condemned to annihilation. He will willingly practice efforts to punish himself, for that ministers to his own importance; but to accept the absolute judgment of death upon his nature, his religious energies and his moral virtues, and to be commanded to be silent, and, as a dead sinner, to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">trust the life-giving Saviour and to find in Him all that is needful for Righteousness and Worship, is distasteful and repelling. But this is the Doctrine of Verses 19 and 20, which we will arrive at now (Williams). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(19) “FOR I THROUGH THE LAW AM DEAD TO THE LAW, THAT I MIGHT LIVE UNTO GOD.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“we” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of Verse 17 (which included both Paul and Peter) has changed to the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">of Verse <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">18. This personal form of expression now continues as Paul begins to unfold the full nature of the Justification that is his because of his being </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“in Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">In this Verse </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“I” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">is emphatic by being in the first position in the sentence. It contrasts with the similar position given to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“in Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">which begins in Verse 20. (The Greek Text says in Verse 20, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“In Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">instead of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“With Christ.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul has argued that if he should return to the Law after having come to God through Faith in Christ, he would make himself a transgressor, which is exactly what Peter had done, and all will do who go that route. But this Paul does not do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Actually, the opposite is true, because in coming to God in Christ he died to the Law so completely that he could not possibly return to it. </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Through the Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">probably justifies seeing in this brief sentence a capsule version of Paul’s explanation of the Law’s purpose and developed in greater length in Romans Chapter 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law cannot bring life, for no one has ever fulfilled it, except Christ. The Law brings death, which it was designed to do, for by it all stand condemned. Nevertheless, even in doing this, Law performs a good function. For in the very act of destroying all hope for Salvation by human works, Law actually opens the way to discovering New Life in God, which it was intended to do. It is only when a man will die to his own efforts to achieve Salvation, that he will receive the Gift of Salvation that God offers (Gaebelein). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DEAD TO THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I through the Law am dead to the Law,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">does not mean that Paul is a lawless individual. He still holds to the great ethical principles of love and justice, for instance, which are eternal in their significance. These are the great underlying moral principles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">that inhere in God’s Character and in His Government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When Paul says that he has died to a thing he means that he has ceased to have any relation to it, so that it has no further claim upon or control over him. It is Law as conceived of as a body of legalistic statutes, to which he has died. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul’s attempt (and all others as well) to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Legislation as a means of Salvation, had taught him his own inability to meet its demands, and its inability to make him righteous. Thus, he finally abandoned it as a means of Justification, and accepted Salvation in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LAW IS NOT DEAD, BUT HE IS DEAD TO THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">He found that what the Law did was to reveal sin, to provoke sin, in a certain sense, to create sin, for where there was no Law sin was not reckoned. He found that the Law provided no remedy for sin, and neither was it meant by God to be a remedy. It was rather meant by the Lord to condemn man hopelessly, for no one can fulfill its requirements, with him thereby throwing himself on Christ. It exercised a double power over him, for it made him a sinner and punished him for being one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even though the Law of Moses was set aside, and for the simple reason that it was all fulfilled in Christ, in no way does that mean that the moral requirements of the Law are not incumbent upon all men everywhere. God’s requirements, and that’s what they are, do not change. Even though the Ceremonial part of the Law is now rendered unnecessary by Christ, the moral part of the Law does not change simply because moral absolutes cannot change. However, the Law, morally and otherwise, was totally satisfied in Christ, and by Faith in Christ, the Believer is judged as a Law-keeper instead of a Lawbreaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE FALSE MESSAGE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The false apostle said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Except you live to the Law, you are dead to God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But Paul says the contrary, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Except you be dead to the Law, you cannot live unto God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is used, it is confusing to many Believers or professing Believers. If they think of the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">they have <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">little knowledge of that. So, they brush it aside as not pertaining to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, what they do not realize is, Paul was definitely speaking of the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law of Moses,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">but as we explained in Commentary on Verse 16, it can refer to any kind of </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">By that we mean this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Anything, the Church, Water Baptism, our own good works in any capacity, can all be made into a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The idea is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Law of Moses” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">which was definitely given by God and, therefore, perfect, at least in what it was designed to do, could not save anyone or afford Salvation in any capacity, how in the world do we think or believe that puny Laws of our own making can do any better? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Christians brush this aside, simply because they think it applies to Israel of old, or possibly to Paul, but not to them. Please believe me, it applies to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Whether we realize it or not, almost all of Catholic Teaching is nothing but </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The same can be said for some Protestant Denominations, it is all </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, they are saying do this (something other than Christ) and you will be saved. The Truth is, if we trust in anything other than the Finished Work of Christ, we are unsaved. To be sure, that Finished Work does not include Religious Ceremonies or Ordinances, or anything else of that nature. It is complete within itself, the death of Christ on the Cross, and His Resurrection, and our Faith in that (Jn. 3:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THROUGH THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What did Paul mean by the statement, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Through the Law”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This phrase could probably be explained by Paul’s explanation given in Romans Chapter <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">7. Even after his conversion to Christ and being Baptized with the Holy Spirit, he tried to find victory </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“through the Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In other words, he thought that since he was now in Christ, and had the Holy Spirit, that surely he could keep the Law, which he had never been successful in doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In his own thinking, he now understands surely as to why he could not keep the Law before conversion, but he now finds after conversion, that he still cannot keep the Law. In other words, he cannot find victory over sin </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“through the Law,” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and no matter how hard he tried, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">irrespective of the fact that he is now Born-Again and Spirit-filled. So he asks the great question, </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">However what he could not find </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“through the Law,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">he found </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“through Jesus Christ our Lord” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:25). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Therefore, his trust in Christ now makes him dead to the Law, even though the Law is not dead. He is saying that the Law has no more control over him, makes no more demands on him, is not hanging over his head as a sword of Damocles. He is dead to its demands, because they were all fulfilled in Christ. He is dead to its threat, because Jesus pulled its teeth by meeting its demands. He is no longer subject to its curse, for Jesus took that penalty upon Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Isn’t that beautiful! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">LIVE UNTO GOD <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“That I might live unto God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">presents such being done through Christ, which could never be done through the Law. The Christian lives unto Christ in order that he may live unto God. The ultimate object of the Christian scheme is that he may be presented righteous before God. By the Law he could not obtain this Righteousness, it is obtained in Christ, and Christ Alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Faith in Christ was the means whereby Paul’s complete and irreparable break with the Law was effected. The Lord Jesus lived under the Law, fully obeyed that Law, assumed the guilt and penalty which the human race incurred by having violated the Law, and in dying under the Law satisfied its requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Thus, He passed out of the realm where Law in its legalistic aspect had control over Him. All Believers are identified with Christ in His Death and also in His Resurrection, and thus have passed out of the realm of Divine Law so far as its legalistic aspect is concerned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, Paul says that he has thus died to the Law that he might live unto God. Subjection to the Law as a means of acceptance with God, in reality prevented him (and us) from living a life of unreserved devotion to God. This is one of the most grievous vices of legalism, that it comes between the soul and God (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LAW AS AN EXECUTIONER <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Christian is a paradox, an apparent contradiction, for he is said to be both dead and alive; not half-dead or half-alive, but completely dead and completely alive. The True Believer is dead to sin, and alive unto Righteousness; dead to self and alive unto Christ; and as Paul states it, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“dead to the Law but alive unto God.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"> This fact Paul declares without apology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Dead to the Law! What a startling, amazing statement, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“dead to the Law!” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul does not say that the Law is dead. Far be it from Paul to claim the Law is dead. Full well he knew its power over him before his conversion. The Law is very much alive today, even at this present time, in cursing and in condemning sin and threatening judgment to the transgressor. The Law is still the ministry of wrath upon the sinner. All-conclusive are the Words of Ephesians 5:6: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(the sins mentioned in the previous Verse)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, cometh the Wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">No, the Law is not dead, but Paul says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I am dead to the Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law does not recognize me as even existing anymore. It cannot touch me, for I am dead and the Law cannot touch dead men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE OCCASION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To understand what Paul meant by this startling statement, we must see the occasion on which it was said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In the Verses preceding Paul’s statement, he tells how Peter had come to Antioch, even as we’ve already addressed, and had entered fully into the fellowship of Gentile Christians, by eating with them, having fellowship with them, which was strictly forbidden by the Law for a Jew. But when certain legalistic Law-Teachers from Jerusalem came up, Peter withdrew himself from the Gentile Christians and placed himself back under the Law. This so incensed Paul that he severely rebuked Peter for his double standard, and now he concludes with the statement, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I through the Law am dead to the Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As far as I am concerned, my relationship to the Law is ended. Now just what is Paul saying? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He says that in the eyes of the Law I am dead, I am nonexistent. An illustration will serve to show what Paul meant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">AN EXAMPLE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Imagine a man who has committed murder. According to the Law, if found guilty he must be put to death. He is arrested, charged with murder, and brought to trial. The Court is in session, and the Judge is on the Bench. The accused man hears the accusation and charge read to him. But before the trial is concluded, the accused man suffers a heart attack and drops dead in the Courtroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A Doctor declares him dead, and signs his Death Certificate. Now what does the Judge do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">After the commotion is over, does he call the Court to order, and say, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Let us proceed with the trial of this dead man”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Of course not! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">You cannot try a dead man, or condemn him to death, for he is already dead. So the Judge dismisses the case. It is closed forever, and he proceeds to the next case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In the case of the criminal in our illustration, he cheated the Law, he circumvented the Law. It was the prerogative of the Law to execute the man, but he died before the Law could put him to death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">NOT SO WITH PAUL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But, says Paul, it was not thus in my case. I did not cheat or beat the Law, but the Law itself put me to death. Notice, therefore, three important words in our text: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I through the Law am dead to the Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Through or by the Law I was put to death. The Law itself found me guilty and executed me. The Law slew me. Again allow me to illustrate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Imagine again the criminal before the Bar of Justice. The witnesses are called and all testify to the guilt of the murderer. The Judge declares him guilty and sets the day for sentencing. When that day comes, the Judge reads from the Law the penalty for murder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is death for the criminal, and the Judge orders the man to be hanged by the neck until he is dead, and sets the date for execution. The sentence is carried out, and on the appointed day the man is led to the gallows and hanged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Physician declares the man dead, and the case is closed. Now this man is not only <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">dead to the Law, but dead through the Law. The Law put him to death. It can do no more. The Law is satisfied. This, says Paul, happened to me — </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I through the Law am dead to the Law.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A SURPRISE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This is not the end of the story, however. Three days after this guilty man was executed, you meet this same man one early morning, walking down the street. At first you can’t believe your eyes. You look more closely, but there is no doubt about it. The criminal is alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">You rush to the home of the Judge, arouse him from his bed, and excitedly exclaim, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Judge, Judge, remember the man who was executed three days ago. Well, he is alive! I saw him with my own eyes! Call the Police, call the Sheriff, call out the National Guard, and pick up this dangerous criminal! Hurry, Judge!” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT THE RECORD SAYS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Judge is not impressed at all, and says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Now just calm down, and we will look at the record.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He takes down the record of the trial, the verdict of guilty, the account of the execution, the Doctor’s Death Certificate, and finally the words </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“case closed.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He looks at you and says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“That man is dead.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But you say to him, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“He is alive! I saw him!” “I’m sorry,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">says the Judge, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“according to the Law this man died three days ago. According to the Law the man is dead. He has paid the extreme penalty.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The man is legally dead, and the Law cannot punish a man twice for the same crime. If the man is alive again, it is of no concern to the Law. The Law did not anticipate a resurrection. There is no provision in the Law as to what to do in such a case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">According to the Law the man is dead, and since the Law cannot punish twice for the same crime, he is free — dead to the Law — through the Law and in the eyes of the Law. Now, says Paul, that is what happened to me. I was executed by the Law, but was raised again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHERE? WHEN? HOW? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul, will you please tell us when this happened to you, where this took place, and how were you put to death? Paul has the answer ready. It is found in this Verse: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I am </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(have been) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">You want to know where I died — it was at Calvary. When did I die? — when Christ died. How did I die? — by crucifixion. That is the meaning of Paul’s words, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Crucified with Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Now to understand this strange statement of Paul, we must turn to the Word of God concerning the members of the Body of Christ. When Christ hung on the Cross, people saw only a physical, human body, nailed to a Cross by the hands and feet. But when God looked down upon Jesus on the Cross, He saw another body, a spiritual body united to its Head. God saw in Christ the mystical body of Believers, who are members of Christ and called His Body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">God saw the Head, Christ, and He saw the Body of Christ, consisting of individual members, which make up the Church, which is His Body. What happened to the Head of the Church that day on Calvary, God reckons as having happened to all His members, for the Church is a spiritual body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For by one Spirit are we baptized into one Body . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(I Cor. 12:13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">God foreknew everyone of His chosen ones from eternity as members of the Body of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“According as He hath chosen us in Him </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Christ) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">before the foundation of the world . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Eph. 1:4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For we are members of His Body, of His Flesh, and of His Bones” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Eph. 5:30). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CRUCIFIED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">As the Body of Jesus hung upon the Cross, God looked down from Heaven and saw the Spiritual Body of Christ, the Church, hanging there </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“in Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This is Paul’s meaning when he says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“I was crucified with Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">As a member of the Body of Christ in the Mind of God I was nailed with Jesus to the Tree. But this was not all. When they took Jesus down from the Tree, they buried Him, the Head with the Body, and since we are members of His Body, . . . </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“we are buried with Him by baptism into death” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Rom. 6:4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This does not refer to Water Baptism, but rather the Baptism into His Death, which in the Mind of God this is what happened. We obtain its results by Faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE RESURRECTION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">But that is not all, for that same Body arose. After three days and nights, the tomb was found empty, and not one member was left behind. Since we are members of His Body, we too arose with Him, and Paul says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“If </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(since) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Col. 3:1). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE ASCENSION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But there is still more. Forty days later Jesus ascended into Heaven, and took that Body along, at least in a spiritual sense. In Christ, therefore, in the Mind of God every Believer is already seated in Heaven. In our physical bodies we are still here on Earth, but positionally and spiritually in Christ, we are already in Heaven seated with Christ. Listen to Paul’s statement: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But God, Who is rich in Mercy, for His Great Love wherewith He loved us, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(made us alive again) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">together with Christ, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(by Grace ye are saved;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Eph. 2:4-6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Remember then that </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“we are members of the Spiritual Body of Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and what happened to Him happened to every member of His Body. Yes, with Paul, every Believer can say: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law has been satisfied by the Lord Jesus Christ, and, therefore, as members of Him, God reckons it as though we ourselves had paid the penalty. Yes, indeed, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“dead to the Law, through the Law!” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ARE WE THEN LAWLESS? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We must again answer the charge of some who say this freedom from the Law is a dangerous Doctrine, and will result in looseness of living and practicing sin without restraint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Anyone who makes this charge does not understand the Grace of God. In fact, it is the opposite of that contention. If we go back to Law, it will only guarantee sin and failure; whereas, if we depend on the Grace of God, it guarantees victory over sin — and that alone can guarantee victory over sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Free from the Law — yes, free from the Law of Moses, but now under the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">an entirely different Law altogether (Rom. 8:2). This Law of Christ, makes me </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“free from the Law of sin and death.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Deliverance from the Law which could only condemn, gives liberty — not liberty to sin, but liberty to serve Christ without fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law demanded Holiness — the Grace of God produces it. If one is looking to the Law to improve one, as so many of us have tended to do, it will never do such, but in fact, have the opposite result. Only the Grace of God can give us that which we must have, Righteousness and Holiness in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Law of God is holy, eternal, perfect, and good. It is the Divine Pattern of Righteousness which God demands of those who would be saved by their own works, merits, and efforts. The Law of God is powerful, demanding punishment for each transgression. It is absolutely just in treating all alike, and there is no respect of persons under the Law of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">There are no exceptions, for </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is inflexible, and rigid, so that it makes no allowance for effort, no matter how sincere, if that effort fails to measure up to every single demand of the Perfect Law of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law condemns and curses every sinner, even as it is designed to do. It knows no distinction between little sins and big sins as far as guilt is concerned. The demands of the Law of God are absolute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> (Gal. 3:10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It recognizes neither wealth nor influence nor position nor station, but says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 3:22-23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law of God is eternal and stands today as the pronouncer of Wrath upon all who refuse to accept, by simple Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s means of deliverance from its power and condemnation and curse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">We re-emphasize these assertions concerning the Law, because we who preach Grace and freedom from the Law for Believers in Christ are constantly accused of making void the Law, as though it did not exist anymore, or had no application to this Age of Grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This is a false accusation, but it was already answered by the Apostle Paul nearly 2000 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FALSE ACCUSATIONS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He too had been slandered and condemned for preaching liberty and deliverance from the Law. We, therefore, would answer our critics in the words of Paul himself in Galatians 2:21: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if Righteousness came by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul had been accused of making void the Law. In Romans 3:31 he answers the critics: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Do we then make void the Law through Faith? God forbid: Yea, we establish the Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 3:31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Stop and think about these momentous Verses for a moment. Paul says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“If man could obtain Righteousness by keeping the Law, then it was unnecessary for Christ to die, and He, therefore, died for nothing.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Consider carefully the implications. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If any human being could possibly be saved by the Law of God, then why did Jesus have to die for those who were able to save themselves? It certainly would be a tragic mistake if God should demand the death of His Son to save those who could save themselves without the Sacrifice of Jesus. And this holds true even for the Believer after he is saved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If the Believer, once saved, were able to keep himself saved by the works of the Law, which all of us I think have tried to do at one time or the other, then why do we need Him to intercede daily for us at the Right Hand of God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What a terrible accusation to bring against God, to say He wasted the Work of Christ on the Cross for those who were able by their own works to attain Righteousness. If that is so, and even as we have already stated, then </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ died in vain.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">His death was wholly unnecessary and uncalled for, which is the most ridiculous thought or idea that one could ever begin to contemplate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WE ESTABLISH THE LAW Now notice the same Truth as expressed in that other Verse: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Do we then make void the Law through Faith? God forbid: Yea, we establish the Law” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 3:31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">By confessing that the Law cannot be kept by us, we are not debasing or downgrading the Law or weakening it, but instead we establish the Law. By our admission that we were unable to meet the demands of the Law of God, we prove its perfection, and that it has succeeded in doing what God intended for it to do. We elevate it high above man’s fallible efforts and works. To say that man can keep God’s Holy Law, is to drag it down to our own imperfect level, which would mean that the Law is really not very much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, I confess that God’s Holy Law is so high, so good, so perfect, so holy, that I, a poor, weak, depraved sinner cannot in myself meet its high standards, irrespective of how hard that I try. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I extol the Holiness of the Law and exalt it, and so establish its perfection by not lowering it to the depths of my imperfection. I establish the Law by admitting that its Standards cannot be attained by me, a depraved sinner, and that I, therefore, must turn to another for Mercy, Pardon, and Forgiveness. It must ever be: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Nothing in my hand I bring; </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Simply to Thy Cross I cling; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Not the labor of my hands, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Can fulfill Thy Law’s demands; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Could my zeal no respite know, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Could my tears forever flow, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“These for sin could not atone; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Thou must save, and Thou Alone.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This is Bible Salvation. How conclusive the words of Paul: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But to him that worketh not </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(doesn’t try to earn his Salvation)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, but believeth on Him </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Jesus) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">that justifieth the ungodly, his Faith is counted for Righteousness” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 4:5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We have seen that the Law is powerful in condemning the sinner, but at the same time the Law is also powerless to save the sinner. It is also powerless to condemn the Believer in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Child of God is forever free from its condemnation, for the simple reason that we are dead to that condemnation, having died in Christ. After Paul has given us a picture of the struggle between the two natures within him, he cries out for deliverance: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul does not claim sinless perfection even unto Grace. He is still conscious of the presence of his old nature, and admits his defeat. Listen to his Testimony: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I know that in me </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(that is, in my flesh,) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:18-19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Now remember, this is Paul’s Testimony after he was saved, not before as many teach. He still acknowledges the presence of his old nature and confesses his defeat, if depending upon works of the Law for victory, etc. He continues to tell us of his earnest striving to please God, but how he fails in his own strength, as all will fail in their own strength: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I find then a Law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man: </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But I see another Law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin which is in my members. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me. . . ?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:21-24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Notice Paul says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“I delight in the Law of God after the inward man.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This inward man is the new man, the new nature, the Life of Christ which the Believer received at conversion. This new nature (Divine Nature) delights in the Law of God. It is the perfect desire of Paul to keep God’s Law perfectly. The new nature seeks to keep God’s Commandments. But alas! Paul says, I have to contend with another Law — the Law of sin and of death which is in my members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As much as Paul’s inward man desired to measure up to the Law’s perfection, he found his old nature opposing him at every turn, or as he puts it: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But I see another Law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(the inward man)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin which is in my members” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ONE’S OWN STRENGTH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">And then, recognizing the futility, the hopelessness of gaining victory in his own strength, and the utter defeat which results from his trying to keep God’s Perfect Law by himself as long as the old nature is within him, he turns from his own efforts, and cries out: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . who shall deliver me from the body of this death </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(the old nature)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">And then he finds the answer. He gives up all confidence in his own efforts, his own willpower, his own machinations, and turns the whole matter over to another, and so he concludes: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:25). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Jesus is our Victory; and even when we fail, it is His Victory which is credited to our account. Romans Capter 7 closes with this confession: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . So then with the mind </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(my desire) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(if I depend on the flesh) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the law of sin </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(I will fail)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:25). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This is the answer to the Verse with which we began: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For I know that in me </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(that is, in my flesh,) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">dwelleth no good thing” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But, thank God, that is not the end of the story. The Eighth Chapter of Romans should follow the Seventh without a break. After Paul admits his failure he cries out in Romans 8:1: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">NO CONDEMNATION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Some have claimed that there is no condemnation for the Believer irrespective as to what he does after conversion, how much he fails, how much he sins, etc. However, that is really not what Romans 8:1 is saying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The condemnation is taken away from all those </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> If the Believer reverts back to walking after the flesh, there definitely will be failure and we speak of sin, which brings with it automatic condemnation. All sin must be condemned by God, it simply cannot be otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Some claim that Jesus took all their sins, which in fact He did. They then claim that sin no longer affects them in a negative way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">There is nothing in the Word of God that remotely states such a thing. Sin is just as negative to the Believer as it is to the unbeliever. If committed, it has to be repented of, confessed, and forsaken (I Jn. 1:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What does Paul mean by the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“walk”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He is speaking of our everyday living for the Lord. It is referred to as a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“walk.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> This is where the rubber meets the road, where the pedal meets the metal. If this Christian experience doesn’t play out victoriously in our everyday life, in other words changing us for the better, then it is no different than the philosophies of the world. However, it definitely does change us and for the better, in fact continuing to do so, but only if we </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“walk after the Spirit.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">First of all, every Believer has the Holy Spirit. He is given to us to perform a particular task, and that is to make us into the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Image of the Heavenly” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(I Cor. 15:49). However, this is not an automatic process. In other words, He cannot do this without our cooperation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“walk after the Spirit” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">means to have the Help of the Spirit, the Leading of the Spirit, the Power of the Spirit, etc. To have all of that guarantees total victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Just because the Believer has the Holy Spirit, and all Believers do, doesn’t mean at all, that the Holy Spirit is able to do all these grand and wonderful things we have mentioned. He can do them, even as He desires to do them, but will do so only according to one particular direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In Romans 8:1, Paul is speaking about an overcoming, victorious Christian life, which all of us surely want to have, and in fact do have. However, it can only be obtained in one manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LEGAL CONFINES OF <st1:place st="on">CALVARY</st1:place> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Holy Spirit will not help us overcome the flesh, the world, and the Devil, outside the legal confines of <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>. In other words, He functions solely on the Sacrifice of that occasion. Paul gave us these legal parameters in Romans 8:2, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Those are the legal confines of which I speak. It is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“in Christ Jesus,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which means what He did at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place> and the Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We are to understand that we were </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“in Christ” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">when He died on <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>’s Cross, at least this was what was in the Mind of God. By Faith Christ’s victory becomes ours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">When we are trusting in what Jesus did there, and solely trusting in that, the Holy Spirit will then do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, totally defeating the efforts of Satan in every capacity. The demands of the Law of Moses were met in Christ, and that means His Sacrificial, Atoning Death on the Cross. Consequently, this </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Law of sin and death” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">has no more hold over me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">However, if we look away from the Cross to our own abilities, willpower, strength, or a regimen of Laws of our own making, or the making of another man, the Holy Spirit will not help us in this, and we are doomed to failure, and thereby, condemnation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, the key is trusting in what was done at the Cross, and to keep trusting in that on a daily basis, and then the Holy Spirit will do the work, which the Christian cannot do within himself and on his own, which was proven by Paul’s experience in Romans Chapter 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT GOD SEES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When we trust in what Christ did at the Cross, God then sees us in Christ as perfect and sinless, and accepts us not on the basis of our own righteousness which is unacceptable anyway, but on the basis of the Righteousness of Christ. This Righteousness the Law could not give us. It was way beyond our reach, and the Scripture, therefore, says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For what the Law could not do, in that </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(because) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">it was weak through the flesh, God sending His Own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 8:3-4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The fact then that the Law cannot save the sinner, nor keep the Saint, is not the fault of the Law, but of sinful flesh. That which the Law could not do, was because of man’s sinful nature, which makes man weak. And because we could not attain unto Righteousness by our own efforts, God sent His Son into the world to do <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">for us what we could not do for ourselves, which was to satisfy the Law for us, by paying its penalty on the Cross, and then by our evidencing Faith in that, He offers His spotless, Righteousness — all of this, that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice, it does not say that it might be fulfilled by us, but </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">us. This is all done by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Have you been trying to earn your own victory in your own way? Have you been trying to seek God’s favor by doing your best? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Oh, Friend, your best is not good enough, and in fact, can never be good enough. Why not accept His freely-offered Righteousness and be able to say: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I’ve tried in vain a thousand ways, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“My fears to quell, my hopes to raise; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But what I need, the Bible says, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Is ever, only Jesus.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(20) “I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST: NEVERTHELESS I LIVE; YET NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: AND THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This same point Paul now repeats in greater detail, with the Name of Christ prominent. He has died to Law so that he might live for God, but this is true only because he has been joined to the Lord Jesus Christ by God the Father. Jesus died; so did Paul. Jesus rose again, so did Paul, and so have we. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Resurrection Life he is now living he is living through the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ within him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There are different ways in which Paul’s references to having died and come to life in Christ can be taken; he himself uses the images in different ways, even as we have previously stated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">At times, he refers to the participation of Christians in the benefits of Christ’s experiences. This means that Christians experience death and new life because Jesus experienced death and new life for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, he refers to an actual participation of the Believer in Christ’s Death and Resurrection conceived on the basis of the mystical union of the Believer with the Lord (Rom. 6:4-8; Col. 2:12-14, 20; 3:1-4). This last view is the hardest to understand, but it is the one involved here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN CHRIST? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It means to be so united to Christ by Faith that all the experiences of Christ become the Christian’s experiences, which are intended by the Holy Spirit. Thus, His Death for sin was the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">’Believer’s death; His Resurrection was (in one sense) the Believer’s Resurrection; His Ascension was the Believer’s ascension, so that the Believer is (again in one sense) seated with Christ </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“in the heavenly realms” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">even as we have previously stated (Eph. 2:6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This thought is particularly evident in Paul’s use of the manner in which he speaks of having been crucified with Christ. In other words, it is evident in the Greek Text. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He is referring to something which has happened in the past but which influence continues into the present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul died with Christ, and so did we; that is, his </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“old man” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">died with Christ. This was arranged by God so that Christ, rather than the old Paul, and the old us, might live in us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul is still living, but he adds that the life he lives now is lived </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“by Faith.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is a different type of life altogether than that which he was striving to live under the Law. In another sense, it is not Paul who is living at all, but rather Christ Who lives in him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“I am crucified with Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is as stated in the Greek in the perfect tense, which speaks of a past completed action having present continuing results. Paul uses it to show that his identification with Christ at the Cross was a past fact, and that the spiritual benefits that have come to him through his identification </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">are </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">present realities with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">By this statement, he also shows how he died to the Law, namely by dying with Christ Who died under its penalty. The Law’s demands were satisfied, as stated, and, therefore, have no more hold on Paul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But thus being crucified with Christ, meant also to Paul, death to self. When Paul died with Christ, it was the Pharisee Saul who died. What he was and did up to that time passed away so far as he was concerned. The old Saul was buried, and the old life with him. Consequently, the dominating control of the Adamic nature had its power over him broken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PRESENT RESULTS Even as we have already stated, the phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I am crucified with Christ,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as given in the Greek stipulates something which happened in the past, but continues to have a present effect upon our daily walk with God. This is what many in the Church do not understand. They think the Cross pertains only to their Salvation experience, in other words, when they got saved. They do not realize, that the effects of what Jesus did at Calvary, continues to have visible results in our everyday lives, that is if we have Faith in that which was done, and understand what was done. In essence, that’s what Jesus was speaking about when He said that we are to </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“take up our Cross daily and follow Him” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Lk. 9:23). First of all, the taking up of the Cross, refers to our trusting in what was done there for our Salvation and our continued everyday victory in Christ. This, the Cross, is the answer to the difficulties, problems and ills of man. In fact, it is the only answer. Humanistic psychology holds no answers and neither do the heathenistic religions of the world. Only what Jesus did on the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Cross.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Through Faith in the Cross alone, can victory be had over the sins of the flesh, whatever those sins may be. As well, Jesus used the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“daily,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as it-referred to taking up the Cross, and meant for it to be a daily affair. In other words, we are to trust on a daily basis for our victory, in what Christ did at Calvary now nearly 2,000 years ago. Please allow me to say this again, that this is the only avenue of victory provided for us, and the only avenue in which the Holy Spirit will work. This means, that the Charismatic Churches who teach that the Cross only pertains to our Salvation, and has no more bearing on our present living, are completely off base. Many of these Churches, and regrettably they number into the thousands, will not even sing any songs about the Cross in their Services, or the Blood of Christ, calling such </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“past miseries.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, by such thinking, Satan has succeeded in cutting them off from the only victory possible. THE CROSS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">That of which Paul speaks, is something more than that of merely </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“dying with Christ” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">— i.e., imitating the Death of Christ after a spiritual manner: it involves, as well, a spe</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">cial reference to the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is through the Power of the Cross, through contemplating the Cross and all that is associated with it, that the Christian is enabled to mortify the promptings of sin within him, and reduce such to a state of passiveness (powerlessness) like that of death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This is one of the most significant theological concepts. When a man enters into Christ he literally enters into His Death. In effect, and as stated, he dies with Christ. This is more than a figure of speech, merely describing a psychological separation or deliverance from sin. It means that by Faith a man makes Christ’s death his own. The future result is that he does not face eternal death for his sins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Even as we have stated, there is also a present benefit. The power of sin is broken in a man’s life, because he died to sin with Christ. Of particular significance to the present context is the fact that death with Christ is the only way (Faith in what was accomplished at the Cross) that those enslaved by the Law can find freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It is imperative that the sinner’s death with Christ not be confused with Crucifixion of one’s essential selfhood or what is often termed self-crucifixion. It is rather the old, inner self, helplessly and hopelessly depraved by sin, that dies. Paul’s terminology is strange to modern ways of thinking, yet it depicts a truth that is well known in human experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In reality, the new self in Christ, is not to be destroyed, but rather remains in Christ. That is the ideal and what the Holy Spirit intends (Lk. 9:23-26). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The execution of Jesus on the Cross is a historical event. We may debate the exact configuration of the Cross and dispute the precise location of Jerusalem’s public execution grounds. But we cannot debate the clear teaching of the Bible about the meaning of the Cross in God’s Plan and in our lives today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE MEANING OF JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The story of the Crucifixion is told in all of the Gospels (Mat. Chpt. 27; Mk. Chpt. 15; Lk. Chpt. 23; Jn. Chpt. 19). What at first seemed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to the Disciples to be a tragedy was recognized after the Resurrection as the Source of Salvation and Hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In his first recorded Evangelistic Sermon after the Ascension, Peter presented Jesus’ Crucifixion as something determined </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Acts 2:23). Forgiveness can be found only in the Crucified and risen Lord (Acts 2:38-39; 4:10-12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">That first Message called on the people of Jerusalem to put their trust in the person of the Crucified and risen Saviour. Later Paul explained that the Cross is God’s means for reconciling </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His Blood, shed on the Cross”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"> (Col. 1:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Through the Crucifixion, we have been offered life, and those who put their trust in Christ have been forgiven for all their sins. All that could condemn us was washed away at Calvary (Col. 2:13-17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In addition, the barriers that divide humanity and create hostilities were abolished, for people of every culture are brought to God through the Cross (Eph. 2:16). Because of the Crucifixion we have peace with God and access to the Father and have become members of God’s Own household (Eph. 2:17-19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection were God’s only way to bring all these benefits to humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In view of all that Jesus has accomplished, it is no wonder that the writer of Hebrews confronts Jews who did not grasp it all and were tempted to turn back to an Old Testament Faith to find in Old Testament Law the means for completing their Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Will they crucify Jesus again? Are they shamelessly implying that the Cross did not accomplish all that God says it has? (Heb. 6:6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CROSS, THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When the Apostle Paul evangelized Corinth, he refused to rely on his training and rhetorical skills. He preached the Gospel simply and plainly and relied on the Divine Power inherent in the Message of the Cross (I Cor. 1:17; Rom. 1:16). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Those who perish will think the Cross is foolishness, but those who are being saved will recognize it as the Message that bears the stamp of God’s Own Authority (I Cor. 1:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Because the Cross is central to the Christian Gospel, Paul often uses </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Cross” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">as a term for the Gospel itself (I Cor. 1:18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Phil. 3:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CHRISTIAN’S CRUCIFIXION WITH JESUS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The New Testament speaks of our Crucifixion with Jesus (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20; 5:24; 6:14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">The key to understanding the reference is the concept of Identification. The union that each Believer has with Jesus is so close that everything that happened to Jesus is considered to have happened to us. Through our union with Jesus and by the Divine Power that raised Jesus from the dead, we experience not only Crucifixion but also renewal and keeping power (Rom. 6:1-14; 8:1-4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Marriage provides an illustration of Identification. A poverty-stricken woman who marries a millionaire becomes a millionaire when the wedding takes place. Even if the couple divorced later, the law treats his millions as though she had participated in earning them, and that participation will be reflected in the divorce settlement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But God will never divorce us. All that Christ has done and all that He now is, are ours through our relationship with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE CHRISTIAN’S DAILY CROSS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This enigmatic concept must be important, for all three Gospels report Jesus’ encouragement to His Disciples to take up their Cross and follow Him (Mat. 10:38; 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk. 9:23; 14:27). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In all of these reports the word </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Cross” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">is used symbolically. When Jesus was faced with imminent Crucifixion, He prayed in Gethsemane, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Father . . . take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Mk. 14:36). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Here the Cross is the ultimate symbol of Jesus’ commitment to do the Will of God, whatever suffering that might bring for Him. Taking up our Cross to follow Jesus simply means that we are to imitate daily Jesus’ total willingness to do the Will of the Father, whatever that Will may hold for us. As well, and to which we have already alluded, it speaks of trusting fully in that which was accomplished at the Cross, thereby receiving its afforded victory paid for by Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The world little believes this great Truth, and sadly much of the Church follows suit. Consequently, it is a reproach in their eyes for one to trust solely in the Cross for life and victory; nevertheless, this is the only thing in history that affords life and victory. Such comes from no other source (Richards). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">NEVERTHELESS I LIVE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Nevertheless I live,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents Saul the self-righteous Pharisee as having died, at least in Christ, but Paul the Great Apostle, lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The counterpart of death with Christ is always Resurrection and a new life in Him. The man of Faith walks in </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“newness of life” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 6:4), in the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“likeness of His Resurrection” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 6:5), and </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“lives unto God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 6:11). He </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“brings forth fruit unto God” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 7:4), and serves Him in </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“newness of spirit” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 7:6). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is vital to grasp the full impact of this wondrous Truth. Death to sin is significant only because it makes the new life possible. Deliverance from sin is the opening of the door to a glorious new life in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">YET NOT I <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Yet not I,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">presents a life that is no longer self-centered, which characterizes all unbelievers, but a Christ-centered one. His new life is a Person, the Lord Jesus living in Paul. And through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus is manifest in His life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The new life is no longer, like the former one, dependant upon the ineffectual efforts of a man attempting to draw near to God in his own Righteousness. The new life is a Person within a person, living out His life in that person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Instead of attempting to live his life in obedience to a set of rules in the form of the legal enactments of the Mosaic Law, Paul now yields to the indwelling Holy Spirit and cooperates with Him in the production of a life pleasing to God, energized by the Divine Life resident in him through the regenerating Work of the Spirit. Instead of a sinner with a totally depraved nature attempting to find acceptance with God by attempted obedience to a set of outward laws, it is now the Saint living his life on a new principle, that of the indwelling Holy Spirit manifesting forth the Lord Jesus (Wuest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CHRIST LIVETH IN ME <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“But Christ liveth in me,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">presents Christ as the Source of all the life now enjoyed. Of course, Christ does not physically dwell in the Believer as should be obvious. How<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:5.25pt;height:2.25pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\TRANSL~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="3" shapes="_x0000_i1025" src="file:///C:/Users/TRANSL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg" width="7" /><!--[endif]-->ever, this of which Paul says is of far greater dimension than a mere philosophic idea. The Truth of what Paul says is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">When Jesus died on the Cross, the believing sinner died in Him, which means that Jesus became our Substitute. Our Identification with Him through Faith, grants us all the privileges which the Cross affords, which speaks of Salvation and Victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When that is done, the Believer exhibits Faith in the Cross, in turn Jesus comes to live in the person. The idea is, as the believing sinner was in Christ when He died, at least in the Mind of God, upon continued Faith by the Believer, Jesus now lives in the Believer. The Holy Spirit is given to the Believer to guarantee the positive effects of Calvary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">While it is a guaranteed fact that all believing sinners were in Christ when He died, at least in the Mind of God, which is a necessity if one is to be saved, hypothetically, Christ is not allowed to live in the hearts and lives of many Believers. While that is not literally correct, for it cannot be literally correct, still, the great benefits of Jesus living in the Believer are not realized in the hearts and lives of most Christians. The reason is simple: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">Many Believers while having accepted the Cross as it regards their Salvation, however, try to maintain a life of victory after Salvation by reverting back to works. Consequently, Christ is made of no effect, with the Believer living his life as if though Christ did not reside within him. That being the case, the Holy Spirit will not function, and the Believer is doomed to failure, which probably characterizes most Christian lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Most all Christians are clear on the Salvation process, but unclear on the continued victory process, thereby reverting back to works. The secret is to keep trusting in the Cross on a daily basis, believing that it not only afforded Salvation for our </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“born again” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">experience, but as well continues to provide <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">power and strength for our daily walk before God, guaranteeing continued victory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Liveth” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">in the Greek is </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“zao,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">and means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to live,”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> or literally, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to live a life.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Jesus is in us in order to live through us the kind of life we must live and desire to live. He is not there as an idle bystander, but sadly, is reduced to that at times by our lack of Faith in the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And the life which I now live in the flesh,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">refers to being in the flesh because that’s what we are, but not living according to the flesh, but according to Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Between the old life under sin and the new way of living, there is the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“no-man’s-land” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">of life under self. Although the Believer has been freed from the grip of sin, he is still lord of his own life. Thus, Paul uses his personal example to set forth the ideal that God expected of them. Such a life involves a crisis capitulation, as the Believer surrenders his sovereignty to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This is returning to God what man usurped in the Garden of Eden. Elsewhere it is described graphically in the imagery of a </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“love slave” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">pre-senting himself voluntarily to his master (Rom. 6:19), and as a Priest presenting his sacrifice on the Altar (Rom. 12:1). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The implications of this crisis must be lived out in a lifelong process, which Paul often refersto as walking or marching by the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">This new life under the Spirit is lived in the flesh, which here means in the present, earthly body — with all of its limitations, weaknesses, and temptations. It is also lived by . . . Faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FAITH <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I live by the Faith of the Son of God,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents to us a part of this great Truth which is at times ignored, and as a consequence, causes great problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul witnesses that, as he was justified by Faith, so he lives the new life of the Spirit by Faith in the Son of God as well! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Believer’s surrendered sovereignty must not be confused with the sinner’s death with Christ. Also Paul never uses Death or Crucifixion as a metaphor of destruction of man’s God-given selfhood. In Pauline terms man’s will does not die, but is surrendered or-presented to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">All the way the Believer’s life must be one of total dependence upon Christ, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It was by Faith in Christ that I first became partaker of this life; it is by Faith in Christ that I continue to partake of it; letting go my Faith in Christ, I then instantly lose this life in Christ, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“His Victory.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There are three things the Believer must do as it regards continued victory in one’s life. They are as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">1. The Believer must understand that the Cross was not only for his Salvation, but his continued victory as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">2. He must appropriate the benefits of the Cross on a </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“daily” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">basis, trusting in what Jesus did there (Lk. 9:23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">3. He must have Faith on a continuing basis, that this which Jesus did, in fact, has a present result in his life, and will overcome every power of darkness. In other words, this is not automatic, even as Paul says, it requires </span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Faith.” </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In respect to all of this, Paul refers to Jesus in His role of Deity as </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Son of God,”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> the magnificent title by which he recites Christ’s Personality. Consequently, Jesus possesses as such an absolutely commanding claim to His people’s adherence, which we dare not decline. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">WHO LOVED ME <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“Who loved me, and gave Himself for me,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">presents the acknowledgement that everything in the Christian’s life finds its Source in the Love of Christ, which caused Him to die for us. There is no other motivation of Grace. This emphasis upon Love became a veritable creedal confession. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Christ died for the whole world, proving that He loved the whole world, but each individual Christian has a right to appropriate His death to himself. The death of Christ was prompted by love, not for the abstraction of humanity, but for men as individuals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">This great love evidenced in such a manner is completely beyond the comprehension of mortal men. In fact, the entirety of the basis of Christianity is built upon the foundation of Love which spawns Grace, which of necessity Grace must have, that is if it is to be Grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, and as we’ve already stated, this statement as given by the Holy Spirit through Paul, presents this great Gift of God on a very personal basis. In other words, He personally gave <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Himself to each one of us as individuals, even as sinful and wicked as we were, but thank God, through Him, no longer are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(21) “I DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD: FOR IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COME BY THE LAW, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The last sentence of this Chapter is intro-duced abruptly and from a new point of view. In the preceding Verses Paul has answered the objections of his critics. Now he objects to their doctrine, showing that if they are right, then Christ has died in vain. The heart of Christianity lies in the Grace of God and in the Death of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, as Stott notes, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“If anybody insists that Justification is by works, and that he can earn his Salvation by his own efforts, he is undermining the foundations of the great Christian Salvation in Christ. He is nullifying the Grace of God (because if Salvation is by works, it is not by Grace) and he is making Christ’s death superfluous (because if Salvation is our own work, then Christ’s work was unnecessary).” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul’s logic is incontrovertible. Yet many still pursue the fallacious logic of the legalizers. They suppose that to earn their Salvation is somehow praiseworthy and noble, when actually it is vainglorious and ignoble. True nobility (and humility) is to accept what God offers. One must either receive God’s offer of Salvation, which can only be received in His Way, or insult Him (Gaebelein). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FRUSTRATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“I do not frustrate the Grace of God,”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"> presents the fact that there is no Salvation for the sinner who depends in the least upon good works as a means of acceptance with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Frustrate” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is from the Greek </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“atheteo,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">which means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“to do away with something laid down, presented, or established, to act towards anything as though it were annulled, to thwart the efficacy of anything, to nullify, to make void.” ” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">All these meanings could be applied here to the act of adding law-works to Faith as the ground of a sinner’s Justification. One may preach that Christ died for our sins, but if he adds works to Faith as the means of the ac</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">ceptance of the Salvation Christ procured for lost sinners at the Cross, he has thwarted the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">efficacy of Grace, for the fundamental meaning of Grace is that Salvation is given free, without money and without price (Isa. 55:1). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The idea is, that if we do not permit the Grace of God to operate in us, we will not be overcoming Christians. Religion says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I can do it.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Relationship says, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ can do it through me.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A TWOFOLD STATEMENT <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">If the sinner attempting to be saved, tries to bring about such results through his own good works, he automatically frustrates the Grace of God, and Salvation is forfeited as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">As well, if the Believer after coming to Christ, attempts to maintain his life of victory by reverting to works, he automatically frustrates the Grace of God, which means to stop its effectiveness, which means that he is doomed to failure in whatever it is that’s troubling him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">I suspect that most Christians would claim that they readily know and understand this, but at the same time, I greatly suspect that most Christians do not know and understand this of which we speak. In fact, I don’t think that most Preachers fully understand it, and so not knowing what to do for those who are troubled by the powers of darkness, they recommend a Psychologist, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Truth is, and as negative as it may sound, the Church world as a whole is little attempting to properly divide the Word of Truth anymore, but is rather looking to other things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Denominational Church World has pretty well denied the Holy Spirit. Consequently, there’s very little left but the </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“letter.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Pentecostal World is pretty well chasing after miracles and signs, whatever their origin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Charismatic Church World is pretty well seeking riches, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the prosperity gospel.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Consequently, Satan is having a field day. Admittedly and thankfully, there are exceptions to all of this which we have stated above, but I think the majority falls into this sphere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Our answer for all things is in the Word of God and that means rightly dividing the Word, and not corrupting its contents (II Pet. 1:3-4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">presents <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">the simple meaning as is obvious, that if we can effect Salvation on our own, by our works and efforts, then what Jesus did, at such awful price, was completely unnecessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As well, if humanistic psychology is the answer for the ills of man, even as the modern Church proclaims, again, why did Jesus have to come down and die on a Cross? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">If Justification can be secured by the observance of any law — Ceremonial or Moral — then there was no need of the death of Christ as an Atonement. This is clear and plain. If man by conformity to any law, by any effort, by any wisdom, could be justified before God, what need was there of an Atonement? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It follows from these statements as given by Paul, which are overly obvious, that man cannot be justified by his own morality, or his good deeds, or his forms of religion, or his honesty and integrity. If he can, he needs no Saviour — he can save himself, which is the contention of Satan and most of the world anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">It follows, also, when men depend upon their own morality, and good works, they feel no need of a Saviour; and this is the true reason why the mass of humanity rejects the Lord Jesus. They suppose that they do not deserve to be sent to Hell. They have no deep sense of guilt. They confide in their own integrity, and feel that God ought to save them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Confiding in their own righteousness, they reject the Grace of God, and despise the Plan of Justification through the Redeemer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE NEED OF A SAVIOUR <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To feel the need of a Saviour, it is necessary to feel that we are lost and ruined sinners; that we have no merit on which we can rely; and that we are entirely dependent on the Mercy of God for Salvation. Thus feeling, we shall receive the Salvation of the Gospel with thankfulness and joy, and show that in regard to us Christ did not </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“die in vain.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">DELIVERANCE FROM THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Almost 3500 years ago God gave to Israel, at Mt. Sinai, two tables of a Law, which no one since then has ever kept perfectly. This Law was the faultless expression of the Holy Will of God, and sinful man was unable to keep it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Some 1500 years after God gave this Law to Israel there had not been one single person who <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">could claim complete obedience to this Law. This meant that all men were and are Lawbreakers, for one transgression was enough to bring a person under its curse. We repeat without apology, the all-inclusive indictment as given by the Apostle Paul: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is everyone that continueth not in <u>all</u> things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Gal. 3:10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">This Verse universally and individually condemns every man, for the demands of this Law are entirely out of reach of the best human who has ever lived. It was impossible for a sinner born with a depraved heart to please God by obedience to His Perfect, Holy Law. Again and again the Bible states that no flesh can be justified by the Works of the Law. In fact, the Law was never intended by God to justify anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Paul says in Galatians: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily Righteousness should have been by the Law. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin . . .” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 3:21-22) (All were found to be unrighteous). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE NECESSITY OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It is well to ponder those words: if it were possible for a sinner to have made himself acceptable in the sight of God by a life of perfect obedience to God’s Law, then there would have been no need, no occasion, for the Grace and the Mercy of God. It would have made the Death of Christ wholly unnecessary. For this reason Paul says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:21). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">What a charge to hurl against a Righteous God! If it were possible for man to attain Righteousness by keeping the Law, then God made a colossal mistake in sending His Son to die on the Cross. We repeat, if it were possible to be saved by his own merit, works, and obedience to God’s Law, or any other Law or effort for that matter, then there was no need of sacrificing the Son of God to save those who could have been saved by those other means. This is the force of these words: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Gal. 2:21). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Then the Death of Christ on the Cross was wholly unnecessary and uncalled for. The question, therefore, arises over and over again: if the Law could neither Justify, Sanctify, or satisfy, then why did God give a Law which He knew no one would be able to keep? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Is it not debasing to the Law to say that it could not save the sinner? What is wrong with the Perfect Law of God, if it can do absolutely nothing for the sinner as it regards the obtaining of Salvation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Listen! There is nothing wrong with the Law. The trouble is with the sinner. The standard of the Law is perfection and holiness. Paul says in Romans Chapter 7: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Wherefore the Law is Holy, and the Commandment Holy, and just, and good” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">A HOLY LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Law of Moses is Holy; therefore, unholy sinners cannot keep it. The Law is just; therefore, it condemns the unjust sinner. The Law is good; therefore, it condemns the evil, wicked heart of the natural man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Law of Moses or the Law of God, whichever one would prefer, for both are the same, was given for a particular purpose. That purpose was to reveal the sinfulness of sin, not to enable man to get rid of his sin. The Law makes us see sin, but it cannot take away sin. It was Moody who used the illustration of the mirror. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">He compared the Law of God to a mirror in which he might behold himself as he really is. Without a mirror one is unable to have an accurate picture of himself. No one has ever seen his own face. Because our eyes are set back in sockets and can only look forward and sideways, but not backward, no one has ever seen his own face, unless we see it in a mirror of some nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">When we look into a mirror, however, we actually do not see our face; we see only the reflection of it. A photograph is a picture of one’s face, but one doesn’t actually see one’s face. Now a perfect mirror will give a perfect reflection. Without a mirror one might imagine his face to be perfectly clean, when in reality it is the opposite. However, when he looks into the mirror he sees that it is dirty, soiled, and even filthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Before God gave His Holy Law, man was unable to see just how he actually looked in the sight of God. He knew something was wrong, for his conscience told him that. But he had no idea of just how sinful and filthy he really was. He had no conception of the real sinfulness of sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">At Sinai, at the giving of the Law, they said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“All that the Lord hath said, we will do.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Poor, blinded, deluded souls! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">They had no realization of how depraved they actually were, how utterly helpless to keep the Law which they were about to receive. So, in order to show them their real condition, God gave them a perfect Law, as the Standard of God’s requirements for Holiness. It was a Revelation of how short they had become before God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law then, instead of showing them how good they were, or how good they should be, or how good they might be by obedience to the Law, only increased the sinfulness of sin, by exposing what was actually in the heart of all men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">PAUL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">The Apostle Paul had to learn by experience this great lesson, that the Law, instead of giving life, was a minister of death. In other words, it only defines sin, which told man how sinful he actually was, and as well as to how helpless he is, in trying to overcome within his own strength, which in fact, was and is impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">It seems strange to refer to the perfect, Holy, Law of God, as a minister of death, but that’s exactly what it was and was designed to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">In fact, before his conversion, Paul was a zealous Law-keeper, at least he thought to be such. In fact, as touching the outward observance of the Law, he was blameless. No one could point the finger of accusation at him, at least as it regarded his zeal in this effort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But then Paul came face to face with Jesus Christ, thereby seeing in a moments time what true Righteousness really looked like, and in a flash Paul saw that all his Righteousness which he claimed under the Law was only filthy rags, and, therefore, he says in Romans 7:10: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“And the Commandment, which was ordained to life </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(meaning, the perfect life and living demanded by God)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, I found to be unto death </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(meaning that the Commandments could not be kept)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Paul found that the Law which he so diligently sought to keep in order to earn Salvation, was instead his executioner, and condemned him to death. It means that the Law of Moses, even as all laws, had a penalty, and in this case, the penalty was death, i.e., </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“spiritual death,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">which means </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“separation from God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">In view of that, he says that the Law, instead of giving life, slew him: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“For sin, taking occasion by the Commandment </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(the Ten Commandments)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">, deceived me </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(sin deceived me)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">, and by it </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(the Commandment or the Law) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">slew me </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(its penalty of death was upon me, because despite my efforts I actually was not keeping the Law)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(Rom. 7:11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">And it is then that Paul realized the high Standard of God’s Law and adds in Verse 12: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Wherefore the Law is Holy, and the Commandment Holy, and just, and good” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 7:12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The purpose of the Law was to show the real, the awful nature of sin. It did not manufacture sin, but it revealed the true nature of man’s heart which was depravity, and, therefore, a built-in helplessness. Continuing Paul’s argument in Romans Chapter 7 we read: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">“Was then that which is good made death unto me? </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Is the Law the cause of my sin?) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(the Law defined what sin was)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">, working death in me </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(condemned me because I could not keep its precepts) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">by that which is good </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(the Law was good)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">; that sin by the Commandment might become exceeding sinful </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(the Law showed me just exactly how bad and awful that sin actually was and as well that I was a sinner, and could by no means by my own efforts change myself)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">(Rom. 7:13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice that last phrase, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“that sin by the Commandment might become exceeding sinful.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Before the Law, man might claim ignorance, but once the Law came, it showed man exactly what God required and how helpless man was to obey those requirements, which stops self-justification in its tracks. Paul stated the same truth in Romans Chapter 5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Moreover the Law entered </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(was given by God)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">, that the offense </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(sins) </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">might abound </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(to show me how sinful I actually was and had been all along)</span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">(Rom. 5:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">The Law then became like a mirror to reveal the true condition of the sinner as he actually <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">is. As stated, without the mirror man could not see himself as he really is. But that is all a mirror can do — show the filthiness of the face, and the need for cleansing. It cannot do the washing. To take the mirror and try to use it for a washcloth will only smear the dirt and spread it all over one’s face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To rub the mirror over your soiled complexion will only make matters worse. We must turn from the mirror to soap and water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">So, too, with the ministry of the Law — it was given to show man his true condition and his need for cleansing, but beyond this it cannot go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">We must now turn to the Grace of God and in true repentance and confession of our guilt seek for cleansing by the Water of the Word and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">TO SHOW THE NEED OF SALVATION <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8pt;">We repeat and shall repeat: the ministry of the Law is not to save, but to show the need of Salvation. When God gave the Law to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, they did not yet know the gravity of their sin. They imagined they were capable and able to earn and merit the favor of God by their own behavior and good works. So God gave them a set of conditions, a set of rules, in other words a pattern for living, to be observed if they were to merit God’s favor. For 1600 years <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> lived under this Law, and yet in all those 1600 years, not one single Israelite was saved by keeping that Law, because they all failed as to its requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Without exception, all who were saved were saved by Grace, through Faith in God’s Atoning Sacrifice. When God gave the Law on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Sinai</st1:placename></st1:place>, he also gave the pattern of the Tabernacle and the Ordinances for the bloody Sacrifices. These Sacrifices and the Tabernacle pointed to the Coming Redeemer. Had God given only the Law on Sinai, without His Provisions for Pardon in the Pattern of the Tabernacle with it’s bloody atoning Sacrifices, not a single Israelite would have been saved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">FROM SINAI TO <st1:place st="on">CALVARY</st1:place> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">To the Believer who comes to Christ and abandons all hope of saving himself, Christ becomes the end of the Law, meaning that He totally kept the Law in every respect, thereby fulfilling it all with His Life and Death on <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">NOTES <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Perfect obedience to the Law is not to Him the condition of Salvation, but rather confession of failure and acceptance of Grace resulting in one’s Salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">“For Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to everyone that believeth” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">(<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Rom.</st1:place></st1:country-region> 10:4). He perfectly kept the Law, actually doing it for us. Accepting Him by Faith, God grants to us the status of Law-keepers instead of Lawbreakers, which we actually are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Notice well, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">to the Believer. He does not say that the Law ceases to exist, but for the Believer the Law is ended as a means of obtaining Righteousness through obedience to it. He is now saved by Grace. So today we are not under Law, but under Grace. The Believer is not under the Law, its threatenings, or its penalties. We are </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“dead to the Law”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> (Gal. 2:19), free from the Law, and delivered from the Law — all by Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Free from the Law, Oh happy condition! </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Jesus has died, and there is remission; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Cursed by the Law, ruined by the fall, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ hath redeemed us, Once for all.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Once for all, Oh sinner, receive it; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Once for all, Oh doubter, believe it; </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Look to the Cross, your burden will fall, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Christ hath redeemed us, once for all.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">With the death and resurrection of Christ, the Dispensation of Law ended, and when Jesus cried, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“It is finished,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">He had met all the demands of the Holy Law, paid its penalty, and to us who believe, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“the Righteousness of the Law is imputed to us and fulfilled in us.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">CALVARY</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But someone will ask the question, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“Do we not need the Law today to show us what sin really is?” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">My friend, may I ask you honestly, do we need to go to the Law to see what sin is and does? To be sure, the Moral part of the Law still stands to condemn the sinner, but we now have a much more convincing demonstration of the true nature of sin. It is seen not at Sinai, but at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>. After 1600 years of the thunderings of the Law, not one single individual to whom the Law was given ever kept it, but instead at the end of those 1600 years they committed the capital crime of the ages by nailing the only <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">One Who ever kept the Law perfectly, to the Cross of Calvary and condemned Him to die as a criminal and a Law-breaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 8.5pt;">Mark this fact well — after living for centuries under the Law, they ended up by committing the crime of all crimes, crucifying the Son of God. Ah, my friend, if you really want to see what sin is in all its naked depravity, then come with me to <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>. See the perfect, sinless Son of God bleeding, dying in agony and shame, because of our sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">There is the picture of sin. There we see what sin really is, and what sin deserves, for He bore our sin on that Cross. If you want to know what sin is, go to that scene at <st1:place st="on">Calvary</st1:place>. You will never truly repent of your sin until you see what your sin did to the Saviour on the Cross (De Haan). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“I saw One hanging on a tree, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“In agony and blood. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“He fixed His loving eyes on me, </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“As near His Cross I stood.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-50518303796757009312008-07-25T05:53:00.001-05:002015-12-25T05:23:42.550-06:00Hebreos 13<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;">Hebreos CHAPTER 13 :</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><br />(1) “LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE.” It is said that “brotherly love” is the most important virtue in the New Testament. Those who are linked in the common bond having been saved through Faith in the Death of Christ, cannot but have warm feelings toward one another (Rom. 12:10; I Thess. 4:9; I Pet. 1:22; II Pet. 1:7). Calvin said, “We can only be Christians if we are Brethren.”<br />Furthermore, brotherly love cannot continue, unless the Cross continues to be the object of our Faith.<br />“Brotherly love” as used here by Paul is from the Greek word “philadelphia.” It is not “agape” normally used of God’s love (Jn. 3:16), which is produced in the heart of the yielded Believer by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). As well, it is not the type of love defined by Paul in I Corinthians Chapter 13.<br />The particular Greek word for love here used is “phileo,” which speaks of “human affection, fondness, a nonethical, though perfectly legitimate, form of love.” It refers to our social actions one might say, toward our brothers and sisters in the Lord.<br />791<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:1<br />In the general decay of their faith, and we continue to speak of Christian Jews, tendencies to disown Christian fellowship had obviously become apparent (Heb. 10:24-25).<br />The word “brother” in the Greek is “adelphos,” and means “from the same womb.” Thus, the basis of their Christian fondness and affection for each other, the Source of their Christian fellowship, was the fact that they all came from the same Source, having one Father God, and Him being their Heavenly Father, due to the fact that Jesus had died for them on the Cross. The idea seems to be:<br />Due to some of the Christian Jews seriously considering going back into Judaism, it seems there had been an estrangement between them and the Jews who were remaining loyal to the Lord. Hence Paul is telling the faithful Jews that they should continue to show brotherly love toward the defectors, at least where possible.<br />BROTHERLY LOVE<br />The admonition given here by the Apostle, is quite different from that practiced by most modern Denominations.<br />First of all, it certainly would be obvious that the situation among these Jews in Paul’s day was of far greater severity than most anything at present. Some of these Christian Jews were turning their backs on Christ, actually repudiating Him, even denying Him, which they had to do in order to go back into Judaism. Paul is telling the Jews who had continued to be faithful, as stated, that they were to continue to be kind and gracious to these individuals, whatever they had done, and whomever they may have been.<br />At the present time, many if not most religious Denominations, if a Preacher doesn’t obey whatever it is they say to do, and irrespective as to how unscriptural it might be, two things are then set in motion:<br />First of all, they practice “shunning,” on the individual in question. Friends are parted and even members of an immediate family. It is somewhat like the Jewish practices of old as it regarded excommunication, when all type of curses were pronounced upon the individual who was out of favor.<br />The second thing carried out pertains to every effort being made, to utterly destroy<br />HEBREWS 13:2 792 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />the Ministry of the one in question. They will go to any lengths to do this, not only in their own Denomination, but will seek to reach outside of their Denomination to carry out their perfidious work. They take the position that inasmuch as the individual has refused to obey them, he is now “fair game.” In other words, anything they desire to do to him, and I mean anything, they legitimize, claiming they have the spiritual right to do so.<br />I realize that most of the laity would have absolutely no knowledge of these things of which I say. In fact, most would think that such attitudes and actions went out in the Dark Ages, never dreaming that such continues to be carried out in practice, in many if not most religious Denominations.<br />As I’ve stated, such actions are quite different than the admonition of the Holy Spirit through Paul, to “let brotherly love continue.” In other words, the Apostle is saying, that just because these Jews have turned their backs on Christ, as terrible as that might be, love for the person is not to be discontinued. While of course, fellowship in such a case would be disrupted and even completely severed; still, the practice of love towards such an individual must continue, wherever possible. In fact, this is the very heart of Christianity.<br />(2) “BE NOT FORGETFUL TO ENTERTAIN STRANGERS: FOR THEREBY SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS UNAWARES.” The exegesis is:<br />1. As love has been made the foundation, duty is now expressed as it regards Christians. 2. Sometimes angels, we are here told, are disguised as men. 3. The idea is great blessing will always follow Christian hospitality. STRANGERS<br />The phrase, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,” presents the Apostle under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, broadening his original statement.<br />In those days, accommodation at inns was expensive, and in any case inns generally had a bad reputation. But as Christian Preachers traveled around, Believers gave them lodging and so facilitated their mission. In fact, without hospitality in Christian homes,<br />NOTES<br />the spread of the Faith would have been much more difficult (Morris).<br />Whereas it would be a pleasure to show hospitality to some Preachers, unfortunately, the same could not be said for all. It seems that some Preachers possibly during that particular time, had made a nuisance of themselves, actually imposing on their hosts. After several rounds of this, one can see that many Christian families just simply would not want to get involved again. However, if too many took this position, the work of God could be seriously hindered; consequently, the Apostle, as guided by the Holy Spirit, in effect, tells Christian families everywhere, to not withdraw from this very necessary work, to make the best of the situations, and who knows, in their entertaining of “strangers,” they may even entertain an angel at times without knowing it, until later.<br />It is very unfortunate that Preachers at times are lacking in tact, thoughtfulness, and even kindness. Far too many take the position that just because they are a Preacher, the Church owes them something, etc. As well, sometimes the supposed calling seems to be a cover for “laziness.”<br />While there are definitely true men and women of God who do not conduct themselves in this fashion; still, there are far too many who do!<br />ANGELS<br />The phrase, “For thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” definitely would have had a tendency to provide a positive incentive.<br />Inasmuch as the word “Angels,” means “Messengers,” some have attempted to abbreviate this statement as referring to certain Preachers as special messengers of God, etc. While that definitely could have a bearing here, and no doubt does, we must not rule out the principal direction of the statement, which actually refers to literal Angels.<br />The doctrinal part of Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews is now finished, and this last Chapter gives us, as is usual in the Apostle’s writing, exhortations regarding the behavior of those who have laid hold in faith upon the truth heretofore declared. Brotherly love, as stated, is emphasized. Those who have been<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />drawn to Christ out of a world that rejects Him should be characterized by love for each other. Regrettably, it has often been otherwise.<br />If our Christianity doesn’t address itself to practical living, which refers to our conduct toward our fellow Brother and Sisters in the Lord, then our Christianity is very weak. Proper profession will always translate into proper practical application.<br />(3) “REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS, AS BOUND WITH THEM; AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY, AS BEING YOURSELVES ALSO IN THE BODY.” The diagram is:<br />1. With the persecutions now beginning, some Christians were imprisoned for their Faith. Fellow Christians were exhorted not to forget these. 2. Despite the potential of persecution because of association, still, Christians were to look at those imprisoned for their faith, as being a part of their family, in which they actually were, their Christian family. 3. All Believers are a part of the Body of Christ, which means that all Believers are members of the same Family of God. BONDS<br />The phrase, “Remember them that are in bonds,” refers to Christians who were beginning to be imprisoned for their faith. So this means, that the Epistle to the Hebrews was probably written by Paul after he had been released from his first imprisonment, which imprisonment is recorded in the Book of Acts (Acts, Chpts. 23-28).<br />In A.D. 64 much of the city of Rome was destroyed by fire. To divert the suspicion that he had started it for his own entertainment, Nero accused the Christians of having done this thing, about whom the public were also prepared to believe the worst.<br />Having forced a conviction for arson against certain Christians, he conducted mass arrests, and among other tortures, burned his victims alive in public.<br />What was disastrous for the Christians was that Nero’s action had left a legal precedent for translating this popular position into official action.<br />It is believed that Paul may have been released from prison in Rome in about A.D. 62;<br />793<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:3-4<br />although, this date varies with different Scholars. At any rate, the persecution of Christians would have begun in A.D. 64.<br />At this particular time, prisoners were not well treated, and they depended — often even for necessities like food — on sympathizers. Sometimes people withheld help for fear of identifying themselves with the prisoners and thereby suffering similar punishment. But Christians are told here by Paul to have compassion on those in prison “as if you were their fellow prisoners.”<br />FELLOW PRISONERS<br />The phrase, “As bound with them,” refers to the statement just made, “fellow prisoners.” The idea was according to the following:<br />“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (I Cor. 12:26). Believers should feel so much for their friends in prison and for “those who are mistreated” that they become one with them. Compassion must be an essential part of Christian Living.<br />In back of all of this, the idea is, the very ones who were supplying help for those imprisoned, may very shortly be dependent on others for the same type of help.<br />THE BODY OF CHRIST<br />The phrase, “And them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body,” refers to the Body of Christ, and that if one suffers, as stated, in a sense, all suffer.<br />While oftentimes, the head of the house was imprisoned, their families were left with little way to care for themselves, with many losing what few possessions they actually had, and all because they would not acknowledge the lordship of Caesar. “Remember them,” Paul is saying.<br />Many families had lost their fathers or mothers because of martyrdom; some were left orphaned and alone. How so much these needed the love and compassion of other Christians!<br />(4) “MARRIAGE IS HONOURABLE IN ALL, AND THE BED UNDEFILED: BUT WHOREMONGERS AND ADULTERERS GOD WILL JUDGE.” The structure is:<br />1. Marriage is sanctioned and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. HEBREWS 13:4 794 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />2. Lawful sex between a husband and wife holds no defilement. 3. To satisfy the sex drive outside of marriage, will find the one doing such, ultimately judged by God. MARRIAGE<br />The phrase, “Marriage is honourable,” presents the Apostle addressing here a position in the Early Church which wasn’t Sound Doctrine.<br />There seemingly was an effort being made to show that celibacy was a more holy state; that there was something in marriage that rendered it dishonourable for those who were in the Ministry, or for those of either sex who would be imminently pure. In fact, this same question keeps popping up even until this present time.<br />Celibacy is one of the supports on which the Papal system rests, and has been one of the principal upholders of all the corruptions among Priests and Nuns. This is certainly not to say this group alone has these problems of immorality; however, I think we can say without any fear of contradiction, that immorality is far more prevalent in the Catholic Priesthood than in any other similar rank of society.<br />The Apostle here asserts, without any restriction or qualification, that marriage is honourable in all; and this proves that it is lawful for Ministers of the Gospel to marry, and that the whole doctrine of the superior purity of a state of celibacy is false.<br />NO IMPURITY IN MARRIAGE<br />The phrase, “And the bed undefiled,” pertains to the fact that sexual intercourse between a husband and wife present no defilement, whether spiritually or physically. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle proclaims the physical side of marriage as important and “pure.” Contrary to the views of some thinkers in the ancient world, there was nothing defiling about it.<br />IMMORALITY<br />The phrase, “But whoremongers and adulterers God will judge,” proclaims all sexual conduct outside of marriage as being absolutely defiled. This means that all forms<br />NOTES<br />of sexual sin come under the Judgment of God, at least if not repented of and forsaken. In fact, this was a novel view to many in the First Century. For them chastity was an unreasonable demand to make; consequently, the Gospel of Christ charted a new course in its day in a heathen world that was filled with immorality of every stripe.<br />The New Testament speaks just as strongly as the Old Testament against immorality of every nature. However, there is an important shift of rationale. There is a powerful new reason why sex outside of marriage is repugnant to the Lord. But some New Testament statements on immorality have often been misunderstood.<br />For instance, the New Testament never suggests that immorality is acceptable. But it makes clear how we should deal with individuals who fall short.<br />DEALING WITH THE WORLD<br />We must not avoid such persons who are outside the Christian fellowship. Paul told the Corinthians not to associate with “sexually immoral people.” Later he had to write and explain.<br />He did “not at all mean” to suggest withdrawal from “the people of this world” (I Cor. 5:10). That would mean isolation from the very people Christians are called to lead to Jesus! Certainly Jesus did not avoid such persons; and as the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery illustrates, Jesus’ first concern was to bring forgiveness, and then, with it, release from the power of every kind of sin (Jn. 8:1-11).<br />CHRISTIANS<br />There must be discipline for those within. Thus, sexual immorality in the fellowship is to be dealt with decisively by the Christian community, especially if the individual refuses to repent (I Cor. 5:1-12).<br />The rationale is explained in I Corinthians 6:12-20. In a Christian’s relationship with Christ, the Believer is actually an organic part of the Lord’s Body. It is unthinkable that Christ would be involved in immorality. Thus, our bodies, linked with Jesus and being the temples of the Holy Spirit, must be kept holy. We are to treat ourselves as holy instruments,<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />to be used in God’s service and not involved in sexual sins.<br />Finally, Paul reminds us, “You are not your own: you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (I Cor. 6:19-20).<br />The Scripture plainly tells us that judgment is coming for those who fail to heed the warning as it regards sexual immorality. Those who practice such and refuse to repent will ultimately be judged and excluded from the Eternal Kingdom (I Tim. 1:10; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8; 22:15).<br />THE WAYS OF THE LORD<br />As we’ve already stated, sexual intercourse outside of marriage is sin for both the married and the unmarried. God forbids it, for our good. The Commandments against adultery and sexual immorality are rooted deep in the character of God as a faithful and loyal person. We are to mirror His faithfulness and show the same kind of loyalty in our relationships.<br />The serious nature of adultery or immorality of any nature, are seen in references to it in the Old Testament and in the Book of Revelation as an illustration of the ultimate unfaithfulness, apostasy, and spiritual idolatry. The New Testament reinforces the serious nature of sex sins for Believers by reminding us that we are linked forever with Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Jesus has paid the ultimate price for us, and, as His Own people now, we are to commit our bodies to the Lord’s service, thereby not to serve sinful passions.<br />Every human being, having a sex drive, will experience the pull of temptation toward immorality of some nature. To surrender is not only wrong but also foolish. Like other sins, immorality erodes our character and brings guilt and suffering. As the Biblical proverbs remind us, we need to be guided by the traditions of the Godly and the commands of the Scripture, for they are “the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life” (Prov. 6:23-26).<br />Even though this Passage in Proverbs deals more so with idolatry and spiritual adultery<br />795<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:5<br />than anything else, it definitely also includes physical immorality.<br />(5) “LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS; AND BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YE HAVE: FOR HE HATH SAID, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.” The structure is:<br />1. “Conversation” should have been translated “manner of life.” 2. The exhortation is against covetousness in the form of love of money. 3. “Content” refers here to the ability of the Christian who is dependent upon the Holy Spirit, to be independent of outward circumstances. 4. Dependent upon the Holy Spirit, we should be happy with what He provides. 5. The Lord will always come to our rescue. MANNER OF LIFE<br />The phrase, “Let your conversation,” as stated, should have been translated, “manner of life.” The word “conversation” today is limited in its meaning to converse between two or more persons; however, in A.D. 1611, when the King James Version was translated, it then meant what the Greek word means, “manner of life, behavior.”<br />COVETOUSNESS<br />The phrase, “Be without covetousness,” in effect says, “let your manner of life be without covetousness.”<br />Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes against man and God (Eph. 5:3). In Colossians 3:5, the Holy Spirit through Paul classifies it as “idolatry,” while in I Corinthians 6:10, it is set forth as excluding a man from Heaven.<br />Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin:<br />1. Departure from the faith (I Tim. 6:910). 2. Lying (II Ki. 5:22-25). 3. Thievery (Josh. 7:21). 4. Domestic trouble (Prov. 15:27). 5. Murder (Ezek. 22:12). 6. Many foolish and hurtful lusts (I Tim. 6:9). HEBREWS 13:5 796 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the Promised Land (Josh. Chpt. 7); and also in the early Christian Church immediately after its founding (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts Chpt. 5); hence so many warnings against it.<br />A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish Law — such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war — was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.<br />THE MODERN GREED GOSPEL<br />Never before in the history of the Church has covetousness been given such a place of honor as it has presently. It has been disguised under the heading of “faith,” when it reality, it is pure greed. I speak of the modern greed gospel.<br />Unfortunately, the far greater majority of the modern so-called “faith ministry”, has sunk to the abominable level of none other than pure greed. Seminars abound on “how to be successful,” with the emphasis totally and completely resting on “money” and the things that money can buy. Righteousness and Holiness are “out,” while money is “in!”<br />One religious con artist, who goes under the pretension of being a Preacher, says over Television, “God wants you to be rich!” And then he adds, “If He doesn’t want you to be rich, then God lied!”<br />“Get rich quick” schemes abound over what is referred to as “Christian Television,” by gullible Christians being told, “if you’ll give so much money, you will get ten times as much in return,” or some such like figure. If these religious scams were practiced over the secular media, the perpetrators could expect to go to jail.<br />So, why do Christians send millions of dollars to such scams, when it is so obviously unscriptural?<br />Quite possibly, the correct answer is, “covetousness appeals to covetousness!”<br />NOTES<br />CONTENTMENT<br />The phrase, “And be content with such things as ye have,” presents the underlying thought that one should be satisfied with that which meets our need, and that we not desire more than meets our need.<br />“Content” in the Greek is “arkeo,” and means “to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough, to be satisfied, contented.” Taking the word on out to the totality of its Greek meaning, we find the word “self,” which actually means, “to be self-sufficient.”<br />This latter word was used by the Stoics to express the favorite doctrine of the sect, that man should be sufficient to himself for all things, able by the power of his will to resist the shock of circumstance.<br />In a sense, this is correct in a Scriptural way, but in an entirely different manner.<br />For instance, Paul was self-sufficient because he was Christ-dependent; therefore, the word “content” refers here to the ability of the Christian dependent upon the Holy Spirit and, therefore, independent of outward circumstances. As should be obvious, there is a tremendous lesson here.<br />THE CHRISTIAN AND CIRCUMSTANCES<br />The Child of God upon coming to Christ enters into God’s economy. This is outlined in Luke 12:15-34.<br />As should be understood, every Believer should be zealous and industrious, for God hates laziness. At the same time, we are to look to the Lord for our sustenance regarding everything, and that means taking everything to Him in prayer. We are to seek His Will as it regards all things, thereby, trusting Him completely.<br />Consequently, such a Believer is not dependent on circumstances as it regards the system of this present world. Our Source is God and God Alone! He, who feeds the ravens, will definitely feed us!<br />THE PROMISE OF GOD<br />The phrase, “For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” was probably taken by Paul from Joshua 1:5 and I Chronicles 28:20.<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />In the Greek the phrase “He hath said,” actually states, “He Himself hath said.” That is, the Lord Jesus Himself Personally made this Promise.<br />The word “leave” is not from the usual Greek word which means, “to leave,” but from a word which means, “to uphold” or “sustain.” In the Greek there are two negatives before the word “leave,” presenting a very strong statement. The Promise is “I will not, I will not cease to uphold or sustain thee.” We are assured, therefore, of the sustaining Grace of God as we go through trials and testing times.<br />The word “forsake” is a composite of three words, “to leave,” “down,” and “in.” The first has the idea of forsaking one. The second suggests rejection, defeat, helplessness. The third refers to some place or circumstance in which a person may find himself helpless, forsaken.<br />The meaning of the word is that of forsaking someone in a state of defeat or helplessness in the midst of hostile circumstances. The word means in its totality, “to abandon, to desert, to leave in straits, to leave helpless, to leave destitute, to leave in the lurch, to let one down.”<br />There are three negatives before this word, making the Promise one of triple assurance. It is, “I will not, I will not, I will not forsake thee.”<br />This means, that not only do we have the assurance of God’s all-sufficient sustaining Power to hold us true to Him and in perfect peace as we go through testing times, but we have His Promise that He will never abandon us, never desert, us, never leave us in straits but will come to our help, never leave us destitute but will supply all our need, never leave us in the lurch but will see to it that we are rescued from the difficulties in which we sometimes find ourselves. He will never let us down (Wuest).<br />(6) “SO THAT WE MAY BOLDLY SAY, THE LORD IS MY HELPER, AND I WILL NOT FEAR WHAT MAN SHALL DO UNTO ME.” The diagram is:<br />1. On the authority of the Word of God, we can boldly exclaim our confidence in the Lord, that He will help us. 2. To have the Lord has one’s helper, is to have the highest authority and power there is. 797<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:6<br />3. If the Lord is our helper, we need not fear man. BOLDNESS<br />The phrase, “So that we may boldly say,” proclaims not only what we ought to say, but also the manner in which it should be said.<br />“Boldly” in the Greek is “tharrheo,” and means, “to exercise courage, to have confidence, to be of good cheer.” Consequently, when we declare the sure Promises of God, we are not being reckless. We are simply taking God at His Word and acting confidently in full assurance of His love.<br />All of this means that despondency should be foreign to the true Christian.<br />However, the weight of such boldness must never be within ourselves, in other words of our strength and ability or even our faith, but rather in Christ and Christ Alone! There is such a thing as a bold bravado which goes under the guise of faith, but rather is centered up in self. This mostly comes from those who do not understand the Cross.<br />If our faith is proper, that is according to the Word of God, it will always and without exception be anchored in the Cross of Christ. This is where God made everything possible for us, through the Sacrifice of His Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in that completely destroys false self-confidence. It puts the emphasis where it belongs, which is completely in Christ. In fact, proper boldness or proper faith can only be had by the Believer, if the Believer properly understands the Cross. Otherwise, our acclamations are little more than arrogance.<br />HELPER<br />The phrase, “The Lord is my helper,” is derived from Psalms 118:6. As stated, there could be no higher authority and power.<br />“Lord” in the Greek is “kurios,” and is actually the Greek derivative of the Hebrew word “Jehovah.” It speaks of “covenant.”<br />In the Old Testament when “Lord” was used, it as well referred to “Covenant,” but it referred to that which was to come, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. Now it refers to that which has come, meaning we now have a fulfilled Covenant, i.e., “the New Covenant” (Heb. 12:24). And of course, and as should<br />HEBREWS 13:6 798 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />be obvious, this Covenant is what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />So, “The Lord is my helper,” or rather is able to help me, according to His great Sacrifice at Calvary. While the Covenant was definitely valid before the Cross, it is even more valid presently, because it is now based on an accomplished fact, and not merely a Promise to come.<br />The idea is, due to the Finished Work of the Cross, the Lord has much more latitude in order to help us. The idea also is, He wants to help us, and in every capacity.<br />HELPER IN WHAT?<br />He wants to help us in everything!<br />The first thing the Believer should do is to set out to learn the Word of God. Of course, this is a lifelong project, but it is amazing how the Holy Spirit will open up the Word, if the Believer with diligence, sets himself to learn the Word. And to give you a head start, if the Believer will understand that the Bible is the story of Redemption, which is centered up in the Cross and will, therefore, place his faith totally and completely in that Finished Work, he will find the Word of God much easier to understand.<br />In this capacity, prayer becomes very important as well. We should talk everything over with the Lord, seeking His leading and guidance in all things. Nothing is too small for His attention (Mat. 10:29-30), and nothing is too big for Him. We must understand, that He wants to lead us, wants to guide us, wants to give direction, wants to give wisdom, and wants to help and in every capacity. We will find that such help is forthcoming, if we have a proper relationship with Him, which demands a knowledge of the Word, and a diligent prayer life. Prayer establishes communication and relationship.<br />And then of course, one of, if not the most powerful ingredient of all, is Faith. But yet, we cannot properly have Faith if we do not know the Word of God and its Author as we should.<br />And let the Reader understand, as we’ve been saying over and over again in this Volume, the great, Finished Work of Christ, must ever be the object of our Faith. That is the same as saying that the Word is the object<br />NOTES<br />of our Faith, that is if we properly understand the Word (Rom. 10:17). As we’ve already stated, the Word and the Cross are in one sense of the word, synonymous. The Word being the story of man’s Redemption means that if we are to properly understand the Word, we must as well understand the reason for the Word, which is the great Sacrifice of Christ.<br />To have the Lord as one’s helper is the guarantee of success; however, we should understand that “success” with the Lord, might not be our idea of success. He has a will for us, and we should seek that will constantly. The problem with many Christians is, they’re trying to force the Lord into helping them to carry out their own personal will, instead of His Will, which He of course, will never do. He has a will for our life, and He will definitely help us achieve that will, which is a million times better for us than anything else of which we might think.<br />MAN-FEAR<br />The phrase, “And I will not fear what man shall do unto me,” tells us several things:<br />1. If our Faith is properly placed in Christ, the Lord is guiding our lives. As should be obvious, He has all power. 2. Consequently, man can do no more to me than the Lord permits, and whatever the Lord does permit, will be for our own good. 3. Consequently, there should be no man-fear in our hearts whatsoever. Men may rule, but God is constantly in the business of overruling. 4. As stated, the Believer is in the economy of God, which is totally different than the economy of this world. Those who do not know the Lord, in some way, definitely do have man-fear. Richard Nixon, the former President of the United States, was once asked the following question: “Mr. President, how many friends did you have left after Watergate?”<br />The President’s answer was rather revealing. He said: “Most people are your friend because of what you can do for them or to them.”<br />Regrettably that’s true, but at the same time, and to which the President was alluding, such individuals really aren’t friends.<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />Nevertheless, at least part of that scenario refers to the fear factor. But what a pleasure it is, to be able to live this life and not have to fear what man can do to you. We know, even as the previous Chapter proclaims, that at times, the Lord did not choose to deliver individuals from particular evil men. In other words, He allowed some Believers to be tortured, and even to be killed; however, irrespective as to what it looked like on the surface, and irrespective as to the instruments used, it was God Who was in control all along. We as Believers have to understand that. We belong to Him, and whatever happens to us, whether it be positive or that which looks to be negative, it is always either caused by the Lord or allowed by the Lord. Either way, He does it for our good, and either way, and as stated, He is always in control.<br />(7) “REMEMBER THEM WHICH HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, WHO HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU THE WORD OF GOD: WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, CONSIDERING THE END OF THEIR CONVERSATION.” The structure is:<br />1. These Christian Jews were reminded to respect Preachers of the Gospel who were attempting to teach them the Word of God. 2. The idea is, that these Ministers were faithfully delivering the Word. 3. The Faith of these Preachers was in the Finished Work of Christ, which these Christian Jews were encouraged to follow. 4. Their Faith was a proven Faith, because it resulted in a Christlike manner of life. PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL<br />The phrase, “Remember them which have the rule over you,” should have been translated, “Remember them which are your leaders,” or “Remember them who have been chosen by the Lord to serve as your guides.”<br />“Rule” in the Greek is “hegeomai,” and means, “to lead, to guide.”<br />If we are correct in believing, despite what many have alleged to the contrary, that the Apostle Paul was the author of this Epistle, we can well understand how earnestly he would now plead for complete separation from the ancient system as it regarded these Christian Jews, the glory of which had departed since the rejection of God’s Son.<br />799<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:7<br />The dark clouds of judgment were hanging low over the land of Palestine. In a little while the city would be a ruined heap. No more would the smoke of sacrifice ascend from Jewish Altars. Moreover, most of the apostolic company had either been called Home or were laboring in distant lands. Paul himself was very shortly to be martyred by the executioner’s ax.<br />With all these things pressing upon his soul, he urges the Hebrew Believers to make a complete break with that system which had rejected the Lord of Glory (Ironside).<br />At any rate, Christ had fulfilled all of the Levitical Law, and for it to be continued was an insult. As well, I think the Lord was greatly displeased with Christian Jews attempting to maintain the Levitical order along with belief in Christ. One or the other had to go, which is what this Epistle is all about.<br />There are some who claim that Paul is here addressing Ministers who have already gone on to be with the Lord, encouraging these Believers to remember what these Preachers had taught them as it regards the Word of God; however, it doesn’t really matter whether he was speaking of those since gone or those presently ministering, the admonition is the same.<br />THE WORD OF GOD<br />The phrase, “Who have spoken unto you the Word of God,” refers to preaching and teaching. “The Word of God” is the totality of the Christian Message, and the expression reminds the Readers that this is no human invention, but rather of Divine origin.<br />Ministers of the Gospel who rightly divide the Word of Truth, and then faithfully deliver that Word without compromise, are the greatest asset to any nation or people. The Word of God is the only revealed Truth in the world, and in fact, ever has been. There is nothing more important, and there is nothing more important than faithfully delivering that Word.<br />It alone holds the answer to the ills of man; it alone can bring about changed hearts and lives; it alone as the song says, “can take what’s wrong and make it right.”<br />And then again, there is nothing worse than Preachers who compromise the Word of God, or rather pervert it to their own gain and end.<br />HEBREWS 13:8 800 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />Any people who are unfortunate enough to sit under such Ministers, are unfortunate indeed! And regrettably, for every one Preacher who truthfully and faithfully proclaims the Word of God, there are scores of others who purposely misinterpret it for personal gain, or ignorantly misinterpret it. Either way, such preaching and teaching destroys lives, or at the very least, deprives the people of the benefits they can have in Christ.<br />FAITH<br />The phrase, “Whose faith follow,” presents that which the proper interpretation of the Word brings about. The object of the Word is “Faith!” The object of Faith must be the Finished Work of Christ.<br />It is my belief, that every Believer in their initial understanding of the Word must without fail understand the Sacrifice of Christ. If that is properly understood, proper Faith will then be generated, and the entirety of the Word of God will begin to come into focus. Considering, that the story of the Bible is the story of man’s Redemption, which is the story of the Cross, makes it imperative to understand the Bible in this fashion.<br />WHAT TYPE OF FAITH ARE YOU FOLLOWING?<br />If it is to be noticed, the Apostle here proclaims the necessity of these Christian Jews following the faith of those who had correctly preached the Word. This is a very interesting statement. And from this statement we must ask the question, “Whose faith are you following?” Or “What type of faith are you following?” There is nothing more important than that as it regards your spiritual welfare.<br />Every Believer in the world, at least in some fashion, follows a particular Preacher. That’s not wrong, for the simple reason that the Lord has set in the Church, “Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers.” This is “for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-12).<br />But in reality, what the people are following is the “faith” of this particular Preacher. For the Preacher who is into humanistic psychology, the people are following faith in that particular humanistic method. For the<br />NOTES<br />Preachers who espouse the “greed gospel,” that is the type of faith being followed. If people are attending a Church pastored by a modernist, they are following the faith of an individual who doesn’t believe the Bible, but rather other things.<br />Believers who follow Pastors who do not believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues, to be sure, that’s the type of faith they will have, which means they will not have the leading and guidance of the Spirit. In fact, the list in this regard is almost endless. That’s the reason that I’ve stated, that those who have the privilege to sit under Preachers who truly and rightly divide the Word of Truth, and faithfully deliver the Word, and who earnestly seek the Lord, that they will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to deliver the Word, such people are blessed indeed! Regrettably, there aren’t many of those Preachers around.<br />MANNER OF LIFE<br />The phrase, “Considering the end of their conversation,” is the same as the word “conversation” in Verse 5. It could be translated, “considering the manner of their lifestyle.” The idea is, whatever type of Faith they have, such Faith will produce a particular type of lifestyle. Nothing could be more important than this, so we should heed these words very carefully.<br />If our faith is produced by the rightly divided Word, it will at the same time, produce a quality manner of life. Conversely, a perverted Word will produce a perverted lifestyle.<br />(8) “JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOR EVER.” The composite is:<br />1. Jesus Christ is the Author and the Finisher of our Faith. 2. Faith anchored in Christ and what Christ has done at the Cross, will never change. 3. This Verse is meant to point to correct doctrine, which is anchored in the Cross of Christ, which the next several Verses proclaim. JESUS CHRIST<br />The phrase, “Jesus Christ the same,” is meant to portray to the Christian Jews, and everyone else for that matter, that Jesus of<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />Nazareth of the New Covenant, is the same as the Jehovah of the Old Covenant. And that Person is the Messiah, the unchangeable One. In other words, Christ is the One to Whom the entirety of the Old Covenant pointed; consequently, He is the fulfillment of all the predictions of the Old Testament. This is at least one of the things that made the sin of these people so horrifying! Going back into Judaism meant that they not only were losing Christ, but they were going back into something that actually, at least in the Mind of God, no longer existed.<br />YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER<br />The phrase, “Yesterday, and today, and forever,” covers the entire range of time.<br />“Yesterday” refers to all the great Faith Worthies of Chapter 12, and that the Lord was very real to them then.<br />“Today” refers to Paul’s time, with the Holy Spirit through the Apostle saying that as the Lord was to the Patriarchs and Prophets of old, He will be to those in the Early Church.<br />“Forever,” refers to our present time and all of the future, guaranteeing that Christ is the same now as then, and will be forever.<br />Christ doesn’t change, which means that the Word of God doesn’t change, which means that correct doctrine doesn’t change, and which means that Faith doesn’t change. While progressive revelation may take men further into the Word of God, the basic foundation will not change. In a sense, everything stays the same.<br />Admittedly, under the Old Covenant, the Revelation of God was somewhat limited; nevertheless, one will find in the Old Covenant the seed bed of everything we presently have in the New. After the Cross, the Lord is able to reveal Himself in a much greater degree to humanity, and especially to Believers. This is done through the Person of the Holy Spirit, Who functions according to the Finished Work of Christ.<br />The idea doesn’t present itself that Christ changed, but that the Cross made it possible for Him to reveal Himself in a greater way.<br />(9) “BE NOT CARRIED ABOUT WITH DIVERS AND STRANGE DOCTRINES. FOR IT IS A GOOD THING THAT THE HEART BE ESTABLISHED WITH GRACE; 801<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:9<br />NOT WITH MEATS, WHICH HAVE NOT PROFITED THEM THAT HAVE BEEN OCCUPIED THEREIN.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1. Every doctrine that’s not based squarely on the Cross of Christ, can be concluded to be “strange,” i.e., “perverse.” 2. The heart can only be established with the Grace of God, which always comes through the Cross. 3. “Meats” stand for external ceremonies, which can never change the heart. DIVERS AND STRANGE DOCTRINES<br />The phrase, “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,” refers to anything that changes the object of Faith from the Cross to something else.<br />Paul has put strong emphasis on the centrality of Christ’s Sacrifice and keeps this steadily in view as he approaches the end of his Letter. In his statement here, he does not specify particular erroneous doctrines, for there is no need to do that. The idea is, that irrespective as to what type of doctrine it is, and the Greek word “divers” actually means “many-colored,” if it’s not based squarely on the Cross of Christ, then it is wrong. The unchangeability of Christ guarantees this.<br />“Strange” in the Greek is “xcnais,” and means “foreign to the Gospel,” or that which is not based on the Sacrifice of Christ.<br />GRACE<br />The phrase, “For it is a good thing that the heart be established with Grace,” actually means that this is the only right way that the heart can be established. The heart, as often, stands for the whole of the inner life; and this is sustained, not by anything material, such as food, ceremonies, etc., but by Grace. God is the Source of the Believer’s strength as we live out this Christian life, and He is the Source through what Christ has done for us at the Cross, all made available by the Holy Spirit, according to our Faith in that Finished Work.<br />As previously stated, the Grace of God, always and without exception, comes to us through what Christ did for us at the Cross, in other words, the Cross was and is the instrument through which Grace is made<br />HEBREWS 13:10 802 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />available. Also, as we have repeatedly stated, the Grace of God is simply the goodness of God extended to undeserving Believers.<br />MEATS<br />The phrase, “Not with meats,” is meant to refer to all types of religious ceremonies. The idea is the heart of man cannot be changed with outward ceremonies, or rules and regulations for that matter, but only by the Grace of God.<br />All human systems of teaching will but lead one to another; consequently, the whole scheme becomes more and more elaborate, and, regrettably, the more elaborate it becomes, the more appealing it is to most people. As someone has well said, “The doing of religion is the most powerful narcotic there is.”<br />PROFIT<br />The phrase, “Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein,” proclaims everything other than simple faith in Christ and His Finished Work, as of no value.<br />Many say that religious ceremonies and exercises appeal to them and help them. If that is so, then the Holy Spirit is in error saying that they are profitless. Religious emotion is a very different thing from spiritual endowment. The latter enriches the Spiritual Life; the former impoverishes it.<br />True Spiritual Life exists only in the realm of Grace. In that realm Christ is all, and self<br />— even religious self — is made dead and kept dead. The idea of all of this is, it is impossible to live the life we ought to live, in other words to be what we ought to be in Christ, unless we do it the way that it is laid out by the Holy Spirit. The enemy of our souls, and I speak of the Devil, constantly seeks to insert doctrine which is not Biblical. He is very subtle in his approach, and most of the time dresses up his fare in extreme religious garb, which fools most people.<br />As we have said in every way we know how it should be said, the Cross of Christ is the only answer for humanity. What Jesus there did, even as the next Verses will proclaim, makes it possible not only for us to be saved, but also to live a righteous and a holy life.<br />NOTES<br />The Holy Spirit works exclusively according to what Jesus did at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). There is no profit otherwise!<br />(10) “WE HAVE AN ALTAR, WHEREOF THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO EAT WHICH SERVE THE TABERNACLE.” The diagram is:<br />1. The “Altar” is used here by Paul as a symbol for the entirety of the Plan of God as it regards the New Covenant. 2. But more specifically, it speaks of the Cross of Christ, and what Jesus there accomplished on our behalf. 3. Paul makes it crystal clear that those Christian Jews who persisted in adhering to the First Testament Sacrifices can have no part in the blessings of the New Testament. One cannot have both. The two Testaments are mutually exclusive. THE ALTAR<br />The phrase, “We have an Altar,” is used in this sense by Paul, as stated, to describe all that Christ has done at the Cross on behalf of lost humanity. In fact, what He did, replaced in totality all of the Old Covenant, which it was always intended to do. Paul is actually saying that the Cross is distinctive to the Christian way. It was on a Cross that the Christian Sacrifice was offered. Thus, it may not improperly be spoken of as an “Altar.”<br />This means, that the Sacrifice, Who is Christ, and which took place on the Cross, is the only Sacrifice that can be accepted by God. At the same time, this means that the old Levitical Sacrifices any more can no longer be accepted by the Lord, as should be obvious, Christ having replaced all of that.<br />At the same time, the Believer should understand that this “Altar” of which Paul here speaks, directs attention only to the Cross of Christ and nothing else, and we speak of modern efforts to replace the Cross. It is Faith in this Altar alone, which God will recognize.<br />This means, if we try to make our particular “Church,” a part of this Altar, or our Denomination, or our good works, or anything else for that matter, we have placed ourselves outside of God’s Order. Consequently, I would surely think that the Reader would understand how so very serious this is.<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />The pronoun “we,” includes the entirety of the true Body of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. In fact, the pronoun “we” completely erases all distinctions, meaning that with the Lord it is no more “Jew or Gentile,” or even “male or female,” for that matter (Gal. 3:28). All are equal at the Cross.<br />NO RIGHT TO EAT<br />The phrase, “Whereof they have no right to eat which serve the Tabernacle,” bluntly and plainly says, that one cannot serve Christ and the Levitical Order at the same time. In effect, and even bluntly so, the Apostle is saying that the Christian Jews are going to have to cease their activities as it regards Temple worship. By continuing this, they are making a mockery of the Sacrifice of Christ.<br />At the moment the Apostle was writing these words, the Temple was still standing in Jerusalem, with its Altar in front, on which sacrifices were continually offered. However, in a very short time, all of this was totally destroyed by the Romans, God using the Roman General Titus as His instrument to put a stop to this continued process.<br />In effect, and even as we have already stated, the modern Church falls into the same category. We cannot serve Christ and the Church at the same time; we cannot serve Christ and our own good works at the same time; we cannot serve Christ and anything else at the same time.<br />When we speak of “serving Christ,” we’re speaking of our Faith and Trust being in what Jesus did at the Cross.<br />The word “right” is the translation of the Greek “exousia” which has the idea of delegated right or authority. It was a technical term used in the law courts of that day, of a legal right.<br />The figure of eating at this Altar, and we speak of what Jesus did at the Cross, pertains to the Blessings of the New Testament among which is fellowship with God made possible by the Blood Sacrifice that Christ offered at Calvary. When we place our faith in that Finished Work, that is the same as “eating His flesh and drinking His Blood,” which means that we have trusted completely in what He did at the Cross in the offering up of Himself in Sacrifice (Jn. 6:53-56, 63).<br />803<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:11<br />THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODERN CHURCH<br />The problem with the modern Church, is having no faith at all in the Cross of Christ as it concerns our daily living for God, whether either through ignorance or unbelief, or else a divided faith. In other words, many Christians somewhat believe in the Cross, and at the same time somewhat believe in other things as it regards their daily walk before God, i.e., “their victory.” Either way is disastrous!<br />The Holy Spirit through the Apostle here plainly tells us, that if we are going to “serve the Tabernacle,” which refers to placing our Faith in something that’s not the Cross, at the same time, we cannot have the blessings of the Cross. As stated, the two ways are mutually exclusive. Whichever one is accepted, cancels out the other.<br />(11) “FOR THE BODIES OF THOSE BEASTS, WHOSE BLOOD IS BROUGHT INTO THE SANCTUARY BY THE HIGH PRIEST FOR SIN, ARE BURNED WITHOUT THE CAMP.” The structure is:<br />1. Paul uses an Old Testament example of the Sacrifices offered on the Great Day of Atonement. 2. This is done to show the superiority of the Sacrifice of Christ over the Levitical Offerings. 3. He portrays in all of this, how that this particular Sacrifice, and in fact all the Sacrifices, were types of Christ, and which were fulfilled in Christ. Consequently, they are no longer needed. THE ANIMAL SACRIFICES<br />The phrase, “For the bodies of those beasts,” refers to the animal sacrifices of various different types, such as lambs, goats, Bullocks, Rams, etc. All of these were types of Christ, which were meant to portray Christ, as it regarded the Sacrifice of Himself, which He would carry out when He came, and which He did!<br />FOR SIN<br />The phrase, “Whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the High Priest for sin,” refers to this particular man, on the Great Day of Atonement, bringing the blood of these<br />HEBREWS 13:12 804 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />sacrificed animals into the Holy of Holies, with it being applied to the Mercy Seat, and as well to the horns of the Altar of Incense.<br />All of this was carried out because of “sin.” While the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin, it could in a sense cover sin, until Christ would come.<br />Man’s problem is sin; that means our problem is not economic, but rather sin; our problem is not physical, but rather sin; and sin is a problem for which man has no cure. There is only one cure for this terrible problem, and it is the great Sacrifice of Christ, which refers to the offering up of Himself on the Cross. That and that alone is the remedy!<br />BURNED<br />The phrase, “Are burned without the camp,” presents here a tremendous truth.<br />The victim personating sin was wholly burned without the camp, and thus was symbolized God’s wrath against sin.<br />We must understand, that sin is the ruination of everything good on the face of this Earth. It is the cause of all heartache, suffering, pain, sorrow, death, dying, and sickness. It is the cause of all loneliness, all depression, all hurt, all poverty, all hunger, etc. Sin is the destruction of everything that is righteous, holy, and true. That’s the reason that God’s wrath burns against sin.<br />When we think of this wrath being poured out upon His only Son, Who took our place, wrath in which we rightly deserved, then we should understand how great the love of God actually is.<br />In these Verses we have the direct Commandment to come outside the camp of Judaism in holy separation to the Lord Jesus Himself. We have an Altar, He tells us, of which they who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat; that is, our Altar and our service are all of a Heavenly character.<br />Since Christ has died, there is no Altar on Earth; but in Heaven, that of which the Golden Altar was a type, where Christ makes intercession for us. To talk of any other Altar, as is done in Romanism for instance, and some sects of Protestantism, is to deny the truth of the Finished Work of Christ.<br />“No blood, no Altar now,<br />“The Sacrifice is o’er;<br />NOTES<br />“No flame nor smoke ascends on high,<br />“The Lamb is slain no more.”<br />(12) “WHEREFORE JESUS ALSO, THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY THE PEOPLE WITH HIS OWN BLOOD, SUFFERED WITHOUT THE GATE.” The exegesis is:<br />1. It was to Jesus that all the Levitical Order pointed, and it is Jesus Alone Who fulfilled and satisfied the Levitical Order. 2. Only what Christ did at the Cross can sanctify a person, which means that person is “set apart for God.” 3. He made this possible by the shedding of His Own Blood, which refers to His Sacrifice of Himself for sin — sin incidentally which we had committed. 4. As the bodies of the slain animals were taken outside the camp and burned, as it referred to those sacrificed on the Great Day of Atonement, likewise, Jesus suffered outside the city walls of Jerusalem, thereby fulfilling the type. JESUS<br />The phrase, “Wherefore Jesus also,” presents the human name of Christ, which brings before us the picture of the Man suffering for us.<br />Paul uses the symbolism of the Great Day of Atonement, in fact, the entirety of the Tabernacle, along with all the Sacrifices, actually every single part of the Levitical Order, all pointing directly to Christ. All of it was meant to typify Him in some manner, as it regards His Life, His Death, His Resurrection, actually His very Exaltation in the Presence of God there to appear on our behalf (Heb. 9:24).<br />SANCTIFICATION<br />The phrase, “That He might sanctify the people,” refers to being “set aside for God.” Sanctification regarding its full meaning refers to total victory over sin. It doesn’t speak of sinless perfection, because the Bible doesn’t teach such; however, it does refer to the fact that one who is sanctified, is not dominated in any way by sin (Rom. 6:14).<br />The moment the believing sinner comes to Christ, he is instantly washed, sanctified, and justified (I Cor. 6:11). This is because the individual is now in Christ, and all in Christ<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />is perfection; consequently, all Believers at Salvation have the “position” of Sanctification. It was not obtained by earning it or meriting it, but by simple Faith in Christ.<br />However, the actual “condition” of the Believer falls far short of his “position”; therefore, it is the business of the Holy Spirit, Who now resides in the heart and life of the Believer, which is the case with all who are saved, to bring our “condition” up to our “position.” This can only be done in one manner:<br />If the Believer attempts to live this life outside of simple Faith in the Cross of Christ, which will forfeit the help of the Holy Spirit, the Sanctification process, which is actually a progressive work, will be halted. That’s what Paul was talking about when he referred to “frustrating the Grace of God” (Gal. 2:20-21). As the Believer exhibits Faith in the Cross of Christ, and continues to do so, in effect “taking up the Cross Daily” (Lk. 9:23), which Jesus said we must do, this will give the Holy Spirit latitude to work, and the Believer will find the Fruit of the Spirit being developed in his heart and life, which of course is the Sanctification process (Gal. 5:22-23). Otherwise, it will be “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21).<br />THE BLOOD OF JESUS<br />The phrase, “With His Own Blood,” presents the price that was paid, in order that man might be “sanctified,” i.e., “set free from sin.” The expression puts emphasis on the fact that Christ did not need an external victim (as did the High Priests) but brought about the Sanctification in question by the Sacrifice of Himself. “Blood” clearly signifies “death,” as is commonly the case in the New Testament — and, for that matter, in the Old Testament as well.<br />We should understand from this, that the situation of man was and is so bad, that it took such a price in order to address the situation; therefore, if such a price was demanded as the Blood of God’s Own Son, how in the world do we think we can bring about the needed results in our hearts and lives, outside of the Cross?<br />WITHOUT THE GATE<br />The phrase, “Suffered without the gate,” presents Christ fulfilling the type, in that He<br />805<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:13<br />took the outside place, there to bear the judgment that our sins deserved.<br />The Sin-Offering was burned “without the camp.” Jesus Who in all other points fulfilled the Law of Atonement fulfilled it in this point also, in that He suffered “without the gate” (Mat. 27:32; Jn. 19:20).<br />The two expressions answer to one another, each denoting that which lay beyond the sacred precincts, outside the special dwelling place of God’s people.<br />The place where He was put to death was called “Golgotha,” the Place of the Skull, and hence the Latin word which we commonly use in speaking of it, “Calvary” (Lk. 23:33).<br />Calvary, as it is now shown, is within the walls of Jerusalem; but when Jesus was crucified, it was outside the walls of the city.<br />Snell argues from Leviticus 10:1-5; 24:14, 23 that “people were taken outside the camp” when they were accursed under the Law and rejected, as much as the ritually useless bodies were after the sacrifice was finished. He goes on to argue that “our Lord’s Offering has been first compared with that on the Day of Atonement” . . . and it is next said to have involved formal rejection by the authorities of Judaism. In fact, that does seem to be the point of reference.<br />Jesus was rejected by Jewish authorities, and His Death outside Jerusalem symbolized this (Morris).<br />(13) “LET US GO FORTH THEREFORE UNTO HIM WITHOUT THE CAMP, BEARING HIS REPROACH.” The diagram is:<br />1. Paul now exhorts the Christian Jews to leave apostate Judaism and the Temple sacrifices, and serve Christ only. 2. The words “without the camp,” proclaim Christ as fulfilling all of the Levitical Order, which should have been understandable by these Jews. 3. Even though the Jews in general claim that Christ was accursed, and because He was Crucified, “this reproach,” Paul says, “must be borne by them.” UNTO CHRIST<br />The phrase, “Let us go forth therefore unto Him,” presents Christ as the only bearer of Salvation.<br />HEBREWS 13:13 806 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />Paul is now urging these Christian Jews to leave apostate Judaism once and for all, along with the Temple sacrifices, placing their faith exclusively in Christ as their High Priest. In other words, the Apostle is drawing a line in the sand, so to speak. The Holy Spirit through him is telling the Christian Jews, that it is Christ Alone Who can save, which means that all other ways must be abandoned, even that which was once of God, as Judaism. The idea is this:<br />If something which was truly of God, as the old Levitical Order, had to be abandoned, simply because Christ had fulfilled all its precepts, then how much more must everything else be abandoned which is man-made in favor of the Cross!<br />The words “Let us go forth,” refers not only to going someplace, but at the same time, it also refers to leaving something. When we go to Christ, we must leave everything else, which means all type of man-made religions.<br />At first glance, that may seem to be very simple; however, Satan has been so successful at disguising his efforts, that millions think they’re trusting Christ, when in reality, they trust something else entirely.<br />As we’ve often said in this Volume, millions presently belong to a certain Church, or Denomination, and they think by such association, that such has something to do with their Salvation. In other words, they link belonging to that particular organization with Salvation. Pure and simple, they trust in that particular “Church,” and not Christ. They have somehow intermingled the two.<br />Others do the same with their own good works. For instance, when the Catholic Nun, Mother Teresa died, many Protestants, who should know better, equated her good works with Salvation. Not so!<br />I do not judge the dear lady, but pure and simple, if she was trusting in her good works to save her, she died eternally lost. That’s blunt, but I don’t know of any other way to express the statement. That goes not only for her, but also for any other individual who falls into the same category, which in fact, includes most!<br />Once again, we go back to Cain and Abel (Gen. Chpt. 4). Abel trusted in the death of<br />NOTES<br />the innocent victim, the clean animal, which typified Christ, while Cain trusted in the labor of his own hands, which God could not accept. The situation hasn’t changed from then until now. The criteria is still “Christ and Him Crucified.” If Faith is placed in anything else, it is Faith that God will not recognize.<br />WITHOUT THE CAMP<br />The phrase, “Without the camp,” represents Christ, as stated, fulfilling the Levitical Order.<br />The suffering “without the gate” was a symbol of His rejection by the Jews. All who would be His must share the reproach which came upon Him, Who was cast out by His people and crucified: they also must go forth “without the camp,” forsaking the company of His foes. Each one must for himself make the choice between the Synagogue or Christ; between the two, there can be no fellowship.<br />This tells us that Christ is outside the camp of Judaism, and the Readers are encouraged to go to Him where He is. To remain within the camp of Judaism would be to be separated from Him.<br />REPROACH<br />The phrase, “Bearing His reproach,” refers to sharing in the rejection He had undergone. In other words, we as well must “bear the disgrace He bore.”<br />To align one’s self with Christ is to subject one’s self to scorn, reproach, and perhaps more. But consistently throughout the Epistle Paul has argued, as he does here, that it is well worth it.<br />The Jews held that the way Christ died, which refers to crucifixion, proved him to be accursed (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). Paul is saying that the Christian Jews must be ready to stand outside Judaism with the Christ Who bore the curse for them “outside the camp.”<br />The idea is, that our devotion to Him must be, as if we were going forth with Him when He was led away to be crucified. He was put to death as a malefactor. He was the object of contempt and scorn. He was held up to derision, and was taunted and reviled on His way to the place of death, and even on the Cross.<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />To be identified with Him there, to follow Him, to sympathize with Him, to be regarded as His friend, would have been subjecting one to similar shame and reproach. The meaning here is, that we should be willing to regard ourselves as identified with the Lord Jesus, and to bear the same shame and reproaches which He did.<br />When He was led away, amidst scoffing and reviling, to be put to death, would we, if we had been there, have been willing to be regarded as His followers, and to have gone out with Him as His avowed Disciples and friends?<br />It is easy to profess to love Him when such profession subjects us to no reproach. However, I think the following must be noted:<br />THE CROSS IS A REPROACH<br />I think one of the reasons that there is little reproach today in following Christ, is because the Christ being served, is “another Christ” (II Cor. 11:4). In fact, the entirety of the “reproach” as it regards Christ, is the Cross. It was the Cross then, and it is the Cross now!<br />I believe the Holy Spirit is about to make the Cross so prominent, so unavoidable, that either it must be accepted or rejected. In other words, there will be no neutral ground!<br />Now the Reader must consider, that most of the Denominations presently, do not hold up the Cross as the answer to man’s dilemma, but rather something else altogether. In fact, their “gospel,” which is pure and simple, “another gospel,” at least for the most part, is an admixture of several things. Most Denominational leaders, and I think I exaggerate not, hold up their own particular “Denomination,” and “humanistic psychology,” as the answer to the ills of man. Most of them aren’t going to change.<br />In refusing to change, even as the Pharisees and Sadducees of old who crucified Christ, they will as well, do their best to destroy the messenger of the Cross. In fact, they will not be able to repudiate the Doctrine of the Cross, so they will little take that direction. While there may be some small effort in that direction, for the most part, they will zero their attack on the one who brings the message of the Cross. That’s what Cain did, and that’s what his followers have done ever since!<br />807<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:14<br />(14) “FOR HERE HAVE WE NO CONTINUING CITY, BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME.” The structure is:<br />1. “Here” represents the fact that the earthly Jerusalem has served its purpose, at least as far as the old economy is concerned. 2. Our “continuing city” is the New Jerusalem, which is not the same as the earthly Jerusalem. 3. What we now have is only a down payment on that which is to come. HERE<br />The short phrase, “For here,” concerns this present world, which holds nothing for the Child of God, and which most definitely will ultimately perish. That’s why Jesus said:<br />“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon Earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:<br />“But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat. 6:19-21).<br />Everything the Christian does, every thought we think, every action we take, must be always with an eye on the eternal reward, and not at all on what is here in this present world. The very fact that one is temporal while the other is eternal, presents itself as enough to portray the difference — and what a difference it is!<br />NO CONTINUING CITY<br />The phrase, “Have we no continuing city,” portrays earthly Jerusalem, at least for that particular time, as having finished its course. Was this a warning by the Holy Spirit as to what was soon to come? A short time from now, Titus, the Roman General, would completely destroy Jerusalem.<br />The object of Paul seems to be to comfort the Hebrew Christians on the supposition that they would be driven by persecution from the city of Jerusalem, and doomed to wander as exiles. He in effect is telling them, that their Lord was led from that city to be put to death, and they should be willing to go forth also; and anyway, their permanent home was not Jerusalem, but Heaven; and they should be willing, in view of that blessed abode, to be exiled from the city where they dwelt, if in fact, it became necessary.<br />HEBREWS 13:15 808 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />ONE TO COME<br />The phrase, “But we seek one to come,” presents the union of two thoughts:<br />1. We are free to go forth from the city so long held sacred, for our hopes are bound up with no abiding earthly sanctuary. 2. We must not shrink from the reproach of Christ, even though it may sever us from kindred and friends; for by the very profession of our faith we are “strangers and sojourners,” seeking after the Heavenly Jerusalem. How impressive are these words of Paul, when read in the light of the events then unlooked for, yet so near at hand, issuing on the eve of the destruction of both Temple and City!<br />People love to look for earthly security. But the best earthly security is but insecure. We are admonished here to pursue that which is really lasting. We should strive for the abiding city, not in maintaining our grip on any fleeting earthly one.<br />(15) “BY HIM THEREFORE LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD CONTINUALLY, THAT IS, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME.” The composite is:<br />1. “By Him” refers to what He did at the Cross on our behalf. 2. The “Sacrifice of Praise” refers to praising Him for what He did. 3. This is to be done continually. 4. “The fruit of our lips” is to be thanksgiving to His Name. BY HIM<br />The short phrase, “By Him,” should have been translated “Through Him.” Through His Sacrifice, which has made Atonement, we are hallowed, and fitted for our priestly service (I Pet. 2:5) (Ellicott).<br />The Jews approached God by the blood of the sacrifice and by the ministry of their High Priest; however, that which we have just stated, was a Type of the One Who was to come, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. We approach God today, and do so through Christ, but more particularly, what Christ did at the Cross in the shedding of His Blood. In other words, the Cross makes it possible for us to approach God. And let it be clearly understood, that<br />NOTES<br />this is the only way for man to approach God. If any other way is attempted, and to be sure, such ways are constantly being brought forth, they are automatically rejected. It is the Blood of Jesus Christ that makes everything possible.<br />THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE<br />The phrase, “Therefore let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually,” refers to constantly thanking Him for the Cross, which opened up the way.<br />We as Christians no longer have to offer up an animal sacrifice, but rather trust in the Sacrifice already offered by Christ, in the offering of Himself. Whenever we praise Him and thank Him for what He did for us, we literally enter into His Sacrifice, and do so by the acclamation of our lips.<br />In systems like Judaism sacrifices were offered at set times, but for Christians, praise goes up all the time. Since a loving God is working out His purposes all the time, there are no circumstances in which praise should not be offered (I Thess. 5:18).<br />Quite possibly, Paul derived this Verse from the words of David, “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1).<br />Let the Reader understand, that three things are here said:<br />1. We are to praise the Lord. 2. We are to do so, continually. 3. Our Praise should center up on the great Sacrifice of Christ, in other words, thanking Him continually for what He has done for us. While of course, we should thank the Lord for everything; still, the greater part of our Praises should always be for the Cross, i.e., “the Sacrifice of Christ.”<br />THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS<br />The phrase, “That is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name,” in effect says “the Sacrifices now acceptable to God are those of praise addressed to God, in the Name of the Lord, which refers to the price that He paid.”<br />His Name is “Jesus,” which means “Savior,” which speaks of His Sacrificial Offering of Himself on the Cross.<br />The “fruit of our lips” must ever be praise to His Name, and not expressions of doubt<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />and unbelief. He has paid a great price for what we have, and the truth is, eternity will not be long enough to properly praise Him for this great Redemption.<br />(16) “BUT TO DO GOOD AND TO COMMUNICATE FORGET NOT: FOR WITH SUCH SACRIFICES GOD IS WELL PLEASED.” The diagram is:<br />1. Those who are truly looking to Jesus and what He did at the Cross, will in fact, also “do good.” 2. “To communicate” carries the idea of sharing worldly goods with those who have had theirs confiscated by their persecutors. 3. The Lord expects us to sacrifice in order to do these things, if we have to. 4. Doing such “is well pleasing” to Him. And to be sure, anything that pleases Him will be blessed. DO GOOD<br />The phrase, “But to do good,” presents that which must be done by Christians, and in fact, will be done, that is if the person is truly following the Lord; however, the Reader must understand, that such “good” will never be recognized by the world, but will actually be impugned, and because it stems from Christ. No goodness as it represents Christ will actually ever be fully recognized.<br />Our Ministry (Jimmy Swaggart Ministries) has built 157 school in Third World countries, that is if I correctly remember the exact number. These schools are not elaborate affairs, but actually small buildings that house classes up through the 6th grade. Some few of them went through high school, but most stopped at the grade mentioned.<br />These schools would accommodate from 200 to 300 children, and sometimes they would have two sessions a day, thereby doubling the number who could attend. In most if not all these schools, we also furnished a hot meal at noon.<br />Not one single time did the News Media ever recognize this which was being done. In fact, in their constant efforts to hurt us, some reporters would even claim that the schools did not exist. Actually, Television programs were done, denying the existence of these schools. We would furnish proof, and to their<br />809<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:16<br />credit, almost without exception, most of the Television Stations would air a retraction of their erroneous reports. Why did they and why do they conduct themselves in this manner?<br />It is because all of this was being done in the Name of the Lord, Which and Whom they would not recognize.<br />However, if the Believer is doing anything that is good for worldly recognition, then he’s doing it for all the wrong reasons. Everything done of this nature, must be done and without fail, as unto the Lord, and as unto the Lord Alone.<br />I only bring up the subject as I did concerning the schools, because the News Media were claiming that we were taking up money from the people for these particular projects, and they were not being done, etc. That was our only purpose, in those days, for even bringing up the subject.<br />At times in those days, we would go to one of the sites where one or more schools were in the process of being constructed, and would invite reporters to go along; however, we never were able to get one to do so. The only conclusion I can arrive at, is that they had no interest in the Truth.<br />COMMUNICATION<br />The phrase, “And to communicate forget not,” refers to sharing with those in need.<br />Paul is saying here, that our obligations to the Lord are not exhausted with praise. Good deeds must also be included.<br />“Communicate” in the Greek is “koinoneo,” and means “to make one’s self a sharer or partner” with someone else in his poverty or need. The idea is this as it regards these particular circumstances:<br />The Saints were exhorted to share what they had of earthly goods with their fellow Saints who, undergoing persecution, had been brought to a state of poverty by reason of the fact that their persecutors have confiscated their goods (Heb. 10:34).<br />The Jews normally lived as a close-knit group. In foreign cities in the Roman Empire, they pretty much kept to themselves, somewhat making their way as a group. Naturally, due to the fact that the religious leadership of Israel had crucified Christ, there<br />HEBREWS 13:16 810 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />was tremendous dissention among Jews as it regarded the Lord. In fact, there wasn’t much middle ground if any.<br />Consequently, whenever a Jew gave his heart and life to Christ, he was excommunicated from the Synagogue, which carried with it severe penalties. If he was employed by a fellow Jew who didn’t believe in Christ, which of course most didn’t, he was instantly terminated from his job. Furthermore, no other Jew was allowed to give him any type of employment. If he was living in an apartment owned by another Jew, he was summarily evicted, and would not be able to find housing except among Gentiles. If money was owed in these circumstances, and we refer to money being owed to other Jews, it was instantly demanded, and if the person wasn’t able to pay, their goods were confiscated, etc., at least as far as possible under Roman Law. And Rome for all practical purposes, allowed particular groups to have their own religion without interference, as long as it did not impact Rome in a negative way. Any hurt or harm that Jews could do to a fellow Jew who had given his heart and life to Christ, would be instantly done, and would continue to be done. As a result of this, some had been reduced to poverty, with all of this playing into the fact that some were recanting their Faith in Christ, which is the very reason for this Epistle.<br />So Paul is telling Christian Jews who have not been so severely impacted as others, to share with them, and in fact, the Holy Spirit is prodding this through Paul.<br />I would trust that the Reader would understand, that this doesn’t apply to loafers and shirkers, but only to those who were truly in need. Unfortunately, the Church seems to have always had a ready supply of those who won’t work, and rather attempt to sponge off others. The Holy Spirit through Paul had a word for these also. He said, “That if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thess. 3:10).<br />SUCH SACRIFICES<br />The phrase, “For with such Sacrifices,” presents the only type of sacrifices which God will accept other than the Sacrifice of Christ.<br />The idea of this is, which is very, very important, is that good works are brought about<br />NOTES<br />by one’s Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, instead of good works being performed in order to generate Faith. To say it another way, good works will never generate proper faith, while proper faith will always generate good works. And by “proper faith,” we are speaking of Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, which the Believer should maintain at all times, understanding that the Cross of Christ is responsible for every single thing we have from the Lord (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:17).<br />Unfortunately, the far greater majority of the modern Church seeks to generate proper faith by their works. Because the works are generally good, and possibly always good in the eye of the beholder, the individuals are easily deceived into believing that this is the way. I suppose that every Christian at one time or the other has fallen into this trap. And considering, that there is almost no preaching or teaching on the Cross, at least at this present time, the position of “works” characterizes most Christians. All of this is very subtle, and not very easily understood, which makes it so deceptive. Nevertheless, this is what is happening.<br />If the Christian doesn’t understand what proper faith actually is, which means he doesn’t understand the Cross, there is no place else to go but “works.” Most Christians when they first get saved, hearing almost nothing about the Cross of Christ, they begin to emulate older Christians in the Church where they attend. So almost exclusively, they start out on the road of “works,” simply because they don’t know anywhere else to go. This is tragic, especially considering the consequences, but Satan has been very successful at maneuvering the Church away from its true foundation; consequently, the sacrifices being offered, are the works of our own hands, really not that much different than those of Cain recorded in Genesis Chapter 4, which are an insult to Christ.<br />THAT WHICH PLEASES GOD<br />The phrase, “God is well pleased,” speaks of the sacrifices of good works that follow true faith. And why does this please the Lord?<br />It pleases Him, because such an individual has their faith anchored totally and completely in the Finished Work of Christ. In<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />fact, this is the only Faith that will please the Lord, and is the Faith that will produce such sacrifices.<br />There are actually 12 things recorded in the Word of God that please the Lord. They are:<br />1. Blessing Israel (Num. 24:1). It pleased God to bless Israel, because Israel was to be the vehicle through which the Word of God would be given to the world, and as well, which would serve as the womb of the Messiah, so to speak, Who would deliver mankind through and by His Death on the Cross. 2. It pleased God that Israel was His people (I Sam. 12:22). The reason for this pleasing Him is basically the same as the previous. I think one could say that it was the mission for which they were assigned, which caused Him to be pleased with them, which again pertains to Christ and His great Sacrifice. The Lord is pleased with no one outside of Christ. 3. The Lord is pleased with unselfish praying (I Ki. 3:10). This was the prayer of Solomon which pertained to governing Israel. Considering their mission, this pleased the Lord. 4. Christ’s suffering for men (Isa. 53:10). This speaks directly of the Cross. 5. Christ as His Servant (Mat. 3:17; 12:18). The mission of Christ was to redeem humanity, which He did by the offering of Himself on the Cross. 6. It pleased the Lord to save men by the foolishness of preaching the Cross (I Cor. 1:18-24). 7. It pleased the Lord to set members in the Body of Christ, which pertains to their functions, and who were brought into the Body of Christ by Faith in the Cross (I Cor. 12:18). 8. The coming Resurrection pleases the Lord (I Cor. 15:38). Of course, this was all made possible by the Cross. 9. It pleased the Lord that Christ is the fullness of the Godhead Bodily (Col. 1:19). God became Man, i.e., “Christ,” in order to go to the Cross. 10. It pleases the Lord to call Preachers to preach the Gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:15). The Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of the Cross. 11. It pleases the Lord for men to have Faith (Heb. 11:5-6). This speaks of “the Faith,” as it regards Faith in what Christ did at Calvary on our behalf. 811<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:17<br />12. It pleases the Lord for sacrifices of praise to come from our lips continually (Heb. 13:15-16). This pertains to Faith in the Cross of Christ, which will produce praises in the heart and life of such recipients, which will translate into good works. I think one can see from these examples, that this which pleases God, always points to Christ, and more particularly, what Christ has done in order to redeem lost humanity.<br />(17) “OBEY THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS, AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU.” The composite is:<br />1. The Pastors of whom Paul speaks here evidently were preaching the same Gospel that he was preaching; consequently, he tells the people to obey this Gospel which they are hearing. 2. They are to submit themselves to the true Word of God which is being taught. 3. These Pastors, whomever they may have been, had the spiritual welfare of these people at heart, as is obvious. 4. Every Preacher will one day give account for his Ministry, and the souls who sat under his Ministry. 5. It is the consuming desire of every true Preacher of the Gospel, that all who sit under his Ministry would heed the True Gospel he preaches. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, such will bring joy. For those who would not listen, there will be grief. 6. Even if a Preacher is preaching the True Gospel, if the people will not listen, as would be obvious, they cannot be profited. OBEDIENCE<br />The phrase, “Obey them that have the rule over you,” has reference to Pastors; however, the emphasis is not on the Pastor but rather on the Gospel he preaches. Paul evidently knew these particular individuals, whomever they may have been, were preaching the Truth.<br />It must be remembered, that some of these Christian Jews were seriously contemplating recanting their Faith in Christ. These Pastors, naturally, were pleading with them not<br />HEBREWS 13:18 812 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />to do such a thing, knowing it would result in the loss of their souls.<br />These statements made by Paul, do not carry any idea at all of blanket obedience or submission, which some have attempted to claim. Such has caused many people to be lost. It is actually obedience to the Gospel which is being preached, which is here enjoined.<br />SUBMISSION<br />The phrase, “And submit yourselves,” refers to submitting to the True Gospel which is being preached by these true Pastors.<br />It does not pertain to submitting one’s conscience or control of one’s life. Once again, many souls have been lost by individuals blindly following, and then find out too late that they’ve been following the wrong thing.<br />No person who truly loves the Lord can obey Preachers preaching false doctrine, and neither can they submit themselves to such. To do such, is the sure road to spiritual destruction. To be sure, such a person when they stand before the Lord will not be able to shift the blame to these individuals whom they were following. Every individual is going to have to personally answer to the Lord, which means that we must personally answer for the Gospel we hear and receive.<br />RESPONSIBILITY<br />The phrase, “For they watch for your souls,” refers to those Preachers who truly have the spiritual welfare of the people at heart.<br />Several things are here being said:<br />1. There is nothing more important than the soul of man. 2. Understanding that, then the task of watching over the souls of men, is the most important task in the world. 3. This is first of all to be done, by the true Word of God being preached and taught. 4. As well, the Preacher of the Gospel must seek the Lord constantly, in order that he be anointed to preach the Gospel, which alone will give it power. TO GIVE ACCOUNT<br />The phrase, “As they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and<br />NOTES<br />not with grief,” presents the fact, that every single Preacher in the world, will give account to God for his Ministry, and in effect, the Gospel that he has preached. Then we should realize how imperative it is that we as Preachers strive to preach the True Gospel of Christ, and to do so without fear or compromise.<br />The “joy” and the “grief” can be taken two ways:<br />1. If the Preacher has been faithful to his calling, and has not compromised the Gospel, he will be able to stand before the Lord with “joy.” If not, there will be great “grief,” as should be obvious! 2. Assuming that the True Gospel is preached, it can be taken to mean that the joy refers to those who heeded, while the grief refers to those who would not heed. Quite possibly both points are correct.<br />UNPROFITABLE<br />The phrase, “For that is unprofitable for you,” refers to the fact, that even though the Preacher of the Gospel is preaching the Truth, if certain people will not heed what he is preaching, then the Gospel, as true as it may be, will be of no profit to these particular individuals.<br />The idea is, that at least some of these Christian Jews who were contemplating going back into Judaism, had excellent Pastors, men who had truly preached to them the Gospel. However, they had not heeded; therefore, the fault could not be laid at the feet of these particular Preachers.<br />Even though the True Gospel is preached, if it is not mixed with faith by the hearer, then it will be to no avail. The Scripture is emphatic on this (Heb. 4:2).<br />It is bad enough to not have an opportunity to hear the True Gospel, but worse yet, when the True Gospel is heard, and then it is rejected because of a lack of faith. In other words, the individual simply doesn’t believe what he is hearing.<br />(18) “PRAY FOR US: FOR WE TRUST WE HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE, IN ALL THINGS WILLING TO LIVE HONESTLY.” The diagram is:<br />1. Request for prayer was common with Paul. JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />2. The Apostle had a good conscience, in that he was doing all that he knew to do to walk as close to God as was possible. 3. No doubt, honesty in all things as it regards a Child of God, is one of the greatest attributes that one could ever have. PRAYER<br />The phrase, “Pray for us,” presents by Paul, as stated, a common request (Rom. 15:30; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:3; I Thess. 5:25; II Thess. 3:1).<br />“Pray” in the Greek is “proseuchesthe,” and in essence means, “keep praying for us.”<br />Paul has rebuked his Readers from time to time; he has warned them of dangers in their conduct and exhorted them. But he depends on them, too, and looks to them now to support him with their prayers.<br />I think it is obvious throughout Paul’s Epistles, the tremendous value that he places on prayer. I would understand from his statements, that he was a man of constant prayer. In other words, he prayed about everything, and because everything needed to be prayed about.<br />Prayer is fellowship with the Lord, and it is fellowship that every Believer, as should be obvious, desperately needs. As well, it is communion, which speaks of the very reason for fellowship. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle has already stated that we should offer “the sacrifice of praise to God continually.” In other words, this should be ever “the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name” (vs. 15).<br />When we understand that every good thing we have comes from the Lord, we should without fail, continue to thank Him for His many and varied Blessings. Also, we should take everything to Him in prayer, seeking His leading, guidance, and direction. Such an attitude and position, guarantees success.<br />For things we need, we should make these petitions to Him. He is able to do all things; however, at the same time, we must ardently seek His Will in all things. The longer we live for the Lord, and the closer we get to God, the more we realize how faulty our personal wills actually are, and how absolutely valuable that His Will actually is. Consequently, if we have any spiritual sense at all, we very quickly come to the place that we not at<br />813<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:18<br />all want our wills in anything, but always His Will.<br />WHY PRAYER, IF GOD ALREADY KNOWS ALL THINGS, AND CAN DO ALL THINGS?<br />While it is certainly true that the Lord knows all things and can do all things, which means that He doesn’t need any help whatsoever; still, in His Grace, He has given the Church the privilege of having a great part in His Work. In other words, if we do not carry out our end of the load, then the Work of God will simply fall down.<br />The Church doing its part, which of course speaks to every Believer, which the Lord has given us the privilege to do, will get the job done, simply because it is certain that the Lord is going to do His part. This means, that each Believer has a function, and should seek the Lord as to what that function is, and then seek His daily guidance in carrying out that function.<br />All of this builds faith, confidence, trust, maturity, and strength in the heart and life of each Believer. In fact, that’s what it’s intended to do.<br />The Lord doesn’t need us; in fact, He doesn’t need anything that we have. There is absolutely nothing within our possession as it regards our own personal beings, which can benefit Him in any way; consequently, His allowing us to have a part in this great work, is strictly for our benefit and not His, and as well, is done because of His Love and Grace.<br />Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we pray constantly that we might have His Will and leading in all things.<br />Also, it is especially imperative, that the Church pray for its leaders, even as Paul requested prayer constantly for himself. On a personal note, even as Paul, I constantly ask you the Reader, and those who know us and are benefited in some way by this Ministry, to constantly pray for us. I need your prayers, in that I might do exactly what the Lord wants me to do, and do it in the way that He wants it done. So I too say with Paul, “Pray for us!”<br />A GOOD CONSCIENCE<br />The phrase, “For we trust we have a good conscience,” concerns any and all things; however, I personally think that he is here<br />HEBREWS 13:19 814 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />speaking of the way he has handled the Law of Moses as it regards this Epistle to the Hebrews. When Paul stood before the High Priest in Jerusalem, he had as well stated that he had a good conscience (Acts 23:1).<br />Having a good conscience is a most unusual reason for requesting prayer. We could understand it if Paul spoke of his difficulties or the like, lacking knowledge of the circumstances, however, we cannot be sure. Yet it seems that the possibility at least existed, that some of the Readers may have been accusing him of some fault. Consequently, he protests that he has a clear conscience, as it regards whatever it is that is at hand, and that this is the reason for asking for their fellowship in prayer.<br />Addressing himself to matters as he has in this Epistle to the Hebrews, and making some of the strong statements he made, one can well understand how that some would have grown angry at his position; however, it must be understood, that even though this was Paul’s position and rightly so, in reality it was that of the Holy Spirit.<br />One never had any doubt as to where Paul stood. What he believed was crystal clear, and as well, it was crystal clear in the manner in which he pointed out error. Such a position, and above all, such a clarity of purpose and position, rankles some extremely so, and as well, even arouses hatred in the hearts of those who are guilty of the error. However, the good conscience I think mostly centers up in the following:<br />In this Epistle, he had delivered his soul. He had not pulled any punches, had not compromised the Gospel in any way. These Christian Jews would now know exactly as to what they were doing. Whether they would believe it or not is something else; however, none of them would now have an excuse, because the Holy Spirit through the Apostle had been crystal clear. His conscience was clear, in that he had faithfully delivered the Word.<br />How so much, the modern Church desperately needs the clear, concise, “certain sound” of the Gospel Trumpet. How so much it is plagued with compromise, the shading of the truth, and downright unbelief. How so refreshing it is to hear, “Thus saith the Lord!” And as well, how many Preachers<br />NOTES<br />can say presently with Paul, “I have a good conscience”?<br />HONESTY<br />The phrase, “In all things willing to live honestly,” refers to his daily living for the Lord, in other words his conduct, and as well to his handling of the Gospel. His life was honest, and his presentation of the Gospel was honest as well!<br />In a sense, he is here denying that he had in any way acted dishonestly in respect to his handling of the Law of Moses, in the writing of this Epistle. He had properly interpreted that great Law, and as well, he had properly interpreted the Gospel as it relates to the Law.<br />(19) “BUT I BESEECH YOU THE RATHER TO DO THIS, THAT I MAY BE RESTORED TO YOU THE SOONER.” The structure is:<br />1. “I beseech you” is also a common expression of the Apostle. 2. The phrase “restored to you the sooner” lends credence to the thought, that Paul may have been in prison when this was written. 3. I personally think this particular Scripture is another proof that Paul wrote Hebrews. I BESEECH YOU<br />The phrase, “But I beseech you the rather to do this,” refers back to his request that they pray for him.<br />At the most, he realized that in all probability it would not be very long until he sealed his testimony with his blood, and yet if in answer to prayer he might be restored to service for a little time, he would value this, while being in all things subject to the Will of God (Ironside).<br />Once again let us touch on prayer.<br />Who can tell how much each servant of Christ is indebted to the prayers of God’s hidden ones? To bear such up before Him is a wondrous Ministry, the full fruit of which will only be manifested in that day when every secret thing will be revealed and each one will be rewarded according to his own service. We speak of the Judgment Seat of Christ.<br />Let none think that it is a little thing to pray. There is no higher Ministry, no more important office, than that of the Intercessor.<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />RESTORED<br />The phrase, “That I may be restored to you the sooner,” lends credence by its terminology that Paul may have been in prison when this was written. Of course, this is not certain, as the statement could have meant several things; however, coupled with Verse 23, it is not improbable that the Apostle was in prison at this time.<br />If in fact that was the case, and it pertains to the incarceration portrayed in the Book of Acts, then the Apostle was released it is believed, with him ministering for a few more short years, before being imprisoned the second time and paying with his life, as recorded in II Timothy 4:6-8.<br />And yet, if this Epistle was written in A.D. 67 or even the early part of ’68, as some believe, then it would have pertained to his second and last imprisonment, from which he was not delivered, at least as it regards being restored to the Church.<br />(20) “NOW THE GOD OF PEACE, THAT BROUGHT AGAIN FROM THE DEAD OUR LORD JESUS, THAT GREAT SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP, THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT,” The exegesis is:<br />1. Peace with God is obtained by faith and trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf. 2. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This is the only reference in this Epistle to the Resurrection of our Lord. 3. Christ is the great Shepherd of the sheep, meaning that He is the Head of the Church. 4. He is all of this through what He did at the Cross, which necessitated the shedding of His Blood. 5. The New Covenant is “the Everlasting Covenant,” meaning that it will never have to be replaced, in that it is perfect. THE GOD OF PEACE<br />The phrase, “Now the God of Peace,” proclaims the fact that peace has been made between God and fallen man, and done so through what Jesus did at the Cross on behalf of man. The context here speaks of the Substitutionary Atonement of Christ on the Cross, and is in effect, very similar to Paul’s<br />815<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:20<br />words in Colossians 1:20, “Having made Peace through the Blood of His Cross.”<br />That which separated a Holy God from sinful man, namely, sin, was put away at the Cross. The death of Christ paid for sin, satisfied the righteous demands of the broken Law, and made it possible for God to bestow mercy on the basis of justice satisfied.<br />We have an echo of all this in Ephesians 2:17, “And came and preached peace to you who are far off (the Gentiles) and to them that are nigh (the Jews).” In fact, God is called “the God of Peace” a number of times in Paul’s writings (Rom. 15:33; 16:20; II Cor. 13:11; Phil. 4:9; I Thess. 5:23).<br />PEACE<br />“Peace” connotes the fullest prosperity of the whole man, taking up as it does the Old Testament concept of the Hebrew “Shalom.” Here it reminds us that it is God in Whom all our prosperity is centered. There is no well-rounded life that does not depend on Him.<br />The expression is especially suitable in view of what the Epistle discloses of the condition of the Readers. They have had to cope with some form of persecution and were still not free from opposition. Some were tempted to go back from Christianity and have had to be warned of the dangers of apostasy. They may have even had doubts about who their true leaders were. It is well for them to be reminded that real peace is in God and in God Alone, and is obtained solely through Jesus Christ, and our faith in Him and what He did for us at the Cross.<br />However, it must be made crystal clear, that the “peace” here mentioned, was and is, brought about solely by what Jesus did at the Cross. That and that alone, made it possible for fallen man to have Peace with God, and because that and that alone, satisfied the righteous demands of a thrice-Holy God.<br />Man had sinned grievously against God, and had done so repeatedly and in fact, constantly. Consequently, it is God Who has been offended and offended greatly! As well, the sin which so greatly offended Him, carries with it the total threat of absolute destruction of all things which are holy, good, pure, and true, thereby bringing about sorrow, hurt, pain, and waste of every description.<br />HEBREWS 13:20 816 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />There was no way that man could address this terrible problem; consequently, man’s condition was terminal. If it was to be assuaged, in other words settled, God would have to do it Himself, which He did, by becoming Man, serving as the Last Adam and the Second Man (I Cor. 15:45-50), which was culminated by Him giving up His Life on the Cross, which satisfied the righteous demands of God, and as stated, made it possible for God to bestow mercy on the basis of justice satisfied.<br />THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST<br />The phrase, “That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,” presents the only mention of the Resurrection of Christ in this Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />If it is to be noticed, Paul in this Epistle never mentioned the great healing power of Christ, or His miracle working power, or any of the great things He did in His earthly Ministry. While these things, of course, were very, very important, as anything about Christ was and is very important; still, the entirety of this Epistle to the Hebrews, is directed toward the Crucifixion of Christ, and what that great Sacrificial Offering actually meant.<br />Again we will emphasize the fact, that all of these other things, and most certainly the Resurrection of Christ were and are extremely important; still, it was the Crucifixion of Christ, i.e., “the Cross,” which made possible the entirety of the great Salvation Plan. It was the Cross and the Cross alone, which did this. I emphasize that for the following reasons:<br />The great Plan of God for the human race, and more particularly the Church, is as follows:<br />1. Every sinner that’s ever been saved has been saved by trusting in Christ and what Christ did at the Cross. As well, every single Blessing and all Victory which comes to the Saint of God, all and without exception are made possible by what Jesus did at the Cross. This means that every solution is found in the Cross; every answer to every question is found in the Cross (Gal. 6:14). 2. Considering that, our Faith must ever have as its object, the Cross of Christ. This NOTES<br />is very, very important! Every effort by Satan is to move our Faith from the Cross to other things. This is where he places all his energy. He really doesn’t care where these other things are, or what these other things are, just as long as our Faith is not in the Cross.<br />Consequently, every Believer must “fight this good fight of faith” which refers to keeping our Faith in the Cross of Christ, and there alone.<br />The correct object of your Faith, which must be the Cross of Christ, is the single most important thing in your life (Rom. Chpt. 4).<br />3. With your Faith properly placed in the Cross of Christ, and remaining in the Cross of Christ, the Holy Spirit will then do His great and mighty office work within your heart and life (Rom. 8:1-2, 11, 13). Whatever it is that we are to have from the Lord, or to be in the Lord, must and without fail, be done by the Holy Spirit. He Alone can carry out the needed work; however, everything He does is predicated on the Finished Work of Christ, which means that we must have our Faith exclusively in that Finished Work.<br />UNDERSTANDING THE CROSS<br />When one begins to understand the Cross of Christ, at that moment one begins to understand the New Covenant. For this is what the New Covenant is all about. In fact, it is beautifully typified in that which we refer to as the “Lord’s Supper” (I Cor. 11:23-30).<br />When one begins to understand the Cross, one begins to understand the Bible, because the very story of the Word of God is the story of man’s Redemption, which is the story of the Cross. As well, to properly understand the Cross of Christ is to properly understand the Resurrection of Christ. Paul said:<br />“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His Death (understanding of the Cross), we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection” (Rom. 6:5).<br />THE SHEPHERD<br />The phrase, “That great Shepherd of the sheep,” presents the One Who died for us, and Who God raised from the dead. The language seems to be derived from Isaiah<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />63:11. “Where is He Who brought them through the sea, with the Shepherd of His flock?” — though the thought here is, of course, quite different. Christ is called a “Shepherd” and the great treatment of the shepherd theme is in John Chapter 10 and again in I Peter 2:25 (Mat. 26:31; Mk. 14:27). It is a piece of imagery that stresses the care of our Lord for His Own, for sheep are helpless without their shepherd. But an aspect we in modern times sometimes miss is that the shepherd has absolute sovereignty over his flock (Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).<br />The adjective “great” is used because Christ is not to be ranked with other shepherds. He stands out (Morris).<br />THE BLOOD OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT<br />The phrase, “Through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant,” once again points to the Cross.<br />The New Testament or New Covenant is called the eternal one, in contrast to the First Testament which was of a transitory nature. It was within the sphere of the eternal covenant that Christ, having did for sinful man, was raised up from among those who are dead. In fact, He could not be a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek if He were not raised from the dead.<br />Sinful man needs a Living Priest to give life to the believing sinner, not a dead Priest merely to pay for his sins. Thus, it was provided within the New Testament (New Covenant) that the Priest Who offered Himself for sacrifice, would be raised from the dead. We have a prophetic type of this in Aaron’s rod that budded (Wuest).<br />COVENANT<br />It is interesting to see how the thought of “Covenant” persists to the end. In fact, it has been one of the major themes of this Epistle. The Greek Text brings out the point that this Covenant will never be replaced by another as it replaced the Old Covenant. It is perpetual in its validity. And it was established by Blood. Paul never forgets that. For him the Death of Jesus is central.<br />At the same time, his linking it with the Resurrection shows that he did not have in<br />817<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:20<br />mind a dead Christ but One Who though He shed His Blood to establish the Covenant, lives forever.<br />Last in this Verse in the Greek (and with some emphasis) come the words “our Lord Jesus.” The expression is unusual outside of Acts, where it occurs a number of times. It combines the Lordship of Christ and His real humanity, two themes of continuing importance (Morris).<br />By virtue of His Atoning Sacrifice as the Good Shepherd, He is the Great Shepherd of the sheep. He could not be such had He not, as the Good Shepherd, shed His Blood for the sheep and so established the Everlasting Covenant. Once again, we emphasize the fact, that it is the Cross of Christ which made all of this possible. In fact, even as this Passage tells us, His Sacrifice was so perfect, so total, so complete, that it will never have to be repeated, or added to in any way; consequently, it can be called “The Everlasting Covenant,” simply because, it is eternal.<br />While we do not yet have all the results or the benefits of this Everlasting Covenant, to be sure all will ultimately come about, and I speak of the coming Resurrection. Whereas every Saint is now washed, Sanctified, and Justified, then we will all be “Glorified.”<br />But still, there will be more enemies to be put down, the last which will be death (I Cor. 15:26). At this time, Satan along with all fallen angels and demon spirits, along with all human beings who have rejected Christ, will be “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,” where they will be “for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10-15).<br />Then Paul said, “Then cometh the end, when He (Christ) shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He (Christ) shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (I Cor. 15:24).<br />The last two Chapters of Revelation portray what the Everlasting Covenant, i.e., “The New Covenant,” will bring about, which is perfection. In other words, a perfect covenant, for that’s what this Covenant is, will ultimately bring about a perfect environment. I speak of the New Jerusalem outlined in these last two Chapters of Revelation.<br />However, the Everlasting Covenant will not end there, but will portray its results that will<br />HEBREWS 13:21 818 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />be obvious to all of God’s creation, forever and forever (Rev. 22:5).<br />However, we must ever remember, that this Covenant, this New Covenant, this Everlasting Covenant, has all been made possible “through the Blood!” This is so important, even as we’ve already mentioned elsewhere in this Volume, that some seven times in the last two Chapters of Revelation, the Holy Spirit refers to Christ as the “Lamb” (Rev. 21:9, 14, 22-23, 27; 22:1, 3). It is done in this manner, in order that we may never forget what has made it all possible.<br />(21) “MAKE YOU PERFECT IN EVERY GOOD WORK TO DO HIS WILL, WORKING IN YOU THAT WHICH IS WELLPLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; TO WHOM BE GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.” The diagram is:<br />1. Christ through the Holy Spirit can equip the Believer with everything good for doing His Will. It is all done through the Cross. 2. The Holy Spirit works in us to do that which is wellpleasing in the sight of God. 3. It is all “through Jesus Christ,” which refers to what Christ did at the Cross. 4. Because it is Christ Who made possible all that we have from the Lord, and did so by and through His Death on the Cross, it is to Him that all the glory belongs. TO DO HIS WILL<br />The phrase, “Make you perfect in every good work to do His Will,” refers to that which the Holy Spirit has been sent to do, and Who will do such through Christ, all made possible by what Christ did at the Cross. If it is to be noticed, He is in our hearts and lives to carry out the “Will of God” and not our particular wills (Rom. 8:27).<br />To “make perfect” is the translation of two different words in this Epistle. In the one, which is of frequent occurrence (Heb. 2:10; 10:1; 12:23), “perfect” stands contrasted with that which is immature, which has not attained its end and aim.<br />The other, which is used here (and in a somewhat different sense in Heb. 10:5 and Heb. 11:3), rather conveys the thought of completeness, complete equipment, or preparation.<br />NOTES<br />WELLPLEASING IN HIS SIGHT<br />The phrase, “Working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight,” should have been translated, “Working in us. . . .”<br />We should not overlook the significance of the word “us.” As he has done so often, Paul links himself with his Readers. He looks for God to do His perfect work in them and in him alike. He is not aloof and a special case; he needs the Grace of God as much as they do. He wants God to do in us “what is pleasing to Him,” where “pleasing” renders a word “euarestos” used only here in Hebrews, but eight times elsewhere in the New Testament. In Titus 2:9 it refers to slaves being pleasing to their master; elsewhere it always refers to people being acceptable to God.<br />THROUGH JESUS CHRIST<br />The phrase, “Through Jesus Christ,” proclaims the fact that men can do what is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ.<br />The sufficiency of Christ as a Savior appears in the Offices which He fills in this Epistle. These, one might say, are the holy garments of His Heavenly Priesthood:<br />Chapter 1: The Sin Purger.<br />Chapter 2: The Captain of Salvation.<br />Chapter 3: The Son over His Own House.<br />Chapter 5: The Great High Priest.<br />Chapter 6: The Forerunner.<br />Chapter 8: The Mediator.<br />Chapter 12: The Prince and Perfecter of Faith.<br />Chapter 13: The Great Shepherd.<br />In these several Ministries He meets His people’s need as:<br />Sinful, feeble, children needing food and love, infirm worshipers, apprehensive pilgrims, incompetent covenanters, defective Believers, and defenseless and foolish followers.<br />I realize that the previous description does not present that which is very pleasing; however, it happens to be true.<br />By contrast, all in Him is perfection — perfection of cleansing and victory and the supply of love and food for His children; perfection in worship, and as a forerunner in making sure the road and certain the entrance for His people; perfection as the Negotiator of the Everlasting Covenant, so making its<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />permanence absolute; perfection in the provision of the Faith in which and by which the righteous live; and perfection in the care and guardianship of His foolish and defenseless flock.<br />Pending His return, fellowship with Christ can only be enjoyed outside the camp and inside the Veil. Corrupt Christianity is the present-day “camp” (Williams).<br />THE GLORY<br />The phrase, “To Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen,” presents the One Whom God the Father has made both Lord and Christ. Exalted to the Father’s right hand, He is now the Great Shepherd guiding His chosen flock through the wilderness of this world.<br />Soon, as the Apostle Peter tells us, He will return in Glory as the Chief Shepherd (I Pet. 5:4), to Whom all the undershepherds must render their account.<br />Meantime, by His Spirit, He is working in those for whom He once wrought so effectively on Calvary’s Cross. By this inward work He is sanctifying His people to Himself, daily making us more like our blessed Master, to Whom all the glory of our Salvation belongs both now and for eternity. And so the “Amen” closes the doctrinal and practical parts of the Letter (Ironside).<br />(22) “AND I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, SUFFER THE WORD OF EXHORTATION: FOR I HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER UNTO YOU IN FEW WORDS.” The structure is:<br />1. Paul once again uses one of his favorite sayings, “I beseech you, Brethren.” 2. He pleads with these Jewish Christians to receive his Word of Exhortation. 3. Considering the subject matter, the Letter is short. BRETHREN<br />The phrase, “And I beseech you, Brethren,” closes with an affectionate appeal.<br />The Letter has had its share of rebukes and stern warnings, without a doubt, the strongest that Paul has written, with the exception possibly of Galatians. In fact, the statements are stronger in Hebrews, but more general; the Letter to the Galatians is more personal, perhaps making it seem stronger. Paul now<br />819<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:22<br />softens the impact a little with this appeal and with the affectionate address “Brothers.”<br />EXHORTATION<br />The phrase, “Suffer the Word of Exhortation,” in effect, points to the fact, that Paul has actually written a sermon. It refers to the arguments and counsels in this whole Epistle — which is, in fact, a practical exhortation to perseverance in adhering to the Christian Faith amidst all the temptations which existed to apostasy.<br />This Letter is in some ways, the most important, I think, written by Paul. He explains in graphic detail the tremendous work accomplished by the Atonement, portraying to all, that which Christ actually did regarding His Death on the Cross. Nothing in the entirety of the Bible comes even close as it regards this which is the foundation of the Christian Faith.<br />Even though the Epistle was written to Jewish Christians, it is in fact for the entirety of the Church, both Jewish and Gentile. In fact, because it was written to the Jews, the Apostle opens up the Old Testament, portraying to us the Types and Shadows which graphically pointed to Christ, as found nowhere else in the New Testament.<br />It is sad that most of Paul’s Epistles were written because of error that had sprung up in the Church. But yet, even though we are saddened by the error, the Holy Spirit used the occasion to perfect and bring out great Truths, which may have not been addressed otherwise.<br />“Suffer” in the Greek is “anecho,” and means, “to bear with or endure.” Paul pleads with the recipients not to become impatient at his counsels in this Letter. As stated, he has been forced to say some very strong, even very hard things; however, he wants his Readers to know, that what he has said has been for their good. It is not meant to be personal on his part, therefore, he now pleads.<br />IN FEW WORDS<br />The phrase, “For I have written a Letter unto you in few words,” have been misunderstood by many. The idea is this:<br />Considering the subject matter, the Letter is short. In fact, some of the subjects could have been dealt with at much greater length.<br />HEBREWS 13:23 820 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />The Apostle has addressed himself to the most complicated subjects in the entirety of the Word of God. Actually, ample illustration of these subjects would fill up a library; so, it was only by the power and help of the Holy Spirit that he was able to break down very complicated subject matter into brief discussions, but yet which enabled the Reader to perfectly understand what was being said.<br />To explain Christ in His role as Mediator, as High Priest, as Intercessor, to explain the great Work of the Cross, that in fact which had been in the planning stages from before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20), and to do all of this in some 13 short Chapters, necessitated the inspiration of the Holy Spirit not only in subject matter, but as well in the almost impossible art of brevity. Therefore, the Apostle says, “I have written a Letter unto you in few words.”<br />But Oh, what a Letter! How thankful we are that it was written! How grateful we are, that even though the Apostle probably wrote it from prison, that the Holy Spirit deemed it necessary. So much closer we are to the Lord, because of this “Letter.”<br />If in fact, Paul wrote this Letter during his first imprisonment, it would have been written from the “hired house” where he was incarcerated (Acts 28:30-31).<br />If it was written during his last imprisonment, which concluded in his execution, it would have been written in the Mammertine Prison.<br />In early summer of 2000, I had the privilege, along with Frances, Donnie, Debbie, Gabriel, and Matthew (Jennifer was in school), along with others, to be in Rome, and to visit this Prison. It is a cell or cave one might say, chiseled out of solid rock, underground. Of course, there are stairs now leading down into the cell, but during Paul’s time, there was only a trap door in the ceiling, which led to another cell immediately above this place where Paul spent the last few months of his life.<br />From this place he wrote II Timothy and as stated, possibly this Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />As we stood there that afternoon in late May, there is no way that I have words to properly express the feelings of my heart.<br />NOTES<br />I tried to quote to the small crowd gathered in that room some of the last words of the great Apostle which were written, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.<br />“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. . . .” I got no further! The Presence of God filled the room.<br />Rome little noticed when the great Apostle died. In fact, Rome was his executioner. Little did they realize, and in fact not at all, that this man under Christ, would do more for civilization than any human being who has ever lived.<br />The Apostle Paul!<br />(23) “KNOW YE THAT OUR BROTHER TIMOTHY IS SET AT LIBERTY; WITH WHOM, IF HE COME SHORTLY, I WILL SEE YOU.” The composite is:<br />1. Timothy was a close companion of Paul, beginning with his Second Missionary journey (Acts 16:1-5). 2. “Is set at liberty,” probably refers to the younger Apostle being sent on a special mission. There is actually no evidence that Paul is speaking of him being released from prison. 3. The last phrase of this Verse lends credence to the idea, that Paul may have written this Letter during the conclusion of his first imprisonment. Or he could have written it after his first imprisonment. At any rate, it seems that he was hoping to visit certain Churches with Timothy. 4. This Verse, I feel, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Paul wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. TIMOTHY<br />The phrase, “Know ye that our Brother Timothy is set at liberty,” presents a strong circumstance showing that Paul, as stated, was the author of this Epistle. From the first acquaintance of Timothy with Paul he is represented as his constant companion, and spoken of as a brother (II Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Phile. vs. 1).<br />There is no other one of the Apostles who would so naturally have used this term respecting Timothy; and this kind mention is made of him here because he was so dear to the heart of the writer, and because he felt<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />that they to whom he wrote would also feel an interest in his circumstances.<br />As well, the phrase “set at liberty,” in no way demands the meaning of Timothy being released from prison. This is language which would be used rather of one who had been sent on some mission, than of one who was just released from prison.<br />But on the supposition that the expression relates to release from imprisonment, there would be an entire incongruity in the language. It is not, as we should then suppose, “our brother Timothy is now released from prison, and therefore I will come soon with him and see you”; but, “our brother Timothy is now sent away, and if he returns soon, I will come with him to you.”<br />In Philippians 2:19, 23, Paul then a prisoner at Rome, speaks of the hope which he entertained that he would be able to send Timothy to them, as soon as he should know how it would go with him. He designed to retain him until that point was settled, as his presence with him would be important until then, and then to send him to give consolation to the Philippians, and to look into the condition of the Church.<br />Now the Passages before us agrees well with the supposition that this event had occurred: that Paul had ascertained with sufficient clearness that he would be released, so that he might be permitted yet to visit the Hebrew Christians; that he had sent Timothy to Philippi, and was waiting for his return; that as soon as he should return he would be prepared to visit them; and that in the meantime, while Timothy was absent, he wrote to them this Epistle.<br />And at the same time, this may very well not have been the scenario, but this is as close as we can come to that which possibly may have happened.<br />I WILL SEE YOU<br />The phrase, “With whom, if he come shortly, I will see you,” leaves no clue whatsoever, if this actually happened.<br />Many situations such as this are mentioned casually in Paul’s Epistles, and thereby, offering no further explanation. The truth is, these particular events, are not the interest of the Holy Spirit. Geographical locations<br />821<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:24<br />and particular time frames are not the thrust of these Letters, but rather, instructions from the Lord as to how we ought to live, which pertains to our manner of Trust in Christ. As the entire thrust of the Old Testament is toward Christ, the entirety of the instruction given in the New Testament pertains to Christ. What He did for us at the Cross is the thrust of the Epistles, with the Holy Spirit giving us instructions as it regards our Faith in that Finished Work, all in order that Christlikeness might be developed within our hearts and lives.<br />(24) “SALUTE ALL THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND ALL THE SAINTS. THEY OF ITALY SALUTE YOU.” The exegesis is:<br />1. As to exactly what Church, or group of Churches, Paul here intends, we aren’t told. 2. This Epistle was written, not the Pastors of Churches, but to the Jewish members of these Churches, hence addressed to them. 3. The recipients of this Letter are told to greet the Pastor on behalf of Paul, and in fact, all the Saints in that particular Church or Churches. 4. It is almost certain from the statement, “They of Italy salute you,” that the Epistle was written from Italy. Consequently, it seems very likely it was during the time that Paul was in prison, probably during the first imprisonment. GREETINGS<br />The phrase, “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the Saints,” more than likely refers to their Pastors and other Saints in that particular Church, or Churches.<br />There are some who feel that Paul was actually speaking of the original Twelve Apostles, when he spoke of those “who have the rule over you.” Such certainly is possible, but there is no evidence either way.<br />As well, we have no way of knowing exactly as to whom this Epistle was actually sent. As of course is obvious, it was written for the very purpose of addressing the Jewish issue, and so it definitely would have been sent to a prominent person, whomever that individual may have been. And no doubt, copies were made of it very quickly, with it then being passed around, even as it was intended.<br />HEBREWS 13:25 822 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />It is almost certain, that the Epistle would have caused much discussion, and probably even some furor. The Law/Grace issue was very big then, and when it is to be considered that some Jews were defecting from Christ and going back into Judaism, even going so far as to publicly renounce Christ, the Epistle could not have helped but hit some nerves.<br />ITALY<br />The phrase, “They of Italy salute you,” without a doubt I think, proves the case that this Epistle was written from Italy and more than likely, Rome. As well, the manner of this benediction is Paul’s style. He would greet those in the respective Churches, and as well would send greetings from wherever he was writing a particular Epistle.<br />Considering these things, I really do not see how anyone could doubt that Paul wrote this Epistle. It is highly unlikely that the Holy Spirit would have inspired someone else to copy Paul’s style word for word. As well, to have written this Epistle, one would have had to have been an expert in the Old Testament, which certainly fit the case of Paul. In my estimation, there was no one in the world of that day who knew the Old Testament as this particular Apostle.<br />(25) “GRACE BE WITH YOU ALL. AMEN.” In all of Paul’s Epistles, he closes with a statement concerning Grace. In fact, he is referred to by most Bible Scholars as “the Apostle of Grace.” What does this mean?<br />First of all, Grace is simply the goodness of God extended to undeserving Believers. While God has always had Grace, it took the Cross to open up the way, that Grace might be abundantly bestowed upon those who evidenced Faith. In fact, Faith is the only requirement for Grace. And when we say Faith, we’re speaking of Faith exclusively in the Cross of Christ, i.e., “what Jesus there did on behalf of a lost and dying world.”<br />In fact, Grace is irrevocably tied to the Cross. If one understands the meaning of the Cross, one understands the meaning of the New Covenant, and because the meaning of the Cross is the meaning of the New Covenant. It’s what Jesus did there, in atoning for all sin, which opened up the way to the very Presence of God,<br />NOTES<br />hence the Veil which hid the Holy of Holies being rent asunder at the time of the Death of Christ (Mat. 27:51). By God doing this at the Death of Christ, He was in effect telling all of mankind, that what Jesus had done, had now opened up the way. In other words, through the Substitutionary Offering of Himself on the Cross, Christ had now become the Mediator. No other man, woman, or institution would ever be needed. And he became the Mediator by what he did at the Cross.<br />With the sin debt completely removed, which the Cross did, this sin barrier was broken down between God and man, for sin had always been the barrier. Faith in Christ places the individual automatically in the Presence of God, which of course, was and is vastly superior to the old Levitical way, which could not do such a thing.<br />THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS<br />There is no book in the New Testament more important than this Epistle, and of course none which would be more perceptible in the Canon of Scriptures. Every Reader of the Old Testament needs such a guide as this Epistle, written by someone who had an intimate acquaintance from childhood with the Jewish System; who had all the advantages of the most able and faithful instruction, and who was under the influence of inspiration, to make us acquainted with the true nature of those institutions. Nothing was more important than to settle the principles in regard to the nature of the Jewish economy; to show what was typical, and how those institutions were the means of introducing a far more perfect system — the system of Faith in Christ.<br />If we have the right feelings, we shall have sincere gratitude to God that He caused our Faith to be prefigured by a system in itself so magnificent and grand as that of the Jewish, and higher gratitude for that sublime system of Faith in Christ, of which the Jewish, with all its splendor was only the shadow.<br />There was much that was beautiful, cheering, and sublime in the Jewish system. There was much that was grand and awful in the giving of the Law, and much that was imposing in its Ceremonies. In its pure days, it was<br />JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />incomparably the purest and most noble system of faith on Earth, and because it was given directly by God.<br />THE LAW<br />It taught the nature of the one true God; inculcated a pure system of morals; preserved the record of the Truth on the Earth, and held up constantly before man the hope of a better system still in days to come.<br />But at the same time, it was expensive, burdensome, precise in its prescriptions, and wearisome in its ceremonies (Acts 15:10).<br />As well, it was adapted to one people — a people who occupied a small territory, and who could conveniently assemble at the central place of their worship some three times in a year. It was not a system adapted to the whole world; nor was it designed for the whole world. When the time came, therefore, to introduce Who had always been the design of the Jewish economy, it ceased as a matter of course. The Jewish Altars were soon thrown down; the Temple was razed to the ground, and the city of their solemnities was destroyed. Consequently, the religion of the Hebrews, one might say, passed away to be revived no more in its splendor and power, and it has never lived since, except as an empty form.<br />CHRIST, THE FULFILLMENT<br />This Epistle teaches us why the old economy passed away, and why it can never be restored. This Book of Hebrews is the true key with which to unlock the Old Testament; and with these views we may remark, in conclusion, that he who would understand the Bible thoroughly should make himself familiar with this Epistle; that the Canon of Scripture would be incomplete without it; and that to one who wishes to understand the Revelation which God has given, there is no portion of the Volume whose loss would be a more irreparable calamity than that of the Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />(Regarding the closing remarks, the author owes a debt of gratitude to Albert Barnes regarding his notes on the New Testament.)<br />IN CONCLUSION<br />It is Saturday morning, September 30, 2000, as I conclude the notes on this Commentary<br />823<br />NOTES<br />HEBREWS 13:25<br />on Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. To differentiate between various Books of the Bible isn’t wise; however, considering the fact that some particular Books or Epistles serve as intersections, which Hebrews certainly does, makes this Epistle, at least in my opinion, one of the single most important works in the entirety of the Bible. As nothing else, and as stated, it explains the Old Testament, and above all, it explains Who Christ is, and What Christ did; consequently, it is a treatment on Christ and the Cross as nothing else in the entirety of the Word of God.<br />In 1996, the Lord in answer to soul-searching prayer, intercession incidentally which had lasted for over five years, began to give me the Revelation of the Cross. To be sure, this was not something new, actually being the very foundation of all that God has ever done on this Earth as it regards the Salvation of man.<br />What He told me and showed me, which actually continues unto this hour, has completely revolutionized my life and ministry. I think I can say without any fear of exaggeration, that for the first time in my Christian life, and I speak of such a life which has now spanned well over half a century, for the first time I know what Jesus meant when He spoke of “more abundant life” (Jn. 10:10).<br />The Cross has opened it up, and I speak of the entirety of the Word of God, as I have not previously known.<br />I might quickly add, that all I have been given, and as stated, continue to be given, has been derived from the Apostle Paul. It was to him that the meaning of the Cross was given, which is actually the meaning of the New Covenant. So I guess I can say, that I have an affinity for Paul that is beyond the normal. Few men in history have equaled this man, and possibly no one has ever equaled this man. Because of him, we know what Christ did at the Cross, why He did what He did, and how that it was all done for us.<br />THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS<br />In the writing of this Commentary on this grand Epistle, and walking through its pages with the Apostle, as the Holy Spirit through him opened up this great Truth of the Cross, not one word contradicted that which I believed<br />HEBREWS 13:25 824 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />the Lord had given unto me, but rather enlarged its meaning and to an extent that is beyond comprehension. I know, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I now have a greater understanding of what Jesus did for me and in fact, the entirety of the human race, on that memorable day when He bore the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). It fills my heart with such gratitude, that at times, even going about my daily duties, I will break down and begin to weep. I find myself awakening in the night, and doing so night after night, with wellsprings of joy springing up within my soul, thanking Him for what He has shown me.<br />I do not know why we as human beings seemingly, have to find out these great Truths the hard way? I don’t know why, as Paul, we have to come to the place of “Oh wretched man that I am . . .” before we are pliable enough in the hands of the Holy Spirit, that He can properly show us Christ. For Christ is the mainspring of it all! It is Jesus, as it always will be Jesus, but more particularly, it is, “Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />If you have taken your time to read the literary efforts of this Evangelist, I would pray that the study of this material has affected you, as the writing of this material has affected me. If so, or even partially so, then it has been well worth the labor we have expended as it regards the privilege of this effort. If you’ve seen only me, then I have failed in my efforts; however, if you now see Christ in a greater way, then in some small way, I have succeeded in what we are attempting to do.<br />Jimmy Swaggart<br />“Earthly pleasures vainly call me,<br />“I would be like Jesus;<br />“Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,<br />“I would be like Jesus.”<br />“He has broken every fetter,<br />“I would be like Jesus;<br />“That my soul may serve Him better,<br />“I would be like Jesus.”<br />“All the way from Earth to glory,<br />“I would be like Jesus;<br />“Telling o’er and o’er the story,<br />“I would be like Jesus.”<br />NOTES<br />“That in Heaven He may meet me,<br />“I would be like Jesus;<br />“That His words ‘well done’ may<br />greet me,<br />“I would be like Jesus.”</span></div>
Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-22703866451783940292008-06-27T03:27:00.001-05:002015-12-25T05:26:25.225-06:00Hebrews Chapter 12<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Hebrews Chapter 12</b></div>
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(1) “WHEREFORE SEEING WE ALSO ARE COMPASSED ABOUT WITH SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US,”The composite is:1. The “cloud of witnesses” here mentioned,refers to all the Old Testament Saints.2. The “witnesses” does not refer here to the Saints looking down on Earth and observing the present situation, but rather that their faith was a witness or example to us who are presently running this race.3. The Christian runner must rid himself even of innocent things which might retard him, and most certainly of sins which greatly hinder.4. So long as he stands still, he does notfeel these “weights” and “sins” as being burdensome and hampering; however, once he begins to run, these encumbrances are instantly felt. To be sure, the Christian is “running this Christian race.”A CLOUD OF WITNESSES The phrase, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,” refers as stated to all the Old Testament Saints who looked forward to the coming Promise, Who is the Lord Jesus Christ,but who did not see the bringing about of that event in their lifetimes, but yet died in Faith believing that He would ultimately come. The word “witnesses” here doesn’t carry the idea of the Saints who are now in Heaven, watching and observing us as we run this race, as some teach. HEBREWS 12:1 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY “Witnesses” as here used in the Greek is“martus,” which means “one who testifies,or can testify, to what he has seen or heard or knows by any other means.” It is used in a legal way in the sense of witnesses to a contractor legal document. In an ethical sense it was used in the early Church to designate those who have proved the strength and genuineness of their Faith in the Lord Jesus by undergoing a violent death. The worddoes not include in its meaning, the idea of aperson looking at something. Peter uses itof himself (I Pet. 5:1) as a witness of the sufferingsof Christ, that is, one who has beenretained and commissioned to testify to thesufferings of Christ which he has seen.The heroes of faith of the previous Chapterare the cloud of witnesses, testifying to theefficacy of the Faith way of salvation and victory.Paul calls them, so to speak, to the witnessstand to bear testimony to what they haveseen and heard and felt as to what Faith couldand did do for them, so that the Jews of hisday, and all other people for that matter,might become convinced that the Salvationwhich Christ wrought out on the Cross, mustbe appropriated by faith, not works (Wuest).The whole idea of Paul’s statement, consequently,is not that of these witnesses asspectators looking at this early scene fromHeaven, but rather, that their testimoniesserve as examples urging us on to Faith inChrist as our Great High Priest.THE VERACITY OF THE CROSSIn this entire scenario, we see somethingof utmost importance, which undergirds everythingthat Paul says in the entirety of thisEpistle to the Hebrews.The nation of Israel, as is obvious, andbecause they have rejected Christ and evencrucified Him, were continuing on in theirTemple worship. But worse than that, manyif not most Christian Jews were continuingto do the same thing. They were attemptingto meld the Law with Christ, with in fact,the Church in Jerusalem leading the way. Infact, I think one could say without fear ofexaggeration, that this of which I have justsaid was an abomination in the Eyes of God.For the Jews who had confessed the Nameof the Lord, the Holy Spirit through thisEpistle is calling them to flee the camp ofJudaism, with which they have been identifiedall too long after acknowledging theMessiahship and Saviorhood of the Lord Jesus.Judgment was soon to fall upon Jerusalem andthose who were linked with the temple service.The time had come to separate completelyfrom a system which God no longerrecognized because His Own Son had beenrejected and crucified. All of these things,and we continue to speak of temple worship,were now but empty forms which once hadbeen divinely appointed to typify the Personand Work of Christ. To attempt to reformthat system or to restore it to a place in theDivine favor was vain. The only path for thosewho would be faithful to God was that of separationfrom it all, but separation to the rejectedOne.As is known, the Lord used Titus the Romangeneral as His instrument, to destroyevery vestige of that old way. As stated it hadonce been right, actually called into being byGod; however, in its entirety it was meant toportray the Coming Redeemer Who with theOffering of Himself, would redeem humanity,which the blood of these bulls and goatsin their sacrifices could never do. But yet,they perfectly typified Him Who was to come.Now that He had come, and had paid theprice on Calvary’s Cross, to attempt to carryon this old way, which Christ had now fulfilled,was a mockery to God. It in effect stated,and loudly so, that what Jesus did at the Crosswas of no consequence.PAULIn fact, this was Paul’s greatest problemin the Early Church. Christian Jews camefrom the Church in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:11-15),attempting to infiltrate the Churches establishedby Paul, and thereby to insert theirgospel of legalism. In fact, much of the writingin Paul’s fourteen Epistles deals with thisissue. And if the Truth be known, had it notbeen for Paul, it is doubtful that the EarlyChurch could have weathered that storm.While there is every evidence that the originalTwelve (Matthias taking the place of Judas),stood with Paul; still, there is no recordthat they lifted their weight as they should inorder to oppose this scourge. In other words,at least as it regards this issue, it seems theylittle opposed the wrong direction of legalism,while at the same time accepting Paul’sMessage of Grace. Every record is, when putto the test, they came through with flyingcolors (Acts 15:7-12), and I continue to speakof the Twelve, but as it regards raising astrong voice against the continued practiceof the Law by many Christian Jews, it seemsthey were somewhat silent. However, concerningthis issue, I do not want to read moreinto the Text than should be read, but this Ido know:I think the Scriptures bear out in starkreality that which I have stated concerningthis issue, and above all, we know how muchthat God disdained the continued practice ofthe Law, by what He did to Jerusalem andthe Temple in A.D. 70, making it literallyimpossible to continue this type of worship.THE PRESENT APPLICATIONOF THE CROSSIf there was ever a glaring lesson portrayed,it is portrayed here. The entirety ofthe Epistle to the Hebrews could not be moreexplicit. As stated, it should be a stern warningto the Church.If the Lord detested in those days, theChurch, at least the Jewish section, attemptingto downplay the Cross, is He no less angeredpresently? In fact, it can be no otherway. Peter said:“But there were false prophets also amongthe people (in Old Testament times), evenas there shall be false teachers among you,who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,even denying the Lord that bought them, andbring upon themselves swift destruction.”He then said, “And many shall followtheir pernicious ways, by reason of whomthe way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (IIPet. 2:1-2).When the Apostle spoke of the Lord “buyingus” he of course, was speaking of whatJesus did at the Cross. The “heresies” hereof which he speaks, pertain totally and completelyto any so-called gospel which is outsideof the Cross, or makes less of the Crossthan it should.These false teachers of Paul’s day, did notdeny the Cross, they merely ignored it ashaving no bearing on one’s relationship withChrist, rather projecting Law, etc. It is thesame presently. For instance:Most of the modern Church, and I speakof those who claim to be fundamental in belief,opt for humanistic psychology as the answerto man’s problems. Most of thesePreachers, and they number in the tens ofthousands, do not deny the Cross of Christ,they merely ignore it. In other words, whilethey do not disavow the Cross as the answerfor the human condition, at the same time,they do not hold it up as the answer, ratherpromoting, as stated, humanistic psychology.However, any way it is approached, such actionis a vote of no confidence, as it regardsthe great Sacrifice of Christ, irrespective asto the claims of these religious leaders, etc.Although I’m not sure about the year (Ithink it was 1997), someone sent me a copyof the Pentecostal Evangel, which is theweekly voice of the Assemblies of God, thelargest Pentecostal Denomination in theworld. In that particular issue, as it regardsindividuals with problems, whatever thoseproblems might be, the editor was advocatingthe psychological 12-step programs, statingthat if the Church being attended did nothave such a program, they were to searchout one which did.In fact, the overseer of the Church of Godof Cleveland, Tennessee, the second largestPentecostal Denomination in the world, is apracticing Psychologist (the year 2000).There is no way these two systems of humanisticpsychology and the Sacrifice of Christcan be joined together. They are total opposites,which means that whichever one is accepted,the other must be blatantly rejected.I want to go on record loud and clear, assaying, that such a position is rank heresy,exactly as Peter stated! Now I think you understandwhy they detest this Evangelist.I can say no less as it regards the modern“faith movement.” Pure and simple, it is heresy.And please understand, these things, plusmuch and many we have not named, are heresysimply because of their denial of the Cross,whether by word or action. It is the sameidentical thing as the Christian Jews of Paul’sday were doing, which was ultimately answeredby the Wrath of God.Let the Reader understand, that all Believerswho sit under such ministries, i.e., “suchspiritual leadership,” will be greatly hinderedin their walk with God, and as some of theChristian Jews of Paul’s day, could even losetheir souls. We’re speaking here of the issuesof life and death, actually, the single mostimportant thing in the world. As someonehas well said, “We do what we do because webelieve what we believe.” So my point is this:It is absolutely impossible, for any Believerto sit under false teaching, and not come awayunaffected. The “leaven” will always affectits work, and if not ultimately rooted out,will ultimately corrupt the whole (Gal. 5:9).CORRECT DOCTRINEUnless one properly understands the Crossof Christ, which of course refers to His greatSacrifice, which is really the story of the Bible,one cannot properly understand the Word.It’s just that simple! To the degree one understandsthe Cross, accordingly one understandsthe Word.That’s the reason that Paul said, “But wepreach Christ Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).That’s the reason he also said, “For I determinednot to know anything among you, saveJesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).He also said, “But God forbid that I shouldglory, save in the Cross of our Lord JesusChrist, by Whom the world is crucified untome, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).And then in Romans Chapter 6, whichsomeone has rightly labeled “the mechanicsof the Spirit,” the Apostle showed us exactlywhat the Cross means to us, not only in ourinitial Salvation experience, but as well, inour ongoing living for God. And then whenthe Cross is properly understood, even as RomansChapter 6 teaches, then the Apostleshows us in Romans Chapter 8, which hasbeen called “the dynamics of the Holy Spirit,”as to what the Spirit of God will do withinour hearts and lives, when we properly understandthe Cross, and put our Faith therein.As well, in Romans Chapter 7, the Apostleshows us the fruitless life of the Believer whoattempts to live this Christian experience byhis own strength and efforts, which meanshe is attempting to do so without the help ofthe Holy Spirit. In fact, this was the personalHEBREWS 12:1 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARYexperience of Paul after he was saved and NOTESbaptized with the Holy Spirit. He did not atthat time understand the Cross and what itall meant; therefore, he tried to live this lifeby the means of the flesh, which refers toour own efforts other and apart from theHoly Spirit. Of course, such a direction isimpossible!The Apostle concluded that terrible scenarioby saying, “O wretched man that I am!Who shall deliver me from the body of thisdeath?” (Rom. 7:24). Regrettably, the SeventhChapter of Romans is where most modernChristians find themselves. They do notknow the way of the Cross as outlined inRomans 6; therefore, they do not have thehelp of the Holy Spirit, at least as they shouldhave, as given to us in Romans Chapter 8.I’m trying to say, if the Preacher is notpreaching the Cross, he is not preaching theGospel. Consequently, those who sit undersuch ministries are going to be deeply affected,but all in the wrong way. Regrettably, that isthe state of most of the modern Church.THE WORKS OF THE FLESHThe phrase, “Let us lay aside every weight,and the sin which doth so easily beset us,”says several things to us:First of all, there are millions of Christianswho are attempting to obey this Verse,as it regards the “laying aside” of particularweights and sins in our hearts and lives; however,they are simply unable to do so. Why?If one properly understands the Cross,which refers to what Jesus there did for him,and puts his faith totally in that, which guaranteesthe help of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2),then he will be free to “lay aside” these particularthings. Otherwise, it will be impossible!Within one’s own strength and ability, it isimpossible to obey this which the Holy Spirittells us through Paul that we must do. MostChristians who are struggling with somethingof this nature, do not think of themselvesas attempting to lay aside these weightsand sins by their own efforts and ability, butrather think they are attempting to do so bythe power of the Holy Spirit. They think becausethey are engaging themselves in spiritualthings, such as speaking in tongues,memorizing Scriptures and quoting them,having hands laid on them, praying and fasting,etc., that such is the Biblical way.While all of these things named, and manysuch like not named, are definitely Scriptural,and definitely right in their own way andplace, that’s not the answer to victory. Andthat comes as a shock to most Christians.Even though these things mentioned arespiritual things, in the manner in which theyare carried out in the hearts and lives of mostChristians, God looks at them as “works” orelse “walking after the flesh” (Rom. 8:1).Our problem is, we’ve turned these perfectlyScriptural disciplines into “works.”The secret to all Christian victory is simpleFaith in the Cross of Christ, which refers towhat He there did on our behalf. When youas a Believer make the Cross of Christ theobject of your Faith, and you continue to doso all the days of your life (Rom. 6:3-5, 11,14), then the Holy Spirit will begin to workwith you, doing within you and for you, thatwhich only He can do. I’m trying to say, thatyou cannot lay aside these weights and sinswithout the power of the Holy Spirit. Andconsidering that He works exclusively withinthe parameters of the great Sacrifice ofChrist, you must ever place your Faith in thatFinished Work. When you do this, and continueto do this, then it’s very easy to lay asidethese things mentioned. Otherwise, you willfight and struggle, and the harder you fightand struggle, the worse these problems becomein your heart and life (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).WORKS OF THE FLESH IN THE HEARTSAND LIVES OF CHRISTIANSIf the Believer doesn’t understand theCross, the works of the flesh will definitelyshow themselves in the heart and life of thatBeliever. I realize that’s a strong statement,but it happens to be true. And it doesn’t reallymatter who the Christian is, if the Crossis not properly understood, which refers toour dependence totally and completely on thegreat Sacrifice of Christ, without exception,works of the flesh are going to begin to showthemselves in one’s life. It is inevitable!That’s a chilling thought, but it happensto be true. Paul said:“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,which are these; adultery, fornication,JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY HEBREWS 12:1<br />
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft,hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders,drunkenness, revellings, and such like” (Gal.5:19-21). What was happening was this:Paul had established the Galatian Churches.Of course, they had been established on theright foundation, which means that theGalatians had the proper teaching. They hadbeen saved by trusting in the shed Blood ofChrist, and they were kept by continuing faithin the Cross.However, false teachers came in fromJerusalem, attempting to add Law to Grace,which of course, is impossible. That’s thereason that Paul wrote this Epistle to theGalatians, and the reason he was so harsh inmany of his statements.What was being taught these Galatians bythese false teachers was heresy. And Paulknew that if they accepted this false teaching,it would fall out to great spiritual harmon their part, and possibly even the loss oftheir souls. He plainly tells them here, thatattempting to travel a course of any directionother than the Cross is going to lead toworks of the flesh being manifested.Now many Christians may look at this list,beginning with “adultery, fornication, uncleanness,and lasciviousness,” and automaticallythink, “I’m not guilty of these,” etc.However, the truth is, that these terrible vicesbegin in the heart, before they’re carried outin the act. My statement is this:It is impossible for any Christian to notharbor the thoughts of these terrible sins inhis heart, unless his faith and trust are completelyin the great Sacrifice of Christ, whichthen gives him the help of the Holy Spirit.Not performing the act is not enough. Theremust not even be any desire within our hearts.In fact, these first four sins mentioned in Verse19, are far more widespread in Christendomthan one would think.For instance, most Christians would noteven remotely think of themselves as committingthe sin of “idolatry”; however, if we’relooking to anything else for life and victoryoutside of the Cross of Christ, we have madean idol of that thing, and most of the time, itcenters up in “self.” In other words, we’re tryingto live this life by our own machinations,whether we understand it or not, and we havemade an idol out of “self.” And yet, manyChristians make idols out of their religiousDenominations, their particular Church, oreven particular Preachers. In other words,their trust is in those things and those people,whomever they might be, instead of the Sacrificeof Christ.At this very moment, millions of Christiansthink that by belonging to a certainDenomination, that such insures Salvationor at least some type of spiritual superiority.Pure and simple they have made an idol outof that Denomination or Church.And then look at “heresy.” Any belief systemother than the Cross of Christ is heresy.That’s a strong statement, but it is true!Because of its seriousness, let me say itagain:If you as a Believer do not properly understandthe Cross of Christ, and thereby makethat the object of your Faith, which guaranteesthe help of the Holy Spirit, the “worksof the flesh” are going to manifest themselvesin your life. And unless they’re rooted out,you could lose your soul (Gal. 5:21). Theidea is we must go God’s Way. Any otherway leads to death. The Holy Spirit throughSolomon plainly said, “There is a way whichseemeth right unto a man, but the endthereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).FALSE DIRECTIONThere are some Christians who think theyunderstand the Cross and Grace, but in fact,understand it erroneously, thereby turningthe liberty of grace into license. In otherwords, inasmuch as the Grace of God is greaterthan all sin, in which it definitely is, then, sothey think, sin is not so very serious. The ideais, sin doesn’t matter so much, they say, becauseGrace abounds (Rom. 5:20).Nothing could be farther from the Truth!Paul’s answer to that was, “What shall we saythen? Shall we continue in sin, that gracemay abound?”He then said, “God forbid. How shall we,that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”(Rom. 6:1-2).The Lord doesn’t save us in sin, but ratherfrom sin. And once we’re saved, the HolySpirit comes within our hearts and lives, andHEBREWS 12:1 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARYit is His business to rid us of all sin. Now NOTESplease understand that statement, becauseit’s very, very important.The Holy Spirit works tirelessly, to helpus “lay aside every weight and sin which dothso easily beset us.” Sin is a terrible affront toGod. It is the cause of all the sorrow, heartacheand problems in the world today, and infact ever has been. The Cross of Christ is God’sanswer to sin. In fact, that should tell us exactlyhow awful that sin is. To address thisproblem, God had to become man, and hadto go to the Cross in order that the terribleguilt and power of sin might be broken. So,as a Christian, sin is abhorrent to us, even asit must be abhorrent to us.THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OFLIFE IN CHRIST JESUSIn fact, this problem is so horrible thatthe Lord referred to it as the “law of sin anddeath” (Rom. 8:2). This means, as shouldbe understood, that sin will bring death andwill bring it in every capacity. There is onlyone power that can overcome that particularlaw, and that is another Law. It is called,“the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus”(Rom. 8:2). This Law and this Law alone, canovercome the law of sin and death. But howdoes it do this?In fact, most Christians don’t have theslightest idea as to how the “Law of the Spiritof Life in Christ Jesus,” performs this task.If most think about it at all, they just sort ofthink it’s automatic, or something whichjust happens.Others think because they speak with othertongues occasionally, that this is the answer.While tongues definitely are Scriptural andreal, and are definitely a blessing to any Saintof God, that’s not what this Passage is speakingabout.First, and as we’ve already explained in thisVolume, this of which we speak is a “Law,”which means, that it was devised by God, andto be sure, it is going to be kept. And when Isay “kept,” I’m meaning that the Holy Spiritis going to keep this Law, and of that one canbe sure.It is called “The Law of the Spirit of Life,”because it generates life in the heart and life ofthe Believer. Where does this life come from?The total phrase is, “The Law of the Spiritof Life in Christ Jesus,” which means, that thisLife comes exclusively from Christ.To be sure, Christ has always had Life. Heis God, so Life flows from Him; however, ittook the Cross for that Life to be impartedunto us.That’s what Jesus was talking about whenHe said, “If any man thirsts, let him comeunto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me,as the Scripture hath said, out of his innermostbeing shall flow rivers of living water”(Jn. 7:37-38).And then John said, “But this spake He ofthe Spirit, which they that believe on Himshould receive: for the Holy Spirit was notyet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified”(Jn. 7:39).Thank the Lord, Jesus has now been glorified,which means, that He died on the Crosson our behalf, was raised from the dead, withHis Sacrifice being accepted by God. He wasglorified the moment He was raised from thedead, which means that His appearance onour behalf in the Presence of God is guaranteed(Heb. 9:24).All of this “Life” comes from Christ, butmore particularly, is made possible by whatHe did at the Cross. As we’ve already stated,Christ is God, and as such, has always hadlife. The problem was He could not impartthis life to Believers, except through the Personof the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spiritcould not carry out this work, until Christhad affected His great Sacrifice at the Cross.At the Cross, Christ removed the sin debt ofman, by atoning for all sin, past, present, andfuture, at least for those who will believe (Jn.3:16). When this was done, the Holy Spiritcould then impart the Life of Christ to seekingsouls. That alone gives victory over thelaw of sin and death.FAITHTo have this great impartation of lifewhich Paul speaks about in Romans 8:2, onesimply has to exhibit Faith in the FinishedWork of Christ. Perhaps I can say it betterin this manner:One does not have to worry about the HolySpirit doing His Office work within our heartsand lives, which is to rid us of all sin, andJIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY HEBREWS 12:1<br />
Thank the Lord, Jesus has now been glorified, which means, that He died on the Cross on our behalf, was raised from the dead, with His Sacrifice being accepted by God. He was glorified the moment He was raised from the dead, which means that His appearance on our behalf in the Presence of God is guaranteed (Heb. 9:24).<br />
All of this “Life” comes from Christ, but more particularly, is made possible by what He did at the Cross. As we’ve already stated, Christ is God, and as such, has always had life. The problem was He could not impart this life to Believers, except through the Person of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit could not carry out this work, until Christ had affected His great Sacrifice at the Cross. At the Cross, Christ removed the sin debt of man, by atoning for all sin, past, present, and future, at least for those who will believe (Jn. 3:16). When this was done, the Holy Spirit could then impart the Life of Christ to seeking souls. That alone gives victory over the law of sin and death.<br />
FAITH<br />
To have this great impartation of life which Paul speaks about in Romans 8:2, one simply has to exhibit Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. Perhaps I can say it better in this manner:<br />
One does not have to worry about the Holy Spirit doing His Office work within our hearts and lives, which is to rid us of all sin, and<br />
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thereby to perfect the Fruit of the Spirit within our lives, providing our Faith is in the Cross of Christ. That’s what Paul was speaking about incessantly in Romans 4, where he spoke of the Faith of Abraham, when he said,<br />
“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for Righteousness” (Rom. 4:3).<br />
To sum it all up, Abraham was believing in what God was going to do as it regarded sending a Redeemer into this world. That’s why Jesus addressed Himself to this by saying to the Jews, “Your Father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad” (Jn. 8:56).<br />
Faith exclusively is the ingredient by which God works. And by that statement, it is always meant “Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ.” As I’ve said over and over again, if we think of Jesus outside of the Cross, we are not properly understanding Him. That’s why Paul said, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />
When we place our Faith in what Christ did for us at the Cross, this shows that we understand that we could not do this thing ourselves, and that He had to do it for us, which He did. This denotes humility along with Faith and Trust in Christ, and Christ exclusively. Then we won’t try to live this life by our own strength and ability, but will do so by Faith in Christ, which always refers to Faith in what He did at the Cross. This gives the Holy Spirit the latitude which He must have, in order to perform His work within our hearts and lives.<br />
THE RESURRECTION<br />
Many Christians are fond of referring to themselves as “Resurrection Saints,” etc. Most of the time, those who say this, are belittling the Cross.<br />
Of course, the Resurrection as should be overly obvious, is of extreme importance; however, let the Reader understand, that the Resurrection was a foregone conclusion once Jesus died. The fact that He atoned for all sin, which opened up the way to God for all men, at least all who will believe, guaranteed His Resurrection.<br />
The wages of sin is death, and there being no sin in Christ, and due to the fact that He had atoned for all sin, Satan could not keep<br />
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Him in the death world. To be sure, the Evil One could definitely keep every other person who had ever lived in that death world, even the great Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament, and because, the sin debt still hung over their heads. So he had a right to make them his captives, which he did, even though he could only go so far with that captivity (Eph. 4:8-10).<br />
But Jesus had no sin. The Scripture says of Him, “For such an High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26). Therefore, death could not hold Him.<br />
Furthermore, Paul also said, “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection” (Rom. 6:5).<br />
This means, that we definitely cannot enjoy the fruits of His Resurrection, unless we properly understand the “likeness of His death,” which means that we were actually “planted into His death” (Rom. 6:3).<br />
As important as the Resurrection was and is, it was not the Resurrection which affected your Salvation, but rather the Cross. That’s why Paul said, “I will glory in the Cross” (Gal. 6:14). He didn’t say, “I will glory in the Resurrection,” etc.<br />
In fact, the moment that Jesus died on the Cross, the Scripture says, “when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the Ghost.” It then said:<br />
“And, behold, the Veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Mat. 27:50-51).<br />
This signified that the way to God, even into His very Presence of the Holy of Holies, was now open, and open to all, who would avail themselves of what Christ did at the Cross on their behalf. This didn’t await the Resurrection, and for all the obvious reasons.<br />
That way was opened at the Cross, and with it then opened, the Resurrection of Christ was a foregone conclusion.<br />
Therefore, while it is definitely true that we are “Resurrection people” we are that only because of what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf. In fact, in spirit, we are actually seated at this very moment with Christ in Heavenly Places (Eph. 2:6); however, we are there solely<br />
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and completely because of the Cross, and nothing else we might quickly add!<br />
THE RACE<br />
The phrase, “And let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” refers to the fact, that we don’t run too very well, if we are encumbered by “weights” which greatly slow us down, and “sin” which can get us off the track completely. Let’s say it again:<br />
“Weights” drastically slow us down, while “sin” can “easily beset us,” which refers to getting us off the track completely.<br />
The specific word for a race (dromos) is not used here, the general term for an athletic contest (agon) being chosen instead. This gives the idea of a certain type of race which is placed before the Christian. It is like a road that stretches out before one’s gaze (Wuest).<br />
The idea of this “race” is finishing the course. It is not the idea of all running, and only the one who crosses the finish line first is the winner. The idea is, that the Believer not quit this race, not stop running, but run completely until the finish line is crossed. It doesn’t really matter how many times the person falls down on this particular course, just as long as he gets up and keeps running. Of course, any distraction is a severe hindrance as would be obvious. So we’re not taking lightly any distractions along the way; however, the emphasis is on finishing the course, hence Paul saying of himself, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course” (II Tim. 4:7).<br />
PATIENCE<br />
“Patience” in the Greek is “hupomone,” and “includes both passive endurance and active persistence.” It implies that there will be hindrances along the way, all placed there by Satan, with the intention of causing the Believer to quit running altogether, or else to run in a wrong direction. Both, as would be obvious, are extremely destructive.<br />
We not only have to run this race, but we have to run it in the right direction, and it is sin, which can get us off course. And what is that sin?<br />
Whatever it might be, whatever course it takes, whatever direction is takes, it can be<br />
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traced back to “unbelief.” And what do we mean by that?<br />
If it is to be noticed, Paul used the definite article when he said, “the sin.” He is actually referring to trusting in something else other than the Cross. That is “the sin!”<br />
The words “easily beset” are the translation of the Greek “euperistatos,” meaning “readily, deftly, cleverly.” It also means, “to place itself around.” It speaks of the sin that readily and easily encircles the Christian runner, like a long, loose robe clinging to his limbs, which will have a tendency to throw him off course. In fact, because of unbelief in the Cross of Christ, whether through ignorance or otherwise, millions of Christians are running a race, but it’s in the wrong direction. Consequently, it will not come out to a correct conclusion, but rather to the loss of their souls. That’s how critical this thing actually is.<br />
In simple terms, “patience” refers to the following:<br />
These things I’m teaching you are not learned easily. It may seem simple enough to put our Faith in the Cross of Christ and to leave it there; however, Satan fights this more than he fights anything else. And to be sure, he fights it moreso from inside the Church than from anywhere else.<br />
The idea is, this “Cross Life,” this “Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus,” is not an uneventful course. It is somewhat like running a gauntlet. There are enemies on either side of the course who are attempting to drag us down, and doing so by any means at their disposal. The only way we can win, which means to run straight and true, is to keep our eyes on Christ Who in fact, has run this race before us, and has already won the victory on our behalf. If we trust in what He has done for us, which again refers to the Cross, we are guaranteed to cross the finish line. But only if we keep our eyes on Him!<br />
We must never forget, that our Faith is never quite as strong as we think it is. That’s the reason we have to “grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord.” That’s the reason it’s referred to as the “Fruit of the Spirit,” which refers to the fact, that fruit has to be cultivated and has to grow. In other words, none of this comes easily or quickly.<br />
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Unfortunately, in the last several decades, we have been taught that all we have to do is to confess the right thing, and it instantly comes to us. None of that is Scripturally correct. While a right confession is definitely important, it is only the confession that one has in the Cross of Christ which stands the test. That’s the confession we must have. In fact, that’s why Paul said:<br />
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).<br />
The word “reckon” refers to a conclusion or bottom line. The idea is, I will confess what Jesus has done for me at the Cross, and thereby reckon myself to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ my Lord.<br />
Paul also said, “For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith” (Gal. 5:5).<br />
The word “wait” here refers to patience, and could be translated “wait patiently.”<br />
Wait patiently for what?<br />
We want Righteousness totally and completely to be affected within our hearts and lives. Only the Spirit of God can do this. When we look at ourselves, too often we see failure instead of victory. That’s why it’s referred to as “the hope of Righteousness.”<br />
In Christ I have a position of Righteousness, which refers to imputed Righteousness, which refers to Righteousness that was given to me without merit or price, upon my Faith in Christ when I was saved. However, the development of Righteousness in my heart and life is a Work of the Spirit, which requires time and patience. In other words, the Holy Spirit is busy bringing my “condition of Righteousness,” up to my “position of Righteousness.” As stated, this is not done easily or quickly.<br />
But we are to continue to have Faith that the Spirit is going to work this out within our hearts and lives, which He definitely will, if we will maintain our Faith in what Christ did for us at the Cross.<br />
QUITTERS<br />
As I’ve stated elsewhere in this Volume, the Lord can deal with failures. In fact, there has never been a Believer who hasn’t failed at one time or the other, and in fact, many times. And when I speak of “failure,” I’m speaking<br />
NOTES<br />
actually of being overcome by sin, and thereby sinning in some way. But God can deal with failures, and in fact, He has already done so at the Cross. But God cannot deal with quitters.<br />
That’s what Satan wants you to do — quit. He wants you to get discouraged and stop. He wants you to say, “I’ve tried the Cross and it doesn’t work for me,” or words to that effect. But I have good news for you.<br />
The very next Verse in this Twelfth Chapter of Hebrews, tells us what we are to do:<br />
(2) “LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH; WHO FOR THE JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME, AND IS SET DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD.” The composite is:<br />
1. It is to Jesus we must look. 2. It is Him and what He did for us at the Cross, in which our Faith must be placed. 3. The Cross must ever be the object of our Faith, which is the price that He paid. 4. By the mere fact of Christ being presently seated at the right hand of the Throne of God, refers to the fact, that what He did for us at the Cross will see us through, if we maintain our Faith in His Finished Work. LOOKING UNTO JESUS<br />
The short phrase, “Looking unto Jesus,” means we are to run this race “with no eyes for anyone or anything except Jesus.” It is He toward Whom we run. There must be no divided attention.<br />
“Looking” in the Greek is “apharao,” and means “to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.” The word also means, “to turn one’s mind to a certain thing.” Both meanings are applicable here, the spiritual vision turned away from all else and together with the mind, concentrated on Jesus.<br />
Paul is continuing to speak of the “race.” The minute the Greek runner in the stadium takes his attention away from the race course and the goal to which he is speeding, and turns it upon the onlooking crowds, his speed is slackened. It is so with the Christian. The minute he takes his eyes off of the Lord Jesus,<br />
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and turns them upon others, his pace in the Christian life is slackened, and his onward progress in grace hindered (Wuest).<br />
However, the word “looking,” as stated, also carries the idea of not only fixing our gaze on something, in this case Christ, but as well, to turn our mind to a certain thing. What is that certain thing?<br />
Most of the Christian world looks at Jesus in all the wrong ways. In fact, it is so wrong most of the time, that Paul referred to the situation as “another Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />
We must not only fix our yes on Him as a Person, but we must turn our mind to a certain thing as it regards Him, and that refers to the price that He paid, which Paul will refer to in this Verse. In other words, when we look at Christ, we are to look at Him as the crucified Lord, Who has been raised from the dead, and is now seated with God in Heavenly Places (Eph. 2:6), and as well, has been highly exalted, and given a name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9).<br />
But all of this is because of what He did at the Cross.<br />
So, we must always look to Him as the Sacrifice, which paid the terrible debt of my sin, thereby making it possible for me to be justified by Faith, and thereby for the Holy Spirit to come in and abide (Gal. 3:13-14).<br />
Many Christians are looking exclusively to a healing Jesus. To be sure, He definitely is the Healer, but if we attempt to understand that apart from the Cross, then we are not properly looking at Him. The same can be said for the miracle Jesus, the Church Jesus, the Blessing Jesus, etc. To be sure, Jesus is everything to us, however, He is everything to us strictly on the merit of what He did for us at the Cross.<br />
GRACE<br />
God has always had an abundance of Grace. In fact, I think one could say without any fear of contradiction, that God is Grace. So, the fact of Grace has never been the question. The great question was, as to how this Grace could be imparted to sinful man.<br />
The Cross of Christ was and is the answer to that. Through the Cross as a medium, or an instrument if you please, God was able to impart Grace to undeserving sinners.<br />
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How did the Cross make all of this possible?<br />
It made it possible, because there Jesus dealt with the sin question, by atoning for all sin. He did so by His Death. Man’s simple faith in this great Finished Work of Christ, then makes it possible for God to pour Grace upon the undeserving individual.<br />
In fact, it is not possible to deserve Grace. The very moment we think we do, that’s when we nullify Grace. That’s why Paul said, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Gal. 2:21).<br />
Christians frustrate the Grace of God, which spells total defeat for that particular Christian, by trying to live the Christian life, without the help of the Spirit. That is done by us trying to do the work ourselves, which means we’re not looking to the Cross of Christ. Looking to the Cross, allows the Spirit to work, which then gives us an uninterrupted flow of the Grace of God.<br />
So, the Reader must ask himself as to what type of Jesus to whom he is looking? There is nothing more important!<br />
THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH<br />
The phrase, “The Author and Finisher of our Faith,” proclaims Who He is, and What He did! Actually the Text in the Greek reads:<br />
“The Author and Finisher of the Faith.”<br />
“Author” in the Greek is “archegos.” Here it means not so much that Christ perfected Faith, but rather that He as our leader, Who by His death has opened up a new way — a way that has bridged the gap between Earth and Heaven itself. Jesus is the pioneer Who has created the path that we now follow by Faith into the very Presence of God. He did this by and through the Cross.<br />
“Finisher” in the Greek is “teleioo,” and means “to carry through completely, to finish, to make perfect or complete.” While the idea definitely directs itself to the development of our Faith, it moreso directs itself to the manner in which this is done. Once again it is the Cross.<br />
That’s the reason we keep saying that one’s Faith must ever be anchored in the Cross of Christ. The Cross must ever be the object of<br />
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our Faith. This is the manner in which we begin Faith, the manner in which we develop Faith, and the manner in which we finish our Faith, i.e., “bring it out to full development.” This is all done by what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />
So, the only way we can rightly run this race that is set before us, is by looking unto Jesus, understanding that it is Faith in what He did at the Cross, which will guarantee us the finishing of this course.<br />
This is the reason that I keep saying that Faith placed in anything else, is in reality no Faith at all. In fact, the Church has had more teaching on Faith in the last half of the 20th Century, than possibly all the other centuries put together; however, for the most part, it has been Faith in something else other than the Cross. Consequently, it is Faith that God will not recognize, which the Holy Spirit cannot bless, and which will fall out to no good for the Believer.<br />
As Paul referred to “another Jesus,” and “another spirit,” and “another gospel,” we might as well refer to “another faith.” In essence, this is what Paul did say when he made the statement:<br />
“I marvel that ye (the Galatians) are so soon removed from Him that called you into the Grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another” (Gal. 1:6-7).<br />
He could just as easily have said there “another faith,” because that’s what the word “gospel,” actually means.<br />
As Hebrews 12:2 so graphically illustrates, it is only Faith in the Cross of Christ which God will recognize as true Faith. Jesus is the Author and Finisher only of “the Faith,” which refers to His great Sacrificial, Atoning Work.<br />
ENDURED THE CROSS<br />
The phrase, “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame,” refers to what He was before the Incarnation, and that He gave it all up in order to redeem humanity, even though it would have to be done through and by the horrible agony and shame of the Cross. It carries the same connotation as, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation,<br />
NOTES<br />
and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”<br />
Paul then said, “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross” (Phil. 2:6-8).<br />
If mankind was to have a way to God, which would be through Faith and Faith alone, it could only be brought about by Christ going to the Cross, despite the fact of its awful, ignominious shame. What He gave up on our behalf, cannot be comprehended by mere mortals. We can only go so far into that unknown, and then we have to withdraw. Being mere creatures, we cannot comprehend the Creator becoming a creature, which in fact, He had to do, in order to redeem mankind.<br />
God couldn’t die; therefore, inasmuch as the price of death was demanded, God would have to become man, in order for this terrible thing to be carried out. The terrible fact of sin had to be addressed, and it would have to be addressed full throttle so to speak!<br />
To be sure, even as the phrase “endured the Cross” proclaims, this particular death was an awful thing. It was so awful in fact, that it beggars description.<br />
It was not so much Him dying, but rather what He had to do in His dying. He would have to bear the sin guilt of the entirety of mankind and for all time. The penalty of every single sin, and no matter how vile it may have been or might be, must be laid upon Him. Actually, this is what the great Prophet Isaiah said:<br />
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6).<br />
Oh how I sense the Presence of God even as I dictate these words. The idea is that the iniquities of men fell all at once upon Him and He bore them away. Jehovah caused the sins of the whole world to meet upon Him. He suffered the judgment for them all, which judgment was death.<br />
“Shame” in the Greek is “aischune,” and means “disgrace, disfigurement.” The idea is, that He despised the shame attendant upon a death by crucifixion, namely, the fact that this kind of a death was meted out upon malefactors.<br />
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No citizen of the Roman Empire was crucified, no matter his or her crime. Crucifixion was only for slaves, and even the worst criminals among slaves, etc.<br />
Actually, this is the reason that the religious leaders of Israel demanded His crucifixion. Execution according to Jewish Law was by stoning, but they wanted Him crucified.<br />
They were well acquainted with Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which stated, “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”<br />
In the evil minds of these religious leaders, if they could persuade Pilate to crucify Him, their thinking was that His claims regarding Messiahship would be blasted. The people would think that if He was really the Messiah, God surely wouldn’t allow Him to be crucified, which meant that He was cursed of God.<br />
What they didn’t understand was, this was the very purpose and reason for His coming. The Cross was ever His destination, even having been predicted through Moses by the “serpent on the pole,” which was a graphic object lesson, and to which Jesus referred in His conversation with Nicodemus (Num. 21:9; Jn. 3:14).<br />
Nevertheless, the shame and disgrace were awful. Beside the ignominious horror of being crucified, He hung on the Cross, literally stripped of all clothing. The artists in attempting to portray this scene, picture Him with a loincloth over His privates; however, He was not afforded even that on this horrible day. He died in shame and disgrace, in fact, all that evil men could heap upon Him.<br />
RELIGION<br />
As well, it must be remembered that it was not so much the world which did this, even though Rome definitely was a complicitor, but rather the Church of that day. It was the religious leaders of Israel who perpetrated this foul, dastardly, hideous scheme. They murdered their own Messiah.<br />
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The tragedy is, that Satan always works more grandly inside the Church than he does otherwise. The irony is, they crucified the Lord in the Name of the Lord! Hence Jesus crying on the Cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).<br />
Whenever any part of the modern Church opposes the Cross, holds up another means as a proposed way of Salvation, and more specifically opposes the Messenger of the Cross, they are in effect, “trodding underfoot the Son of God, and counting the Blood of the Covenant . . . an unholy thing.” They are “doing despite unto the Spirit of Grace” (Heb. 10:29). In other words, they are of the same crowd that crucified Christ some 2,000 years ago, and because they are of the same spirit.<br />
The tragic thing about this is, this crowd as then, is in the far, far greater majority. As there were few who stood up for Christ on that dark day of so long ago, there are few who truly stand up for Him at present.<br />
Oh to be sure, they claim to stand up for Him, but the Truth is, the Jesus they promote, is not the Crucified One, but rather “another Jesus, which is another gospel, all promoted by another spirit” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />
So the Reader must ask himself the question, as it regards the Church where he attends, and the Preacher to whom he follows, is Christ being preached, the Christ of the Cross, even as Paul outlines in 12:2, or is it another Christ?<br />
AN ETHICAL GOSPEL<br />
The ethical gospel is primarily the gospel presently being preached in most of the modern Church world. And what do we mean by that?<br />
This gospel touts the “golden rule,” proclaims the necessity of “doing good,” and “not doing bad things,” etc. It all sounds good to the carnal ear; regrettably, it is believed by most.<br />
The Lord Jesus Christ is held up as a good man, even as an example, but if inspected closely, He is only window dressing for this ethical gospel.<br />
None of that will save anyone, will deliver anyone, will set any captive free, and in fact, will address the sin question at all. Pure and simple, it is a gospel of “works.”<br />
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In the first place, man is incapable within himself of “doing good.” While he may keep some part of the so-called golden rule some of the time, the truth is, he woefully falls down regarding that which God demands, which is a spotless, pure Righteousness.<br />
Man’s problem is sin, and that means that man’s condition is terminal. As well, sin is so awful, so vile, so destructive, so powerful, and has such a force to its application, that it takes more than mere rules to address the horror of this situation. In fact, even as we are now studying, it took the Cross.<br />
The only answer for a hurting, dying, Hell-bound world, is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. There is no other answer! Jesus as the “good man,” or even as the “miracle worker,” will not suffice. It is only what He did at the Cross which addresses this horrible problem and sets the captive free.<br />
And to accept Him, one must do much more than portray a vapid, mental acceptance of the Cross. Jesus addressed this very succinctly when He said, “Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, you have no life in you” (Jn. 6:53).<br />
What did He mean by that?<br />
First of all, He wasn’t speaking of literally eating His flesh and drinking His Blood, because He then said, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (Jn. 6:63).<br />
He was speaking of the death that He would die on the Cross, which of course, would necessitate the shedding of His Precious Blood, which would atone for all sin.<br />
And for one to reap the benefits of what He there did, one must place such Faith in that Finished Work, that the Holy Spirit through Paul would explain it by saying that we are literally “baptized into His death” (Rom. 6:3).<br />
This definitely means to accept Christ, but more than all, it means accepting what He did at the Cross on our behalf, understanding that this was the only way that man could be saved, and that we must believe in His death totally and completely as the only solution that answers this terrible need.<br />
If we treat the Cross lightly, we are not eating His flesh and drinking His Blood. If<br />
NOTES<br />
we ignore the Cross, certainly we should understand that we aren’t eating His flesh and drinking His Blood. If we suggest something in addition to the Cross, that means we aren’t properly eating His flesh or drinking His Blood.<br />
We must understand, that our Salvation, our Victory, our eternal life, our relationship with the Lord, literally everything we have, and ever hope to have, are all found in the Cross of Christ, and exclusively the Cross.<br />
THE PASSOVER<br />
The ancient, Jewish Passover, is an excellent case in point. They literally “ate the Passover,” which refers to the lamb that was roasted, etc.<br />
The eating of this little animal, and by all means eating it all, refers to the entire family, which they were commanded to do (Ex. 12:10). All of this typified Christ, and more particularly, the Sacrifice that He would make of Himself on the Cross.<br />
Unless you as a Believer fully understand that every single thing you have from God comes exclusively through the Cross of Christ and in no other way, which means that your Church, or certain Preachers, or your good works, will never suffice — until you come to that place and position, you aren’t actually “eating His flesh, and drinking His Blood.” Once again, it is the matter of the correct object of your Faith. It must be the Cross and the Cross exclusively.<br />
Now if you read these words, and have doubts about what I’m saying, then your Faith is not exclusively in the Cross, but is divided, or is totally in something else. That means that you either aren’t saved, or else you are fastly going in a wrong direction, which will only lead to spiritual destruction somewhere down the road. There is no alternative to this thing, it is the Cross or it is nothing!<br />
In fact, that shouldn’t be hard to understand. The entirety of the Old Testament points to the Cross of Christ, as it regards all the prophecies, and as it regards the Law of Moses. Of all the hundreds of millions of Sacrifices offered over the some 1,600 years of Mosaic Law, every single one of those Sacrifices pointed to the Cross, and did so in such a graphic manner that the object lesson is<br />
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unmistakable. And now that the Cross is a fact, the entirety of the Message of the Apostle Paul, who in fact was given the meaning of the New Covenant, points directly and squarely to the Cross. In fact, the meaning of the New Covenant is actually the meaning of the Cross (Rom. 6:3-14). But yet, Satan fights the Cross as he fights nothing else, and for all the obvious reasons!<br />
As I’ve already said several times in this Volume, the Church has already entered into the last great apostasy. And by that I speak of the events which are soon to come upon this world, the rise of the Antichrist, the coming great Tribulation, the Second Coming, all which will be preceded by the Rapture of the Church.<br />
THE LAST APOSTASY<br />
One writer said some time ago, and he was completely correct, that while much of the Church is claiming that conditions are getting better and better, the Bible teaches the very opposite. The reason the Church thinks this, is because they’re not looking at the situation spiritually, but rather carnally.<br />
The apostasy of which the Word of God describes (I Tim. 4:1-2; II Tim. 3:1-7), is as should be obvious, a spiritual apostasy, which refers to a departure from Truth.<br />
The modern Church has never been richer and has never been bigger. But it’s like a 500 pound man: while he may be big, he is certainly not healthy.<br />
At this particular time, the majority of the modern Church can be labeled as “having itching ears.” Consequently, they are heaping to themselves teachers who will cater to “their own lusts,” and because they “will not endure sound doctrine” (II Tim. 4:3-4). Consequently, they have “turned away their ears from the Truth, and are turned unto fables.” That is the condition of the modern Church presently, more so, I think, than it’s been in the entirety of its history.<br />
The Church has departed from the Cross, which means they have departed from the Truth, which means they are seeking “fables.” So, the Bible teaches this:<br />
The spiritual situation must deteriorate before the Rapture of the Church can take place, instead of otherwise. I realize that’s<br />
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not commonly taught, and in fact, is taught almost not at all. But it just happens to be the truth (II Tim. 3:1-7).<br />
This will serve to separate the true from the false. And the dividing line will be, and in fact is, the Cross of Christ. In fact, it has always been the Cross, but it’s going to be the Cross presently more than ever!<br />
WHY WAS THE CROSS NECESSARY?<br />
Paul said that Jesus had to “endure the Cross.” Why did He have to do that?<br />
As we’ve already stated, the Cross was the most shameful death that could be devised by evil men. Jesus had to go to the Cross, even though this was the most shameful spectacle, and in fact, because it was the most shameful spectacle.<br />
Even though He wasn’t cursed by God, and because He had never done anything to warrant such a curse; still, He had to be made a curse for us, which means that He took the curse which we should have taken (Gal. 3:13-14).<br />
And the curse which He took, had to include every sin that had ever been committed, and would ever be committed, even the vilest. That curse was death, but it was death in the most shameful, ignominious, horrifying, humiliating way. In other words, Jesus literally died as a spectacle of shame. He died between two thieves, and was mocked by the religious leaders of Israel while He was dying (Lk. 23:35-36).<br />
The Cross was necessary, and in all of its ignoble horror, simply because the sin of man was so bad. That’s the problem with mankind, and more specifically, that’s the problem with the Church.<br />
It doesn’t want to admit how bad the situation is, thinking it can be addressed by their own pitiful efforts.<br />
It is understandable that the unredeemed would think such things, but not so understandable at all as it regards the Church. For any Preacher or any Christian for that matter, to demean the Cross in any way, to belittle the Cross in any way, to place it in a subservient position, and God forbid, to deny the Cross, is at the same time saying, “I can save myself.” Coming from Christians, and I might say Christians so called, can be concluded as none other than “blasphemy!”<br />
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The horror of the Cross was absolutely necessary because man’s condition was so absolutely bad. As stated, it was terminal, meaning there was no way he could save himself.<br />
The Reader must never forget that sin is more than a mere abstraction. It is more than a slight maladjustment. It is rather a total pollution. Isaiah described it when he said:<br />
“The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment” (Isa. 1:5-6).<br />
As is obvious, the Prophet was using physical descriptions to describe spiritual conditions.<br />
This is what makes the drivel of humanistic psychology so absolutely preposterous. And even more than that, that Preachers could hold up this facade as an answer to the ills of man, is beyond belief. And then to go even farther, for Preachers who claim to be Spirit-filled, to tout this nonsense, is as stated, outright blasphemy! In fact, I think I can say without fear of scriptural exaggeration, that the acceptance by the modern Church of humanistic psychology, is the greatest sign of all of departure from Truth. To accept that drivel, is to reject the Cross, and to reject the Cross, is to reject Salvation.<br />
THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD<br />
The phrase, “And is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God,” refers to the fact, that His work of providing Salvation is finished. He is sat down, and remains seated. He need never arise and repeat His work on the Cross for sinners. It is a Finished Work. He is not only seated, but He occupies the position of preeminence, at the Right Hand of God.<br />
How so much I sense His Presence! How so much this great Truth drives home to my heart! How so much is this a Finished Work! How so much is this the Grace of God! How so much did Jesus open up the way, and as the song says, “The way to Heaven’s Gate.” If the Cross was awful, and it definitely was, then the Victory is wonderful. So, we can say, that the victory is just as wonderful as the Cross was awful.<br />
NOTES<br />
The idea of all of this is, that His Victory is ours as we recognize our union with Him. He did it all for us, which means He did none of this for Himself. He then is to be the Object before the souls of His people.<br />
Because of Him, I am free! Because of Him and more particularly, and more specifically, what He did at the Cross, I am forever free. And as well, my freedom is complete. It’s not a partial freedom, but a total freedom.<br />
This means that I’m free from the guilt and the power of sin. Because of what Jesus did at the Cross and my Faith in that Finished Work, the God of all the ages, has declared me as “not guilty.” And due to my continued Faith in that eternal Sacrifice, the power of sin is broken within my life. No wonder Peter said:<br />
“Whom having not seen, we love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Pet. 1:8).<br />
In all of this, when we are commanded to “look unto Jesus,” it refers to looking at Him in two capacities — that of the Cross, concerning the great price He paid for us, and as well, looking at Him now “at the right hand of the Throne of God.” The idea is, that our attention is to be directed unto the Prince and Perfecter of Faith — not of “our faith” — that would be a poor thing — but of Faith itself.<br />
The Elders witnessed to Faith in one or other of its activities, but Jesus ran the entire course of Faith from the beginning to the end and furnished a perfect testimony. The Elders, as exampled in Chapter 11, had traveled a part of the path and triumphed over some difficulties, but He had been subjected to every trial. He was sheltered from none.<br />
The Elders trusted in God and were delivered; He was a worm and no man, and was forsaken. But as Prince and Perfecter of Faith, He won the victory by submission, and we speak of submission to the Cross, and is now sat down in a glory magnified in proportion to the depth of His abasement and obedience. Reward is never the motive of faith, but ever its encouragement (Williams).<br />
When looking at Him, nothing is easier than to lay aside a weight; when not looking at Him, nothing is harder.<br />
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He has Himself reached the goal, and His Presence marks the point at which the race will close.<br />
It is Jesus Who begins and brings to perfection our faith, and this means, that we must run the race with our eye ever fixed upon Him; in Him is the beginning, in Him the completion of the Promises (II Cor. 1:20); and in the steady and trustful dependence upon Him, and what He did at the Cross, consists our faith.<br />
(3) “FOR CONSIDER HIM THAT ENDURED SUCH CONTRADICTION OF SINNERS AGAINST HIMSELF, LEST YE BE WEARIED AND FAINT IN YOUR MINDS.” The exegesis is:<br />
1. Christ is ever the example, and in fact, the only example. 2. Christ suffered terrible opposition from the human race, and especially the religious leaders of Israel, and so will we, that is if we properly follow Him. 3. We must not faint and collapse on this journey, and will not do so, if we ever “consider Him.” CONSIDER HIM<br />
The phrase, “For consider Him,” means to consider by way of comparison. Jesus had to endure far more than we will ever be called upon to endure; consequently, our difficulties and even sufferings, whatever they might be, are but insignificant by comparison to His.<br />
All that He endured, was that the way might be opened to God for all men, at least those who will believe. That which we endure, is that we might arrive at this place He has opened for us, and at great price we might add, which is the very throne of God. That is the ultimate goal!<br />
We are to “look to Him” in order to run the race and finish the race. We are to “consider Him,” as it regards the difficulties along the way. Whatever the difficulties were, they didn’t stop Him, and if we always “look to Him,” and “consider Him,” they will not stop us as well.<br />
The things which hinder us are “weights” and “besetting sins.” As one great Preacher said:<br />
“If we think of besetting sin as a savage beast, and the man of faith running his<br />
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appointed race with this beast ever following hard after him, we can see at once the striking picture presented here. We who would out-run sin must not be loaded down with needless weights. It is when these things are cast aside that we are able to leave the fierce pursuer behind.<br />
“But we must have an Object before us as well, in order to keep up our courage unto the end; and so we are bidden to look steadfastly upon Jesus, Who Himself is the Leader and Completer of faith. His was the life of faith in all its perfection. He then is to be the Object before the souls of His people.<br />
“In the hour of discouragement when one feels inclined to cry with Jacob, ‘All these things are against me,’ lift up your eyes, tempted one, and look upon Him Who knew such grief as you shall never know, and yet Who sits as Victor now in highest glory. Let Him be your heart’s Object. Let Him be your soul’s delight and lifted above the cares and griefs of the present moment, you will be enabled to run unweariedly and without fainting, your appointed race” (Ironside).<br />
THE OPPOSITION OF SINNERS<br />
The phrase, “That endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself,” refers to opposition. However, when the Holy Spirit through Paul uses the word “sinners,” He is of course speaking of all who do not know God, but more specifically, of the religious leaders of Israel. The way of these religious leaders was a contradiction against Himself. In other words, they contradicted His way of Faith, by proposing another way. As well, this “contradiction” did not stop with mere verbal opposition, but went to the extent of murder, even as the next Verse proclaims.<br />
John said of Him, “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.”<br />
He then said, and which was the most stinging of all, “He came unto His Own, and His Own received Him not” (Jn. 1:10-11).<br />
As should be obvious, by Paul here using the word “sinners,” any direction that is proposed as it regards Salvation, other than Christ and Him Crucified is a “sin!” Those who do such are lost and are thereby, labeled as “sinners!”<br />
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The sin here referred to is not so much acts of sin, but rather the sin of “unbelief,” as it regards Christ and His Sacrifice.<br />
He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (Jn. 14:6).<br />
The Jews disavowed His claims, rather proposing another way, a way of their own devising.<br />
Presently, many in the modern Church mouth these same words that Jesus uttered, but then subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, propose another way. They cry “Savior” and at the same time point to “self.” They talk about “Faith” but then propose “fables.” They talk about “Christ” but recommend “psychological counseling.” Need I say more!<br />
AGAINST CHRIST<br />
Anything that proposes any other way except Christ and Him Crucified, is “against Christ!” One cannot have it two ways: it is either one or the other.<br />
Even though the following is said with sadness, still it must be said.<br />
Most of the Churches are against Christ! Of course, they do not claim to be and would strongly disavow that they are; however, if the Message is other than the Cross, then pure and simple, it is “against Christ.”<br />
I realize that the Reader may think that I press the point too much. But when we consider that we’re speaking here of the issues of life and death, in fact, the very weight of one’s Salvation, then all of this takes on a significance of outsized proportions. In other words, there is absolutely nothing more important than this of which I speak.<br />
As someone has well said, “There is nothing worse than a false way of Salvation.” How true that is.<br />
So, if I err, I would rather err on the side of preaching “Christ and Him Crucified,” in other words, preaching it too much, than not enough. The truth is, it’s impossible to err in proclaiming this truth too much, this veritable way of Salvation, this only way of Salvation. Our problem is, we don’t preach it enough.<br />
TO WEARY AND FAINT<br />
The phrase, “Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds,” present the fact that there<br />
NOTES<br />
definitely is opposition to the Child of God in his efforts to live for God, and to carry out the work that the Lord has called one to do.<br />
In the last several decades, the Church has been greatly influenced by that which I refer to as the “faith message.” Actually, despite all the talk about faith, there is really no faith at all, and because this particular type of faith has as its object other than the Finished Work of Christ. At any rate, in this teaching, which as stated has greatly influenced the Church, and to its detriment I might quickly add, the Church has been taught that if one has the right confession, that one will never have difficulties and problems, etc. Consequently, these particular false teachers, would conclude Paul’s statement about being “wearied” and “fainting in one’s mind,” as to be a “bad confession”; however, if whatever is being taught doesn’t match up perfectly with the Word of God, then something is wrong with what is being taught.<br />
While every Christian should always have a good confession, and while we always must dwell on the positive irrespective that the negative is present, a proper confession never denies reality and neither does it lie. Confessing that you don’t have a headache, when obviously you do, is not faith but rather fabrication.<br />
MINDS<br />
If one is to notice, Paul spoke here of the attack by Satan being in the “minds” of Christians. What did he mean by that?<br />
In fact, it is always the mind which constitutes the thought processes of the Believer, which Satan attacks first. He attempts to place doubts in our minds, causing us to go into unbelief, which first of all robs us of our peace. He mostly does this by directing our attention to circumstances. He wants to get our thinking out of the region of “faith” into the region of “sight.” If he can do this, get you to looking at circumstances and situations, instead of looking to the Lord, he will drive you into a “laboring and heavy laden” posture (Mat. 11:28-30). In this posture, we become “weary” with the struggle, and we “faint in our minds,” which means that we “give up.”<br />
In such a scenario, which incidentally affects all Believers, the following should be noted:<br />
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1. As stated, no Believer is immune from these attacks. The Evil One strikes the strongest Christians as well as he does the weakest, all in this fashion (I Pet. 4:12). 2. There is nothing we can do to stop the attacks; however, there is definitely something we can do that will lessen their frequency. The more that we give in to such a situation, the more that Satan pushes in this direction. This should be obvious! (I Pet. 5:7). 3. In such a scenario, it is not the quantity of faith that is deficient, but rather the quality. Unfortunately, in the past several decades, most all the teaching has centered up on increasing one’s faith. That is not your need. Your need and my need, is the correct Object of Faith which must always be the Cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14). 4. When our Faith is properly placed in the Finished Work of Christ, and it remains in that Finished Work, the Holy Spirit can then help us. And to be sure, the help of the Spirit, is what we must have. Satan holds no fear of us, at least fear of our own immediate strength; however, he wants no part of the Holy Spirit! (Rom. 8:11). 5. When the Holy Spirit begins to work, the first thing He will do, is to redirect your faith toward the Cross. The idea is this: If Jesus paid such a price for you at the Cross, which He definitely did, then to be sure, He is definitely going to protect His investment, so to speak. In other words, He’s not going to let you go down (Heb. 13:5).<br />
6. We must always remember, that every attack leveled at us by Satan, while it definitely is of Satan, is allowed by the Lord. And we must always remember, that Satan can only press so hard as the Lord allows. In other words, it’s the Lord who sets the parameters and not Satan (Job, Chpts. 1-2). 7. The Lord allows Satan certain latitude, in order to strengthen our Faith. It is all a “test.” Of course, with Satan it is temptation, but with the Lord it is a test. Satan means to steal, kill, and destroy, while the Lord allows this in order for us to be strengthened. To be sure, the Lord doesn’t allow the “test” in order that He might know our situation. He already knows that. He allows it, that we might know and see. And the idea is, our Faith is never quite as strong as we think 749<br />
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HEBREWS 12:3<br />
it is, in which the test always brings out (Heb. 11:17).<br />
8. If the Believer will look at these situations as the Believer should, which means that we understand that it is a test, and which is allowed by the Lord in order to strengthen our Faith, and that if we will believe Him, He definitely is going to see us through, the situation will then take on a positive aspect. Our problem is, in the middle of all of these situations, the oppression at times tendered by the Evil One becomes so severe, that it’s hard for us to see the true picture (II Cor. 12:7).<br />
9. As a Believer, you must always remember, that always and without exception, you can steer your thought processes (our minds) toward Christ and what He has done for us at the Cross. When we dwell on that, understanding that He there defeated every power of darkness, then Faith will begin to build within our hearts, and the Evil One will be dispelled. The entire effort by Satan is to try to get us to become so discouraged that we will simply quit. Unfortunately, he has succeeded with some (Rom. 12:1-2). WHAT JESUS DID AT THE CROSS<br />
As I’ve stated in previous Commentary, the Christian must understand that the way of the Cross is a way of life. In other words, this is not just a particular doctrine, but actually the foundation of all Doctrine.<br />
The Believer must ever understand, that what Jesus did at the Cross, while definitely making a way for us to be saved, also addressed every other single problem that besets the human race. Now please read those words carefully. In other words, His Work being a Finished Work, left out nothing. Whatever we can think of, and whatever it is we cannot think of, all and without exception were included in the Atonement. But most Christians don’t realize this. They’ve never gone that far in their thinking. Regarding the Cross, if they think of it much at all, they think of it only in the sense of the initial Salvation experience (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14).<br />
We must come away from such thinking, understanding that the Cross was far more than that. In fact, the Cross and the Cross alone, made it possible for the Holy Spirit to<br />
HEBREWS 12:3 750 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
come into the hearts and lives of Believers and to abide permanently (Jn. 14:16-17). That within itself opens up possibilities beyond comprehension.<br />
However, before I address that, please allow me to state the following:<br />
Most Christians never think of the Cross as the answer to our dilemma, as it regards discouragement, confusion, disillusionment, stress, oppression, or disturbances of any kind. But to be sure, and as stated, what Jesus there did, addresses everything, which means that He left nothing unaddressed. The idea is this:<br />
Everything that man lost in the Fall, Jesus addressed in the Atonement. While it is true that we do not yet have all of these things for which He paid such a price, and in fact will not have all of them until the coming Resurrection; still, what we do have, is enough to walk in victory, and I mean total victory, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No, I’m not teaching that if we have our Faith properly placed, that Satan will stop all attacks. As I’ve already stated, Satan is going to continue to try to hinder us in every possible way that he can, until the day we die, or else the Trump sounds. That’s a foregone conclusion; however, and as well which we’ve already stated, the Lord is the One Who actually allows all of this, but always for our good.<br />
Our thinking should not be, “This is going to destroy me,” but rather, “This is going to make me stronger!” Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!<br />
This great Work of Christ is not compartmentalized. In other words, He doesn’t have one type of faith for one type of problem, and another type of faith for another type of problem. The Cross answers it all, and our Faith in the Cross guarantees all that the Cross affords.<br />
I suppose that most Christian Bookstores are filled with books on how to overcome certain weaknesses within our hearts and lives. “How to Have a Better Marriage!” “How to Better Oneself!” “How to Overcome Your Fears!” In fact, the list is endless.<br />
For the most part, and I think I can say without fear of contradiction, virtually all the time, these books are worthless. In fact, they are worse than worthless, because they not only do not help, they lead one away from the true help afforded by Christ.<br />
NOTES<br />
The Cross answers it all! If you as a Believer will understand that every single need that you have, every single question that you have, every single weakness that you have, were all answered at the Cross, you will be well on your way to total victory.<br />
Understanding that, you must put your Faith exclusively in this which Jesus did, understanding, that He did it all on your behalf. He didn’t do it for Himself, but rather for us. And to be sure, He paid a terrible price; consequently, it stands to reason, if someone has paid a staggering price for something, and did it all for us, it stands to reason that He definitely wants us to take advantage of that which He has done. It must grieve greatly the Heart of God to see Christians staggering and stumbling, trying to find solutions in a thousand different ways, and all those ways wrong, while the Cross is available to each and all!<br />
THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />
Ever since I’ve been a child, I have realized the value of the Holy Spirit. Actually, I was baptized with the Spirit when I was 8 years old. Consequently, I have made every effort to be led by the Spirit, to be guided by the Spirit, and to be empowered by the Spirit. However, when the Lord began to give me the Revelation of the Cross, at the same time, He began to show me the manner and way in which the Spirit works within our hearts and lives.<br />
To be sure, the Holy Spirit, Who resides in the heart and life of every Believer, will always do all that He can on our behalf. That’s why He’s there. But our problem is, we do not know, or one might say, “properly know,” the manner and way in which He works. When the Lord showed me this, it completely revolutionized my life, my thinking, my Ministry, and in fact, everything.<br />
He took me to Romans 8:2, “For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”<br />
Once I understood this particular Passage of Scripture, then everything else about the Holy Spirit began to fall into place. I began to see how that He works, when He works, and the method by which He works.<br />
By the use of the word “Law,” which we’ve already addressed in previous Commentary<br />
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in this Volume, the Lord let me know that this was more than just a supposition. In other words, the way and manner in which the Spirit works, is according to a Law, which has been devised by the Godhead; consequently, the Holy Spirit most definitely will not break this Law.<br />
He then showed me that it’s all “in Christ Jesus,” which refers to what Christ did at the Cross. In other words, this “Law” states, that the Holy Spirit works entirely within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ. Now do you the Reader understand what that means?<br />
It means that every single thing that the Spirit does for us and with us, that He does according to the legal work carried out by Christ at Calvary. And yes, what Jesus did at the Cross is definitely a legal work, even as Romans 8:2 proclaims.<br />
As I’ve already said, probably some 50 times in this Volume, with the Believer understanding that everything he has from the Lord comes exclusively through the Cross of Christ, and by no other means or ways, then he must place his Faith in that which Christ has done. This is the “Law!” And of course, I would certainly hope that the Believer would understand, that we are not speaking here of the Law of the Moses, but rather the “Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.”<br />
Once you learn this Law, and to be sure, it’s not hard at all to understand and to learn, then you have learned the secret to all victory in Christ. And as stated, that refers to victory in any and every capacity.<br />
THE GUARANTEE OF VICTORY<br />
Please notice the following:<br />
1. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, means that sin will not have dominion over me (Rom. 6:14). 2. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, which means I am “walking after the Spirit,” will stop all condemnation in my life (Rom. 8:1). 3. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees me victory over every demon power of darkness (Col. 2:14-15). 4. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, gives me “rest” from all self effort in trying to attain victory by my own machinations. Jesus has already done it all for me (Mat. 11:28-30). 751<br />
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5. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees me “more abundant life” (Jn. 10:10). 6. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, assures healing for me in every capacity (I Pet. 2:24). 7. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees my financial prosperity (Phil. 4:18-19). 8. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees that I am complete in Him (Col. 2:10). 9. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, takes away all fear (II Tim. 1:7). 10. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees me victory in all things (I Jn. 5:4). 11. Proper Faith in the Cross of Christ, guarantees me the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11). (4) “YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING AGAINST SIN.” The diagram is:<br />
1. Paul is here pointing to the fact that Jesus resisted to the extent, that He shed His Blood on the Cross, all on our behalf. 2. As should be obvious, the Lord doesn’t require us to do that, especially considering that it’s already been done, and will never need to be repeated. 3. “Striving against sin” and thereby, bringing about the victory, is never brought about by physical means, but always through our Faith in what Jesus did for us at the Cross. RESISTING<br />
The phrase, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood,” contains a twofold meaning:<br />
1. Paul was addressing himself to Christian Jews, instructing them to resist the sin of unbelief. They were being tempted to go back into Judaism, which would have spelled their spiritual ruin. He reminds them, that whatever temptations they are facing pushing toward that erroneous course, had not yet required the “shedding of blood,” i.e., “the giving up of their lives”; however, by the use of the word “yet” he is telling them that it might actually come to that. In fact, in a very short period of time, it definitely did. Untold thousands had to give up their lives for the Cause of Christ. When Rome was gutted by fire, Nero attempted to place the blame on the Christians, simply because he was being accused of starting the inferno which took many lives. At<br />
HEBREWS 12:4<br />
that time the persecutions began, quickly spreading across the Roman Empire, which saw many Christians killed and slaughtered in every conceivable way possible.<br />
2. True victory over sin can never be achieved by any efforts of the flesh, which refers to any and all things we might do outside of the help of the Holy Spirit. Victory over sin can only be attained, by the Believer understanding that he is “dead indeed unto sin,” which means that he actually died with Christ in His Crucifixion, which is all done by faith on our part, “but at the same time, alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11). In other words, Christ dealt with sin and all its ramifications at the Cross; consequently, it’s our Faith in that Finished Work, which guarantees us victory. Understanding that, the Holy Spirit through Paul then said, “For sin shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:14).<br />
If we attempt to address sin in any other way than through Faith in the Cross of Christ, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit, we are doomed to failure. Regrettably, most Christians not knowing or understanding the Truth of the Cross, are dominated by sin, i.e., “works of the flesh,” and which will not improve, no matter how hard they try otherwise. Until they understand the Cross, and what Jesus there did for them, there will be no victory over sin, as there can be no victory over sin. The Cross is not one of several ways, but in fact, the only way. Now we should begin to understand the tragic state of the modern Church, and because it has almost no knowledge of the Cross as it regards these things of which I speak.<br />
The truth is, millions of Christians are striving against sin, but in the wrong way, which guarantees their defeat, and not only guarantees defeat, but also guarantees that the situation will steadily get worse.<br />
STRIVING AGAINST SIN<br />
The phrase, “Striving against sin,” presents that which we should carefully note.<br />
First of all, was Paul speaking about a particular sin as it regards these Christian Jews? Yes, he was!<br />
It was the sin of unbelief, which in fact, is the foundation sin of all sin. In other words,<br />
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in some way, all sin springs from unbelief. And what do we mean by unbelief?<br />
Some of these Christian Jews, which necessitated the writing of this Epistle to the Hebrews, were registering unbelief in Christ and the Cross, thereby tempted to go back into Judaism, which in fact, it seems that some of them had already done.<br />
Now the modern Christian may look at that statement and automatically come to the conclusion that it has no effect on him personally. But yet it does!<br />
While the modern Christian is certainly not tempted to go into Judaism, that was not the real problem anyway, only the result of the problem. The real problem was a lack of Faith in Christ and His vicarious Offering of Himself on the Cross. And that problem is the problem, and in fact, has always been the problem.<br />
Do you as a Believer look to the Cross exclusively, or do you look to other things? (Gal. 6:14).<br />
THE PLIGHT OF MOST MODERN CHRISTIANS<br />
The problem with some Christians is an outright denial of the Cross. I speak of many in the Charismatic community, and more specifically, of those who consider themselves to be “faith people,” etc. They are outright denying the Cross, claiming that it was the greatest defeat in human history, etc.<br />
At least, this shows a total lack of knowledge of the Word of God, and at worst, it is rank blasphemy.<br />
But most Christians don’t fall into that category. It is not so much that they reject the Cross, as it is that they simply do not know and understand anything about the Cross. But there’s another problem with that:<br />
Most Christians think they do understand everything about the Cross. As a typical illustration, we received an e-mail (or maybe it was a letter) a short time ago, with the individual exclaiming, “Why are you talking so much about the Cross? I’m a Christian, so I understand everything about the Cross,” or words to that effect.<br />
The truth is, that particular individual, whomever he may have been, didn’t understand anything about the Cross. And how do I know that?<br />
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I know that simply because had he truly known about the Cross, he would not have made such a ridiculous statement. Notice the following:<br />
Paul said, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him”<br />
(Col. 2:6). The Apostle is here saying two things:<br />
1. We received Christ (were saved) by trusting in Him and what He did at the Cross on our behalf. 2. The words “so walk ye in Him,” refer to the fact, that we are to “live” for the Lord, in the same manner in which we were saved by the Lord, which refers to Faith in the Cross of Christ. In other words, the same faith we exhibited for Salvation is to continue to be exhibited for our ongoing “walk.” Most Christians don’t know that. Most Believers part with the Cross at their initial Salvation experience. They come into the Church, and hearing almost nothing about the Cross from behind most pulpits, they set out to live this Christian life, by various different ways and means — all of them wrong!<br />
This confuses them, and if they go to their Pastor, more than likely, he will tell them that they need to “try harder,” or “be more faithful,” or “be sure that they get all sin out of their lives,” etc.<br />
If it is to be noticed, all of this advice, plus much we haven’t named, centers up on “self” instead of Christ. In other words, the Believer is told that he must “do something.” In fact, such sounds good to most ears, simply because there is something in us which tends to think that we can get this job done ourselves. To be sure, the problem doesn’t leave just because we become a Christian. Christian pride is just as devilish as sinner pride; however, it’s very difficult for us to think of it in those terms. Let’s say it in another way:<br />
God had given the covenant of circumcision to Abraham (Gen. 17:10-14). All who followed Abraham were to keep this Covenant. But the Scripture says that Moses had failed to circumcise his little boy. The Scripture further says, “that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him” (Ex. 4:24-26).<br />
Why Moses did this, we aren’t told; however, the situation was serious enough, that<br />
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HEBREWS 12:4<br />
Moses found himself in deep trouble with the Lord, even at the beginning of the carrying out of the great Call upon his life.<br />
In a short time, Moses would be commanded to announce to Pharaoh that Jehovah, the God of Israel, was about to slay his (Pharaoh’s) son. But Moses had to learn that disobedience regarding rebellion in him was just as hateful as in Pharaoh; and that God, because of His nature, must judge with death a sin wherever found.<br />
Therefore, on approaching Egypt this Holy God sought to judge this little boy, Eliezer, because of Moses’ disobedience in not having had him circumcised, as God had commanded. The Passage throws a great light upon the inner life of Moses.<br />
It may be assumed, from what is related, that he yielded to the wishes of his wife in this matter, meaning that she did not want to circumcise the child, though he knew he was disobeying God. The particulars are not fully given because the Holy Spirit did not think this necessary, but evidently, in order to save the child’s life, and urged to it by Moses, she circumcised him herself, and then with anger and passion declared that her husband’s religion was a religion of blood, i.e., of bloodstained rites.<br />
Thus, Moses had to learn that God would judge him before He judged Pharaoh, and that rebellion in the one was the same as rebellion in the other; and this lesson must have enabled Moses to proclaim this dreadful truth with the force of a personal experience.<br />
THE WORD OF GOD<br />
This is a moral principle which Romans Chapter 6 and Colossians Chapter 2, and many other Passages, teach. Christians, under the New Covenant, are circumcised, spiritually speaking, in the Death of Jesus Christ; that is, we “die” as to our old nature. We then go forth with a message of death and of life; but we must have a personal experience of the bitterness, to the natural will, of that spiritual circumcision. We must consent to “die,” if we would be effective messengers of the Cross. And how do we do that?<br />
Death to sin can only come about by complete trust in what Christ did at the Cross. At Salvation we died with Him, and as well,<br />
HEBREWS 12:5<br />
we were raised with Him in “newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-5).<br />
Now the Reader may wonder as to what all of this has to do with one living a victorious, Christian life? The answer is simple:<br />
God hated disobedience in Moses, just as much as He hated it in Pharaoh. Circumcision, and I continue to speak of that ancient rite given by God to Abraham, was a symbol of the Cross of Christ, and our involvement in that great Work. The cutting of the skin on the male member, was a sign of separation from the world unto God, and that separation brought about by what Christ did at the Cross, which symbol was the shedding of blood. Of course, and as would be obvious, blood was shed whenever the circumcision process was engaged.<br />
The whole point of this is, that God would not tolerate Moses ignoring the Cross, of which Circumcision was a symbol, any more than He will tolerate modern Christians ignoring the Cross. If after we come to Christ, we attempt to live this life by means other than total trust in what Christ did on our behalf, such a direction angers God, to say the least. In fact, as Moses was about to suffer a physical death, the Believer will suffer a spiritual death. The analogy is the same!<br />
Perhaps I have used a rather laborious illustration to explain my point, but I did so, because I want the Believer to understand how serious all of this is. “Striving against sin,” can only come out to a successful conclusion, if it is done God’s Way, which is the Way of the Cross. Nothing else will work.<br />
“Striving” in the Greek is “antagonizomia,” which means “to fight agonizingly against.” It speaks of a terrific fight. And as repeatedly stated, it’s a fight we cannot win unless we “fight the good fight of faith,” which means to constantly place our Faith in what Christ has already done for us, i.e., “the Cross.”<br />
(5) “AND YE HAVE FORGOTTEN THE EXHORTATION WHICH SPEAKETH UNTO YOU AS UNTO CHILDREN, MY SON, DESPISE NOT THOU THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN THOU ART REBUKED OF HIM:” The structure is:<br />
1. The exhortation here is derived from Proverbs 3:11. 754<br />
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2. As we are supposed to correct our children, the Lord also corrects us, and because we are His children. It is called “chastening.” 3. “Chastening” does not have in it the idea of punishment, but of corrective measures that will eliminate evil in the life and encourage that which is Righteous. THE EXHORTATION<br />
The phrase, “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children,” refers, as stated, to Proverbs 3:11<br />
12. The object of the Apostle in introducing this here, is to show that afflictions are designed, on the part of God, to produce positive effects in the lives of His people, and that we ought, therefore, to bear them patiently. In the previous Verses, he directs us to the example of the Savior. In this Verse and the following, for the same object, he directs our attention to the design of trials, showing that they are necessary to our welfare, and that they are in fact, proof of the paternal care of God. In fact, this Verse might be rendered as a question, “And have you forgotten?” etc.<br />
When he used the term, “which speaketh unto you,” he is meaning, that this applies to all, with no exceptions.<br />
By the phrase, “As unto children,” he is using language such as a father uses.<br />
EVERY WORD WHICH PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD<br />
As well, we should understand from this as used by Paul, that every single Passage in the Word of God, no matter how obscure they may seem to be, is in fact, valid and applicable. Everything in the Bible from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 is the Word of God. If it is general instruction, it applies to all, and for all time, unless it is dispensational. In other words, there were many instructions given concerning the Law of Moses and such like, which are no longer applicable, and because Jesus has fulfilled all of those particular Statutes and Commandments, etc. But otherwise, and as here given from Proverbs, let not the Reader think that it doesn’t apply. It does!<br />
That’s why Jesus said to Satan, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4).<br />
JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
CHASTISEMENT<br />
The phrase, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,” speaks of correcting mistakes and curbing the passions. It speaks also of instruction which aims at the increase of virtue. However, and as stated, the word “chastening” does not have in it the idea of punishment, but of corrective measures which will eliminate evil in the life and encourage that which is good.<br />
Some may argue that “punishment” and “correction” are the same, and if we say otherwise, it is merely a play on words; however, that is not correct.<br />
If an individual breaks the laws of the land and is confined to prison, that is punishment. The State means to punish the individual, and this is the method by which it is done. No correction is involved, only punishment.<br />
With the Lord, and as it concerns His children, He does not punish, but rather corrects. In other words, by whatever it is that He allows to happen, it is meant for our instruction, our reproof, and as stated, our correction. He designs the entire situation, whatever the situation might be, and we are meant to learn from the experience. If we think of it as punishment, then we’re judging God wrongly, and will fail to learn what He is attempting to teach us. That’s why the Holy Spirit through Paul told us to not “despise the chastening of the Lord.” We are to understand that it is for a reason, and is meant for our good. In fact, God never does anything with us or for us, but that it is meant for our good.<br />
Every sorrow the child of God is permitted to endure is designed by God for blessing. It is instruction by discipline. It is the Divine method used for our education.<br />
As well, we should remember, when God speaks of discipline and rebuke, it is “sons” whom He addresses. It s interesting that this warning is called “that word of encouragement,” because that’s what the word “exhortation” means. The certainty of the situation encourages the Believer rather than dismays him because he knows that it is God’s discipline for him.<br />
REBUKE<br />
The phrase, “Nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him,” proclaims the second of two<br />
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HEBREWS 12:6<br />
negative responses the Believer can have toward this. They are:<br />
1. First of all, as the previous phrase says, we can despise the chastening of the Lord. He who does so but hardens himself against God and thereby, refuses to learn the lessons which the chastening is designed to teach him. Who has hardened himself against God and prospered? Unfortunately, many Christians have grown perturbed or even angry with God as it regards their particular situation. They feel they don’t deserve what is happening, or else the Lord is not moving fast enough they think, to alleviate the situation.<br />
Such an attitude only tends to question God, which is the road to disaster. As a Believer, we must understand that God knows best about all things. Consequently, we should seek to learn what He is attempting to teach us. And we must never forget, that if we do harden ourselves against God, we only lengthen the process longer than God originally intended; therefore, we have only ourselves to blame. There is no profit in that course.<br />
2. On the other hand, one may faint under the chastening. There are some souls who lose all courage when trouble comes. Like “Little-Faith” in “Pilgrim’s Progress,” they are constantly cast down by the trials of the way. This too is to miss the Blessing. Such individuals succumb to a position of “whining,” which God must deplore!<br />
For instance, how many of you like to be around a whining kid? But that’s what the fainting soul actually does! So what am I saying?<br />
I’m saying that we should hold our head high, square our shoulders, put a smile on our face, and believe God for two things:<br />
First of all, that we may quickly learn the lesson which He is teaching us; and second, that we may allow this thing, whatever it might be, to draw us ever closer to the Lord. That is the intention of the Divine Spirit, and it should be our intention as well.<br />
(6) “FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH, AND SCOURGETH EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVETH.” The composite is:<br />
1. Chastening from the Lord is one of the greatest signs that He loves us, and loves us dearly. HEBREWS 12:7 756 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
2. Every Christian needs chastening. None are excluded! 3. If one claims to be a Christian, and there is never any chastening, the Truth is, they actually aren’t a Christian. THE LOVE OF GOD<br />
The phrase, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,” proclaims, as should be obvious, a tremendous truth.<br />
“Those He loves” comes first in the Greek, which gives it a certain emphasis. God disciplines people He loves, not those to whom He is indifferent. It is the “son” who is corrected and “every son” at that. It does not, of course, mean that He sends chastisement which is not deserved; or that He sends it for the mere purpose of inflicting pain, etc. That cannot be. But it means that, by His chastisements, He shows that He has a paternal care for us. He does not treat us with neglect and unconcern. The very fact that He corrects us shows that He has towards us a father’s feelings, and exercises toward us a paternal care. If He did not, He would let us go on without any attention, in which we would pursue a course of sin that would involve us in ruin. To restrain and govern a child, to correct him when he errs, shows that there is a paternal solicitude for him, and that he is not an outcast. And to be sure, one must ever understand, that there is in the life of every Child of God “something” that deserves correction, and because the Lord loves us, He will definitely correct us.<br />
EVERY SON<br />
The phrase, “And scourgeth every son whom He receiveth,” refers to all who truly belong to Him.<br />
In the ancient world it was universally accepted that the bringing up of sons involved disciplining them. Therefore, we should not read back modern permissive attitudes into our understanding of this Passage.<br />
“Scourgeth” in the Greek is “mastigoo,” and means “to whip, flog, beat.” As should be obvious, some of the training can be described as none other than strong. And as we’ve already stated, irrespective as to whom the Christian might be, and irrespective as to how holy he might think he is, there is<br />
NOTES<br />
always something in us, which needs correcting, and sometimes severely so!<br />
The idea of all of this is, that many of these Christian Jews, if not all of them, were undergoing persecution from fellow Jews who did not believe in Christ. At times the persecution was very severe. The Apostle is here telling them that in effect, God was allowing the persecution, and doing it for their good. Consequently, instead of chaffing under the rod of correction, they were to accept it as from the Lord, understanding that He was doing or allowing such, because of His great love for them.<br />
Evidently, they were voicing objections to their treatment, claiming that if Christianity was what it ought to be, why were they undergoing such opposition and persecution? The Apostle tells them that all of this is a part of the training process.<br />
All of us would like to think, that we have it all together. In other words, we are so mature in the Word, so advanced in the Lord, in fact so close to God, that while others may need correction, such wouldn’t apply to us.<br />
The truth is, there is a good chance that those who think such thoughts, are actually in need of correction more than anyone else. The first step toward learning the lesson, is to realize our need for the lesson, whatever it might be.<br />
And once again we emphasize, the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “Every son,” which means that none are excluded.<br />
(7) “IF YE ENDURE CHASTENING, GOD DEALETH WITH YOU AS WITH SONS; FOR WHAT SON IS HE WHOM THE FATHER CHASTENETH NOT?” The exegesis is:<br />
1. We are to endure the chastening with aplomb and dignity, seeking to learn the lesson which desires to be taught. 2. The reason that God deals with us in this fashion, is because we definitely are Believers, i.e., “His Children.” 3. If we are truly Believers, which means we are a “son,” without question, we will experience chastisement. THE ENDURING OF CHASTENING<br />
The phrase, “If ye endure chastening,” refers to three things:<br />
1. The word “endure” means that the chastening will not go on forever. JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
2. During the chastening, we are to learn the lesson which the Holy Spirit desires that we learn. 3. The implication is, that if we properly endure the chastening, which means to do so without complaint or fault finding, even as the Tenth Verse says, it will turn out to our “profit.” GOD DEALS WITH US<br />
The phrase, “God dealeth with you as with sons,” refers as well, to several things:<br />
1. God deals only with those who belong to Him, at least in this fashion. 2. Due to the fact that He has paid such a price for us, He has the right to correct us. 3. Whatever part that Satan plays in all of this, we are to understand, that it is God Who is dealing with us. While He may use Satan, and many other things or people for that matter, He is the One Who draws the parameters. ALL TRUE CHILDREN OF GOD SUFFER CHASTISEMENT<br />
The conclusion of the question, “For what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”, has reference here to an earthly father. The idea is, if a father truly cares for his son, he will use whatever measures necessary, to whip the boy into shape. If an earthly father will do this, how much more will our Heavenly Father do the same?<br />
We were not saved merely in order to miss Hell. The Lord has much more in store for us, than merely a different location in eternity, as important as that might be.<br />
The moment we come to Christ, the Holy Spirit Who has superintended everything as it regards our conversion, now comes into the heart and life of the Believer to abide, and to abide permanently. To be sure, He is there for a particular purpose, and that is to carry out the Will of God in our hearts and lives (Rom. 8:27).<br />
That means that He isn’t there to do our will, but rather God’s Will. And to be sure, this is where the rub comes in. The biggest problem the Holy Spirit has with us, is the problem of “self-will.” That’s the reason that Jesus said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself (deny his self-will), and take up his Cross daily, and follow Me.<br />
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it (insist upon self-will): but whosoever will<br />
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HEBREWS 12:8<br />
lose his life for My sake (turn one’s life totally over to Christ), the same shall save it” (Lk. 9:23-24).<br />
The idea is, that our “wills” become the same as the “Will of God.” Regrettably, that’s easier said than done. The Holy Spirit has to perform major surgery on some of us, spiritually speaking, in order for this to be brought about.<br />
BLESSINGS AND AFFLICTIONS<br />
Unfortunately, most of the modern Church has no delight at all in these particular Passages. We want nothing but blessings; however, let us address that for just a moment:<br />
First of all, God is definitely a Blesser. He blesses grandly and gloriously His Children, and does so continuously. However, we must understand this:<br />
While we learn much about God from blessings, how good He is, how beneficent He is, the Truth is, however, we don’t learn anything about ourselves. We can only learn about ourselves through afflictions.<br />
Anyone can rejoice in the midst of Blessings; however, it’s not so easy to rejoice in the midst of afflictions.<br />
Afflictions tell us what we are, whether we like it or not. And that’s the reason they are so necessary. If we had our way, we would opt for nothing but Blessings; however, God is not Santa Claus. He is our Parent, and as such, He is going to conduct Himself toward us accordingly.<br />
There have probably been 100,000 books printed in the last few decades on how to skip “boot camp.” But if we truly belong to the Lord, such to be sure, is not to be.<br />
(8) “BUT IF YE BE WITHOUT CHASTISEMENT, WHEREOF ALL ARE PARTAKERS, THEN ARE YE BASTARDS, AND NOT SONS.” The diagram is:<br />
1. Every true Believer is a partaker of chastisement. 2. Freedom from discipline is not evidence of a privileged position. Rather the reverse is true. Such individuals are bastards — “not sons.”<br />
3. Sadly, the far greater majority of professed Christendom falls into this latter category. HEBREWS 12:9 758 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
WITHOUT CHASTISEMENT?<br />
The phrase, “But if ye be without chastisement,” presents a fearsome prospect.<br />
Some may ask the question as to how we are to recognize chastisement, which is always from the Lord, from normal negative consequences which sooner or later come to all unbelievers?<br />
First of all, if the person is truly a Christian, to be sure, they will truly know. As a Believer, we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. And to be sure, that relationship is strong. It is so strong in fact, that the Holy Spirit will constantly warn us as it regards wrong direction or improper conduct. And when the correction comes, as sooner or later it will with all, it will be very recognizable by the Saint of God. In fact, it will be just as recognizable as it was when we were children and were corrected by our earthly fathers, even as the next Verse proclaims.<br />
PARTAKERS<br />
The phrase, “Whereof all are partakers,” pertains to all who are Believers.<br />
Some have asked the question if sickness is a part of chastisement?<br />
Not necessarily so, but it definitely can be. The human body ages and ultimately wears out, that is if the Lord allows us to live that long. That’s not chastisement, as should be obvious. And as well, there are millions of Christians who suffer some type of physical disability, and it’s not chastisement, but then again, sickness can definitely fall into the category of chastisement. If such be the case, I definitely think that the Believer would understand the origin.<br />
The Church has been so messed up in the last few decades from the “faith teaching,” which in reality is no faith at all, that any more, it hardly knows where it’s been, where it is, or where it’s going. And as with all false doctrine, the situation if not corrected, will only get worse (Gal. 5:9). And how can it be corrected?<br />
The Church must come back to the Cross. This is its true foundation, and as such, if the foundation isn’t right, nothing else is right.<br />
BASTARDS?<br />
The phrase, “Then are ye bastards, and not sons,” proclaims a very strong statement, as should be obvious.<br />
NOTES<br />
“Bastards” in the Greek are “nothos,” and refers to “one born of a slave or a concubine, or of the illegitimate in general.” The point is they are not heirs, not members of the family. For them the father feels no responsibility. As we’ve already stated, their freedom from discipline, and I speak of professing Christians, is not evidence of a privileged position, but rather the very opposite.<br />
Some time back, particular individuals were mentioned to me who were living in obvious sin, but yet seemed to suffer no ill effect, despite the fact that such had been going for many years.<br />
Of course, I’m not the judge; however, I answered the Brother in this vein: “Despite their profession of Christianity, quite possibly they’re not actually sons, but bastards!” The reason they suffer no chastisement despite their lifestyles, is simply because they don’t belong to the Lord. To be sure, if they belonged to Him, even as this Text plainly says, they would be partakers of chastisement in some form.<br />
It is said that approximately 100 million people in the United States profess Christianity. The true number of those who are actually saved, is far, far less. While God Alone knows that number, the lack of fruit in most lives gives a pretty good indication of what they really are, despite their claims.<br />
(9) “FURTHERMORE WE HAVE HAD FATHERS OF OUR FLESH WHICH CORRECTED US, AND WE GAVE THEM REVERENCE: SHALL WE NOT MUCH RATHER BE IN SUBJECTION UNTO THE FATHER OF SPIRITS, AND LIVE?” The structure is:<br />
1. Earthly parents are used here as an example. 2. If we understood we were to be subject to our earthly parents, surely we understand that we should be subject to our Heavenly Father. 3. The implication is, if we aren’t subject to Him, we could lose our souls. EARTHLY PARENTS<br />
The phrase, “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence,” refers as stated, to earthly parents; however, there is something here which should be addressed:<br />
JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
Paul is only using this as an example. In no way does this give credence to the idea that it’s proper for one Christian to chastise another Christian. All chastisement is carried out by God. James addressed this by saying:<br />
“There is one Lawgiver, Who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:12).<br />
In essence, James is saying, “Who do you think you are, thinking you are qualified, to punish a fellow Christian?”<br />
It is only self-righteousness which would think that it could do such a thing. Let me give you an example:<br />
Frances was mentioning to me the other day about listening to a particular Christian singer over Television, and how beautiful and how well that he sang. She was commenting on his voice, and as well, the excellent spirit that he seemed to have.<br />
She went on to say how that he made mention of the fact that he had a problem a short time back. In fact, even though I do not know the man personally, I am acquainted with the type of problem he had.<br />
Now of course, the only answer for that particular problem, or any problem of sin for that matter, is to take it to the Lord, which I’m assuming that he did.<br />
Now what good would it have done, for some foolish Preachers in some particular Denomination to have told him that because of his problem, he couldn’t sing any more for two years, or some such period of time? Thank the Lord that he wasn’t a member of such a Denomination.<br />
God gave the man the talent to sing, and despite the problem he had, he was using it for God’s Glory. Who am I, or any other man for that matter, to tell him that he cannot use this talent that God has given him?<br />
Individuals who do such, are attempting to play God, and I might quickly add, they’re doing it very poorly.<br />
Chastisement must be left solely in the domain of the Lord, and must never be thought to be the prerogative of any human being. While it is certainly true that we are subject to our earthly parents when we are children, even as this Text brings out, and as Christians we are also subject to the laws of the land, however, that’s where the subjection<br />
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HEBREWS 12:10<br />
ends. The only thing that I owe any other Christian, and that goes for all Preachers as well, is “love” (Rom. 13:8). While as a Christian I owe obedience to civil authorities, that is if they do not require something that defiles my conscience, I do not owe such obedience to any other Christian, simply because they are a Christian, or even some type of supposed leader. That’s the case if we desire to be Biblical; however, if we desire to make up our own rules as we go along, which much of the Church regrettably does, then that’s another matter altogether.<br />
SUBJECTION<br />
The conclusion of the question, “Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?”, refers to our Heavenly Father. The phrase, “Father of spirits” is contrasted to “fathers of the flesh,” which concern our earthly parents. Their relation to us is limited, His is universal. They are related to us on the fleshly side: He is the Creator of our essential life. Our relation to Him is on the side of our eternal being.<br />
The words “and live” while including the future life, are not limited to that sphere, but also refer to this present existence. The idea is, “have true life” (Wuest). The idea is, when Believers subject themselves to God, accepting life’s sufferings as discipline from His Fatherly hand, we enter the life that is alone worthy of the name.<br />
An earthly father chastens his son as seems fit to his imperfect judgment; but the Heavenly Father disciplines with infallible judgment and perfect love.<br />
God chastens us because we are His children, and because He loves us supremely. The fruitful branch is purged that it may bring forth more fruit; the self-willed child is chastened in order to the production of the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Love chastens, but not without a motive; and so we must not be discouraged.<br />
(10) “FOR THEY VERILY FOR A FEW DAYS CHASTENED US AFTER THEIR OWN PLEASURE; BUT HE FOR OUR PROFIT, THAT WE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS.” The structure is:<br />
HEBREWS 12:10 760 JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
1. The chastening of our earthly parents may or may not have been for our good. 2. All chastening of the Lord, and because His knowledge is perfect, is “for our profit.” 3. The object of His chastening, is to rid us of anything and everything that would hinder our Christlikeness. THEIR OWN PLEASURE<br />
The phrase, “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure,” presents by the use of the word “pleasure,” that the chastening may or may not have been proper.<br />
“Pleasure” in the Greek is “dokeo,” and means “to be of opinion, to think, suppose.” Thus, the word indicates that the judgment of the parents on matters of discipline is based on opinion at best, conjecture, and supposition. It is, therefore, not infallible as should be obvious, as is the case of the judgment of our Heavenly Father.<br />
All of this points to the difference in the quality of the discipline which we receive from our earthly fathers and that which we receive from God. They disciplined us “for a little while,” which refers to the brief days of childhood, and they did it according to the best of their knowledge. They did their best, and of course, we’re speaking here of earthly parents trying to do the right thing, but the phrase seems to imply that earthly parents often make mistakes. God makes no mistakes!<br />
PROFIT<br />
The phrase, “But He for our profit,” presents the difference between human liability to mistake and the perfect knowledge of our Heavenly Father, Who seeks our profit, and cannot err in the means which He employs.<br />
If we properly understand this, then whatever is happening to us at the moment, which we know has been designed by the Lord, and designed for our good, makes the situation more tolerable. The main thing that all Believers should understand is this:<br />
1. We must understand that everything from the Lord comes to us through the Sacrifice of Christ; consequently, our Faith must ever be in that Finished Work. 2. We must be consecrated totally and completely to the end that the Holy Spirit NOTES<br />
will work successfully within our lives, which He always will, if our Faith is properly placed in the Cross of Christ.<br />
3. We must always realize that every single thing that happens to us as Believers, is allowed or designed by the Holy Spirit. He Who notes the sparrow’s fall, and numbers the very hairs of our heads, presents Himself as being totally occupied in every facet of our lives. We must understand this. While chastening is needed by every Believer, even if our Faith and Consecration are exactly as they ought to be, to be sure, chastening can be lessened by us conducting ourselves as we should. As would be obvious, some need more correction than others. HOLINESS<br />
The phrase, “That we might be partakers of His Holiness,” proclaims a work of the Holy Spirit.<br />
The only way that an individual can be Holy before God, and we speak of the Holiness alone which God will recognize, is for the Holy Spirit to carry out this work in one’s heart and life. It is impossible for any human being to make himself holy, irrespective as to what he might do.<br />
Holiness is attained by the Believer evidencing Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, which then gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work in our lives.<br />
“Holiness” in the Greek is “hagiotes,” and means “sacred, pure, blameless, sanctity.” It points to God’s holy character. The aim of God’s chastisement of His people is to produce in us a character like His Own.<br />
However, let us emphasize again, that this is not a contrived holiness which is perpetrated by many Churches, but rather the Holiness of God. It refers to an absence of all sin, spiritual pollution, and spiritual failure of any nature. There is only one way this can be obtained in the Believer’s life, and that way comes in two parts:<br />
1. The Believer must ever look to the Cross of Christ, understanding that it was there that Christ met every need. Our Faith in that Finished Work, brings about the help of the Holy Spirit, Who Alone can perfect holiness within our hearts and lives. 2. Even with us properly doing this of JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
which I have spoken, chastening is still needed. In fact, this tells us how bad the problems of “self” and “sin” actually are.<br />
Pride presents itself as a terrible factor in the life of all Christians. Only the “Cross” and “chastening” can eliminate this scourge. There must be total dependence on Christ, and chastening is needed in order to bring this about.<br />
It is ironical, many in the modern Charismatic community, and I speak of Preachers, are attempting to make men rich, at least that’s what they claim, while the Holy Spirit is trying to make us holy. The terrible Truth is, that those who follow such teaching, will gain neither — earthly riches or Heavenly Holiness.<br />
(11) “NOW NO CHASTENING FOR THE PRESENT SEEMETH TO BE JOYOUS, BUT GRIEVOUS: NEVERTHELESS AFTERWARD IT YIELDETH THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO THEM WHICH ARE EXERCISED THEREBY.” The diagram is:<br />
1. Even though chastening is “profitable,” it is not enjoyable, as should be obvious. 2. If it is properly entertained, it will without fail, yield the “peaceable Fruit of Righteousness,” which is the intention of the Spirit. 3. This is not a matter of accepting a minor chastisement or two with good grace; it is the habit of life that is meant. GRIEVOUS<br />
The phrase, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous,” presents the fact that the trials to which we are exposed at times, do not for the moment give joy, but are often hard indeed to bear. This tells us that some chastening can be very severe indeed!<br />
I think the Holy Spirit is as well, speaking here of the degree of chastening. The degree that one has to undergo, not only pertains to the development of Holiness without our lives, but also I think, pertains to the work which God has for us to do. For instance, one might say, and I think be correct, that Moses endured chastening for some 40 years, as it regards his stay at the back side of the desert. God was preparing Moses for a formidable task, as would be obvious. This task required every vestige of Egypt to be erased from the heart and life of the great Lawgiver. It didn’t take<br />
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HEBREWS 12:11<br />
long to get Moses out of Egypt, but it took a long time to get Egypt out of Moses.<br />
This tells us, that while chastening may definitely be employed by the Lord because of sin within our lives, it can also be employed as it regards preparation. And that preparation can be “grievous.”<br />
As well, all of this tells us that chastening is not meant to impart pleasure, nor is this its design. All chastisement is intended to produce pain in some way, and the Christian is as sensitive to pain as others. In fact, our Faith in Christ does not blunt our sensibilities, or make us a stoic. If anything, it increases our susceptibility to suffering. In other words, we feel it even more keenly.<br />
I think one can say, and without fear of contradiction, that our Lord Jesus probably felt pain, reproach, and contempt more keenly than any other human being ever did. While our experience with Christ does not render us insensible to suffering, etc., it does bring about two things within our hearts and lives:<br />
1. It enables us to bear the difficulty without murmuring and complaining, or at least it should! 2. It turns the affliction into a blessing on the soul, which leads to Righteousness. To be Christlike no price is too high to pay! To be Christlike, no path should be avoided that will bring about this result.<br />
While as Christians we certainly do not seek chastisement, and in fact, do not desire it at all. But at the same time, we do know that chastisement is unavoidable, and it always is for our good.<br />
THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS<br />
The phrase, “Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of Righteousness,” proclaims what chastening is all about.<br />
“Yieldeth” in the Greek is “apodidomi,” and means “to give back.” In other words, all of this is carried out by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose. That purpose is to bring forth the “peaceable Fruit of Righteousness,” i.e., “Holiness.” We go back again to John Chapter 15:<br />
Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away (that which chastisement does): and every branch that<br />
HEBREWS 12:12<br />
beareth fruit, He purgeth it (the process of chastisement), that it may bring forth more fruit” (Jn. 15:2).<br />
The “peaceable” fruit stands in contrast with the unrest and trouble which have preceded during the time of “chastening.” But there is more than rest after conflict, for the object of the conflict is attained; the Fruit consists in Righteousness (Prov. 11:30; Isa. 32:17; Phil. 1:11; James 3:17).<br />
EXERCISE<br />
The phrase, “Unto them which are exercised thereby,” refers to those who have been trained by chastisement. As we have stated, it is not a matter of accepting a minor chastisement or two with good grace; it is the habit of life that is meant. When that is present, the “peaceable fruit” follows.<br />
In all of this, Paul might be throwing out a hint to his readers, that suffering at times, was apt to render people irritable, even impatient with one another’s faults. The latter record even of the martyrs, for example, shows that the very prospect of death did not always prevent Christians from quarreling in prison. This all tells us, that chastisement must be accepted in the right spirit; otherwise it does not produce the right result.<br />
Our earthly fathers chastened us as it seems fit to their imperfect judgment; but the Heavenly Father disciplines with infallible judgment and perfect love.<br />
Most all of the chastisement, even as we’ve already stated, centers up on the “will,” i.e., “self-will.” Whatever direction it may take, this is generally where the Holy Spirit is working. And until the will is won, there is warfare, but when won there is peace; and the fruit of that peace is upright conduct. But this only results for them who are exercised by the chastisement.<br />
(12) “WHEREFORE LIFT UP THE HANDS WHICH HANG DOWN, AND THE FEEBLE KNEES;” The structure is:<br />
1. In view of the fact that chastisement is from the Lord, and understanding this, we are to do certain things. 2. The “hands hanging down” stipulate discouragement and defeatism. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle is telling us that 762<br />
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during the times of chastisement, we should lift our hands and praise the Lord, and as well, go to work for Him.<br />
3. “Feeble knees” speak of wrong direction, and the idea is, “get out of that slough of despondency, and get moving for the Lord.” HANDS WHICH HANG DOWN<br />
The phrase, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down,” refers to discouragement that can come about, and in fact does come about in the hearts and lives of many Christians who are enduring chastisement. The Holy Spirit has given extremely valuable teaching here through Paul. He has told us that all of this is profitable for us, and is going to produce a Work of Righteousness within our lives; consequently, in view of that, and I speak of that which is coming, which refers to great blessings, we should not be discouraged.<br />
Even though the metaphor of the hands hanging down covers a wide territory, for a moment I’ll just look at one of its many sides.<br />
Knowing that this speaks of discouragement, and knowing how hard it is to praise the Lord during such times, the admonition is, “Praise the Lord anyhow!” Praising the Lord is some way generally includes the raising of the hands.<br />
As well, it speaks of surrender to God, which in effect says, “I may not know exactly why You are doing this, but I know it is for my profit, and I’m going to praise the Lord in view of that.” In fact, surrendering to the Lord is a great part of the Christian experience. We may think it’s simple, and almost all Christians may claim they have surrendered to the Lord. But the truth is, despite what most think, most haven’t!<br />
FEEBLE KNEES<br />
The phrase, “And the feeble knees,” refers to one who is totally discouraged, and in fact, has become immobile, or else going in the wrong direction.<br />
More than likely, the entire Twelfth Verse is derived from Isaiah 35:3. It says: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.”<br />
However, even though the Holy Spirit through Paul didn’t bring it out here, except maybe in a very limited way in the next Verse,<br />
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I do not think it would be improper to include the balance of this which was given to Isaiah. The Prophet said:<br />
“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you.<br />
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.<br />
“Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert” (Isa. 35:4-6).<br />
Of course this is speaking of the coming Millennium, when Christ will set up His eternal Kingdom; however, if the Holy Spirit saw fit through Paul to use a part of this statement, which He definitely did, then I do not think we do violence to Scripture to be able to tell anyone and everyone undergoing chastisement, that victory is on the way. Great and wonderful things are about to happen. So we can “lift up our hands which hang down,” and to be sure, our “feeble knees” will then be strengthened.<br />
(13) “AND MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR YOUR FEET, LEST THAT WHICH IS LAME BE TURNED OUT OF THE WAY; BUT LET IT RATHER BE HEALED.” The composite is:<br />
1. The chastisement is intended to make the paths straight, which refers to our daily walk before God. 2. Healing is intended, and healing will definitely come. 3. All of this has to do with the Cross, which we will address momentarily. STRAIGHT PATHS FOR YOUR FEET<br />
The phrase, “And make straight paths for your feet,” concerns itself with out “walk” before the Lord. In fact, Paul uses the word “walk” quite a few times as it regards our Christian experience (Rom. 4:12; 6:4; 8:1, 4; 13:13; I Cor. 3:3; 7:17; II Cor. 5:7; 6:16; 10:3; Gal. 5:16, 25; 6:16; Eph. 2:10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Phil. 3:16-18; Col. 1:10; 2:6; 4:5; I Thess. 2:12; 4:1, 12; II Thess. 3:11).<br />
“Straight paths” in the Greek doesn’t necessarily refer to paths which have been crooked, but more generally in the sense of it being the “right path.” The idea is, that<br />
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chastisement is tendered by the Lord, to bring us to the “straight paths,” or “right paths,” of the Cross. Any other path is wrong, out of the way, and will result in terrible, spiritual lameness, which we will address directly.<br />
Understanding the Gospel as it was given to Paul, which in essence was and is, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” and understanding how strongly he preached the Cross, I do not think we are doing violence to Scripture to conclude his statements in this manner.<br />
The idea is, any path other than the Cross, is a wrong path, and will always, and without exception, lead to dire circumstances. Chastisement is meant to pull us to this right path, and I think one can say without fear of exaggeration, that this is the reason for most, if not all, chastisement.<br />
LAME FEET<br />
The phrase, “Lest that which is lame be turned out of the way,” refers to the condition of most Christians, spiritually speaking. Most are spiritually lame, which means they don’t walk right, simply because they are on the wrong path. Spiritual lameness results from trying to live this life by our own efforts and ability, which means we’re doing so without the help of the Holy Spirit. Most Christians are confused by that statement, and because most have been taught wrong.<br />
Most Christians either believe that the work of the Holy Spirit is all automatic, or else they believe that by them doing spiritual things, that this constitutes “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). Both directions are wrong, i.e., “wrong paths.”<br />
As stated, the way of the Cross constitutes the only “straight paths” there actually are. The manner in which we find these paths and walk on them, is not by activity, but rather by understanding our position in Christ. If the Reader can bear our repetitiveness, we will say it again.<br />
The following constitutes “straight paths”:<br />
1. Everything the Believer receives from the Lord comes exclusively through the Finished Work of Christ, i.e., “the Cross” (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14). 2. Our Faith is to ever be in that Finished Work. This is the critical part of our living for God. The object of our faith is the single HEBREWS 12:14<br />
most important thing there is. The problem with most of Christianity is that the object of its faith is something else other than the Cross. And to be sure, it doesn’t really matter what it is, or how good it might be in its own right, if it’s not Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, then it’s not Faith which the Holy Spirit will honor (Rom. Chpt. 4).<br />
3. Once our faith is properly placed, and our faith remains in that proper place, the Holy Spirit will then function greatly on our behalf (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). This is what constitutes “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:2). The Spirit will only walk on “straight paths,” i.e., “right paths,” and one might even say, this is the “Law,” as derived from Romans 8:2. HEALED<br />
The phrase, “But let it rather be healed,” refers to what the chastisement is intended to bring forth, which can only be done, by the Believer being brought to the Cross, and understanding this, the great Sacrifice of Christ, as being the answer, and in fact, the only answer to all things. When this path, the path of the Cross is followed, only then can the lame feet be healed.<br />
As should be obvious, this speaks of our daily walk before God, which means that now we are “walking” as we should.<br />
“Healed” in the Greek is “iaomai,” and means “to make whole.” And as well, it speaks of being made “whole” in every way, spiritually, financially, physically, mentally, domestically, etc.<br />
A few hours ago (Sept. 19, 2000) we were taping Television programs for “A Study in the Word.”<br />
I asked the question on the Telecast, “Is it possible for a Believer to be brought to an understanding of the Cross of Christ, without somehow a crisis being affected in his life?”<br />
If “chastisement” can be construed as a “crisis,” and which I definitely think it can, then I think the Scripture is all too clear, that such has to be before the Believer can begin to think right, and believe right. And of course, by this statement I am speaking of the Believer coming to the place to where he surrenders himself totally to Christ, which translates into complete Faith in the Cross of<br />
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Christ, which then gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to work within our hearts and lives.<br />
It would seem that all of this should be very simple and easy, would it not? However, that is not the case. Most Christians do not like to admit that they are wrong about something, and Preachers most of all do not like to admit they are wrong about something. But as I’ve said repeatedly, there’s been so little teaching on the Cross in the last several decades, that the modern Church is all but Cross illiterate. Consequently, most Christians are living less than victorious lives, actually with works of the flesh being manifested in their daily experiences. This is a terrible situation to be in, but yet, to solve the problem, most of the time we just simply try to increase what we’re already doing, which makes a bad matter worse. In other words, what we’re doing now to live this Christian life is mostly wrong, and then when we add to that, we only exacerbate the situation.<br />
To bring the Christian out of that situation, most of the time, if not all the time, chastisement is required. In fact, I think these Passages as given by Paul do proclaim the fact, that such cannot be done without chastisement. That’s the reason that it is plainly stated, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Heb. 12:6).<br />
Almost the entirety of the modern Church needs “healing,” and that healing can only come about by the Church going back to the Cross. If it takes chastisement to bring the Church to this particular place, then chastisement will be a cheap price to pay.<br />
(14) “FOLLOW PEACE WITH ALL MEN, AND HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD:” The structure is:<br />
1. Every Christian should eagerly seek peace with all men, but not at the expense of compromising the Gospel. 2. A holiness that is continuously more perfected should ever be the goal of the Believer. This speaks of Christlikeness! 3. Our holiness is obtained by faith and trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross. Without such Faith, there is no holiness, and there is no Salvation. JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
PEACE<br />
The phrase, “Follow peace with all men,” must be the continuous effort of every true Christian.<br />
“Follow” in the Greek is “dioko,” and means “to run swiftly in order to catch some person or thing, to run after, to press on.” It is used of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal (Phil. 3:12). The word is seen, therefore, to have a sense of urgency about it, of intensity of purpose.<br />
Every effort must be made to live peacefully with all men, but not at the expense of Holiness, i.e., “the compromising of the Word of God.”<br />
We as Believers are to ever make war with sin, but not with men. People are often selfish and abrasive, but this is not the way Christians should be. For us, peace is imperative, and we must “make every effort” to attain it.<br />
However, after every effort is made, there are some people with whom one simply cannot live at peace. After having done our best in this respect, then the Words of Christ must apply. He said:<br />
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he will hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.<br />
“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.<br />
“And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Mat. 18:15-17).<br />
HOLINESS<br />
The short phrase, “And Holiness,” refers to being set apart unto God. Such must be characteristic of the Believer. Although the Believer lives in the world, we must always in one sense be different from the world and separate from the world. Our standards are not the world’s standards. Holiness and Sanctification are actually the same thing.<br />
THE REQUIREMENT<br />
The phrase, “Without which no man shall see the Lord,” is extremely important, and must be correctly understood.<br />
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This statement has been often quoted,<br />
“without Holiness no man shall see the Lord,”<br />
but which is a misquote.<br />
Most of the time such thinking proceeds from the idea that a certain set of rules made up by men, must be obeyed, with such obedience construed as holiness, and disobedience construed as a lack of holiness, with the person then condemned.<br />
Much of this teaching has been based upon the idea that holiness is an experience called by some the “second blessing,” or the “second work of grace,” and that those who do not obtain this experience, although regenerate, will eventually lose their souls and will never see the Lord. But this is incorrect, and finds no countenance whatever in the Text itself, or anywhere else in the Bible. In fact, the very opposite is true.<br />
TWO THINGS TO FOLLOW<br />
We are exhorted in this Text to follow two things, one manward and the other Godward. First, we are to follow peace with all men. That is, we are to make that our object in our dealings with our fellow men.<br />
Manifestly we shall never attain to this in the full sense. Even our Blessed Lord Himself, though He came preaching Peace, did not find all men ready to be at peace with Him. And the Believer, however earnestly he pursues the ideal, even as we’ve already stated, will still find men who refuse to live peaceably.<br />
Godward, we are to follow Holiness. This is to be the trend of our lives. We are ever to seek to become more and more like Him, the Holy One. Apart from this, no man, whatever his profession, shall see the Lord.<br />
THE PROBLEM WHICH HAS ALWAYS PLAGUED THE CHURCH<br />
The moment we see the words “Holy,” or “Holiness,” or “Sanctification” in the Bible, most of the time our thoughts go in wrong directions.<br />
First of all, there is no way that any human being, even the Godliest of Believers, can effect these great Works of Grace within our lives. All of this is a Work of the Spirit. He Alone can make us what we ought to be, and without Him we cannot be what we ought to be (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />
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First of all we must understand, that every single Believer has a position of Holiness before the Lord, and was granted this at the moment of Salvation (I Cor. 6:11). This automatically comes with imputed Righteousness. In other words, the moment that the believing sinner expresses and evidences Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross, at that moment a perfect Holiness is ascribed to that individual. It is not earned, and in fact it cannot be earned. It comes simply by Faith.<br />
As stated, that is the Believer’s position, which in fact, never changes; however, the actual condition does change constantly, and is what Paul is here discussing.<br />
It is the business of the Holy Spirit to bring the “condition of holiness” so to speak, of the Believer up to the “position of holiness.” It is the business as well of the Believer to yield and consecrate to the Spirit in order that this be done. And how is that done?<br />
It is done by the Believer constantly evidencing Faith in the Cross of Christ, in other words, ever making the Cross the object of one’s Faith. When this is done, the Holy Spirit can perfect the condition of Holiness in one’s life.<br />
The major problem, however, is man-devised holiness, and which has always been the problem. Of course, such constitutes holiness which God will not accept, and which only succeeds in breeding self-righteousness. But regrettably, that’ where most Christians actually are, that is if they think of holiness at all. Such succeeds only in gendering strife, wrath, discord, and as stated, self-righteousness. In fact, it is the bane of the Church!<br />
To be sure, those who follow that type of holiness, will not “see the Lord.” It’s only those who follow God’s prescribed order, which is the Cross of Christ, which gives the Holy Spirit the latitude in which to work, who “shall see the Lord.”<br />
(15) “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;” The exegesis is:<br />
1. It is only by the Grace of God that Holiness can be perfected in our lives. NOTES<br />
2. “Roots of bitterness” spring up in hearts and lives when Believers seek to attain to Holiness other than by the Grace of God. 3. “Defilement” refers to “works of the flesh,” which will definitely come about, if our course is anything but God’s prescribed order, which is the Cross. THE GRACE OF GOD<br />
The phrase, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the Grace of God,” presents several great truths:<br />
1. We are to be diligent in our pursuing the Grace of God. 2. It is only by “the Grace of God” in which Holiness, or any other Blessing from the Lord, can be attained. 3. It is quite possible to “fail of the Grace of God,” which refers to stopping the flow (Gal. 2:21). The Grace of God simply refers to the goodness of God that is extended to undeserving Believers. It is intended to come in an uninterrupted flow, and definitely will do so, upon the proper provision of Faith. The Grace of God comes to all individuals strictly by and through the great Sacrifice of Christ. God has always had Grace, but until the Cross, it could not be extended quite so readily. Since the Cross, which makes the application of Grace possible, Grace is extended to the Believer like a Niagara so to speak.<br />
In view of the fact that it is the Cross of Christ which makes Grace possible (Rom. 3:24; 4:16; 5:2, 20; 6:14; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:89), then we should know how important the Cross actually is.<br />
HOW TO KEEP THE GRACE OF GOD COMING TO YOU<br />
We know from this Passage, as well as Galatians 2:20-21, and others similar, that the Grace of God can be frustrated and even stopped. Of course, such a thing is tantamount to total defeat, but which regrettably characterizes the lives of many if not most Believers, I think.<br />
First of all, and as should by now be obvious, the Grace of God is not an automatic thing. Were that so, then it wouldn’t be possible to fail of the Grace of God or to frustrate the Grace of God. So, what is it that<br />
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frustrates the Grace of God and what is it that keeps the Grace of God coming to the Believer in an uninterrupted flow?<br />
I suppose if most Christians had to answer that question, they would go back to the word “Holiness,” surmising in their minds that Grace is stopped if we aren’t holy enough! Whatever it is they would think, most would probably conclude in their minds that our “works,” have something to do with this, etc. None of that is correct.<br />
First let’s see why Grace is stopped or at least hindered.<br />
Whenever the Believer attempts to live this Christian life by faith in his spiritual activity, such as faithful Church attendance, the paying of our tithes, daily Bible study, witnessing to souls on a regular basis, etc., all things incidentally which are very, very good; still, because these things are good, they deceive us. Let me explain it this way:<br />
It’s certainly not the doing of these things which are wrong. In fact, these are things that every Christian surely will do, and because they are a part and parcel of the Christian experience, and will definitely bring blessings to the Believer. The problem is the object of our Faith. It’s the thinking that these things merit us something with God, or provide some type of Holiness or Righteousness which steers us wrong. And yet that’s where most of Christendom is.<br />
Most Christians would vehemently deny that the object of their Faith is their works, but that’s exactly where it is with most, irrespective as to what they say or think. And how do I know that?<br />
If the Believer doesn’t understand the Message of the Cross, and regrettably, most don’t, the only other place for the object of our Faith is our works.<br />
When we say things of this nature, many Christians claim that we’re demeaning prayer, or faithfulness to Church, or witnessing to souls, etc. To be frank, that’s ridiculous! I suppose at least one of the reasons that some Christians grow somewhat testy when we broach this subject, is because we’ve hit a nerve. There is something about the “doing of religion,” that makes us feel holy, etc. And when someone takes those props away, we get a little angry. Nevertheless, that’s where<br />
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most Christians presently are. And the hurtful thing about all of this is, instead of these things bringing about the intended result, they bring about the very opposite. Our situation doesn’t get better but worse; the sin which doth so easily beset us is not eradicated, but gets worse; and we’re left somewhat confused!<br />
The truth is, by depending on these things which I have mentioned and many I haven’t mentioned, which means to make them the object of our Faith, all we succeed in doing, is to stop the Grace of God. Holiness, Righteousness, purity, victory, etc., are never provided by anything that we can do in the realm of works, irrespective as to how good and noble those works might be. All of these things, and without exception, are provided by the Holy Spirit, and He does so on one basis, and that is on the basis of the great Sacrifice of Christ.<br />
In other words, you as a Believer must put your Faith in the Cross of Christ and do so exclusively, if you want the Grace of God to come to you, and to come to you in an uninterrupted flow. You must understand that it is the Cross that makes Grace possible; it is the Cross where Jesus paid the price; it is the Cross that defeated every power of darkness.<br />
WEAK CHRISTIANS AND STRONG CHRISTIANS<br />
We have a tendency to judge Christians by their works. Now don’t misunderstand, works definitely are very important, and the truth is, every good Christian will definitely have good works. In other words, proper faith will always produce proper works; however, proper works will never produce proper Faith. You must ever remember that. But that’s what most of the modern Church is attempting to do.<br />
They are attempting to produce faith by works, and to use a pun, it simply won’t work.<br />
Strong Christians, at least in the eyes of God, are those who totally and completely look to the Finished Work of Christ. In other words, the Cross is ever the object of their Faith. They understand that this is where all Blessings are derived; they understand that the Cross is the means by which the Grace of God, i.e., “the goodness of God,” can keep<br />
HEBREWS 12:15<br />
coming to the Saint of God. Their faith is not in themselves, not in their religious Denomination, not in their particular Church, not in Preachers per se, but in Jesus Christ exclusively, and more particularly, what Christ did at the Cross.<br />
A weak Christian is judged by God, as one who has his faith in his works, and irrespective as to how many works there might be. As one I think can surely see, this is the very opposite of the thinking of most of the modern Church.<br />
Once again, please allow me to emphasize, that we’re not demeaning works. Instead of less works we should have more. In other words, Christians should definitely do more for the Lord, certainly not less! The idea is, and that which I’m trying to get you to see, is that these things do not constitute strength with God, do not earn us anything from God, and do not really perfect any Righteousness or Holiness within our hearts and lives. And if a Christian is engaged in such, and that’s where their Faith is, they are looked at by the Lord as a “weak Christian,” and for all the Biblical reasons.<br />
Some years ago, in reading after an English Preacher, who has long since gone on to be with the Lord, he made a statement which at first shocked me, but yet I knew it was true.<br />
He said, “The Church must repent not only of its bad, but as well of its good!” At that moment I knew what he said was right, but at that particular time I didn’t really understand why it was right. Only when the Lord began to open up to me the Cross did I understand what he was saying.<br />
We can all understand repenting of the bad things we do, but repenting of the good? What the man meant was this:<br />
He wasn’t meaning that we should cease and desist as it regards good works. He was meaning that our Faith must never be in these things, but always in Christ and Him Crucified. And by the way, he was right when he said we ought to repent before the Lord of depending upon those things.<br />
MY FAITH IS IN CHRIST<br />
The heading we’ve just given, is that which almost every single Christian will say. But despite saying it all the time, most Christians<br />
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really don’t know what they are saying. They think they do, but most actually don’t! No, what I’m saying is not a mere play on words, but rather the very core of the problem.<br />
While it is definitely correct that all true Christians definitely do have their faith in Christ; still, not really knowing what that actually means, I’m afraid that most Christians instead, are more trusting in their own religious works than anything else. I’m not questioning their love for Christ or their devotion to Christ. And to be sure, every single true Christian knows that Jesus died for them; however, that’s about the extent that they know as it regards the Cross. That’s where their faith starts and stops.<br />
To properly understand the statement, we must properly understand the word “faith.” To make it very simple, the word just simply means “to believe.” However, it carries far more than a mere mental assent, or an acknowledgement of the truthfulness of something.<br />
As the word is used in the Bible, Faith refers to a total and complete giving of oneself to Christ, and in every capacity — to be sure, to a far greater capacity than most realize.<br />
And how do we do that?<br />
We do that simply by evidencing Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. That’s what Faith in Christ actually means. That’s the reason I keep saying, that when we speak of Christ, when we think of Christ, it must always be in connection with the Cross, for that’s where the price was paid. So, when one speaks of having Faith in Christ, one should at the same time understand that it actually refers to what He did for us as it regards His giving of Himself on the Cross of Calvary. That is proper faith, which means it’s that to which the Holy Spirit will always respond favorably (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:1-2, 11; Gal. 6:14).<br />
ROOT OF BITTERNESS<br />
The phrase, “Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you,” presents that which bears bitter fruit. The metaphor is taken from the growth of plants. Such growth is slow, but what is in the plant will surely come out in time.<br />
What I’m going to say is I think, very, very important. And if the Holy Spirit helps you<br />
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to understand this of which we say, and I know He will, if you will look to Him for His leading, these truths could be a lifesaver to you.<br />
“Roots of bitterness” spring up in the hearts of Believers, and we are speaking here of Believer, whenever they “fail of the Grace of God.” The reason is this:<br />
When Believers attempt to live this life for Christ by the means of the “flesh,” which we are condemned to do if we do not understand the Message of the Cross, as we’ve already stated, this stops the flow of Grace, with the situation then becoming intolerable. This is what causes “burnout,” emotional problems, stress, etc. and it’s because we’re trying to do this thing in our own strength, which in fact, only the Holy Spirit can do.<br />
In all of this, it’s so easy to become bitter, which is exactly what millions have done. At this stage, many quit trying to live for God, and if they don’t quit, their lives are totally unproductive as far as the Cause of Christ is concerned.<br />
It’s somewhat like going back to the “burning bush” in the desert, as it regarded Moses, but which was not consumed (Ex. 3:1-5).<br />
If we are looking to the Finished Work of Christ, which then gives us the help of the Holy Spirit, the bush can burn forever and not be consumed; however, if we’re trying to do this thing, as stated, “in the flesh,” which refers to our own strength and efforts, which means we’re not looking to the Cross, to be sure, the bush will be consumed, which translates into the fact, that we will be consumed.<br />
As I dictate these notes, on September 21, 2000, I have been preaching the Gospel not much short of 50 years.<br />
In the early years of my Ministry, preaching Revivals and Campmeetings all over the nation, I would often hear of particular Preachers suffering what was referred to as “burnout.” As well, I heard Preachers talk constantly about all Preachers needing some type of “hobby,” which was supposed to address this problem, etc.<br />
I don’t mean to be cold or calloused; however, “burnout” is a result of the flesh, while “hobbies” are an effort of the flesh. I’m not denying the fact of “burnout,” but I am denying that such is the result of overwork, etc.<br />
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Burnout is always caused by trying to do the Work of God by our own strength and efforts, i.e., “by the efforts of the flesh,” i.e., “efforts which are totally of man and not of the Spirit.” And to be sure, no “hobby” is going to address that problem.<br />
THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />
If the Spirit of God is doing the work within us, there will be no problem with burnout, or emotional disturbance or stress, etc. Listen to what Paul said:<br />
“For if you live after the flesh, you shall die (be destroyed spiritually, mentally, and emotionally): but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live” (Rom. 8:13). So the great question is asked, as to how that one succeeds in functioning according to the Holy Spirit? We are here plainly told, that all of this must be done, and in fact can only be done, “through the Spirit.”<br />
We know that every single Believer in the world, and I speak of those who truly are Believers, have the Holy Spirit.<br />
We also know, that the Holy Spirit is God, and as such, He can do anything.<br />
We also know that something is wrong, when so many Christians are experiencing all types of problems. This means, that the Holy Spirit is not doing all that He can do. To be sure, if He is functioning properly within our hearts and lives, we will have victory on every front and in every situation. This doesn’t mean an absence of problems, but it does mean victory in the spiritual sense, which to be sure, will flow over into every other aspect of our life and living.<br />
HOW DO WE BRING ABOUT THE FULL WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN OUR LIVES?<br />
To have this brought about, which guarantees the greatest life and living that one could ever experience, there are only two things which must be done. They are:<br />
1. Even as we’ve said over and over again in this very Volume, the Believer must understand that every single thing we need from the Lord in order to live this life and be what we ought to be, comes exclusively through the Finished Work of Christ. Jesus addressed HEBREWS 12:15<br />
every single problem in the Atonement. Nothing was excluded, and everything was included. So, whatever it is that’s troubling you, to be sure it was addressed at the Cross. That means the Cross is your answer!<br />
2. Understanding that, you must place your faith unequivocally in the Finished Work of Christ. You must understand that this is the Source of your help, and place your Faith accordingly. This means, that you full well understand that what is required of you, you literally cannot do. In fact, there’s not a single human being in the world who can do what the Lord requires of us, not even the strongest Christian in the world. But at the same time, you must realize that Christ has already done everything for you, and did it at a fearful price. Of course, we’re speaking of what He did at the Cross.<br />
Actually, when your Faith is placed in the great Sacrifice of Christ, this is what constitutes “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). The Holy Spirit will always lead the Believer to the Cross (Jn. 16:14). He always glorifies Christ, and what Christ has done in order to liberate fallen humanity. And when you put your Faith in the Sacrifice of Christ, which incidentally, the Holy Spirit demands, you then have His full help. And as we’ve already stated, there is nothing He cannot do.<br />
MORE ABUNDANT LIFE<br />
Jesus said:<br />
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). The “more abundant life” of which He here spoke, concerns the “Spiritual Life” produced by the Spirit, which is derived from Christ and what He did at the Cross (Rom. 8:2). This pertains to victorious, Christian living, which is the greatest life that one could ever have. As stated, it is furnished solely by the Spirit, and on the basis of the Finished Work of Christ.<br />
However, many in the modern Church have turned this around, to where it pertains only to “things.” I speak of money, and the things that money can buy. Consequently, these so-called Christians are not looking to the Cross, but rather to foolish Preachers who can tell them how to get rich, etc. This<br />
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is rank heresy, and the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “They which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).<br />
To be frank, these particular Preachers, and they number into the multitudes, are preaching and teaching “another Jesus, by another spirit, which is another gospel” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />
Such a gospel will not change anyone’s life, will not bring about any type of spiritual victory, and will not throw aside the forces of darkness. In other words, individuals who follow such teaching, thinking they’re going to get money or whatever, are instead going to be destroyed. All of this is “of the flesh,” and the Scripture plainly says in respect to this, “For if you live after the flesh, you shall die” (Rom. 8:13).<br />
The Cross of Christ is the only answer for hurting humanity, and in fact, for humanity in general, and not some fake pot of gold at the end of some fake rainbow.<br />
DEFILEMENT<br />
The phrase, “And thereby many be defiled,” speaks of “works of the flesh” which most certainly will attach themselves to those plagued by a “root of bitterness.”<br />
The Christian should understand, that he has only two ways to go. He can go the way of the “Cross,” or he can go the way of “self.” The Cross has only one way, while self has untold numbers of ways.<br />
The reason that Paul gave so much teaching on the problem of “self,” i.e., “the flesh,” is simply because there is already a propensity in the heart of all Believers to go in that direction. So it’s a road that’s not only well trod, but easily trod; however, it leads to nothing but sorrow, heartache, pain, and disappointment. And in fact, it can lead to the loss of one’s soul.<br />
The problem with self is, that it’s always very religious. It’s also very subtle and very deceitful. We invoke the Name of Jesus, and quote a few Scriptures, and think we are “walking after the Spirit.” We aren’t! And then we wonder why the defilement, i.e., “failure”?<br />
Satan never fights self, but rather aids and abets efforts in this direction. But to be sure, he relentlessly fights the Cross of Christ, and for all the obvious reasons!<br />
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(16) “LEST THERE BE ANY FORNICATOR, OR PROFANE PERSON, AS ESAU, WHO FOR ONE MORSEL OF MEAT SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT.” The structure is:<br />
1. It is only through the Cross that victory over the flesh can be obtained. 2. Esau, although of the family of God, did not know God, and because he rejected God’s way which is Christ and the Cross. 3. He sold his birthright, which pertained to the Blessing of Abraham, because he had no concern or regard for spiritual things. ESAU<br />
The phrase, “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,” proclaims to us several things:<br />
1. The Holy Spirit here says with terrible severity that Esau was a “profane person.” 2. He was “profane” because he rejected God’s Way, which is the Cross, and which results are inevitable. Being “profane” was not the cause, but rather the result. 3. The Holy Spirit through Paul is here saying, that any Believer, exactly as Esau of old, who rejects God’s Way of the Cross, will conclude exactly as Esau. Such is a chilling prospect! But such is true. HIS BIRTHRIGHT<br />
The phrase, “Who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright,” pertains to spiritual things.<br />
The birthright implied the first place or rank in the family; the privilege of offering sacrifice and conducting worship in the absence or death of the father; a double share of the inheritance; and in this instance the honor of being in the line of the Patriarchs, and the transmitting of the Promises made to Abraham and Isaac. What Esau parted with we can easily understand, by reflecting on the honors which have clustered around the name of Jacob, i.e., “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”<br />
Most read this Passage and conclude that Esau did this, rejected his birthright, because he was a fornicator and profane person; however, the idea lends toward the following:<br />
The entirety of the subject of Hebrews is Faith in Christ and what He did for humanity<br />
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HEBREWS 12:16-17<br />
at the Cross. This great Promise of a coming Redeemer was given to the Patriarchs, even as Paul has addressed repeatedly in the Eleventh Chapter. Esau rejected this Promise. In other words, he had no regard or concern for that of which we speak. He wanted his own way, and in a sense his own religion, with the result being that he became a fornicator and profane person.<br />
In essence, Esau did the same identical thing as Cain, and untold billions of others ever since. He was in the Family of God, but he was not of the Family of God, exactly as the majority in the modern Church presently.<br />
The birthright of this man was, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Esau.” But he didn’t want that, and because it meant placing his faith and trust in One Who was to come, Who would redeem fallen humanity. In essence, Esau was saying that he didn’t need a Savior, exactly as so many who follow in his train.<br />
THE MODERN CHURCH<br />
Most miss the intent of this Passage as given by Paul, automatically dismissing it as a man who chose the gratification of fleshly desires. However, as stated, that is not the idea of the Text. Fleshly gratification and immorality of many and varied stripes, always follow the rejection of the Cross, for that’s what all of his comes down to. We must remember that we are speaking here of Believers, or at least those who claim to be Believers. As stated, Esau was in the family but not of the family. There is a vast difference in being “in the Family of God” than being “of the Family of God.” Every single Christian is in the world, but we are definitely not supposed to be of the world.<br />
(17) “FOR YE KNOW HOW THAT AFTERWARD, WHEN HE WOULD HAVE INHERITED THE BLESSING, HE WAS REJECTED: FOR HE FOUND NO PLACE OF REPENTANCE, THOUGH HE SOUGHT IT CAREFULLY WITH TEARS.” The composite is:<br />
1. Esau wanted the Blessing, but he didn’t want the Christ of the Blessing, one might say. 2. He was rejected by the Holy Spirit, even as all are rejected who reject “Christ and Him Crucified.” HEBREWS 12:17<br />
3. He did not seek repentance with tears, but rather the Blessing. In other words, he would not repent of his erroneous direction. THE BLESSING<br />
The phrase, “For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the Blessing,” proclaims Esau, as millions, desiring the Blessing without the Blesser. Everyone wants the Blessing, whatever that might be, but let it ever be known, that the only way that the Blessing can be received, is by Faith in the Redeemer and what He did at the Cross on our behalf. There is Salvation or Blessing in no other (Acts 4:12).<br />
Of Esau God says, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Mal. 1:1-3; Rom. 9:13).<br />
The Psalmist said, “Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:104).<br />
Esau was projecting a “false way,” which means that he placed no faith or confidence in the coming Redeemer, which means that he really did not look at himself as needing a Redeemer, which is the condition of most of the world.<br />
REJECTED<br />
The phrase, “He was rejected,” proclaims the fact that even though it was Isaac who tendered the rejection, it was actually God Who rejected him. God will reject a person only on one condition, and that condition is that they do not believe in Christ and Him Crucified as the answer to fallen humanity. The Scripture says of God, “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known My ways.<br />
“So I sware in My wrath, they shall not enter into My rest.”<br />
Paul then said, “Take heed, Brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God” (Heb. 3:10-12).<br />
God can only accept the Sacrifice of Christ; consequently, He can accept only those who put their faith and trust in that Sacrifice.<br />
This was the Faith of the Patriarchs. They were men who made mistakes, and at times, took wrong directions, but not as it regards<br />
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their ultimate Faith in the Coming Redeemer. They believed what God said about this coming great Sacrifice, even though their understanding at the time was only partial. It has not changed from then until now.<br />
The whole of the Plan of God is the salvation of the human race. That was and is done solely and completely by the Sacrifice of Christ. That’s what the Bible is all about, in fact, that is the story of the Bible.<br />
The addendum to that is, that fallen man must express Faith in that Sacrifice, whether they lived before Christ or after Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). Without question, God must reject any faith that is in anything else other than the Sacrifice of Christ. Esau, pure and simple, did not have that Faith, did not want that Faith, and would not accept that Faith, but yet he wanted the Blessing. Such is not to be!<br />
REPENTANCE<br />
The phrase, “For he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears,” proclaims the end result of such a direction. The pronoun “it” doesn’t refer to the repentance, but rather to the Blessing. He wanted the Blessing, as is obvious, but he did not want to repent of his foul ways of faith in things other than Christ. Primarily, it was faith in himself, as it generally always is with most.<br />
Some have tried to claim from these two Verses, that God will not forgive “fornicators” or those who are “profane.” Were that the case, there wouldn’t be many people saved. No, and as stated, Esau more and more became these things after his rejection of the “Blessing.” This is not to insinuate that the seed was not already in his heart, for it definitely was.<br />
God will forgive of any sin except blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which does not enter into this situation, and the sin of unbelief. As it regards the sin of unbelief, there is no ground on which God can bring about forgiveness, simply because the ground of forgiveness, which is the Sacrifice of Christ, has been rejected. That — unbelief — was the problem with Esau, and it is the problem with the majority of the world. In fact, it’s even the problem with the majority of the Church.<br />
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(18) “FOR YE ARE NOT COME UNTO THE MOUNT THAT MIGHT BE TOUCHED, AND THAT BURNED WITH FIRE, NOR UNTO BLACKNESS, AND DARKNESS, AND TEMPEST,” The exegesis is:<br />
1. Paul is referring here to Mt. Sinai. 2. He is more specifically mentioning the Law. 3. The Law was given with great overtones of judgment, symbolized by the “fire, blackness, darkness, and tempest.” MT. SINAI<br />
The phrase, “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched,” is in effect saying to these Christian Jews, “you had better carefully consider the Law with which you are proposing to once again embrace.”<br />
The Apostle gave the warning as it concerned Esau, because what some of them were proposing, was exactly what Esau had done. He wanted them to see the road they were proposing to travel.<br />
Esau wanted the Blessing, but he denied that which gave the Blessing, which was Christ. These Christian Jews were contemplating doing the very same thing. They must know, that if they did this thing, as God rejected Esau, He would also reject them. To reject Christ and His Cross, is to be rejected by God.<br />
JUDGMENT<br />
The phrase, “And that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,” refers to the august Power of God represented by these symbols. All of this took place when the Law was given on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:16-20).<br />
The idea is, we can face God respecting His Law according to the symbols here given, or we can face Him through the Blood of His Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul is trying to convey to these Christian Jews, at least to those who were contemplating going back to the Law, exactly what they were facing. What is being said is according to the following:<br />
Man must answer to God. Whether he denies the existence of God, or whether he claims some fabricated deity as God; still, he<br />
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HEBREWS 12:18-19<br />
will answer to his Creator at the Judgment. If he attempts to answer in any way except through the Sacrifice of Christ, he is going to face “the fire, the blackness, the darkness, and the tempest.” The latter is a chilling prospect. But this is what the Holy Spirit is saying through the Apostle.<br />
(19) “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:” The exegesis is:<br />
1. The Trumpet announced God and His Holiness. 2. The Trumpet was following by the “voice of words,” which was so powerful, that the people could not stand the sound. 3. They begged that it would stop! THE TRUMPET AND THE VOICE<br />
The phrase, “And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words,” presents that as stated, which accompanied the giving of the Law.<br />
Some may look at the giving of the Law as exampled here and recorded in Exodus Chapter 20, and the advent of Grace one might say, as given on the Day of Pentecost, and wonder as to why the great difference? As it regards Grace, while the advent of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by the sound of a “rushing mighty wind” (Acts 2:2), still, there was no comparison between the two. In fact, the record will show that some 3,000 men died at the time the Law was given as a result of judgment because of sin (Ex. 32:2528), whereas 3,000 men were saved on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41).<br />
The difference in these two days or times lies within the difference of Law and Grace. That’s the reason that no one, at least if they’re in their right mind spiritually speaking, would want to try to function spiritually according to Law. A thrice-Holy God can accept nothing less than perfection, which man is incapable of rendering. Man’s only hope is Grace, but yet, it seems that many Christians insist upon trying to live by “Law.” While it’s not the Law of Moses of which we speak, but rather law which they have fabricated themselves or else by someone else, it is still law,<br />
HEBREWS 12:20-21<br />
which God cannot bless. When we take this route, we “fail of the Grace of God,” exactly as Paul mentioned in Verse 15. The conclusion to that is always defilement.<br />
A WORD WHICH THEY COULD NOT BEAR<br />
The phrase, “Which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more,” relates the Voice of God as being of such power, that it could not be stood by the people (Ex. 20:19; Deut. 5:2227). So terrible was His Voice to them, so awful the penalties which fenced round their approach to Him, that they shrank back from hearing His Words.<br />
(20) “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:” The diagram is:<br />
1. The people could not stand the Holiness of God. 2. God coming this close, meant that death was very close, and because of the sinfulness of the people. 3. Once again we state the fact, that if any person attempts to please God through the keeping of Law, he must render a perfect obedience, and he must understand, that not one single soul, except Christ, has ever succeeded in doing such. THE COMMANDS<br />
The phrase, “For they could not endure that which was commanded,” presents the fearfulness of the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, and one of the commands laid on the people, namely, that neither man nor beast should even touch the mountain under penalty of death. Paul uses the phrase, “which was commanded,” which makes it all terrifyingly present. The command that nothing touch it indicates the Holiness and separateness of the mountain, and because God had now come down on this particular place. The quotation is from Exodus 19:13.<br />
The meaning is not that the commands themselves were intolerable, but that the “manner” in which they were communicated inspired a terror which they could not<br />
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bear. In other words, they feared that they would die.<br />
JUDGMENT<br />
The phrase, “And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart,” proclaims the absolute poignancy of the moment.<br />
“Touch” in the Greek here is “thiggano,” and means “to touch, handle.” It implies a touching or a grasping which affects the object. In classical Greek it is often used of touching or handling some sacred object which may be desecrated by the one who lays hands on it. Here, to touch the mountain, was to profane it. The reason, as stated, pertains to the absolute Holiness of God, which is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals.<br />
During all of this time, the only way that man could approach God was by means of the Sacrifices. We have the first record of such in Genesis 4, and which continued up unto the time of Moses. During the giving of the Law, the very heart of the Levitical system was the sacrificial order, which pertained to five separate Sacrifices (Lev. Chpts. 1-5). Of course, the Sacrifices from the very beginning all and without exception, represented Christ and the price that He would pay in order to redeem lost humanity. The Law never did present a way to reach God, and simply because man was incapable of fulfilling its demands. But Christ did meet all of its demands, and as well, suffered its penalty on the Cross, which atoned for all sin, and made it possible for man to come directly to God, but in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
(21) “AND SO TERRIBLE WAS THE SIGHT, THAT MOSES SAID, I EXCEEDINGLY FEAR AND QUAKE:” The structure is:<br />
1. If this sight was terrible to Moses, and it definitely was, who in fact was one of the godliest men who ever lived, then how more terrible it must have appeared unto the people. 2. The word “fear” is intensified as to its meaning by the prefixed preposition which literally says, “I am frightened out or away.” 3. Men constantly blaspheme God, never once realizing His awesome power, which in fact, is so awesome as to defy all human comprehension. JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
THE TERRIBLE SIGHT<br />
The phrase, “And so terrible was the sight,” proclaims in the strongest language possible, that no lasting blessing can come to fallen man through the Law. The very circumstances under which that fiery Law was given should have impressed upon him his utter inability to meet its requirements, and thus have led him to cast himself upon the matchless Grace of God, which alone can undertake for a sinner whose fallen nature is in opposition to the Divine Will. But Israel, even though they shrank in terror from the manifestations of Divine Power, self-confidently declared, “All that the Lord hath spoken will we do, and be obedient,” thus making themselves responsible to keep every Commandment in order to enter into Blessing (Ex. 19:8). They should have asked for Mercy and Grace realizing their total inadequacy. But there seems to be something in man, even we modern Christians, which makes us think that we can in fact meet the requirements of the Law. The idea is this:<br />
If even the lower creation, made subject to vanity because of man’s sin, would not be permitted to so much as touch the Mount, and if Moses who might be considered the very best in all Israel, trembled at the thought of drawing nigh to God under such circumstances, what possible hope could there be of any ordinary man standing before Jehovah on the ground of legal righteousness?<br />
Oh Reader can you not see the absolute need for the glorious Grace of God? Can you not see the hopelessness of legal righteousness?<br />
EXCEEDING FEAR<br />
The phrase, “That Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake,” is not found in the Sinai narrative, but did occur at the time of the golden calf (Deut. 9:19). Quite possibly the Jewish Targums records these words of Moses, which were not included in the Holy Scripture. No doubt, there was much that happened at that memorable time which is not recorded here.<br />
At any rate, Paul is picturing an awe-inspiring occasion, one that affected all the people and terrified even Moses, the man of God.<br />
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HEBREWS 12:22<br />
Once more the two Covenants are contrasted (vss. 18-29); and for the fourth time (vs. 25) a warning of mingled goodness and sternness is addressed to the readers of the Epistle.<br />
The seven outward and visible signs of the Old Covenant (vss. 18-19) are contrasted with the seven inward and spiritual realities of the New (vss. 22-24). The first are: the mountain, the fire, the blackness, the darkness, the tempest, the sound of the trumpet, and “the words,” i.e., the Ten Commandments — the Law. It doomed to death.<br />
The second are: the City, the Angels, the Firstborn, the Judge, the Righteous, the Mediator, and the Blood that speaks peace and life, all which we will momentarily address.<br />
(22) “BUT YE ARE COME UNTO MOUNT SION, AND UNTO THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, AND TO AN INNUMERABLE COMPANY OF ANGELS.” The structure is:<br />
1. Instead of returning to Mt. Sinai and the Law, the Readers are urged to continue their approach to Mt. Sion, the spiritual mountain and city where God dwells and reigns. 2. The Angels are introduced here because they are the usual accompaniment of God’s Glory and ministers of His Will. 3. The previous Passages have portrayed Law, while these Passages portray Grace. There is quite a difference! THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM<br />
The phrase, “But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem,” refers to the eternal abode of the Saints of God, with its description given in Revelation, Chapters 21 and 22. No one has ever reached this City by Law, but only by Grace. In fact, all the Old Testament Saints who now grace this “Heavenly Jerusalem,” were taken there only after Jesus died on the Cross. Before then, they went down into the heart of the Earth, referred to as “Paradise,” or “Abraham’s bosom” (Lk. 16:22).<br />
This was the case because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin; therefore, the sin debt remained, which means that Satan still had a claim on those Righteous Saints<br />
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(Eph. 4:8). Now due to the Cross, whenever a Christian dies, they instantly go to the<br />
“Heavenly Jerusalem.”<br />
Paul’s mention of “the Living God” emphasizes the thought that this City is no static affair; it is the city of a vital, dynamic, Living Being, One Who is doing things. This is where God dwells and reigns.<br />
Paul also in Galatians 4:19-31 contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament by speaking of Sinai and the Jerusalem which is above. The idea is, that the Law could not get anyone to that Heavenly Jerusalem; that could only be done by what Christ did at the Cross.<br />
The Apostle is here showing the excellent advantages which Believers have under the New Covenant vs. the Old Covenant. The very words “ye are come,” proclaim the fact that due to the Grace of God, they were already citizens of the Heavenly Jerusalem, and were entitled to its privileges (Phil. 3:20).<br />
JERUSALEM<br />
The name of this city recurs again and again in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.<br />
In the time of David, the city of Jerusalem was occupied by the Canaanites. It lay secure on mountainous heights in a wedge of land between the southern and northern sections of the land then occupied by the Twelve Tribes of Israel. David took the city by force. His action was politically motivated as well as spiritual: there was historic jealousy between the two sections of Israel. By establishing his Capital in the captured city of Jerusalem, David was able to avoid the jealousy that might have occurred if he had chosen a site in either the north or the south.<br />
It was during the reign of David and Solomon that this city was developed not only as the Capital of a united Israel but also as its center of worship. Throughout subsequent sacred history, Jerusalem was viewed as the place where God has established His Name, and succeeding Temples were always built on the original site.<br />
Most of the events of Bible history have their focus in Jerusalem, which became the central location that represents for all time Israel’s occupation of the Promised Land.<br />
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JERUSALEM’S SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE<br />
Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of the life of Israel. Israel’s kings ruled here, and it was here that the Temple, which symbolized the unity of the people and its faith, was constructed. Most of the events of Old Testament history after the monarchy was established, focus on Jerusalem, and it is in part from these events that Jerusalem derives her theological significance.<br />
Historic revivals were initiated in Jerusalem by Godly kings, and here too apostasy was spread by evil rulers. In a real sense, the spiritual condition of Jerusalem at any time in history was a barometer of the spiritual condition of the nation. The Ministry of the great Old Testament Prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, took place in Jerusalem — as did the murder of so many of the messengers God sent to warn His people.<br />
JESUS<br />
Some of Jesus’ Ministry took place in Jerusalem. It was the home of the leaders who so fiercely resented Him and who plotted to achieve His execution. It was outside the walls of the Holy City that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. And it was in Jerusalem that the Gospel was first preached and the first Church formed.<br />
Both the magnificent and the dreadful events of sacred history combine to give Jerusalem a unique place in Scripture, and they gave it its distinctive theological associations. Paul saw the historic Jerusalem and the Jerusalem of his day in a sense, as representative of slavery, even as we are here addressing. Again and again the freeing Power of God was rejected by Israel, and her experience demonstrates the destructive power of Law when Law is confused with Faith as a way of Salvation (Gal. 4:21-31).<br />
JERUSALEM’S PROPHETIC DESTINY<br />
The Old Testament portrays a distinctive future for God’s people. The Children of Israel will be restored to nationhood, to be exalted over the other nations of the world. Jerusalem will then be the center of worship of the world when the promised time of renewal comes. The Messiah will take His waiting Throne, and that Messiah will be the Lord<br />
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Jesus Christ, and the nation will then be finally secure. This future is affirmed by most of the Prophets (Zech., Chpts. 12-14).<br />
The New Testament introduces the concept of a Heavenly Jerusalem, to which we have briefly alluded. All that Jerusalem has been in sacred history as a political and spiritual center has foreshadowed what God intends to do on Earth. That perfect future world center of political and religious life is spoken of as the new or Heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 10).<br />
All of this is the main reason for the present tension over Jerusalem between the Palestinians and the Israelis. In fact, this tension will only increase until the advent of the Antichrist, whose appearance is shortly to come to pass. There is much more behind all of this than a mere political problem, or a demand for land. The contention goes back all the way to the time of David, and will find its climax in the Second Coming, which will be the greatest event in human history (Rev. Chpt. 19).<br />
ANGELS<br />
The phrase, “And to an innumerable company of Angels,” represents untold thousands. In fact, in the vision of John the Beloved of the New Jerusalem, he said, “And I heard the voice of many Angels round about the Throne . . . and the number of them was 10,000 times 10,000, and thousands of thousands” (Rev. 5:11).<br />
The word in the Greek is “myriads of myriads” and in the Hebrew is “chiliads of chiliads.”<br />
It refers to “countless numbers,” and if taken literally, the number is 100 trillion.<br />
MOUNT SION<br />
When Paul used the term, “Ye are come unto Mt. Sion,” he was speaking of God’s free electing Grace. We read in Psalms 78:68, “He chose Mt. Zion which He loved.” When there had been a complete breakdown under the former order, God exalted David, the man after His Own heart, to the position of King in Israel, and confirmed the Promises to him and to his seed after him, and established his throne upon Mt. Zion, which cannot be removed forever (Ps. 125:1). “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.”<br />
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From that sacred Mount blessing goes forth to mankind, and eventually in the day of Jehovah’s power, “the Lord shall roar out of Zion,” “the Law shall go forth from Mt. Zion,” when “the Deliverer shall come to Zion” and all God’s glorious Promises be fulfilled, when “the Lord shall reign in Mt. Zion.”<br />
It will be the center of New Covenant Blessing in that wondrous day, and of course, we’re speaking of the coming Kingdom Age. And for us at the present time, it speaks of pure grace superceding the legal Covenant. It is not to Mt. Sinai then, the Mount of Law, but to Sion, the Mount of Grace, we have come.<br />
This of course, which we have addressed, is the Jerusalem that shall be in the coming Kingdom Age, with Jesus Christ reigning as its King and President. Israel, as stated, will once again be the leading nation in the world, that which God originally intended, but which they tried to obtain in all the wrong ways. Now it will come to pass, but only after they have accepted Christ not only as their Messiah, but as well, as their Savior. In other words, Israel must come to the Cross. That’s what the Prophet Zechariah was addressing when he said, “In that day (the Second Coming) there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zech. 13:1).<br />
That “fountain” is the Cross where the Precious Blood of our glorious Savior was shed for lost humanity.<br />
“There is a fountain filled with blood, “Drawn from Immanuel’s veins, “And sinners plunged beneath that flood, “Lose all their guilty stain.”<br />
THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD<br />
Even though Paul couples the two together, “Mt. Sion” and “the Heavenly Jerusalem,” the latter is not to be confounded with the earthly city of the great King, which will yet be the joy of the whole Earth. Our portion, and I speak of the Church, and in fact, all who will be in the First Resurrection, is not to be in this world even when Christ Himself reigns, but we are to reign with Him from the Heavenly Jerusalem above. This of course, is the New Jerusalem, the Bride, the<br />
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Lamb’s wife of Revelation Chapters 19 and<br />
21. It embraces all the Heavenly Saints, that is, all those who have died in faith throughout the centuries, all who in every dispensation believed God, and that of course includes all the Old Testament Saints as well, all who were quickened by His Spirit. The Heavenly Jerusalem is preeminently the Home of the Church and, therefore, is designated as the bridal city; but Saints, as stated, of all other dispensations who have passed through death and entered into Resurrection Life will, as one has expressed it, be upon its “Heavenly Roll.” This Heavenly Jerusalem will be the Throne Seat of the entire universe of God, and actually will be transferred from Heaven to Earth (Rev. Chpt. 21).<br />
(23) “TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN, AND TO GOD THE JUDGE OF ALL, AND TO THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT,” The diagram is:<br />
1. Those who are Born-Again will occupy the Heavenly Jerusalem. 2. God is the Judge as to who will occupy this City. 3. “The spirits of just men made perfect,” can only come about, and in fact has come about, by Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf. CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN ONES<br />
The phrase, “To the General Assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in Heaven,” pertains to every Born-Again Believer from the time of Abel up to the Second Coming.<br />
“Firstborn” here is in the plural in the original. The reference is not to Christ personally, but the entire Church, both those on Earth and in Heaven. The statement literally is, “Church of the firstborn ones, whose names are written in Heaven.”<br />
The title “Church of the Firstborn” emphasizes the dignity of the Church. By using this title, the Holy Spirit points out not only the priority of the Church, but also its honored position. We who believe the Gospel are exalted to be Children of God; we are made “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17).<br />
NOTES<br />
BECAUSE OF THE CROSS<br />
This unique position pertains only to the members of Christ’s Church rather than to Angels, and is granted to those alone who believe because of our union with Jesus Christ.<br />
Someone asked me the question once, “Are we saved because of Who He is or What He did?”<br />
While it must quickly be said that He, and of course we refer to the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only One Who could have paid the price for man’s Redemption; still, it is What He did which brought us our Redemption, which refers to the Cross.<br />
Jesus Christ is God, and in fact, has always been God. As God He had no beginning, is uncreated, unformed, and unmade and has always been. Of course, it’s impossible for mere mortals to comprehend such terminology; however, God the Creator, and Jesus is God, cannot be described in mere human terms; my point is this:<br />
Man is not saved just because Jesus is God. As stated, He has always been God, but that didn’t save anyone. The problem is this:<br />
While God in his omnipotence could have regenerated fallen man without going to the Cross, and simply because He has the power to do that; nevertheless, regeneration without the sin question being addressed would not have really solved the problem. God’s nature demanded and rightly so, that the terrible crime of sin be addressed and paid in full. There was no way that man could do this and at the same time be salvaged. While all of mankind going to eternal Hell, and burning there forever and forever, would have satisfied that sin debt, such a payment would have destroyed the entirety of the human race. So if man was to be salvaged, God would have to pay the terrible price Himself, which He did by becoming Man and going to the Cross. So it was What He did, which ransomed the souls of men, and saved them from eternal doom. And to be sure, it was a price of such unparalleled proportions, that it literally defies all description.<br />
THE PRICE WAS THE CROSS<br />
To comprehend the horror of the Cross, man simply cannot do. And when I speak of<br />
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“horror” I do not speak of the physical pain, but of the spiritual suffering instead.<br />
Isaiah Chapter 53 proclaims the terrible, spiritual agony of the Cross, as nothing else in the Word of God. It was on the Cross that Christ bore the sin penalty of the world. That penalty was death, but a death of unimagined proportions. God would literally smite His Only Begotten Son with judgment, judgment incidentally, which should have come upon us (Isa. 53:4).<br />
Some claim that He was cursed by God, but that’s not correct. The Holy Spirit through Paul said that Christ was “made a curse for us,” and that is different than being cursed (Gal. 3:13).<br />
The reason He had to be “made a curse,” is because He had no sin.<br />
“Curse” in the Greek is “ginomai,” and means “to become, come into being, partake.” Consequently, having no sin, the only way He could be made a curse, was to be made to suffer the penalty of sin which was death, which He did! And let it be quickly said, that while on the Cross, as some claim, He definitely did not take upon Himself the nature of Satan and thereby die a lost sinner, and be Born-Again in Hell as they continue to claim. Such teaching is blasphemous!<br />
First of all, Christ had to be a Perfect Sacrifice, which He was, which means there was no sin about Him of any capacity, whether personal or contrived. He was made to be a curse, which meant that He took the penalty that all of us should have taken; however, there was a great difference in Him taking the penalty and us, and that difference is this:<br />
Had we taken the penalty, which would have been eternal death, there would have been no reprieve, and because in fact, we were sinners. But due to the fact that He had no sin, and that His Death atoned for all sin, past, present, and future, then death could not hold Him. The wages of sin is death, and if there had been one sin in Christ, or one sin unatoned, Jesus could not have been raised from the dead. Legally, He would have had to have remained in the death world; however, due to the fact of Him being absolutely sinless, and that His Death atoned for all sin, for all time, and for all human beings, at least for all who would believe, the wages had been<br />
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paid, and Satan had no legal right to hold Him in death.<br />
That’s why the Veil in the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom at His Death. His Death opened up the way, which meant that the Resurrection was a foregone conclusion (Mat. 27:51).<br />
Due to this great, Finished Work, the moment that a sinner says “Yes,” to Christ, he is instantly placed “in Christ,” which means that he is now “a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). At that moment, he becomes a member of the “Church of the Firstborn,” and his name is “written in Heaven.”<br />
GOD THE JUDGE OF ALL<br />
The phrase, “And to God the Judge of all,” refers to the fact that God has judged all who are in the “Church of the Firstborn,” as perfectly justified in His sight.<br />
There is now no separating Veil, that having been taken away by the Cross of Christ, no cloud of darkness hiding His Face; but in the blessed consciousness of justification from all things, we stand unabashed in His Holy Presence, knowing that for us the sin question has been forever settled, and His Perfect Love has cast out all fear.<br />
Israel saw God as remote. When they came to Sinai they found a Righteous God Who was both a Lawgiver and a Judge. Before His Law and Judgment they stood sinful and guilty; they dared not touch the mountain made holy by His Presence. The same Law which bound them to God in a Holy Covenant, also forbad them complete access into His Presence. But under the New Covenant, a Covenant incidentally ratified in the Blood of Jesus, the Believer is given perfect access into God’s Presence.<br />
In Christ, we are brought near to God. We find a God Who is not cold or passive, but Who is kind and gracious. God, our Judge, Who incidentally, and as stated, has judged us as justified, is a God of love and longsuffering; He invites us to share our innermost feelings with Him. In confidence and assurance we lay our lives before Him, and we also have a personal relationship with Him as the Judge of all men. But again I state, we aren’t fearful of Him as Judge, because He has already<br />
HEBREWS 12:24<br />
judged our sins in Jesus Christ, and they will never again be brought up before us. We are justified!<br />
When Jesus died on the Cross, the guilt of sin was taken away, which means that the guilty verdict in Heaven was changed to “not guilty!” And as well, the power of sin was broken, which in effect, amounts to a “double cure.”<br />
Oh dear Reader, can you now sense His Presence, even as you read these words. The price He paid for us was not only sufficient, but will ever be sufficient, and there will never be anyone in time or eternity, who will ever dare claim that it’s not sufficient. Paul said:<br />
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).<br />
JUSTIFICATION<br />
The phrase, “And to the spirits of just men made perfect,” tells us several things:<br />
1. All of the purification processes of the Law of Moses, could only address themselves to the outward. But the Blood of Jesus cleanses not only the outward, but even the spirits of men. At the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the spirit of man was cut off from God. But through Christ, the spirit of man has been reunited with the Spirit of God, and because it has been perfectly cleansed. 2. The words “just men” refer to “Justification by Faith.” This is what God promised Abraham would happen (Gen. 15:6), and it’s exactly what did happen, when Jesus died on the Cross. Simple Faith in Him, cleanses from all sin. 3. The word “perfect” adequately describes “Justification by Faith.” A Perfect God can only accept a perfect Salvation, which means that He can only accept a perfect Justification. That’s exactly what Christ afforded by His Death at the Cross, and that’s exactly what we presently have, a perfect Justification. In the true sense of the word, it is not possible for “Justification” to be anything but perfect. Anything less, automatically destroys the meaning of the act. Justification is a legal work, which means that God has legally declared man “not guilty,” based upon a legal faith, which is placed in a legal work, and thereby guarantees a legal Righteousness, the “imputed Righteousness of Christ.”<br />
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However, let it be known, that this is the only type of “legal Righteousness,” that God will accept. While the Law definitely had a legal righteousness, for it to be legally obtained, it had to be perfectly kept, which was impossible for man to do. So, anyone who tries to obtain a legal righteousness through the Law, is automatically condemned, for that’s all the Law can do. But when one accepts Christ, one is given the Righteousness of Christ, which He affords us as the “Second Man” (I Cor. 15:47).<br />
(24) “AND TO JESUS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT, AND TO THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING, THAT SPEAKETH BETTER THINGS THAN THAT OF ABEL.” The structure is:<br />
1. It is Jesus Christ to Whom we must look. 2. He Alone is the Mediator (the go-between) between God and man. 3. By His Death on the Cross, He has established a “New Covenant.” 4. His shed Blood is the basis of this New Covenant, which paid the terrible sin debt. 5. His Blood speaks to all men, and for all time of the veracity of this New Covenant. 6. The New Covenant, established on His shed Blood, is much better than that of the animal sacrifices of Abel, and all others of the Old Testament. JESUS<br />
The phrase, “And to Jesus,” proclaims the Son of God as the center point, the foundation, the establishment, one might say, of the entirety of the Word of God. And more particular, everything, even as here, always centers up on what He did at the Cross in order for man to be saved. No fallible man this Christ such as Moses himself was, who because of his failure was debarred from entering the Land of Promise! Christ Jesus the Eternal Son of God, Who became Man in order to take upon Himself our sin and blame, has met every claim of that violated Law and now mediates the New Covenant of free Grace, into the Blessing of which we have been brought.<br />
Never must this be minimized in the heart and thinking of the Believer! Never must we make less of Who Christ is, and more particularly, What He did, and as an aside, it is<br />
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impossible to make more of this than we should. The crowning sin of the Church is, in not preaching as the foundation Gospel of all that we preach, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). This must ever be the center of our thinking, the power of our preaching, the thrust of our argument, the very sinew and muscle of our Gospel. It is Jesus and Jesus Alone Who has redeemed us.<br />
Preacher, preach Jesus, and when we say such a thing, we’re always saying, and without exception, preach Jesus and Him Crucified. Saint of God, worship Jesus, and in your worship of Him, always understand that you are worshiping Him not only because He is God, which He definitely is, but above all, because of the great Price that He has paid for our Redemption. Dear Saint, feel free, and even come boldly into the very Presence of God, the very Holy of Holies, but always remember, that you have this privilege, because of the great Price that He has paid.<br />
THE MEDIATOR<br />
The short phrase, “The Mediator,” presents the crowning excellence of the New Dispensation, in contradistinction from the Old.<br />
The function of a Mediator is to intervene between two parties in order to promote relations between them which the parties themselves are not able to effect. The situation requiring the offices of a Mediator is often one of estrangement and alienation, and the Mediator effects reconciliation.<br />
In the Old Testament, the Prophet and the Priest fulfilled most characteristically the office of Mediator in the institution which God established in terms of Covenant relations with His people. The Prophet was God’s spokesman; he acted for God in the presence of men (Deut. 18:18-22). The Priest acted on behalf of men in the Presence of God (Ex. 28:1; Lev. 9:7; 16:6; Num. 16:40; II Chron. 26:18; Heb. 5:1-4).<br />
In the Old Testament, however, Moses, of all human instruments, was the Mediator par excellence (Ex. 32:30-32; Num. 12:6-8; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 3:2-5). He was the Mediator of the Old Covenant, because it was through his instrumentality that the Covenant at Sinai was dispensed and ratified (Ex. 19:3-8; 24:38; Acts 7:37-39). It is with Moses that Jesus<br />
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as Mediator of the New Covenant is compared and contrasted.<br />
CHRIST AS MEDIATOR<br />
However, whatever might be said of the Prophets and Priests, or even Moses of the Old Testament, the designation “Mediator” belongs preeminently to Christ, and even those men who executed mediatory offices in the Old Testament institution were thus appointed only because the institution in which they performed these functions was the shadow of the archetypical realities fulfilled in Christ (Jn. 1:17; Heb. 7:27-28; 9:2324; 10:1). Jesus, even as we are here studying, is the Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15; 12:24). And it is a Better Covenant (Heb. 8:6) because it brings to consummate fruition the Grace which Covenant administration actually embodies. Christ is the “One Mediator between God and men” (I Tim. 2:5). To invest any other with this prerogative is to assail the unique honor that belongs to Him, as well as to deny the express assertion of the Text.<br />
Though the title “Mediator” is not often used, the Scripture abounds in references to the Mediatory Work of Christ.<br />
PREINCARNATE MEDIATION<br />
As the eternal and pre-existent Son, He was Mediator in the creation of the Heavens and the Earth (Jn. 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). This activity in the economy of creation is correlative with His Mediatorship in the economy of Redemption. The omnipotence evidenced in the former and the prerogatives that belong to Him as Creator are indispensable to the execution of Redemption. It is in Redemption, however, that the extensiveness of His mediation appears. All along the line of the redemptive process, from its inception to the consummation, His mediacy enters.<br />
Election as one might say, which refers to the fact that God elected that humanity would be saved by the Sacrifice of Christ, is the ultimate fount of Salvation, and of course, could not take place apart from Christ. All were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, which means, that the great plan of Salvation was formulated in the Mind of God, before man was ever created (Eph. 1:4; I Pet.<br />
HEBREWS 12:24<br />
1:18-20). As well, all who will receive Him, are predestinated to be conformed to His Image (Rom. 8:29).<br />
However, it must be ever understood, that Predestination is never centered up on the individual per se, but rather as to how one is saved, and then what is to happen to that person after they are saved. It is always the “Plan” which is predestinated, and not actually the person. The person, whether in Salvation or in Sanctification, must cooperate with the “Plan,” or else what is predestined cannot be brought to pass.<br />
MEDIATION IN SALVATION AND REDEMPTION<br />
It is particularly in the once-for-all accomplishment of Salvation and Redemption however, that the mediation of Christ comes to the fore (Jn. 3:17; Acts 15:11; 20:28; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:10-11; 7:4; II Cor. 5:18; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; I Jn. 4:9).<br />
The accent falls upon the Death, Blood, and Cross of Christ as the action through which Redemption has been wrought. In the Scriptures the Death of Christ is always conceived of as an event in which Jesus is intensely active in obedience to the Father’s Commandment and in fulfillment of His Commission (Jn. 10:17-18; Phil. 2:8).<br />
It is Jesus’ activity as Mediator in the shedding of His Blood that accords to His Death its saving efficacy (effectiveness). When Salvation wrought is viewed as Reconciliation and Propitiation, it is here that the mediatory function is most clearly illustrated. Reconciliation presupposes alienation between God and men and consists in the removal of that alienation. The result is Peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:12-17).<br />
Propitiation is directed to the wrath of God, and Jesus, as the Propitiation, makes God propitious or rather reconciled to us (I Jn. 2:2).<br />
CONTINUED MEDIATION<br />
Christ’s Mediation is not confined to His Finished Work of Redemption. His Mediatory activity is never suspended. In our participation of the fruits of Redemption, we are dependent upon His continued intervention as Mediator.<br />
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Our access to God and our introduction into the Grace of God are through Him; He conveys us into the Father’s Presence (Jn. 14:6; Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18). It is through him that Grace reigns through Righteousness to eternal life, and Grace and Peace are multiplied to the enjoyment of the fullness of Christ (Rom. 1:5; 5:21; II Cor. 1:5; Phil. 1:11).<br />
The most characteristic exercises of devotion on the part of the Believer are offered through Christ. Thanksgiving and prayer are not only exercised in the Grace which Christ imparts, but also presented to God through Christ, which is a part of His Mediatorial Work (Jn. 14:14; Rom. 1:8; 7:25; Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15).<br />
The acceptableness of the Believer’s worship and service springs from the virtue and efficacy of Christ’s Mediation, and nothing is a spiritual sacrifice except as rendered through Him (I Pet. 2:5).<br />
Even the pleas presented to others for the discharge of their obligations derive their most solemn sanction from the fact that they are urged through Christ and in His Name (Rom. 12:1;15:30; II Cor. 10:1).<br />
CHRIST AS OUR HIGH PRIEST<br />
The continued Mediation of Christ is specially exemplified in His Heavenly Ministry at the right hand of God. This Ministry concerns particularly His Priestly and Kingly offices. He is a Priest forever (Heb. 7:21, 24).<br />
An important aspect of this Priestly Ministry in the Heavens is intercession directed to the Father and drawing within its scope every need of the people of God. Jesus is exalted in His human nature, and it is out of the reservoir of fellow feeling forged in the trials and temptations of His humiliation (Heb. 2:17-18; 4:15) that He meets every need of the Believer’s warfare. Every Grace bestowed flows through the channel of Christ’s intercession on our behalf (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; I Jn. 2:1) until the Salvation which He has secured will reach its fruition in conformity to His Image.<br />
The Priestly Ministry of Christ, however, must not be restricted to intercession. He is High Priest over the House of God (Heb. 3:16), and this administration involves many other functions as well. In His Kingly office<br />
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He is exalted above all principality and power (Eph. 1:20-23), and He will reign to the end of bringing all enemies into subjection (I Cor. 15:25). This is Christ’s Mediatorial dominion, and it embraces all authority in Heaven and in Earth (Mat. 28:18; Jn. 3:35; 5:26-27; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:9-11).<br />
It is Endtime events that will finally manifest and vindicate Christ’s Mediatorship; the Resurrection and Judgment will be wrought by Him. All the dead, just and unjust, will be raised by His summons (Jn. 5:28-29). It is in Him that the just will be raised to immortality and incorruption (I Cor. 15:22, 5254; I Thess. 4:16), and with Him we will be glorified (Jn. 11:25; Rom. 8:17; 14:9).<br />
The final Judgment referred to as “The Great White Throne Judgment” will be executed by Him as well (Mat. 25:31-46; Jn. 5:27; Acts 17:31; Rev. 20:11-15).<br />
IN CONCLUSION<br />
Christ’s Mediatorship is thus exercised in all the phases of Redemption, from the election of the Plan in God’s eternal counsel to the consummation of the Plan as it regards Salvation. He is Mediator in humiliation and as well in exaltation. There is, therefore, multiformity attaching to His Mediatorial activity, and it cannot be defined in terms of one idea or function.<br />
His Mediatorship has as many facets as His Person, Office, and Work. And as there is diversity in the Offices and tasks discharged and in the relations He sustains to men as Mediator, so there is also diversity in the relations He sustains to the Father and the Holy Spirit in the economy of Redemption.<br />
The faith and worship of Him require that we recognize this diversity. And the unique glory that is His as Mediator demands that we accord to no other even the semblance of that prerogative that belongs to Him Alone as the One Mediator between God and man.<br />
GROSS SINS<br />
That’s the reason that to place something ahead of the Cross of Christ or to add something to the Cross of Christ, which impugns the Mediatorship of Christ, is at least one of the most awful sins that can be committed. In fact, this is one of Satan’s greatest efforts in the field of deception.<br />
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The Catholic Church is a great case in point, but by no means, the only one. This spirit pervades all of man’s proposed relationship with God.<br />
As the Catholic Church makes Mary or even the Church itself the Mediator along with Christ, many Protestants do the same thing as it regards their own particular Churches or Denominations. The moment that anyone thinks that belonging to a particular Church or Denomination, affords one some type of spirituality, one has just sinned against the Mediatorship of Christ.<br />
When one adds anything to the Blood of Christ, or to be more particular, Faith in that Shed Blood, as necessary in order for restoration and forgiveness to be enjoined, one has grossly sinned.<br />
The Blood of Jesus Christ is the only answer for sin, and when penance is added to that Finished Work, we sin against the Mediatorship of Christ, and I would hope that the Reader can understand how gross such a sin actually is!<br />
THE NEW COVENANT<br />
The phrase, “Of the New Covenant,” presents the first time the word “New” is applied to the Covenant in this fashion. In all other places in which we read of the New Covenant (Lk. 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; II Cor. 3:6; Heb. 8:8, 13; 9:15) a word is used which implies newness of kind and quality; here it is a Covenant which is newly made — literally “young,” having all the freshness of youth in comparison with that which long since was waxing old.<br />
The next phrase presents that on which this Covenant, this “New Covenant” is based.<br />
THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING<br />
The phrase, “And to the Blood of sprinkling,” presents Christ as the Mediator of a New Covenant through the shedding of His Blood. This is “blood of sprinkling,” blood which cleanseth the conscience from dead works to serve a Living God. It was typified by the blood of the Covenant with which Moses sprinkled all the people (Ex. 24:4-8; Heb. 9:19).<br />
“Sprinkling” in the Greek is “rhantismos,” and means “aspersion,” which refers to the act of scattering. The idea is this:<br />
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When the believing sinner accepts Christ, which means to accept what He did at the Cross on our behalf, this refers to the Sacrifice of Himself in the shedding of His Blood. The giving of His spotless, pure, unpolluted, perfect Blood, which contains and is the life of the human being, sufficed in the eyes of God as payment for all sin. The life of Christ was poured out in the shedding of His Blood, a sacrifice to God, which paid the total debt of mankind which was owed by man to God, and Faith in that by man, absolves him of all indebtedness. In other words, God declares the person at that moment and thereafter as “not guilty.” That’s the actual meaning of “Justification by Faith.”<br />
Let us emphasize again, that all of this is done by Faith on the part of the individual, which means that the person believes in Christ and what He did at the Cross. That being done, all sin is cleansed, which in effect, says that the Blood has been sprinkled over and within the entirety of the individual, leaving nothing untouched (I Jn. 1:7). One might say that the Blood is scattered over the entirety of man’s being, thoroughly and completely cleansing him from all sin.<br />
THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY PAYMENT FOR SIN<br />
This and this alone, the shed Blood of Christ, and one’s Faith in that shed Blood is the only payment for sin that God will accept. Let the Reader survey those words very carefully, for they are extremely important.<br />
To which we have already alluded, the great sin of the Church, is attempting to add something to that payment. In fact, this is the problem which attaches itself to all Christians. And what do we mean by that?<br />
It is not only the Cross which brings about our Salvation, but as well, it is the Cross alone which brings about our Sanctification.<br />
That’s the reason that we keep saying that the Believer should ever have the Cross of Christ as the object of his faith. There is nothing more important than this! And if the Reader doesn’t realize the seriousness of this statement, then the Reader doesn’t really understand what is being said.<br />
The only way the Believer can walk free from sin, in other words, with sin not having<br />
NOTES<br />
dominion over him in some way, which refers to the “works of the flesh,” is for the Believer to exhibit constant Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, which then insures the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). However, it is so very easy for the Believer to inadvertently fall into the syndrome of “works.” We do it, not even really realizing that it is “works.” Perhaps it would be better said in the following manner:<br />
It is impossible for the Believer not to fall into “works,” if the Believer doesn’t fully understand these things of which we say concerning a perpetual Faith in the Cross of Christ, which means that the Cross is the answer and solution for all problems. The Believer must know and understand as to how the Holy Spirit works within our lives, which is graphically portrayed to us in Romans Chapter 8. As someone has well said, Romans, Chapter 6 portrays to us the “mechanics of the Spirit,” which portrays “how” He works, as Romans, Chapter 8 portrays the “dynamics of the Spirit,” which portrays “what” He actually does within our hearts and lives. The tragedy is, most Christians know next to nothing about these things of which we have just stated; therefore, there is no place else to go but “works,” which guarantee spiritual defeat (Eph. 2:8-9).<br />
IS THE BLOOD OF CHRIST THE OBJECT OF FAITH FOR THE MODERN CHURCH?<br />
I do not think I’m exaggerating when I say that the modern Church exhibits less Faith in the Cross of Christ than possibly at any time since the Reformation. And I say that with a broken heart, knowing the terrible results that always accrue from such direction.<br />
When I began in the Ministry in the 1950’s, the blight of the Church in those days was “modernism.” This was the new theology, which pretty well denied about everything about the Word of God. To be sure, that problem still prevails in the Church, but has been surpassed of late by a bigger and more horrendous problem.<br />
The Church World which makes up the part which doesn’t believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues, having rejected this light, there is very little left but an empty shell.<br />
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Regarding the other half of the Church World which proposes to believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, regrettably, such belief is little more than in name only. Almost the entirety of the Church World, and we speak of both sides which we have just addressed, have for all practical purposes, adopted humanistic psychology as the answer to the ills and aberrations of man. This is a vote of “no confidence” as it regards the Cross of Christ, which the Bible claims as the only answer for this dilemma.<br />
And then there are parts of the Charismatic Church World, mostly in the “Word of Faith” camp, which are openly repudiating the Cross, referring to it as “past miseries,” and “the greatest defeat in human history.” The greater tragedy is, millions of people who claim to be Spirit-filled are following this erroneous direction, which is little short of blasphemy, if not actually being blasphemy! As Paul said to the Church at Corinth concerning false teachers, “Ye suffer fools gladly” (II Cor. 11:19).<br />
In that camp, faith is held up as the answer to man’s dilemma; however, the faith of which they speak, is not Faith in the great, Finished Work of Christ, but rather faith in other things. Actually in “self.” While it’s claimed to be “faith in the Word,” it is rather faith in a perverted Word. In other words, any faith which is claimed, and claimed to be in the Word of God, must be understood as being in the Cross of Christ, or else one is not properly interpreting the Word (Jn. 1:1, 14, 29).<br />
The Message of the Cross is the only Message which God will recognize. God give us Preachers who will proclaim this Message and Christians who will believe this Message.<br />
THE BLOOD THAT SPEAKS<br />
The phrase, “That speaketh better things than that of Abel,” refers to Abel’s animal sacrifice as recorded in Genesis Chapter 4.<br />
In the original there is no reference to the blood of Abel shed by Cain, as some have supposed; but the allusion is to the Faith of Abel, or to the testimony which he bore to the great and vital truth of what his animal sacrifice represented, namely Christ. As should be obvious, the Shed Blood of Christ speaks much better things than the blood of the<br />
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animal sacrifice offered by Abel. One might say it this way: The Blood of Jesus is the “reality” of which the offering of Abel was only a “type.”<br />
Abel proclaimed by the sacrifice which he offered, the great truth, that Salvation could be only by a bloody offering — but he did this only in a typical and obscure manner; Jesus proclaimed it in a more distinct and better manner by the reality.<br />
The object here is to compare the Redeemer with Abel, not in the sense that the blood shed in either case calls for vengeance, but that Salvation by blood is more clearly revealed in the Christian Plan than in the ancient history; and hence illustrating, in accordance with the design of this Epistle, the superior excellency of that of Christ over all which has preceded it.<br />
In fact, there were other points of resemblance between Abel and the Redeemer, but on them the Apostle does not insist. For instance, Abel was a martyr, and so was Christ; Abel was cruelly murdered, and so was Christ; there was aggravated guilt by the murder of Abel by his brother; and so there was in that of Jesus by His brethren — His Own countrymen; the blood of Abel called for vengeance, and was followed by a fearful penalty on Cain, and so was the death of the Redeemer on His murderers — for they said, “His Blood be on us and on our children,” and they are yet suffering under the fearful malediction then invoked; but the point of contrast here is, that the Blood of Jesus makes a more full, distinct, and clear proclamation of the Truth, that Salvation is by Blood, and more particularly, the Blood of Christ, than the offering made by Abel ever did.<br />
Such is the contrast between the former and the latter Dispensation; and such the motives to perseverance presented by both.<br />
In the former, and we refer to the Law, all was imperfect and alarming. In the latter, and we refer to Grace as made possible by the Cross, all is alluring and animating, with Heaven opened to the eye of faith.<br />
Having stated and urged this argument, the Apostle, in the remainder of the Chapter, warns those whom he addresses in a most solemn manner against a renunciation of their Faith in Christ.<br />
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(25) “SEE THAT YE REFUSE NOT HIM THAT SPEAKETH. FOR IF THEY ESCAPED NOT WHO REFUSED HIM THAT SPAKE ON EARTH, MUCH MORE SHALL NOT WE ESCAPE, IF WE TURN AWAY FROM HIM THAT SPEAKETH FROM HEAVEN:” The exegesis is:<br />
1. Beware that you refuse not Christ Who speaks from Heaven. 2. If the Jews of old did not escape who refused the Law, how can one now escape who refuses the One to Whom the Law pointed, namely Christ? 3. If a Believer ceases to believe in Christ, he then becomes an unbeliever, and will be eternally lost, that is, if remaining in that condition. IT IS CHRIST WHO SPEAKS<br />
The phrase, “See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh,” refers implicitly to Christ.<br />
The glory, the wonders, and the splendor of the Heaven from whence Christ speaks, add to the majesty of His Voice and makes certain the doom of all who turn away from it. To refuse Moses who spake on Earth was to perish; how much surer, therefore, the judgment of those who refuse Christ Who speaks from Heaven (Williams).<br />
The idea is, do not turn away from Him Who has addressed you in the New Dispensation, and called you to obey and serve Him. The meaning is, that God had addressed them in the Gospel as really as He had done the Hebrews on Mt. Sinai, and that there was as much to be dreaded in disregarding His Voice now as there was then.<br />
He does not now speak, indeed, amidst lightnings, and thunders, and clouds, so to speak, but He speaks by every message of Mercy; by every invitation; by every tender appeal. He speaks by His Son (Heb. 1:2); He speaks by the Holy Spirit, and by all His calls and warnings in the Gospel.<br />
In a sense, Paul once again goes back to his words in Hebrews 3:7-8, where he said, “Wherefore, as the Holy Spirit saith, ‘today if you will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts. . .’.”<br />
THE WAY GOD SPEAKS<br />
Several times in this Epistle Judaism and Christianity have been contrasted, and here<br />
NOTES<br />
the contrast concerns the way God speaks. Some feel there is a contrast between Moses and Christ. This may be so, but the basic contrast is between the way God spoke of old and the way He now speaks. The idea is this:<br />
Some Christian Jews may have even had the thought then, as even some Christians have presently, that inasmuch as this is the day of Grace, the Mercy of God will graciously cover whatever it is they might do. In other words, if they go back into Judaism, trusting in the old Levitical way, instead of the Way of the Cross, that the Mercy and Grace of God would make allowances; however, nothing could be further from the truth. Over and over again in this Epistle, the Apostle warns against such thinking, if in fact, such thinking existed.<br />
There are millions presently who think the same thing. Inasmuch as Grace abounds to a much greater degree than sin, they, therefore, take sin lightly (Rom. 5:20).<br />
Paul’s answer to that is cryptic and to the point:<br />
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?<br />
“God forbid. How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-2).<br />
“See” in the Greek is “blepo,” and means “see to it.” It speaks of a continuous action. The idea is “ever keep a watchful eye open,” thus, “ever be seeing to it that you refuse not Him that speaketh.”<br />
“Refuse” in the Greek is “paraiteomai,” and means “to deprecate, to prevent the consequences of an act by protesting against and disavowing it, to decline, refuse, avoid.”<br />
“Him that speaketh” refers back to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament Whose Blood speaks of better things than the sacrificial blood which Abel shed regarding the sacrifice of his animal offering.<br />
The Apostle is addressing himself here to the very heart of the Gospel, which speaks of the great Sacrifice of Christ, and the absolute necessity of Faith in that Sacrifice. We must not miss his point, or more particularly, the point of the Holy Spirit.<br />
THE TIME OF THE LAW<br />
The phrase, “For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on Earth,” refers to<br />
JIMMY SWAGGART BIBLE COMMENTARY<br />
God giving the Law on Mt. Sinai. The actual reading of the Text is:<br />
“For if they escaped not when they refused on Earth Him Who warned.”<br />
The terrors which accompanied the giving of the Law were designed to impress all hearts with the fearful peril of disobedience. In shrinking from the Voice of Him that warned them on that memorable day, the Hebrews were made to know that they could not escape the declaration of the Law or the terrible penalties which awaited all transgressors.<br />
In fact, Israel of old “refused Him,” which means that in their manner of life they rejected what God said and failed to live up to what He commanded (Deut. 5:29), which brought about their destruction in the wilderness. It seems they forgot the terrible warning of Mt. Sinai, even as millions of Christians are forgetting the constant warnings given by the Holy Spirit presently!<br />
NO ESCAPE<br />
The phrase, “Much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from Heaven,” speaks to both Believers and unbelievers.<br />
The argument is similar to that of Hebrews 2:2-3, where the same word “escape” is found. He from Whom they turned aside on Earth is He Who now speaks to us; but then His Voice was heard amidst earthly terrors, now His Revelation comes through His Son Who is exalted in Heaven.<br />
If we do not hearken to the word of life and promise that is ever coming to us from God through His Son, and more particularly, through the great Sacrifice of Himself, it will be because we deliberately “turn away,” for the excuse of the panic-stricken Israelites on that day at Sinai, cannot be ours.<br />
The Voice that spoke that day on Earth fell on the outward ear, but He Who speaks from Heaven makes His Voice heard in the inner conscience; the first Voice may well claim not to be understood; however, the Voice which now speaks, will definitely find us out, and is neglected only through stubbornness or will. Much less, then, shall we escape if we turn away from Him Who presently warns from Heaven.<br />
As we have previously stated, under the Old Covenant God spoke through Moses;<br />
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under the New Covenant, God speaks through His Son, which pertains to the Sacrificial Offering of Himself on the Cross, all on our behalf. In other words, the Holy Spirit speaks to us, by constantly pointing us to the Cross.<br />
(26) “WHOSE VOICE THEN SHOOK THE EARTH: BUT NOW HE HATH PROMISED, SAYING, YET ONCE MORE I SHAKE NOT THE EARTH ONLY, BUT ALSO HEAVEN.” The diagram is:<br />
1. When God spoke at Sinai, the mountain literally shook. 2. What God now says through His Son, is of far greater import than the old Law. It shakes both Heaven and Earth. 3. What Christ did at the Cross and in His Resurrection, shook both Heaven and Earth. THE SHAKING OF THE EARTH<br />
The phrase, “Whose Voice then shook the Earth,” as stated, refers to the Voice of God which spoke the Law on Sinai. His Voice then was of such magnitude, such power and authority, that the mountain literally trembled when He spoke. It was meant to impress upon Israel the solemnity of the moment, which it most definitely did.<br />
THE PROMISE<br />
The phrase, “But now He hath promised,” refers to what Paul will say as it regards the prophecy of Haggai, but as well, the entirety of the Promise from the very beginning, as it regards the Lord Jesus Christ. This Promise had the beginning of its fulfillment at the First Advent of Christ, and will have its total fulfillment at the Second Advent. But irrespective as to how it is approached, it is all in Christ, for He and exclusively, is the “Promise.”<br />
And to take it a step farther, it is what He did, which refers to the Cross, which literally shook both Heaven and Earth. We must never allow our attention to be drawn away from the Sacrifice of Christ, which has made all things possible, and which fulfills all things.<br />
THE SHAKING<br />
The phrase, “Saying, yet once more I shake not the Earth only, but also Heaven,” is taken from Haggai 2:6. As stated, it refers to the First Advent of Christ, Whose Death<br />
HEBREWS 12:27<br />
on the Cross, shook both Heaven and Earth. His Death, and because it atoned for all sin, broke the legal claim of Satan on humanity; therefore, every principality and power in the spirit world of evil, were totally and completely defeated. The Scripture says concerning these things, “He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:14-15).<br />
Consequently, the Voice which now speaks, of course retains its same power as it did on Mt. Sinai, but because of the Cross, now speaks Grace, which brings Salvation, Healing, Reconciliation, Eternal Life, prosperity, and Blessing of every description. In a sense, the “Voice” is the same; however, due to what Christ did in His Sacrificial Offering of Himself, all the righteous demands of the Law given that day at Sinai have now been satisfied. “The handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, have been taken out of the way, and nailed to His Cross” (Col. 2:14). One can only shout “Hallelujah!”<br />
As well, that which Jesus did at the Cross, will ultimately bring forth “new Heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness” (II Pet. 3:13).<br />
One can say, and without fear of contradiction I think, that it is the Cross which shook both Heaven and Earth, and in such a way, that the entirety of the world of evil has been totally and completely defeated, which will ultimately see the prevailing of total Righteousness. The deed has been done, and the work is even now being completed.<br />
(27) “AND THIS WORD, YET ONCE MORE, SIGNIFIETH THE REMOVING OF THOSE THINGS THAT ARE SHAKEN, AS OF THINGS THAT ARE MADE, THAT THOSE THINGS WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN MAY REMAIN.” The structure is:<br />
1. This “Word,” is the Word of the Cross. 2. That which Jesus did at Calvary will ultimately remove all things of the curse and those that are man made which need to be taken away. 3. Only that which is of God, and completely of God, will remain. THIS WORD<br />
The phrase, “And this Word,” refers to the “Word of the Cross,” where Jesus atoned for<br />
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all sin, and opened up the way for believing man, to the very Throne of God.<br />
I Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the Power of God.”<br />
The word “preaching” as here used by Paul, in the Greek is “logos”; consequently, it should not have been translated “preaching,” but rather, “Word” or “Message.” It would then read, “For the Word of the Cross. . . .”<br />
The Cross is the dividing line, the intersection, the foundation, of all that God has done through Jesus Christ to redeem lost humanity. In fact, the Cross is the story of the Bible. It is the foundation of the Faith. From this foundation all doctrine must spring, or else it’s not correct Biblical Doctrine. This is “the Word” (Jn. 1:1, 14, 29).<br />
YET ONCE MORE<br />
The phrase, “Yet once more,” refers to what is going to be done with the Heavens and the Earth, all made possible by the Cross.<br />
Paul said, “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times (that which is yet to come) He might gather together in one all things in Christ (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross), both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth, even in Him” (Eph. 1:10).<br />
This Passage tells us, that the Cross is of far great magnitude than most could ever begin to think. It addressed not only the terrible problem which faces man, the problem of sin, but it also addressed itself to the revolution of Satan against God, which took place long before man was ever created (Isa. 14; Ezek. Chpt. 28).<br />
Whenever Paul uses the phrase “in Christ,” or one of its derivatives such as “in Him,” etc., without exception, he’s always speaking of what Christ did at the Cross. So, what Jesus there did, answered the entire problem of sin and rebellion, going all the way to its root, which is Satan himself, and his rebellion against God, which started the entirety of the process of evil to begin with.<br />
All that Jesus did at the Cross, has not yet been brought to fruition; however, but to be sure, everything for which He there paid, and He paid it all, will be realized. That realization is portrayed in Revelation, Chapters 21 and 22.<br />
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THE REMOVAL<br />
The phrase, “Signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made,” refers to the act of God transferring to a new basis, this present universe which is under the curse of Adam’s sin, that new basis being a new and perfect universe.<br />
This universe has been soiled by man’s sin and Satan’s rebellion against God. Every mark of that sin, which has brought about the curse, must be removed and in totality.<br />
John speaks of this in the words “I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth: for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away” (Rev. 21:1). The universe was created by God, but it will be made to pass away, and to be substituted by a new universe which will exist forever. Thus, transitory, perishable things must pass away, in order that the eternal things may appear in their abiding value.<br />
To be sure, this shaking has already begun, and actually began when Jesus was crucified. It will continue until all that man has gloried in will be broken to pieces, and he shall learn as Nebuchadnezzar of old that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.<br />
WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN<br />
The phrase, “That those things which cannot be shaken may remain,” refers to all for which Jesus paid at the Cross. Even as the next Verse says, “It is a kingdom which cannot be moved.” Consequently, this phrase tells us the following:<br />
It is only Faith in the Cross of Christ which will not be moved, because it cannot be moved. It is that “which cannot be shaken,” and in fact, the only thing that “will remain.” What Jesus did at the Cross is eternal; consequently, it is only the faith evidenced in the Cross which is also eternal.<br />
(28) “WHEREFORE WE RECEIVING A KINGDOM WHICH CANNOT BE MOVED, LET US HAVE GRACE, WHEREBY WE MAY SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR:” The composite is:<br />
1. Due to what Jesus did at the Cross, our Faith in that Finished Work, has placed us into the Kingdom of God. 2. It is a Kingdom which cannot be moved. 789<br />
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3. We receive admittance into this Kingdom by the Grace of God, which was made possible at the Cross. 4. Understanding what God has done to save us, which again refers to the Cross, we should serve Him with reverence and Godly fear. A KINGDOM<br />
The phrase, “Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom,” refers to our entrance into this Kingdom, which was done by the Born-Again experience, and all made possible by the Cross of Christ.<br />
The “Kingdom” is not a frequent subject in this Epistle (the word occurs in a quotation in Heb. 1:8 and in the plural in Heb. 11:33). This is in contrast to the synoptic Gospels, where the “Kingdom” is the most frequent subject in the teaching of Christ. However, the “Kingdom” which we presently have, is only in the spiritual sense. That which He refers to in these Verses pertain not only to that sense, but also to the material sense which is yet to come.<br />
CANNOT BE MOVED<br />
The phrase, “Which cannot be moved,” is in contrast to the earthly kingdoms created by man, which can be shaken and in due course will be shaken. Not so God’s Kingdom! Paul does not simply say that it will not be shaken, but that it cannot be shaken. It has a quality found in nothing earthly. This “kingdom” is founded on the “Everlasting Covenant,” which of course refers to what Christ did at the Cross (Heb. 13:20).<br />
I have repeatedly stated in this Volume, that the Cross of Christ which has always been the dividing line between the True Church and the Apostate Church (Gen. Chpt. 4), is now going to be made such by the Holy Spirit in an unmistakable fashion. In other words, the Cross of Christ and its great Message, is going to be so prominently proclaimed, that one will have to either accept it or reject it. According to that statement, it should be obvious as to what remains is the True Church or the Apostate Church. Faith in what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf, will alone provide a foundation “which cannot be moved.” Everything else will be shaken and thereby moved.<br />
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GRACE<br />
The phrase, “Let us have grace,” refers to the product of the Cross.<br />
It should be noticed, that Kingdom is something we “receive.” It is not earned or created by Believers; it is God’s gift.<br />
Grace is simply the goodness of God extended to undeserving Believers. It is made possible, as stated, by the Cross of Christ, and man’s Faith in that Finished Work.<br />
The idea of this phrase as Paul uses it, is that these Christian Jews must not go back to the Levitical offerings of “works,” but rather must trust in the Grace of God.<br />
GODLY FEAR<br />
The phrase, “Whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear,” in essence, exhorts all to appropriate the enabling Grace of God (Heb. 4:16; 12:15) so that they may serve God so as to be well-pleasing (acceptable) in His sight (Wuest).<br />
“Reverence” in the Greek is “eulabeia,” which means “caution, circumspection, discretion.”<br />
“Godly fear” is from the Greek “deos,” which means “the apprehension of danger.” It is not the word “phobos” normally used for fear, which speaks of the terror which seizes one when danger appears. Consequently, “deos” speaks, not of a slavish, cringing apprehension, but of a wholesome regard for a Holy God and His standards and requirements, which if a person violates, he must suffer the consequences.<br />
Let not the Reader think, that just because we live in the day of Grace, that God has suspended all judgment. In fact, the very opposite is true:<br />
The Grace of God makes the Lord much more available to all of humanity; therefore, He requires much more of humanity. The Scripture plainly says, “And the times of this ignorance (Old Testament Times) God winked at (due to the fact that there was little knowledge of God); but now (this Day of Grace) commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). The idea is, “for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Lk. 12:48).<br />
(29) “FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.” NOTES<br />
This Passage is not merely, as people often say, that God out of Christ is a consuming fire, or that He is a consuming fire to the unsaved alone, but it is His very nature that is here in view.<br />
Consuming fire is holiness manifested in Judgment, and God, Who is Light and Love, must consume everything that is contrary to His Holy Will. For the Believer, of course, this will mean eventually absolute conformity to Christ, when the last vestige of the flesh has been destroyed. This is the work of the Spirit, and is meant to be taking place constantly in the heart and life of each Believer. Consequently, we are to walk in Grace, seeking to serve in newness of spirit (by the Power of the Holy Spirit) and not in the oldness of the letter (Law and works).<br />
This is an expression apparently taken from Deuteronomy 4:24. To put it bluntly, Paul emphasizes that God is not to be trifled with. It is easy to be so taken up with the love and compassion of God that we overlook His implacable opposition to all evil.<br />
Admittedly, the Wrath of God is not a popular subject today, but it looms large in Biblical teaching. Paul is stressing the fact that his Readers overlook this wrath at their peril.<br />
The idea is, God has gone to extraordinary lengths to save lost humanity, which refers to the Cross of Christ. If we ignore that terrible price paid, a price incidentally paid by God, and paid not with such corruptible things as silver and gold, but by the Precious Blood of Jesus (I Pet. 1:18-20), the judgment will be commiserate with the quality of the price that was paid. This must not be forgotten!<br />
In fact, Jesus plainly said that the “Holy Spirit will reprove (convict) the world of sin, and of Righteousness, and of judgment:<br />
“Of sin, because they believe not on Me;<br />
“Of Righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;<br />
“Of Judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (Jn. 16:8-11).<br />
The word “judgment” as it is here used by Christ, plainly tells us that Satan has already been judged, and all who follow him will be judged likewise. That judgment will be on the basis of men “not believing in Christ,” which means that they did not believe Him as it regards Who He was and is, and What<br />
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He did as it regards the Salvation of lost humanity by going to the Cross. The Cross rejected, is judgment deserved!<br />
“If you from sin are longing to be free, look to the Lamb of God; “He, to redeem you, died on Calvary, look to the Lamb of God.”<br />
“When Satan tempts, and doubts and fears assail, look to the Lamb of God; “You in His strength shall over all prevail, look to the Lamb of God.”<br />
“Are you weary, does the way seem long? Look to the Lamb of God; “His love will cheer and fill your heart with song, look to the Lamb of God.”<br />
“Fear not when shadows on your pathway fall, look to the Lamb of God; “In joy or sorrow Christ is all in all, look to the Lamb of God.” </div>
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Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-90800604464235287372008-05-09T17:09:00.001-05:002008-05-09T17:13:06.787-05:00Hebrews 11<div align="justify">HEBREWS CHAPTER 11 by Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart:<br /><br />(1) “NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.”<br />The composite is:<br />1. Faith guarantees the substance.<br /><br />2.<br />The substance will ultimately materi­alize.<br /><br />3.<br />Even though we cannot see it now, ex­cept by Faith, our Faith guarantees the sub­stance that will ultimately come.<br /><br /><br />FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE<br /><br />The phrase, “Now faith is the substance,” in essence says that Faith is the title deed.<br />“Substance” in the Greek is “hypostasis,” and refers to “one’s property or effects.” The word was also used in the Roman world to refer to “the whole body of documents bear­ing on the ownership of a person’s property, deposited in the archives, and forming the evidence of ownership.”<br />Moulton and Milligan in their “Vocabu­lary of the Greek Testament” say of these uses, “These varied uses are at first sight somewhat perplexing, but in all the cases there is the same central idea of something that under­lies visible conditions and guarantees a fu­ture possession.” Thus, they translate “Faith is the title deed of things hoped for.”<br />The act of exercising true faith as one prays, or as one leans on the resources of God, is itself the title deed or evidence of the sure answer to our prayer or the unfailing source of the Divine supply. It is God’s guarantee in advance that we already possess the things asked for.<br />They may still be in His Hands, awaiting the proper time for their delivery, but they are ours. In other words, they are “substance.”<br />If the answers to our prayers are not forth­coming at once, let us rest content with the title deed which God has given us, namely, a Holy Spirit energized act of faith. We may be absolutely certain that our God will honor this title deed at the right time (Wuest).<br />A DEFINITION OF FAITH<br /><br />Even though Paul does not go into much detail here as it regards a definition of faith, still, what he in fact does say, sheds great light on this very important subject. The simple statement, “Now faith is the substance,” tells us volumes, even as we’ve already addressed.<br />And yet, everything that he has previously said in the preceding ten Chapters has actu­ally been a definition of Faith within itself. He has held up the Cross in every way pos­sible, directing our Faith to that Finished Work. In other words, true Faith, at least that which God will recognize, is always that which is Faith in “Christ and Him Crucified.”<br />Therefore, the true definition of Faith is that we simply believe. However, we are to have a proper object for our Faith, before God will recognize our “believing.” That proper object is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.”<br /><br /><br />And now in the Eleventh Chapter, the Apostle proceeds to explain to the Christian Jews, and all others for that matter, what such faith will bring about. He has told us what faith is, what the object of our Faith must be, and now he tells us the results of our Faith.<br />THINGS HOPED FOR<br /><br />The phrase, “Of things hoped for,” pro­claims a declaration of the action of faith. It makes promises present and real and unseen things visible. This means, that these “things hoped for” are not mere figments of the imagi­nation; their basis is “the Word of God.” If we keep this in mind, the words, still remaining general in their form, agree with all that has led up to them and with all that follows; in other words, every hope, at least that’s gener­ated by the Holy Spirit in the heart and life of the Believer, will be realized. If it pertains to this life, it will come in this life. And yet, some things which we now hope for, may not be realized in this life, and because they do not necessarily apply to this life. For instance, Abraham was promised the land of Canaan, but the Patriarch when he died, only owned the small burial plot where he and his family were laid to rest. But to be sure, it was possessed by his descendants, and in the coming King­dom Age, Abraham will personally see the realization of this which God had promised.<br />We must always understand, that the Promises of God are always much larger than we at first think or realize. And to be sure, God always keeps His Promises.<br />It has been said that the phrase, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for,” refers to that which is without substance. But this difficulty is only apparent; for in regard to ourselves these objects of our hope do not yet exist, since they still belong to the future (Rom. 8:24-25). Nevertheless, if God has promised them, and whatever they might be, the Promises will come to pass.<br />The only true hope in the world is that of the Child of God. It is true because it is an­chored in Faith, which is anchored in the Word, which is anchored in the great Sacri­fice of Christ, which makes it all possible.<br />The hope that the world entertains, is an elusive hope based upon what men may do or may not do, or even on the wisp of chance, which in reality, is no hope at all. It is no more than a gamble, a throw of the dice so to speak! But the hope registered in the heart of the Child of God, is based upon the en­tirety of the Word of God, which gives it sub­stance. Consequently, it is a hope which will definitely be realized, and without fail!<br />EVIDENCE<br />The phrase, “The evidence of things not seen,” refers to the fact, that our evidence is not based upon the senses, which yield un­certainty, but rather on the Word of God. There are realities for which we have no ma­terial evidence though they are not the less real for that. Faith enables us to know that they exist and, while we have no certainty apart from Faith, Faith does give us genuine certainty. To have Faith is to be sure of the things for which we hope. Faith is the basis, the substructure of all that the Christian life means, all for which the Christian hopes.<br />“Evidence” in the Greek is “elegchos,” which means “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested.” Thayer in commenting on its use here defines it as follows: “That by which invisible things are proved and we are convinced of their reality.” Actually, “sub­stance” and “evidence” are very similar. But yet, “evidence” although included in “sub­stance,” adds to the simple idea of assurance, a suggestion of influences operating to pro­duce conviction which carry the force of dem­onstration. It goes back to what we have said about “hope.” The hope of the Child of God, is not a mere wisp, as that of the world, but rather hope based on evidence, and that evidence is the Word of God, and our Faith in that Word.<br />(2) “FOR BY IT THE ELDERS OB­<br />TAINED A GOOD REPORT.” The structure is:<br />1.<br />Faith is the foundation of everything which pertains to God.<br /><br />2.<br />The “Elders” refer to the Old Testa­ment Patriarchs, Prophets, and Saints.<br /><br />3.<br />“A good report” refers to that which God says about them, and not man.<br /><br /><br />FAITH<br />The phrase, “For by it,” would have prob­ably been better translated, “For by Faith,” because that’s actually what it says.<br /><br /><br /><br />To the Hebrew Christians reading this Epistle, and all others as well, the principles of Faith set forth in this Chapter would have a deep effect. They would be made to see that the great heroes of Faith, much honored by Jewish tradition, in reality had looked for­ward to the Coming of Christ, Whose Redemp­tive Work would make their Faith complete.<br />These Personalities of Faith had held fast their “confidence, which has great recom­pense of reward”; they fulfilled God’s will, patiently waiting to receive the Promise. In fact, these renowned men and women of Faith were examples of cheerful courage in the face of adversity and examples of endur­ance that were strengthened by fierce trial. We would do well to consider their example.<br />THE ELDERS<br /><br />The phrase, “The elders,” refers to a great list of faith-worthies, but by no means, in­cludes all.<br />Incidentally, in this list given which we will study, no report is given of Adam and Eve — not a word of any repentance, faith, or holiness of life. Their spiritual and eter­nal fate are completely hidden, which lends much credence to the idea that they died lost.<br />Considering these great faith-worthies, we should contemplate the following:<br />Those who are growing faint and cow­ardly, and thinking of shrinking back, of re­turning to Judaism, let them consider all these heroes of Faith named in the Old Tes­tament. If they desert, they do not desert “to” but “from” these men and these women and thereby place their names on that hor­rible list marked “perdition” (Heb. 10:39).<br />They, who maintain their faith, join this glorious list which the Holy Spirit gives us here in this Eleventh Chapter.<br />In this Book of Hebrews, the Holy Spirit desires to show us the power and potential there is in dynamic faith, and by that, we speak of Faith in Christ, and His great Sacri­fice. To have Faith in God is to have Faith in Christ and His Finished Work. To have Faith in the Word is to have Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. They are all one and the same!<br />And yet, as we go through this dynamic Chapter, we will see various needs as it re­spected the individuals involved, and how Faith met each and every need, irrespective as to what it was.<br />A LIFE WITHOUT FAITH<br /><br />There is a great difference between a life that is empty and one that is full. It was to­ward the end of the law career of the atheist Clarence Darrow that he confessed: “At the close of my life, I am not sure of how much or how little I have really accomplished, if anything, for the fellow beings of my day who live as my neighbors for a time and then are seen no more. I am reminded of what Simon is reported to have said when Jesus came to his boat in the early morning, ‘Master, we have toiled all night, and taken nothing’.”<br />It is ironical, that Clarence Darrow would quote the Bible at this time in his life; the Bible which he professed not to believe!<br />One can only read this with a great sad­ness of heart. And yet, when we read the very opposite, and I speak of this Eleventh Chapter of Hebrews, we come away with a far different reaction.<br />A GOOD REPORT<br /><br />The phrase, “Obtained a good report,” which refers to the only way that such can be obtained — we speak of Faith, and more par­ticularly, Faith in God and His Word, which translates into “Jesus Christ and Him Cruci­fied.” As we go down through this long list, we will see that the Faith mentioned, is Faith in Christ.<br />If in fact, it is Faith and Faith alone which can guarantee a “good report,” then it also means at the same time, that nothing else before God will bring about these desired re­sults. Good works will not do such, nor any­thing else one might contemplate. It is only Faith! And when we say “Faith,” let the Reader understand, that always and without exception, we are speaking of Faith in Christ and His great Sacrifice.<br />FAITH WHICH PRODUCES WORKS<br />While works will never produce Faith, Faith will definitely produce works.<br />In orthodox evangelical circles today, the popular conception of the nature of saving faith is tragically inadequate. “By Grace, through Faith, plus nothing,” has become the<br /><br /><br />watchword; however, that does not adequately state the case. Saving faith can never be “plus nothing.” For saving faith cannot exist apart from repentance. Paul said:<br />“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).<br />Repentance is concerned, not only with the past, but even more with the present and the future. It involves not only sorrow for the sins of the past, but the submission of the soul and life to the Lordship of Christ for the present and the future. There is a sense in which we must believe in Christ, not only “with all our heart,” but with all our life as well.<br />James said, “To be hearers of the Word, but not doers, is to deceive ourselves” (James 1:22). He also said, “Faith without works is as dead and worthless as the body without the spirit” (James 2:14-16).<br />“Faith in Christ” which leaves the “Be­liever” free of any allegiance and devotion to Him is shear presumption. A “plus nothing” Faith avails nothing. Only obedient faith is saving faith — living, conquering faith that “overcomes the world.”<br />GOD’S HONOR ROLL<br /><br />Some have called this Eleventh Chapter “God’s Honor Roll.” It is indeed a wonder­ful record of the triumphs of faith on the part of imminent servants of God who lived in three different dispensations:<br />1.<br />Abel, Enoch, and Noah, lived in the Dispensation of Conscience.<br /><br />2.<br />Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph lived during the Dispensation of Promise.<br /><br />3.<br />Moses and all the others thereabout, lived during the Dispensation of Law.<br /><br /><br />All these were but preparatory periods leading on to the present glorious dispensa­tion of the Grace of God. But in all these past ages we see that Faith was the controlling power that enabled men to walk with God and triumph over the corrupting influences of their times. It is important to remember that God has never had two ways of saving men. While the Revelation of His Grace has come gradually, and various rites and cer­emonies have been linked with it at different times, these latter have had nothing to do with the regenerating or justifying of the in­dividual. It has always been true that Faith in God’s Word, whatever that Word may have been, which in some way has always pointed to Christ, has alone justified man before Him, and through that Word men have been saved in all ages, thus entering into His spiritual kingdom and recognizing His authority in a world at variance with that Divine Rule (Ironside).<br />(3) “THROUGH FAITH WE UNDER­STAND THAT THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD OF GOD, SO THAT THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN WERE NOT MADE OF THINGS WHICH DO APPEAR.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />We understand from this Verse that God functions from the principle of Faith.<br /><br />2.<br />It was through faith that God created the solar system. This is why Science cannot trace the creation back to its origin. There is an unseen force that does not submit itself to experimental science, and this is the ob­ject of faith.<br /><br />3.<br />As it regards God, His Faith created His Word; as it regards human beings, His Word creates Faith.<br /><br />4.<br />The visible worlds (the universe) were not created out of material in existence, for at the beginning there were no materials. Faith created it all, through the spoken Word of God.<br /><br /><br />THROUGH FAITH<br />The phrase, “Through faith,” proclaims this great principle as beginning with God. However, where the opposite of unbelief is prevalent in man, such is not possible with God, because unbelief is a product of disobe­dience to God. As best we can understand, God works from the principle of Faith which pronounces His Word, with the logical con­clusion being the announcement of that Word. However, His Faith never produces idle words, but rather that which creates and constructs.<br />This Faith of which we speak, is so preva­lent in God’s creation, that the entirety of mankind, even fallen man, operates on this principle, whether he understands it or not. In fact, every Scientist has come by his dis­coveries strictly on the basis of faith. Every experiment has been entered into on the<br /><br /><br /><br />basis of Faith. They may not understand that as such, but that’s actually what it is. In fact, were there no faith, there would be no ex­perimentation. The very nature of such de­mands Faith.<br />The societies of the world which function best, do so on the basis of faith. I speak of the so-called market economy, or the “law of supply and demand,” as it is called! In fact, there is enough Christianity in the United States, and certain other countries, which has imbued the very system with faith, which has made these countries the envy of the world.<br />To go to the other end of the spectrum, and we speak of Communism, we find a sys­tem which is completely unworkable, sim­ply because it stifles all faith. And then there are many countries of the world that are con­trolled more or less by witchcraft, which of course nullifies faith.<br />Now let the Reader understand, that the faith which we here mention is not saving faith, but it is faith nevertheless. The only type of Faith that God will recognize as sav­ing faith is that which is evidenced in Jesus Christ and His great Sacrifice.<br />CREATION<br /><br />The phrase, “We understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God,” refers to creation, along with everything that goes with creation.<br />“Understand” in the Greek is “noeo,” which means, “to perceive with reflective intelli­gence.” It is distinguished from the mere physi­cal act of seeing. It is the perception of the mind consequent upon seeing. It means that our knowledge of this fact is derived only from Faith, and not from our own reasoning. In the first place, how in the world can we properly reason worlds being brought into existence by the mere decree of God’s Word? To under­stand such we would have to be God; conse­quently, we as creatures can only comprehend up to a certain level as it regards the Creator.<br />“Worlds” in the Greek is “aion,” and means “the material universe, and the peri­ods of time as administered by God.” In other words, we are speaking here of a well ordered creation.<br />The words “were framed” in the Greek are “katartizo,” which means “to fit out or<br />equip, so that person or thing thus equipped or fitted out, might carry out the purpose for which it was made.” It speaks of a wise adaptation of part to part and of the whole to its purpose, in this case, of the created uni­verse and the periods of time, all brought into being by the Word of God (Wuest).<br />Expositors say: “The Word of God is an invisible force which cannot be perceived merely by sense. The great power, and great it is, which lies at the source of all that is, does not itself come into observation; we perceive it only by faith which is ‘the evi­dence of things not seen’.”<br />THE WORD OF GOD<br /><br />“Word” as is used here in the Greek, is not the translation of “logos” as it usually is, and as is used in John 1:1, which is expressed there as a designation of the Son of God as the Word of God in the sense that He is in Himself all that Deity is — Deity expressing itself not in words as parts of speech, but in the Revela­tion of a Person. This Greek word that Paul here uses is “hrema,” which “speaks of ar­ticulate utterance.” This word is never used as a designation of God the Son. It is the Word of God to which reference is made here, not the Son of God. God spoke the Word, and a universe sprang into existence (Wuest).<br />NOT MADE OF THINGS<br />WHICH DO APPEAR<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “So that things which are seen were not made of things which do ap­pear,” takes us beyond comprehension. Once again, we come back to faith.<br />To which we have already alluded, when God began creation, He did not begin with the materials that we presently see. He be­gan with nothing, thereby speaking into ex­istence the things which do appear.<br />Men have speculated all through the cen­turies as to the origin of the universe, and have questioned whether matter is eternal, or whether it was directly created by God. By Revelation, we know that matter is not eternal, and in fact, was created by God. This means that faith alone gives apprehension of the Truth. By Faith we understand Gen­esis Chapter 1. It is only unbelief and willful rejection of the testimony of God that makes<br /><br /><br />men stumble at and pervert so wondrous an unfolding of the beginnings of the created heavens and Earth. Faith bows in subjec­tion to the witness God has given and glori­fies Him for such a marvelous unfolding of the Divine Wisdom.<br />The late F. W. Grant has aptly pointed out the incongruity of the position of a scientist like Charles Darwin, whose book, The Origin of the Species, was hailed by many as throw­ing a flood of light upon the method of cre­ation; and yet in that very book, Darwin never touches the question of origins! The truth is, in the very nature of things, he could not do so, for no man who is not subject to the Holy Spirit knows anything whatever about the beginnings of the material universe, and crea­tures living in it. But to faith all is plain. The simplest Christian with his Bible before him would say, “By faith we understand” (Ironside).<br />The gist of all of this is, if this vast uni­verse has been called into existence by the mere Word of God, and it definitely has, then that tells us there is nothing which we may not believe He has ample power to perform. In fact, this is the manner in which God an­swered Job.<br />JOB<br /><br />When the Patriarch Job questioned God concerning the terrible plight in which he found himself, when God ultimately an­swered, He did so by pointing to His creation (Job, Chpts. 38-41).<br />In essence, the Lord was telling Job, that if He (God) could create the heavens and the Earth and all that therein is, then Job need not worry about his little problems. The Creator could handle that with ease!<br />Consequently, the Holy Spirit opens up the great portrayal of Faith, by pointing to the unlimited Power of God, which again tells us, that God Who can do such things as this, will have no difficulty honoring His Word to us. In other words, the Holy Spirit starts out from the highest possible standard. There­after, everything else as it regards His deal­ings with man, seem quite small by compari­son. In fact, that within itself generates Faith, which it is meant to do!<br />(4) “BY FAITH ABEL OFFERED UNTO GOD A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE THAN CAIN, BY WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, GOD TESTIFYING OF HIS GIFTS: AND BY IT HE BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Understanding from the previous Verse that God operates by Faith, we now learn that man is to operate by faith as well.<br /><br />2.<br />The very beginning of the illustration of faith as it regards man, centers up on Faith in Christ and Him Crucified.<br /><br />3.<br />By this and this alone did Abel obtain witness that he was righteous.<br /><br />4.<br />God testified to the fact that He ac­cepted the gift presented by Abel, which was the life of an innocent victim, a Lamb, ex­pressed by the pouring out of its blood, which symbolized Christ Who was to come.<br /><br />5.<br />Abel himself testifies, and even though dead, continues to testify, that Salvation is through sacrificial blood, and is only through sacrificial blood.<br /><br /><br />BY FAITH<br />The phrase, “By Faith,” follows in the same train as the opening of Verse 3. That particular Verse proclaims Faith to be the manner of God, while Verse 4 proclaims faith to be the manner of man as well. In other words, God would deal with man on the prin­ciple of faith, and man would deal with God “by Faith.” And this is where the great prob­lem with humanity begins.<br />Man attempts to deal with God by works, by merit, by education, by the intellect, with money, and various other things; however, these other things always reach a deaf ear as it regards God. If man wants to deal with God, wants to address God, wants God to hear him, he must deal by and through Faith. However, there is a step two to the process.<br />Unfortunately, a great part of the Church attempts to deal with God by Faith without the correct object. In other words, people will claim that their Faith is in God, or in Christ, or in the Word of God, etc. While those things are certainly correct, they ac­tually do not say very much within them­selves. And as well, most Christians only have a vague idea of what it all means.<br />When it comes to the matter of believ­ing, James said, “Thou believest that there is<br /><br /><br /><br />one God; thou doest well: the Devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19).<br />Therefore, such Faith as we have just men­tioned, while correct as far as it goes, really doesn’t go far enough. The Believer must understand and know the object in which he is to express faith. Actually, the next phrase gives us this information.<br />A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE<br /><br />The phrase, “Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,” immediately proclaims what the object of our Faith must be. It must be “Jesus Christ and Him Cruci­fied” (I Cor. 2:2). In other words, to just say that one believes in God, or in God’s Word, or even in Christ, within itself, as stated, doesn’t say very much. Our Faith must be in Christ and His great Sacrifice. This is the manner in which God deals with man, and this is the manner in which man can approach God — by and through the Sacrifice of Christ, which Paul grandly highlights throughout the en­tirety of this Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />It is grandly significant that Paul chooses Abel as the first example of what Faith can do for the one who exercises it, and to be sure, Paul was told to use this example by the Holy Spirit. In the case of Abel, it was the matter of his personal Salvation which was in view, as was also the case with the recipients of the Letter to the Hebrews. If Abel’s appropria­tion of Salvation was by means of Faith, and that the object of his faith was to be the Cross of Christ, for that’s exactly what the Sacri­fice represented, that would mean that all who follow must come in the same manner.<br />It also tells us, that the salvation of the soul, which of course is the spiritual condition of man, is that which is by far the most impor­tant. While all other things may carry a mea­sure of significance, it is sin that has sepa­rated man from God, and it is only the Sacri­fice of Christ which can address this situation.<br />Abel’s sacrifice was more excellent than that of Cain’s, his brother. And that which made it more excellent was not its quantity but its quality. Its quality inhered in the fact that it was the Offering which God had prescribed, a Blood Offering, which was to be symbolic of the coming Redeemer, Whom the Lord had already promised would come<br />(Gen. 3:15, 21). Incidentally, Abel “brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.” Then the Scripture says, “And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his of­fering” (Gen. 4:4).<br />WHY WAS ABEL’S SACRIFICE<br />MORE EXCELLENT?<br /><br /><br />In Abel we have the basic truth that ap­proach to God is on the ground of Sacrifice; and that the offering up of a living creature whose blood was designed of God to illus­trate the sacrifice and death of His Own Blessed Son. That it was not any mere as­sumption on the part of Abel that led him to select a lamb of the flock for his offering, nor simply an arbitrary act of his will, is evident from the fact that we are told, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Faith is taking God at His Word. Manifestly, therefore, we are to understand that God Himself had revealed the truth that approach to him must be by sacrifice. This revelation was impudently ignored by Cain, as has most of the world ever since.<br />In looking at the material of other writ­ers as it regards why Abel’s sacrifice was more excellent, most have ventured a num­ber of reasons that really have no bearing on the subject.<br />The sacrifice which God had told the first family to offer was to be symbolic of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That and that alone was why it was more excellent, and why God would accept only that, and up to this mo­ment will accept only that.<br />Whatever else that Cain may have brought as an offering, which the Scripture says was “the fruit of the ground,” had no bearing on anything (Gen. 4:3). No doubt what he brought to God was beautiful, but it could not be accepted by God, and for two reasons:<br />1.<br />First of all, this sacrifice was meant to address sin; therefore, a bloodless offering, and for many reasons, would not suffice. Man has been attempting to offer to God all type of of­ferings ever since, other than the correct one, as it pertains to sin. As God could not ac­cept such then, God cannot accept such now!<br /><br />2.<br />The Offering which would be presented as it regards sin, had to be symbolic of the coming Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. He<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />would give His Life on the Cross, pouring out His Life’s Blood, all on our behalf, that all sin may be atoned. Consequently, the animal sac­rifices which preceded Him, must be symbolic of Him, or else it could not be accepted by God. Due to the fact that Jesus has now come, and has died on the Cross on our behalf, no more animal sacrifices are necessary, His One Offering of Himself sufficing for all time. Ir­respective, before the Cross or after the Cross, Faith always had to be in that great Sacrifice.<br />A SACRIFICE FOR SIN<br /><br />In fact, the “fruit of the ground” which Cain brought as an offering, would later be accepted in Mosaic Law, but only as an Of­fering of Thanksgiving. In fact, it is perfectly proper to give any type of offering of this na­ture to God, which He will always accept; how­ever, when it comes to an offering for sin, there is only one Sacrifice which God will accept, and that is the Sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, of which the blood sacrifices be­fore the Cross were symbolic. This is very important, and the Reader should properly understand what we are here saying:<br />This is the reason the Cross has always been so very, very important. It is there and there only that sin was addressed, atoned for, and done so by Christ giving Himself liter­ally as an Offering for sin (Isa. 53:10). And why do I stress this so strongly?<br />Many in the modern Church, are attempt­ing to address the problem of sin by other means. They are trying to do it with human­istic psychology, by particular works of pen­ance, by punishment, etc. For instance:<br />In most of the Pentecostal Denomina­tions, if one of their Preachers has a prob­lem as it regards sin of some nature, he is required to do penance. The penance is two years without preaching, or some such pe­riod of time. He is required also to undergo several months, or even up to two years of psychological counseling. Plus he is required to move out of the town where he has lived and take up residence somewhere else, plus several other such like things.<br />To the carnal mind, all of these things would sound very good; in fact, the world would applaud this vigorously; however, all of this is “the fruit of the ground,” i.e., “the efforts of one’s own hands,” which God can­not accept, and because these things do not at all address the problem. There is not a single thing in the Word of God as it regards such foolishness, and simply because such foolishness isn’t Scriptural.<br />There is only one answer for sin, and that is the Sacrifice of Christ. Doing penance, or anything else that one could think of, will not address the problem, will not solve the problem, and in fact, will only tend to make the matter worse. As stated, God has only one solution for sin, and that is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />FAITH<br />The question is, do we have Faith in the Sacrifice of Christ? We do know that Abel had faith in that Sacrifice, and we do know that Cain did not have faith in that Sacrifice.<br />It’s very easy to understand why the world will not express faith in the Sacrifice of Christ, but not so easy to understand why the Church, at least for the most part, follow suit. If the Church recommends anything else other than the Biblical manner of cleans­ing, which is faith in what Jesus did at the Cross, then we must come to the conclusion, that the Church simply lacks Faith in Christ and what He has done for us. I don’t see how we can come to any other conclusion.<br />It is faith that is demanded, which we are clearly even blatantly told here in this Fourth Verse. However, and to look at the other side of the coin so-to-speak, it must be Faith reg­istered in the Sacrifice of Christ, and that Sacrifice exclusively.<br />RIGHTEOUSNESS<br />The phrase, “By which he obtained wit­ness that he was righteous,” proclaims the fact that Righteousness comes exclusively from Christ, and that it comes to us as Be­lievers according to our Faith in this Finished Work of which we have been speaking.<br />Man has no righteousness, and man by his own machinations cannot get any righ­teousness. Righteousness can only come by and through Christ.<br />God has always had Righteousness, and in fact, God is Righteousness. However, this Righteousness could not be awarded to man,<br /><br /><br /><br />by decree or fiat. In order for this Righteous­ness to be imparted to man, God would have to become man, would have to live a Perfect Life in obedience to the Law of God in every respect, and do so, not as God, but as a man filled with the Spirit. In so doing, He would then gain the Righteousness of the Law; how­ever, this Righteousness of the Law could be obtained only by one keeping it perfectly, which Christ did! (Gal. 4:4-5).<br />However, there was another aspect of the Law, referred to as the “curse of the Law” (Gal. 3:13-14). This referred to its penalty which came upon all men who broke the Law, which all did! That curse had to be addressed, sim­ply because it answered to the tremendous crime of man against God.<br />To answer this curse, in other words to take its penalty, Jesus Christ would have to go to the Cross and die — die for sins He didn’t commit, which we in fact did commit, and which penalty we should have suffered. But on our behalf, He took the penalty which was death, thereby satisfying the curse, meaning that the Law no longer condemned us, at least for those of us who believe and trust Christ (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Rev. 22:17).<br />When Christ atoned for all sin, which He did, whether it was past, present, or future, this destroyed the legal right of captivity that Satan held over man. Sin was that legal right, and with sin now atoned for, Satan had no more legal claim on man.<br />So, when Jesus died, He not only satisfied the claims of Heavenly Justice against man, but He also destroyed Satan’s hold upon hu­manity, again, for those who believe (Jn. 3:16).<br />Jesus did all of this as our Substitute (Isa., Chpt. 53), and as our Representative Man (I Cor. 15:45-50). In other words, God allowed Him to take our place in order that He may do for us what we could not do for ourselves.<br />An exhibition on our part of simple Faith in Him and what He has done, imputes to us the Righteousness of Christ. In fact, this Righteousness can be obtained in no other manner. This is the way that Abel received His Righteousness, and every other human being since who has trusted Christ.<br />Of course, during the time of Abel, Christ had not yet come; however, God had instituted the Sacrificial system which would serve as a substitute until Christ could come, which it did. It was not Faith in that Sacrifice per se that brought righteousness to Abel, or any­one else for that matter, but rather Faith in Who the Sacrifice represented, which was Christ. And to be more particular, it was faith in What the Sacrifice represented, which was what Christ would do on the Cross.<br />Man’s problem has ever been in trying to obtain righteousness in some other manner. Those other ways include everything from the proverbial “A” to “Z.” But let it ever be known, that there is only one way that Righteousness can be obtained, and that is through Faith in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross. As we’ve stated over and over again, Jesus must never be thought of apart from the Cross.<br />THE TESTIMONY<br /><br />The phrase, “God testifying of his gifts,” refers to the Sacrifice. If it is to be noticed, it is expressed in the plural, i.e., “gifts.” It refers to the following:<br />Abel’s Sacrifice was a lamb. Here was a lamb for one man; in Exodus Chapter 12, it was a lamb for a family; in Leviticus Chapter 16, it was a lamb for a nation — Israel; and in John 1:29, it was a lamb (Christ) for the whole world.<br />“Testifying” in the Greek is “martureo,” and means “to be a witness, to give evidence, to bear record.”<br />There are some who believe from this statement, “God testifying of his gifts,” that God sent fire from Heaven and consumed the sacrifice, thereby testifying of His acceptance. Even though the Scripture is not clear on this particular subject regarding this in­stance, it is very probable that this is what happened. The Lord did do this on other occasions (Gen. 15:17; Lev. 9:24; Judg. 6:21; I Ki. 18:38; I Chron. 21:26; II Chron. 7:1).<br />HE THAT LIVES<br /><br />The phrase, “And by it he being dead yet speaketh,” refers to the fact that even though his physical body died, Abel is now with the Lord. Jesus said so!<br />He said, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mat. 22:32).<br /><br /><br />Jesus was saying that even though the physical bodies of these three Patriarchs had died, their souls and spirits were alive, and in fact alive unto God. If they are, then all who trusted the Lord before the Cross fall into the same category, including Abel.<br />Though Abel is dead, yet “by it (the Sac­rifice)” he yet speaks, telling to all who live after, that Salvation is through Sacrificial Blood. In 12:24, the statement is made that Jesus’ Blood speaks better things than the blood of the sacrifice offered by Abel. As well, it is not Abel’s own blood which is in view here, but the blood of the offering Abel pre­sented to God.<br />This is shown by the historical background and analysis of the Epistle, the argument of which is that “The New Testament in Jesus’ Blood is superior to and takes the place of the First Testament in animal blood.”<br />The blood of Abel’s offering spoke sym­bolically of a Sacrifice for sin that God would one day offer. But Jesus’ Blood is the actual sacrifice, and speaks of the Salvation which He procured for us on the Cross. It was the blood offering that Abel presented to God, which represented Christ, through which he was declared righteous. This is in accord with Pauline doctrine where the great Apostle speaks of “being now justified by His Blood” (Rom. 5:9).<br />CAIN<br /><br />Cain followed his reason, as has most of the world, and ignored Revelation. He argued that his own good works as manifested by the produce which he had grown, would be suffi­cient. In other words, he was denying his need for a Savior. He didn’t deny God, rather bring­ing Him an offering, which God wouldn’t ac­cept, and because the main problem was that he denied his own need. That was the prob­lem, it’s been the problem all the way through the many centuries, and it is the problem now.<br />Man argues that he doesn’t need a Re­deemer, or if he does need one, he can serve as his own Redeemer, which in effect, is what Cain was doing.<br />THREE PATTERN MEN<br /><br />Abel, Enoch, and Noah were three pat­tern men selected by the Holy Spirit from the Dispensation of Conscience which ex­tended from the expulsion of our first par­ents from Eden to the destruction of “the world that then was,” by the flood.<br />Eliphaz, in the Book of Job, directs at­tention to “the way which wicked men of old have taken, whose foundation was over­thrown with a flood: which said unto God, ‘depart from us’.”<br />Here, on the other hand, we are asked to contemplate three men who found their de­light in God, and glorified Him by faith in a day when corruption and violence were rap­idly filling the Earth (Ironside).<br />(5) “BY FAITH ENOCH WAS TRANS­LATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT SEE DEATH; AND WAS NOT FOUND, BECAUSE GOD HAD TRANSLATED HIM: FOR BE­FORE HIS TRANSLATION HE HAD THIS TESTIMONY, THAT HE PLEASED GOD.”<br />The composition is:<br />1.<br />Enoch was transferred from Earth to Heaven without seeing death.<br /><br />2.<br />After he was translated, a thorough search was made for him, but of course, he was not to be found. As well, from the Text, we know that the population who lived near him knew that it was God Who had trans­lated him.<br /><br />3.<br />He had a testimony that pleased God, and in the next Verse we are told what that testimony was.<br /><br /><br />ENOCH<br />The phrase, “By faith Enoch was trans­lated that he should not see death,” refers to God transferring Enoch to Heaven in his physical body while he was yet alive. He de­parted this earthly scene without dying. In fact, he has lived in Heaven already for some 5,300 years. He will come back and die as one of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-11).<br />There is an indication in Genesis 5:21-24, that Enoch gave his heart to God at 65 years of age. After that he walked with the Lord for 300 years, and then was translated. This means that he was translated when he was 365 years old.<br />He was the Father of Methuselah who lived longer than any other human being. Methuselah was 969 years old when he died (Gen. 5:27).<br /><br /><br /><br />In Jewish apocalyptic thought, Enoch was a very popular figure, and several books are ascribed to him. But in the New Testament he figures only in Luke 3:37 and Jude 14, along with this Eleventh Chapter of Hebrews. And yet, in Jude 14, we are told that the Lord spoke extensively through Enoch, with him even then prophesying of the Second Coming.<br />WAS NOT FOUND<br /><br />The phrase, “And was not found, because God had translated him,” refers to his trans­lation being well known. The idea is, his trans­lation was evidently witnessed by others, but when revealed was met by unbelief. After a search was made, and in fact, an exhaustive search, without him of course being found, those in the area where he had lived, now agreed that in fact, he had been translated by God. In fact, before the flood, a period of about 1,600 years from the time of creation, only three men are recorded in the Word of God as in fact, living for God. Those three were Abel, Enoch, and Noah. To be sure, there may very well have been others, perhaps many others, but the indication is that there wasn’t much faith in the Earth at that time. The Scripture plainly says of that period, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). This makes the faith of these three par­ticular individuals all the more remarkable!<br />HIS TESTIMONY<br /><br />The phrase, “For before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God,” is akin to Genesis 5:22, where it says that he “walked with God.” And I might quickly add, he did this for 300 years, which means that he kept faith all of this time, despite the wick­edness all around him. It appears that he spent his life in publicly reproving a sinful generation, and in warning them of the ap­proaching judgment (Jude vs. 14-15).<br />The wickedness that engulfed the Earth of that day and ultimately led to its universal deluge seems to have been ripe at the time of Enoch. Incidentally, he was the great-grandfather of Noah.<br />Whatever the reasons that God took him that he should not see death, one of those reasons most likely was that those around him would have ultimately murdered him, were it not for his translation. The only other occurrence of a translation was that of Elijah. However, their translations, which simply means to be moved from one place to an­other, in this case from Earth to Heaven, pre­figures the coming Resurrection, when all Saints will be Resurrected, changed, and then translated (I Thess. 4:13-18).<br />Incidentally, there is no hint in the Text that Enoch knew this would happen, until the actual moment of its occurrence.<br />(6) “BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IM­POSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A RE­WARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The only thing that pleases God is faith.<br /><br />2.<br />It must be Faith in Christ and His Sac­rifice.<br /><br />3.<br />God is a rewarder of those who have faith, and who diligently seek Him.<br /><br /><br />PLEASING GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “But without faith it is im­possible to please Him,” tells us what Enoch’s testimony actually was. It was faith in God, but it was more than just a generalized faith.<br />We know from Jude Verse 14, that the Lord had given Enoch a Revelation of coming events, all the way to the Second Coming of the Lord. This Revelation would have made no sense at all, if the Lord had not as well informed him of the First Coming of Christ, which of course would have included the Cross. The Lord had shown him the Second Coming “with ten thousands of His Saints.” There could be no Saints without the Cross. So the Faith which Enoch had, had to have centered up on the Cross. Of course, when I use the word “Cross,” it is to be understood that Enoch, or no one for that matter before Christ, would have understood anything con­cerning the wooden beam we refer to as a “Cross”; consequently, when we use such a term as it refers to the time before Christ, we are always using it in a generic sense, re­ferring to the Sacrifice of Christ.<br /><br /><br />INSTRUCTION<br /><br />Surely we as Believers should understand that these examples are given for our instruc­tion. We learn from God’s dealings with Enoch, that the only thing that really pleases Him is Faith. We must not forget that. And of course, when we say Faith, as always, we’re speaking of Faith in Christ, and more par­ticularly, the Finished Work of Christ. If we want to please God, and surely as a Believer we do, then our concentration should be on this all important aspect of our relationship.<br />I’ve been asked several times as to what is the proper definition for “victory”? I have given the answer several times that the defi­nition is “walking after the Spirit” with the understanding of course, that the Spirit of God will always lead us to the Cross; how­ever, to be more specific, I think one could say that victory is simply keeping our Faith in the Cross of Christ, and not allowing it to be moved (Rom. 8:1-2).<br />Just this morning in prayer meeting I was asked the question as it relates to this, “What status are we in, if during the course of our faith, there is a failure?” I believe my an­swer is correct.<br />As a Believer, our victory doesn’t move up and down, providing we keep our Faith in the Cross of Christ. The only way that one can lose victory is to shift one’s faith from the Cross to something else. That is the loss of victory, and will lead to all type of problems.<br />While we’re certainly not condoning fail­ure of any nature, and to be sure, failing the Lord in any capacity hurts; however, we must remember that our victory is totally and com­pletely in Christ, and not at all in ourselves. As long as our Faith remains in Him, and what He has done for us, our lives are con­stant victory.<br />This and this alone, faith in the sacrifice of Christ, is what pleases God!<br />BELIEVING GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “For he that cometh to God must believe that He is,” places Faith as the foundation and principle of the manner in which God deals with the human race. The Truth is, “believing” is the definition of Faith. It is what Faith does!<br />Paul here lays down the gauntlet with the greatest of emphasis that faith is absolutely necessary. He does not say simply that with­out faith it is difficult to please God; he says that without faith it is “impossible” to please Him! There is no substitute for faith.<br />Though Christ has provided the means of access to God, which He did by the Sacri­ficial Offering of Himself on the Cross, still, the choice to enter is ours. Paul here places responsibility upon the Believer; if we want to please God, we must have faith.<br />This means that we will take God at His Word and act upon it. If He says we may draw near, and He definitely does, then we must believe and do it. Faith is believing what God says, simply and solely because He said it. In order to receive from God, several things are here said:<br />1.<br />We must come to the Lord with our problems; we must come with our needs; above all we must come to Him in order to have fellowship with Him; we must come to Him in order to praise Him and to express our gratitude to Him, which should make up a great part of our audience in His Presence.<br /><br />2.<br />We must believe Him, that is, we must have faith in Him.<br /><br />3.<br />We must believe that He is, which is far more than just merely believing in His existence. I’ll define it momentarily!<br /><br />4.<br />We must believe that He is a rewarder of them who come to Him.<br /><br /><br />5. We must diligently seek Him.<br />COME TO GOD<br />The privilege of being able to take our needs to the Lord, to obtain His leading and guidance, and above all to have fellowship and communion with Him, is the greatest blessing and privilege that any human being could ever have. To think of the possibility of being able to go to someone Who is “all­powerful,” “all-knowing,” and “all-present,” opens up doors of possibilities beyond com­prehension. So why is it, that many if not most Christians do not take advantage of this tremendous opportunity?<br />There are two reasons for that, “unbe­lief,” and “sin.” We’ll take the latter first.<br />The very moment we come into the Pres­ence of God, which every Believer has the<br /><br /><br /><br />privilege to do constantly, the Holy Spirit and without fail, if there is sin in our lives, will begin to deal with us about that sin. And to be frank, it’s impossible to proceed any far­ther with God, until the sin is handled. To be sure, it can be handled very quickly and very easily (I Jn. 1:9), but the problem with many Christians is, they really don’t want to cease and desist as it regards some particular pet sin within their lives. That’s why the Holy Spirit through the Apostle said, “I beseech you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.<br />“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).<br />And then many Christians simply do not believe that God hears and answers prayer. I think one of the reasons for that is because of the religious climate in which we pres­ently find ourselves:<br />The Church as a whole in the last several decades has been greatly swayed, and in the wrong way I might quickly add, by the erro­neous doctrine of “Word of Faith,” or what­ever type of appellative one would like to ap­ply. In other words, the Church has had more teaching on faith in the last half-century than possibly the balance of its existence all put together; however, almost all of this teach­ing has been wrong, i.e., “unscriptural!”<br />In the first place, faith itself has been the object instead of the Cross being the object, which makes it little different than the East­ern mind cult religions. As we’ve said over and over again, faith within itself is not re­ally the problem, it’s the object of Faith which is the problem. Everyone has faith, but only a few have it in the Cross, where all Faith must reside, or else it’s faith that God will not rec­ognize. The modern faith teaching excludes the Cross altogether, with many in this false doctrine, even repudiating the Cross, refer­ring to it as the greatest defeat in human his­tory, etc.<br />In this false teaching, and false it is, we have not been taught prayer, but rather a “proper confession.” In other words, “confession” is, they say, the trigger that energizes Faith; consequently, adherents to this doctrine are taught to simply confess things over and over again, those things they want and desire. In fact, prayer is looked at somewhat askance in these circles, and because, according to this teaching, prayer is an admittance that some­thing is amiss, and nothing can ever be amiss in these “super people,” who have this “su­per faith.”<br />Of course, all of this teaching, while it might sound good to the carnal ear, has no Scriptural support whatsoever.<br />Paul said, “When I am weak, then am I strong,” which blows to pieces their hypoth­esis (II Cor. 12:10). What did the Apostle mean by this?<br />Our problem is, and it’s just as acute with Believers as it is with unbelievers, is our own supposed strength. Irrespective of all the so-called super faith, within ourselves we are no match for the Devil, cannot bring about the needed things within our hearts and lives, in other words, we simply cannot live the life we ought to live within our own power and strength. It doesn’t matter how strong we think we are, the end result of that effort is going to be the same — failure.<br />When we finally come to the place that we realize we actually are “weak,” which means that we have to trust God completely, allowing the Holy Spirit to do for us what Alone He can do, then we’ve found real strength. That’s what the Apostle means! (II Cor. 12:7-10).<br />No! Prayer is not an admittance that something is wrong, but rather that some­thing is needed, and it is only God Who can meet this need. So we must throw aside all of this foolish teaching we’ve heard in the last half-century, and avail ourselves of the glo­rious opportunity to be able to “come to God.”<br />MUST BELIEVE<br /><br />As I’ve already stated, but because it’s so important I’ll say it again, “believing” is the definition of Faith. It’s what Faith does.<br />For Faith to be what it ought to be, and as we’ve already stated, and because it’s so very, very important, we’ll keep saying it, the Cross must always be the object of one’s Faith. This simply means that we understand that all<br /><br /><br />Salvation, all Blessings, all prosperity, all healing, all the work of the Holy Spirit, Who is really the One Who makes all of these things possible, are all done, and without ex­ception, through what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf. If we don’t believe that, then we’re not believing properly, and God can­not really help us (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14).<br />As we’ve already stated, for some ten Chap­ters in this Epistle to the Hebrews, Paul has opened up to us the object of our Faith, which is the Cross of Christ. He has addressed this great factor in every way possible. He took us into the Holy of Holies with the High Priest under the old Levitical order, and then took us again into the Holy of Holies with our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, showing how superior the work of Christ is in His great Sacrifice, to the Levitical order of old. Therefore, as he deals now with Faith, which is the ingredient of the foundation of our walk with the Lord, He means for us to always have the Cross as the object of our Faith. He has shown us the object, now he shows us the way.<br />What I’ve just told you is one of the great­est things that you as a Christian can ever hear. But the great question looms large, “Do you believe what I’ve just said?”<br />Our Faith in God is never to be something nebulous. In fact, the world has that kind of faith. Even the Devil has that kind of faith (James 2:19).<br />The idea is, our Faith must be in Christ, and more particularly, must be in His Finished Work, i.e., “the Cross.”<br />HE IS<br /><br />Most have limited this short statement to the bare bones idea of simply believing that God exists. That’s not what it says!<br />“He is” is active. In other words, it refers to God as doing things. In other words, He is the Creator; He is the answerer of prayer; He is the worker of miracles; He is the healer of the sick; He is the leader, teacher, and guide; He is our all in all!<br />This is the same thing that God answered Moses, when the great Law-Giver to be asked the question, “When I come unto the Chil­dren of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name? what shall I say unto them?<br /><br />“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM” (Ex. 3:13-14).<br />We must believe that God is whatever it is that we need Him to be, and what might that be?<br />First of all, front and center, we need a Sav­ior. He is that! After that, if we need a finan­cier, He is that! If we need a teacher, He is that! If we need an engineer, He is that! If we need a healer, He is that! I really doesn’t mat­ter what we need, He is that and more.<br />REWARDER<br />The phrase, “And that He is a rewarder,” proclaims the fact that He will do whatever it is that we need, providing that it’s in His Will.<br />“Rewarder” in the Greek is “mistha­podoaia,” and means “a remunerator, to per­form, recompense, render, requite, restore, yield.” In other words, God will definitely do good things for the Believer. Do you be­lieve that?<br />Paul had already told the Hebrews, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward His Name” (Heb. 6:10).<br />What we are speaking of here is the en­tirety of a mindset which looks to God for everything. We want Him to lead us and guide us, to provide for us, and to ever draw us closer to Him, and all of this He will gladly do, for this is what He desires to do. In other words, when a person comes to Christ, they come into the economy of God (Lk. 12:21­31). And to be sure, this is the greatest life there is. To put it all together, He has prom­ised us that if we would “Seek first the King­dom of God, and His Righteousness, that all of these things would be added unto us” (Mat. 6:33; Lk. 12:31).<br />DILIGENTLY SEEK<br />The phrase, “That diligently seek Him,” is literally “seek Him out.” Vincent says: “God’s beneficient will and attitude toward the seeker are not always apparent at the first approach. In such cases our faith must not flag, especially in the face of delay, be­lieving that diligent seeking will ultimately find its reward.”<br /><br /><br /><br />This is very dear to me personally. At a crisis time in this Ministry, the Lord gave me a Promise that I’ve held onto, and which characterizes this of which Paul has said to the letter. It pertains to that which I refer to as the “parable of the three loaves.” It’s found in Luke 11:5-13.<br />Jesus told the story of a man who went to a friend at midnight asking him to “lend me three loaves.”<br />He went on to explain that a friend (an­other friend) on his own journey had come to him, and he had no food to set before him; consequently, he was attempting to borrow something which he needed.<br />The answer was, “Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.” In­cidentally, Jesus said it was at midnight when all of this was taking place (Lk. 11:7).<br />Jesus then went on to say, that even though the man would not get out of bed and give him the loaves strictly on the basis of their friendship, because of the man’s continued asking, in other words, continuing knock­ing on the door, he ultimately arose and “gave him as many as he needed” (Lk. 11:8).<br />Our Lord then went on to say, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”<br />He then went on to emphasize that if we “ask for bread, He wouldn’t give us a stone,” etc.<br />And finally, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?” (Lk. 11:9-13). This rhema Word was given to me in January of 1992.<br />For four and one half years I held onto this Promise, which was a great strength to me. To be sure, at times I would grow very dis­couraged, but every time, the Holy Spirit would encourage me with this which the Lord had given unto me. I was to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.<br />At the end of that period of time, which was sometime in 1996, the Lord began to open that door. First of all, He gave me the Rev­elation of the Cross, or I should say, that He began to give me the Revelation of the Cross, because it continues unto this hour. He then began to enlarge the Telecast, plus give me a very unique Revelation as it regards Radio, which we immediately began to institute.<br />I have diligently sought Him, I do dili­gently seek Him, and I shall continue to dili­gently seek Him! To be sure, I am believing Him for the greatest harvest of souls that I’ve ever known, which will necessitate a Moving and Operation of the Holy Spirit that one might say is unparalleled. But I believe that God is going to do these great and mighty things, and because He has always done great and mighty things, and because He has done them for me as well.<br />(7) “BY FAITH NOAH, BEING WARNED OF GOD OF THINGS NOT SEEN AS YET, MOVED WITH FEAR, PREPARED AN ARK TO THE SAVING OF HIS HOUSE; BY THE WHICH HE CONDEMNED THE WORLD, AND BECAME HEIR OF THE RIGHTEOUS­NESS WHICH IS BY FAITH.”<br />The diagram is:<br />1.<br />God revealed to Noah that He was go­ing to send a flood upon the Earth.<br /><br />2.<br />Upon receiving this Revelation, Noah was “moved with fear,” which in this case, means “to reverence, to stand in awe of.”<br /><br />3.<br />He obeyed the Lord in preparing an Ark, which saved his house.<br /><br />4.<br />His faith served as a condemnation to an unbelieving world.<br /><br />5.<br />In his believing God, he obtained righ­teousness which is by faith, which is very similar to that done by Abraham.<br /><br /><br />THE REVELATION<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet,” means that God told Noah that He was going to send a flood upon the Earth, a flood incidentally of such proportions as the world had never seen before, and in fact would never see again, with the conclusion being that Noah believed God. He believed Him in the face of something that was so absolutely preposterous as to defy de­scription. He believed it despite the fact, that no one else believed him, even though he preached to them and warned them.<br />The Bible says that God spoke to Noah. Whether it was in an audible voice or through a vision, we aren’t told; nevertheless, ever how the manner that God addressed Himself to<br /><br /><br />this man, it was so powerful that he had ab­solutely no doubt as to what was being said. And as stated, he believed God (Gen. 6:6-22).<br />FEAR<br /><br />The phrase, “Moved with fear,” is not here the normal word for fear, which refers to act­ing under the influence of fright. The Greek word is “eulabeomai,” which means, “to act cautiously, circumspectly, to reverence, to stand in awe of.” It means that Noah acted with “pious care, a reverent circumspection,” that he do exactly what the Lord had told him to do. In other words, he was careful to obey the Lord to the letter.<br />PREPARATION<br /><br />The phrase, “Prepared an Ark to the sav­ing of his house,” refers to him doing exactly what God told him to do. By acting thus upon the Word of the Lord, he condemned the world and became heir of the Righteousness which is according to faith. The very building of the Ark was in itself a sermon to the antediluvians. Every tap of Noah’s hammer was a part of his preaching of Righteousness to that genera­tion. It declared him to be a man of faith, and it manifested their utter unbelief.<br />It might be said that the human race owes its existence to the fact that one man was “moved with fear.” It is sad but true, that fear as a factor in Salvation is decried at the present day, with the claim that only love is the True Gospel; however, this Passage tells us that fear can definitely be a factor in one’s Salvation.<br />CONDEMNATION OF THE WORLD<br /><br />The phrase, “By the which he condemned the world,” refers to that which always is the case when true Faith is registered in the Word of God; consequently, anger is gener­ally the response.<br />This doesn’t mean that Noah condemned the unredeemed personally, as many Preach­ers think, but rather, that the very fact of his ministry condemned the world, which such ministry always does.<br />The world holds its own self-righteous­ness in high regard; consequently, whenever the Righteousness of Christ is held up as the answer and the only answer, which automati­cally states that the self-righteous direction of the world is wrong, it arouses hostility. And to be sure, it is the same in the Church. When­ever the Preacher fully preaches Christ, and that the Righteousness of Christ is the only Righteousness which will be accepted by God, and that it is obtained only through Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, this Message is not accepted by most of the Church. It as well, arouses hostility. Again I state, it’s not that the Preacher of Righteousness personally con­demns individuals, but that the Righteous­ness of Christ clashes with self-righteousness.<br />When the hostility responds, it generally responds with animosity toward the Messen­ger, as well as the Message.<br />RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS BY FAITH<br />The phrase, “And became heir of the Righteousness which is by Faith,” proclaims the only manner in which Righteousness can be obtained. Righteousness is always by Faith, and more specifically, it refers to Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ. Of course, those before the Cross, more or less, would have had a dim view of this coming event, but according to the fact that God had insti­tuted the sacrificial system, which He defi­nitely did from the very beginning, they knew that it represented a coming Redeemer Who would give His life for humanity. Exactly how it was to be done, of that they would have had no knowledge. But that it would be done, this they knew!<br />There has never been any way for anyone to be saved, except by and through Faith in Christ, which pertains to Faith in His great Sacrifice.<br />(8) “BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO GO OUT INTO A PLACE WHICH HE SHOULD AFTER RECEIVE FOR AN INHERITANCE, OBEYED; AND HE WENT OUT, NOT KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />Abraham was called by God to do something which would have worldwide and eternal repercussions.<br /><br />2.<br />He obeyed, because he had Faith in what God had said.<br /><br />3.<br />He obeyed, even though he didn’t re­ally understand, at least at the time, what God was saying.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />ABRAHAM<br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith Abraham,” pro­claims the manner in which this great man began his adventure with the Lord. Too many and too often, begin their journey by “sight” instead of faith. They don’t last long!<br />Faith as it is here given, proclaims a settled trust in the Lord, exhibited by Abraham. This is remarkable, especially when we under­stand that this man’s history was that of idol worship. In other words, he had no history of God, as did Abel, Enoch, or Noah. Joshua says of Abraham, that he was an idolater when Grace found him (Josh. 24:2-3).<br />Of the manner in which God revealed Him­self to Abraham, we aren’t told. Josephus, the Jewish historian, says that after God had revealed Himself to the Patriarch, that Abraham was the first to declare boldly that God, the Creator of the universe, is One, and that the sun, moon, and stars had no inher­ent power of their own. Because of these state­ments, Josephus said, the Chaldeans rose against him, and so he then left to go to Canaan with God’s help.<br />OBEDIENCE<br /><br />The phrase, “When he was called to go out into a place which he should after re­ceive for an inheritance, obeyed,” indicates Abraham’s immediate obedience to God’s Call. In line with this, Paul gives more space to Abraham than to any other individual on his list. He sees Abraham as an excellent example of what he has in mind, for Paul does not see Faith as making a good guess based on the best human estimate of the possibilities. Abraham’s faith accepted God’s Promises and acted on them even though there was noth­ing to indicate that they would be fulfilled.<br />Even though an “inheritance” is here mentioned, which of course includes the en­tirety of the land of Canaan, there is no record that the Lord had furnished this information to the Patriarch at the time of his call. “He was called to go out,” but regarding all the things that eventually happened, of that he then had no knowledge it seems; conse­quently, the more we learn of this man, the more we realize how great his Faith in God actually was.<br />NOT KNOWING<br /><br />The phrase, “And he went out, not know­ing whither he went,” refers to the fact that although he knew where God had told him to go, which was the land of Canaan, he knew absolutely nothing about the land, what type of people were there, or what awaited him in any capacity. In fact, this is the manner in which God usually works.<br />He generally just gives us enough infor­mation for the next step, with us having to trust Him for the rest. This builds faith and creates dependence; however, all of this is for our good, and for our good alone. Most of the time, we only have enough faith for the next step, and not at all for the entirety of this which the Lord is doing. To be frank, our faith even for the immediate step most of the time, falls short, with the Lord having to supply even that limited amount.<br />The Reader must understand, that God has far larger plans for us than we could ever dare begin to realize. That which the Lord had for Abraham was so staggering, so over­whelming, so absolutely phenomenal, that it literally beggars description. But of course, Abraham didn’t know that then, and in fact, all the days of his life he only saw and knew in part.<br />While that which the Lord has for us, may not be nearly as far-reaching as that of Abraham, in one sense of the word it actu­ally is. God has no small plans, only those which are outsized. And to be sure, He defi­nitely has a distinct plan for every single Be­liever, irrespective as to whom that Believer might be. Of that we can be certain!<br />It’s our business to make certain that the totality of God’s Plan for our lives is realized. That, even as this great Eleventh Chapter of Hebrews proclaims, is all done by Faith. We must believe God.<br />GOD’S PLANS<br /><br />God’s plans may be delayed, but they are never stopped. Let the Reader understand that. And to be sure, the delays are never caused by Him, but always by us. And always, our prob­lem is Faith, and more particularly, mis­placed faith.<br />If the Believer can keep his eyes on “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” the Holy Spirit,<br /><br /><br />Who is the secret to all of this anyway, will then carry out in our lives what needs to be done. That’s the combination:<br />The Cross, our Faith in the Cross, and the work of the Holy Spirit Who always works within the parameters of the Cross. That’s why Paul said, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).<br />Concerning Abraham, Jesus said to the Jews, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it, and was glad” (Jn. 8:56).<br />How did Abraham see Jesus’ day? He saw it by faith. To be frank, the entirety of the Call of God upon Abraham’s life, was in regard to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who would redeem fallen mankind. In fact, that was the purpose of every single Prophet and Priest of Old Testament times, to point to the coming Christ, as now the purpose of every Believer is to point to the Christ Who has already come. That and that alone is our mission!<br />(9) “BY FAITH HE SOJOURNED IN THE LAND OF PROMISE, AS IN A STRANGE COUNTRY, DWELLING IN TABERNACLES WITH ISAAC AND JACOB, THE HEIRS WITH HIM OF THE SAME PROMISE:”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Abraham went into the land where God told him to go and dwelt there.<br /><br />2.<br />It was “the land of the Promise,” speak­ing of a particular promise, the one in Gen­esis 12:7 and 13:15.<br /><br />3.<br />Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are men­tioned because they cover the entire period of the sojourn in Canaan.<br /><br /><br />THE LAND OF PROMISE<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith he sojourned in the Land of Promise,” actually reads in the Greek text “the land of the Promise,” speaking of a particular Promise.<br />By the Holy Spirit using the words “the Promise,” while He was definitely speaking of the Land of Canaan per se, more than all, it had reference to what all of this meant. I speak of the coming Redeemer.<br />The nation of Israel would be raised up out of the loins of Abraham and the womb of Sarah, for the express purpose of doing three things:<br />1. To give the world the Word of God.<br />2. To serve as the womb of the Messiah, so to speak!<br />3. To evangelize the world.<br />They succeeded in the first two, but with great difficulty. Rejecting the very One Whom they were raised up to bring into the world, they failed miserably regarding the third pur­pose; however, in the coming Kingdom Age, when they finally accept the One Whom they have rejected, namely the Lord Jesus Christ, they will then carry out this third purpose of World Evangelism.<br />How so much the phrase “the Land of the Promise,” holds for the entirety of the human race. Thank God, this “Promise” extended all the way to my family. When God first gave the Promise to Abraham, He told him, “In thee shall all families of the Earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Even though billions of fami­lies have rejected that Gospel call, thank God that my family got in.<br />We were nothing, the poorest of the poor, without God and without hope, but Oh happy day! Oh happy day! The day that God the Holy Spirit brought the Gospel to our little town, our world would never be the same again. Through Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God would bring us out of darkness into light.<br />At this very moment, we are laboring with all that is within us to install Radio Stations in every single city, town, and village in the United States. Even though it costs us just as much money to put a Station into a small town of one thousand people, as it does a major city, still, I believe the Lord has instructed us to not ignore the small places. He reminds me, that my family as well lived in a little tiny town in Northeast Louisiana, a place of no im­portance, except the Lord thought it impor­tant enough that this great and glorious Gos­pel would be brought to the confines of that small place. As stated, my entire family came to Christ and by the Grace of God, the Lord has helped us to bring untold thousands of souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.<br />So, even though it costs just as much money to install a Radio Station in a small town as it does a major city, still, the Lord has instructed me that these “small places” must not be forgotten. He has souls there, eternal souls, more precious than words could ever<br /><br /><br /><br />begin to describe. Because you see, that “Promise” which God gave to Abraham so long, long ago, it reached out some 4,000 years into the future and touched my family, and to be sure, that “Promise” is still reaching out, and in fact, it will ever do so, and because it is “The Promise of God,” which in fact is Jesus Christ, and more particularly, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />A STRANGE COUNTRY<br /><br />The phrase, “As in a strange country,” presents Abraham living in this land, not as its owner, but as a resident alien. One might say that he as a “stranger” dwelt in a “strange land.” Consequently, the Patriarch had to live there as “in a foreign country.” He had no rights.<br />To be frank, this phrase proclaims the “sojourn” of all Believers on this Earth, “as in a strange country.” As the song says:<br />“This world is not my home,<br />“I’m just a traveling through.<br /><br />“My treasures are laid up, somewhere<br />beyond the blue.<br /><br />“Jesus beckons me, to Heaven’s open<br />door,<br /><br />“And I can’t feel at home in this world<br />anymore.”<br />TABERNACLES<br /><br />The phrase, “Dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob,” proclaims the truth that all of these trod the pilgrim path, dwell­ing as strangers in the Land of Promise, their tent and altar witnessing to the double char­acter of the pilgrim and worshipper.<br />Actually the word “tabernacles” should have been translated “tents,” because that’s actually what the Greek says. This means that these Patriarchs acquired no fixed prop­erty, no title to the land, except the small portion purchased as a burial place. This to be sure, is indicative of the entirety of the human race. The only thing that we actu­ally ever really occupy permanently, one might say, is the burial plot. We are meant to be pilgrims and strangers here, actually putting down no roots, because this is not our permanent dwelling, that being Heaven.<br />While this land would ultimately belong to their seed, and in totality, at this moment it was meant to be a type of the pilgrim jour­ney of the Child of God. Let us take a lesson from this!<br />HEIRS<br /><br />The phrase, “The heirs with him of the same promise,” proclaims the fact, that what God promised to Abraham, He prom­ised as well to those who would follow him. In a sense, as they (the Jews) had the “same Promise,” you and I have the “same Prom­ise.” There is a difference, however, as it regards the Jews and the Gentiles, in that the former were promised the land of Canaan as their eternal possession. In fact, under David, they did possess the greater part, but then ultimately lost it due to rebellion against God.<br />At this very moment (2000), Israel is still contending with the Arabs for “the Land.” This contention will increase until it is ulti­mately settled by the Antichrist, which will take place shortly. However, the false peace tendered by the man of sin, will soon come to an end, with the nation of Israel once again facing destruction. They will be saved by the Second Coming (Rev. Chpt. 19), when they will at that time accept Christ. They will then occupy all of that which was prom­ised to Abraham, with the nation of Israel then becoming the greatest nation on the face of the Earth, with the Lord Jesus Christ ruling as their King, which in a sense He will do forever.<br />(10) “FOR HE LOOKED FOR A CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />“City” and “foundations,” actually read in the Greek text, “the city” and “the foundations,” specifying a particular city with particular foundations, which refer to the Heavenly Jerusalem.<br /><br />2.<br />All of this which the Lord was leading Abraham to do, would ultimately lead for all Believers the occupying of “the city which has the foundations.”<br /><br />3.<br />God is totally the author of this of which we speak.<br /><br /><br />OBSERVATION<br /><br />The phrase, “For he looked,” refers to his<br /><br /><br />Faith, and that its object was the Promises of God, which spoke of the great Plan of God for the entirety of the human race. Consid­ering then that very little was known concern­ing this of which we speak, this Tenth Verse suggests that God had made wonderful rev­elations to Abraham, which are not neces­sarily recorded in the Old Testament. For instance, terminology which this Verse pro­vides, concerning the New Jerusalem, is not described for us until we come to the clos­ing Chapters of the Book of Revelation. It will be the home of all the Saints of God, and toward that Abraham looked and, because of its glory, counted things then present as of small moment. We should take a cue from these statements:<br />We know that for which Abraham looked, but what is it to which the modern Church looks?<br />The faith of much of the modern Charis­matic community, and I speak of those who go under the guise of “faith,” are looking solely at material things concerning the here and now. In other words, money! In fact, the entirety of the Church world, with some few exceptions, has little interest in the there and then, but rather in the here and now. This we do know:<br />Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had such a Revelation from the Lord concerning that which is to come, that they were not overly concerned about the here and now. Their faith made them willing to live in tents, even to endure patiently their unsettled life, since whatever they presently endured was but temporary, in view of that which was to come. What a lesson for us presently!<br />THE NEW JERUSALEM<br /><br />The phrase, “For a city which hath foundations,” as stated, should have been translated, “the city which hath the foun­dations.” All of this portrays to us the fact that Abraham knew and understood, that everything God was doing, which in­cluded the possession of the land of Canaan, which those who followed him would not occupy until many years later (Gen. 15:13­16), were all leading to something Heav­enly. The idea that the Holy Spirit would mention “the foundations,” is meant to note the permanency of all that God does, by contrast with the world which has no foundations to its empires, etc. Everything that man builds will rot and crumble, while everything that God builds will last forever. Abraham saw this, understood, and knew this, which seems to escape most of the modern Church.<br />BUILDER AND MAKER<br />The phrase, “Whose Builder and Maker is God,” actually refers to Christ, Who is the Creator of all things (Jn. 1:1-3).<br />One might say that God is the Owner, while Christ is the Architect, and the Holy Spirit is the Builder (Col. 1:15-18; Ps. 104:30).<br />The prevailing religion of Abraham’s day was idolatry, and the claim which the Patri­arch set up to a special call from the Most High, might have been deemed entirely fa­natical. To start off on a journey through a pathless desert; to leave his country and home, and all that he held dear, when he himself knew not whither he went; to go with no means of conquest, but with the expectation that the distant and unknown land would be given him, but yet he would not actually then possess it, could not but have been regarded as a singular instance of visionary hope.<br />The whole transaction, therefore, was in the highest degree an act of simple confi­dence in God, where there was no human basis of calculation, and where all the prin­ciples on which man commonly act would have led him to pursue just the contrary course. It is, therefore, not without rea­son that the Faith of Abraham is so much commended.<br />(11) “THROUGH FAITH ALSO SARA HERSELF RECEIVED STRENGTH TO CON­CEIVE SEED, AND WAS DELIVERED OF A CHILD WHEN SHE WAS PAST AGE, BE­CAUSE SHE JUDGED HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD PROMISED.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />Sarah’s faith overcame her initial doubt.<br /><br />2.<br />Her faith brought forth a miracle in that she was able to conceive, even though she was past age.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. Her Faith was in God Who had prom­ised, which means that she hung onto the Promise.<br />SARAH<br /><br />The phrase, “Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed,” implies that there was something remark­able in the fact that she should manifest this faith. Perhaps there may be reference here to the incredulity with which she at first re­ceived the announcement that she should have a child (Gen. 18:11, 13). However, even though everything pointed to the impossible, she rose above her doubt and unbelief, and was able to claim the Divine Promise.<br />Even though Paul does not state the au­thority for his assertion that the strength of Sarah was derived from her faith, nor when particularly it was exercised, still, the Text implies this. Consequently, this should be an encouragement to all who have a struggle of faith.<br />THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH<br /><br />Whether the Believer understands it or not, every single struggle within his life, is in one way or the other, a struggle of Faith. What do we mean by that?<br />Every attack by Satan, and irrespective of the manner in which he attacks, whether it be physical, material, financial, domestical, or spiritual, it is all but for one purpose, and that is to destroy our faith, or at least to seri­ously weaken our Faith.<br />Paul said to Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on Eternal Life, where­unto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses” (I Tim. 6:12).<br />Most of Satan’s efforts against our Faith is to move it away from the Cross to something else. And when our Faith is placed in some­thing else, for all practical purposes, the fight will cease. Many Christians take that for vic­tory, when in reality, it’s the very opposite.<br />Satan only opposes that which does him great harm. Naturally, he does not oppose that which is error or wrong, actually aid­ing and abetting such direction, as should be obvious. But most Christians have it backwards.<br />They think if they’re suffering difficulties and problems, with Satan attacking on every hand, that this means that something is wrong in their life. Quite the contrary, it is because something is very right in your life, and Satan is trying his best to oppose you because of this very thing.<br />He knows that if your Faith is properly placed, and that refers to being placed in the Cross of Christ (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:1-2, 11), that the Lord is then going to be able to do great things within you and through you. So he opposes your Faith.<br />In fact, Satan little opposes most Chris­tians simply because their faith is misplaced, therefore, no threat to him. I have watched Christians come into the Truth of the Mes­sage of the Cross, with Satan immediately then beginning to oppose them. This would be confusing to them, never having experi­enced such before, and for the simple reason that their faith previously had been misplaced and they were no threat to Satan, at least not in a spiritual sense, which is the only sense that counts.<br />In this struggle, some give up and quit, with the old hackneyed expression, “I tried it and it didn’t work!” Please note the fol­lowing:<br />THE CROSS, A TOTAL WAY OF LIFE<br />As I’ve said over and over again, the Cross is not merely a Doctrine. It is actually the foundation of all true, Biblical Doctrine. It is a total way of life. Most of the Church needs to rethink its position, actually bringing about a reformation. When one begins to properly understand the Cross, which is the Source of all Blessings, and of course, when we speak of the Cross, we are actually speak­ing of what Jesus there did, one will find that this affects how we interpret the Word of God, how we interpret Christ, in fact, and as stated, it becomes a total way of life. That’s at least one of the reasons that it’s hard for the Church to accept the Message of the Cross. Every­thing has to change! In fact, the entirety of our interpretation of the Word of God has to change! And for this reason:<br />Once the Believer properly sees and un­derstands the Cross of Christ, the Believer’s thinking actually changes. He then sees<br /><br /><br />everything in the Word of God, in the light of the Cross. In fact, the Word of God will then come alive as never before, and much more understandable than ever before. In fact, one cannot properly understand the Word, un­less one properly understands the Cross. The two, “the Word” and “the Cross” are synony­mous (Jn. 1:1, 14, 29).<br />While Satan will definitely oppose the Message of the Cross as he opposes nothing else (I Cor. 1:18, 21, 23; 2:2), irrespective, the Believer will enter into a dimension of spiri­tuality led and controlled by the Holy Spirit which has not been previously experienced. In other words, the Blessing by far outweighs the opposition.<br />That’s why Paul referred to this as the “good fight of Faith.” While it is a “fight,” it is a “good fight,” simply because victory is guaranteed. And as well, you’re fighting for something worthwhile. Sadly and tragically, the struggle and efforts of most Christians are wasted on pursuits that lead no place spiritually.<br />Sarah had a struggle with her Faith, as ev­ery true Believer will, but she persevered and God brought her out, and gave her one of the greatest miracles in the history of humanity.<br />Incidentally, many Scholars have problems with the word “seed,” as in “to conceive seed,” as it referred to Sarah. They refer to the fact that woman has no seed, which of course, is correct — at least with one exception.<br />In the first Promise given by God as it refers to Redemption, He said, “And I will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, and between thy seed (all men who serve Satan) and her Seed (this refers to the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God and Mary)” (Gen. 3:15).<br />Knowing that the Seed to which He here referred to was Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit through Paul, refers to the same thing.<br />Isaac was the promised child, a work of the Spirit, through whom would ultimately come the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh, in what we refer to as the Incarnation (Isa. 7:14). So, the “Seed” of which Paul here spoke, pertained to Christ, Who would come through the lineage of Abraham, and Isaac, etc. Therefore, Paul didn’t make a mistake here as some claim.<br />THE MIRACLE OF FAITH<br />The phrase, “And was delivered of a child when she was past age,” refers to the struggle.<br />Her bringing forth this child, had to do with the coming Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who would die on the Cross, in order to redeem lost humanity. So we’re speaking here of the Cross!<br />For man to be redeemed, God would ac­tually have to become man (Isa. 7:14), “made of a woman, made under the Law” (Gal. 4:4).<br />He would have to keep the Law of God perfectly, which no man had ever done, but which Christ did do, and then would have to address its terrible penalty of death, by dy­ing on the Cross, which He did, thereby, “re­deeming us from the Curse of the Law” (Gal. 3:13-14).<br />I think I can say without fear of contra­diction, that the degree of opposition brought by Satan, is according to the degree of the Promise of God. In other words, if it’s a mighty work that is to be done, there will be a mighty opposition. As someone has well said, “Faith must be tested, and great faith must be tested greatly.”<br />Through the lineage which would come forth from Abraham, which was the reason for the great opposition by Satan, the Re­deemer would ultimately be born. Conse­quently, despite the opposition, Faith ulti­mately prevailed. Now let’s look closer at the miracle of faith:<br />THE MIRACLE PRODUCED BY FAITH<br />As we previously stated, God’s plans are always much larger than our plans. That which God desires us to do, whatever it might be, is in fact, beyond us in every capacity. In other words, what is to be done within our lives, and which God wants us to do, can only be done by the Holy Spirit; however, the work of the Spirit is always predicated on our Faith (Gal. 5:5). As I keep saying, the Spirit doesn’t require much of us, but He does definitely require Faith on our part, and Faith which must always have as its proper object, the Cross of Christ. Again, please allow me to emphasize the following:<br />This was the struggle of Faith in Sarah’s heart and life. To go straight to the bottom<br /><br /><br /><br />line, her Faith in God pertained to her bring­ing forth the child, through whose lineage, would come the Christ, Who would redeem mankind, by dying on a Cross. Of course, she would have had no knowledge of the Cross; however, she definitely did know that “the Seed” she would produce, would ulti­mately fall out to the Redemption of human­ity. Let’s say it another way:<br />All faith evidenced before the Cross, was evidenced in the principle of what the Cross “would do”; all faith evidenced since the Cross, is evidenced in the principle of what the Cross “did do.” This means that the Cross of Christ has always in some way, been the object of true Faith. Listen to the following:<br />On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Bible said, “And, behold there talked with Him (with Christ) two men, which were Moses and Elijah:<br />“Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem” (Lk. 9:30-31).<br />In this phenomenal happening, which Peter, James, and John were privileged to wit­ness, the topic of conversation on that memo­rable day was, the Crucifixion of Christ, which would take place in a short time. This tells us two things:<br />1. The Redeemer and the manner of Re­demption, which would be His decease, which refers to the Cross, was the general thrust of the Faith of both Moses and Elijah during their lifetimes of Ministry. In fact, it was to Moses that the Lord showed the manner of death, which would be the Cross. It referred to the brazen serpent on the pole, which was lifted up in the wilderness (Num. 21:9; Jn. 3:14-15).<br />God had shown Abraham that it had to be by “death,” through which Justification would be received (Gen. 22:1-2, 8-9, 14), but to Moses He showed the “manner” of that death, which was the Cross.<br />As well, Elijah knew exactly what God had shown Abraham and Moses, and which had been so dramatically portrayed to him on the day the fire fell and consumed the sacrifice (I Ki. 18:30-39).<br />2. Inasmuch as Moses had been dead, at least physically speaking, for some 1,600 years, thereby having been in Paradise for that length of time, and that Elijah had been translated that he should not see death, and had been in Heaven for some 900 years, we know the topic of conversation in both places had been that of the coming Redemption, i.e., “what Christ would do on the Cross.”<br />So, Faith must always be linked to the Cross, which of course is the great Sacrifice of Christ, or else it’s not Faith, at least the kind that God will recognize (Eph. 2:8-9).<br />Faith properly placed, will always ulti­mately produce a miracle of tremendous pro­portions, even though there is a struggle at times, of getting our Faith properly placed, and keeping our Faith properly placed!<br />GOD IS FAITHFUL<br /><br />The phrase, “Because she judged Him faithful Who had promised,” refers to God Who had made the Promise regarding her bring­ing a son into the world. On the merely hu­man level, there was no hope for this miracle to be brought about. Sarah had been barren all her life, and on top of that, she was now 90 years old. As well, Abraham was 100, so the idea that he could father children at this age, was slim indeed!<br />Even though all of this placed Abraham and Sarah in the position of “impossible” as it regarded bringing forth the child, what is impossible with men, is possible with God (Mat. 19:26).<br />Everything done through us and by us as it pertains to the Lord is always done by and through the Person of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it has to be a Work of the Spirit, or else God cannot accept it.<br />Therefore, with Abraham and Sarah, all hope of the flesh had to die. In other words, they had to be brought to the place that they had exhausted all their physical, mental, intel­lectual, and material resources. In other words, there had to be absolutely nothing left but Faith in God. And that’s exactly what happened!<br />Despite their own personal problems, which means that many times they were unfaithful, they judged God to definitely be faithful. And herein lies a great truth:<br />THE PROMISE STILL HOLDS<br /><br />Getting from the “Promise” to the “Possession,” is never a simple, short, or<br /><br /><br />easy task. And that’s where the test of Faith comes in.<br />The implication in this phrase is that they finally got their eyes on the Lord instead of themselves. As someone has well said, Abraham and Sarah had to deal with their sin, before Isaac could be born. And what does that mean?<br />Their sin was in looking to themselves, and by that I refer to their own efforts at try­ing to bring about the Promise of God, in­stead of looking solely to the Lord. That is the entire crux of the Christian experience. Let’s look at it in another way:<br />That is our sin as well! The Holy Spirit cannot bring forth in our lives that which He desires, until we quit attempting to do it by our own machinations, whatever they might be, and instead, glue our eyes strictly and to­tally onto the Finished Work of Christ. In doing this, we are at the same time saying that we know we cannot carry this forth ourselves, and at the same time, we realize that Jesus has already done it for us at the Cross. In other words, in the Cross is the potential for all blessings. When we finally “give up and let Jesus take over,” which refers to looking to what He did on Mount Calvary on our be­half, then the Holy Spirit can take over in our lives, just exactly as He did with Abraham and Sarah so long ago, and a miracle will be born.<br />THEY JUDGED GOD AS FAITHFUL<br /><br />How do you judge God? Whether you re­alize it or not, by your actions you are judg­ing God every day.<br />If you are attempting to live this Chris­tian experience in any other manner, other than by Faith in the Cross of Christ, you are in effect, judging God as not being faithful to His Promise. What is that Promise?<br />In fact, He gave the Promise to Abraham. He told the Patriarch, which Promise inci­dentally included you and me, and in fact the entirety of mankind, “I am ‘Jehovah-Jireh’,” meaning, “the Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:13-14).<br />Provide what?<br /><br />He would provide a Redeemer for man­kind, which He did!<br />To be sure, God kept His Promise, in pro­viding a Savior Who would redeem mankind, and as well, would give us Eternal Life, and provide for us an overcoming victory. In other words, everything we need, is found in that which He provided, which all translates into “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />Now how do you judge God? Do you judge Him as having done this great thing? And if you do, you will trust Him implicitly, which refers to looking exactly as to what He did, which is the Sacrifice of Christ. Otherwise, you will look to other things, which regret­tably, most of the modern Church is pres­ently doing!<br />God promised through Abraham that He would give to the world a Redeemer Who would save man from sin. He also promised that accompanying this Redemption, He would give us the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:13-14). And then He promised us that we could live a victorious, overcoming, Christian life, meaning that sin in no way, shape, form, or fashion, would dominate us (Rom. 6:14). He promised us that if we would look to the Cross, which refers to what Jesus there did, with all of its continuing benefits, that we could have all of this for which He paid such a price (Rom. 6:3-5; 8:1-2, 11).<br />Now if you believe that, you will under­stand that it all comes through the Cross, and that this is where your Faith must be anchored. Accordingly, you will judge God as having kept His Promise!<br />If not, you will trust other things, but I warn you. All these other things are “broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13).<br />(12) “THEREFORE SPRANG THERE EVEN OF ONE, AND HIM AS GOOD AS DEAD, SO MANY AS THE STARS OF THE SKY IN MULTITUDE, AND AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEA SHORE INNU­MERABLE.”<br />The diagram is:<br />1.<br />“Therefore” introduces the inevitable result of true Faith.<br /><br />2.<br />The smallness of the beginning is brought out, in that Abraham was only one man, and he was “as good as dead.” But Faith in God worked a miracle.<br /><br />3.<br />That which Faith in God brought forth, is as the “stars of the sky,” and the “sand by the seashore.” God’s Blessing is beyond hu­man calculation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SPRING FORTH<br /><br />The phrase, “Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead,” refers to the hopelessness, absolute hopelessness, of Abraham’s situation, but yet which brought forth the multitude. God did exactly what He said He would do!<br />All of this is meant to teach us valuable lessons. It is meant by the Holy Spirit, that we transfer these lessons to ourselves and, therefore, apply them to ourselves. In other words, the Lord through what Paul here said, is prodding you to exercise the same faith as Abraham and Sarah.<br />We may draw back from that, thinking that we could not even begin to measure up to that of Abraham and Sarah; however, we must always remember, that we’re not look­ing to Abraham and to Sarah, or even to our­selves for that matter, but rather to God. While God’s work for us is not the same as that of Abraham and Sarah, nevertheless He definitely has a work for us to do, and their experience is related here in order that it might help us (I Cor. 10:11).<br />DO WE WALK BY SIGHT OR<br />DO WE WALK BY FAITH?<br /><br /><br />Paul said to the Corinthians, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (II Cor. 5:7). But our problem is, most of the time we do walk by “sight,” which refers to that which Abraham and Sarah were doing, before they began to walk by faith.<br />What does it mean to walk by sight?<br /><br />In effect, this means that we are placing our faith in ourselves and circumstances, instead of in the Lord and what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />If we look at ourselves, we, exactly as Abraham and Sarah, will see many problems. If we look at circumstances, which Abraham and Sarah also did in the beginning, what we see won’t be good. Consequently, we be­gin to doubt, with all of its attendant results, which means that we are “walking by sight.”<br />When we “walk by Faith,” this means sim­ply that we are not looking at ourselves, are not looking at circumstances whatever they might be, but rather looking to Jesus and what He did for us at the Cross. We know if we keep our Faith anchored in the Cross, that the Holy Spirit will then do great and mighty things for us and within us, which is the way it must work anyhow.<br />What must be done, we cannot do! In fact, it is literally impossible for us to do these things which God demands of us. And what things am I speaking of?<br />It really doesn’t matter! Perhaps we could divide it up into two sections, thereby mak­ing it easier to understand:<br />1.<br />The Holy Spirit wants to develop Righ­teousness and Holiness within our hearts and lives, in other words the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23), therefore, Christlikeness. If this is done, it at the same time will give us victory over all sin (Rom. 6:14).<br /><br />2.<br />While that just stated is the Holy Spirit working “in us,” the Lord also has a work which He desires of us, which must be done “through us.” In other words, He has a work for you to do, whatever it might be!<br /><br /><br />All of this can only be done in one manner:<br />Abraham and Sarah are a perfect example that all of this can never be done by human machinations, but only by Faith. They were meant to serve as our examples, and we are meant to learn from them. One cannot walk by sight, but rather one must walk by Faith! And then this great thing can be done within our hearts and lives, but only then!<br />THE MIRACLE PRODUCED<br /><br />The phrase, “So many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable,” records what God did through this amazing couple. But it was all “through faith!”<br />Sarah’s faith, though obscured at times, shines out brightly indeed when we remem­ber how utterly impossible from a human standpoint it was that she should ever be­come the mother of the promised child. That there was a breakdown on the part of both herself and her husband — a breakdown which brought Hagar — a work of the flesh<br />— into the home and led to unhappy circum­stances later — is perfectly true, but all this was only temporary. That which God delights to remember of this great lady is that she “counted Him faithful Who promised.” And so the Apostle reminds us:<br /><br /><br />“From this one, as good as dead, the Lord has brought forth such a multitude as the stars in Heaven, and the sands which are by the seashore.” However, in their lifetimes, they did not see all of this, even as the next Verse brings out. But this only shows us that Faith is so powerful, that it will never die.<br />When Paul mentioned “the stars of the sky in multitude,” he was referring back to Genesis 15:5, when the Lord said to Abraham, when he was in a state of doubt, “Look, look now toward Heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, ‘So shall thy seed be’.” That’s when the Scripture said, “And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for Righ­teousness” (Gen. 15:6).<br />Later, the Lord again reinforced that promise by again mentioning the “stars,” but this time adding that about the “sand” (Gen. 22:17-18).<br />FAITH IS AS BIG AS GOD<br /><br />When I was a kid coming up, and espe­cially after Frances and I married, my Grand­mother was a source of unparalleled strength to me. I was just beginning to preach the Gospel, and she was to me at that time, my Bible School, my Seminary. Her lessons were to the point, and they minced no words.<br />I can see that faraway look in her eyes even to this day, as she seemed to look past me, into the very heart of God. She would say to me:<br />“Jimmy, God is a big God, so ask big!”<br /><br />I’ve never forgotten that, and by the Grace of God I will never forget it. It has helped me touch a great part of this world for the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />“Ask big,” for this is the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob! This is the God of Paul and of Silas! This is the God of Peter, James, and John!<br />Oh how I sense the Presence of God, even as I dictate these . Faith is as big as God, which means that Faith, that is if it’s true Faith in Christ and what He has done at the Cross on our behalf, has no limitations. God is the God of the impossible!<br />The Lord said to me in October of 1991, at a time of great crisis for me and this Min­istry, at a time when I didn’t know of the Victory of the Cross, “God is not a man, that<br />He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?”<br />He then said to me, “What I have blessed, nothing can curse!” (Num. 23:19-20).<br />His Word then said, “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen per­verseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them” (Num. 23:21).<br />This prophecy is actually a portrayal of “Justification by Faith.” Was there iniquity in Jacob? Was their perverseness in Israel?<br />God was looking at them through Christ; consequently, He beheld no iniquity or per­verseness. He looks at you the same identi­cal way. So what am I saying?<br />I’m saying, that on that memorable day in 1991, because of Christ and what He did for me at the Cross, the Lord saw no iniquity or perverseness. What did He see?<br />He saw and heard “the shout of a King.” That King is Christ, and the “shout” is the “shout of victory!”<br />Therefore, if Christ shouts “victory,” then I shout “victory!”<br />(13) “THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH, NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE PROMISES, BUT HAVING SEEN THEM AFAR OFF, AND WERE PERSUADED OF THEM, AND EM­BRACED THEM, AND CONFESSED THAT THEY WERE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />These things which God had prom­ised, were far larger than the ones to whom they were promised. The Promises incorpo­rated eternity.<br /><br />2.<br />However, by Faith they saw them, and knew they were real.<br /><br />3.<br />The Promises of God are not of this present world.<br /><br /><br />ACCORDING TO FAITH<br />The phrase, “These all died in faith,” in the Greek text actually says, “According to Faith.” They died, one might say, under the regime of faith, and not of sight (Vincent). That is, all died with the exception of Enoch.<br />Seven Verses up to this point have be­gun with the emphatic words “By faith.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Consequently, we must not change the order of the original. In fact, there is a change here, but not in the emphasis of this thought.<br />We should not expect to read “By faith these died”; what is said is, “In accordance with faith all these died”; faith had been the support and guide of their lives, and their deaths were in accordance with the same prin­ciple. That is, they did not die in possession of what had been promised, but saw at a dis­tance the Blessings of which God had spoken.<br />There is nothing in the world greater than to “die in faith.” In fact, that was not only the lot of the Patriarchs as here described, but also every single Believer who has lived from the very beginning until now. While it is certainly true, due to the First Advent of Christ and what He did at the Cross, that we have more now than they had then, at least as it regards the Promises of God; still, most is yet to come. But the Truth is, as the year 2000 rolled around, signifying a new cen­tury and a new millennium, we are closer today than ever. Actually, all of these things of which we speak are now even at the door.<br />One must “live in the Faith,” and above all, one must “die in the Faith.”<br />THE PROMISES<br /><br />The phrase, “Not having received the Promises,” tells us in no uncertain terms, that the Promises of God are not of this present world. What are these Promises?<br />In fact, the Promises of God are of such magnitude as to defy all description. They include Eternal Life, which points to the coming Resurrection when we shall all be changed (I Cor. 15:51-57), which as stated, is even at the door. It is called “the Rapture of the Church” (I Thess. 4:13-18), and will include every Saint of God who has ever lived from the time of Abel through the coming great Tribulation.<br />Then every Saint of God just mentioned, will come back with Christ to this Earth, in what is referred to as the Second Coming (Rev. Chpt. 19). Then Israel will be brought back to God, and done so by accepting the One Whom they rejected so long, long ago, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ (Zech., Chpts. 12-14). At that time, Israel will not only accept Christ, but will also accept the Cross. The Scripture says:<br />“In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the in­habitants of Jerusalem for sin and for un­cleanness” (Zech. 13:1).<br />There is only one fountain, and that is the one that is filled with blood, and as the songwriter said, “Drawn from Immanuel’s veins.” That is the Cross!<br />AFAR OFF<br /><br />The phrase, “But having seen them afar off,” proclaims the fact, that the Promises of God do not include only this mortal coil, this present life. In fact, Paul also said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (I Cor. 15:19).<br />Cannot the Reader now see the abomi­nable error of the present “money gospel” which in reality is no gospel at all! What­ever the Lord seeks to give us in this present world is well and good; however, to trade the “there and then” for the “here and now,” is the most foolish of all trades. But of course, the great claim is that one can have both! Is that correct?<br />It doesn’t take a Biblical Scholar to see what is here being said. Our hope, our bless­ing, in fact, for all that Jesus died, are not found on this side of the Resurrection. We must never forget that. This means that if we put too much emphasis on the things of this present world, we are of all men most foolish.<br />Some of these people mentioned here in the Text, were blessed abundantly in the fi­nancial sense, but they placed no stock what­soever in those things. In fact, their home was a “tent,” and because they ever looked at themselves as the last phrase tells us, as “strangers and pilgrims on the Earth.”<br />PERSUADED?<br /><br />The phrase, “And were persuaded of them,” refers to the fact, that the Revelation of God to them, had been so poignant, so powerful, so real, and given with such im­pact, that they gladly traded that which they could see, for that which they could not see.<br />To which we have already alluded, one of the greatest problems of the modern Church, is the “here and now.” In fact, the far greater majority of the Church, that is if we include all who claim to be “Christian,” don’t even<br /><br /><br />believe in a coming Rapture. The reason is not difficult to locate.<br />They have no clear understanding of the True Promises of God. They do not know what they really are, and because they have no true Revelation. This means they do not really know Christ, and they do not know Christ because they do not place any confi­dence in the Cross. I think the perilous state of the modern Church can be traced to that one problem — not understanding the Cross of Christ. If one understands the Cross, then one understands the story of the Bible, in fact, the great Plan of God as a whole. The Cross is what makes all the Promises valid. Without the great Sacrifice of Christ, there would be no “Promises.” The Cross “made” it all pos­sible, and the Cross “makes” it all possible!<br />A vote of no confidence in the Cross, is a vote of no confidence in the Promises of God. As we keep saying, one cannot have it both ways. One is either “persuaded” of this which the Lord has promised, or else one is not persuaded. And irrespective as to what one might say, one’s direction proclaims how one is persuaded. Let me be clearer:<br />According to one’s interpretation of the Cross, accordingly is there “persuasion.” For one to have a part understanding of the Cross means they have a part understanding of the Promises. And that is the position of much of the modern Church!<br />EMBRACED THEM<br /><br />The phrase, “And embraced them,” refers to the fact, that the Promises of God, although not presently seen except from a distance, were nevertheless accepted in all faith. In other words, this is where they placed their hope, their dreams, their past, their present, and their future. It must be the same pres­ently, for in fact, nothing has changed.<br />We as Christians have either embraced this present world, which will lead to nothing but trouble and even destruction, or else we have embraced the Promises of God, which are afar off. One cannot have a middle ground, it is either one or the other! And to be sure, it is very easy to look and see as to what is being “embraced!”<br />The part of Christianity which has sold out to the world, has all the earmarks of the world, while those who have embraced the Promises, have those earmarks as well.<br />STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS<br />The phrase, “And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth,” holds true unto this present hour. The Christian, that is the true Christian, must never forget that. We do not march to the world’s beat, and neither do we sing its song. That which is of interest to the world, is not of interest to us, and that which is of interest to us, is definitely not of interest to the world. And never forget, if the two become intermingled, something is badly wrong with the Church. In the anonymous Epistle to Diagnetus, prob­ably of the Second Century, there occur these words concerning Christians: “They inhabit their own country, but as sojourners: they take part in all things as citizens, and en­dure all things as aliens: every foreign coun­try is theirs, and every country is foreign.”<br />(14) “FOR THEY THAT SAY SUCH THINGS DECLARE PLAINLY THAT THEY SEEK A COUNTRY.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />The terminology of the Believer points to their emphasis.<br /><br />2.<br />Our emphasis “declares plainly” which way we are headed.<br /><br />3.<br />The emphasis of the Believer if it is correct, automatically declares that this present world is insufficient, and thereby, we seek something else.<br /><br /><br />WHAT DO YOU SAY?<br />The phrase, “For they that say such things,” refers to the conversation and ter­minology of faith.<br />The Church is divided into two parts: the True Church and the Apostate Church. Some of the time, they are intermingled. Even though much of the terminology at times is the same, still, if one listens closely, one can hear the difference.<br />For instance, the True Church is looking for the Rapture, says so, and orders its behav­ior to that end. The Apostate Church has no regard for the Rapture, and in fact, doesn’t even believe there will be a Rapture, and says so!<br />The True Church follows after the Spirit, while the Apostate Church ignores the Spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br />The True Church looks exclusively to the Cross as the Source of all things from God, while the Apostate Church ignores the Cross and even at times, repudiates the Cross. Con­sequently, Jesus said:<br />“For by thy words thou shalt be justi­fied, and by thy words thou shalt be con­demned” (Mat. 12:37).<br />DECLARE PLAINLY<br /><br />The short phrase, “Declare plainly,” re­fers to the fact, that the true Believer leaves no room for doubt. He declares plainly what he believes, why he believes it, and in Whom he believes. If he doesn’t declare it plainly, then he really doesn’t believe what he tim­idly suggests. The Scripture plainly says:<br />“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Ps. 107:2).<br />I have made the statement many times, that the Cross of Christ is the dividing line between the True Church and the Apostate Church. As also stated, that has always been the case, but the Holy Spirit is going to make it more pronounced now than ever. So what am I saying?<br />The die is being cast. Do we believe that the Cross of Christ is the foundation of the Faith, or do we believe in something else? If we do believe in the Cross, we are going to have to boldly say so. And when we do, many will be asked to leave their respective Church. That’s the price that one may have to pay, but in fact, that’s the price that God has al­ways demanded. The opposition has little come from the world, but most always from the professing Church. That is going to be more pronounced now than ever.<br />THE MORALIST<br /><br />I think I am just now beginning to un­derstand the manner of the prime thrust of Satan within the Church. I observe Churches which claim to be Spirit-filled, but are yet extremely legalistic, while at the same time embracing the things of the world. The two at first do not seem to match, but after a little observation it becomes very clear that they perfectly match.<br />While these Churches, and they are in the far greater majority, claim the Spirit, they at the same time embrace the ways of the world, and oppose the Cross. They are mor­alists! And what do we mean by that?<br />While mouthing Christ, and while claim­ing the Holy Spirit, they in effect, have fab­ricated their own Salvation. They have set up their rules and regulations, and their Sal­vation is in abiding by these particular rules and regulations, which of course, excludes the Cross. They do not really see themselves as they really are, and if they did, they would understand the need for the Cross.<br />They consider themselves to be very moral, simply because they have abided by their particular, formulated integrity. It fools many people, because they talk about the Lord constantly just as the Pharisees of old, in fact whom they emulate, and yet they claim the Spirit.<br />Irrespective of their claims, and irrespec­tive of their profession, that which denies the Cross has denied Christ. Now here is the second clincher to all of this:<br />While some of these openly repudiate the Cross, and I primarily speak of the Word of Faith people, many do not consider them­selves as opposing the Cross. In fact, they pay lip service to the Cross by mentioning the death of Christ, etc. However, their trust and confidence are not in that Finished Work, which they prove by their emphasis. Their salvation, whether they realize it or not, is a salvation of law and works, which in reality, is no salvation at all (Gal. 2:16).<br />These Churches are primarily accepted by the world, which should be a tip-off. And as well, they deceive many people because of their religion of ethics and morality. While all true Christians will definitely have eth­ics, and will definitely uphold true morality, the difference is that theirs comes from Christ, while the other supposed morality, and supposed it is, comes from rules and regulations, i.e., “law.”<br />Before God, and before the Scriptures, all of this is “declared plainly,” but sometimes, it is not understood plainly by many Christians.<br />SEEK A COUNTRY<br /><br />The phrase, “That they seek a country,” refers to that which is not here, and has no reference to that which is here.<br /><br /><br />Even though words such as “city” and “country,” are here used, and to be sure, Heaven is definitely a real place; however, more than anything else these words sym­bolize the entirety of the Plan of God for the human race, at least for those who will be­lieve (Jn. 3:16).<br />The word “seek” implies Faith. It also implies a way of life, a particular direction, a particular lifestyle. In other words, what the true Believer is seeking is not at all that which the world seeks.<br />(15) “AND TRULY, IF THEY HAD BEEN MINDFUL OF THAT COUNTRY FROM WHENCE THEY CAME OUT, THEY MIGHT HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE RE­TURNED.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Of what country are you “mindful,” the “here and now” or the “there and then”?<br /><br />2.<br />God does not make slaves of people. Had these mentioned so desired, they could have re­turned to that which they had left. They had free wills, but they “willed” to go God’s way.<br /><br />3.<br />Regrettably, some, even many, have returned to the former ways.<br /><br /><br />MINDFUL<br /><br />The phrase, “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,” in the Greek text, means “habitu­ally remembered.”<br />The old song says, “This world is not my home, I’m just traveling through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The Angels beckon me to Heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world any more.”<br />Those of which Paul speaks had come to the place that they knew that this world was not their home, and conducted themselves accordingly.<br />Paul also said of this time, “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed” (Gal. 3:8).<br />This shows that they of whom Paul here speaks, was “mindful” not of the country they had left, but rather of that which they sought. It is proven by their actions:<br />When Abraham wanted a wife for Isaac, he wanted her to be from his homeland. There was a reason for that, even though I will not now address that reason. But he did not go back there himself. Instead, he sent a ser­vant to get the bride and said to him, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there”<br />(Gen. 24:6).<br />After Jacob had spent 20 years in Meso­potamia, he still regarded Canaan as “my own homeland” (Gen. 30:25); and he heard God say, “Go back to the land of your fathers” (Gen. 31:3).<br />Abraham buried Sarah in Canaan, not Mesopotamia, and in due course he was bur­ied there himself (Gen. 23:19; 25:9-10), as were Isaac (Gen. 35:27-29) and Jacob (Gen. 49:29-33; 50:13), Jacob being brought up from Egypt for this purpose.<br />Joseph commanded that the same be done for him (Gen. 50:24-26; Ex. 13:19; Josh. 24:32).<br />All these men wholeheartedly accepted God’s Word. Had they been earthly minded, they could have gone back to Mesopotamia. But their hearts were set on their Heavenly Home, and they did not go back. Single mindedly they walked the path of faith.<br />The Reader shouldn’t misunderstand! All of these particular places we have here named, including Canaan, were but symbolic of the Way of God. At that particular time, Canaan represented the true Way of God, while the balance of the world represented other things. It really hasn’t changed presently.<br />Today it is no longer the land of “Canaan,” but rather, the “Church.” And yet, the earthly institution referred to as “the Church,” must never be confused with “the General Assem­bly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in Heaven” (Heb. 12:23). In other words, the true Church has no bearing on our names being written on some earthly church roles, but rather written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, which is in Heaven.<br />The Believer must ever understand, that you have been “brought out” of darkness into Light. You have “come out” from the world, and are no longer a part of its system. In other words, you are “in the world,” but defi­nitely not “of the world!”<br />OPPORTUNITY?<br />The phrase, “They might have had op­portunity to have returned,” proclaims the<br /><br /><br /><br />fact, that if they had been “mindful of that country from whence they came out,” they definitely could have, and in fact, would have gone back. This graphically portrays the free moral agency of man. It is “free will” which got you in, and if someone so foolishly de­sires, “free will,” God forbid, can get you out. What if they had returned?<br />In fact, the entirety of the Epistle to the Hebrews was written for this very reason. Some of the Christian Jews were in fact, re­turning to the former ways. And regrettably, millions since, and I think I exaggerate not, have returned to those ways. Concerning this, Jesus said:<br />“No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the King­dom of God” (Lk. 9:62).<br />All of this shows that the Patriarchs re­maining in God’s Way as strangers and so­journers was voluntary. They preferred it, with all its inconveniences and hardships. The same thing is true of all the people of God now.<br />If they choose to return to the world, and to engage again in all its vain pursuits, there is nothing to hinder them. There are “op­portunities” enough. In fact, there are abun­dant inducements held out, even as Paul will later say concerning Moses. But go back? Go back to what?<br />Having been enlightened and having tasted of the Heavenly Gift, and having been made a partaker of the Holy Spirit, and hav­ing tasted of the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, how could one forsake all of this, to go back to the “beg­garly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage”? (Gal. 4:9; Heb. 6:4-5).<br />(16) “BUT NOW THEY DESIRE A BET­TER COUNTRY, THAT IS, AN HEAVENLY: WHEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1. They have made their choice “now.”<br />2.<br />They desire something better, because they have seen it “afar off.”<br /><br />3.<br />That which they desire, is not of this world, but rather has its origination in Heaven.<br /><br />4.<br />Because of their Faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God.<br /><br /><br />5. And to show that He is not ashamed, He has prepared for them a city, where they will be with Him forever.<br />NOW<br /><br />The short phrase, “But now,” proclaims the fact, that if one is to have this “better coun­try,” they must forsake at the same time, this present country, i.e., “the ways of the world.”<br />Paul said, quoting Isaiah, “Now is the ac­cepted time; behold, now is the Day of Sal­vation” (II Cor. 6:2; Isa. 49:8).<br />While deathbed repentance is definitely valid, as true repentance is valid at any time, the truth is, most don’t have a deathbed op­portunity. That’s the reason the Prophet and the Apostle said that “now is the ac­cepted time.”<br />A BETTER COUNTRY<br /><br />The phrase, “They desire a better coun­try,” presents the fact that through faith the Patriarchs were willing to connect their whole life and that of their children with waiting at God’s bidding for the fulfillment of the Promise — wandering and sojourn­ing until God’s Own time should come when He would grant a home and a country of their own. The idea is, the sojourning in the land was a symbol of their Faith in God, that the “better country” was ultimately coming.<br />Every single Believer who has gone be­fore us is now with the Lord. In a sense, they have gained that better country, but in an­other sense, a great deal is yet future.<br />That which is future awaits the Second Coming, when all Saints will come back with Christ to rule and reign on this Earth for a thousand years, after which time, the heav­ens and the Earth will be cleansed by fire (II Pet. 3:12), with the New Jerusalem then com­ing down from God out of Heaven, to take up a permanent abode on this planet, which means that God will literally change His Headquarters from Heaven to Earth (Rev., Chpts. 21-22). Consequently, in view of this, Peter said:<br />“Nevertheless we, according to His Prom­ise, look for new heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (II Pet. 3:13).<br />Then “the Promise” will be totally, com­pletely, and fully realized.<br /><br /><br />Paul said, “Then cometh the end (the end of all rebellion against God), when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He (Jesus) shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (I Cor. 15:24).<br />AN HEAVENLY COUNTRY<br /><br />The phrase, “An heavenly,” presents the adjective “heavenly” as connecting “coun­try” with God and with all it means to be­long to God. In other words, this of which the Apostle speaks is not of this world in any shape, form, or fashion. It is all “heavenly,” i.e., “all of God!”<br />Let it ever be understood, that all of this of which we speak, all of this which the Holy Spirit has revealed unto us, this “better coun­try,” this “heavenly,” is attainable only through and by what Jesus did at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work. As the Cross made it all possible, then it is absolutely necessary that we have Faith, and maintain Faith, in that which makes it all possible.<br />Paul said, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ . . . for through Him we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access by One Spirit (the Holy Spirit) unto the Father” (Eph. 2:13, 18).<br />GOD IS NOT ASHAMED<br /><br />The phrase, “Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,” is because they have commended themselves to God by their Faith.<br />Wuest says, “The expression ‘to be called their God’ is most interesting in the Greek. The word ‘called’ is ‘epikaleisthai,’ the simple verb meaning ‘to be called,’ the preposition meaning ‘upon.’ Thus the compound word means ‘to be called upon.’ The idea is, there­fore, that of adding an additional name to the one which one already has, namely, a surname. God was not ashamed to be sur­named their God. He is called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And this is shown by the fact that He has prepared for them a city, introducing them into the per­fection of social life, fellowship with Him.”<br />However, it must be ever remembered, that poor, sinful human beings are not brought to this state of acceptance by God, except through what Jesus did at the Cross. That and that alone made everything possible.<br />While it is certainly true that the Cross was still a futuristic event during the time of the Patriarchs, still, it was their Faith in that coming event, as shadowy as it might have been at that particular time, which gave them their standing with God.<br />Let us never forget, that it is the Cross and the Cross alone, which makes all of this possible.<br />PREPARATION<br />The phrase, “For He hath prepared for them a city,” refers to the past tense. It is not that God will one day prepare their city, but that He has already done so.<br />Out of all of this, we must understand that the life of the Patriarchs was, in all essential respects, such as we should lead. They looked forward to Heaven; they sought no perma­nent possessions here; they regarded them­selves as strangers and pilgrims on the Earth. So should we be.<br />In our more fixed and settled habits of life; in our homes; in our residence in the land in which we were born, and in the soci­ety of friends, we should yet regard ourselves as “strangers and sojourners.” We have here no fixed abode. In fact, the houses in which we dwell will soon be occupied by others; the paths on which we go will soon be trod by the feet of others; the fields which we culti­vate will soon be ploughed and sown and reaped by others.<br />Others will read the books which we read; sit down at the tables where we sit; lie on the beds where we repose; occupy the chambers where we shall die, and from whence we shall be removed to our graves.<br />If we have any permanent home, it is in Heaven; and that which we have, the faithful lives of the Patriarchs who went before us serve to teach us, and the unerring Word of God everywhere assures us (Barnes).<br />THEIR FAITH<br />When the Patriarchs died, and we speak of all who lived before Christ, in fact, at that time they didn’t go to Heaven, but rather down into Paradise, which was in the heart<br /><br /><br /><br />of the Earth. The only thing that separated Paradise from the burning side of Hell itself, was a great gulf, even as related by Christ (Lk. 16:26). So, they didn’t realize that “City” even at that time. But their Faith would ul­timately take them there.<br />The reason they could not then be ad­mitted into Heaven, with the possible excep­tion of Enoch and Elijah, was because the sin debt was still attached to them. Even as Paul said, “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). To be sure, they were saved, but they did not have the benefits which we have since the Cross.<br />When Jesus died on the Cross, thereby paying the sin debt for all of humanity, at least for all who will believe, even before His Resurrection, He went down into Paradise, and liberated those souls from that particu­lar place, where they had actually been held captive by Satan, thereby making them his captives, and taking them to Heaven with Him (Eph. 4:8-10).<br />Now when Believers die, their souls and spirits immediately go to Heaven to be with Christ, there to await the coming Resurrec­tion of the Righteous, which we refer to as the Rapture of the Church, when a Glorified Body will then be joined to the soul and the spirit (Phil. 1:21-23; I Thess. 4:13-18).<br />(17) “BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS TRIED, OFFERED UP ISAAC: AND HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE PROMISES OFFERED UP HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,”<br />The diagram is:<br /><br />1.<br />All faith must be tested, and great faith must be tested greatly.<br /><br />2.<br />This test of Faith would include the manner in which God would redeem human­ity, which would be by the death of His Son.<br /><br />3.<br />Isaac was looked at by God alone as the son of promise, and heir to all things of Abraham, and not Ishmael, showing us that it is only that which is birthed by the Spirit which God can accept.<br /><br /><br />THE TESTING OF FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried,” presents Paul returning from the Patriarchs in general to Abraham in par­ticular. This was a test of Faith, perhaps one of, if not the greatest test ever, put upon a human being.<br />In fact, the faith of all Believers is tested constantly, although certainly not to this degree; nevertheless, the testing continues on an ongoing basis.<br />The Greek word used here for “tried,” is rendered “tempted” in Matthew 4:1, 3; 16:1; 19:3; 22:18, 35, and in 22 other places in the New Testament. The same word is translated “prove” in John 6:6.<br />It does not mean here, as it often does, to place inducements before one to lead him to do wrong, but to subject his faith to a trial in order to test its genuineness and strength. The meaning here is, that Abraham was placed in circumstances which showed what was the real strength in his confidence in God.<br />Satan “tempts” us, while God “tries” us. The meaning is according to the following:<br />Even though the same Greek word is used for both “tempt” and “tried,” it has a differ­ent meaning according to whom we are re­ferring, whether God or Satan. Although there is no evidence that Satan was involved whatsoever in this particular incident, in fact, Satan is definitely involved many times, with Job as the perfect example.<br />Satan, of course, “tempts” us, in order that our faith may fail; God “tries” us, in or­der to strengthen our Faith. God cannot tempt men to do wrong, hence James say­ing, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil (cannot tempt men to com­mit evil), neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13).<br />As well, it is God Who sets the param­eters as it regards how strong that Satan can tempt a particular individual (Job, Chpts. 1­2). Let no Believer think that Satan can do anything he so desires. In fact, he can only do what the Lord allows him to do, being held on a leash so to speak, at all times. To be­lieve otherwise, would make God subservi­ent to the Devil, which of course, is prepos­terous! Satan has latitude in any and all things, only up to the point in which God allows him such latitude. In fact, he has to go hat in hand asking permission, even to do what he does do, and then as stated, God sets the parameters and not the Evil One.<br /><br /><br />Consequently, James also said, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation (that which Satan is allowed to bring against him): for when he is tried (God allows the trial and test of Faith), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12).<br />Genesis Chapter 22 records this great test of Abraham.<br />The Scripture says, “That God did tempt Abraham” (Gen. 22:1). The Hebrew word for “tempt” is “nacah,” and means, “to test, prove.” No inducement to sin is implied. In fact, it should have been translated “test.”<br />The Reader is not to think that God al­lows testing in order that He might see, for He already knows. He allows such, in order that we might see. Probably one could say without fear of contradiction, that one’s Faith is never quite as strong as one thinks it is, even when, as Abraham, we pass the test.<br />THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH<br /><br />The testing of our faith is allowed by the Lord, even induced by the Lord, not so much to test the quantity, but rather the quality. By that, I refer to the proper object of Faith. Every Christian has Faith (Rom. 12:3), but most Christians do not know what the proper object of their Faith ought to be. If asked, most would reiterate that they have “Faith in God,” or “Faith in Christ,” or “Faith in the Word of God.” All of that is correct, but at the same time, doesn’t really say very much.<br />In this Volume, I have already addressed this subject, and I do so again only because it is so very, very important. In fact, nothing could be more important as it regards the Child of God. If the Believer doesn’t have the proper object to which his Faith must be attached, the end result, and without excep­tion, will be failure and defeat.<br />For the last 50 or so years, most teachers of Faith have claimed that one must increase their Faith, and they have proposed all type of methods by which this could be done. That is incorrect!<br />At a particular time, “the Apostles said unto the Lord, increase our Faith.”<br />Jesus answered by saying, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Lk. 17:5-6).<br />He was telling them in this statement, even as we’ve already stated, that it was not the quantity of their faith that was impor­tant, but rather the quality. And by quality, we are referring to the proper object of Faith. He didn’t explain that to them at the time, because it would have been pointless to have done so. In fact, He said to them as it regards such teaching:<br />“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.<br />“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth is come (the Holy Spirit), He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.<br />“He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you” (Jn. 16:12-14).<br />THE CROSS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />The Holy Spirit couldn’t come into the hearts and lives of Believers to abide perma­nently, until the Cross was a fact. At the Cross, Jesus paid the terrible sin debt owed by man to God, which meant that man could be to­tally and fully justified upon Faith, thereby totally and perfectly cleansing the temple, making it possible for the Holy Spirit to now abide permanently. Hence Paul would say:<br />“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Cor. 3:16).<br />It is the Holy Spirit Who guarantees the results of our Faith, that is if our Faith is properly placed (Gal. 5:5). That proper place is the Cross, which refers to what Jesus there did on our behalf, which has continued re­sults, and in fact, results which will never be discontinued (Eph. 2:12-19).<br />There is no power in the Cross per se; however, it is what took place at the Cross, which gives the Holy Spirit, in Whom resides the power, the latitude to work in our lives. Hence Paul said:<br />“For the preaching (Word) of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the Power of God” (I Cor. 1:18). In other words, the Cross is what makes the power possible, simply because the<br /><br /><br /><br />legal work of Christ carried out at the Cross, gives the Holy Spirit the legal right to exert His power on our behalf, hence Paul also referring to this as “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:2).<br />As I’ve already stated, I’m addressing this in every way possible, simply because there is nothing more important in the Believer’s life than the proper object of his Faith.<br />THE GROWTH OF FAITH<br /><br />The Holy Spirit through Paul also said, “So then Faith cometh by hearing, and hear­ing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).<br />This means simply, that we hear the Word of God being properly taught and preached, and if we properly hear it, our Faith will defi­nitely increase. Now notice that I said “properly!”<br />If we hear the Word of God improperly taught and preached, it will fall out to our harm, as should be obvious. What do we mean by the Word of God being properly taught and preached?<br />To properly teach and preach the Word of God, the Preacher must have a proper knowledge of the Cross. In fact, even as we’ve said many times in this Volume, the Word and the Cross, or the Cross and the Gospel, or the Cross and Faith, are all synonymous. In other words, when you’ve said one, you’ve said the other.<br />The story of the Bible is the story of the Creation, Fall, and Redemption of man. The Creation takes up the first two Chapters of the Bible (Gen., Chpts. 1-2), the Fall takes up the Third Chapter, and man’s Redemp­tion covers the entirety of the balance of the Bible. It begins in Genesis Chapter 4 with an example of the manner in which man would be redeemed, which would be by the Cross, symbolized by the slain lamb and its shed blood. That theme is then carried through­out the entirety of the Word of God. Every Prophecy in the Old Testament, in one way or the other, whether directly or indirectly, points to the coming Redeemer, and His manner of Redemption, i.e., “the Cross.” In fact, the great Sacrificial System of the Mo­saic Law, all typified, and without exception, the Cross of Christ. Every vessel in the Tab­ernacle and Temple, in some way personified the Life, Ministry, and Death of Christ on behalf of lost humanity.<br />Likewise, all instruction given in the New Testament, points back toward that Fin­ished Work. In other words, everything, and without exception, is based on the Sacrifice of Christ.<br />So, if the Preacher is to properly teach and preach the Word, he must do so with the understanding that the Word of God is in fact the Cross, one might say, and the Cross is in fact, the Word of God.<br />If the Believer hears it in that fashion, which means that his Faith is properly placed, growth will automatically come about within his heart and life. This is the manner in which the Holy Spirit works and, I might quickly add, the only manner. If we attempt to make other things the object of our Faith, and irrespective as to how good in their own right those other things might be, the Holy Spirit simply will not work for us. To be sure, He will always do all that He can on our be­half; however, He will not break “the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus.” Faith ever placed in the Cross, and ever main­tained in the Cross, every guarantees His leading, guidance, empowerment and help. Faith otherwise placed, closes off His help to us. That’s a sobering thought, considering that we must have His help, but it happens to be the truth.<br />THE OFFERING OF ISAAC<br /><br />The phrase, “Offered up Isaac,” refers to the fact, that even though God stopped Abraham’s hand at the last moment, still, in the mind of Abraham, the Patriarch had al­ready offered up Isaac.<br />The construction in the Greek makes it clear that while the testing of Abraham was still in progress, he had already offered up his son, that is, before the trial had come to an issue, by the act of his obedient will, through Faith in God, he had committed him­self to the completion of the act. This means that Abraham met the test through faith be­fore there was any visible evidence of God’s intervening Hand. The Patriarch fully ex­pected to offer his son as a Sacrifice, and as fully expected God to raise his body from the dead out of the ashes of the burnt Sacrifice<br /><br /><br />(Wuest). As stated, there has probably never been a test of faith exactly like this!<br />WHAT DID THIS TEST OF<br />FAITH INCLUDE?<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “And he that had received the Promises offered up his only begotten son,” proclaims by this action, as well as the terminology, that this test of Faith, was far more than merely a conflict between Abraham’s love for his son and his duty to God. It may well have included that, but the major thrust of the test was in two parts:<br />1.<br />In this test of the Patriarch’s Faith, he had difficulty in reconciling the different Revelations made to him. God had promised him innumerous posterity through Isaac; yet now He called on him to offer Isaac as a sacri­fice. How then could the promise be fulfilled?<br /><br />Though he did not understand, Abraham knew how to obey. His faith told him that God would work out His purpose, even if He had to raise the boy from the dead.<br /><br />2.<br />The greater action of all of this, was that God would show the Patriarch as to how the great work of Justification by Faith, which He had shown the Patriarch some years ear­lier, would be worked out (Gen. 15:6). It would be through the death of God’s only Son. As God called upon Abraham to offer up his son, through whom the Messiah would ultimately come, God would give His Son, of Whom the former was but a type. So, from this graphic illustration, in other words, so graphic that it beggars description, God would show Abraham the manner in which all of this would be done.<br /><br /><br />But it would remain until the time of Moses, over 400 years later, that God would portray the “means” by which this death would be carried out, which would be by the Cross (Num. 21:9). The manner in which both of these types were carried out is wor­thy of consideration.<br />The manner of the offering of Isaac was not precipitated by sin and failure. It rather only spoke to obedience. This typified God Who would give His Only Son, Who would acquiesce perfectly to this Sacrifice, even as Isaac had obeyed and acquiesced perfectly.<br />To the contrary, the manner in which this Revelation came to Moses as it regards the “means” of this Sacrifice, which would be the Cross, came out of sin and failure, as it could only come out of sin and failure.<br />To which we’ve already alluded, Israel, due to the difficulty of the way, “spoke against God, and against Moses” (Num. 21:5).<br />They complained bitterly about the way, and then said “our soul loatheth this light bread,” speaking of the Manna, which was in essence, a complaint against Christ, of Whom the Manna was a type.<br />The Scripture says that “the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people and much people of Israel died”<br />(Num. 21:6). At that point, the Lord told Moses to<br />“make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every­one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live” (Num. 21:8).<br />Jesus alluded to this in His statement to Nicodemus, by saying, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (Jn. 3:14). Of course, Christ was speaking of His being lifted up on a Cross.<br />Inasmuch as Jesus died for sinners, this Revelation which came to Moses concerning the “means” of the Sacrifice which was de­manded, that is if man was to be saved, had to come out of sin and failure, which it did.<br />So in these two Revelations, we have the manner in which Justification by Faith would be brought about, which would be by the death of God’s Only Son, which was shown to Abraham, and the means by which this death would be carried out, which would be by the Cross, which was shown to Moses.<br />(18) “OF WHOM IT WAS SAID, THAT<br />IN ISAAC SHALL THY SEED BE CALLED:” The structure is:<br />1.<br />“Of whom it was said,” refers to Gen­esis 21:12.<br /><br />2.<br />Abraham had other sons, Ishmael by Hagar, and six others by Keturah, whom he would marry after the death of Sarah (Gen. 25:1-2). But it was Isaac whom the Lord had designated to be the chosen one, through whom the Messiah would ultimately come.<br /><br />3.<br />Isaac was the promised son, and thereby, was totally and completely a work of the Spirit. This refers to the fact, that<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />had not God performed a miracle, Isaac could not be born. In fact, I think it could be said that every single thing God does, could be labeled in one sense as a miracle.<br />THE PROMISED ONE<br /><br />The phrase, “Of whom it was said,” refers to this one being predetermined by God (Gen. 21:12). The statement was originally made to Abraham to assure him that the promise was not to be fulfilled through Ishmael by the bondwoman Hagar, but through Isaac. Of course, it was implied that Isaac was to reach manhood; and yet, not withstanding this, and notwithstanding the fact that Abraham fully believed this, he prepared deliberately, in obe­dience to the Divine command, to put him to death.<br />ISAAC<br /><br />The phrase, “That in Isaac shall thy seed be called,” refers to the fact that the poster­ity of Abraham was to be named after Isaac, which meant that it was to descend only from him, and not Ishmael, etc.<br />The word “called” in the Scriptures, is often equivalent to the verb “to be.” To name or call a thing was the same as to say that it was or that it existed.<br />It does not mean here that his “spiritual” children were to be called or selected from among the posterity of Isaac, for that being the case, it would have only referred to Jews, but that the posterity promised to Abraham would descend neither from Ishmael nor the sons of Keturah, but in the line of Isaac.<br />This is a strong circumstance insisted on by the Apostle, to show the strength of Abraham’s Faith. It was shown not only by his willingness to offer up the child of his old age — his only son by his beloved wife<br />— but by his readiness, at the command of God, to sacrifice even him on whom the ful­fillment of the Promises depended (Barnes).<br />(19) “ACCOUNTING THAT GOD WAS ABLE TO RAISE HIM UP, EVEN FROM THE DEAD; FROM WHENCE ALSO HE RE­CEIVED HIM IN A FIGURE.”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1. The word “accounting” refers to the fact that Abraham came to a conclusion, meaning that he would obey God whatever!<br />2.<br />He knew the Promise could not fail, so he reasoned (accounted) that God would have to raise Isaac from the dead.<br /><br />3.<br />Isaac’s death took place symbolically, in the sacrifice of the ram: correspondingly, the restoration was only a symbolic restora­tion from the dead, “in a figure.”<br /><br /><br />ACCOUNTING<br /><br />The word “accounting” in the Greek is “logisamenos,” and means, “reckoning, sup­posing, concluding.”<br />This one word tells us that Abraham had been extremely perplexed at the demand of God for him to offer up Isaac in sacrifice. While the struggle of doing this to his own son was paramount to say the least, the indication is, that it was a struggle of faith more than any­thing else. Abraham knew and understood his purpose and mission in life. He lived to­tally and completely that the great Promises of God would be carried out through him. He understood, what it all meant, at least as far as a poor human being could understand.<br />He knew that through him the Messiah would ultimately come into the world, which would be the greatest event in human his­tory, and by far we might quickly add, and that Isaac was the promised son who would establish the lineage. So, realizing what was at stake, he struggled in his own mind and spirit, to know for certain that it was God tell­ing him this. He reasoned that it was, and then set out to obey, irrespective of the cost.<br />GOD IS ABLE<br /><br />The phrase, “That God was able to raise him up, even from the dead,” proclaims the fact, that the Patriarch reasoned that it took a miracle from God to bring Isaac into the world, and that God could perform another miracle in raising him from the dead. Abraham reasons in his mind and spirit that it was God Who gave life to his aged body to begin with in order that he could father Isaac, and life to Sarah’s womb who incidentally had been barren all her life, in order that she could conceive; therefore, God, the Patriarch reasoned, would have to give life once again to Isaac out of the ashes of his burned body. He knew that the Promise of God could not fail as it regarded the seed that would be raised<br /><br /><br />up through Isaac, so he reasoned that God would have to raise the boy from the dead.<br />This fits in perfectly with the Genesis narrative, for as Abraham went off with the boy to sacrifice him — and as we have seen he was fully determined to go through with the command — he said to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you” (Gen. 22:5).<br />We pass over these words lightly, I think little realizing the vast struggle of faith which took place here. But Abraham reasoned in his mind and spirit that “God is able!” That is the crux of it all: “God is able!” This is the lesson, I think, that the spirit desires that we here learn. Whatever else it says, what­ever direction it takes, “God is able!”<br />A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE<br /><br />In one way or the other, every single Be­liever has to prove to himself that “God is able!” And that refers to anything that must be done. While of course our own personal circumstances are of far less degree than that of Abraham, still, there has to be a time in our Christian experiences, that we come to the conclusion, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, that “God is able!”<br />When the Lord first called Frances and me into Evangelistic Work, which was in 1956, our situation looked anything but promising. We lived in a little tiny town in Northeast Louisiana, by the name of Wisner. My Dad had built a church in this commu­nity several years earlier, and it was there that I met Frances, and we were married. Other than the day that the Lord saved me, that was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. The Call of God was on my life, and Frances was definitely made a part of that Call, in which she has proved so efficient and faithful through these many years.<br />The Lord has helped us to touch a great part of this world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but the beginnings of this Ministry didn’t look very promising, to say the least.<br />At this particular time in 1956, we were preparing to go into full time Evangelistic Work. While that particular time would not completely come until 1958, still, it actu­ally began at that earlier year.<br />Without going into detail, knowing what the Lord had called me to do, and yet not knowing how in the world it could be done, even as insignificant as it seemed to be at the time, I remember one particular after­noon in question. It was to be a moment in which the Lord would move upon me greatly, letting me know that “He is able!”<br />We were living at the time in a little tiny 32’ long house trailer. Frances had gone some­where for an hour or so, and I remember tak­ing this time while being alone, to go to the Lord in prayer. The scene is freeze-framed in my mind, and will be there forever.<br />As I went to prayer that afternoon, all of these things were weighing heavily on my mind. How could I go into full-time Evan­gelistic Work, considering that almost no Preachers or Churches even knew that I was alive? How would I get started? How could we make a living? Donnie was then 4 years old, and how could I be an Evangelist, and at the same time give him proper schooling?<br />And then the Spirit of God began to come upon me that memorable afternoon. We had learned a little chorus a few weeks earlier. The words are:<br />“My Lord is able, He’s able, I know that He is able, “I know my Lord is able to carry me through. “My Lord is able, I know that He’s able, “I know my Lord is able to carry me through.”<br />“For He has healed the brokenhearted, and set the captive free, “He’s healed the sick and raised the dead and walked upon the sea, “My Lord is able, He’s able, I know that He is able, “I know my Lord is able to carry me through.”<br />THE SPIRIT OF GOD BEGAN<br />TO MOVE UPON MY HEART<br /><br />The Holy Spirit took the words from that song, “My Lord is Able,” and began to im­press them mightily upon my mind. He just kept saying that over and over to me, “I am able!” “I am able!” “I am able!”<br /><br /><br /><br />Without going at all into detail, the Lord let me know that memorable afternoon, that all that He had called me to do, that He was able to bring it all to pass. I must trust Him, and do so explicitly, but never fear, He was able.<br />And so He was, and so He is, and so He ever shall be.<br />This doesn’t mean that there were not dif­ficult days. In fact, there have been many of those, but every single time, He has proven and beyond the shadow of a doubt, that He is able.<br />A FIGURE<br /><br />The phrase, “From whence also he re­ceived him in a figure,” actually says, “And figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”<br />The idea is, at the last moment, God stayed the hand of the Patriarch even as he was ready to plunge the knife into his son’s breast. Abraham had passed the test. He did not bind the Power of God to the life of Isaac but was persuaded that it would be effective in his ashes when he was dead no less than when he was alive and breathing.<br />Instead, God chose “a ram caught in a thicket by his horns,” and told the Patriarch to offer up this animal as a “burnt offering in the stead of his son.” So, figuratively, Isaac died in the ram, and figuratively, at least in the mind of Abraham, his son was raised from the dead. The latter is due to the fact, that in the mind of Abraham, he had already of­fered up Isaac, i.e., “committed himself to the death of his son.”<br />As well, all of this was a “figure,” of the manner in which God would redeem human­ity, which would be by death, and further­more, the death of His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />(20) “BY FAITH ISAAC BLESSED JACOB AND ESAU CONCERNING THINGS TO COME.”<br />The diagram is:<br /><br />1.<br />The Patriarch’s had a faith that looked beyond death.<br /><br />2.<br />Their faith was so great, that they held a firm conviction that death could not frus­trate God’s purposes.<br /><br />3.<br />Consequently, they could speak with confidence of what would happen after they<br /><br /><br />died. Their faith, being stronger than death, in a way overcame death, for their words were fulfilled.<br />BY FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau,” does not concern itself with the spiritual condition of the two men, one be­ing righteous and the other unrighteous, but rather what their seed would bring forth. As well, let us state, that true Faith, which Isaac definitely possessed, always brings a “Bless­ing” — even to the members of the family who aren’t righteous.<br />However, the greater blessing will always be to those who exhibit Faith, even as Jacob did. Esau had no faith in God and no regard for the coming Promise. He was concerned only with the things of this present world. Nevertheless, the Faith of Isaac blessed him anyway, although not at all like the blessing of Jacob. The seed of Esau would be con­cerned only with the things of this world, while the seed of Jacob, which pertained to the Jews, would look up to God.<br />If it is to be noticed, Paul says nothing about Jacob’s deception of his old father. Ac­tually, at this stage he is not interested in the struggle of faith, as it was on the part of Jacob, but rather the Faith of Isaac. He doesn’t even mention Isaac attempting to give the bless­ing to Esau, with that once again concern­ing the struggle of faith. In fact, the struggle in one way or the other, is a given in the hearts and lives of all Believers.<br />This perhaps would have been a great les­son to the Christian Jews of Paul’s day. Some of them as well, were having a great struggle with their Faith, which is what the Epistle to the Hebrews is all about. The Apostle is tell­ing them, that these Patriarchs rose above their struggles, and were able to pronounce great blessings of faith that reached out even until Paul’s day, and continues unto this hour, and in fact, will never die.<br />All of this is meant to be an encourage­ment to us as well.<br />THINGS TO COME<br /><br />The phrase, “Concerning things to come,” concerns the Revelation of God given to these men, which reached out in Faith to<br /><br /><br />the future. On each occasion, Isaac spoke out of a firm conviction that Blessing given in accordance with God’s purposes could not possibly fail. Though as stated there were marked differences in the two Blessings, con­cerning Jacob and Esau, but these are passed over. They are at this time not relevant. The important thing is Isaac’s faith. Fittingly, the sons are listed in the order in which they re­ceived the Blessings, not that of their birth.<br />(21) “BY FAITH JACOB, WHEN HE WAS A DYING, BLESSED BOTH THE SONS OF JOSEPH; AND WORSHIPPED, LEANING UPON THE TOP OF HIS STAFF.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />The words “By faith Jacob,” proclaim the fact, that the vision had come down to this Patriarch.<br /><br />2.<br />His faith was as strong or stronger when he was dying, than at any other time.<br /><br />3.<br />The blessing he pronounced on the two sons of Joseph, proclaimed his faith, and above all, proclaimed his faith for the future.<br /><br />4.<br />As he blessed, he worshipped, showing that the Spirit of God was in the Blessing.<br /><br />5.<br />His staff intimates the Word of God, of which we will have more to say momentarily.<br /><br /><br />FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith Jacob,” proclaims the Faith of the Patriarch shining as brightly as his father Isaac, and his grandfather Abraham. And so with that particular word, even though Paul doesn’t mention it here, we have the last Patriarch mentioned, who made up the great phrase, “The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob.” These three would be used by the Lord to bring the entirety of the nation of Israel into the world, raised up for the specific purpose of giving the world the Word of God, which they did, and as well, serving as the womb of the Messiah, Who was the fulfillment of all the prophecies. Sadly and regrettably, they didn’t recognize Him when he came; nevertheless, He came! He, the Lord Jesus Christ, fulfilled the Promise, and in fact, was the Promise! God brought it all about by the “Faith” of these three men.<br />DEATH<br /><br />The phrase, “When he was a dying,” pro­claims the fact, that even though the Patriarch would die, his faith would not die, actually coming down to this very hour. In fact, faith cannot die, and that is what makes it so great. And of course, when we speak of Faith, we are speaking of Faith in Christ, and what Christ would do, and in fact did do at the Cross, all on our behalf. That was ever the object of the Faith of these individuals.<br />We know from the Text that his Faith burned brighter at the time of his death than at any other time. This means, that despite the problems throughout his life, despite the horrific struggle with the flesh, despite the ups and downs, despite the many failures, there is nothing left now but victory, and all because of his Faith in God, and more par­ticularly, What and Whom God had prom­ised. God had promised a Redeemer, and Jacob knew this Redeemer would come through these sons that God had given unto him.<br />The only thing that anyone can take with him when he dies is his faith. And of course, the only ones who have faith, and we’re speaking of the Faith which God will recog­nize, are those who have placed their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He Alone must ever be the object of our Faith.<br />THE BLESSING<br />The phrase, “Blessed both the sons of Jo­seph,” pertains to Manasseh and Ephraim, both born to Joseph in Egypt.<br />Isaac’s action in blessing Jacob, and Jacob’s in blessing Ephraim, illustrate Romans 9:16. Isaac willed to bless Esau, and Joseph ran to set Jacob’s hands aright, but neither could defeat the purpose of God. As with Isaac, the Blessing went against the natural order of birth.<br />At the time of the Blessing, Joseph tried to have the major blessing given to Manasseh, the firstborn. But Jacob crossed his hands to pick out Ephraim as the greater. God is not bound by human rules like those that give pride and benefit of place to the firstborn. He fulfills His purposes and He chooses. This incident, like the blessing of Jacob by Isaac, again illustrates the theme of the Patriarchal blessing with its fulfillment far distant. At the time the words were spoken, fulfillment could be known only by faith.<br /><br /><br /><br />While each son received a Blessing, the greater Blessing was given to Ephraim, the younger.<br />Though Jacob’s natural eyesight was dim, his spiritual discernment was not. Deliber­ately, Jacob crossed his hands “guiding his hands wittingly” (Gen. 48:14), or as the He­brew reads, literally “he made his hands to understand.”<br />Note it is expressly said in the Genesis account, that “Israel” did this: it was the new man that was acting, not the old man, “Jacob.” And “by faith” he blessed both the sons of Joseph. Truly, it was not by sight or reason.<br />What was more unlikely than that the children of these two young Egyptian princes, for this is virtually what they were, should ever forsake Egypt, the land of their birth, and migrate to Canaan! How unlikely, too, that each of these boys should become a separate tribe in Israel. And how improbable that the younger should be exalted above the elder, both in importance and number, and should become “a multitude of peoples” (Gen. 48:19). How impossible for Jacob to foresee (by any human deduction) that long centu­ries afterwards, Ephraim should become rep­resentative of the kingdom of “Israel,” as dis­tinct from “Judah.”<br />But Jacob had heard God, had rested on His Word, and had believed in the sure ful­fillment of His Promise. What a grand dis­play of faith! Nature’s eyes might be dim, but faith’s vision was sharp: in his bodily weakness the strength of faith was per­fected (Pink).<br />JACOB<br /><br />When the Patriarch was dying, he blessed; when he was dying he became a blessing. This is the way we ought to die — letting our lives become a blessing. If we live the transformed life and we walk in the pathway of Righteous­ness, Holiness, and Duty, then the day of our death will be a blessed day; it will be a bless­ing to others as well.<br />It is Faith that does all of this, and Faith alone! But let it ever be remembered, that when we say “Faith,” the ultimate object must always be “Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />WORSHIP<br /><br />The short phrase, “And worshipped,” por­trays to us the fact, that the Spirit of God was involved in all that Jacob did in these final hours. This portrays the fact as to how God honors Faith.<br />Worship is what we are, while praise is what we do.<br />All of these individuals did what they did, whether of Blessing or of obedience, or both, all through Faith, which means they had their Faith fixed on the proper object, which was Christ. Anything else, and I’m speaking of any other object of our Faith, is not actu­ally true faith, or true obedience, or true blessing. In fact, that’s where much of the Church is presently:<br />There are tens of thousands of Churches across the land and around the world, who are in effect “blessing Churches!” There is nothing wrong with that, in fact it is very right, if the blessing is based on the right founda­tion; however, most of the time it isn’t.<br />True worship comes out of the Spirit of God, Who Alone guarantees the Blessing. Everything He does, is done on the basis of Christ and Him Crucified. The Scripture re­fers to this as “The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:2). So what am I saying?<br />I’m saying there can be no true blessing without true worship, and all of this comes through what Jesus did at the Cross. If our Faith is properly placed in the Cross of Christ, and that alone, then we can bless people with the assurance that the blessing is from God and not the sound of mere words. As stated, Jacob’s worshipping, showed that the Spirit of God was present, Who instigated the wor­ship, and guaranteed the Blessing.<br />THE WORD OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Leaning upon the top of his staff,” is not recorded in the Genesis account of Chapter 48 in that Book; however, that in no way means just because it wasn’t re­corded, that it didn’t happen. More than likely, Paul derived this information from the Jewish Targums, which in effect was a Com­mentary on the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit told him the information was correct,<br /><br /><br />irrespective of where he derived it. Let’s look at it a little closer:<br />The “staff” of the ancients was far more than a mere walking stick, etc. While it defi­nitely was a stick, and while it definitely was used for walking, it had far greater signifi­cance than that. On the staffs were carved all the history of whatever was desired. In the case of Jacob, there would have been carved on his staff, at least in abbreviated form, all the happenings from Adam to his day, as it pertained to God dealing with men. As stated, it would be in very abbreviated form; how­ever, it was all there in chronological order. In fact, one could in essence say, that this was the “Bible” of that particular time.<br />So, when he “leaned upon his staff,” he was in effect leaning on “the Word of God.” He was in effect saying that everything which had been done was real, and every Promise that was made by God, would definitely come to pass. Understanding it in this light, the entirety of the Text now becomes more un­derstandable.<br />The Patriarch blessed the two boys, and then leaning heavily upon his staff, begins to worship God, recalling all the great Prom­ises carved upon this piece of wood.<br />(22) “BY FAITH JOSEPH, WHEN HE DIED, MADE MENTION OF THE DEPART­ING OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL; AND GAVE COMMANDMENT CONCERNING HIS BONES.”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />The faith held by Joseph, was the same identical faith as those who had gone before him.<br /><br />2. His faith looked beyond death.<br /><br /><br />3.<br />That faith said that in due course, God would send the people back to the land of Canaan.<br /><br />4.<br />When the children of Israel did go back, they were given commandment to take his bones with them. While he lived most of his life in Egypt, his heart was in Canaan, the land of the Promise.<br /><br /><br />JOSEPH<br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith Joseph,” portrays one of the most striking personalities in the entirety of the Word of God. He is the only man in the Bible of whom no faults or sins are recorded. This doesn’t mean that he never sinned, because the Bible says that “All have sinned”; however, regarding Joseph, whatever those faults and failures were, they were not recorded, and because he was a type of Christ in a very unusual way. He is also the first to be spoken of as having the Spirit in him (Gen. 41:38). Others before him had the Holy Spirit, but he is the first one to be spoken of in this capacity.<br />DEATH<br />The phrase, “When he died,” once again brings faith up to the last moments. This portrays the fact, as with the others, that he looked beyond his lifespan, believing what God had said about the future.<br />As we read these simple statements writ­ten here by Paul, but yet with such a wealth of meaning, what will it be like when we have the opportunity in the portals of glory, to con­verse with them personally, and discuss these glorious things. In a sense, their journey is ours, because as stated, the same faith we pos­sess is that which they possessed. In a sense, their faith has come down to us, which is what God intended.<br />What a privilege to be a part of such no­bility, such giants of the Faith, such men and women of honor.<br />Looking at all of this in a secular sense, every single freedom we presently possess, all prosperity we now have, in this which we refer to as “western civilization,” are all made possible, and without exception, by the faith of these here mentioned, and others not mentioned. Of course, the world knows this not at all; nevertheless, it is the Truth!<br />THE DEPARTURE OF ISRAEL<br />The phrase, “Made mention of the depart­ing of the children of Israel,” proclaims the possibility that Joseph had been given added revelation concerning this coming time. While he very well knew what God had spo­ken to his great grandfather Abraham, his grandfather Isaac, and his father Jacob, about this coming time, every indication is, that the Lord had given him more light on the subject. On his dying bed he said:<br />“And God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land into the land which he<br /><br /><br /><br />sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob”<br />(Gen. 50:24).<br />THE COMMANDMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “And gave commandment concerning his bones,” proclaims the certi­tude of this coming event, and that his home was not Egypt, but rather the Promised Land of Canaan (Gen. 50:25).<br />As well, the experience of Joseph is meant to be a portrayal to us of the Truth, that this world is not our home. Our heart is with Christ, and Christ is in Heaven. Before the Cross, the Promised Land consisted of a little part of this present world; since the Cross, it consists of the portals of glory, which Paul referred to as a “better country.”<br />THE OLD TESTAMENT<br /><br />The Reader must understand that the Old Testament is much more than mere history. While it definitely is that, at the same time, it is the story of our Redemption. Every ex­perience of these Patriarchs and Prophets of Faith, presents another step toward our Sal­vation. If we read the Old Testament in that light, it will take on a brand-new meaning.<br />For the fulfillment of Joseph’s dying re­quest (Ex. 13:19), “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him” out of Egypt; and the Scrip­ture further says, “And the bones of Joseph buried they in Shechem.”<br />(23) “BY FAITH MOSES, WHEN HE WAS BORN, WAS HID THREE MONTHS OF HIS PARENTS, BECAUSE THEY SAW HE WAS A PROPER CHILD; AND THEY WERE NOT AFRAID OF THE KING’S COMMANDMENT.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />With Moses, and what God would re­veal to him, faith is about to be enlarged.<br /><br />2.<br />Him being a “proper child,” means more than him merely being a pretty baby. By Revelation they knew that he was favored by God.<br /><br />3.<br />Knowing this, which means they be­lieved that God would protect them and him, they were not fearful of the king’s com­mandment.<br /><br /><br />MOSES<br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith Moses,” proclaims the beginning of the manner in which God will deal with the human race in an entirely different way. He would give His Law to Moses, which would in effect be God’s Standard of Righteousness. It has served as the Standard ever since for all nations, at least for all those who have even a modicum of intelligence.<br />The Revelation of God which pertains to His dealings with man has always been a pro­gressive Revelation. In other words, the Lord always adds to what He has already given.<br />From the time of the Fall, God had or­dained that man would approach Him, at least to the degree that they then could, by sacrifice — and we speak of the sacrifice of an innocent victim, namely a clean animal, which involved the shedding of blood. This is portrayed in Genesis Chapter 4, and con­tinued up unto the time that the Law was given to Moses, a little over 2,400 years later.<br />A PROPER CHILD<br /><br />The phrase, “When he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child,” means that in the sight or estimation of God, Moses was comely. The “Faith” here spoken of, con­cerned his parents, with the next Verse per­taining to his faith.<br />“Proper” in the Greek is “asteios,” and means “comely.” The construction in the Greek text is a dative of respect, which means, “he was comely with respect to God.”<br />As we’ve stated, the parents of Moses did not take the risk they did, simply because he was a handsome baby. By Revelation from the Lord, they knew that God had His Hand on this child, and were thereby given instruc­tions to protect him at all costs. I doubt very seriously that the Lord gave them very much information; however, what He did give them, gave them a firm grasp of the situa­tion and that God’s Hand was in the entirety of the matter.<br />The parents of Moses were Amram and Jochebed (Ex. 6:20). Jochebed was the daugh­ter of Levi, the son of Jacob (Num. 26:59).<br />We aren’t told how old that Amram or Jochebed were when Moses was born. We do know that Amram lived to be 137 years old.<br />Moses was born to Amram 80 years be­fore the exodus (Acts 7:22-30), which means it was definitely possible that the father and<br /><br /><br />mother of Moses were alive at the time of the Exodus; however, it is not likely that they were, meaning that Moses had been born to them late in life.<br />AN EVIL COMMANDMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “And they were not afraid of the king’s commandment,” refers to the fact as stated, that they had a Revelation from God on which to base their faith, for Faith comes by God’s Word (Rom. 10:17).<br />Pharaoh had given the mandate that all male children of the Israelites were to be killed at birth.<br />We might say in passing that the children of God are by God obligated to obey the laws of the country in which we reside, and dis­obedience to these laws is sin against God. But we are obligated to obey these laws only up to the point where obedience to such laws would mean disobedience to God. Conse­quently, the parents of Moses were entirely within their rights in this case, for the reign­ing Pharaoh was violating the Law of God which forbids murder. This law was given to Noah long before Moses (Gen. 9:1-7).<br />(24) “BY FAITH MOSES, WHEN HE WAS COME TO YEARS, REFUSED TO BE CALLED THE SON OF PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER;”<br />The diagram is:<br />1.<br />Now we come to the faith of Moses.<br /><br />2.<br />Moses refused the crown of Egypt.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. This is not indicative at all of the mod­ern gospel.<br />THE FAITH OF MOSES<br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith Moses, when he was come to years,” refers to him coming to the age of 40 (Acts 7:23). Up till this time, he had been raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. He had been adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, whose name Josephus said was Thermuthis. It is said that she adopted him in order to make him her father’s successor as ruler of Egypt.<br />It is believed that Moses was adopted at possibly about five years old, and at that time began his education as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. The Scripture says that he was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22).<br />Josephus also said that he was put in com­mand of the Egyptian war against the Ethio­pians and conquered them completely.<br />THE REVELATION OF GOD TO AMRAM<br />After the death of Joseph and his broth­ers, the Israelites, as their descendants were now called, flourished in Egypt. Meanwhile, the Egyptians, forgetful of the benefits they had received from Joseph, began to envy the prosperity and happiness of the Children of Israel. The kingdom, meanwhile, had passed to another dynasty, and they became very cruel to the Israelites, forcing them to cut numer­ous canals from the river, build walls around their cities, and erect pyramid after pyramid.<br />They spent about 100 years enduring these afflictions. Eventually, they suffered a still greater cruelty. One of the Egyptian wise men, who was able to somewhat foretell the future, told Pharaoh that a very special child would be born to the Israelites. If he were allowed to live, he would diminish the Egyp­tian dominion and free the Israelites. He would excel all men in virtue, and would obtain everlasting fame.<br />Alarmed, the King commanded that ev­ery male child born to the Israelites be thrown into the Nile River, and that if any parents should try to save their offspring, they and their families would be killed.<br />Amram, a Hebrew of noble birth, was greatly troubled because of this law, and he prayed to God. Appearing to him in his sleep, God reminded him of what He had done for the Israelites in the past, and told him He would continue His favor in the future. “And, therefore,” He continued, “that I will provide for your common welfare, and particularly for your own fame. For that child, whose birth has caused such dread that the Egyptians have doomed the Israelite children to destruction, shall be your child. He will be concealed from those who seek to destroy him. He will de­liver the Hebrew nation from their bondage in Egypt, and his memory will live as long as the universe, not only among the Hebrews, but among other nations also” (Josephus).<br />REFUSED<br />The phrase, “Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” refers to a settled<br /><br /><br /><br />disposition on the part of Moses. As stated, he was now 40 years old.<br />The indication is that God had begun deal­ing with him about this very matter. He could have been the Pharaoh of Egypt, the mighti­est man on the face of the Earth, but of this he would refuse.<br />I think this doesn’t match much modern gospel. Moses, according to the present mes­sage, would have been urged to remain in the Palace of Pharaoh, thereby ultimately becom­ing Pharaoh. It would be claimed that he could do much more for the Lord as Pharaoh of Egypt than otherwise. And how do I know that this modern gospel would propose such a scenario?<br />I know this because of what is presently being done. Bartenders are told they can keep tending bar after coming to Christ, country western singers can keep singing that par­ticular type of music, gamblers can keep gam­bling, night club performers can continue their performances, etc.<br />Let the Reader understand, that if one is to truly follow Christ, that one must at the same time refuse the system of this world. And that means everything about the world. We as Christians do not march to its drums, do not respond to its invitations, and do not sing its songs.<br />The idea that the youth can be won to the Lord or kept for the Lord, by using the rock-‘n’-roll spirit, is preposterous indeed! No one will be won to the Lord and no one will be kept for the Lord.<br />The Child of God must “refuse” all that Pharaoh offers. There could have been no greater position in the day of Moses than this position as the most powerful man in the world; however, that was not what God told him to do. While he did tell Daniel to stay in the palace, he told Moses to leave. And yet, Daniel’s life was totally set apart from that of the heathen who were all around him. As well, the situation regarding Moses and Daniel was totally different!<br />(25) “CHOOSING RATHER TO SUFFER AFFLICTION WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD, THAN TO ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON;”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1. Moses made a choice; every Believer must do the same.<br />2.<br />To oppose the spirit of the world, one will incur upon himself affliction. This is inevitable!<br /><br />3.<br />There is pleasure in sin, but it’s only for a short time.<br /><br /><br />THE CHOICE<br /><br />The phrase, “Choosing rather to suffer af­fliction with the people of God,” proclaims the choice which Moses made. He traded the temporal for the eternal, which is the oppo­site of what many modern Christians do. Someone said, “Moses chose the slave­driver’s lash rather than Egypt’s crown.” His act was an expression of his deliberate choice. He joined his people because they were “the people of God.” To stand aloof for the sake of ease and pleasure would for him have been apostasy from God, and it is apostasy for any­one else as well!<br />The Faith of Moses had brought “convic­tion of the things not seen,” which “are eter­nal”; hence he looked not at “the things seen” which are “for a season” (II Cor. 4:18).<br />THE PLEASURES OF SIN<br /><br />The phrase, “Than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,” presents the choice that must be made, “affliction with the people of God,” or “the pleasures of sin for a season.”<br />The significance and source of this refusal lay in his preferring to suffer ill-usage with God’s people rather than to have a short-lived enjoyment of sin . . . It was because they were God’s people, not solely because they were of his blood, that Moses threw in his lot with them. It was this which illustrated his faith.<br />He believed that God would fulfill His Promise to His people, little likelihood as at present there seemed to be of any great fu­ture for his race. On the other hand there was the pleasure of sin, the enjoyment which was within his reach if only he committed the sin of denying his people and renounc­ing their future as promised by God.<br />That which is said here, which concerns the enjoyment to be reaped from sin, does not refer to the pleasure of gratifying sensual appetite and so forth, but to the satisfaction of a high ambition and the gratification of finer tastes which he might have had by re­maining in the Egyptian court.<br /><br /><br />To be sure, the denial of the type of sin here mentioned, is far harder than the de­nial of sensual gratification. To be frank, al­most none presently, as stated, would refer to the former as that of “sin.” They would refer to it as “opportunity,” or a way to serve God in a greater dimension, etc.<br />(26) “ESTEEMING THE REPROACH OF CHRIST GREATER RICHES THAN THE TREASURES IN EGYPT: FOR HE HAD RESPECT UNTO THE RECOMPENCE OF THE REWARD.”<br />The diagram is:<br /><br />1.<br />The value of Christ up beside the world.<br /><br />2.<br />The reproach of Christ is greater than the riches of Egypt.<br /><br />3.<br />The reward of Christ is so much greater than the highest reward of the world, that there is no comparison.<br /><br /><br />ESTIMATION<br /><br />The phrase, “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt,” carries a wealth of meaning:<br />1.<br />“Esteeming” in the Greek is “hegeomai,” and means, “to consider, to give account, to judge.” Moses looked at the Promises of God, although not yet realized, and in fact wouldn’t be realized during his lifetime, be­lieved those Promises, and judged them to be greater than the throne of Egypt.<br /><br />2.<br />The reproach of Christ, as hard as that is on the flesh, is deemed as far greater than the riches of Egypt. The reason is the reward to which that reproach will lead.<br /><br />As well, we are told here that there defi­nitely will be a reproach, that is if one truly lives for God.<br /><br />3.<br />By Paul using the Name of “Christ” which means “the anointed,” tells us, that Moses reckoned and understood that Christ was the fulfillment of all the Promises, and we speak of the Promises given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc. While these great Promises in fact included other things, those other things ultimately, and without exception, led to Christ. In fact, the entirety of the theme of the Word of God is Christ, and more particu­larly, “Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br /><br />4.<br />Even though none of this would be realized in Moses’ lifetime, he knew there was<br /><br /><br />a Resurrection coming, which was all cen­tered up in Christ, which presented the true picture of eternity, and not the foolish think­ing of the Egyptians and their pyramids as it regarded the afterlife.<br />5.<br />This tells us that Moses saw the big picture, and that what was coming, which would be eternal, was of far greater value than the “treasures in Egypt.”<br /><br />6.<br />All these treasures were temporal, while the true riches of Christ are eternal.<br /><br />7.<br />Every single person in the world has to make the same decision. Do you esteem “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in this present world”?<br /><br /><br />ISRAEL<br />The words that Paul used here, concern­ing the reproach of Christ, are almost exactly a quotation from Psalms 89:50-51. The Psalmist said: “Remember, Lord, the re­proach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;<br />“Wherewith thine enemies have re­proached, O LORD; wherewith they have re­proached the footsteps of thine Anointed (Christ).”<br />Here the writer of this Psalm in effect speaks of himself as bearing “the reproach of the Anointed” of the Lord; pleading in His Name and identifying himself with his cause. “The Anointed” of course, is Christ, for that’s what the word “Anointed” means.<br />Throughout the whole of their history the people of Israel were the people of the Christ. Their national existence originated in the Promise to Abraham, which was a Promise of the Christ; until the fullness of time should come their mission was to prepare the way for Him. The reproach which Moses accepted by joining the people of the Promise was, therefore, “the reproach of the Christ.” In fact, He Who was to ultimately appear as the Mes­siah was already in the midst of Israel (Ps. 69:9; Col. 1:24; I Pet. 1:11).<br />(Incidentally, the literal Greek says, “The reproach of the Christ.”)<br />CHRIST<br />The reproach has always centered up in Christ. The reason for that is clear and simple. Jesus is the only way to God. He plainly said<br /><br /><br /><br />of Himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (Jn. 14:6).<br />That statement is blunt and to the point, and leaves no room for side issues. If one doesn’t accept Christ, one cannot be saved! There is no way to the Father except by and through Christ, and in effect, such terminol­ogy means not only that He must be accepted as it regards His Person, but as well, one must accept the Price that He paid that man might be saved. That Price was the Cross, which speaks of His poured out Blood, all which was demanded, in order that the Righteousness of God might be satisfied.<br />So, when we speak of accepting Christ, we speak as well of accepting all that He has done, which of course is the Cross.<br />Man doesn’t like that. In fact, he doesn’t like that at all. The Moslems say that the way to God is through Mohammad. The Jews, having rejected their Own Messiah, claim that the way to God is through Moses. Catholicism says that the way to God is through Mary. The Mormons say that the way to God is through Joseph Smith, whom­ever in the world that is! Hinduism says there are millions of gods and you can be one yourself. Buddhism, Shintoism, and Con­fucianism, in essence claim, that man is god. Humanistic psychology in essence claims the same thing! Irrespective, man bridles at the idea that Jesus Christ is the only Way to God.<br />Untold millions in the world claim their good works as the way to God, or the fact that they haven’t done bad things, etc. At any rate, this is the reason that Jesus Christ is the center of all controversy. But it hap­pens to be true, He is the Way and in fact, the only Way.<br />THE REWARD<br /><br />The phrase, “For He had respect unto the recompence of the reward,” means that Moses habitually “looked away” from the treasures in Egypt, and fixed his eye on the Heavenly Reward. History, of course, has vindicated him. We do not so much as know the name of the Pharaoh of his time; and even if we did, he would be of interest to us only be­cause of his link with Moses. But the choice Moses made resulted in his influence still being felt. It is faith that always emerges tri­umphant, not worldliness.<br />If one wants to look at tangible results, as it regards “reward,” one should look at the last two Chapters of the Book of Revela­tion, which are the last two Chapters in the Bible. This is a tangible reward that is abso­lutely breathtaking in scope, eternal in con­sequence, and rich in greatness, grandeur, and beauty. But yet, the greatest reward of all is being an “heir of God, and joint heir with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). The culminating meaning of all of this is absolutely beyond comprehension. And if such could be summed, it would be summed up in the two words “with Christ.” He is in fact, the re­ward, the great reward, the eternal reward.<br />These statements as given here by Paul were meant for the entirety of the Church, and for all time; however, they were especially directed at the Christian Jews who in fact, were suffering reproach for Christ, with some of them having turned back to Judaism, hence the writing of this Epistle. This no doubt carried great weight with them to re­alize that they were being called to partici­pate in the same kind of experiences and at­titudes the great Moses had.<br />(27) “BY FAITH HE FORSOOK EGYPT, NOT FEARING THE WRATH OF THE KING: FOR HE ENDURED, AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The forsaking of Egypt here has to do with him leaving Egypt personally, and not the Exodus of all the Israelites which took place some 40 years later.<br /><br />2.<br />Paul here speaking of their being no fear of Pharaoh, doesn’t contradict Exodus 2:15, which states that fear was the motive of his flight. What is in Paul’s mind is not Pharaoh’s wrath as the cause of Moses leaving, but rather the consequence of his leaving.<br /><br />3.<br />This he was strengthened to do be­cause he saw an invisible Monarch greater than Pharaoh. That Monarch was Christ.<br /><br /><br />THE FORSAKING OF EGYPT<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith he forsook Egypt,” does not refer as stated, to his forsaking Egypt concerning the Exodus, which would take<br /><br /><br />place about 40 years later, but rather his flight consequent upon his killing the Egyptian.<br />From a child, Moses had been brought up in the Palace of the Pharaoh. He had lived in the lap of luxury, been surrounded by ser­vants, with his every wish being someone’s command. To which we have previously al­luded, he was being groomed to be the Pha­raoh of Egypt himself. Consequently, he had received the finest education regarding the arts and science of the Egyptians, which means that he had received the best educa­tion in the world of that time, at least in a secular sense; however, even as the Bible re­lates, even though Paul doesn’t mention it here, his education in the things of the Lord, which is actually the only real education, is now about to begin (Ex. 2:15-4:18). As he was educated some 40 years in the Palace of Pharaoh, he was also educated some 40 years by God in the wilderness. As someone has well said, it took about 40 hours to get Moses out of Egypt, but 40 years to get Egypt out of Moses. Of all this education in Egypt, the Holy Spirit alludes to it only in the sense of saying, “By Faith he forsook Egypt.”<br />It should be here understood, that God cannot use anything of this world. Many Christians are fond of speaking as to how God could use the great talent or ability of some particular individual, if they would only give their heart to Christ. Not so!<br />God only uses what He Himself has birthed, and the reason for that is simple: everything that man is, has, or touches, is polluted and because man himself is totally depraved as a result of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Consequently, we make a grand mis­take when we think in any measure that the Lord uses anything that man was born with, or anything of this world’s system. In fact, even after a person comes to Christ, it is gen­erally quite some time, even as it was with Moses, before the person is ready to be used of the Lord. It must ever be all of the Spirit and none of the flesh. And to be sure, that is the most difficult place to reach in the life of the Believer, and I speak of the place of total Spirit control! Thankfully, before the Lord begins to use us, He doesn’t demand that the Spirit have total control. If He did, no one would be used. In fact, He begins to use us, the moment the Spirit has even some con­trol. So, let the Reader understand, if he is being used by the Lord, and that means to any degree, it only refers to the fact that the Spirit has some control. In other words, all of us yet have a long way to go!<br />GRACE<br />If it is to be noticed, the Holy Spirit here through Paul, doesn’t mention Moses kill­ing the Egyptian (Ex. 2:11-12), and why? There are two reasons:<br />1.<br />There is some indication that Moses at this particular time was casting about for a way to help his fellow Israelites. I doubt seri­ously that a wholesale Exodus was in his mind, which would later come to pass, but it seems that some thoughts were beginning to form concerning freedom for his people. So he undertakes to help them by means of the flesh, which God can never honor. So, the Holy Spirit doesn’t here mention this particular act, and because “the flesh” in the life of a Believer is just as hateful to God, as it is in the life of Pharaoh, etc.<br /><br />2.<br />Beginning one’s ministry by commit­ting manslaughter is not exactly the best way to start out; however, that’s exactly what hap­pened to Moses! But God forgave this man this particular sin, as evil as it was, and such a thing being washed, cleansed, and forgiven, Grace will not again allude to this situation. Isn’t God good?<br /><br /><br />THE WRATH OF MAN<br />The phrase, “Not fearing the wrath of the king,” is not, as we have stated, a contradic­tion of Exodus 2:15, which does state that fear was the motive of the flight of Moses from Pharaoh. In addressing this, R. Milligan wrote in his New Testament Commentary:<br />“When Moses fled into Midian, he cer­tainly did fear the wrath of Pharaoh, as we learn from Exodus 2:14-15. But surely he did not fear him any more than did his par­ents, Amram and Jochebed, when they con­cealed their child three months, and then committed him to the care and providence of God by exposing him on the bank of the river in an ark of bulrushes. And yet Paul says of them, ‘they were not afraid of the king’s commandment’ (Heb. 11:23).<br /><br /><br /><br />“Manifestly then, Paul uses the word ‘fear’ in both these instances in a relative sense. Moses and his parents both feared the tyrant, so far that they thought it necessary to use all lawful means for their personal safety, but they did not fear him so far as to disobey God on his account, nor had they any fear that he would be able to nullify or set aside the decrees and purposes of God concern­ing Israel.<br />“In this sense, it may be truly said of both Moses and his parents that they did not fear ‘the wrath of the king.’ And this being so, it is certainly more natural to understand the Apostle as having this type of reference to the flight of Moses into Midian.”<br />The animosity of the world, and regret­tably, the animosity of most of the Church, is going to be tendered against the one who seeks to live “by faith.”<br />WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE BY FAITH?<br />Whatever it means, it has been the same from the very beginning, even as these illus­trations provide as given to us by Paul in this Eleventh Chapter.<br />As well, and which I certainly hope by now is very obvious, Faith in God is the only way. It’s the only Way that God will recognize, the only Way that He will condone, and the only Way He will bless. In fact, any other type of effort meets with His severe disapproval, as also by now should be very obvious. So what exactly does it mean to live by Faith?<br />Even though terms may be used such as “Faith in God,” or “Faith in the Word,” or “Faith in Christ,” and which are all correct; still, if the definition stops there, it leaves something to be desired.<br />Whenever “Faith” or “believing” are men­tioned in the Bible, at least as it speaks of the Lord, always and without exception, if traced down to its roots, it refers to “Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). As we’ve already stated, Redemption is the story of the Bible, which means that its entire thrust is “Redemption,” and of course, we know that Redemption is brought about by Christ and Christ Alone, and more specifically, is brought about by what He did at the Cross, all on our behalf. So, when one mentions Faith, one must at the same time be saying Christ and the Cross.<br />This means that the Cross of Christ must ever be the object of our Faith.<br />A TOTAL WAY OF LIFE<br /><br />When one begins to understand this, it will become a total way of life. He will begin to read the Bible in the light of the Cross. He will understand that every Blessing that he receives from the Lord, comes exclusively from the Cross. He will begin to understand the tremendous Doctrines of the Faith, such as Grace, Reconciliation, Justification, Sanc­tification, etc., and that all and without ex­ception, come through and by the Cross of Christ.<br />In this capacity, he will place not faith or trust in himself, but place all faith and trust totally and completely in Christ, and His great Sacrifice. Such an attitude refers to a mindset as well as a lifestyle. This is God’s Way, and I speak of the Way of the Cross, and it is the Way which Satan opposes more than he opposes anything else. That’s why Paul referred to this by saying, that we must “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12). To be sure, it is a fight, but it is a good fight, be­cause this particular fight, will always, and without exception, lead to total and complete victory (Rom. 6:14).<br />FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND<br />WORKS OF THE FLESH<br /><br /><br />We read of the account of both of these in the Fifth Chapter of Galatians. Either one is possible in the life of the Christian; how­ever, one can have the Fruit of the Spirit only by one means, and if that means is not at­tained, the “works of the flesh” will definitely show themselves in the life of such a Believer. And to be sure, those particular “works” are ugly indeed!<br />Now let the Reader understand the follow­ing:<br />Whenever the person comes to Christ, that person now has to live for God. If it’s done right, it is the most beautiful, wonderful, and fulfilling life that there could ever be. If not done correctly, it can be devastating. Please note carefully:<br />If the Believer doesn’t know and under­stand the Message of the Cross, which is God’s Way, or if the Believer doesn’t subscribe to<br /><br /><br />the Message of the Cross because of unbe­lief, irrespective as to whom that individual might be, the “works of the flesh” are going to manifest themselves in that person’s life (Gal. 5:19-21).<br />Now please understand, it’s not that maybe these things will happen, it is a guarantee that they will happen. While it is true that all listed here, and others not listed, may not manifest themselves, however, to be certain, there will be a manifestation of the “works of the flesh” in some way. The only way this can be avoided is by the Believer exhibiting Faith in the Sac­rifice of Christ and doing so at all times. When the Believer does this, the Holy Spirit then exerts His almighty power on the Believer’s behalf, and the Believer can then walk in vic­tory — but only then (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />Understanding this, we certainly should realize how important this teaching is. We are dealing here with the issues of life and death, and to be sure, if we go God’s Way, victory will be ours; otherwise, no victory at all will be ours, with these terrible “works” manifesting themselves, which will definitely lead to untold problems and difficulties, and can lead to the loss of one’s soul (Gal. 5:21).<br />While most Christians are fond of claim­ing that they have no problem with “adul­tery, fornication, uncleanness, lascivious­ness,” etc., while that may be true in the out­ward sense, it’s definitely not true in the spiri­tual sense. Please let me explain:<br />A MATTER OF THE HEART<br /><br />While it is definitely true, that most Christians have not actually committed acts of adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lascivi­ousness, etc., and I speak of since becoming Christians, still, if that Christian doesn’t know and understand the Message of the Cross, they have definitely committed these sins in their heart (Gal. 5:19).<br />For instance, and to give an example of this of which I speak, Jesus spoke of com­mitting adultery in the heart, by a man look­ing at a woman to lust after her (Mat. 5:28). The point I make is this:<br />The only way a Believer can defeat evil thoughts in his mind and heart, is by look­ing to the Cross, where Jesus defeated all of these powers of darkness (Col. 2:14-15).<br />Paul also said that we must “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Cor. 10:5). How can we do this?<br />Even though this statement given by the Apostle covers a far wider scope than the obscene thoughts to which we are momen­tarily addressing ourselves, it definitely in­cludes this of which I speak.<br />By one’s own efforts, it is impossible for the Believer to obey this command. I don’t care how much willpower he uses, how strong he may think he is, he simply does not have it within himself to do this of which we speak — bring every thought into captiv­ity to the obedience of Christ. However, it definitely can be done, if we do it God’s Way.<br />The beautiful thing about this of which I speak, is that it includes every single facet of our lives. When we give you the answer to the question as it regards “evil thoughts,” it also includes everything else from the worse to the worst. Therefore, when you learn this secret, you’ve learned it all.<br />It’s a shame that it’s a secret, but sadly that’s the category in which the Cross presently falls. The Church has had so little preaching and teaching on this great subject, which is actu­ally the foundation of the Church, that it hardly anymore knows where it is or where it’s going.<br />The only way the Believer can live this life, which means that works of the flesh will not manifest themselves in his life, is that he understands that everything comes to him through the Cross of Christ. That is to ever be the object of his Faith. When this is done, and continues to be done, the Holy Spirit, Who is God, and Who can do all things, will carry out the necessary work within the heart and life of the Believer. This is God’s Way, and it is the only way (Rom. 6:3-5, 11).<br />Understanding what Paul was saying in the first few Verses of Romans 6, and accept­ing this which the Holy Spirit gave us through the Apostle, we can now say with certitude, “sin shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:14).<br />TO SAY “NO” OR “YES!”<br />Since I’ve been a child, I have heard Preachers say that sin is a matter of “choice!” While that is correct, it definitely isn’t cor­rect in the way in which they said it.<br /><br /><br /><br />They were claiming that anytime a Chris­tian does something wrong, that it’s simply because he chose to do that thing which was wrong, meaning that he could either say “yes” or “no” to whatever it is that has proved his undoing.<br />In fact, that’s one of the biggest mistakes of the modern Church.<br />What these Preachers were advocating, whether they realized it or not, was “will­power.” They dress it up by saying that once a person becomes a Believer, that person now has the capacity to say “yes” or “no” as he so desires. That being the case, if one does wrong, well then it means they have willfully chosen to do wrong and, therefore, they need to be punished. As stated, none of that is correct.<br />Every person has the capacity to make the choice, but only in one direction. A person’s choice is limited to whether he chooses to go God’s Way, or another way. Let’s look first at the unsaved:<br />Let’s address ourselves first of all to the worst alcoholic of which one could think. There is no way that individual can say “no” to alcohol. He is hopelessly bound. How­ever, he still has the capacity to say “yes” to Jesus Christ, if he will only do this (Jn. 3:16). His free moral agency in that capacity is al­ways free to act, but only in that capacity.<br />When it comes to the Believer, it is actu­ally the same identical thing. The Believer has the free moral agency to say “yes” to Christ as it regards all things concerning his daily living, or he can say “no”! That’s where his free moral agency begins, and that’s where his free moral agency ends.<br />In fact, there are untold millions of Chris­tians who have said “yes” to Christ as it re­gards their initial Salvation, but in effect, said “no” to Him, as it regards their personal, daily living. Now the sadness is, many of these Christians do not really know or understand that they have said “no” to Christ, actually thinking they have totally and completely said “yes” to Him. Let me explain it this way:<br />When we speak of saying “yes” to Christ, we are actually speaking of saying “yes” to Christ and what He did at the Cross, under­standing that this is the source of all victory, power, and blessing. If we do not know or understand the part the Cross plays in our ongoing Christian experiences, then because of lack of knowledge in this area, which in effect characterizes almost all of modern Christianity, we have in effect put our faith in something else, which means, whether we realize it or not, that we have just said “no” to the Grace of God (Gal. 2:20-21). That being the case, that which follows will not be pretty.<br />Having his faith and trust in something else other than the Cross, the Believer in some capacity, will begin to find himself un­able to overcome sin. Having his faith in something other than the Cross of Christ, he has just frustrated the Grace of God, which means he has stopped the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2, 11; Gal. 2:21). In this situ­ation, which again most Christians presently find themselves, and because they do not know the Victory of the Cross, such a Chris­tian will quickly find that his willpower is simply not strong enough. Paul addressed this very thing in Romans 7:18. At that time, the great Apostle didn’t know the Victory of the Cross, even though he definitely was saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Consequently, not knowing that Victory, he was depending on his willpower, and he found that he didn’t have the power and strength to say “no,” which means, that he was being forced into an action he did not want to en­gage (Rom. 7:15). I’ll say it again: that’s the state of most modern Christians.<br />Now is that person culpable? Most defi­nitely, yes! Whether they realize it or not, they are guilty of not trusting Christ. The sad part of all of this is, most of these indi­viduals think they are trusting Christ, when in reality they aren’t. Most of the modern Faith is really in ourselves instead of in Christ and what He did at the Cross. Such faith is that which God will never recognize.<br />Until such a Christian learns the Victory of the Cross, despite him exerting his will­power trying to say “no,” he will find that his situation will get worse and worse. In other words, the “works of the flesh” will manifest themselves more and more in his life. This is why Paul also said, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). Despite all of his efforts otherwise, such a Christian will find the situation steadily<br /><br /><br />growing worse, and because these things we have stated, actually fall into the category of “laws” (Rom. 7:23-25; 8:2).<br />THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT<br /><br />Of course, and as is obvious, the “Fruit of the Spirit” is the total opposite of the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:22-23).<br />But notice, it is the “Fruit of the Spirit,” and not the individual. In other words, it is only the Holy Spirit Who can develop such fruit within our lives. Again, if one is to no­tice, this is labeled as “fruit” meaning that it takes time to grow and develop.<br />All of this means that it’s not possible for a human being, even the most consecrated Christian in the world, to develop this fruit himself. When he attempts to do so, as pos­sibly all of us have tried at one time or the other, it will not be Fruit of the Spirit which is developed, but rather “works of the flesh.” So what is the Believer to do?<br />Once again, we go back to the Cross. When Jesus died there, He atoned for all sin, making it possible for the Holy Spirit to come in to the heart and life of the Believer and to there abide, and to do so permanently (Jn. 14:16).<br />Inasmuch as the Spirit works exclusively within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ, we are simply to exhibit Faith in that Finished Work, realizing that it included us, and then the Spirit will definitely plant, cultivate, and develop His Fruit within our hearts and lives. This is the only way it can be done.<br />However, when we put our Faith in some­thing other than the Cross of Christ, we frus­trate the Grace of God, which means that the work of the Spirit stops, which as would be obvious, stops the development of the “Fruit.”<br />The Cross is where Jesus paid it all, and that not only refers to our initial Salvation experience, but as well to our everyday living (Lk. 9:23). Faith in what Jesus there did, gives us all the benefits for which He paid such a price. It is all centered up in three things:<br />1.<br />The Cross (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; Gal. 6:14).<br /><br />2.<br />Our Faith in the Cross (Rom. Chpt. 4).<br /><br /><br /><br />3. Our Faith in the Cross gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to work (Rom. 8:1-2, 11; Gal. 5:5).<br />ENDURED<br />The phrase, “For he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible,” speaks of Christ.<br />“Endured” in the Greek is “kartereo,” and means, “to be strong, steadfast, patient.” It actually speaks of the 40 year sojourn of Moses at the back side of the desert. This gathers the 40 years in Midian into one exhibition of wonderful perseverance in Faith. It was dur­ing those 40 years in Midian that Moses kept before himself his great destiny, that of lead­ing God’s people out of Egypt, and kept trust­ing God despite his flight from Egypt and his enforced absence from that land, that God would yet bring him back there and effect the deliverance of the Chosen People. He had no idea as to how this could be done, and more than likely, when God finally appeared to him in this capacity, it probably was different than he had thought, as it usually is.<br />All of these years, his Faith had been in Christ, “Who is invisible.” This is in effect where faith actually is, “the invisible vs. the visible.” To be sure, the invisible will little by little become visible, but in the meantime, we have to work our way around the unholy vis­ible. That is where the test of Faith comes in.<br />(28) “THROUGH FAITH HE KEPT THE PASSOVER, AND THE SPRINKLING OF BLOOD, LEST HE THAT DESTROYED THE FIRSTBORN SHOULD TOUCH THEM.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The final example of Faith given here by Paul in connection with Moses concerns the Passover.<br /><br />2.<br />The protection of the Children of Is­rael resided in the Blood.<br /><br />3.<br />As the Blood was the protection then, the Blood of the Lamb, i.e., “the Lord Jesus Christ,” He is the protection now.<br /><br /><br />THE PASSOVER<br />The phrase, “Through Faith he kept the Passover,” refers to the fact, that by the com­mandment of the Lord, he “instituted the Passover.” “Kept” is the translation of the Greek “poieo,” which means, “to institute.”<br />The Greek Scholars say that the verb here is in the perfect tense which speaks of the continuing significance of the service of the Passover to the time of its conclusion, not that the Passover is looked at here as a permanent<br /><br /><br /><br />institution, for it was not, being only typical and, therefore, transitory in its nature, in op­eration only until the Reality, Which and Who was Christ, to Whom it pointed, appeared. But its significance, namely, that as a type of the Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, is of perma­nent value (Wuest).<br />Linking “Faith” with the “Passover,” re­fers to an enlargement on that which had been instituted from the very beginning, as it re­gards the sacrifices of the lambs (Gen. 4:4). Salvation, and in fact, every single thing that man receives from God, and with no excep­tions, has always come through the Sacrifice of Christ, of which the animal sacrifices were types. While the Passover would definitely take this a step further in its symbolism, still, the principle was the same — the shedding of the blood of an innocent victim, i.e., “Christ.” In fact, the Ordinance which we know as “The Lord’s Supper,” actually came out of the “Passover.” It was during the eating of the Passover, that the Lord instituted this sacred Ordinance (Mat. 26:26-29). As is obvious, the Lord’s Supper portrays the Death of Christ on the Cross, in the giving of His Body, which was broken, and the shedding of His Blood, which purchased our Redemption.<br />THE SPRINKLING OF BLOOD<br /><br />The phrase, “And the sprinkling of blood,” referred to the blood of the Paschal Lamb on the lintels and doorposts of the houses (Ex. 12:22).<br />“Sprinkling” in the Greek is “proschusis,” and means, “to pour on, an affusion.” While the Blood was in the case of the first Pass­over, sprinkled on the doorposts and lintels, in the case of the post-Exodus legislation, it was poured upon the Altar (Wuest).<br />There was nothing in the previous expe­rience of either Moses or the Israelites to jus­tify this action, but their faith in God, thereby believing what He said, was vindicated when “the destroyer of the firstborn” passed over them. Moses had nothing to go on but the conviction that God had directed him. Clearly, faith was his mainspring.<br />THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE<br />Moses entered on an undertaking wholly beyond the power of man to accomplish, and against every human probability of success. It was no less than that of restoring to free­dom several millions of downtrodden, op­pressed, and dispirited “slaves,” and conduct­ing aged men, tender females, helpless chil­dren, with numerous flocks and herds, across barren wastes to a distant land. He under­took this against the power of probably the most mighty monarch of his time; from the midst of a warlike nation; and when the whole nation would be kindled into rage at the loss of so many slaves, and when he might expect that all the power of their wrath would de­scend on him and his undisciplined and feeble hosts.<br />He did this when he had no wealth that he could employ to furnish provisions or a means of defense; no armies at his command to encircle his people on their march; and even no influence among the people himself, and with every probability that they would disregard him (Ex. 3:11; 4:1).<br />He did this when the whole Hebrew people were to be aroused to willingness to enter on the great undertaking; when there was every probability that they would meet with formidable enemies on the way, and when there was nothing human whatever on which the mind could fix as a basis of calcu­lation of success. In fact, if there ever was any undertaking commenced opposed to ev­ery human probability of success, it was that of delivering the Hebrew people, and con­ducting them to the Promised Land. To hu­man view it was quite as hopeless and im­practical as it would be now for a stranger from Africa, claiming to be a native prince there, and to have a commission from God, to liberate the two and a half million of slaves in this country some 200 years ago, and con­duct them to the land of their fathers. In all the difficulties and discouragements of the undertaking of Moses, therefore, his only hope of success must have arisen from his confidence in God.<br />FAITH IN GOD<br /><br />All of this was an undertaking where there were many certain trials before him. The people whom he sought to deliver were poor and oppressed. An attempt to rescue them would bring down the wrath of the mighty<br /><br /><br />monarch under whom they were. They were a people unaccustomed to self-government, and as the result proved, prone to ingrati­tude and rebellion. The journey before him lay through a dreary waste, where there was every prospect that there would be a want of food and water, and where he might expect to meet, as stated, with formidable enemies. In all these things his only hope must have been in God. It was He only Who could de­liver them from the grasp of the tyrant; Who could conduct them through the wilderness; Who could provide for their wants in the desert; and Who could defend a vast multi­tude of women and children from the enemies which they would be likely to encounter.<br />There was nothing in this to gratify am­bition, or to promise an earthly reward. All these prospects Moses gave up when he left the court of Pharaoh. To be the leader of a company of emancipated slaves through a pathless desert to a distant land, had noth­ing in itself that could gratify the ambition of one who had been bred at the most mag­nificent court on Earth, and who had enjoyed every advantage which the age afforded to qualify him to fill any exalted office.<br />The results of this man’s action, de­meanor, and character showed that he never designed to be himself the king of the people whom he led forth, and that he had no in­tention of aggrandizing his own family in any case (Barnes).<br />THE POWER OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them,” proclaims by the sprinkling of the blood that Moses ac­knowledged that he was as much the object of the just judgment of God as was Pharaoh himself. In fact, there was no moral differ­ence between them. Both were sinners. Nei­ther of them was innocent. Both stood un­der the sentence of death; and, being guilty, both merited it.<br />This is where self-righteousness has a problem. I remember some time back, a man wrote me, somewhat incensed, because I had stated that Cain and Abel were both under the Judgment of God. It was the blood sacri­fice alone which spared Abel, and the lack of blood sacrifice which doomed Cain. It was the same with Moses and Pharaoh, and in fact, the same with every individual who has ever lived.<br />For anyone who doesn’t see that, it shows that they don’t believe that all men need a Redeemer. I suppose they think in their minds that they are above such need.<br />The Truth is, all are justly doomed, and thereby, all can be saved, that is, if they will trust in the solution provided by God, which is His Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Sacrifice which He afforded at the Cross of Calvary. Let all understand, that any Israelite who would have refused to have placed the blood on the doorposts of their houses, as commanded by God, would have witnessed the death of their firstborn. Thankfully, all obeyed! But let it ever be understood, that it was the blood that pro­tected them, and nothing else! Let it also be understood, that it’s the blood that protects you now, and more particularly, the Blood of Jesus Christ.<br />The Holy Spirit states in I Corinthians 5:7, that the Passover pictures Christ’s Sac­rifice of Himself in order to save sinners sen­tenced to die.<br />Two great facts appear in the Passover, the certain doom of the firstborn and as well, his certain Salvation. He was doomed to death by God, not because of his conduct, but because of his birth. Of course we speak of being born in original sin. This latter fact he could not alter; and he was, therefore, hopelessly lost. He was, however, absolutely saved, and because of the value of the life sacrificed for him. He knew he was saved because God had pledged Himself to most certainly save all who sprinkled the shed blood upon their doorposts. There is some indication that some of the Egyptians, as well, may have availed themselves of the protec­tion of the blood (Ex. 12:38).<br />All sinners are justly doomed by God to death. But He loves them as He loved the firstborn and, therefore, the Lamb of God has suffered that death. His Precious Blood, that is, His priceless life, poured out, attests the fact.<br />The Word of God promises eternal safety to whomever will seek salvation in that aton­ing Savior. The Believer in Christ knows,<br /><br /><br /><br />therefore, that he shall never perish; and this knowledge is based on two facts outside of himself: these are, the preciousness of Christ’s Blood to God; and the faithfulness of God to His Own Promise.<br />(29) “BY FAITH THEY PASSED THROUGH THE RED SEA AS BY DRY LAND: WHICH THE EGYPTIANS ASSAY­ING TO DO WERE DROWNED.”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />The crossing of the Red Sea is attrib­uted to God (Ex. 14:14).<br /><br />2.<br />The pronoun “they” refers to all the Israelites who evidenced faith in following Moses across the dry bed where the Sea had been.<br /><br />3.<br />The Egyptians lacked faith, and the result was disaster. Their fate shows that the faith of Moses and the Children of Israel was real and not just a formality.<br /><br /><br />THE MIRACLE OF THE<br />RED SEA CROSSING<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land,” presents that body of water becoming a temple to Israel, but a tomb to Egypt. The faith that sprinkled the blood, and the unbelief that refused its shelter, fixed this great gulf between them.<br />Some of these Israelites who went out of Egypt with Moses were anything but shin­ing examples of faith. But the facts seem to be, that all of them had at least some faith, which they had to have, in order to follow Moses through the Sea, and it is on this that attention is focused.<br />The crossing of the Red Sea is definitely attributed to God (Ex. 14:14) and to the east wind that God sent (Ex. 14:21); but Paul pre­fers to concentrate on the faith that enabled the people to respond to what God had done. That their faith and not merely their cour­age was important is shown by the fate of the Egyptians.<br />Some may claim that it took no Faith whatsoever to follow Moses across the dry Sea bed; however, I remind all who would think such a thing, that the Scripture says, “And the water was a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left” (Ex. 14:22).<br />It took faith to trust the Lord that this wall of water, which perhaps stood 100 or more feet high on either side, which defied all laws of gravity, wouldn’t come crashing down upon them while they were in the middle of the Sea bed. In fact, that’s exactly what happened with the Egyptians when they pursued after the Israelites (Ex. 14:26-31).<br />Incidentally, those who claim that the Red Sea at this particular location was only a foot or so deep, have no proof at all for their statement. Irrespective as to how deep it was, the Scripture says they passed through “by dry land.”<br />THE EGYPTIANS<br /><br />The phrase, “Which the Egyptians assay­ing to do were drowned,” proclaims the fact that God orchestrated the entirety of this mi­raculous event. The same God Who opened the Red Sea for the Israelites, and did so by His miraculous powers, at the same time, closed the Red Sea on the Egyptians, thereby destroying their army. God did it all! It just remained for Moses and the Children of Is­rael to evidence Faith in this which God did, and which they did!<br />It is amazing how that unbelief in the hearts of many refuse to believe in the miracle-working power of God. It is more amazing still, when many of this number include those who profess to be Christians. With these individuals, the days of miracles are always over, and in fact, they try to ex­plain away the miracles of the Bible, by natu­ral means.<br />The Truth is, the Lord of Glory is a miracle-working God. In fact, one might say, and with­out fear of contradiction, that in some way, everything He does is a miracle. While it’s not always to the degree of the opening of the Red Sea, still in some way, when God answers prayer, every time He has to do cer­tain things which defy the laws of nature, and as well, the passions of men. While He does not tamper with anyone’s free moral agency, He definitely does maneuver individuals into certain positions which are of their own choosing, but which falls out to the purposes of God. In fact, He is doing this constantly!<br />All of this shows us that Moses balanced the best of the world with the shame of Christ and deliberately chose the latter. He saw its future wealth.<br /><br /><br />(30) “BY FAITH THE WALLS OF JERI­CHO FELL DOWN, AFTER THEY WERE COMPASSED ABOUT SEVEN DAYS.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />We are here told, that the falling of the walls of Jericho should be ascribed to Faith.<br /><br />2.<br />The taking of Jericho is a striking ex­ample of the power of faith.<br /><br />3.<br />Faith requires obedience, even in that which we do not understand.<br /><br /><br />THE WALLS OF JERICHO<br /><br />The phrase, “By faith the walls of Jeri­cho fell down,” proclaims another miracle of unprecedented proportions. While it was God of course, Who performed the miracle, we are here told, exactly as in the previous Verses, that the Faith of Joshua and the Children of Israel played a tremendous part in this, even as faith always does. The idea is, God oper­ates totally on the principle of faith on the part of His followers. He demands that we believe Him, have Faith in His Promises, etc.<br />Much of that today which is referred to as “Faith,” is actually presumption. In other words, God has not promised many things which are claimed and, therefore, will not respond to human commands.<br />Many have attempted to teach that if enough faith can be mustered, anything can be done; however, that is blatantly false! Any­time anything which claims to be faith, seeks to circumvent the Will of God, in reality it’s not faith, but as stated, is presumption. God will never honor such! As we’ve stated, it’s not the quantity of faith that makes the dif­ference, but the correct object of Faith, which must always be the great Sacrifice of Christ.<br />Let not the Reader forget, that the Faith which opened the Red Sea, and thereby saw the deliverance of the Children of Israel, plus destroying their enemies, was all predicated on the Passover, which of course symbolized the Crucifixion of Christ. As well, the walls of Jericho falling down were likewise predi­cated on the same thing (Josh. 5:10).<br />OBEDIENCE<br /><br />The phrase, “After they were compassed about seven days,” proclaims obedience, which did not make sense at all to the natu­ral mind. We cannot doubt, the unmeasured contempt and ridicule of their foes during this time.<br />Apart from the conviction that God would act, nothing could have been more pointless than the behavior of God’s people. They did not attack. Instead, they simply walked around the city once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh. But once more, faith was vindicated, for “the walls of Jericho fell down.”<br />These walls fell not by any natural causes, or by any means that were in themselves adapted to secure such a result. It was not because they fell of themselves; nor because they were assailed by the hosts of the Israel­ites; nor was it because there was any natu­ral tendency in the blowing of horns to cause them to fall. None of these things were true; it was only by confidence in God in obeying what He had said to do, that such a little ef­fort adapted to such a purpose could have been employed at all; and it was only by continued faith in Him, that they could have been per­severed in day by day, when no impression whatever was made. But yet, God had told them, that if they obeyed, that “the wall of the city shall fall down flat” (Josh. 6:5).<br />Exactly as God told them this would hap­pen, exactly it did happen!<br />THE JERICHO’S IN OUR LIVES<br />As deliverance from Egypt was a type of our Salvation, likewise, the Promised Land was a type of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. But there are Jericho’s which seek to hinder our progress into this inheritance. How do we get them down?<br />We do so in the same identical manner that Joshua did so long ago, that is, by obey­ing the Lord. And what obedience does He now demand?<br />Jericho didn’t fall before Joshua, in the strict sense of the word, but rather it fell be­fore Christ. The Scripture says:<br />“When Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a Man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand.”<br />He introduced Himself, “As Captain of the Hosts of the Lord” (Josh. 5:13-14). This was an appearance of the Lord of Glory, and before Whom Jericho would fall!<br /><br /><br /><br />It is the same Lord of Glory to Whom you are to look. He, through the Spirit, will exert His mighty power on your behalf, the same as He did on behalf of Israel so long, long ago. Jericho will fall, but it will not be by the machi­nations of man or the brilliance of brainpower. It will only be by the Power of God.<br />The obedience demanded of you is very similar to the obedience demanded of Israel. Their marching around the walls of the city, in essence, was a claim of victory over its in­habitants. You, as well, are to understand, that God has already given you the victory, just as surely as He had already given Israel the vic­tory. While that city had not yet crumbled, it was as good as destroyed, and because the Word of the Lord had said so! It is the same with the Jericho in your life.<br />Quit listening to the Devil, as he attempts to tell you that he is too strong for you. He is a liar! Beside that, you, even as the Chil­dren of Israel so long ago, are not depending on yourself, but altogether on “the Captain!” And please be certain, the Lord Jesus Christ is definitely the Captain. He has conquered every power of darkness, and did so at the Cross. As they look to the Captain, you are to look to the Captain!<br />The Spirit of God had already told them to eat the Passover, which they did. Once again, a lamb for each house was slaughtered, symbolizing the Crucifixion of Christ. Its flesh was roasted with fire, symbolizing the judgment which would come upon Christ in­stead of upon us. They would “eat the flesh” which spoke of what Christ would do on the Cross by the giving of Himself, and one’s faith in that Sacrifice. They would eat the flesh with “unleavened bread,” which symbolized His Perfect humanity, and Perfect body. They would eat it with “bitter herbs,” also sym­bolizing the slavery of Egypt from which they had been delivered (Ex. 12:3-11).<br />As they looked forward to the coming Sac­rifice, symbolized by the Passover, we look back to the finished Sacrifice, and celebrate it symbolically by taking the Lord’s Supper. The idea is, the victory is in the Sacrifice of Christ, and our obedience in placing our Faith and Trust in this which Christ has done.<br />Just as surely as Jericho fell so long, long ago, your Jericho’s will fall also. They must!<br />They have no choice! But always remem­ber, it is only your Faith in the Finished Work of Christ which batters down these strong­holds that Satan seeks to erect in your life. No Jericho need stand; no Jericho must stand; all must give way before Christ, be­cause all have given way before Christ.<br />SEVEN<br /><br />Incidentally, “seven” is God’s perfect num­ber, which de completion, totality, and perfection. Man’s number is “six” which al­ways de imperfection and incompleteness.<br />God has a perfect Salvation and a perfect victory. He will settle for nothing less, and we must settle for nothing less. This means that we must not attempt to come to a com­promise with the Jericho’s, but rather insist upon, and in fact demand, total victory within our hearts and lives. Of course, the demand is not made of God, but of ourselves. We must not settle for “six” when we can have “seven.”<br />Even as I dictate these , I sense the Presence of God. There is faith which rises in my heart, faith which demands that I tell you that victory can be yours, and in every capacity. If Jericho fell before Joshua, it will fall before you. You’re serving the same God that Joshua served, and you have the same faith which Joshua had.<br />Christians are too easy to say, “If I only had the faith of Joshua,” or some such Bible Character. The truth is, there isn’t but one kind of faith, at least that God will recognize, and that’s Faith in Christ and His Finished Work. If you believe that, then you have the same Faith that Joshua had, and in fact ev­ery one of these Patriarchs and Prophets. As I’ve said over and over again, it’s not the quantity of faith, it’s the quality of faith. And to be sure, the correct object of faith, which is always the Cross of Christ, gives one the quality that is needed.<br />(31) “BY FAITH THE HARLOT RAHAB PERISHED NOT WITH THEM THAT BE­LIEVED NOT, WHEN SHE HAD RECEIVED THE SPIES WITH PEACE.”<br />The diagram is:<br />1. The list of the champions of Faith whose victories are especially noticed is closed by a woman who was a Gentile, and as well, an outcast.<br /><br /><br />2.<br />She “perished not” because she placed her faith in the red cord of Redemption.<br /><br />3.<br />She received the spies with peace, which in essence, means that she received the Word and the Holy Spirit, of whom the spies were types.<br /><br /><br />THE HARLOT RAHAB<br /><br />The phrase, “By Faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,” proclaims no doubt, one of the most astound­ing miracles of all. As we have stated, this woman was a Gentile, and as well an out­cast, and an outcast of the worst type. She was a harlot!<br />Some have tried to soften the description of Rahab and have tried to make her out to be a hostess or an innkeeper, or at the worst, forced into temple prostitution; however, the Holy Spirit here designates her as “the harlot.” Both the Greek and Hebrew words signify a secular prostitute, and not a temple prostitute. This is beautiful and signifi­cant that a woman from such a background could become such an example of faith. But she did!<br />She is mentioned favorably in James 2:25, and she is listed in the genealogy of the Lord as the wife of Salmon (Mat. 1:5), which would have made her the grandmother of David, several times removed, and of course, the grandmother of the Lord of Glory, the Son of David.<br />There were only four women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba; however, the latter was not mentioned by name, only that this lady who was the wife of David, “had been the wife of Urias” (Mat. 1:3, 5-6).<br />Rahab and Ruth were Gentiles. Tamar and Bathsheba were Jews. Thus, Christ descended from both Jews and Gentiles. As stated, Rahab was a harlot. Both Tamar and Bathsheba com­mitted adultery (Gen. 38; II Sam. 11:1-5). Ruth was of the cursed Moabites (Ruth 1:22).<br />All were products of Grace, which is by Faith (Eph. 2:8-9). By this we are given to understand, that this which these women had been, they no longer were. The Grace of God changed them, as the Grace of God will change anyone who places Faith in Christ. The Lord doesn’t save us in our sin, but from our sin.<br />BELIEVED NOT<br />The word translated “believed not” is not the simple word for “faith,” but rather the Greek word that means, “to be disobedient.” It speaks of disbelief manifesting itself in dis­obedience.<br />The word here speaks of the failure on the part of the inhabitants of Jericho, to be persuaded that God had given the land to the Israelites, and the consequent refusal to sur­render Jericho.<br />Any time the unsaved cooperate with God, they are always blessed; however, it is seldom that they do such a thing.<br />The natural inclination of the depraved mind and spirit, which characterizes all un­redeemed, is to oppose God. Actually, there is a built in animosity in the hearts of all un­redeemed against God, whether they realize it or not. This being the case, if they are put to the test, most of the time they will oppose God’s Way, and God’s people.<br />However, the greatest opposition of all al­ways comes from those who claim to be God’s people. We see that in Cain killing Abel, Joseph’s brothers opposing him, and Saul attempting to kill David, etc. As well, the greatest hindrance to Paul in the spread of the Gospel was not Rome, but rather those inside the Church, Who were trying to pro­claim another gospel (II Cor. 11:4). It is the same presently:<br />The True Church is opposed by the Apos­tate Church more so than anything else. Many times, those in the Apostate Church claim by and large, the same Doctrines as those in the True Church. And yet, you can recognize the false by their fruit (Mat. 7:15­20). The Apostate Church will always op­pose the True Church. While at times they will attack the Message, more than all, they will attack the Messenger.<br />RECEPTION<br />The phrase, “When she had received the spies with peace,” proclaims Rahab’s faith.<br />“Received” in the Greek is “dechomai,” and means “friendly reception.”<br />“With peace” speaks of the act of Rahab in receiving the spies without enmity, and in not allowing them to suffer harm from others.<br /><br /><br /><br />To help the Reader understand the hap­penings of that time, perhaps the following would provide some information:<br />When the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, which incidentally is in a val­ley, they were camped on the slopes of Mount Pisgah, on the shank of Moab. From this po­sition, the elevation slopes down to the Jor­dan River and then rises back up to the city of Jericho. Consequently, those in Jericho could easily see the several millions of Israelites camped on the other shore, and of course, the Israelites could easily see Jericho, even though it was approximately five miles on the other side of the River Jordan.<br />It can well be imagined that the inhabit­ants of Jericho in observing this vast horde, and knowing who they were, would have talked of nothing else. Of course, all knew of the great miracles which had taken place in Egypt and the Red Sea, some 40 years ear­lier. They also knew how Israel had recently defeated the two kings of the Amorites (Josh. 2:9-11). They also knew that they worshipped Jehovah, the unseen God. And of course, they attributed the miracles and victories, and rightly so, to Jehovah; however, most of them would have claimed that their gods contained greater power.<br />But in the midst of all of this was Rahab, who heard all of the stories of the miracles as the others, but it struck her heart differ­ently. Even though her information was the same as the other Jerichoites, something stirred within her when she heard these ac­counts, and that something made her heart receptive. Of course, it was the Holy Spirit!<br />It is obvious, that this lady was sick of her present lifestyle, sick of the worship of these pagan gods, sick of the emptiness of her heart, sick of the lack of peace. And if a heart is hungry, God will bring bread. Con­sequently, He directed the two spies to her abode or inn, or whatever it was. To these men she said, “For the LORD your God, He is God in Heaven above, and in Earth beneath” (Josh. 2:11). This means that she accepted Jehovah as her God, thereby renouncing the pagan gods she had formerly worshipped.<br />She asked if they would spare her when Israel took the city, and they promised that she would be protected, and in fact, all who would be in her house. The sign would be “a scarlet thread in the window” (Josh. 2:18).<br />And so it was! Her entire family was spared when Jericho was taken, and as we’ve already stated, she became one of the great women in Israel, actually in the lineage of the Mes­siah, and all because of her Faith in God.<br />(32) “AND WHAT SHALL I MORE SAY? FOR THE TIME WOULD FAIL ME TO TELL OF GEDEON, AND OF BARAK, AND OF SAMSON, AND OF JEPHTHAE: OF DAVID ALSO, AND SAMUEL, AND OF THE PROPHETS:”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />With a neat, rhetorical flourish, Paul shows that his subject is far from exhausted, even though he does not propose to continue his list.<br /><br />2.<br />We will find, if we search the record, that each of these individuals battled against overwhelming odds, but triumphed, and all because of their Faith.<br /><br />3.<br />As well, some of these people had moral problems in their lives. The truth is, in every Saint there is always to be found something reprehensible. Nevertheless, although faith may be imperfect and incomplete, it does not cease to be approved by God (Calvin).<br /><br /><br />IS IT NECESSARY TO SAY MORE?<br />The question, “And what shall I more say?”, refers to the fact that enough has now been said to guide all who are willing to search the Scriptures for themselves.<br />With a brief mention of names which would call up before the minds of his readers achievements almost as wonderful as those on which he has been dwelling, Paul passes from the Elders who received witness from God by their Faith, and speaks in general terms, but all the more distinctly of the tri­umphs which faith has won in these as well!<br />The idea of all of this, which is overly ob­vious, is “Faith.” That’s the principle by which God works, and that is the principle by which He deals with men. And when we say “Faith,” even as we’ve said many times, even though it has many nuances and side issues, the bot­tom line always is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.” In fact, all the Faith these indi­viduals evidenced in Old Testament times had as its proper object Christ, and the manner<br /><br /><br />in which He would redeem humanity. Of course, their knowledge of this event would have been somewhat different than ours, for the simple reason that it was before the fact; nevertheless, the Sacrifice of Christ was al­ways the object of their Faith, even as it must always be the object of our Faith. That’s what it’s all about!<br />FAITH WORTHIES<br /><br />The phrase, “For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae: of David also, and Samuel, and of the Prophets,” proclaims four of these as being Judges, one a King, and the other the first Prophet, at least the first one who stood in that Office.<br />The first four of these are mentioned only here in the New Testament. Samuel is men­tioned only twice elsewhere in the New Tes­tament. David, of course, is mentioned fre­quently. There seems to be no reason for the order in which they are named.<br />Paul does not go into detail about what these men did. But if we examine the Old Tes­tament record, we find that each man battled against overwhelming odds so that, humanly speaking, there was little chance of his com­ing out on top. For men in such positions, Faith in God was not a formality. It meant real trust when the odds seemed stacked against them. The idea is they set worthy ex­amples in their difficult circumstances.<br />There seem to have been defects in the faith of four of them. Gideon was slow to take up arms; Barak hesitated and went for­ward only when Deborah encouraged him; Samson was enticed by Delilah; and Jephthah made a foolish vow and stubbornly kept it.<br />Often the men whom the Holy Spirit chooses to become leaders seem to be the most unlikely choices. Yet, God sovereignly selects and anoints, because He sees something in the heart that is not obvious to others.<br />Whatever the problems there might be in an individual’s life, the Lord can handle those things, that is if a man or woman will have Faith in God. This is a tremendous Truth, and in a sense applies to every single human being. The idea of this list is as fol­lows, and probably would apply to all listed in this Eleventh Chapter:<br />If one looks closely enough, one will find difficulties and problems in all, even the greatest. But that is not the criteria by which God uses individuals. Don’t misunderstand, God can never condone sin or spiritual fail­ure of any nature; however, if that person has Faith in God, in other words, if they truly be­lieve, God can take their Faith and straighten out their problems, and then mightily use them. It’s the lack of Faith which shuts the door to God helping the individual. And sadly and regrettably, that’s one of the great sins of the modern Church.<br />FAITH<br />God can help anybody out of anything, except a quitter. Now that’s so important, that I must say it again:<br />The difficulties and problems along the way as it regards this Christian life, are in­dicative of every single Believer. It is a growth process, and sometimes the growing is not easy; however, there is nothing that the Lord cannot handle, cannot cleanse, can­not forgive, and cannot rectify, unless that person is a quitter. If they quit, which shows a lack of faith, then there is nothing that even God can do. And to be sure, the shores of Christianity are littered with the wrecks of spiritual cripples who quit. They refuse to finish the race; they refuse to get up out of the dust; therefore, they tie God’s hands.<br />Faith is never an uneventful exercise. To say it another way, the faith journey is never uneventful. Actually, the one with Faith hits the dirt just about as often as the individual without faith. The difference is, the one with­out faith stays in the dirt and refuses to get up. The one with Faith, gets up, and when he does, which is an exhibition of faith within itself, to be sure, and without exception, the Holy Spirit will always brush the Believer off, start him back out on the road to victory, and give him all the help he needs to get there. God doesn’t like quitters! (Lk. 9:62).<br />One of the great troubles as it regards this great Faith walk, for that’s what it is, is fel­low Christians who try to hinder faith. In other words, instead of trying to help pick the individual up, they instead kick him back down. There could be no greater sin than that! The reasons should be obvious, they<br /><br /><br /><br />are hindering what the Holy Spirit is endeav­oring to help.<br />God help me to be a Preacher of the Gos­pel who will render aid to the faith of any in­dividual. I don’t care who that person is, I don’t care what they’ve done, I don’t how sor­did that it’s been, if they’re trying to get up, God help me to lend them all the support that I have, in order to get them back on their feet. That God’s way! That’s the reason for the death of Christ on Mount Calvary.<br />Humanity was down for the count! And there was no way that we could rise once again, and no matter how hard we tried. To be sure, the scene was not pretty, as such scenes never are. But God didn’t leave the situation as it was. In fact, He became a Man, and came down here to this cesspool, and lifted man up above the shadows and planted his feet on higher ground. It took the Cross to accomplish this task, but the Lord paid the price irrespective as to its cost.<br />As a Believer how can I do less? Espe­cially considering that this is God’s way. You as a Believer should ask yourself this ques­tion: “Am I helping the Faith of others, or am I hindering their Faith?”<br />THE MODERN CHURCH<br /><br />The Word of God must be the criteria for all things. When we make rules and regula­tions that have no Scriptural foundation, and when asked as to why these rules have been made, only being able to give the lame ex­cuse, “That’s our tradition,” then we’re in serious spiritual trouble! It is a terrible sin to hinder the faith of others, and that’s what unscriptural rules always do. The following we believe, is the Bible way:<br />First of all, there are no perfect people, and that includes Christians. Even the God­liest have character flaws, which are indica­tive, sadly and regrettably, of humanity. In fact, all of these character flaws will not be handled until the Resurrection.<br />No, this in no way is meant to condone sin of any nature. Sin is awful! It’s a terrible affront against God. And to be sure, God doesn’t save us in sin, but rather from sin. Nevertheless, sin is a problem the Church has to deal with, and sometimes very severe situations, and we must ever understand, that these situations must always be dealt with in a Scriptural manner.<br />Sometime back, we had a situation in our organization which involved one of our Min­isters, and which constituted a morals prob­lem. Without going into detail which is not necessary, we had to deal with this problem. What did we do?<br />First of all, it must be handled Scriptur­ally. We must ever realize, that we’re deal­ing with someone whom God has called, in whom dwells the Holy Spirit, and for whom Jesus died. Consequently, we must deal with that person in that particular manner.<br />The usual, unscriptural route for most Church Denominations in such a situation, is to tell the individual he can no longer preach for two years, or some such length of time. In the first place, there’s absolutely nothing in the Word of God to substantiate such foolishness.<br />God called this man to preach, and who am I to tell him that he can’t preach. That’s ridiculous! In fact, it’s a gross sin to even re­motely think of engaging in such a thing. To do such, is to tamper with that which is the domain of God alone. Actually, if you’re go­ing to throw out every Preacher who has sinned, you wouldn’t have any left. You must remember, that for every one who is found out about something, there are hundreds who aren’t found out, but in the eyes of God, it’s all the same. Exposure is not the sin, but in reality exposure is what most Churches address. They do so, because of self-righteousness, which of course is embarrassed by exposure.<br />RESTORATION<br /><br />In fact, the entirety of the Bible is the story of restoration. And then to be more detailed, Paul tells us the following:<br />“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thy­self, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).<br />Incidentally, the word “fault” in the Greek is “paraptoma,” and means “a moral fail­ure.” We are told to “restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.”<br />How is that to be done?<br />Paul is speaking here to the Galatians, who had been brought in right, actually brought<br /><br /><br />in under his Ministry; however, false teach­ers had come in, attempting to pull them away from Grace to Law; consequently, for those who allowed such to happen, the re­sults and without exception, were going to be failure of some nature. In other words, the “works of the flesh” were definitely go­ing to manifest themselves, even as it always will in such cases (Gal. 5:19-21).<br />These individuals had moved their Faith from the Cross to something else, mostly themselves, which always guarantees failure. So here’s what Paul says must be done:<br />We are to tell the individual why they have failed: it is because, as just stated, that their Faith is in something else other than the Cross of Christ. This being the case, there is always going to be failure in some manner. Again, as previously stated, it may not be known by others, but to be sure, it’s there in some way.<br />So, the one who is “spiritual,” which means he understands that all Victory is in the Cross of Christ, which means that our Faith must always be in the Cross, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit, must explain this to the one who has failed.<br />While it is certainly true that there are some people who just want to go in a wrong direction, and if that is the case, and they refuse to come back to the Cross, which will guarantee continued failure, then ultimately that person has to be disfellowshiped (I Cor. Chpt. 5); however, most Christians fail, sim­ply because they do not know and understand God’s prescribed order of victory, which is the Cross of Christ. So they must be told why they have failed, and how they can get their faith right, and maintain victory in Christ. That is the restoration process out­lined by the Holy Spirit.<br />That’s exactly what we did with the indi­vidual in question, which to date, has worked out beautifully. His Ministry is stronger than ever, and his life is right with God, and be­cause his Faith is right with God.<br />Now what good would it have done, for us to stop this man from preaching for two years, and as well, to level other foolish de­mands on him?<br />It would not have done any good, it could have completely destroyed him, which is gen­erally the case in all of these efforts.<br />We do not have any Scriptural right to punish other Believers. In the first place, the Lord Jesus Christ has already been punished for us. And for us to claim that more punish­ment is needed, is in essence saying that what He suffered at the Cross is not enough and needs something added, which is a gross sin!<br />As well, even as James plainly said, “There is one Lawgiver, Who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:12).<br />In other words, he is saying, “Who do you think you are, thinking you are qualified to judge or punish another Christian?” In fact, only self-righteousness would even think of doing such a thing.<br />(33) “WHO THROUGH FAITH SUB­DUED KINGDOMS, WROUGHT RIGH­TEOUSNESS, OBTAINED PROMISES, STOPPED THE MOUTHS OF LIONS,”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />Only through Faith in Christ can the powers of darkness be subdued.<br /><br />2.<br />We see from these Verses, that the so­lution for all things is the same, Faith in Christ and Him Crucified.<br /><br />3.<br />The problem with much of the Church is, that it makes works the criteria instead of Faith, which God will never honor.<br /><br /><br />THROUGH FAITH<br />The phrase, “Who through Faith,” is meant to proclaim, and by giving all of these different examples, that it doesn’t matter what the problem is, what the need is, that Faith is always the ingredient. That’s at least one of the reasons that the Church makes a grievous mistake when it proclaims differ­ent solutions for different problems.<br />For instance, some years ago, the Church was big on marriage seminars, which have pretty well fallen by the wayside. At the mo­ment, all the rage is “prosperity seminars,” etc.<br />The Truth is there is nothing in the Word of God which substantiates such efforts. In other words, we’re being unscriptural when we go in those directions.<br />If the Christian will understand that ev­erything we receive from the Lord comes through the Sacrifice of Christ, and that we are to always have Faith in that Finished Work, and in fact, maintain Faith in that Finished<br /><br /><br /><br />Work, this is all that God requires. To be sure, the Holy Spirit will then work out in our lives all the things which are needed, and what­ever those things might be. In other words, this will handle the marriage problems and the prosperity problems, and in fact, any other type of problem we might have.<br />VICTORIES<br /><br />The phrase, “Subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,” proclaims the fact, that Faith in God was all that was required for each of these situations, whatever they might have been, even as the next few Verses proclaim.<br />I’m trying to say that there wasn’t one type of Faith for “subduing kingdoms,” and an­other kind for “stopping the mouths of lions,” etc., simple Faith in God sufficed for all.<br />Paul is proclaiming these things to Chris­tian Jews who were very seriously consider­ing defecting from Christ. And the reason for their proposed defection was a lack of Faith. In other words, they were losing Faith in Christ and what He had done at the Cross. In fact, that’s where the problem always is, irrespective of the timeframe.<br />It is my personal feeling, that the situa­tion presently as it regards the Church, is more dangerous than it’s ever been before, or at least since the Reformation. The reason is this:<br />If Faith is the criteria, and it definitely is, then the Church is in serious trouble. For Faith to be that which God will recognize, it must have, and without exception, as its proper object, the Cross of Christ. While the Church has had more teaching on Faith in the last 50 years than ever before in its his­tory, despite all of that, the Church pretty well finds itself at this present time, faith­less! How can that be?<br />The teaching that the Church has received has not centered Faith up on the Cross, but rather something else. And it really doesn’t matter what else is proposed, if it’s not Faith in the Cross, then it’s not true Faith.<br />So, we have multiple thousands of Churches that go under the name “Word of Faith,” and the truth is, as it regards the majority of these Churches, they have no Faith at all. In fact, most of them don’t even believe in the Cross, at least as it regards the Sacrifice of Christ, referring to it as the great­est defeat in human history. Such is rank blasphemy!<br />It is Faith alone in the Cross which God will recognize (Rom. 8:1-2; Eph. 1:3-7). In fact, every time Paul uses the phrase, “in Christ,” or “in Him,” etc., he is speaking of what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf, to which our Faith must always be directed.<br />(34) “QUENCHED THE VIOLENCE OF FIRE, ESCAPED THE EDGE OF THE SWORD, OUT OF WEAKNESS WERE MADE STRONG, WAXED VALIANT IN FIGHT, TURNED TO FLIGHT THE ARMIES OF THE ALIENS.”<br />The diagram is:<br />1.<br />These mighty feats were performed by ordinary men and women, who had Faith in an Almighty God.<br /><br />2.<br />If God deems something should be done, and He can find a man or a woman who will exercise faith, irrespective as to what that situation is, faith will overcome it.<br /><br />3.<br />The Holy Spirit keeps telling us that whatever is the need, faith in God is suffi­cient to meet the test.<br /><br /><br />MIRACLES OF FAITH<br /><br />As I study these examples given here by Paul, my Faith is encouraged, which is exactly what the Holy Spirit intends. That which God has called me to do, and in fact, what He has called you to do as well, can be done. Please understand the following thought:<br />The Holy Spirit is telling us here, that Faith can overcome any obstacle, and irre­spective as to what that obstacle may be. To be sure, there will always be hindrances, problems, difficulties, and in fact, difficulties at times so severe, as to make the situation seem to be impossible. In fact, as far as we are concerned, it is impossible. But we’re not the ones who are going to have to do this thing. It is God Who will do whatever needs to be done.<br />All He requires from us is that we believe Him. Just last night in prayer (Sept. 8, 2000), the Lord spoke this to my heart:<br />In essence, He said to me, “I have given you a vision, and to be sure, I will also bring about the provision.” Let’s say it another way:<br /><br /><br />1. God gives a vision.<br /><br />2.<br />He is the provision, or in other words, He will provide for the vision.<br /><br />3.<br />Satan comes in with division. Notice how this word is pronounced: “di-vision.” Satan wants your vision to die! And how can he do that?<br /><br /><br />If he can get us to looking at circum­stances and situations, he can cause the vi­sion to die. In fact, he did exactly this with Israel when the spies came back with an evil report. The people looked at the walled cit­ies and the giants, etc. Despite the protests of Caleb and Joshua, who proclaimed the fact that, “We are able to possess the land,” the unbelief of the ten spies affected the entirety of Israel, which destroyed an entire genera­tion, and delayed the entrance into the Prom­ised Land by nearly 40 years.<br />While you and I may be susceptible to circumstances and situations, God isn’t! So that’s what our Faith is all about. We are to believe that God, Who is not susceptible to circumstances and situations, and Who is not moved by these things whatsoever, can bring about whatever is needed, irrespec­tive as to what it might be. He only demands that we have Faith in Him. In other words, don’t look at the problems, look at the Lord, Who is able to do all things, and believe Him. That’s Faith!<br />VICTORY IN JESUS<br /><br />As the Lord moved upon my heart last night, His Spirit impressed upon me that de­spite the problems, despite the difficulties and circumstances, that He would provide. What­ever was necessary, He would provide! And I believe it, and to be sure, I believe it with all of my heart.<br />God has called me for World Evangelism. He has called me to carry out this Vision by the means of Television, Radio, Crusades, print materials, and Videos. It takes two things to get this done. I will address the lesser first:<br />1. It takes money! While the media reaches a staggering number of people, which is the only way that Evangelism can really be carried out as it regards the masses, it takes a sizeable amount of money to do this. And for that money to come in, we have to cross all types of hurdles. Tragically, instead of the Church trying to help us, the far greater majority seeks to hinder, by discouraging anyone from giving to this effort. Neverthe­less, God is able! He has given the “Vision,” and He will make the “Provision.” The only thing that can bring in “di-vision” is my lack of Faith. And God help me, that I believe Him and that despite the obstacles.<br />2. That which is the most important of all, is the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit, for which I pray constantly. I cannot do anything without the Holy Spirit, and I can do anything with the Holy Spirit, at least that which He directs me to do. This is the greatest need of all, the Anointing, the lead­ing, and the Power of the Spirit. I pray about this more than I pray about anything else.<br />If the Spirit has His Way in my life, then the money will come in. But above all, people will be saved; lives will be changed; Believ­ers will be Baptized with the Holy Spirit; the sick will be healed, and people will be deliv­ered. But it is only through the Spirit that these things can be done. And He works ex­clusively according to my Faith in the Fin­ished Work of Christ (Rom. 8:2).<br />(35) “WOMEN RECEIVED THEIR DEAD RAISED TO LIFE AGAIN: AND OTHERS WERE TORTURED, NOT ACCEPTING DE­LIVERANCE; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION:”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />We learn from these Verses that Faith produces different types of miracles.<br /><br />2.<br />Some were not delivered from torture, with their victory being that they didn’t lose their Faith.<br /><br />3.<br />The great goal of Faith must always be the “better Resurrection,” and not any­thing else. This means that whatever hap­pens here, whether we are delivered or not, whether we are healed or not, whether we get the money or not, such is only a chapter in the book. The end result must always be the “better Resurrection.”<br /><br /><br />A MIRACLE<br />The phrase, “Women received their dead raised to life again,” presents as would be obvious a tremendous miracle of faith. In fact, there could be very little that would be greater than one being raised from the dead.<br /><br /><br /><br />And the God Whom we serve is able to do these things, providing it fits His purpose.<br />As well, He can do such now, just as He did such in Bible times. We make a great mistake, when we limit God to particular time frames. God is limited only by our Faith and His Wisdom. Our lack of faith limits Him, and at times He limits Himself, because it’s wisdom to do so.<br />ANOTHER MIRACLE<br /><br />The phrase, “And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better Resurrection,” proclaims the Apostle dealing with another side of Faith, which is just as powerful as that which he has been addressing.<br />The word “tortured” in the Greek is “tumpanizo,” and is an extremely strong word, meaning “to torture with the tumpanum.” This was a wheel-shaped instrument of tor­ture, over which people were stretched as though they were skins, and then horribly beaten with clubs or thongs.<br />The word “deliverance” is preceded by the Greek article, in effect saying, “the deliv­erance.” It was the deliverance offered at the price of denying their faith, that was refused. They did this in order that they might attain to a better Resurrection than the one men­tioned in the previous phrase of this Scrip­ture, namely, a mere continuation of life on Earth. They were looking forward to the Res­urrection that would be unto glory, which they would not obtain, if they denied their Faith.<br />The idea is, God didn’t deliver them as far as the cruel torture was concerned, even letting them die.<br />Now many in the modern Church would claim that these individuals simply didn’t have faith; however, the words “Who through faith,” includes these as well as all the others. Yes, they had Faith, and great Faith at that! They had so much Faith in fact, that despite the torture, despite the horrible pain, despite death, they would not renounce Christ, but continued to proclaim His Name even unto the end. In fact, untold thousands have died in this manner, and possibly down through the centuries, even millions.<br />To be stronger with my statement, how dare anyone claim that these were faithless!<br />The Holy Spirit says otherwise. The prob­lem is this:<br />Those who would claim such foolishness, and I speak of those who claim that these didn’t have Faith, are basing all of their re­sults on material things. These types of in­dividuals judge the faith of Christians, by the cost of the suit of clothes they wear, or the make and model of the car they drive. Noth­ing could be more foolish, even downright stupid! In fact, such people don’t really have any faith themselves, only hot air.<br />All of this life is a dress rehearsal for eter­nity. We must never forget that. As we have stated, the goal of all true Faith is the “bet­ter Resurrection,” which will take place when the trump sounds (I Thess. 4:13-18).<br />(36) “AND OTHERS HAD TRIAL OF CRUEL MOCKINGS AND SCOURGINGS, YEA, MOREOVER OF BONDS AND IM­PRISONMENT:”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />The word “others” introduces a differ­ent class of victories achieved by Faith.<br /><br />2.<br />The criteria for Faith is not necessar­ily deliverance from difficulties, but rather that we do not lose our Faith.<br /><br />3.<br />The modern Church for the most part, has a false definition of Faith, and because they have an improper faith, i.e., “an im­proper object of Faith.”<br /><br /><br />OTHERS<br /><br />The phrase, “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,” refers to “another of a different kind.” This word “others,” as stated, introduces a different class of victories achieved by faith. Mockings and scourgings were endured by the martyrs just mentioned, and they were not delivered, at least in the way we normally think of such. All of this is an attempt by Satan, to get the person to re­nounce their Faith. In fact, during the times of the Early Church, when thousands of Chris­tians were tortured to death, and in fact, died in every conceivable way possible in the Ro­man arenas, many times, they were offered free­dom if they would only say “Caesar is Lord.” This of course, was an attempt to get them to change the object of their Faith from Christ to Caesar. Rather than do that, untold thou­sands died, and in fact, died horrible deaths.<br /><br /><br />In late May of 2000, we were in Rome, Italy, with a tour. We visited the Coliseum, where it is known that many Christians died. We saw the places where they kept the lions and other wild animals, starving them, so they would be ravenous with hunger, when they were unleashed on the victims.<br />We saw the tunnels through which the Christians had to walk as they were ushered into the arena. One can only imagine the horror that took place those many centuries ago. Now tourists look and gaze where Chris­tians once wept!<br />But where today is mighty Rome of old? Her Caesar’s are peanut vendors and her great military generals are organ grinders. And where is Christianity? It spans the globe, with untold millions who profess that glori­ous Name of Jesus Christ. It is only Faith that has done this.<br />MOREOVER<br /><br />The phrase, “Yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment,” was that which experience the Apostle personally knew. In fact, he also knew the “trial of cruel mockings and scourgings.”<br />The words “yea, moreover” are used commonly to express a climax. One might say, that some imprisonments were even to be more dreaded than scourging (Jer. 38:9).<br />When we all stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account, which every Believer shall, even from the very beginning, I won­der how will the Faith of many modern Chris­tians stand up beside those of which we here speak? And to be sure “Faith” and “Faith­fulness” will be the criteria of that judgment.<br />Thankfully, our sins have been judged at the Cross, and will never be brought up again. But to be sure, our faithfulness as it regards this life given to us by the Lord, will definitely be judged, with rewards meted out accordingly.<br />(37) “THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN ASUNDER, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD: THEY WANDERED ABOUT IN SHEEPSKINS AND GOATSKINS; BEING DESTITUTE, AF­FLICTED, TORMENTED;”<br />The diagram is:<br /><br />1. In all of this, we see the purposes of God brought forth, and done so by the Faith of the individual.<br />2.<br />While God could deliver from any situ­ation, His purpose might be for some Believ­ers to suffer in this manner.<br /><br />3.<br />The Believer should want and desire above everything else, the Will of God, and at all costs.<br /><br /><br />WHAT PRICE, FAITH?<br />We could easily dissect this Scripture as to its several parts, giving occasion and ex­amples of this which the Apostle speaks; how­ever, each statement is fairly self-explanatory. The idea is, that we learn the lessons here taught. Some of them are:<br />1.<br />The idea of all of this is, that these individuals cried to God for deliverance from these excruciating situations, even which took their lives. But God did not answer them, at least in the manner in which they requested. He did answer, but by giving them even more Faith, that they may stand the test, even unto death. One would have to say, that this is the greater faith of all.<br /><br />2.<br />By the word “tempted” being included, we know that in many of these cases, the in­dividuals were given opportunity to recant, which means to renounce their Faith in Christ. If they would do so, the torture would stop, and their lives would be spared. Need­less to say, such a temptation would be great; however, many of them, and no doubt one could say, most of them did not succumb to that temptation. They were stoned; they were cut asunder with saws; they were mass slaughtered with the sword; they were desti­tute, afflicted, and tormented, but they didn’t lose Faith! And that’s all that really matters.<br /><br /><br />The sufferings lasted but for a short time. The “better Resurrection” lasts forever!<br />(38) “(OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY:) THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS, AND IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DENS AND CAVES OF THE EARTH.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The world is not worthy of the Child of God.<br /><br />2.<br />The word “world” does not refer here to the corrupt world system, but the world con­sidered as an economy, or a particular way of life, which is unworthy of these, because it is an economy ruled by sense, whereas the world of the Child of God is an economy ruled by faith.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. The world drove them out, thinking them unworthy to live in it, while in truth it was unworthy to have them living in it.<br />THE WORLD<br /><br />The phrase, “Of whom the world was not worthy,” refers to the fact that the few true Christians in this world are of far greater worth, and in every sense, than all the bal­ance of the world put together. As well, these are the words of the Holy Spirit, and not mere hype. But of course the world being spiritu­ally depraved, doesn’t know this.<br />Every freedom in this world, all prosperity, whatever it is that men might refer to as “good,” and of course I refer to that which truly is good, it is because of the Believers in this world. This in a sense, can be divided in two ways:<br />First of all, the world owes a debt of grati­tude to the Jew. Of course, they do not rec­ognize that at all, even with many parts of the world harboring a deep resentment against the Jewish people.<br />For some 1,600 years, the only people in the world who knew God were the Jews. Ad­mittedly, they didn’t do a very good job, and neither do we as the Church, but still, under God they were the only light in the world of that day. As a consequence, they gave to the world the Word of God, which is a worth and value all out of proportion to our ability to comprehend. As well, they brought the Mes­siah into the world, which was the greatest happening in the history of mankind, even though they did not recognize Him.<br />According to Romans Chapter 11, the Church has been grafted in to take the place of the Jewish people, who will ultimately be brought back after the Second Coming. Under Christ, the Church is now the light of the world.<br />As one looks at the nations of the world, regarding those who have at least a modicum of Biblical Christianity, these nations enjoy the greatest freedoms and the greatest pros­perity. As well, and because of the Presence of the Holy Spirit more or less in these par­ticular countries, and especially the United States and England, almost all the technologi­cal advancement has come from these areas.<br />Now as should be obvious, this doesn’t mean that the scientists in question are Spirit-filled, but rather, it speaks merely of the Presence of God in an overall way.<br />I do not mean to be unkind, but I do not consider Catholicism as true Biblical Chris­tianity. In many senses of the word, I con­sider it to be as pagan as Islam, etc. And if anyone takes the Bible seriously, I think, they would as well have to come to that conclu­sion. And regrettably, there are many parts of that which we refer to as “true Christian­ity,” which are also spiritually corrupt. By now I’m sure the Reader understands, that if it’s not “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” then it’s not truly the Gospel.<br />MALTREATMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the Earth,” refers to the lot of some Believ­ers, not all of the time, but some of the time.<br />The world oftentimes maltreats Believ­ers, and especially in countries which do not recognize Jesus Christ, simply because they do not know the worth and value of these ones in their midst.<br />As we have seen in these examples, the Lord doesn’t always pave the road with gold, or even deliver the blessed one from nega­tive circumstances, but that doesn’t at all mean that they are lacking in Faith. The Lord does what He does, in His Own way, and for His Own purposes. To be sure, He loves ev­ery Believer with a love that is far greater than you and I could ever realize. But yet, the Lord knows all things from beginning to end. To be sure, He Who every spar­rows fall, and even numbers the very hairs of our heads, if in fact, He allows us to suffer, even as untold millions down through the several millennia have suffered, He does so for good purpose and reason. We know that He can change any situation which He so desires, and in any way He so desires. So if our lot is less than we would like, we should do the following:<br />1. We should look at ourselves very closely, even asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any wrong direction which we might be engaging, which can definitely hold back the Blessings of God. The Holy Spirit can­not sanction wrong doctrine, wrong direc­tion, self-will, or sin.<br /><br /><br />2. If we know in our heart that all is right, and to be sure, that’s not difficult to deter­mine, and our lot in life is less than we might think it ought to be, we should acquiesce to the Will of God, thanking Him for what in fact He has seen fit to give us. We must al­ways remember that God is good! And as the song says, He’s not good just some of the time, but He is good all of the time.<br />If our lot in life, be it physical, financial, domestical, or otherwise, is less than it seems it could be, and if despite our importunity the Lord hasn’t seen fit to change it, we must remember that whatever our lot is now, it’s only for a short time. By comparison with eternity, in ages to come, it won’t even be remembered. Remember this, your hope and my hope, and in fact the hope of every true Believer, is focused on “a better Resurrec­tion” (Heb. 11:35).<br />(39) “AND THESE ALL, HAVING OB­TAINED A GOOD REPORT THROUGH FAITH, RECEIVED NOT THE PROMISE:”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />The word “all” claims every single Believer before the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />They passed the test, and did it through faith.<br /><br />3.<br />None of these received the Promise, which refers to the coming Messiah, the sum and substance of all the Old Testament Prom­ises (Lk. 1:67-79; Rom. 1:2-5). The next Verse which we will momentarily address, explains this.<br /><br /><br />THESE ALL<br /><br />The short phrase, “And these all,” is meant to claim by the Holy Spirit, those who saw great miracles and those who didn’t. They’re all put in the same category. This means that the miracles were not the yard­stick of measurement, but rather “Faith.” Unfortunately, the modern Church has a ten­dency to judge one’s faith by yardsticks which present a wrong measurement. Tragically, the modern judgment too often centers up on monetary things, which is about as far removed from the True Gospel as anything could be.<br />True Faith, while at times bringing about the miracles, signs, and wonders mentioned, rather develops Christ in one’s life. The Fruit of the Spirit is the criteria of this Faith, i.e., “Christlikeness!” If we fail to see that, then we fail in our understanding of Faith.<br />A GOOD REPORT<br />The phrase, “Having obtained a good re­port,” refers to that soul judged accordingly by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, much of the modern Church ignores that of the Spirit, having devised its own scheme. The “good report” is all based on Faith in Christ, and Faith in Christ alone. Unfortunately, much of the Church seeks to add to that. In other words, it’s Christ plus, which God cannot ac­cept. And more unfortunate still, many if not most Preachers, and even the people, opt for the good report given by man, rather than that given by God.<br />I’m concerned that most of the Readers, not being Preachers, would have some diffi­culty in understanding this of which I speak. Let me be a little clearer:<br />THE APOSTATE CHURCH<br />Satan is very subtle in his approach. Ac­tually, he is a religious figure, and as such, he is well versed in religious ways. In other words, as an angel of light (II Cor. 11:13-15), he deceives many. And how does he do that?<br />In the first place, he generally always has some “Truth” mixed in with his “lie.” The truth serves as the bait, and the Believer is pulled in, and not realizing what is happen­ing, oftentimes takes the bait and thereby the “lie.” And what type of lie are we speak­ing about?<br />Anything that is not strictly and purely Faith in the Cross of Christ and that alone, is a “lie.”<br />For instance, there is nothing spiritually or Scripturally wrong with Denominations, whether forming one or belonging to one. Ideally, they can serve as a tool to help fur­ther the Cause of Christ; however, oftentimes, and in fact almost all the time, the leaders in these Denominations gradually attempt to turn them into something spiritual, which they aren’t, and can never be.<br />By that I mean, they project the idea that belonging to their Denomination equals Sal­vation. While some will not go that far, many project the idea that if one belongs to their<br /><br /><br /><br />particular Denomination they are spiritually superior, and if they do not belong to that certain group, while they might be a Chris­tian, they are something less.<br />In fact, this is not an isolated thing, in­corporating itself in almost all Denomina­tions, and even local Churches. In fact, the great criteria for spirituality presently, is sim­ply to belong to a certain Church, etc. This goes under the idea of “covering.”<br />In other words, it is taught that if you belong to a certain Church, that you enter into its “covering,” which means that you are protected, blessed, etc., which also at the same time means that if you belong to other Churches, that you do not enjoy this protec­tion, etc.<br />As stated, it’s all very subtle, and is all ladled out with great religiosity. But the truth is, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” is no longer the criteria for all things with God. They have gradually substituted something else to take its place. In other words, they have taken the faith of the individual from Christ, and moved their Faith over to the De­nomination or that particular local Church. The object of faith has now changed, and has done so very subtly, so subtle in fact, that most Christians hardly know what has hap­pened. They have come to believe the “lie.”<br />These Christians, and they number into the millions, who follow such directions, are now given a “good report”; however, what they don’t realize, is that their “good report” is that given by man and not God.<br />In all of these scenarios, the people actu­ally get the very opposite of what they are told. In other words, instead of getting protection and blessing, the end result, and without ex­ception, will always be “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21). If one’s Faith is not totally and completely in “Jesus Christ and Him Cru­cified” there is no way that the results can be anything else than “works of the flesh.”<br />THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID<br /><br />I do not think it is possible for a Believer to stay in such an environment, and at the same time, continue to have proper Faith in Christ. Such Churches, and to be sure, they make up the far greater majority, are not preaching Christ, but rather “another Jesus, by another spirit, which is presenting another gospel” (II Cor. 11:4). It is virtually impos­sible for a Believer to stay in such a spiritual climate, without the “leaven ultimately leav­ening the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). Under such circumstances, the Holy Spirit through Paul plainly taught that under such circum­stances, “Christ is become of no effect unto you” (Gal. 5:4). If that course is maintained, he also stated that such a person would “be entangled again with the yoke of bondage”<br />(Gal. 5:1).<br />You as a Believer, and because it’s so very, very important, should carefully inspect what your Pastor is preaching. Is he preaching the Cross, or other things? If he’s preaching more “other things” than he is the Cross, you might give him this Commentary on Hebrews. If he ignores it, you would be best finding an­other place to attend Church.<br />Of course, there will always be a price to pay to follow the Lord. Many times we have to go against family and friends. But what is more important, the “good report” given to you by the Lord, or the “good report” given to you by men?<br />Please remember this: the price that you are called on to pay, whatever it might be, is far less than the price paid by many of these mentioned in the latter portion of the Elev­enth Chapter of Hebrews.<br />THROUGH FAITH<br /><br />The short phrase, “Through Faith,” pro­claims the only manner, in which this “good report” can be obtained.<br />Always and without exception, even as we have repeatedly stated, when the words “be­lieving” or “Faith” are used in the Bible, at least as it pertains to the Lord, traces back to “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 1:18, 21, 23; 2:2).<br />The word “faith” is bandied about in the modern Church in all types of ways; how­ever, if it’s faith in anything, and no matter how religious it might sound, except the Cross of Christ, then it’s not faith that God will recognize. In fact, when most Christians exclaim that they have “Faith in Christ,” the truth is, most hardly know what they mean by that statement. They think they under­stand it, but regrettably, most don’t!<br /><br /><br />When asked what thy mean by that, most would answer, “I believe Him,” or words to that effect. While of course, all of this is true and correct as far as it goes, the truth is, it doesn’t go far enough. If that’s as much as the Christian knows, it is just about certain, whether the Christian will admit it or not, that such a one is living in spiritual defeat.<br />Faith must always have as its object the “Sacrifice of Christ.” This means, even as we have just portrayed, such faith must not be divided with the Church, Preachers, good works, manifestations of the Spirit, or any­thing else for that matter. While all of these things we have mentioned, may or may not be good in their own respective right, those things didn’t die on the Cross for you. The problem with the Church is by and large ac­cording to the following:<br />Many if not most in the modern Church look to the wrong thing as it regards their “Source.” While they always speak of the Lord as their Source, most of the time, whether they realize it or not, they are look­ing toward a Church, or a Preacher, or their good works, or something else.<br />The Believer must know and understand, that every single thing he receives from the Lord, and irrespective as to what it is, is given to him in one way only, and that’s through the Sacrifice of Christ at the Cross, and our Faith in that. That’s the way the Holy Spirit works, and the only way He works. Jesus plainly said of the Spirit, “He shall glorify Me” (Jn. 16:14). That means that He will not glorify the Church, will not glorify Preachers, will not glorify good works, will not glorify anything for that matter, except Christ. How does He glorify Christ?<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRIST<br />He glorifies Christ in two ways:<br /><br />1. “He guides into all Truth” (Jn. 16:13). Of course, Truth is the Word of God. But the story of the Word of God is the story of man’s Redemption, which was all brought about at the Cross of Christ. Therefore, in all the things that He teaches us about the Word of God, in some way, everything streams toward the Cross. This is the Truth of which He speaks.<br />The entirety of the Old Testament points toward the coming Christ, Who would redeem man by His Sacrificial Offering of Himself. This was all typified by the Sacrifices of the Levitical Offerings.<br />Now that this is done, all instruction in the New Testament points back to that cel­ebrated event. Everything is based on the Cross of Christ.<br />2. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by re­ceiving of all that Christ did for us at the Cross, and showing it unto us (Jn. 16:14-15).<br />After He taught this to His Disciples, He then proceeded to tell them how He was go­ing to be offered up, which would cause re­joicing in the world, but would cause them great sorrow, but then their sorrow would be “turned into joy” (Jn. 16:20). All of this, the Cross, the Resurrection, and the Exalta­tion of Christ, would make it possible for the Holy Spirit to come into this world in a way heretofore unknown. Now He would abide in the hearts and lives of Believers forever (Jn. 14:16).<br />The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by taking all the things that Christ purchased for us at the Cross and making them available to us. Considering the great price paid for all of this, it stands to reason, that the Lord would want us to have everything which He there pur­chased, and purchased I might quickly add, with His Own Precious Blood (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />REVELATION<br />These things which I reveal to you now, have come to me by Revelation. To be sure, it is not something new, actually being the foundation of the faith from the very begin­ning. But Satan has been very successful in pushing the Church away from its true foun­dation, which is the Cross. As a result, most Christians, and even most Preachers, hardly know the Source of their victory; conse­quently, there is little victory in the hearts and lives of most Believers. To be sure, they desire the victory, with many of them even laboring diligently trying to obtain such, but without much success. Let me give a per­sonal testimony.<br />In the 1980’s, the Lord gave me many, many souls. Through Television aired all over the world, we saw literally hundreds of thousands brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Regarding Salvation for the<br /><br /><br /><br />lost, I preached the Cross, and preached it strongly. God rewarded the Message, as He always shall!<br />At the same time, I tried to correct the Church regarding areas which I knew to be wrong. In fact, the Lord plainly told me to call attention to these wrong directions. During this time, He also told me, that in all of this “my own would turn against me.” I’m so very glad at that particular time, that I didn’t know the extent of that which the Lord said to me. I’m not sure I could have stood it!<br />In those days, and by the Spirit, I knew what was wrong, but I didn’t know how to correct it, which means that I did not under­stand the Cross as it pertains to our everyday experience with the Lord. As stated, I under­stood the Cross and preached it strongly, as it regards our initial Salvation experience, but beyond that, I had no knowledge of the Cross, and in fact, didn’t know anyone who did. And in that context, the following must be noted:<br />Before one can properly turn the Sword of the Spirit on others, one must properly turn the Sword of the Spirit on himself. That I didn’t do, and because I didn’t understand how it was to be done, in which Satan took advantage.<br />Turning the Sword of the Spirit on one’s self, refers to dying to self. And what does that mean?<br />DYING TO SELF<br /><br />It is most bitter to a man to learn that all his goodness must be slain with the Sword of the Lord just as much as all his badness. God cannot give victories to “the flesh,” i.e., to “self.” Hence, “the flesh” must be “put to death” — the “old man” must die and the “new man” brought forth in a life of victory in Christ and with Christ.<br />This is all done by the Believer under­standing that at Salvation he died with Christ, which means that he was baptized into the death of Christ, was buried with Christ, and was raised with Christ in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-5).<br />This means that the “old man” has died, and the “new man” now lives (Rom. 6:6). However, our problem is this:<br />If we do not understand how the “new man” lives, which is by continued Faith in the Cross of Christ, we will find that the “old man” is quickly resurrected. And that’s our problem!<br />By the “old man” we refer to trust placed in “self” which translates into “flesh,” which refers to the effort to live this Christian life without the help of the Holy spirit. Even though the Holy Spirit is definitely present within our lives, He demands that we exhibit Faith in the Cross at all times, in order for Him to work. But the problem of most Chris­tians is, that they do not understand this.<br />If most Christians will think back, after they were saved, as far as the greater major­ity are concerned, the Church which they then began to attend, little directed them to the Cross, if at all! In fact, most Christians, despite living for the Lord many, many years, have little been directed toward the Cross at all. The Pastor not understanding the Cross, directs them to other things, and even though he may be very sincere, he is at the same time, very wrong. Consequently, the “old man” is resurrected, which means that the Christian is trying to live the Christian life by his own efforts, which is extremely frustrating.<br />That’s exactly the trap that I fell into, and it is the trap that almost all of the modern Church is in presently. While it is certainly true that the Preachers to whom we listen, at least for the most part, do not blatantly tell us to ignore and forsake the Cross, however, due to lack of knowledge in this area, they direct the Christian to “works.” Such a course is always the road to spiritual disaster. But, as stated, most Preachers, I think, do this sim­ply because they don’t know any better.<br />And because I didn’t know any better, as stated, Satan took full advantage of that, as he always will, which almost destroyed me.<br />In the late fall of 1991, at a time of serious crisis for this Ministry, with me not even know­ing if it could continue, I laid my Bible on the table and said, “I don’t know the answer, but I know the answer’s in this Book, and by the Grace of God I’m going to find the answer.”<br />It took nearly six years of crying and pray­ing before the Lord, even day and night, and I exaggerate not, but the Lord did see my tears, did hear my cry, and did answer my prayer.<br />In late 1996, the Holy Spirit began to show me the road to victory. First of all, He showed<br /><br /><br />me the Sixth Chapter of Romans. In effect, He showed me the Cross. He plainly and clearly told me from the Word of God, that the answer for which I sought was found in the Cross, and the Cross alone! And as I’ve already stated several times in this Volume, He told me as well, that my Faith must al­ways be in the Cross, for this was the man­ner in which the Holy Spirit worked.<br />Since that day, this Revelation has con­tinued to expand, with it becoming a total way of life, which is actually what the Word of God teaches. It is Christ living in us, and doing so by and through the Power and Per­son of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 2:20). Conse­quently, and by the Grace of God I might quickly add, I now experience a victory for which I had so long sought. The Sword of the Spirit has been applied to my own life, and to be sure, it is producing the most glorious life that one could ever have. This is the “more abundant life” of which Jesus spoke (Jn. 10:10). This is the “rest” which He promised (Mat. 11:28-30).<br />Now there is no longer any trust or de­pendence on “self,” or “good works,” or any­thing else for that matter, with the excep­tion of Christ and what He did for me at the Cross. My Faith is totally and completely in Him and in His great Sacrifice. This and this alone is the Christlike life!<br />THE PROMISE<br /><br />The phrase, “Received not the Promise,” refers to the coming Messiah, as stated, the sum and substance of all the Old Testament Promises.<br />As I’ve repeatedly stated, all the prophe­cies and predictions of the Old Testament point toward this “Promise.” And what is the end result of that “Promise”?<br />Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. He did that by dying on the Cross. His Sacrifice is what purchased our Redemp­tion, and His Sacrifice Alone is what pur­chased our Redemption. We must never for­get that.<br />Irrespective that the Old Testament Saints received not the Promise, in other words Jesus didn’t come before their deaths, still, they died in Faith, and Faith I might quickly add that He would come, in which He definitely did. Now let’s look at the next Verse which sheds more light on “the Promise.”<br />(40) “GOD HAVING PROVIDED SOME BETTER THING FOR US, THAT THEY WITHOUT US SHOULD NOT BE MADE PERFECT.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />From the very time of the Fall, God began the process of providing a perfect Sal­vation.<br /><br />2.<br />This “better thing” is the Sacrifice of God’s Son, which would provide this perfect Salvation.<br /><br />3.<br />All the Old Testament Saints were made perfect (a perfect Salvation) by that Sacrifice, exactly as we are presently.<br /><br /><br />THE PROVISION OF GOD<br />The phrase, “God having provided some better thing for us,” presents that which God had promised to Abraham (Gen. 22:14).<br />Of course, we do not have an account of all that went on between the Lord and Abraham that particular day when the Pa­triarch was to offer up Isaac, but we do know, that more than likely, a lot more was said than the information we are given, because Abraham “called the name of that place Je-hovah-Jireh.” The name actually means, “the Lord will provide.” That of course is a con­firmation of what God said in the Garden of Eden immediately after the Fall, concerning the seed of the woman, which would bruise the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15).<br />Of course, that which the Lord was to provide, was a Redeemer Who would bring forth Redemption for lost humanity. That Redeemer was and is the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />As we have stated concerning the Old Testament Saints, they “did not receive the Promise,” they only foresaw that it would be fulfilled and died in that Faith. But this failure to obtain the fulfillment of the Prom­ise was not due to any slackness on the part of God, nor to any defect in their Faith; there was a good reason for it, and that reason was that “God had in view some better thing for us.” The “better thing” is that which this Epistle has made it its business to ex­pound, the perfecting of God’s people by full communion with Him mediated by the per­fect Revelation of His Son and His perfect<br /><br /><br /><br />Covenant (Heb. 8:7-13), and His better Sac­rifice (Heb. 9:23).<br />BETTER<br /><br />“Better” in the Greek is “kreisson,” and means “greater, strength, stronger, best.” It is used here repeatedly by Paul in this Epistle to the Hebrews with a definite theological significance.<br />Paul penned this letter to the Hebrews to encourage and to strengthen wavering He­brew Christians. His argument to those con­verts who were deeply rooted in Old Testa­ment traditions is that the Gospel of Christ is far superior and that Jesus in fact fulfilled what the Old Testament merely promises. In this argument, the Apostle often uses the word “better” to show ways in which Faith in Jesus and what He did at the Cross are superior to the Faith of the Old Testament that it supplants.<br />Jesus’ Gospel is superior, for Jesus is su­perior to the Angels, who are considered mediators in a sense of the Old Testament Message to man (Heb. 1:4). However, Jesus brings a superior hope, which enables us to approach God Himself and does not leave us standing outside a drawn veil (Heb. 7:19).<br />The Son of God provides a superior Cov­enant relationship (Heb. 7:22; 8:6), anchored in better Promises (Heb. 8:6). All this is guaranteed by a better Sacrifice than that of the animals offered on Old Testament Altars (Heb. 9:23).<br />All the Old Testament Saints were com­mended for their faith, but we have more, we are recipients of what they hoped for, as God in Jesus has planned something better for us (Heb. 11:40).<br />How wonderful it is to realize that in Jesus, and His great Sacrifice on the Cross, that God has provided the very best for you and me!<br />COMPLETE<br /><br />The phrase, “That they without us should not be made perfect,” lays the stress not nec­essarily on the Church to which this phrase points, but rather on Christ Who would make it all possible for both the Old Testament and the New Testament Saints.<br />Alford says: “The Advent and Work of Christ has changed the estate of the Old Testament Fathers and Saints into greater and perfect bliss; an inference which is clear in many other places in Scripture. So that their perfection was dependent on our per­fection: their and our perfection was all brought in at the same time, when Christ ‘by one Offering perfected forever those who are sanctified’ so that the result with regard to them is, that their spirits, from the time when Christ first descended into Paradise and then ascended up into Heaven, enjoy heavenly blessedness, and are waiting with all who have followed their glorified High Priest within the Veil, for the resurrection of their bodies, the Regeneration, the renovation of all things.”<br />The idea of all of this is, at least as it re­gards the Old Testament Saints, that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away their sin, so even though they were saved, the sin debt still remained. The sin debt was re­moved when Christ did on Calvary, and be­cause the sin debt was removed, Satan could no longer hold the Old Testament Saints in captivity down in Paradise, which Jesus spoke of in Luke Chapter 16. When He died on the Cross, thereby satisfying the demands of Heavenly Justice, which means that all sin was then atoned, past, present, and future, at least for those who have believed, who do believe, and who would believe, Satan then had no more legal claim on the Old Testa­ment Saints, or anyone for that matter who places their Faith and Trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross. Regarding these Old Testament Saints, Jesus literally went down into Paradise immediately upon His Death at Calvary, and liberated them from that pit, and took them to Heaven (Eph. 4:8-10).<br />The whole thing as Paul gives it here, actually presents itself in two parts. The fa­thers had one part “in the Promises,” and we the other “in the fulfillment,” and neither would have been complete without the other.<br />Christ was predicted in the Old Testa­ment, even from the very beginning, and of course those predictions were fulfilled in His First Advent.<br />The “better things” referred to here as possessed by Christians, are the privilege of seeing those promises fulfilled in the Messiah; the blessings resulting from the Atonement;<br /><br /><br />the more expanded views which we have un­der the Gospel; the brighter hopes of Heaven itself, and the clearer apprehension of what Heaven is which we are permitted to enjoy.<br />The argument of all of this is, that if the Hebrew Christians went back into Judaism, thereby forsaking Christ, they would be for­feiting all of this, which would be a tragedy of unparalleled proportions.<br />Considering that all the Old Testament Saints died in the Faith, thereby looking for­ward to that which was to come, and now that it had come, for these present Hebrew Chris­tians to apostatize, would be tragic indeed! If the Old Testament Saints, under the influ­ence of the mere “Promise” of future bless­ings, were enabled thus to persevere, how much more reason is there for us to perse­vere, who have been permitted, by the com­ing of the Messiah, to witness the perfection of the system!<br />THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE<br /><br />There is no part of the New Testament of more value than this Chapter; none which deserves to be more patiently studied, or which may be more frequently applied to the circumstances of Christians. These invalu­able records are adapted to sustain us in times of trial, temptation, and persecution; to show us what Faith has done in days that are past, and what it may do still in similar circum­stances. Nothing can better show the value and the power of Faith, or of a true experi­ence with Christ, than the records in this Chapter. It has done what nothing else could do. It has enabled men to endure what noth­ing else would enable them to bear; and it has shown its power in inducing them to give up, at the command of God, what the hu­man heart holds most dear.<br />Among all of these lessons which we may derive from the study of this portion of Di­vine Truth, let us learn from the example of Abel to continue to offer to God the sacrifice of true Faith which He requires, though we may be taunted or opposed by our nearest kin­dred; from that of Enoch to walk with God, though surrounded by a wicked world, and to look to the blessed translation to Heaven which awaits all the righteous; from that of Noah to comply with all the directions of God, and to make all needful preparations for the future events which He has predicted in which we are to be most interested; from that of Abraham to leave country, and home, and kindred if God calls us to, and to go just where He commands, through deserts and wilds, and among strange men; and like him, also, to be ready to give up the dearest ob­jects of our earthly affection, even when at­tended with all that can try or torture our feelings of affection — feeling that God, Who gave, has a right to require their removal in His Own way — and that, however much we may fix our hopes on a dear child, He can fulfill all His purposes and promises to us though such a child should be removed by death; from that of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to regard ourselves as strangers and pilgrims on Earth, having here no perma­nent home, and seeking a better country; from that of Moses to be willing to leave all the pomp and splendor of the world, all our brilliant prospects and hopes, and to welcome poverty, reproach, and suffering, if need be, that we may identify ourselves with the people of God; by the remembrance of the host of worthies who met danger, and en­countered mighty foes, and vanquished them, let us learn to go forth in our spiritual conflicts against the enemies of our souls and of the Church, assured of victory; and from the example of those who were driven from the abodes of men, and exposed to the storms of persecution, let us learn to bear every trial, and to be ready, at any moment, to lay down our lives if necessary, in the cause of Truth and of God.<br />Of all those holy men and women who made these sacrifices, which of them ever regretted it, when they came calmly to look over their lives, and to review them on the borders of the eternal world? None! Not one of them every expressed regret that he had given up the world; or that he had obeyed the Lord too early, too faithfully, or too long.<br />Not Abraham, who left his country and kindred; not Moses, who abandoned his brilliant prospects in Egypt; not Noah, who subjected himself to ridicule and scorn for many years; and not one of those who were exposed to lions, to fire, to the edge of the sword, or who were driven away from society<br /><br /><br /><br />as outcasts, to wander in pathless deserts, or to take up their abodes in caverns and caves, none ever regretted the course which they had chosen (Barnes).<br />OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES<br />When we reach Heaven, we shall see that we have not endured one pain too much, and that through whatever trials we may have passed, the result is worth all which it has cost.<br />We must ever understand, that whatever be our present lot, the journey will soon be ended, and soon what are now objects of faith will become objects of fulfillment; and in their enjoyment, how trifling and brief will seem all the difficulties and problems of our present pilgrimage.<br />In all of this, we must remember that it is Christ Who has made it all possible. And we must also remember, that He gave us this great Salvation, this perfect guarantee of an eternal future, this eternal life, this escape from the bondages of darkness, this trans­ference from darkness to light, at a fearful price. But it was the price that He paid by the giving of Himself on the Cross. Considering that, what complaint do we have as it regards these minor annoyances.<br />There are very few people who suffered more for Christ than the Apostle Paul; how­ever, he refers to all of this as but “our light affliction, which is but for a moment” (II Cor. 4:17).<br />At whatever price, what a privilege it is to live for God!<br />“He, Who safely keepeth, slumbers not, nor sleepeth; “Tho’ by all the world forsaken, wherefore should I fear? “That which He hath spoken never can be broken, “Who shall harm the trusting heart when He is near?”<br /><br />“He will keep me ever, where no power can sever, “From my heart, the love that hides me, in His secret places. “There in faith abiding, all to Him confiding, “Thro’ His Spirit I am sealed, an heir of grace.”<br />“He will keep me ever; like a gentle river,<br />“Peace from Him, my Lord and Savior, comes with joy to me;<br />“In its quiet flowing, life and health bestowing,<br />“Til within the gates of pearl the King I see!”<br /> </div>Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-844437407791291152008-03-11T05:49:00.000-05:002008-03-11T05:52:43.771-05:00HEBREWS CHAPTER 10<div align="justify">HEBREWS CHAPTER 10<br /><br />(1) “FOR THE LAW HAVING A SHADOW OF GOOD THINGS TO COME, AND NOT THE VERY IMAGE OF THE THINGS, CAN NEVER WITH THOSE SACRIFICES WHICH THEY OFFERED YEAR BY YEAR<br />NOTES<br /><br />CONTINUALLY MAKE THE COMERS THEREUNTO PERFECT.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The Law of Moses, as stated here, was only a shadow of the New Covenant which was to come.<br /><br />2.<br />It was not the very image of the New Covenant, even though all of the ceremonies and rituals pointed to Christ, but not with such clarity that it was fully recognizable by the people.<br /><br />3.<br />The mere fact that the sacrifices were constantly renewed, portrayed the insuffi­ciency of that Covenant.<br /><br /><br />THE LAW ONLY A SHADOW<br /><br />The phrase, “For the Law having a shadow of good things to come,” presents Paul en­gaging in further explanation of the finality of Christ’s One Sacrifice and thus of its supe­riority to the sacrifices of the Law. A “shadow” suggests indefiniteness and insubstantiality; a mere indication that a reality exists.<br />In the first eighteen Verses of this Chap­ter, the contrast between the sacrifices un­der the Law and the One Offering of Christ is brought out more clearly than ever. It is important to follow the argument carefully and notice the close reasoning of the Apostle as he contrasts the one with the other. The Levitical economy was but a shadow of the coming good things.<br />The preceding sections have brought out the efficacy of the Blood of Jesus as a prevail­ing Sacrifice, and now stress is laid on the once-for-all character of that Sacrifice. First of all, Paul contrasts the substance and the shadow. He sees the ancient system that meant so much to the Jews as no more than an unsubstantial, shadowy affair. The real thing is in Christ. To leave Christ in favor of Judaism would be to forsake the substance for the shadow. The sacrificial system practiced by the Jews could not deal effectually with sin, even as Paul says in Verse 1. Since it was no more than a shadow, that was quite impossible.<br />“The Law” refers strictly to the Law of Moses, but here it stands for the entirety of the Old Testament, with particular reference to the sacrificial system.<br />As we will see from the next phrase, the “shadow” is merely the preliminary outline that an artist may make before he gets to his colors, and the finished portrait. Paul is say­ing that the Law is no more than a prelimi­nary sketch. It shows the shape of things to come, but the solid reality is not there. That awaited Christ, and was fulfilled in Christ.<br />NOT THE VERY IMAGE<br />The phrase, “And not the very image of the things,” presents the fact that the Law was basically only a suggestion, and not re­ally an image. In fact, it was quite impossible for the Law to present a proper image of Who Christ would be, and What Christ would be, even though the mere mechanics of the Law suggested, that something better had to come.<br />It’s very easy for us to look back and draw the “types” and “symbols” represented in the Law, for the simple reason that we now look at the situation after the fact. But before Christ came, it would not have been so simple.<br />However, as we have repeatedly stated, the fact that the sacrifices were constantly re­newed, showed that the Law possessed no more than a mere shadow of the coming good which was exhibited in those sacrifices. But yet, no repetition of the shadow can amount to the substance.<br />THE SPIRIT OF ALL THAT<br />WAS DONE AND IS DONE<br /><br />What the Lord gave to Israel as it regards the Law, with all of its types and symbolisms, was done exactly as the Divine Spirit desired. While the shadow was there, this was all the Lord intended for it to be. So, the blame for Israel not seeing a perfect representation of the coming New Covenant in the Law, is not to be blamed on the Lord Who gave the Law.<br />The idea is, if the individual contained the right spirit, and we speak of the right spirit toward God, the Holy Spirit would then re­veal to him that which was necessary.<br />People tend to see what they want to see, and hear what they want to hear. In fact, that which we are discussing as it regards the Law of old, applies in the same manner presently to the Cross.<br />As the majority in Israel could not see Christ in the Law, the majority presently in the Church cannot see Christ in the Cross. A problem of deception which is with humanity, doesn’t<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />change. Everything that is necessary is given by God. If there is failure to recognize that which ought to be obvious, then the failure is on our part and not that of the Lord. His Way is Perfect, while ours is anything but perfect.<br />The Prophets of old constantly predicted One Who was to come, Who would give peace in the hearts of men, which the Law and the Sacrifices could not give; consequently, Is­rael should have recognized Him when He came, but regrettably, they didn’t!<br />As well, it should be obvious as to what the Cross means as it regards Christianity, but that also seems not to be the case.<br />As the sacrifices could not bring peace to the conscience of the Believer of old, neither can ways and directions other than the Cross bring peace to modern Believers. That should be the greatest tip off of all. But yet we seem to be making the same mistakes presently as the Jews of old made in their time.<br />IMPERFECT SACRIFICES<br /><br />The phrase, “Can never with those sacri­fices which they offered year by year con­tinually make the comers thereunto perfect,” presents the fact that the very nature of the sacrifices, and their continued necessity, could not accomplish the task desired. So why did Israel place such stock in all of this?<br />It is understandable as to Israel’s pride in the Law before Christ, but not at all afterward. And I speak specifically of the Christian Jews.<br />One of the problems is that human beings quickly become enamored with the “doing of religion,” which is done most perfectly as it relates to rituals and ceremonies. There is something about these things that makes us “feel religious,” and thereby, that something has been accomplished, when in fact, noth­ing has been accomplished.<br />Rituals and ceremonies cannot cleanse from sin, cannot bring forgiveness, cannot bring cleansing, and cannot bring peace with God. But still, the “doing of religion” excites us.<br />As we study these texts, we must not rel­egate these great Truths and warnings only to the Jewish Christians of old, but we must see what the Holy Spirit is telling us pres­ently, and to be sure, He is telling us much. We make a grand mistake, if we feel that we presently are not susceptible to the same difficulties as the Christian Jews of Paul’s day. In fact, the problem is just as acute now as it was then, even though the shape of things may be a little different.<br />IT WAS THE CROSS THEN, AND<br />IT IS THE CROSS NOW<br /><br />As the problem was the Cross then, the problem is the Cross now! It all boils down to the Cross!<br />Jesus dying on a Cross, and thereby aton­ing for all the sins of mankind, did not seem nearly as spectacular to those particular Jews as did the rituals and ceremonies of the Mo­saic Law. It was a question of “activity” vs. “Faith” or the “doing of religion” vs. “trust­ing that which has already been done.”<br />Considering the teaching given by Paul, I seriously doubt that ignorance of the Word could have been the greatest problem for these Christian Jews. I think the Text brings it out very graphically. The problem was “unbe­lief” (Heb. 3:12-13).<br />As I mentioned some pages back, when the Lord first began to open up to me the Revelation of the Cross, which was in 1996, my immediate thought was that the greater problem concerning most Christians was ig­norance of the Word; however, I have come to believe that this is not exactly the case. Whereas that definitely exists, the greater problem I fear, is the same as the problem in Paul’s day, the problem of rank unbelief. The Christian Jews, at least some of them, were fastly coming to the place that they simply did not believe that what Christ did was suf­ficient. It is the same presently! There is no way the modern Church can delve wholesale into humanistic psychology, without at the same time registering a vote of no confidence as it regards the Cross. And for the most part, that is the position of the modern Church.<br />MAKE PERFECT<br /><br />The words “make perfect” are the trans­lation of the Greek “teleioo,” which means, “to bring to a state of completeness.” The idea here is that the ceremonial law could not actually save the Believer. Its work was always short of completeness.<br />When we think of the word “perfect,” we must understand that such perfection is found<br />NOTES<br /><br />only in Christ. In fact, our Salvation is a per­fect Salvation, simply because it’s in Christ. Our Redemption is perfect, even as our peace is perfect. This means that our cleansing from all sin is perfect, for that’s all that God can accept.<br />He cannot accept partial cleansing, which means that there is no such thing as a partial justification. A person is either completely forgiven or all sin, or he’s not forgiven at all! And when the Believer turns to Christ, and confesses his sin (I Jn. 1:9), the Lord totally and completely forgives and cleanses from all sin, which He has promised to do. In fact, there is no limitation on the times of forgive­ness and cleansing which can be engaged.<br />Now the “perfection” here enjoined, does not refer to sinless perfection regarding the Believer. No Believer is perfect in this regard, but at the same time, our Salvation is perfect.<br />This is what makes it so wrong for Churches and Denominations to refuse to accept God’s Way, rather attempting to substitute other things of themselves. There is only one an­swer for sin, and that is Christ, and what He did at the Cross. To claim the great Sacri­fice of Christ, and then attempt to add some­thing to that Sacrifice, is a sin of gargantuan proportions. In fact, those attempting to add something to the Finished Work of Christ are committing far worse sins, than the poor vic­tim they are claiming to rehabilitate — which word incidentally, is not found in the Bible, and simply because such does not exist in true Scriptural terms.<br />The Salvation afforded by Christ on the Cross is a perfect Salvation. Nothing dare be removed from that Sacrifice, and nothing dare be added to that Sacrifice.<br />(2) “FOR THEN WOULD THEY NOT HAVE CEASED TO BE OFFERED? BE­CAUSE THAT THE WORSHIPPERS ONCE PURGED SHOULD HAVE HAD NO MORE CONSCIENCE OF SINS.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />The necessity for the continued offer­ing of the sacrifices under the old Law, proved by that very thing, that they were insufficient.<br /><br />2.<br />Had there been true cleansing, there would have been no more need for further sac­rifices. The very fact of continued sacrifices proved that the sins had not been washed clean.<br /><br /><br />3. Faith in the Cross of Christ, which Paul is here grandly proclaiming, cleanses from all sin, and thereby, the “conscience of sins.”<br />CONTINUED SACRIFICES<br />The question, “For then would they not have ceased to be offered?”, presents a tremen­dous Truth which we should study very care­fully. In this is the very heart of the Gospel.<br />It is obvious here that the old Law, even as grand as it was in its day with all its ritu­als, ceremonies, and sacrifices, still, could not cleanse from sin. The idea is, even though the sins were covered as it regards these sac­rifices, at least if faith was properly placed in the One Whom the Sacrifices properly rep­resented, still, the sins were not taken away. There is a great difference in sins being cov­ered than being completely removed, which latter only the Cross could accomplish, and in fact, did!<br />The Hebrew Christians were having diffi­culty accepting this. The simple fact of the Cross up beside the beautiful ritual and cer­emony of the Temple, seemed to place the Cross in a secondary position. I think we could say that many of the Hebrew Chris­tians to whom this Epistle was addressed were puzzled. If God had rejected the Temple and the Old Testament ordinances and wor­ship, why was the Temple still standing?<br />The truth is, in a very short time after this Epistle was written, the Temple was indeed de­stroyed, with of course, the sacrifices ceasing.<br />Paul gave no attention to the Temple it­self, rather speaking in detail concerning the Tabernacle, the Priesthood, and the Sacri­fices of the Old Economy, from which had come the Temple. In fact, the Temple and all of its ritual had been rejected by God, no longer possessing an authoritative standing in the minds of the Holy Spirit and, there­fore, as well, of Paul. The Temple sacrifices were continuing to this time because the nation of Israel had refused to accept Christ and His Sacrifice as final. In fact, Israel had rejected Jesus as their Messiah.<br />POLITICAL AND NOT SPIRITUAL<br />In the Lord’s day the attitude of the Jew­ish rulers concerning the Messiah was po­litical expectation rather than spiritual, and<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />national rather than universal. They looked for a Messiah Who would overthrow their en­emies, restore the nation of Israel, and set up His Kingdom, all within the house and framework of Israel, and that in the land of Palestine.<br />They failed to realize how necessary was the removal of sin’s barrier. The Law had pointed to the Messiah’s redemptive work, but, in their national pride, they had missed the valuable lesson of their guardian, the Law. The significance of the Prophecy that indi­cated a change in the Priesthood and the es­tablishment of a New Covenant was over­looked in their zeal for a national kingdom.<br />The Tabernacle constructed under Moses, which of course was the foundation of the Law and later the Temple, had been only a figure or a symbol of that which would come in the Messiah. The rituals of purification given under the Law had only succeeded in ceremonial cleansing, but these rituals could not cleanse moral guilt. All of the offerings could not remove spiritual defilement or the guilt and disdain of sin. Only the atoning work of Christ on the Cross, and Faith in that Finished Work, could purge the conscience. The whole economy of Moses pointed to the Perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but sadly, this Israel could not see!<br />NO MORE CONSCIENCE OF SINS<br /><br />The phrase, “Because that the worship­pers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins,” proclaims what the proper Sacrifice of Christ could do, and in fact, did do, but which the sacrifice of bulls and goats could not do.<br />The phrase, “No more conscience of sins,” should not be misunderstood as “No more consciousness of sin.”<br />The subject here is the perfect peace of conscience resulting from the perfection of the Offering presented to God. Because the Offering, being the Body of Christ, was infi­nite in its atoning efficacy, therefore, the worshipper enjoys a perfected conscience, that is, perfect peace of conscience — the sense of guilt is removed directly the value of the Offering in expiation is known.<br />As before pointed out, the conscience of the worshipper is a reflection of the value of the Offering. If the Offering is perfect, the conscience is perfected; if the Offering is im­perfect, the conscience is imperfect (Williams).<br />A failure to understand this of which Paul says, is failure of the highest order. Let’s look at it more closely.<br />THE VALUE OF THE OFFERING<br /><br />All of this boils down to the value of the Offering. We know with certitude, even as Paul says in many and varied ways, that the Offering or the Sacrifices of the animals, al­though ordained by God, was only intended to be a stopgap measure. All of this was lim­ited in what it could do.<br />By contrast, the Offering of Christ, which was the Sacrifice of Himself (Gal. 1:4), was and is an Offering of such magnitude as to defy all description. The idea is this:<br />If the Believer does not place total Faith and confidence in that “Offering,” then the Believer is in effect saying that it is worth far less than it actually is, or else it’s worth nothing at all. The question is, “How much value do we place on the Offering of Christ?”<br />Do we feel that the Cross is the answer to every question, the solution to every prob­lem, the strength for every weakness, the life for every death, the salvation for every sin, and the health for every sickness? How you as a Believer look at the Cross, is how you value the Cross. This is very, very serious, so we should think about it very carefully.<br />The venture of the Church into humanis­tic psychology is a simple statement which proclaims the fact, that they do not place much value on the Offering of Christ. As I’ve said again and again, one cannot have it both ways. Either that Offering suffices, or else it doesn’t!<br />If we try to add something to the Offering of Christ, we are at the same time saying that the Offering is insufficient, meaning that we do not place much value on its effectiveness. Let me make the statement again which we have just stated:<br />“The sense of guilt is removed directly the value of the Offering in expiation is known. The conscience of the worshipper is a reflec­tion of the value of the Offering. If the Offer­ing is properly understood and faith there properly placed, the conscience is perfected;<br />NOTES<br /><br />if the Offering is not properly understood, which means that faith is improperly placed, the conscience will be imperfect as well.”<br />For one to receive the proper benefits of the Cross, in other words that for which Jesus died, one must understand its proper value, and at the same time, properly understand its value.<br />This is the reason that many say, “I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t work!”<br />In the first place, one doesn’t “try the Cross!” The very idea of such an effort por­trays the fact, that not much value is placed on this One Offering of Christ. Consequently, little value placed, little value received!<br />THE EFFECTIVENESS OF<br />THE ATONEMENT<br /><br /><br />The whole design of the Epistle to the Hebrews is to set forth the excellency of Jesus Christ and the efficacy (effectiveness) of His Atonement. By many comparisons and con­trasts, Paul is able to show the inadequacy of the old system and the effectiveness of the New. He demonstrates how Christ was able to pay fully for the sins of men.<br />From the very beginning, the Lord had promised a Redeemer who could fully pay for sins, which meant that the blood of sac­rificial animals which was used as a stopgap measure, could not actually pay for sins. If they could, then there would have been no need for Christ!<br />No matter how often they were presented, the sacrifices of the Mosaic economy were never able to bring men into a righteous standing before God: the worshippers always came short of completion. But yet, there is something else we must say about that:<br />While this was the condition of the Old Testament worshipper as far as the animal sacrifices were concerned, yet actually, the Israelite who would come to the Tabernacle, and present his animal for sacrifice, thereby looking ahead in Faith to the God-appointed Lamb Who would someday bear his sins, to be sure, that Israelite was saved in Jesus’ Pre­cious Blood, meaning that he was just as saved as we are presently. It was by Faith then, as it is by Faith now; however, the great problem then as is the great problem now, was the object of one’s Faith.<br />The Blood of Jesus was just as powerful to save and keep saved for time and eternity be­fore the Cross as since the Cross, for we have a God Who takes things that are not in exist­ence, to bring to naught the things which are.<br />So, Paul is not saying that sins were not forgiven during those times, for in fact they were. What he is saying, however, is very, very important, and applies to us today just as much, as stated, as it did then.<br />He is saying that the blood of these ani­mal sacrifices could not save from sin, so to continue in this capacity even after Jesus had come, presents itself as a travesty of the high­est order.<br />Paul is not saying that no one was saved before the Cross. That’s not his thinking at all. In fact, he said otherwise in the Fifteenth Verse of the previous Chapter. It is the ob­ject of faith which the Apostle is actually ad­dressing, and nothing else.<br />THE OBJECT OF FAITH<br />If Israelites brought their sacrifices to the Tabernacle or Temple, placing their faith only in that particular ritual, and thereby ignor­ing what or who the sacrifices actually rep­resented, these individuals were not saved. Their sins were not forgiven, and in fact, their sins were not even covered. This meant that the object of their faith was wrong, which sadly was the case with the far greater majority.<br />This is the same thing that was happen­ing with the Christian Jews. Where were they going to place their Faith? Were they going to place it in the sacrifices of animals, or were they going to place it in Christ and what He had done at the Cross on their behalf? That and that alone, decided their Salvation.<br />It is the same presently. In fact, nothing has changed! Are you as a Believer placing your Faith exclusively in the great Sacrifice of Christ, realizing and understanding its great value, even as we’ve already addressed, or are you placing your faith in the Church, Preachers, Denominations, your confession, manifestations, etc.?<br />As a Believer in what Christ has done at the Cross, and placing all of my Faith in that, I know that my sins are purged; therefore, I have no more “conscience of sins.” I know they are gone, washed away, cleansed, taken<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />away, etc. I know that they will never con­demn me again.<br />But at the same time, I do have a con­sciousness of sins, meaning that I am con­science of the fact of sin and as well, of the horror of sin. But because of Christ, my con­science is totally clear and clean of all sin, there being no condemnation (Rom. 8:1).<br />HOW DOES GOD LOOK AT A<br />CLEANSED BELIEVER?<br /><br /><br />God looks at cleansed Believers, which in fact, includes every single Believer who has ever lived, as perfect in His sight. Whatever sin they had committed, is now gone and washed away, and I speak of us properly con­fessing our sins to Him (I Jn. 1:9). That indi­vidual is not looked at as a second class Chris­tian, or someone on probation, or half a hun­dred other foolish positions which Satan can think of. The moment any Christian con­fesses their sin, that sin is instantly washed, cleansed, put away and forgiven. It is remem­bered against the Believer no more, because in the mind of God, it does not exist, and because it has been purged. It is all done through Faith in Christ, and because of what He did for us at the Cross, in atoning for all sin, past, present, and future.<br />So, this means that if any Christian looks at any other Christian in a negative way because of some sin committed in the past, which is now washed, cleansed, and forgiven, that par­ticular Christian is living under Law, and ac­tually bringing upon himself a curse. In fact, he is denying the same Grace to the other brother or sister, which he daily needs him­self, and in fact, must depend on constantly.<br />I’m trying to say that every single Chris­tian who has ever lived, has had to go before the Lord many times, asking for forgiveness for some particular type of sin. If we deny that, then we are denying the obvious.<br />Some might say, in their efforts to justify their accusations, “But I haven’t done that,” whatever “that” might be! Well what does the Bible say?<br />“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9).<br />Now the Holy Spirit here through John said “all unrighteousness.” He either meant “all unrighteousness,” or he didn’t! I hap­pen to believe that He told the truth, and you had better believe the same.<br />Let me say it again in a little clearer way:<br />If you as a Believer place any Christian in a secondary or second class position, because of a sin they committed in the past, which has been duly forgiven and cleansed by the Lord, you are making a mockery of the Grace of God, doing despite to the Spirit of Grace, and limiting the value of the great Sacrifice of Christ, as far as that individual is con­cerned. The truth is, you have not hurt or limited them at all, but you have definitely hurt yourself.<br />Jesus plainly said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Mat. 7:1-2).<br />His statement is very clear: when you limit the Grace of God for someone else, as stated, you have in fact, limited it for your­self. Unfortunately, that is the condition in which entire Denominations presently find themselves. It is sad but true!<br />FORGIVING YOURSELF?<br /><br />Unfortunately, the term “forgiving one­self,” has crept into the vocabulary of Chris­tians, even though it is from the world of psychology. In fact, very much psychologi­cal terminology has made its way into the vocabulary of Christians, which portrays in graphic outline the wrong leanings of the modern Church.<br />There is nothing in the Bible about Chris­tians, or anyone for that matter, forgiving themselves. Such shows a complete misun­derstanding of the basis of forgiveness, and above all the One Who can truly forgive, Who of course is Christ. If one is seeking forgive­ness from themselves, they are looking in the wrong place, and looking at forgiveness to­tally and completely in the wrong manner.<br />If a Christian does wrong, and unfortu­nately this happens quite often, the Chris­tian is to immediately take his sin to the Lord. The heavy guilt and condemnation are brought on by sin, which can only be assuaged by properly confessing the sin to the Lord (not other people), asking His forgiveness<br />NOTES<br /><br />and cleansing, which He has promptly prom­ised to do (I Jn. 1:9). If that is done, under­standing that what Jesus did at the Cross handled all sin, and as well, understanding that “He ever liveth to make intercession for us” (Heb. 7:25), the condemnation will then instantly leave, with fellowship instantly re­stored. As previously stated, the Lord doesn’t put anyone on probation; as well, there is no such thing as a partial justification. When the Lord justifies, He always does so totally and completely, and He will always do so the moment the person comes to Him in Faith believing (Jn. 3:16).<br />So, when Christians speak of someone and say, “He won’t forgive himself,” or terminol­ogy of that nature, they don’t really know what they’re talking about. Nothing like that exists in real terms as it regards our rela­tionship with Christ.<br />Understanding the Grace of God, we should never bring up past failures which the Lord has cleansed and forgiven, except pos­sibly in some remote way in order to teach others, etc. Even then, it must be done in a very limited way, and seldom. In Romans Chapter 7, Paul mentioned past failures on his part, but it was used in order to instruct Believers as to how to have Faith in the Cross and not themselves.<br />Sin is an abominable thing. A Brother mentioned in prayer meeting just this morn­ing, how that in the last few weeks the Holy Spirit has been dealing with him about the terribleness and the awfulness of sin. He mentioned that the Holy Spirit had used our Commentary on Galatians to bring this to his attention, for which we were grateful. This means that we are to never look at sin with impunity! It is awful beyond description.<br />God forbid that any Christian should fail in any manner; however, we know that the reality is that failures in one way or the other are more prominent than we would like to think. The major problem is, that most Christians do not understand the Cross; con­sequently, they attempt to live the life they ought to live by the means of the flesh, when they think they’re doing it by the Spirit. The results are always failure and often.<br />However, even then, the Lord will always forgive and cleanse, no matter how many times the infraction; nevertheless, such an existence is not the Will of God, and will defi­nitely cause the Christian great difficulties, even though the Lord will always be quick to forgive.<br />But if there is failure of any type, it must be handled correctly. We must always make certain that our thinking and our action never belittles the great Sacrifice of Christ in any manner. This, the Sacrifice of Christ and not our sin, is to always be held in view.<br />(3) “BUT IN THOSE SACRIFICES THERE IS A REMEMBRANCE AGAIN MADE OF SINS EVERY YEAR.”<br />The composition is:<br />1.<br />The word “remembrance” as it regards sacrifices and sins, tells us that the conscience of the worshippers under the old economy was not purged.<br /><br />2.<br />The yearly repetition of sacrifices, speaking of the Great Day of Atonement, pre­sented itself as a glaring spectacle that the sin debt was still owing.<br /><br />3.<br />Despite all of the activity and the ritu­als and ceremonies of the old Law, in fact, because of all the activity, such were a con­stant reminder that something else had to be done about sin.<br /><br /><br />SACRIFICES, REMEMBRANCE, AND SINS<br />In this Verse, several things are said:<br />1.<br />Sacrifices: the very fact that the word is in the plural, states that they were woefully insufficient. Hence the Holy Spirit through Paul would refer to them as “those sacrifices.”<br /><br />2.<br />A remembrance: the idea is, in these constant offering of sacrifices, there was a remembrance of sins. Where the Bible car­ries the idea of remembrance, action appears to be involved. When people remember sins, they either repent (Deut. 9:7) or else persist in sin (Ezek. 23:19).<br /><br /><br />When God remembers sin, and we speak of sin unconfessed and unrepented, He usu­ally punishes it (I Ki. 17:18; Rev. 16:19); when He pardons, He can be said not to remember sin (Ps. 25:7). Under the New Covenant, God doesn’t punish Believers, that having already been done in Christ, but rather chastises (Heb. 12:5-11).<br />By Paul using the expression “remem­brance” he is reminding us that Jesus said,<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />“Do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19), as He established a Covenant in which the central theme is that God says, “I will re­member their sins no more” (Jer. 31:34).<br />As we have stated, the Day of Atonement each year reminded people of the fact that something had to be done about sin. But the ceremonies did no more than that, merely serve as a reminder.<br />3.<br />Sins: exactly what all of this fully meant to the Israel of old, we have no way presently of knowing. We know then that God defi­nitely did forgive sins; however, there is a difference in sins being forgiven, but with the fact of sin remaining, than sins being forgiven and as well taken away. The former cannot bring a relief of the conscience, while the latter definitely does, and can only be done through Christ.<br /><br />Even though many of the Jews before the Cross believed in Christ and were definitely saved, still, due to the sacrifices of that time being woefully inadequate, the sin debt still remained. Now, due to what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf, for all who believe in Him and His great Sacrifice, the sin debt is completely erased. This does cleanse the conscience.<br /><br />4.<br />Yearly: Paul is not here demeaning what was then done. That’s not the idea at all! He is merely saying to the Christian Jews who were considering going back into Judaism, which would have meant the forsaking of Christ, for it’s impossible for one to have it both ways, that if they did so, ruin would be the result.<br /><br /><br />If one leaves the Cross, one has left every­thing. As He will say in Verse 26 of this Chap­ter, “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” It’s the Cross or nothing!<br />(4) “FOR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND OF GOATS SHOULD TAKE AWAY SINS.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />It is not possible for one to be washed, cleansed, and forgiven of all sin except through Faith in the Cross of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />There is no relation between the physi­cal blood of animals and man’s moral offense, which goes for any other atonement which man may try to make, other than the Cross of Christ.<br /><br /><br />3. The only thing that God will recognize is that sins are “taken away,” which was done by what Christ did at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work.<br />NOT POSSIBLE<br /><br />The yearly ceremonies were ineffective because “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The word “im­possible” is a strong one. It means there is no way forward through the blood of animals.<br />As well, the words “not possible” apply to all other efforts made by man to address the problem of sin. In fact, the entirety of the world of religion, whether it be Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Shintoism, or that part of Christianity which is corrupt, is but an effort to atone for sin in one way or the other, except God’s Way, which is the Cross. And make no mistake about it, the problem is sin.<br />Man may put one label or another label on the problem, may dress it up in all type of garb, but the truth is, the problem is sin. And the Holy Spirit here emphatically states, that it is impossible for a person’s sins to be washed away, except by that person having Faith in Christ and what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf. The reason is, none of these things done by man, have any relation with man’s moral offense, which in effect, has been against God.<br />THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS<br />The phrase, “That the blood of bulls and of goats,” proclaims the validity of the ani­mal sacrifices, and the fact that God gave this plan until Christ would come. So the idea is, if the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sins, which was actually a program devised by the Holy Spirit, how in the world do we think that our own efforts in any man­ner, could affect a release from sins? The word “blood” as it is here used, is a tip off. There are all type of sacrifices offered by men, but it is only the shedding of blood which God will recognize, and because the life is in the blood. Life had been forfeited in the Gar­den of Eden by man’s disobedience, and be­cause life had been forfeited, life must be for­feited again in order that the problem be properly addressed. It is somewhat similar<br />NOTES<br /><br />to an individual murdering in cold blood. They forfeit the life of their victim, and the Bible says that if such is done, and we speak of murder in cold blood, then the life of the perpetrator must be forfeited as well (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4).<br />Considering that God demanded “life” which is in the blood, but that even the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sins, this tells us two things:<br />1.<br />The One Sacrifice which would sat­isfy the Wrath of God, was only that of His Only Son.<br /><br />2.<br />It tells us how helpless man is to pro­vide a suitable sacrifice. In fact, and as stated, it is impossible!<br /><br /><br />TO TAKE AWAY SINS<br /><br />The phrase, “Should take away sins,” per­tains to that alone which God would accept. Even though the sacrifices of bulls and goats did serve as a covering for sin, that was not sufficient as it regards the Righteousness of God. Sin, and because it is so awful and hor­rible, must be completely taken away. This means that man’s moral offense had to be dealt with. In other words, what man had done, what man was doing, and what man would continue to do, which constitutes crimes against God, and ultimately the destruction of everything, must be addressed.<br />Sins being completely taken away, refers to the fact that a correct penalty has been suffered, which means that the Righteous­ness of God has been satisfied.<br />Due to the fact that God is omnipotent, and omniscient, He could have easily regen­erated man without Jesus having to go to the Cross. But this would in no way have ad­dressed sin and its affects. Even though the Mercy of God could forgive man his terrible sin, the Righteousness of God, which is just as important as His Mercy, demands satis­faction. In fact, satisfaction for sin not be­ing demanded by God, would be the same as a nation dispensing with all of its laws, thereby telling its citizens they were free to commit any crime they liked with no fear of penalty. Of course, such a society would completely destroy itself in a very short period of time. Wrongdoing must be addressed and must be paid for, or else everything self-destructs.<br />So it was more than the question of God being offended, it was what that offense meant. Sin is the ruination of everything that is good. It is the cause of all suffering, sickness, sor­row, heartache, and death. To ignore it, God cannot do! So the full penalty of sin would have to be paid, which would necessitate the giving of a life, but it would have to be a per­fect life, which was carried one might say, by a perfect body, controlled by a perfect mind, which alone could provide a perfect Sacri­fice. To do this thing, God would Himself have to become man, which He did! It’s called the Incarnation (Isa. 7:14).<br />That’s what John the Baptist was talking about when he said as it regards Christ, “Be­hold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, but Jesus did. In fact, he did more than that. He not only addressed individual “sins,” but as well He addressed the “sin” problem in totality. He removed its cause, which addresses the Fall, and He removed its curse, which addressed the penalty. The songwriter said:<br />“Hallelujah what a thought,<br />“Jesus full Salvation brought,<br />“Victory, yes victory!<br />“Let the powers of sin assail,<br />“Heaven’s grace can never fail,<br />“Victory, yes victory!”<br />A PROMISSORY NOTE<br />The application is simple and clear. It was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins; but every time a be­lieving Israelite brought his sacrifice to the Altar, he was, so to speak, giving his note to God. He acknowledged his indebtedness, his sin, and accepted responsibility for the same.<br />This was all he could do, but the preincarnate Christ endorsed every one of the notes and in the fullness of time came pre­pared to settle in full for all, which He did!<br />Today every Believer can look up and ex­claim with all confidence, that all his sins in totality, have been “taken away.” There is nothing greater than that.<br />(5) “WHEREFORE WHEN HE COMETH INTO THE WORLD, HE SAITH, SACRIFICE<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />AND OFFERING THOU WOULDEST NOT, BUT A BODY HAST THOU PRE­PARED ME:”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Due to the fact that animal sacrifices could not take away sins, Jesus must come into the world, which He did.<br /><br />2.<br />He did not come into the world to offer sacrifices of that other than Himself.<br /><br />3.<br />A physical body was prepared for Him, and done so through the Virgin Birth, for the express purpose of being offered in Sacrifice.<br /><br /><br />THE ENTRANCE OF CHRIST<br />INTO THE WORLD<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “Wherefore when He cometh into the world,” presents Christ coming as the Savior, Who undertakes in Grace to meet every claim that the Throne of God has against penitent sinners.<br />His coming was that to which the Proph­ecies had pointed from the very beginning, actually with the first prediction given in the Garden of Eden by God, as He addressed Sa­tan through the serpent (Gen. 3:15). The prediction was then carried out in type, when “the Lord God made coats of skins, and clothed Adam and Eve” (Gen. 3:21). To cover their nakedness to the Judgment of God, they had “sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons,” which man has contin­ued to attempt to do ever since, in his efforts to provide salvation for himself (Gen. 3:7).<br />Due to the terrible affects of sin, it took God some 4,000 years to prepare mankind for the Advent of Christ. This may seem to be an inordinate long time; however, it should portray to us just how bad that sin actually is. Considering the time it took, and even then man was barely ready, and the price that was paid to assuage this monster, we should get an idea as to the destructive power of this thing referred to as “sin.”<br />NO MORE OFFERINGS OF<br />ANIMAL SACRIFICES<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “He saith, Sacrifice and Of­fering Thou wouldest not,” refers to the fact, that He would pay for sin, but not with ani­mal sacrifices. Instead, He would Himself in His physical body gotten through the Virgin Birth from Mary, offer Himself as a supreme Sacrifice, which would suffice once for all, and for eternity.<br />The words “He saith,” proclaim the fact, that Christ is the Prophetic Word of Scrip­ture. Though not directly mentioned here, it is overly obvious that it is Christ Who has been the subject of the whole context. The words beginning with “Sacrifice,” are a quotation from Psalm 40:7-9. It is a Psalm of David.<br />THANKSGIVING FOR DELIVERANCE<br />The first part of the Psalm is an expression of thanksgiving to God for deliverance from peril. David has learned the true mode of displaying gratitude, not by offerings of slain animals, but by the sacrifice of the will. So far does the latter excel the former, so truly is the sacrifice of the will in accordance with the Will of God, that the value of the legal offerings is in comparison as nothing. And yet, in all of this, there is no real slighting of the sacrificial ritual, but there is a profound appreciation of the superiority of spiritual service to mere ritual observance.<br />DAVID AS A TYPE OF CHRIST<br /><br />In this Psalm we read, “Mine iniquities are more than the hairs of mine head” (Ps. 40:12). David comes with a new perception of the true Will of God, to offer Him the service in which He takes pleasure. And yet not so — for such service as he can offer is itself defec­tive, his sins surround him yet in their results and penalties. Hence, in his understanding and his offering of himself he is a type, while his sinfulness and weakness render him but an imperfect type, of Him Who was to come.<br />By contrast, Jesus came to His Father with a perfect offering of will and self which was foreshadowed in the best impulses of the best of men of God, whose inspired utterances the Scriptures record. The words of David, but partially true of himself, are fulfilled in the Son of David.<br />And yet, in a sense, all of the Psalms por­tray Christ, whether in His role as Redeemer, or as Intercessor, as portrayed in Hebrews<br />7:25. In fact, one can only understand the intercessory role of Christ, by understanding the Psalms, and especially such as that of Verse<br />12. Christ took our sins, made them His Own, pleaded by His very Presence before the Throne<br />NOTES<br /><br />of God, Mercy, and Grace on our behalf, which are guaranteed because of His Sacrificial Of­fering. He took our sin, i.e., “sin penalty,” that we might take His Righteousness.<br />THE PREPARATION<br /><br />The phrase, “But a body hast Thou pre­pared Me,” proclaims the fact that deliver­ance from sin is not obtained by animal sac­rifices, but as stated, by fulfilling God’s will.<br />Vincent says, “The course of thought in the Psalm is as follows: ‘Thou, Oh God, desirest not the sacrifice of beasts, but Thou hast pre­pared My body as a single Sacrifice, and so I come to do Thy Will, as was predicted of Me, by the Sacrifice of Myself.’<br />“Christ did not yield to God’s Will as au­thoritative constraint. The constraint lay in His Eternal Spirit. His Sacrifice was no less His Own Will than God’s Will.” Paul said, “Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Him­self without spot to God” (Heb. 9:14).<br />A BODY<br /><br />The Body that is prepared for Christ per­tains to the Incarnation, God becoming man, that in it He may obey God. God is a Spirit and, therefore, cannot die. So in order to go to the Cross, He would have to take upon Him­self a physical body, which the Holy Spirit pre­dicted through David approximately 1,000 years before Christ. However, it is the offer­ing of this body as a sacrifice in contrast to the animal sacrifices of the Law, which Paul emphasizes.<br />While the Passage in Psalms definitely emphasizes the Will of God, even as the Sev­enth Verse here proclaims, still, the Passage is far from saying that the essence or work of Christ’s offering of Himself lies simply in obedience to the Will of God. While that of course is definitely important as would be obvious, still, the entirety of this which Paul says, and which is taken from David’s proph­ecies, argues that the Son’s offering of Him­self is the true and final offering for sin, be­cause it is the Sacrifice, which according to prophecy, God desired to be made.<br />All of this, of course, proclaims the fact that Christ existed long before the Incarnation. In fact, as God He has always existed. As God He is unformed, unmade, uncreated, had no beginning, has always been, always is, and always shall be. Consequently, a human body had to be prepared for Him, which itself tells us, that the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin, or else what Christ did would not have been necessary. And considering what He actually did do, which is beyond comprehension, lets us know just how inad­equate were the animal sacrifices, etc.<br />(6) “IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SAC­RIFICES FOR SIN THOU HAST HAD NO PLEASURE.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Burnt offerings and animal sacrifices for sin were insufficient.<br /><br />2.<br />God took no pleasure in the sacrifices, due to the fact that they were inefficient, even though they were necessary at the time.<br /><br />3.<br />It is only in the Sacrifice of Christ that God would take pleasure, inasmuch, as it would be totally sufficient.<br /><br /><br />SIN<br />The phrase, “In Burnt Offerings and Sac­rifices for sin,” proclaims the root of the problem which besets mankind. It is “sin!”<br />Man refuses to recognize sin as his prob­lem. While he admits, at least after a fash­ion, that there is a problem, he claims that the lack of education is the cause, or wrong political leanings, or a lack of money, etc.<br />Approximately 100 years ago, education was touted as the throughway to all solu­tions. Humanistic psychology has now taken its place. It’s ironical, under the former, the­ology was the queen of the Sciences. Theol­ogy has now been replaced with psychology. Humanism has become god, as man wor­ships Himself, and psychology has become its religion.<br />But despite all of man’s efforts, he never seems to be even close to any solution. The facts are, every single heart and life in this world which have been changed from dark­ness to light, which stands as a monument to the fact that a change can be brought about, all and without exception, have been brought about by Faith in Jesus Christ, and what He has done for the human race at the Cross. This means that Islam has never brought about one changed heart, neither Buddhism, or Mormonism, or Catholicism, or Shintoism,<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />etc. As well, vaunted psychology, cannot boast of one single solitary individual who has ex­perienced a miraculous change in his or her heart, because of its teachings. Not one!<br />The problem is sin, and the solution is the Savior, and of course, the Savior Alone is the Lord Jesus Christ. And to be sure, His means is the Cross. That’s why a body was prepared for Him, in order that He might offer it in Sacrifice.<br />This tells man that his problem is far more severe than meets the eye. It is so bad in fact, that man has no solution, as man cannot have any solution. Unredeemed man is depraved, and totally depraved at that, which means that everything he touches he destroys, which is the very opposite of bringing about a solution.<br />PLEASURE<br /><br />The phrase, “Thou hast had no pleasure,” doesn’t mean that God took no pleasure at all in the animal Sacrifices, for He was the One Who instituted this particular means. The idea is, as it regards “sin,” these sacri­fices were not sufficient; therefore, God took no pleasure in them in that capacity.<br />But when His Own Blessed Son came into the world to fulfill all these types, and to pay in His Own Person the Redemption Price, it is written: “It pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an Offering for sin, He shall see His Seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His Hand” (Isa. 53:10).<br />(7) “THEN SAID I, LO, I COME (IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME,) TO DO THY WILL, O GOD.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />Throughout the Old Testament are given prophecies and instructions regarding the Divine Will for the Messiah.<br /><br />2.<br />This tells us that enough information was given that Israel should have known, and above all, these Christian Jews should know.<br /><br />3.<br />To rebel against Christ, and His Fin­ished Work on the Cross, is to rebel against the plain and simple Word of God.<br /><br /><br />THE PREDICTION<br /><br />The phrase, “Then said I, Lo, I come,” pro­claims the fact, that the theme of the Old Testament is the Messiah, i.e., “The Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, Paul applies the words “Then said I,” directly to Christ, showing that he regarded this Passage in Psalms as referring to Him as the Speaker. The Incarnation of the Son of God becomes the heart of the mes­sage found in this Tenth Chapter of Hebrews.<br />This means that a belief in the Virgin Birth becomes necessary if we are to believe Jesus Christ was truly God manifest in the flesh. It is amazing how many in theological circles do not believe it is any longer necessary to believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus. It is time to let the world know that Jesus was both human and Divine: God was His Father, Mary was His Mother.<br />The world would like to reject the Virgin Birth and destroy it. The world would like to do away with the supernatural and the miraculous. However, to remove the Virgin Birth from our message would make Jesus merely a man, and an illegitimate son; it would present Mary as an unholy and un­chaste vessel. God would be made a liar. In fact, the evidence is so overwhelming in the Word of God, so plain, so clear, so simple, that either Christ is the Divine Son of God, or He is a fake and a fraud and He deserved to die. One must believe what the Bible says, or one must not believe at all!<br />IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK<br />The phrase, “In the volume of the book it is written of Me,” refers to the fact, that the entirety of the Old Testament points to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Prophecy pointed to Him. The nation of Israel was raised up for the sole purpose of giving to the world the Word of God, which told of the coming Redeemer, and in fact, to be a womb for the Messiah. All of the Tabernacle and Temple, along with all their Sacred Vessels, spoke entirely of Christ, whether of His Perfect Life and Ministry, or the sacrificial offering of Himself on the Cross. Truly, in the “Volume of the Book it was written of Him.”<br />Considering all of this, how could the Hebrew Christians consider returning to the system of sacrifices found under the Old Cov­enant? Did they not realize that the blood shed in those sacrifices could not purge their consciences from sin? There could be no<br />NOTES<br /><br />perfect cleansing outside of the Blood shed by Jesus Christ Himself.<br />How could anyone compare the Blood of Jesus with that of animals? It was obvious that the blood of man would be greater than that of an animal, and the Blood of the God-Man would be infinitely more effective in cleansing from sin. This Jesus had been raised from the dead, glorified, and taken to Heaven; He had entered into the Presence of God by and through His Own Blood, all on our behalf.<br />Through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all, shows that it is the Atone­ment which explains the purpose of the In­carnation. The Incarnation takes place in order that sin might be put away by the Of­fering of the Body and the Blood of the Sav­ior. This and this alone, the Sacrifice of Christ satisfies the demands of a thrice-Holy God, thereby making it possible for man to be saved. Nothing else will suffice!<br />THE WILL OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “To do Thy Will, O God,” pre­sents that which all of this is all about — to do the Will of God. The entirety of the Old Testament contains written instructions re­garding the Divine Will for the Messiah. It was outlined as to Who He would be, How He would be, and What He would be.<br />All of this tells us of the veracity of the Word of God, which in fact, is the Will of God. If Christ used the Word, which then was the Old Testament, as His foundation for all things, in fact, that which the Holy Spirit used to guide Him, which certainly set the example for us, shouldn’t we do the same?<br />To which we have already alluded, the Holy Spirit in this given by Paul, used the Psalms to portray this beautiful announce­ment concerning Christ. Let’s look at the Psalms a little closer:<br />THE PSALMS AND THE MESSIAH<br /><br />On the road to Emmaus, and in the Upper Chamber, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to the Disciples of the things in the Psalms concerning Himself (Lk. Chpt. 24).<br />The Holy Spirit trained the writers of the Psalms; but He was their Author (Acts 1:16; 2:25, 30; Heb. 3:7). Hence, He says that no Scripture is of human origination (II Pet. 1:20), but that all Scripture is of Divine In­spiration (II Tim. 3:16).<br />The Book of Psalms is a volume of proph­ecy; its principal predictions concern the perfections, the sufferings, and the succeed­ing glories of the Messiah.<br />God having been dishonored by human unbelief and disobedience, it was necessary that a man should be born who would per­fectly love, perfectly trust, and perfectly serve Him; and Who would be the True Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel, Moses, and David, etc.<br />God’s moral glory demanded that sin should be judged; that sinners should repent, confess, and forsake sin and worship and obey Him; and being God, His nature required per­fection in these emotions of the heart and will.<br />PERFECTION<br />Such perfection was impossible to fallen man, and it was equally out of his power to provide a sacrifice that would remove his guilt and restore his relationship with God.<br />The Psalms reveal Christ as satisfying in these relationships all the Divine require­ments. He, though Himself sinless, declares Himself in these Psalms in a sense, to be the sinner, and I speak of His intercessory role; and He expresses to God the abhorrence of sin accompanied by the repentance and sor­row which man ought to feel and express but will not and cannot. Similarly, the faith, love, obedience, and worship which man fails to give He perfectly renders.<br />HIGH PRIEST<br />Thus, as the High Priest of His people, He, the True Advocate, charges Himself with the guilt of our sins; declares them to be His Own; confesses them, repents of them, declaring at the same time His Own sinlessness; and atones for them. Thus, those Psalms in which the Speaker declares his sinfulness and his sinlessness become quite clear of com­prehension when it is recognized Who the Speaker is, and in what role He is occupying at the time — that of Savior or Intercessor.<br />The Messiah’s other Offices and Ministries as Son of God and Son of Man, as King and Priest, as Servant of Jehovah, as Angel of Je­hovah, as the Word of God, and as the Burnt<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Offering, the Meal Offering, the Peace Offer­ing, the Sin Offering, and the Trespass Offer­ing; and as the Resurrection and the Life, are all sung of, together with the sufferings or the glories appropriate to each Office.<br />The Gospels record the fact that He prayed; the Psalms, one might say, furnish the words of the prayer.<br />A DIARY<br /><br />The Psalter is an inexhaustible source of strength, guidance, consolation, and moral teaching to the people of God, and many valu­able Commentaries point out these treasures. It may, therefore, in this aspect be justly re­garded as a diary kept by the Lord when on Earth in which are recorded His Own expe­riences and the experiences proper to those in whom He dwells.<br />Some of these Messianic experiences were entirely personal, others representative, oth­ers sympathetic, and others proper to Him as the True Israel.<br />The interpretation of the Book of Psalms, therefore, belongs to Him as Messiah, to Is­rael as His people, and to the nations as His possession. Its application is to all who feel their need of a Savior from sin and from its consequences. Actually, the Church, little, if at all, appears in the Book of Psalms.<br />(The Author owes a debt of gratitude to George Williams, for the above comments on the Psalms.)<br />THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PSALMS<br />I have read after many writers who struggled to separate the Psalms, attempt­ing to point out that which pertained to Christ, and that which pertained to David or other personal writers. As such, they would refer to some of the Psalms as Messianic Psalms, meaning that they overwhelmingly spoke of the coming Christ, etc.<br />However, if we will understand that the entirety of the Psalms speak of Christ and in their totality, everything will become much more clear. In other words, one, I think can say, that all the Psalms, all 150 of them, are Messianic Psalms, because they all por­tray Christ.<br />The reason that it’s difficult for most Com­mentators to see this is because they fail to recognize the different roles in which the Holy Spirit places Christ. As previously stated, at times, He is presented as Savior, with the statements then being crystal clear as per­taining to Him. But other statements speak of failure, of sin, of iniquity, of pleas for for­giveness, etc. These as well speak of Christ, but in His intercessory role. In every sense of the word, He became the True Man.<br />In these cries and pleas, the Reader is not to misunderstand, thinking that Christ Him­self has sinned, for that is not the case at all. But the Truth is, and allow me to say it again, He as the High Priest of His people, as the True Advocate, charges Himself with the guilt of our sins; declares them to be His Own; confesses them, repents of them, while at the same time, declaring His Own sinlessness; in other words, He atones for them. Thus, all of this becomes quite clear, when we recognize the role which He is presently occupying.<br />TO DO THE WILL OF GOD<br /><br />In connection with Psalms 40:8, which says “I delight to do Thy Will, O My God,” He said in John 6:38, “I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine Own will, but the Will of Him that sent Me.”<br />When He spoke of the “Will of God,” He spoke of all things, but more particularly, He spoke of the Will of God in His coming to make expiation for iniquity; and by His ac­complishment of that Will, which He defi­nitely did do, we who believe in Him are now eternally set apart to God on the basis, not of our promises or feelings or our personal righ­teousness, but of the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ in Sacrifice once for all.<br />How slowly truths like these seem to seep into our souls and become part of our very beings. But one may safely say there is no lasting peace until this aspect of Christ’s work has been laid hold of in faith.<br />In His doing the Will of God, and doing it perfectly, He had to be perfectly obedient to the Law in every respect. He could not fail in even the slightest part of the Law, even one time. This was totally necessary, if He was to be a proper Atonement for sin. He would have to become “obedient unto death,” but it would have to be a death that was the result of a perfect life (Phil. 2:8).<br />NOTES<br /><br />So, the greater thrust in all of this is the offering of Himself in Sacrifice, which is ev­erywhere in the Scriptures held out as being the “Will of God.” There was Salvation in no other way, nor was it possible that the race should be saved unless the Redeemer drank that cup of bitter sorrows (Mat. 26:39).<br />THE VALIDITY OF THE CROSS<br /><br />All of this, as surely should be obvious by now, proclaims to us the validity of the Cross of Christ. And by that, I mean that the Cross is the centrality of the Gospel. The Cross as we’ve already said several times in this Vol­ume, is not really a Doctrine, but is actually the foundation of all Doctrine. Everything from God to man comes totally and exclusively through the Cross of Christ. Everything that the Holy Spirit does in totality is done totally and completely within the parameters of the legal Work of Christ at the Cross. Yes, I said “legal!” And what do I mean by that?<br />Once again we go to Romans 8:2. The Spirit through Paul there said, “For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death.”<br />Notice that he said it is “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.” That makes it something legal.<br />Man’s bondage in the realm of Satan, is a legal bondage. In other words, due to the fact that the wages of sin is death, Satan had a legal right to hold man in captivity because of man’s sin. When Jesus died on the Cross, He died in order to pay the just demands of a thrice-Holy God, which was and is a legal work. By His Death He legally satisfied those demands, which at the same time deprived Satan of his legal right to hold man in cap­tivity. Due to the fact that all sin is atoned, Satan actually has no legal right to hold any­one in the bondage of sin. Of course, most of the world is in the bondage of sin simply because they will not trust Christ. And sadly enough, most Christians are dominated by sin in some way, simply because they do not understand the validity of the Cross of Christ, as we are here explaining it.<br />You as a Believer must first of all put your Faith exclusively in the Cross of Christ, un­derstanding, as we’ve already stated, that ev­erything that God gives to you comes through the Cross, and your means of reaching God is totally and completely through what Jesus did at the Cross. When you put your faith there, then the Holy Spirit will begin to re­veal to you all of the meaning of the Cross, which in effect, is so vast that it literally beg­gars description (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14).<br />But if your Faith is misplaced, in other words, somewhat in the Cross and somewhat in your confession, or something else, that produces a double-minded spirit, which God cannot honor, and in fact, which is no faith at all (James 1:5-8).<br />Paul was given the meaning of the New Covenant, which he gave to us in his fourteen Epistles, which is in effect, the meaning of the Cross. Let me say that another way.<br />What the New Covenant is all about is what Jesus did for us at the Cross. That explains the Covenant; that in fact, is the Covenant.<br />Now Satan will do everything within his power to steer you as a Believer away from that Covenant, while all the time making you think you’re still in the Covenant. The point I’m making is this:<br />The Believer, even though having been saved as a result of what Jesus did at the Cross, which is the New Covenant, still, is in danger of being pulled away from the Cross after conversion. Satan is very subtle in this. He claims that for one to go on to deeper life, one must leave the Cross, simply because that’s elementary, and he must go on to deeper things. But of course, the definition of those deeper things is always different with different Preachers. The truth is, there is nothing deeper than the Cross! The Holy Spirit, even as we’ve already stated, works exclusively within the legal boundaries of the Cross, in everything that He does with us and for us. So, for one to say that they’re going to go deeper than the Spirit is facetious in­deed! Once, as a Believer, we understand that everything that the Holy Spirit does is done totally and completely within the parameters of the Cross, then we begin to understand how important all of this really is.<br />The Reader may grow somewhat weary concerning my constant applications of the Cross; however, understanding that this is the very center of our Faith, and actually the se­cret of all Blessings from God, I don’t see<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />how it would be possible for me to overstate the case. I know how subtle that Satan is, in attempting to steer us away from that which is Scriptural concerning God’s dealings with us. His major effort is to get us away from the Cross of Christ, because he knows that this is God’s prescribed order of Salvation and victory, and more particularly, Faith in that Finished Work.<br />(8) “ABOVE WHEN HE SAID, SACRI­FICE AND OFFERING AND BURNT OFFER­INGS AND OFFERING FOR SIN THOU WOULDEST NOT, NEITHER HADST PLEA­SURE THEREIN; WHICH ARE OFFERED BY THE LAW;”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The first part of this Verse has to do with Verse 5. All of the Sacrifices and Offer­ings were but a stopgap measure, until Christ would come.<br /><br />2.<br />The Lord took no pleasure in these things, even though He had instituted them, for the simple reason, that they could not take away sin. They did serve a purpose, but not the ultimate purpose.<br /><br />3.<br />All of this is under the Law of Moses, which was the Covenant that was absolved by Christ, even as the next Verse proclaims.<br /><br /><br />THE SACRIFICES OF OLD COULD<br />NOT TAKE AWAY SIN<br /><br />The phrase, “Above when He said, Sacri­fice and Offering and Burnt Offerings and Offering for sin Thou wouldest not,” refers to the fact that animal sacrifices could not cleanse from sin. This could only be done by Christ, in the offering of Himself.<br />To this end, God prepared a body for the Eternal Logos Who came to do the Will of God and die for the sins of the world (Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24).<br />God ordained the Sacrifices and Offerings of Leviticus as shadows of the great Sub­stance Offering of Calvary. He found no abid­ing pleasure in the sacrifices under the Law, but He does find an eternal joy in the Body He prepared for His Beloved Son, in which Body Christ was to make the Great Offer­ing purposed by the Will of God before the world began.<br />It is awe-striking to be permitted in Psalms 40 to hear the Father and the Son in the past eternities planning the Atonement. The sacrifice of dumb and irrational crea­tures is here contrasted with the intelligent obedience of Christ’s Sacrifice of Himself.<br />By the words “wouldest not,” some have thought that the Spirit is here saying that God didn’t want sacrifices; however, that’s not what is being said.<br />In effect, He is saying that animal sacri­fices, even though necessary, as stated, as a stopgap measure, still could not redeem hu­manity in that they could not take away sin. It should be understood, to be sure, consid­ering that God would have to pay the price Himself, that if it were possible that animal sacrifices would suffice, the Lord surely would have accepted them. He didn’t because they wouldn’t!<br />NO PLEASURE<br /><br />The phrase, “Neither hadst pleasure therein,” concerns the fact of the insuffi­ciency of the animal sacrifices. If it is to be noticed, Paul mentions about all the types of Sacrifices offered, which were actually five in number — Whole Burnt Offerings, Sin Of­ferings, Peace Offerings, Meal Offerings, and Trespass Offerings. All involve the shedding of blood, with the exception of the “Meal Offering,” which was a thanksgiving Offer­ing of sorts, which involved bread, etc. The Peace Offering was generally used in connec­tion with the other Offerings. In other words, when a Whole Burnt Offering or Sin Offer­ing was Sacrificed, it would be followed by a Peace Offering, signifying that God had ac­cepted the Offering, and there was now Peace with God.<br />UNDER THE LAW<br /><br />The phrase, “Which are offered by the Law,” refers to the fact that all of these Of­ferings were included in the Mosaic Law. The description of the Sacrifices is offered in the first few chapters of Leviticus.<br />It should be noted that it took five differ­ent types of Sacrifices to portray the One Sac­rifice of Christ. To turn it around and say it in another way, the One Sacrifice of Christ of Himself, fulfilled all five of the Levitical Offerings. The following gives a brief descrip­tion of what these Sacrifices typified.<br />NOTES<br /><br />THE WHOLE BURNT OFFERING<br /><br />The first Sacrifice offered, at least of which we have a record, was that offered by Abel (Gen. Chpt. 4). He offered a Whole Burnt Offering, the same as Noah, and Abraham. In other words, it was only Whole Burnt Offerings that were sacrificed up until the Law of Moses.<br />This was the offering of a Lamb in its en­tirety, with the exception of the skin that was stripped from its body. It symbolized two things:<br />First of all, it symbolized that man was a sinner, and that he needed a Substitute, and the Lamb pointed toward the One Who was to come.<br />Second, by the signification of it being a “Whole Burnt Offering,” the statement was made, that God was giving His all in refer­ence to the Redemption of mankind, which this Sacrifice represented, and that God ex­pected man in turn, to give God His all!<br />When the modern Christian feels a need of consecration to God, and he does so through prayer and the seeking of the Face of the Lord, He is in essence, offering up a “Whole Burnt Offering” before the Lord. He is say­ing, “Lord You have given me Your all, and now I give You my all!”<br />THE SIN OFFERING<br /><br />Until the Law of Moses was given, the en­tire Atonement process was signified by the Whole Burnt Offering. It was only when sin was defined, which the Law did, that other offerings were required, and which were in­stituted in the Mosaic Law.<br />The Sin Offering means exactly what it says, that man has sinned against God, and was to offer up a sacrifice, which could be a Lamb, a goat, or even a Bullock. However, the far greater majority of the time, it was a lamb that was offered.<br />Most of the time a Peace Offering was of­fered immediately following the offering of a Whole Burnt Offering, or a Sin Offering, or a Trespass Offering. This signified that God had accepted the sacrifice, and now Peace was restored.<br />Whenever the modern Christian sins against the Lord, which is something that should never happen, but which regrettably and sadly, does, and they then confess the sin to the Lord, asking His forgiveness and cleansing, they are in essence doing the same thing as the Believing Israelite of old, when he offered a Sin-Offering.<br />THE TRESPASS OFFERING<br />This Offering was required, when one Is­raelite sinned against another Israelite. He had trespassed against his Brother or Sister in the Lord, which at the same time means that he had trespassed against God, there­fore, requiring a Sacrifice.<br />If a modern Christian sins against a fel­low Christian, he has to seek forgiveness from that person, as well as the Lord, which is the same as that which the Israelite did of old as it regarded his Trespass Offering.<br />THE PEACE OFFERING<br />As we’ve stated, this Offering was generally offered after one of the other Offerings. It sig­nified that Peace with God had been restored.<br />It was the only one of the animal sacri­fices, of which the Offerer could partake. In other words, when the Lamb was offered, a part would be given to the Priests, and a part could be taken by the Offerer, with him gath­ering his family and friends about him, hav­ing a feast, in effect celebrating relationship with God which had been restored. Of course, the Peace Offering would always fol­low one of the other Sacrificial Offerings.<br />This is the same thing with the modern Christian, whenever repentance has been en­joined, and peace with God has been restored.<br />All of these were blood sacrifices, in effect, which refers to the shedding of blood upon the killing of the animal. It all typified the great, One Sacrifice of Christ, when He would offer Himself on the Cross, which He did, making these things any more unnecessary. Thank God that we presently, do not have to offer up a Sacrifice to God in this respect, knowing that the One Sacrifice of Christ has made all of that unnecessary. Our trust in that One Sacrifice is all that is necessary for the Believer, and in whatever circumstance.<br />THE MEAL OFFERING<br />This was the only bloodless Offering of the five sacrifices. It was somewhat a Thanks­giving Offering to the Lord, for all His many<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />blessings. It as well could be offered in con­junction with the other sacrifices which it oftentimes was.<br />It is the same presently as Christians of­fering thanksgiving to the Lord for His Mercy and Grace.<br />As stated, all of these Sacrifices are out­lined with descriptions given, in the first seven Chapters of Leviticus.<br />(For greater detail concerning the Sacri­fices, please see our Commentary on Gen­esis — Volume 1.)<br />(9) “THEN SAID HE, LO, I COME TO DO THY WILL, O GOD. HE TAKETH AWAY THE FIRST, THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH THE SECOND.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Once again, the Will of God is pro­claimed as the total requirement, which in effect is the Sacrifice of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />His Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross, took away the First Covenant, simply because it satisfied all its demands.<br /><br />3.<br />As well, the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross established the Second Covenant, which in effect, is the Second Covenant.<br /><br /><br />TO DO THY WILL, O GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy Will, O God,” proclaims this state­ment a second time. Whenever the Holy Spirit says something twice, it is of extreme importance.<br />The doing of the Will of God as it regards Christ, pertains totally and completely to His Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross, proclaim­ing the fact, that the Cross was the eternal destination. This means that the Cross was not an incident or an accident. It was a planned work, actually planned from before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />Inasmuch as the Cross was the Plan of God, some may have the tendency then to think that Israel, that being the case, was not culpable.<br />While the Cross was the Plan of God and in every respect, to be sure, Israel definitely was culpable. God through His omniscience, which means that He knows everything, past, present, and future, knew that man would fall, and that he would be redeemed only by the Sacrifice of His (God’s) Only Son. This Sacrifice would be carried out on a Cross, and for reasons which we will not now get into.<br />However, even though this was the Plan of God, it definitely was not the Plan of God for Israel to do this terrible thing. They did this of their own volition, strictly out of their wicked hearts. In other words, God did not force the issue in that capacity whatsoever. Consequently, even though the Cross was the Will of God, Israel would still answer to God for her perfidious action, which she defi­nitely did!<br />Some may ask the question as to how Christ would have been crucified, had Israel in fact accepted Him, thereby not doing this terrible thing?<br />Knowing the depraved hearts of men, the Crucifixion was a given. Rome would have been next in line had Israel not done this ter­rible thing. In Truth, all of humanity cruci­fied Christ. It was my sins and your sins, which nailed Him to the Tree.<br />CHRIST FULFILLED THE<br />FIRST COVENANT<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “He taketh away the first,” refers to the fact that the Sacrifice of Him­self, made the First Covenant unnecessary. He fulfilled all the requirements of the Law, both in keeping it perfectly, and then satisfy­ing its penalty on the Cross. The statement, “He taketh away the first,” means that the Offerings of the Old Covenant were tempo­rary and ineffective. The idea is, He took away the Sacrifices of slain animals that He may establish the doing of God’s Perfect Will. That such sacrifices as were formally offered are no longer according to God’s pleasure follows as an inference from this.<br />The words “take away” are very strong in the Greek, pointing to the total abolition of the former way. Therefore, it is an insult to God for anything of the First Covenant to be carried over into the present, as should be overly obvious. In fact, that’s what the argu­ment of the entirety of this Epistle to the Hebrews is all about.<br />THE CROSS ESTABLISHED<br />THE SECOND COVENANT<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “That He may establish the Second,” has to do with the New Covenant.<br />NOTES<br /><br />This tells us that Christ’s One Offering is eter­nal and satisfactory. So the First is taken away in order to the establishment of the Second. Through the One Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all, the worship­per is sanctified forever and perfected forever.<br />By the taking away of the First Covenant, the Second is “established,” “made firm.” Nei­ther “the First” nor “the Second” are defined, but clearly the way of the Levitical Sacrifices and the Way of the Sacrifice of Christ are be­ing set over against each other. This means, they are not complementary systems that may exist side by side. The one excludes the other. In other words, no compromise is possible between them. Again, this is the whole ar­gument of Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />This phrase, “That He may establish the Second,” is the very reason we state that the meaning of the Cross is actually the mean­ing of the New Covenant. In fact, the words “New Covenant” and “Cross,” are synony­mous. When one says one, in effect, one says the other. The idea is this:<br />If one doesn’t understand the Cross, one doesn’t understand the New Covenant. And if one properly understands the New Cov­enant, one properly understands the Cross.<br />(10) “BY THE WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL.”<br />The composition is:<br /><br />1.<br />The word “will” refers here to the Will of God which Christ came to do.<br /><br />2.<br />The Will of God which the First Testa­ment Sacrifices could not accomplish was the Sanctification of men. Sanctification is ac­complished only through the Sacrifice of Christ, and Faith in that Finished Work.<br /><br />3.<br />“Once for all” means that the Sacrifice of Christ totally suffices, and there will never be any other need for any other sacrifice.<br /><br /><br />ONCE AGAIN, THE WILL OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “By the which will,” refers to a specific “will,” in this case the Sacrifice of Christ, which took away the First Covenant, which means it satisfied its demands, and established the Second or New Covenant.<br />In order to perform the Will of God per­fectly, Jesus must Himself of necessity be God; for to do all that which such a “will” says must be done, demands perfection of knowl­edge. All God’s Will cannot be accomplished twice. Were it possible to do so it would be a proof of the inadequacy of the first effort; and so of both.<br />In Psalms 40:6, the actual rendering is, “Mine ears hast Thou opened,” with Paul translating it “But a body hast Thou prepared Me” (Heb. 10:5).<br />However, the Holy Spirit moved Paul to translate it in this way, meaning that it is totally and completely translated with every accuracy.<br />Christ was the One and perfectly obedient Servant — only listening to One Voice, and only speaking the words that He was given to speak (Jn. 8:17). He was so to say, simply an ear. This figure of speech vividly pictures Him as the Perfect Servant Whose ear was opened morning by morning (Isa. Chpt. 1).<br />The bondservant in Exodus Chapter 21 engaged to serve perpetually his master, his wife, and his children; and his pierced ear witnessed to his affection. Psalms 40 and Hebrews 10:5 may, perhaps, point to this, for Christ in love to God, to Israel, and to her children, took the form of a servant and suf­fered the painful death of the Tree (Williams).<br />SANCTIFICATION<br />The phrase, “We are sanctified,” pro­claims one being set apart unto God, which can only be done, and can only come about, through what Jesus did at the Cross, and our Faith in the Cross. This one Verse of Scrip­ture proclaims in glaring, concise outline, exactly what I have been teaching through­out the entirety of this Volume. Because it’s so important, and to hopefully make it even more clear, let me say it again:<br />Paul is speaking to Believers, and by that of course, we mean those who have already accepted Christ as their Savior; however, af­ter Salvation, the Holy Spirit sets out to sanc­tify us, which means to root all sin out of our lives, to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and to make us Christlike. As well, this pertains to everything else that we re­ceive from the Lord, be it Divine Healing, financial prosperity, and Blessings of every sort. It is taken for granted, that the Believer<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />here has as well, been baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:4).<br />However, many Charismatics and Pente­costals have the mistaken idea, that once one is baptized with the Holy Spirit, then every­thing is automatic from there on out as it regards the Sanctification process. Not so! While the potential is there as it regards the Holy Spirit, He demands that we at all times, exhibit Faith in the Cross of Christ, under­standing that the Crucifixion of Christ, and our being baptized into His Death, is that which makes all of this possible. Now let’s see how it is done.<br />THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST<br /><br />The phrase, “Through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all,” proclaims the means by which the Sanctification pro­cess is brought about, and the only means I might quickly add. Now the Christian can believe this which Paul has said in this Tenth Verse and experience all that Christ has done for him as it regards the Sanctification pro­cess, or else he can put his faith in something else, and suffer defeat. It’s just that simple!<br />We are here plainly told that “we are sanc­tified through the offerings of the Body of Jesus Christ,” and how much clearer could it be! We must remember that it is the Holy Spirit Who inspired Paul to write these words.<br />It is unfortunate, that the word “Sanctifi­cation” in the modern Church is almost never used anymore. It is not because the word is out of date, but because the Church has moved so far away from Sanctification.<br />Why?<br /><br />Perhaps there are many reasons, but the major reason is because we have attempted to engage the process in all the wrong ways. Some Denominations have taught “Sancti­fication” as a definite Work of Grace. Others have taught that Sanctification is arrived at by proper confession, or by some type of su­per faith, etc. None of that works!<br />In fact, no Christian can be Sanctified ex­cept in one way, and that is by exhibiting Faith totally and completely in the Cross of Christ, which then allows the Holy Spirit to perform the task, Who Alone can do this thing at any rate. There is no way that the Believer can sanctify himself. It doesn’t really matter what you do, what effort you make, what things in which you engage, the only manner in which the Sanctification process can be enjoined is by the following way, in which I’ve already out­lined quite a number of times in this Volume:<br />1.<br />We must understand, exactly as Paul here says, that everything comes through the Sacrifice of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />You must exhibit faith in this at all times, and for the simple reason, that God works exclusively on the basis of Faith. In other words, and to make it even more clear, the Cross of Christ must ever be the object of your Faith.<br /><br />3.<br />When this is done, the Holy Spirit will then work mightily on your behalf, bringing about this process, which only He can do (Rom. 8:2, 11).<br /><br /><br />If I could get the entirety of the Church to see this simple truth, which is so clearly brought out in the Word of God, untold mis­ery and heartache could be avoided. The Reader should understand, that the Holy Spirit will not deviate from the Sacrifice of Christ. It doesn’t matter how sincere you might be as a Christian, or how dedicated you are, or even how much God is using you in other ways, if you do not understand God’s prescribed order of victory, which is simply and plainly here given, irrespective as to whom you might be, you will live a life of spiritual failure in some way. And to be sure, we’re speaking of difficulties and problems which know no bounds. Satan fights the Cross as he fights nothing else, because He knows this great Truth as well. But if he can keep you in the dark regarding this which Jesus has done for us, and cause our atten­tion to be diverted elsewhere, which pertains to his effort to get us to place our faith else­where, he will have then won the battle.<br />WHAT DO YOU KNOW<br />ABOUT THE CROSS?<br /><br /><br />Someone sent us an e-mail the other day stating, “Why are you talking so much about the Cross? I’m a Christian, and all Chris­tians know all about the Cross,” or words to that effect.<br />Unfortunately, that is the thinking of most; however, the truth is, most Christians<br />NOTES<br /><br />don’t know anything about the Cross. They know that Jesus died for them, but that’s about the extent of their knowledge. Most have absolutely no knowledge as to the part the Cross plays in their everyday, ongoing Christian experience. They read Romans Chapter 6, that is if they read it at all, not really understanding what it actually says. As a consequence, they are being dominated by sin in some manner (Rom. 6:14).<br />What we are addressing here is the single most important thing in the life of the Be­liever. We’re talking about one’s spiritual welfare, one’s happiness, one’s joy in the Lord, actually everything that truly makes Christianity what Christianity ought to be. So, it’s not something that one can pick or choose at one’s will. You either know and understand this and walk in victory, or else you don’t know this, and live in defeat.<br />And the words “once for all,” tell us that this is God’s Way, and that it’s a Way that will never change.<br />(11) “AND EVERY PRIEST STANDETH DAILY MINISTERING AND OFFERING OFTENTIMES THE SAME SACRIFICES, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS:”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />This Verse proclaims the fact that the Temple was yet standing in Jerusalem, which means that this Epistle to the Hebrews was written shortly before A.D. 70, the year that Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed.<br /><br />2.<br />The standing position of the Priests is set in vivid contrast to the seated posture of the Messiah, as given in Verse 12.<br /><br />3.<br />This was apostasy on the part of the leaders of Israel. In defiance of the clear Will of God, in that Jesus had already paid the price, they kept on offering sacrifices.<br /><br />4.<br />They did all of this despite the fact, that their sacrifices had never been able to take away sins, and couldn’t do so at present.<br /><br /><br />THE STANDING PRIESTS<br /><br />The phrase, “And every Priest standeth,” refers not only to those at the present, but goes all the way back to the beginning of the Mosaic Law, a time-period of some 1,600 years. The reason for their standing posture is because their work was never finished. They had to keep offering more and more sacrifices, and because the blood of bulls and goats, even as Paul has said, could not take away sins.<br /><br />As previously stated, this was God’s way for the period of the Law, which was meant to point at all times to Christ Who was to come, but after Christ had come, the con­tinuing of this system was an abomination in the Eyes of God. In fact, it was a slap to the Face of God, which brought total destruc­tion upon Jerusalem and the Temple, which took place in A.D. 70.<br />THE SAME SACRIFICES<br />The phrase, “Daily ministering and offer­ing oftentimes the same Sacrifices,” referred to a work that was never completed, simply because the Sacrifices themselves, were in­sufficient to take away sins.<br />We must remember that Paul is writing this to Christian Jews with some seriously considering abandoning Christ and going back into Judaism. Of course, being Jews they had been born and raised in Judaism, but at a point in time, had accepted Christ as their Savior. When they did this, they experienced a peace within their hearts, that all the Lev­itical sacrifices could never offer, and for all the obvious reasons; however, many of these Christian Jews continued on in Temple wor­ship, that is if they lived in Jerusalem, and if elsewhere, following the Law as closely as they could. This more than anything else, the serving of two masters, is what had brought them to this place.<br />To fully serve Christ, one must totally and completely follow Christ. Everything else must be abandoned.<br />CHARISMATICS<br />On January 1, 1969, we went on the air with our Radio Program, “The Campmeeting Hour.” It was a 15-minute daily, Monday through Friday. Despite so many things we lacked, the Lord began to bless, until we were ultimately on some 600 Stations daily.<br />About a year after the initiation of the pro­gram, the Lord began to deal heavily with my heart about teaching on the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, which we did! I suppose I must have taught for a year or so primarily on this one subject.<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />The Lord used the teaching to touch the hearts and lives of untold thousands of people. In fact, I think we probably had the largest audience in the world at that particular time for a daily Radio Program, at least in the field of Gospel.<br />During the 1970’s, tens of thousands of Baptists, Methodists, in fact, all types of De­nominational people were baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. This was the result of a hunger for the Spirit, and one of the reasons, the Lord instructed us to teach on this very important subject.<br />Of course, we were only a small part of this Move of God which was taking place around the world, but the Lord did use our efforts. The point I make is this:<br />Many of these people after being baptized with the Holy Spirit, attempted to maintain their ties with the old-line Churches with which they had been so long associated. It is a posture which will not work.<br />THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT<br /><br />The Way of the Holy Spirit is a total way. And to be sure, the Spirit-baptized Way car­ries no similarities to the old-line Denomi­nations. As someone has well said, “Salva­tion separates the sinner from the world, while the Baptism with the Holy Spirit separates Christians from dead, cold, formal churches.”<br />Those who fit this mold were referred to as “Charismatics.” While the term actually means something else, it actually came to mean, as here used, old-line Church mem­bers who had been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and who elected to remain in their old-line Churches.<br />Failure to go all the way with the Spirit, which means they were trying to hold onto many unscriptural positions, has produced much error in the last several decades. It is the same problem although in a different way, which these Christian Jews faced. They didn’t quite go all the way, trying to hold onto Judaism while at the same time following Christ. Their modern counterparts did the same, at least for the most part, attempting to hold onto the old Denominational line, while at the same time attempting to follow the Spirit. In fact, millions do the same thing as it regards the world. They try to hold onto the world while at the same time attempting to follow Christ.<br />Serving Christ, means cutting loose from everything else, making Christ foremost in one’s life. All religion, all error, everything in fact which is not of the Spirit, must be totally and completely abandoned. Christ must be all in all! This, many of the Chris­tian Jews failed to do, and now were being pulled away from Christ altogether.<br />THE REMOVAL OF SINS<br /><br />The phrase, “Which can never take away sins,” proclaims to us several things:<br />1. God cannot tolerate sin in any fashion. It must be taken away. In fact, all sin must be completely gotten out of the universe and in totality, which shall happen at the end of the coming Millennium. Concerning that, Paul said, “Then cometh the end, when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He (Christ) shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.<br />“For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Then, “God shall be all in all” (I Cor. 15:24-26, 28).<br />2.<br />The animal sacrifices were a stopgap measure at best, employed temporarily un­til the Messiah would come. They couldn’t take away sins.<br /><br />3.<br />Only the Blood of Jesus, God’s Only Son, shed at Calvary’s Cross, could affect this work, which it did!<br /><br />4.<br />This is the reason that the Cross is of such magnitude.<br /><br />5.<br />When any individual places their com­plete trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross on their behalf, without fail, they ex­perience the glorious wonder of every sin being washed clean. It’s called “Justification by Faith” (Rom. 3:24, 28; 5:1).<br /><br />6.<br />Then the peace of God comes into the heart, which is the most glorious and won­derful experience that one could ever have, and an experience which will last forever, as our trust in Christ continues (Gal. 1:3; 5:22).<br /><br /><br />(12) “BUT THIS MAN, AFTER HE HAD OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS<br />NOTES<br /><br />FOREVER, SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD;”<br />The composition is:<br /><br />1.<br />“This man,” referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the Greek Text should have been translated “This Priest.”<br /><br />2.<br />His Offering of Himself on the Cross was an act that has never-ending results and that needs no repetition.<br /><br />3.<br />Christ is sat down at the Right Hand of God, implying that His Work is a Finished Work, and will never need any repetition, or anything added.<br /><br /><br />THIS PRIEST<br /><br />The phrase, “But this man,” as stated, should have been translated “this Priest,” and because it is related to the word “Priest” of Verse 11. At any rate, the emphasis is on Christ and Christ Alone!<br />Let the Reader understand, that all Salva­tion is in Christ; all Victory is in Christ; all overcoming strength is in Christ; all Bless­ings are in Christ. In other words, everything that comes from God to undeserving human­ity comes exclusively through Jesus Christ, and more particularly, through what He did at the Cross on our behalf, as Paul reiterates in these Passages over and over again.<br />What I’ve just said is a very simple state­ment; however, it is from this simplicity that Satan seeks to deter us. One of his biggest weapons is to get us to look at our own faith. It’s “my faith this!” and “my faith that!” While Faith is definitely the basis on which God works, more particularly, it is the ob­ject of Faith that makes the difference. And by the object of Faith, we are speaking of the Cross of Christ.<br />As we’ve said repeatedly, even as Paul here outlines graphically, when we think of Christ, it must always be in connection with His great Sacrifice. That and that alone is the secret of all blessings.<br />ONE SACRIFICE<br /><br />The phrase, “After He had offered one sac­rifice for sins forever,” speaks of His purpose, which was the Cross.<br />Does the Reader notice in all of this, that Paul doesn’t really mention the Resurrection of Christ? While of course, the Resurrection is of supreme significance, still, it was not by the Resurrection that Christ affected man’s Redemption, but by the Cross. It was His Sacrifice that made Salvation possible, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit possible, on­going victory possible, in fact everything!<br />Does the modern Church believe that?<br />Greek Scholar Kenneth Wuest says, “His Offering of Himself on the Cross was an act that has never-ending results and that needs no repetition. This is in contrast to the oft-repeated offerings of the Levitical Priests. It is also true that our Lord seated Himself for­ever at the Right Hand of God. This is in contrast to the perpetual standing posture of the First Testament Priests.”<br />The key to all of this is that this “one sacri­fice for sins forever,” has never-ending results.<br />When anyone denies that all things come through the Cross, they are in essence claim­ing that God deals with the human race in some other way, other than by the Sacrifice of Christ. Of course, they don’t get that from the Bible, because the Word of God which is glaringly obvious, proclaims the Sacrifice of Christ as the great intersection of God and humanity, and that alone! To project some­thing else, even as many are now doing, is to make up out of whole cloth, one’s own brand of Salvation or victory. And the fearful thing about this is, that this blasphemy, and blas­phemy it is, is not coming from the modern­ists so much, as it’s coming from the so-called “Word of Faith” people. And the tragedy of all tragedies is, hundreds of thousands of people who claim to be saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit are believing this lie of all lies.<br />Let the Reader understand, that we’re not speaking here of side issues, but rather the paramount issue of all things, the salvation of the soul, i.e., “man’s standing with God.”<br />One of their bright lights in describing the Cross refers to it as “past miseries.” He then recommends that the Cross be forsaken, in­asmuch as it was “the greatest defeat in hu­man history.”<br />Pure and simple, these people do not be­lieve in the Sacrifice of Christ as the key to all Salvation.<br />There are tens of thousands of these Churches all over the world. And the tragedy<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />is, most Pentecostals upon hearing this gross error, and gross error it is, even if they don’t accept it totally, do not in any way denounce it. In fact, and I don’t think I’m exaggerat­ing when I say this, I personally feel that most so-called Pentecostals actually accept this blasphemy.<br />For the Cross of Christ to be denounced over world wide television, and to be de­nounced repeatedly, and no one say anything, or else very little, but rather pour millions of dollars into the coffers of these blasphem­ers, and blasphemers they are, lets us know the sick condition of the modern Church.<br />If the Cross is ignored, which is the foun­dation of all Biblical Doctrine, which the modern Church is now doing, then the Church drifts like a ship without a rudder, not knowing where it’s been, where it is, or where it’s going.<br />Jesus asked the question, “When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the Earth?” (Lk. 18:8).<br />He is speaking here of true Faith, which refers to Faith in His great Sacrifice of Him­self. In fact, there has been more teaching on faith in the last 50 years than all the bal­ance of Christianity put together; however, it has not been Faith in the Cross, but rather faith in other things, which means it’s not of God. One of Satan’s greatest ploys is to present a doctrine that is very, very similar to the real thing, so similar in fact, that many cannot tell the difference. The so-called modern faith message fits that description. Because it claims to be faith in the Word of God, it fools most people. The Truth is, it is not Faith in the Word, but rather in a perverted word, which refers to the Scriptures being pulled out of context. Satan tried the same thing with Christ in the wilderness tempta­tion (Mat. 4:1-10). If it’s not faith anchored squarely in the Cross of Christ, even as Paul is proclaiming from every angle, in this Epistle to the Hebrews, then it’s not really Faith that God will recognize.<br />A FINISHED WORK<br /><br />The phrase, “Sat down on the right hand of God,” refers to the great contrast between the Priests under the Levitical system who never sat down, and because their work was never completed. Christ sitting down at the “Right Hand of God,” refers to the fact, that His Work is a “Finished Work.” And what does that mean?<br />It refers to the fact that everything which God demanded of the human race, Jesus met at the Cross. Nothing was left undone. The Cross also addresses every single thing that man lost in the Fall. While it is true that we do not yet have all the benefits of the Cross, some of those benefits awaiting the coming Resurrection, still, everything was there addressed.<br />It means as well, that no more Sacrifice or any other type of similar work will ever have to be enjoined, the Sacrifice of the Cross being sufficient for time and eternity. In fact, one Greek word “lutroo” which describes Redemption, carries the idea that such a price was paid at the Cross, that no creature in eternity future, be it man, demon, or An­gel, will ever be able to say that the price was insufficient.<br />That great Sacrifice being a “Finished Work” refers to the fact, that everything from God to man, and in totality, was made pos­sible by what Christ did at Calvary. This is the Source of all things, and of course, I speak of all things which come from God to man. That’s the reason our Faith must ever be anchored in the Cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit demands it, that is, if He is to work within our hearts and lives (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />(13) “FROM HENCEFORTH EXPECT­ING TILL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE HIS FOOTSTOOL.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />“From henceforth” refers to Christ sit­ting on the Right Hand of God, until all en­emies are subdued.<br /><br />2.<br />That which He did at the Cross, will ultimately dispel every single enemy.<br /><br />3.<br />“Enemies” constitute all Satanic pow­ers, and as well, all men who look to other than the Cross.<br /><br /><br />FROM HENCEFORTH<br /><br />The short phrase, “From henceforth,” re­fers to the idea, that this which the Cross will ultimately affect, is a settled conclusion. There is no doubt about the outcome! As stated, it is a Finished Work, which will do exactly what<br />NOTES<br /><br />it says, “finish the work.” So that the Reader will not misunderstand, please allow me to say it in another way:<br />The Work of Christ at the Cross is finished; however, all the things this Finished Work is to accomplish, have not yet been done, but most definitely shall!<br />EXPECTING<br /><br />“Expecting” in the Greek is “ekdechomai,” and means “to await,” “wait for.” The idea is, that which Christ did at the Cross, with its continued results, will ultimately bring all things to a successful conclusion. It is not a case of “hope so,” or “maybe so,” but rather, that which is certain, but has not yet come to pass.<br />ENEMIES DEFEATED<br /><br />The phrase, “Till His enemies be made His footstool,” is actually derived from Psalms<br />110:1. So it was prophesied by David, that what he had prophesied in Psalms 40:6-8, which was the Sacrifice of Christ, would fall out to the total defeat of all enemies. What does he mean by “enemies”?<br />The enemies of the Redeemer are Satan, the wicked of the Earth, and all the evil pas­sions of the heart. The idea is, that all things are yet to be made subject to His Will — ei­ther by a cheerful and cordial submission to His authority, or by being crushed beneath His power. The Redeemer, having performed His great work of Redemption by giving Him­self as a Sacrifice on the Cross, is represented now as calmly waiting until this glorious tri­umph is achieved, and this Promise is fulfilled.<br />By this, we are not to suppose that He is inactive, or that He takes no share in the agency by which this is to be done, but the meaning is, that He looks to the certain ful­fillment of the promise.<br />The word “footstool,” has to do with one putting his foot on the neck of his enemy, signifying that the enemy is totally defeated. The same idea is expressed in I Cor. 15:25 by saying that all His enemies shall be put un­der His feet. To be sure, this is certain of fulfillment.<br />(14) “FOR BY ONE OFFERING HE HATH PERFECTED FOR EVER THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />The “One Offering” is the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />The word “perfected” means to bring to a state of completion.<br /><br />3.<br />The Cross makes possible our Sancti­fication, and one might quickly say, the Cross alone!<br /><br /><br />ONE OFFERING<br />The phrase, “For by One Offering,” refers to the Sacrifice of Christ, which addressed every single problem that man has, in other words, all that man suffered in the Fall.<br />Paul possibly uses the word “one,” by con­trast to the five Levitical Offerings which were required under the old Mosaic Law. In other words, the One Offering of Christ ad­dressed itself to that which took five Offer­ings under the Levitical system. However, even that description begs the question. The facts are, the five Offerings of the Levitical system could not take away even one sin, whereas the One Offering of Christ atoned for all sin, past, present, and future. The dif­ference is in the worth of the Offerer. As should be obvious, Christ, the Son of God, is of infinite worth, while the animal sacrifices provide no comparison.<br />As well, the Levitical Sacrifices had to be offered again and again, actually multiple millions down through the centuries, while the One Sacrifice of Christ sufficed for all time.<br />PERFECTION<br />The phrase, “He hath perfected forever,” means that everything essential to the Sal­vation of the individual is included in the gift of Salvation, which the sinner receives by Faith in Messiah’s Sacrifice.<br />The idea of this is, whereas the offerings made under the Jewish Law were so defec­tive that there was a necessity for repeating them every day, the Offering made by Christ was and is so perfect that it needs not to be repeated, and as well, that it secures the com­plete and final Salvation of all those who avail themselves of it.<br />SANCTIFICATION<br />The phrase, “Them that are sanctified,” once again brings this word into view.<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Those whom Christ calls He sanctifies, that is, He sets apart for Himself. This is an operation of God’s Will and not of man’s. This Sanctification is affected by the one great Offering. Such was its cost. As an example, God took the unclean Hebrews from among the nations and set them apart for Himself. The blood of the Paschal Lamb affected this consecration; consequently, Faith can joy­fully exclaim: “Christ our Passover is sacri­ficed for us, therefore let us keep the Feast” (I Cor. 5:7-8).<br />This Offering of Christ is “once for all.” It admits of no repetition. The Sanctifica­tion it secures is eternal. It consecrates to God forever because of its eternal and un­changing value.<br />He Who made this Perfect Offering is seated in the Heavens; and He is Himself there the Righteousness of God. There is a Righteous­ness suited to the Throne of God. It never can vary or fail. In that Righteousness, the worshipper stands.<br />THE CROSS AND OUR SANCTIFICATION<br />Does not the Reader here see, which we have already stated, the connection between the Cross and our Sanctification? Actually, it is impossible for the Sanctification process to be carried out in our lives, which refers to our being completely set apart to God, with­out the Believer understanding that all of this comes through the Cross, and by no other means. This is absolutely essential!<br />Unfortunately, most of the modern Church has absolutely no idea of the part that the Cross plays in our everyday living for God, our overcoming victory, in other words, our Sanctification.<br />Before we can be what we ought to be in Christ, we have to understand that there has been a death in our lives. What do we mean by that?<br />This death occurred when we first ac­cepted Christ. We were baptized into His Death, meaning that His Death literally be­came our Death, inasmuch, as He died as our Substitute and in fact, as our Representative Man (Rom. 6:3). This is all done by faith on our part.<br />In other words, whenever we exhibited Faith in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross, and I am speaking of our initial Salva­tion experience, at that moment, at least in the Mind of God, we literally died with Christ.<br />What died, was so worthless, was so val­ueless, in other words so wicked and pol­luted, that it was buried with Christ as well (Rom. 6:4).<br />We were then raised with Christ “in new­ness of life” (Rom. 6:4).<br />All of this is what Jesus referred to as being “born again” (Jn. 3:3). But yet, a tremendous legal work took place with God, upon our Faith being exhibited in Christ when we were saved. Now that we are saved, we are “a new crea­ture: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17).<br />Now redeemed, it is crucial that we un­derstand, that we continue to have Faith in the Cross of Christ, realizing that this not only afforded us Salvation, but as well, it also af­fords our Sanctification experience, even as Paul says here in Hebrews 10:10, 14. And of course, this is also what Paul is talking about in the entirety of his Epistle to the Galatians.<br />The idea is, if we cease to look to the Cross, which alone provides us the liberty to live for God as we should, then “Christ is become of no effect unto you,” meaning, that all He did at the Cross is wasted, simply because we’re trusting something else (Gal. 5:4). In fact, if we look to anything else other than the Cross of Christ, we then “fall from Grace,” which presents itself as a catastrophe of un­precedented proportions (Gal. 5:4).<br />Every Believer has to have the Grace of God in order to live for God. This is not an option, but a “must.” The way Grace is obtained, is for us to just simply have Faith in the Cross of Christ and maintain our Faith in that Finished Work, for the simple reason, that it is the Cross which makes the Grace of God possible (Eph. 2:13-20). In fact, if we attempt to look to other things than the Cross, we frustrate the Grace of God, which places us in a perilous situa­tion (Gal. 2:20-21). It is somewhat like a diver underwater, who has his air hose cut. As should be obvious, he quickly finds himself in perilous circumstances. And so it is with the Child of God, who no longer has a plenti­ful supply of the Grace of God coming to him.<br />All of this is predicated on our Faith in the Cross, thereby, what Christ did for us.<br />NOTES<br /><br />This is the only way the Sanctification pro­cess can work, referring to the fact, of mak­ing us what we ought to be in Christ.<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />The great Sanctification process, and in fact everything we receive from the Lord, is all done by what Christ did at the Cross, but “through the Spirit” (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 5:5).<br />The facts are, even though we are now saved and even Baptized with the Holy Spirit, if in fact that is the case, still, we cannot within our own strength and power, bring about anything in our lives that pertains to God. It is only the Holy Spirit Who Alone can do all of these things which must be done. If we try to do it, it becomes a “work of the flesh,” which God can never recognize, and which will always fall out to our ruin and hurt.<br />Sadly and regrettably, this is where most of the Church operates. It operates in the flesh, which means according to rules and regulations made up by men, which means it’s not of the Spirit, which means it’s going to fall out to harm to everyone who comes under such teaching. The Church cannot sanctify you and neither can any Preacher. Every Preacher in the world can lay hands on you until there is no more hair on your head, and even though the laying on of hands is Scriptural, such being done in this man­ner will not bring you what you need. But unfortunately, most Pentecostals and Charismatics think that Preachers can solve their problems by laying hands on them, etc.<br />Of course, they pick and choose certain Preachers, thinking that God is using “this particular one,” and, therefore, I will get what I need. Even though God definitely does use Preachers, still, there will be no victory achieved by this process. Unfortunately, af­ter people come to Christ, too often, the Church points these converts to itself, instead of to the Cross. That is the sure road to spiri­tual catastrophe.<br />If the Church is not pointing you to the Cross, then it’s pointing you in the wrong di­rection, and the end results will not be pretty.<br />The Holy Spirit doesn’t function accord­ing to the edicts of the Church, or by the com­mands of Preachers; He functions totally and completely upon the premise of the Finished Work of Christ, and our Faith in that Finished Work (Rom. 8:2). As I’ve said repeatedly in this Volume, the Divine Spirit doesn’t expect much of us, but He definitely does expect one thing, and in fact, even demands that one thing, and that is that we exhibit Faith in the Cross of Christ at all times. He demands this, because as stated, He works exclusively within the parameters of that Finished Work.<br />If you follow this which we have stated, and I speak of a constant Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, then “sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14). In other words, the Grace of God will continue to flow to you like an uninterrupted river. But if you step outside of these boundaries, which sadly and regrettably, most of the modern Church has done, you will find your­self “under the Law,” which means that the Grace of God stops, and you are thereby des­tined for spiritual failure. In fact, Paul said if you do this, you will “be entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).<br />In the One Offering of Christ, not only was our Salvation perfected, but as well, our “Sanctification.” This must ever be under­stood. This means, that in the same manner in which we received our Salvation, in that same manner we receive Sanctification.<br />(15) “WHEREOF THE HOLY SPIRIT ALSO IS A WITNESS TO US: FOR AFTER THAT HE HAD SAID BEFORE,”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The Holy Spirit witnesses to all this which is said. This means it’s the Word of God, and cannot fail.<br /><br />2.<br />The Spirit, Paul says, “testifies.” The choice of word implies that there is excel­lent testimony behind what he has been say­ing about Christ.<br /><br />3.<br />For a fact, the entirety of the Word of God is inspired; however, when emphasis is added, even as it is here, with the Holy Spirit actually testifying of Himself as it regards Christ, we surely should be able to see the great significance of the Cross of Christ.<br /><br /><br />THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT<br />The phrase, “Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us,” proclaims the very high­est emphasis that can be had. The idea is,<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />the Holy Spirit is inspiring Paul to place His Name in the text (the Name of the Spirit), which cannot help but give added emphasis.<br />The Spirit is saying, that the one Atone­ment made by the Redeemer lays the foun­dation for the eternal perfection of all who are sanctified. The witness of the Holy Spirit here referred to, is that which is furnished in the Scriptures, and not any witness in ourselves.<br />I will never forget the day that the Holy Spirit led me to the Word as it regarded the manner and the way in which He works. He took me to Romans 8:2. To live the life that one ought to live, the Believer must have power. To be sure, this contest between good and evil, between light and darkness, is not idle games. Satan plays for keeps, and plays unto the death, the death of himself so to speak, or our death. This means that the powers coming against us as Believers are not mere fancies of our imagination, or mere philosophic inventions. The Child of God is facing the demon powers of darkness, which are trying to drag him down in the realm of sin and spiritual failure. Within one’s own ability, which Paul constantly likens to the “flesh,” there is no way that the Christian can overcome. He must have the Power and the Help of the Holy Spirit.<br />However, this help, to which we have al­ready addressed, is never automatic. Even as the Text here tells us, while the Spirit of God has been sent into our hearts and lives to perform a task, He will perform this task only on one basis, and that is within the great victory of the Finished Work of Christ. In other words, these are the legal boundaries in which the Spirit works.<br />For the Spirit to exhibit His great power, He demands of us that we at all times, ex­hibit Faith in the Sacrifice of Christ. It is Jesus Who has paid the price for our Redemp­tion. It is Jesus Who has satisfied the sin debt by the giving of Himself on the Cross. It is Jesus Who atoned for all sin, thereby making it possible for the Spirit to abide per­manently within the hearts and lives of Be­lievers (Jn. 14:16).<br />Due to this which Christ has done, with­out which man could not have been saved, and without which the Believer could not walk in victory, the Spirit glorifies Christ. In fact, Jesus said of the Spirit, “He shall glorify Me (and because of what Christ did at the Cross): for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you” (Jn. 16:14). All of this works through Faith in what Christ has done for us at the Cross (Rom. 3:25; 5:1-2; 9:30; 10:6; Gal. 2:16, 20; 3:2, 5, 14, 24; Eph. 2:8-9; Heb. 12:2).<br />According to one’s own strength, and no matter how consecrated the Believer might be, we are no match for the Evil One; how­ever, with the Holy Spirit working mightily within us, which He definitely will do if our Faith is properly placed, anything and every­thing is easy for Him. The Holy Spirit is God!<br />AN ETERNAL VICTORY<br /><br />The phrase, “For after that He had said before,” refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit has always witnessed to the veracity of the Finished Work of Christ. Long before the Cross, which we will see in the next Verse, the Spirit proclaimed through Jeremiah what the Sacrifice of Christ would bring about.<br />This means that the Way of the Cross is not a new way, but actually the only way that’s ever been formulated by God, which was ac­tually planned from before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />(16) “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAITH THE LORD, I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR HEARTS, AND IN THEIR MINDS WILL I WRITE THEM;”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />The Apostle appeals here to a Passage which he had before quoted (Jer. 31:33-34).<br /><br />2.<br />Paul places the Jewish recipients of this Letter in the position where they will either accept their Prophet and thus the New Tes­tament, or in rejecting the New Testament, they will at the same time, be rejecting their own Prophet.<br /><br />3.<br />This is a prophecy proclaiming the New Covenant, which Christ would bring about by His Death on the Cross.<br /><br />4.<br />This New Covenant would function on an entirely different basis than the Old.<br /><br /><br />THE NEW COVENANT<br /><br />The phrase, “This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days,”<br />NOTES<br /><br />proclaims its distinctive feature as being the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit Who would be caused to take up His permanent abode in the Believer under the New Testa­ment dispensation.<br />Heretofore, He had come upon or in in­dividuals in order to equip them for a cer­tain Ministry, and then would leave them when the time of that Ministry was over. He did not personally indwell them for purposes of Sanctification.<br />The Old Testament Saint was regenerated, thus becoming a partaker of the Divine Na­ture, and thus had that impetus to the liv­ing of a holy life. However, the New Testa­ment Saint has both the advantages of Re­generation and the personal indwelling and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, under the First Testament, God wrote His Laws on stone, whereas under the New Testament, He writes them upon the heart (Wuest).<br />THE MANNER OF THE NEW COVENANT<br />The phrase, “Saith the Lord, I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them,” proclaims that which was promised to Israel and Judah through the New Covenant, but is now made true of all who turn to Christ. By a New Birth God puts His Laws in our hearts and writes them in our minds, and then declares without any qualification, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”<br />The quotation from Jeremiah Chapter 31 is here repeated. It was first cited (Heb. 8:8) to set aside the Old Covenant; here it is used to prove the perfection of the New Covenant.<br />(17) “AND THEIR SINS AND INIQUI­<br /><br />TIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.” The structure is:<br />1.<br />Sins and iniquities are the reason that Jesus came to this world.<br /><br />2.<br />By and through His Death on the Cross, He took all of those sins and iniquities away, at least from those who will believe (Jn. 3:16).<br /><br />3.<br />The sinner is then justified, which re­fers to “Justification by Faith,” which means that the sinner exhibited Faith in Christ and what Christ did at the Cross, and was, therefore, justified. Justification means that God looks at such a person as if they<br /><br /><br />have never sinned, and will remember their sins no more.<br />SINS AND INIQUITIES<br />The phrase, “And their sins and iniquities,” pertains to that which is man’s problem, and, therefore, why Jesus came to this Earth. As well, these two words, “sins” and “iniquities,” constitute a far greater problem than most will admit. In fact, the world, while agreeing that there is a problem, claims that it’s only slight, and can be addressed by certain par­ticular measures such as education, money, etc. Unfortunately, most in the modern Church as well, do not properly understand the horror of sin.<br />The entirety of the principle of the Gos­pel is according to the following:<br />1. Sin is the problem.<br />2.<br />Jesus Christ is the answer and the only answer.<br /><br />3.<br />He is the answer only according to what He did at the Cross on behalf of sinners.<br /><br /><br />While many other things might be preached, that which we have just said must ever be the foundation of our presentation of the Gospel to the world. If we lose sight of this, we have lost sight of what the True Gos­pel really is.<br />Actually, the word “Gospel” means “good news.” That good news is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). That and that alone is the solution to dying, hurting humanity.<br />If Satan can get the Preacher to place the emphasis elsewhere, and he really doesn’t too much care where the elsewhere is, he has then completely destroyed the effectiveness of that Preacher. This means that if the Preacher is truly preaching the Gospel, with­out fail, He must preach the Cross. Paul said, “For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Cor. 1:18).<br />He then said, “It pleased God by the fool­ishness of preaching (the Cross) to save them that believe.” Consequently, he further said, “We preach Christ crucified” (I Cor. 1:21, 23). The tragedy is, the far greater part of the Church ignores the Cross, doesn’t preach the Cross, with some of it even repudiating the Cross! Paul plainly says in the Text as he speaks of “sins and iniquities,” that Jesus<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />“offered One Sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:12). How much clearer can it be, that the Cross of Christ is the only answer for the sins of man?!<br />JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “Will I remember no more,” proclaims in a few words, “Justification by Faith.”<br />The Work of Christ is the Cross; the wit­ness to all of this is the Holy Spirit (vs. 15). This means that God is the “Source” of this great Salvation, Christ the “means,” and the Holy Spirit the “evidence.”<br />The guilty conscience that seeks peace with God is shut up to this evidence of the Spirit. There is no other witness. The Spirit has recorded His evidence in the Scriptures, and outside of them there is no other testi­mony for faith to rest upon. So the certainty that God will never remember the sins and iniquities of the Believer in Jesus is founded on the unchanging Will of God, the perfect Work of Christ, and the sure witness of the Holy Spirit.<br />This is complete justification from all things. No charge can now be brought against the one for whom Christ has settled every­thing. The very words “and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more,” presents the crowning promise of the New Covenant of which Jesus is the Mediator. When these words were first quoted in 8:12 some important points in the argument were still untouched. Now the firm basis of the Promise has been shown, for the Covenant has been ratified by the Death of Christ, and the blessings He has won for men are eter­nal. All of this tells us that the sin question is settled. The once for all Offering of the Messiah shows that sin is paid for and put away. There is no greater wonder, no great blessing, no greater news than this, hence the Gospel being referred to as “good news.”<br />(18) “NOW WHERE REMISSION OF THESE IS, THERE IS NO MORE OFFER­ING FOR SIN.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Sins being completely taken away, to never be charged against the sinner again, proves the effectiveness of the Cross of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />Consequently, there is no need for any more sacrifice.<br /><br /><br />3. If we attempt to add anything to the Finished Work of Christ, we sin greatly!<br />REMISSION OF SIN<br /><br />The phrase, “Now where remission of these is,” settles the argument once and for all. The blood of bulls and goats never could remit sins; however, the One Sacrifice of Christ effectively remitted all sins for all people who will believe (Jn. 3:16). This short Verse emphatically conveys the utter finality of Christ’s Offering and the sheer impossi­bility of anything further. Where sins have been effectively dealt with, there can be no further place for an offering for sin, and be­cause there is no need for a further place for an offering for sin. This is what Jesus came to do, and this is what Jesus did, and He did this by the sacrificial Offering of Himself on the Cross, which makes the Cross the cen­trality of the Gospel.<br />A FINISHED WORK<br /><br />The phrase, “There is no more offering for sin,” proclaims a statement of obvious mag­nitude. On this one short phrase stands or falls the Gospel which we preach. What do I mean by that?<br />This Text plainly tells us that Jesus paid it all. His Work is a Finished Work, meaning that there is nothing else that must be done, and because there is nothing else that needs to be done. As stated, Jesus paid it all!<br />That being the case, where does that leave Preachers who attempt to add something to the Finished Work of Christ? By that ques­tion I mean this:<br />As it regards sin, much of the Church world little regards the Sacrifice of Christ, but rather portrays their own program, as it regards Jus­tification. For the sinner coming to Christ, he is advised to “join the Church,” which in effect, substitutes the Church for the Offering of Christ. Or else they claim that one is saved when he speaks in tongues or is baptized in water, etc. All of this is substituting some­thing else in place of the Sacrifice of Christ, and Faith by the sinner in that Sacrifice.<br />When it comes to Christians who sin, the Church has by and large as well, substituted their own program in place of the great Work of Christ.<br />NOTES<br /><br />In such cases, and especially as it regards Preachers, they’ve placed little stock at all in true repentance, but rather add other things. And what are those other things?<br />To be sure, these “other things” change with the wind; however, it really doesn’t mat­ter what these “other things” actually are, if anything is substituted in the place of the Sacrifice of Christ, and one’s Faith in that Finished Work, then the Sacrifice of Christ has been ignored.<br />Let us emphasize again, there is no sacri­fice for sin except the Sacrifice of Christ. To attempt to force individuals to do other things which are claimed to be necessary in order to effect forgiveness and cleansing is blasphemy pure and simple. Not only do those who insist upon such, sin greatly, but as well, any person who yields to such fool­ishness, forfeits the Grace of God.<br />Sin is awful! It is horrible! And because it is so awful and horrible, there is only one way it can be handled, and that’s by taking it to the Cross (I Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2). Jesus Christ is the only solution, not the Church, or some silly man-devised rules — only Christ and Him Crucified.<br />(19) “HAVING THEREFORE, BRETH­REN, BOLDNESS TO ENTER INTO THE HOLIEST BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS,”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The word “Brethren” signifies privi­leges in Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />“Boldness” as here given, refers to full access by all Believers to the Lord.<br /><br />3.<br />All of this has been brought about “by the Blood of Jesus,” meaning that it was at the Cross where He opened up the Way.<br /><br /><br />BRETHREN<br /><br />The phrase, “Having therefore, Brethren,” refers to the Family of God, all made pos­sible by what Jesus did at the Cross. There is no greater privilege than being in this great Family. Paul also said that Jesus is the “first­born among many Brethren” (Rom. 8:29).<br />The word “firstborn” as it is here used, doesn’t mean that Jesus was “born again” as are all Believers, but rather, that He is the Founder of the Church and, therefore, the “Head” of the Family of God. He is the Cre­ator of this Family!<br />BOLDNESS<br />The phrase, “Boldness to enter into the Holiest,” harks back to the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle. The High Priest alone could enter this sacred room where dwelt the Pres­ence of God, and then only once a year. The people, nor any of the other Priests, could enter, except only in the High Priest as their representative. The reason for these limita­tions then, was due to the fact that the sin debt was not paid, which means that sins still clung to Believers, and because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins.<br />The idea is, that before Christ died and entered into Heaven, there was no such ac­cess to the Throne of Grace as man needed. Man had no offering which he could bring that would make him acceptable to God. But now the way is open. Access is free for all, and all might come with the utmost freedom, at least if they come by and through the Blood of Jesus (Eph. 2:13-20).<br />THE BLOOD OF JESUS<br />The phrase, “By the Blood of Jesus,” pro­claims to us, and in no uncertain terms, how all of this has been made possible.<br />Through what Jesus did for us at the Cross, which refers to His poured out Blood, our Faith in that and that alone gives us im­mediate access to the Throne of God, and that goes for every single Believer.<br />This is the reason that I constantly pro­claim the validity of the Cross. We have ac­cess to the Throne of God, not because of our great faith in ourselves, or our good works, or our supposed spirituality, but through one means alone, and that is the Blood of Jesus. In fact, Paul also said, that if we attempt to gain access by any other man­ner, that the Spirit of God will bar the en­trance (Eph. 2:13-18).<br />This then entitles the “Brethren” of Christ, the new priestly house, to enter with boldness as purged worshippers into the Holiest, the immediate Presence of God, and all the infi­nite value of the Blood of Jesus through that New and Living Way which He Himself opened for us when, by His Death on the Cross, the Veil was rent in twain, and God no longer was hidden, nor man in Christ shut out.<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />So intimately are the Redeemed and the Redeemer linked together, so truly are the High Priest and priestly house one before God, that we are urged to enter in spirit where He has gone, and to draw near to God with true hearts and the full assurance of that faith that is based upon the knowledge of an accomplished Redemption; our hearts hav­ing been sprinkled by the Blood of Christ from an evil conscience, and like the once-defiled Israelite, “our bodies having been washed with the water of purification.”<br />It is to be regretted that so few Christians seem to apprehend all this today. It is safe to say that for thousands who have hope in Christ, the Veil might just as well never have been rent. They do not have any conception of liberty for access into the Holiest, but think of themselves as a people on probation still, who, if only faithful to their profession, and faithful to some type of laws made up by them­selves or others, will eventually be fitted for admission into the Presence of God.<br />How much is thus lost through failure to understand the true Christian position.<br />God sees every Believer in Him, and the feeblest Saint has title to immediate access into the Holiest through the Atoning Blood (Ironside).<br />Due to what is being said here about ap­proaching God, for that’s what the Text pro­claims, let’s look at the word “approach.”<br />APPROACH<br /><br />The word “approach” usually describes a commonplace event. A man looked up and saw camels approaching (Gen. 24:63). Jesus approached a boat pulled up on the shore (Jn. 6:19). But in some specialized uses, this word is anything but commonplace — particularly in what we are taught about approaching God.<br />THE OLD TESTAMENT<br /><br />The Old Testament makes it plain that ap­proach to God (seeking intimate contact with Him) is a distinct privilege, a privilege not lightly granted. God called Moses from the burning bush, but when Moses came over to see the phenomenon, God stopped him and said, “Do not come any closer,” or “Do not approach” (Ex. 3:5). Moses was told instead to remove his shoes, for he stood on holy ground.<br />When God thundered from Sinai, the people were warned not to approach the moun­tain in an attempt to see God, lest they be struck down (Ex. 19:16-25). When the Tab­ernacle was constructed to serve as the place for Israel to corporately worship God, only the Priests were allowed to enter the Tabernacle or serve at its Altar (Num. 18:1-7), and even they had to approach with extreme care and follow exactly the ritual established by God.<br />Two sons of Aaron who “offered unautho­rized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command,” were destroyed in flames that “came out from the Presence of the LORD and consumed them” (Lev. 10:1-3). Even the High Priest was warned that he must rigor­ously follow the established pattern when entering the Most Holy Place, and then just once a year, or he too would be struck down by the Lord (Lev. Chpt. 16).<br />APPROACHING A THRICE-HOLY GOD<br />All of these experiences and warnings to early Israel were intended to underline the fact that approaching a Holy God is never to be lightly undertaken. Looking back, the New Testament explains that the rigid walls of ritual, like the inner curtain of the Tabernacle and Temple, were erected because the way into the Holiest — into God’s very Presence — had not yet been manifested (Heb. 9:8). Human beings could approach the Lord only with fear, bearing offerings that reminded them of their sin and that God was willing to forgive.<br />It is clear from the Old Testament that the ritual observances were never enough to in­sure a welcome from God. So the Prophets spoke, condemning an unwelcome genera­tion who drew near to God with words but whose hearts were far from Him (Isa. 29:13; Jer. 12:2). But even with a pure heart, ritual was required.<br />THE NEW TESTAMENT ON<br />APPROACHING GOD<br /><br /><br />It is striking to move into the New Testa­ment and read: “In Him (Jesus) and through Faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Eph. 3:12); “Let us then approach the Throne of Grace with confidence” (Heb. 4:16); and “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that<br />NOTES<br /><br />if we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us” (I Jn. 5:14).<br />The Old Testament’s wall of ritual is gone, even as the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Jerusa­lem Temple was supernaturally torn from top to bottom when Jesus died (Mat. 27:51).<br />That tearing signified that, on the basis of Christ’s Death, the way of approach to God is open to all. Jesus’ Death dealt finally and decisively with the sins that separated us from God. Now, as forgiven and cleansed per­sons, we can approach God freely and with­out hesitation.<br />This freedom that we have in Christ is emphasized in each of the three theologically significant “approach” Passages in the New Testament (Eph. Chpt. 3; Heb. Chpt. 4; I Jn. Chpt. 5). In each, our approach to God is described by the Greek word “parresia.” The word signifies outspokenness or plainness in speech, openness to others, and confidence and boldness when in the presence of those of higher rank.<br />We now come into the very Presence of God with joyous confidence (Heb. 10:19), sure that Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God (Heb. 10:19-22) (Richards).<br />(20) “BY A NEW AND LIVING WAY, WHICH HE HATH CONSECRATED FOR US, THROUGH THE VEIL, THAT IS TO SAY, HIS FLESH;”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />This is a new way, made so by Christ, which means it must not incorporate any of the old ways of the Law.<br /><br />2.<br />It is a “living way,” made so by Christ, by contrast to the old way which contained no life.<br /><br />3.<br />Christ consecrated this way, meaning that He made it possible for us to enter.<br /><br />4.<br />The “Veil” is that which hid the Holy of Holies, but which now spiritually speak­ing, has been taken down.<br /><br />5.<br />“His flesh” signifies His Death on the Cross, which made all of this possible.<br /><br /><br />A NEW AND LIVING WAY<br /><br />The phrase, “By a new and living way,” presents the New Covenant. The way to God now is both “new” and “living.” It is “new” because what Jesus has done has created a completely new situation, “living” because that way is indissolubly bound up with the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul does not say, as John does, that Jesus is the way (Jn. 14:6), but this is close to his meaning.<br />At the same time, this means that this “new and living way,” is not the way of the dead animals of the Old Covenant or the life­less floor over which the Levitical High Priest walked. It is the living Lord Himself.<br />By the Holy Spirit using the words “new” and “living,” He is in effect, telling the Jewish Christians, that they certainly don’t want to go back to the old way of animal sacrifices. This new way is fresh, inviting, open to all, requiring only Faith, which is the opposite of the old way.<br />ISRAEL<br />I think in all of this, the Jews, even the Chris­tian Jews, were somewhat piqued that all of this was passing them by as an indigenous people. Heretofore, they had been the only people on the face of the Earth who had access to God, as limited as it was! But now, Paul is talking about there being no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, and that the old way is out, with a New and Living Way brought in. As stated, this must have somewhat grated on them.<br />However, this should not have been the case at all, if in fact they did feel that way. If they had looked at the Law properly, they would have known that it was temporary, and that it was meant to be replaced by something better. They had been used mightily by God to insti­tute this. In fact, they were the recipients of all the Promises, and could take great plea­sure in the fact that they had held the breech so to speak, until the Redeemer could come. Their legacy was great, even as their history was great, that is if they looked at it properly.<br />But instead, many of them were jealous of the Gentiles, and put off that they had to be saved in the same manner as these people whom they had formerly referred to as “dogs.” However, all of this was a matter of their pride, and not at all because God had in fact, mistreated them in some manner. Actually, He had been more gracious to the Jews than anyone on the face of the Earth. While it is quite true that they had great problems; still,<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />it was because of failure on their part, and not at all on God’s part.<br />CONSECRATED<br /><br />The phrase, “Which He hath consecrated for us,” refers to the fact that this way was opened up by Him, and through the shed­ding of His Blood, and it is set apart for our service. It is a path consecrated by Him for the service and salvation of man; a way of ac­cess to the eternal Sanctuary for the believ­ing sinner which has been set apart by the Redeemer for this service alone.<br />Paul is here making it clear that he does not have reference to the earthly Holy of Ho­lies, as it refers to the Tabernacle. In the first place, it is by means of the Blood of Christ that we are to enter, not by the means of the blood of animals. The old road to the Mercy Seat of the Tabernacle in Israel was a dead road. There was no life there. It was all symbolism, an index finger pointing to the reality with which this First Century Jew was then faced. In the new road was life, all furnished by Christ.<br />THE VEIL<br /><br />The phrase, “Through the Veil,” contains an allusion as is obvious, to the Veil which sepa­rated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. No one could enter this Sacred Place where dwelt the Presence of God between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim, except the High Priest, and then he could only enter once a year, which was on the Great Day of Atonement. The idea of this Text is, that Jesus literally did away with that barrier, i.e., “the Veil.” In other words, it no more remains!<br />HIS FLESH<br /><br />The phrase, “That is to say, His flesh,” re­fers to the Cross. His flesh was torn on the Cross that the way to God might be opened, which it was.<br />When the Messiah died on the Cross, the Veil of the Temple was rent by the unseen hand of God, showing Israel two things:<br />1.<br />The Messiah had now provided the ac­tual entrance for the believing sinner into the Presence of God.<br /><br />2.<br />The symbolic sacrifices were to be dis­continued, for the Reality to Whom they pointed had come.<br /><br /><br />3. In all of this, let us understand that an uncrucified Savior is no Savior. Even though all the things that Christ did were of vast sig­nificance, as would be obvious; still, it was not until He died on the Cross, that this way was opened. So, if we minimize the Cross in any way, we are striking negatively at the very heart of the Atonement, which is the foun­dation of all Salvation. The Reader must un­derstand, that every single thing that pertains to Christ, His Virgin Birth, His Life and Min­istry, His Healings and Miracles, everything and without exception, pointed to the Cross. It is only the Cross which redeems lost hu­manity; only the Cross which opened up the way to the very Throne of God; only the Cross which made Salvation possible.<br />(21) “AND HAVING AN HIGH PRIEST<br />OVER THE HOUSE OF GOD;” The structure is:<br />1. Jesus is now our great High Priest.<br />2.<br />He is an active High Priest functioning now in the Presence of God on our behalf.<br /><br />3.<br />His High Priesthood covers the entirety of the Church, i.e., “all born again Believers.”<br /><br /><br />HIGH PRIEST<br /><br />The phrase, “And having an High Priest,” in the actual Greek says “a Priest, a great One.” Not only is He now a High Priest, but He is a great One, and His greatness is shown by the fact that He is the Priest over the ac­tual House of God, the One Who by His Death on the Cross saves all those who belong to the House of God in all dispensations.<br />THE HOUSE OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Over the House of God,” pro­claims the Truth, that despite the fact that Jesus is a lowly Servant, and functioned as such in His earthly Ministry, still, He is “over” God’s household.<br />Paul does not forget Jesus’ high place. He has taken a lowly place, as it refers to His flesh, and has died to make a way to God for men. But this assumption of the role of a servant should not blind us to the fact that Jesus is the “Head” of the Church. Once again we have the highest Christology combined with the recognition that Jesus rendered lowly service.<br />There is a strong reason for believing that the language of one of the prophecies of<br />NOTES<br /><br />Zechariah is here before Paul’s mind. In the preceding Verses (12-14), he has used words which united the Priestly and Kingly imagery.<br />On the head of Joshua, “the great Priest” (Zech. 6:11), are placed crowns of silver and gold in token of royal dignity. Then follows the prediction of Him of Whom Joshua was the type. “He shall build the House of the LORD: and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His Throne; and He shall be a Priest upon His Throne” (Zech. 6:13).<br />A TYPE<br /><br />In the Verse of our study (vs. 21), are com­bined several of the characteristic thoughts of the Passage in Zechariah — the Great Priest, the Priestly Ruler, the House of God. The last-mentioned words are repeatedly used throughout the Old Testament, both in the Pentateuch and in later Books, for the Tabernacle or Temple of God.<br />In Hebrews 3:6 (to which there is a mani­fest allusion) the meaning is enlarged, but only so that under “the house” is also com­promised the household of God. Here the two thoughts are combined.<br />Into the House of God we may enter; over it Jesus rules as “The Great Priest.” The Family of God subject to His rule includes the whole community of “the people of God” in Heaven and upon Earth (Ellicott).<br />(22) “LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, HAVING OUR HEARTS SPRINKLED FROM AN EVIL CONSCIENCE, AND OUR BODIES WASHED WITH PURE WATER.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />It is only the true of heart who can come into the Presence of God.<br /><br />2.<br />The proper Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf, gives us a “full assurance.”<br /><br />3.<br />That which the Jews of old had in type as it regards the “sprinkling” and “washing,” we now have in reality in Christ.<br /><br /><br />A TRUE HEART<br /><br />The phrase, “Let us draw near with a true heart,” not only states that such has to be if one is to enter, but as well, tells us that the Cross of Christ separates the true from the false. The idea is, it is impossible to place one’s Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, and at the same time be hypocritical, double-deal­ing, or false in any manner. Many other as­pects of that which goes under the guise of Christendom can entertain that which is false and often does; however, the Cross separates the false from the true, and does so perfectly.<br />In the first place, for one to place their faith and trust in the Cross of Christ, at the same time means that they are no longer trusting in themselves or anything else for that mat­ter. Such a position also proclaims the fact that the individual knows and understands that within himself he can do nothing, and that Christ has done it all, and it is only Faith in what Christ has done that will slake the thirst of the human soul.<br />Also, the very principle of the Cross speaks of humility, which is the very opposite of pride. In fact, the Cross was and is the great­est example of humility than mankind has ever known and ever will know. So, in order to place one’s Faith in the Finished Work of Christ, and to do so exclusively, automati­cally humbles one, which is an absolute ne­cessity as it regards the “pure heart.”<br />In all of this, the Reader must understand, that the desire placed in the heart of the seek­ing soul by the Holy Spirit, does not mean the heart is pure. In fact, it is not only im­pure but very impure, as is every heart which hasn’t been cleansed by the Blood; however, the Blood, and to be sure, will grandly cleanse the heart of all that is displeasing to God.<br />FULL ASSURANCE<br />The phrase, “In full assurance of Faith,” proclaims the assurance provided by Faith, and better yet, Faith in the Finished Work of Christ.<br />Christ as our High Priest deals with infir­mity; as Advocate He restores communion (I Jn. Chpt. 2). Power and enjoyment rest upon this double ministry. Man condemns the full assurance of Salvation, claiming that such cannot be; however, such an assurance magnifies the offering upon which it is based, and an absence of assurance discredits the perfection of that offering. The “full assur­ance of Faith” stresses that it is only by trust in Christ, Who has performed for us the High Priestly work that gives access to God, that<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />we can draw near at all. Once again, “full assurance of Faith,” means “unwavering confidence.” It is a fullness of Faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. Christians are permitted to come thus because God has revealed Himself through the Redeemer as in every way deserving our fullest confi­dence. No one approaches God in an accept­able manner who does not come to Him in this manner.<br />THE LAW AND FAITH<br /><br />The only manner in which one can have a full assurance of Faith, is through and by the Cross of Christ. When one places one’s Faith totally and completely in the great Sacrifice of Christ, due to the fact that this is the correct object of one’s Faith, assurance is thereby guaranteed. As stated, there is no other assurance.<br />Conversely, when one attempts to come by the means of Law, i.e., “good works,” or by the means of anything else other than the Cross, there is no assurance of faith. In fact, Law as the object of one’s faith is the cause of so much consternation, worry, anxiety, and fear on the part of the Christian. The reason is simple, these other objects of Faith, really boil down to “self.” In other words, irrespec­tive as to what we might think, if the Cross is not the object of our faith, then in actual­ity, it is “self.”<br />WHAT DO WE MEAN BY LAW?<br /><br />To make it very simple and easy to under­stand, we’re referring to anything other than the Cross of Christ. Most Christians have their faith in their Church. Others have their faith in particular Preachers. Others in all of their religious activity; however, it really doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s not the Cross, then in some way, it is Law. We may not understand it as such, and to be sure, it’s not the Law of Moses; nevertheless, it is Law.<br />And inasmuch as it is Law, whether for­mulated out of our own minds, or the minds of others, in some way it comes back to self and for this simple reason:<br />When we place our Faith in other than the Cross, the Holy Spirit will not help us; consequently, we are left with nothing but our own strength and capabilities, which always are woefully inadequate. As stated, that’s the reason that we have no assurance of faith.<br />When one places one’s Faith exclusively in the Finished Work of Christ, understand­ing that it was all done there, the Holy Spirit will then help us, which gives us an assur­ance that defies all description. And to be certain, this of which we speak is far more important than we think at first glance.<br />If Christianity doesn’t have an assurance of peace with God, of rightness with God, of place and position with God, all perfected by Christ, then it’s really not true Christianity. This doesn’t mean an absence of problems, but it does mean a peace and serenity in the midst of problems, whatever those problems might be.<br />A NEW FAITH FOUNDATION<br /><br />What we’re speaking of here is not a side issue, or just another fad. What we’re talk­ing about is a total and complete new way of thinking, and actually, a new way of doing. As I’ve said many times, the Cross of Christ is not a Doctrine. It is actually the founda­tion of all Doctrine. It is the foundation on which we build everything that we believe about Christ and our relationship with Him. Again, as I’ve already said, the Cross and the Word of God are synonymous. When one is spoken of, the other is spoken of as well!<br />This is one of the reasons that many Chris­tians balk at the Message of the Cross. They realize, once they begin to understand some things about the Cross, that they are going to have to completely reshape their theol­ogy. The Message of the Cross incorporates every single thing in the Word of God, and as well the entirety of our relationship with the Lord. This is God’s Way! In fact, it is His only way!<br />Unfortunately, most Christians do not give up their Ishmael’s easily. As Abraham of old, it’s hard to give up that which is our own fair work of the flesh. And regrettably, that’s what most of modern Christianity actually is — works of the flesh. The Church has been pulled so far from the Cross, that most Chris­tians are going to completely have to rethink their whole experience, upon being brought to their rightful place in Christ. The Church is so “works” oriented, so enmeshed in law.<br />NOTES<br /><br />And the sad thing is, most don’t even realize this of what I say.<br />It sounds simple enough, the placing of one’s Faith entirely in the Cross of Christ; however, once this begins, one begins to real­ize quickly, that there is no end to the height or the depth of this great Message of the Cross. In other words, what Jesus there did for us, is of such moment, such magnitude, as to defy all description. What I’m actually saying is, that it’s impossible to exhaust the great Finished Work of Christ.<br />And yet, when one begins to anchor one’s faith in this which Christ did nearly 2,000 years ago, and begins to reap the results which continue to come from that Finished Work, one for the first time will begin to understand the glory and the joy of true, Bible Chris­tianity. This is exactly what Jesus meant when He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abun­dantly” (Jn. 10:10). This is the way of victory over all the powers of darkness, and in fact the only way! This is the road to the “rest” promised by Christ (Mat. 11:28-30).<br />Because of its great significance, please allow me to state this Truth again:<br />The Message of the Cross is a total way of life. It is the true, Christian way. This is the faith which provides the assurance of which Paul here speaks. In fact, it is the only Faith which God will recognize — I speak of Faith in the Cross and in the Cross exclusively!<br />THE CLEANSING POWER OF THE BLOOD<br />The phrase, “Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water,” portrays Paul us­ing Old Testament types to represent the re­ality we now have in Christ.<br />The sons of Aaron were sprinkled with blood and washed with water. These carnal shadows of the First Covenant were figures of the spiritual realities of the Second. The sprinkling and the washing of this Verse must, therefore, be wholly spiritual — the conscience cleansed by a consciousness of the value of the Blood of Christ, and the con­duct cleansed by obedience to the Word of Christ applied by the Holy Spirit.<br />The reference here is to the Laver at the Door of the Tabernacle, in the Wilderness.<br />In it the Priests were baptized, i.e., washed, for to baptize means to wash, the water be­ing poured upon them. This symbolized the New Birth.<br />The most effectual way of cleansing from sin is by putting to death. In the New Birth of Regeneration, the Believer in Christ is put to death, so to speak. He is baptized into death with Christ at Calvary and He rises into a new life with Christ in Resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5). This is an effectual break with sin. It is an effective washing — not the applica­tion of material water to the outward flesh, which accomplishes nothing, but the effec­tual action of the Holy Spirit within the soul which accomplishes everything. Let us make one more statement about the Cross:<br />THE CROSS AND SPIRITUAL<br />CLEANLINESS<br /><br />For a Believer to trust Christ for Salva­tion, and then after conversion to drift into “works,” which most do, and because that’s where most Churches lead them, presents that Believer in a sense as living under the old Mosaic economy. In other words, even though all Christians have place and posi­tion in Christ, still, most function as if they are functioning under the old Law of Moses. As all the ritual washings under the old Law could not truly cleanse the heart and life, like­wise, modern works fall into the same cat­egory. The truth is, if the Believer is not fully trusting in what Christ did at the Cross on His behalf, and doing so exclusively, which means to the exclusion of all else, then in some fashion, that Believer is living under Law, which can provide no true cleansing of the heart.<br />I would trust that the Reader by now can see how that the “Cross Life,” is in fact a to­tal way of life.<br />It was one thing for the Jews of old not to be able to enjoy what we presently have in Christ, and for the simple reason that it was not then available; however, it is a shame of unprecedented proportions, for Believers presently to have the availability of Christ, but yet to conduct ourselves as if we are liv­ing under the ancient Law. What a travesty!<br />It is only when one exhibits Faith totally and completely in the Cross of Christ, that<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />one truly and surely knows the joys of sins forgiven, and the total cleansing which the Blood alone can provide. I realize that every Christian would argue that they do have this of which I speak, even though their faith is elsewhere; however, the reason they argue, if in fact they do, is because in reality, most Christians have never known what it’s like to fully enjoy Christ, which can only be done by ever having the Cross as the object of our Faith.<br />(23) “LET US HOLD FAST THE PRO­FESSION OF OUR FAITH WITHOUT WA­VERING; (FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED;)”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />“Hold fast” refers to having a firm hold which masters that which is held.<br /><br />2.<br />The “profession of our faith” refers to faith in the Cross of Christ, and the Cross of Christ exclusively.<br /><br />3.<br />“Wavering” refers to the fact, that we aren’t to weaken in our profession of faith as it regards the Cross of Christ.<br /><br />4.<br />Everything that God has promised, He will perform, providing our faith doesn’t waver.<br /><br /><br />THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH<br />The phrase, “Let us hold fast the profes­sion of our Faith,” refers exclusively to the Finished Work of Christ.<br />For years, the “Word of Faith” teaching has used this particular Scripture as it regards their claims. They were and are touting Faith, but it wasn’t and isn’t Faith in the Cross. Consequently, their teaching is unscriptural!<br />As should be obvious in these Passages, Paul is speaking of what Jesus has done at the Cross on our behalf. We are to place our Faith in that, “holding fast” its great Truth.<br />The idea of the words “hold fast” proclaim the fact that Satan will do everything within his power to dislodge our faith from the Sac­rifice of Christ. But the Spirit here through Paul, tells us that we are to hold so firmly to our faith, that we master that which is held, meaning that we perfectly understand what our Faith actually is, and where it is.<br />“Profession” in the Greek is “homologia,” and means, “to say the same thing.” The idea is, that our Faith is to be so synonymous with the Cross, that it says the same thing as the Cross, and the Cross says the same thing as our Faith.<br />What did Christ do at the Cross? He suf­fered the penalty of the broken Law on my behalf, and as well, atoned for all sin, past, present, and future. This destroyed Satan’s legal right to hold humanity in captivity; con­sequently, I can now live free from sin, sim­ply because of what Christ has done for me. In fact, at conversion, I was baptized into the Death of Christ, buried with Him, and raised with Him in Newness of Life (Rom. 6:3-5). This means that I literally died to sin and the old life, which also means, it no longer has a hold on me. I can now “reckon myself to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ my Lord” (Rom. 6:11).<br />This is what my “profession” says and, therefore, this is my Faith. As a result, “sin shall not have dominion over me, for I’m not under Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14).<br />As a result, I am now functioning in “The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.” Consequently, I am free from “The Law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2).<br />WITHOUT WAVERING<br /><br />The phrase, “Without wavering,” refers to the fact that as a Believer, and having my faith anchored firmly in the Finished Work of Christ, under no consideration must I waver toward anything else. Paul is here urging the Christian Jews not to lean back towards the First Testament. Like the gen­eration which left Egypt, who in their hearts were returning to that place of slavery, so these Christian Jews under stress of perse­cution were leaning back in their hearts to the First Testament. However, the Holy Spirit, even as Paul says in Verse 15, is con­stantly pushing them toward the Finished Work of Christ, even as He continues at the present in our own hearts and lives.<br />THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “For He is faithful that prom­ised,” refers to the fact that everything the New Covenant promises, will be realized in totality. Because He is unwaveringly faith­ful, therefore, He should be unwaveringly confessed.<br />NOTES<br /><br />All the Promises of God given through the Prophets in the Old Testament, all and with­out exception, center up in the Cross. It is there that the Promises were realized and ful­filled. Consequently, it stands to reason, that our Faith must be in that great Sacrifice as well! If that’s where the Promises are made possible, then that’s where our Faith must be located. This must be our confession, and we must not waver in this confession.<br />(24) “AND LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER TO PROVOKE UNTO LOVE AND TO GOOD WORKS:”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />If our Faith is properly in the Cross, we will then properly consider one another.<br /><br />2.<br />The love here mentioned, has as its example the Cross (I Jn. 4:10).<br /><br />3.<br />Proper Faith in the Cross will always produce good works, but good works will never produce proper Faith in the Cross.<br /><br /><br />CONSIDERING ONE ANOTHER<br /><br />The phrase, “And let us consider one an­other,” harks back to the previous Verse. If we see our Brother waving in the faith, and I speak of Faith in the Cross of Christ, we are to give attentive, continuous care to that par­ticular individual. The exhortation is to take careful note of each other’s spiritual welfare which also harks back to our “profession of Faith.” We are to notice each other as it re­gards this singularly most important aspect of our Christian experience. Whenever faith is starting to slip, it becomes noticeable and obvious. If that happens, the next phrase presents the step we should then take.<br />LOVE<br /><br />The phrase, “To provoke unto love,” refers to the manner in which we must deal with our Brother. Love as it is here used, is the charac­teristic New Testament term for a love that is not self-seeking, a love whose paradigm (ex­ample) is the Cross. In fact, there can be no real love, and we speak of “agape love,” which is the “God kind of love,” unless it’s love that has as its foundation, the Cross. Of course, the Cross was the greatest example of love which man has ever known and ever will know.<br />Keeping the Cross as the foundation of our love, due to the fact that Jesus there gave Himself for us, we are at the same time, to give ourselves to others. And how do we do that?<br />We do it by loving them through the Cross, which is the Biblical way of love. This type of love is not self-seeking, but rather the very opposite. In fact, considering that this is love anchored in the Cross, of necessity, it could not be anything else.<br />If we show concern for a Brother who is wavering, and do so in the shadow of the Cross, our concern will have a telling effect.<br />GOOD WORKS<br />The phrase, “And to good works,” presents that which will naturally follow true Faith in the Cross. As we previously stated, “good works” will not establish Faith in the Cross, but Faith in the Cross will definitely estab­lish “good works.”<br />(25) “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEM­BLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS THE MANNER OF SOME IS; BUT EX­HORTING ONE ANOTHER: AND SO MUCH THE MORE, AS YE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />Christians are to be faithful to Church.<br /><br />2.<br />In Church, we encourage each other.<br /><br /><br />3. As the signs of the times point to the imminent return of Christ, we are to be even more diligent regarding our faithfulness to Christ, and in every manner.<br />CHURCH ATTENDANCE<br />The phrase, “Not forsaking the assem­bling of ourselves together,” carries with it a far greater meaning than merely a gather­ing of Christians on a regular basis. We must not forget, that it’s the Holy Spirit Who is prodding Paul to write these words.<br />Whenever Christians gather together in like faith, there is a strength and an encour­agement which comes from such an assem­bly. In other words, we obtain something from the Lord by going to Church and mixing with other Believers, that we cannot obtain any­where else.<br />In an assembly of Believers, faith is greatly exercised and, thereby, greatly increased. Consequently, it becomes much easier to be­lieve God for the things we need.<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />As well, this is so important, that Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mat. 18:20).<br />WRONG DIRECTION<br /><br />The phrase, “As the manner of some is,” tells us plainly, that some Christians during the time of the Early Church were not being faithful. The Holy Spirit here plainly says, that such direction is a flirtation with spiri­tual disaster. To fail to obey this injunction, is to fail to obey, and will bring upon such an individual serious consequences.<br />As the manner of some Christians during Paul’s day was that of unfaithfulness regard­ing attendance at Church, what is your man­ner, and I speak of you the Reader?<br />Your “manner” should be to attend Church every single time the doors are open, if it’s at all possible. That means Sunday Morning, Sunday Night, that is if Service is conducted on Sunday Nights, and it refers to midweek Bible Study, on whatever night such is held. It also includes special meetings such as Re­vival Services and Campmeetings, etc. This should be the manner of the Child of God!<br />EXHORTATION<br /><br />The phrase, “But exhorting one another,” refers to encouraging one another to be faith­ful to Church.<br />It should be understood that the Christians in those days were for the most part under persecution. If they were Gentiles, which most were, they had been brought out of pagan­ism, with all of its attendant idol worship. In fact, in every major city, there were scores of temples devoted to particular idol gods. In fact, the entire structure of society was built around these “gods.” Whichever god was worshipped, many of the people wore cloth­ing to symbolize that particular god, and even styled the furniture in their houses after a cer­tain fashion in devotion to their god or gods. Therefore, when they gave their hearts and lives to Christ, their lives miraculously and gloriously changed, but to be sure, the change was not so very much appreciated by their relatives and their former friends. In many cases, these people, whomever they may have been, made life miserable for the Christians.<br />It was the same way with Jews, except in a little different manner. While the Jews didn’t worship idols, still, for a fellow Jew to accept the hated Christ, was the worst abomination that most Jews could contemplate; conse­quently, they literally excommunicated any­one of their own who came to Christ. From then on, he was treated by his family as if he was dead.<br />Wherever it was that the Christians as­sembled together for Service, many times they were monitored, with the intention of causing problems for anyone who attended. Under these circumstances, one can see how that it would be somewhat easy to just sim­ply not attend Service. And yet, under these circumstances, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, is telling the people that de­spite the difficulties involved, they must “not forsake the assembling of themselves to­gether.” Now let me ask this question:<br />If the Spirit of God insisted even in those troubled times that Christians not fail to at­tend Church, don’t you think such insistence holds true now, especially considering that there is presently no persecution for attend­ing Church!<br />THE LAST DAYS<br /><br />The phrase, “And so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” refers to the last days, and, therefore, the insistence by the Holy Spirit that Believers, especially now, be faithful to Church.<br />These are the last days, and in fact, the last of the last days, and we speak of end time events. By that, we are referring to the Rap­ture of the Church, the rise of the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, and the Second Com­ing of Christ. To be frank, all of these things I’ve just mentioned are just ahead of us. So, the Holy Spirit is plainly telling us, that it is absolutely imperative that we be faithful to Church.<br />While there are many reasons that this should be done, in fact must be done, the principle of a group of Believers gathering together provides a spiritual strength that cannot be attained in any other way. In this of which we speak, a tremendous impact is made as well, on the spirit world. And I feel, that the Holy Spirit is referring to this above<br />NOTES<br /><br />anything else, even though there are many other reasons that make it necessary that we be faithful in gathering together to worship the Lord.<br />One of the principle reasons that the Holy Spirit here mentions the last days is because of the great apostasy that will come upon the Church during this time. When one consid­ers that we have actually already entered into this apostasy, then we begin to realize just how important all of this actually is.<br />Apostasy is a departure from Truth, and anyone who claims to know the Lord, and cannot sense that the Church is presently departing from Truth as never before, if that be the case, then that Christian sadly and re­grettably has become a part of the apostasy. In fact, that is the case with a great number of modern Christians, and the situation is only going to get worse. In this climate, the Holy Spirit is telling us how so very impor­tant it is that we not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.<br />CHURCH<br /><br />When we speak of attending Church, that needs qualification.<br />In fact, most Churches shouldn’t be at­tended. The people actually should run from some Churches. I speak of those which aren’t proclaiming the Truth, and in fact, are teach­ing “another Jesus, another gospel, all by another spirit” (II Cor. 11:4). Let me be a little clearer:<br />To whatever degree your Pastor is preach­ing the Cross, to that degree he is preaching the Gospel. Of course, that would go for an Evangelist as well! If the Preacher is not preaching the Cross at all, then he is not preaching the Gospel at all, and should be shunned. The following somewhat describes most Churches:<br />1. Many Churches proclaim a modernist gospel, which is no more than a social gos­pel. It is a gospel of ethics, i.e., “The Golden Rule.” These Preachers do not believe the Word of God and certainly do not believe in the Cross. At the same time, there is a large group of Charismatic Preachers who claim to be Spirit-filled, but who denigrate the Cross, even referring to it as “past miseries,” and claiming that it was the greatest defeat in human history. They encourage their fol­lowers to flee the Cross. Pure and simple, these Preachers are “enemies of the Cross of Christ.” The Apostle then said:<br />“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19).<br />The name of the game for these particu­lar Churches is “money.” And, Paul said, “O man of God, flee these things; and follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness” (I Tim. 6:10-11).<br />Once again please allow me to parrot the Apostle: Flee these Preachers and flee these Churches!<br />2.<br />There are some Preachers who preach the Cross somewhat. By that I mean they preach the Cross as it regards sinners being saved, but not at all thereafter. Many if not most of these Preachers simply do not know the Message of the Cross as it refers to the everyday living of the Child of God. Prob­ably one could say, that most Fundamental­ist Churches fall into this category.<br /><br />While what these Preachers proclaim is true and correct as far as it goes, the problem is, it just doesn’t go far enough. Consequently, most of their people will not live in victory, but rather defeat, and no matter how hard they try to do otherwise. In fact, most Chris­tians who truly love the Lord attend these type of Churches. As should be obvious, these Churches, even though not going far enough, still, are a thousand times better than the ones in the first category.<br /><br />3.<br />The Churches which proclaim the Cross of Christ as it regards the sinner being saved, and as well, as the Source of Victory for the Christian, is actually the type of Church which should be indicative of all Churches. Such Preaching, which is the “preaching of the Cross” (I Cor. 1:18, 21, 23), will develop strong Christians, actually that which true Christianity ought to be. Regrettably, there aren’t very many of these type of Churches, and simply because the Message of the Cross has all but been lost in the last few decades. But thank the Lord, this is beginning to change! The Message of the Cross which is the true Bible Message, is beginning to be heard, practiced, and preached, by more and more people and Preachers of the Gospel.<br /><br /><br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />As we previously stated, the Message of the Cross requires a complete rethinking of our Biblical positions. This is a total way of life, actually that for which Jesus died.<br />What gives this such impetus of course, is that this is the manner in which the Holy Spirit works. He works totally and completely within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ (Rom. 8:2). And of course, when He works, great and mighty things begin to happen.<br />THE CROSS IS THE BAROMETER<br />I think the Reader can see by now exactly what we are teaching. The Cross is the ba­rometer.<br />Martin Luther stated, “According to the manner one views the Cross, according to that manner will one view the Reformation.” In other words, the Cross then was the di­viding line, as the Cross has always been the dividing line, even beginning in Genesis Chapter 4.<br />Going back again to the words of Paul as it regards faithfulness to Church, “And so much the more, as ye see the day approach­ing,” I personally feel that the Cross of Christ is now the dividing line between the True Church and the Apostate Church. In fact, it’s always been that way, but I believe that the Holy Spirit is going to make it that way now more than ever.<br />Parroting what Martin Luther said, please allow me to state the following:<br />“According to the manner in which one views the Cross, according to that manner will one view the Gospel.” Or let us say it in an­other way, “According to the way one views the Cross, according to that way will they view the Word of God.” What I’m saying is this:<br />Unless one properly understands the Cross, which is actually the meaning of the New Covenant, which refers to all that Jesus did in the Sacrificial Offering of Himself, then one cannot truly understand the Gospel. I realize that’s blunt, but I intend for it to be that very way. The reason there is so much defeat today in the ranks of Christendom, and I speak of spiritual failures, is simply because of a lack of understanding of the Cross. It is impossible for any Christian to walk in per­petual victory, unless that Christian properly understands the Cross. It simply cannot be done otherwise!<br />That’s the reason that I plead with you the Reader to give one of these Commentaries to a Pastor friend, or any Preacher of your ac­quaintance, or anyone for that matter. What we’re speaking about here, as should be ob­vious, is of extreme importance.<br />The Church is facing the concentrated powers of darkness. These demon spirits and fallen Angels to be sure, have great power. While they do not at all have power as the Holy Spirit, still, they have far greater power than any human being. I’m trying to say this:<br />Paul said, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). This is spiritual warfare!<br />It’s going to take more than pious plati­tudes, or intellectual knowledge to overcome these type of things. It’s going to take the Power of God. But the great question is, how is the power of God activated within our lives?<br />THE POWER OF GOD<br /><br />If the Christian doesn’t understand the Cross, there is no way that Christian, as stated, can walk in perpetual victory. They might have victory some of the time, or even part of the time, but they cannot walk in vic­tory all of the time. Consequently, the lives of most Christians are not lives of joy and happiness as they ought to be, but in most cases, the very opposite. Why?<br />Most of the Pentecostal and Charismatic worlds erroneously believe, if they are Bap­tized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, which inci­dentally is Scriptural, and desperately needed by all Believers, that this automatically guar­antees victory. It should be obvious that it doesn’t! And because it doesn’t, many Pen­tecostal and Charismatic Preachers are no longer preaching the Holy Spirit as they should. In fact, I am told that only about a third of the people who attend Assemblies of God and Church of God Churches, the two largest Pentecostal Denominations, actually even claim to be Spirit-filled. When I was a child, and a part of one of these particular<br />NOTES<br /><br />Denominations (back in the 1940’s), I think I can say without fear of contradiction, that at least 90% of the people in these Churches at that time, were Spirit-filled.<br />While there are many reasons for the great decline, I personally feel that at least one of the reasons for the lack of emphasis presently on the Holy Spirit is because in many Spirit-filled lives, there is not a noticeable change. To be sure, even though this is true, it’s not the fault of the Spirit, but rather the individual.<br />What is wrong?<br /><br />The problem is misplaced faith on the part of the Spirit-filled Christian. Not being taught the veracity of the Cross, most modern Chris­tians put their faith in other things. As we previously stated, the “other things” might very well be good things; however, even though they may be good, and even spiritual, the Holy Spirit will not function in that ca­pacity. So that leaves the Believer function­ing on his own ability and strength, which is a guarantee of failure. That’s the reason that the failure rate among Spirit-filled Christians is not too much different than their nonspirit­filled counterparts. Now please don’t mis­understand:<br />The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the greatest thing that can ever happen to a Christian. I consider myself to be one of the strongest proponents in the world of the Spirit Baptism. To be frank, the Christian is not going to really amount to anything for God, nor realize much of anything in Christ, unless that Christian is Spirit-filled. And again, to be sure, we teach according to the Word of God, that every single Baptism with the Spirit, will always be accompanied by speaking with other Tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7). In fact, I think it would be impos­sible to overemphasize the mighty Baptism with the Holy Spirit. But at the same time, the following must be noted:<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CROSS<br /><br />Everything the Holy Spirit does for any Believer is done strictly by and through what Christ did at the Cross.<br />In the first place, the Holy Spirit couldn’t even come into the hearts and lives of Be­lievers to abide permanently before the Cross.<br />That’s why Jesus told His Disciples shortly before His Crucifixion, and when He was teaching them about the Holy Spirit, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter (the Holy Spirit), that He may abide with you forever;<br />“Even the Spirit of Truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him (one must be saved before they can be Baptized with the Holy Spirit): but ye know Him (they were already saved); for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (Jn. 14:16-17).<br />If it is to be noticed, He said, “For He (the Holy Spirit) dwelleth with you (which He did before the Cross), and shall be in you (which could take place only after the Cross).”<br />The Holy Spirit, even as we’ve already said several times in this Volume, couldn’t come in to abide permanently in the hearts and lives of Believers before the Cross, simply because the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sins (Heb. 10:4). Due to this fact, the sin debt still hung over the heads of all Believers, even the great Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament. They were saved, but only by looking forward to what the Sacrifices represented, which was Christ and Him Crucified (Gen. 15:6).<br />At any rate, and without going into a long discussion, the Cross made it possible for the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and lives, and I speak of Believers, and to there abide permanently.<br />Now that He abides there permanently, as should be obvious, He has been sent to do a specific work (Rom. 8:26-27). He wants to develop His Fruit within our lives (Gal. 5:22­23). However, He does all of this, and in fact can only do all of this on the basis, of what Christ did at the Cross. In other words, the Holy Spirit works within the confines of the legal work of Calvary. Please notice, that I said that it is a “legal work.” Without going into detail, He functions within those legal parameters. That’s why Paul said:<br />“For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death” (Rom. 8:2).<br />Notice that he referred to all of this as a “Law.” Now of course, this is not the Law of Moses, but rather another Law also developed<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />by God, as it regards the manner in which the Spirit works within our hearts and lives. This “Law” is “in Christ Jesus,” which re­fers to what Christ did at the Cross.<br />WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />DEMANDS OF YOU<br /><br /><br />Now that we’ve established the fact as to how the Spirit functions and operates, we need to know what He requires of us.<br />In fact, not much! He doesn’t require that we perform any works, give great sums of money, be very religious, pray so many hours a week, fast so many days a week, etc. He only requires one thing, and a very simple thing at that!<br />He requires that you as a Believer know and understand that everything you have from God comes to you solely and completely through what Christ did at the Cross. You must understand that! You must believe that! Now if you have doubts about that, you have just jeopardized the entirety of your Christian experience. Faith is the principle on which God works, but more particularly, He works on the principle of our Faith mani­fested in the Cross of Christ.<br />Now many Preachers will tell you that since you have come to Christ, you must leave the Cross and go on to other things. As I’ve al­ready stated, many of these same Preachers refer to the Cross as the greatest defeat in human history. If you listen to these Preach­ers, and irrespective as to whom they might be, you will destroy yourself. Because what they’re teaching and preaching is not only not the Gospel, it is pure heresy, and if fol­lowed, will bring about destructive results in one’s life. In fact, those who would preach and teach such things were labeled by Paul as “Satan’s ministers” (II Cor. 11:13-15).<br />To help you to understand the Cross a little better, please allow me to say it in this manner:<br />The Cross of Christ is an event which took place in history, but has continued results, and in fact, results which will never be dis­continued. It’s the “results of the Cross” of which we speak. We’re not trying to put Christ back on a Cross, and neither are we trying to put Christians on crosses. In fact, the latter is one of the false doctrines perpetrated about the Cross, of which we will have more to say in a moment.<br />You as a Believer must anchor your Faith in the Cross of Christ, keep your Faith in the Cross of Christ, not allow your Faith to be removed from the Cross of Christ, and then the Holy Spirit will work mightily on your behalf, doing all the great things which He Alone can do. Then you will realize the full potential of the power of the Spirit. And to be sure, the Holy Spirit is God! This means there is nothing that He cannot do. But still, He does require of us and strongly so, that our Faith always be in the Finished Work of Christ. That’s what Jesus was speaking of when He said of the Spirit, “He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you” (Jn. 16:14).<br />When you embark upon this “Life” pro­vided by what Jesus did at the Cross, referred to as “the Spirit of Life” (Rom. 8:2), you will then begin to know and understand what real Christianity actually is. It’s the most won­derful life there could ever be, but only if we do it God’s Way, and the Cross is God’s Way.<br />ERRONEOUS TEACHING<br />ABOUT THE CROSS<br /><br /><br />I mentioned several paragraphs back, about putting Christians on the Cross, etc. What I meant by that is this:<br />Many Christians read the Words of Christ when He said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me,” and from these words draw an entirely, erroneous conclusion.<br />They think that Jesus is saying that tak­ing up the cross daily is referring to an exist­ence of suffering. In other words, they al­ways link the Cross with suffering. While that is correct as it refers to the Sufferings of Christ, it is definitely not correct as it refers to Christians.<br />The work that Christ carried out at the Cross is a Finished Work. This means, that we must not attempt to add anything to that Finished Work, because in fact, we cannot add anything to that Finished Work. And to in­sinuate that we as Christians have to suffer in order to be what God wants us to be, is at the same time saying, whether we realize it or not, that the Work of Christ is not a Finished Work.<br />NOTES<br /><br />Most Preachers explain all of this by going back to the words “let him deny himself,” thinking this refers to some type of Spartan life that’s devoid of all pleasure of any na­ture. In other words, the harder we make our way, this is supposed to be taking up the Cross daily, etc.<br />Now it should be obvious as to why most Christians don’t want to hear about the Cross. They know that it’s right, simply because Jesus said it; however, they somehow think if they can just ignore the Cross, that maybe they will not be pulled into this vortex of suffering. And if they do see another Chris­tian undergo some type of difficult situation, they always label that as “bearing the Cross” and then add the following, “I pray that the Lord doesn’t ask me to do that!”<br />I realize that I’ve already explained all of this from this very Passage of Scripture in this Volume; however, what we’re speaking about is so important, of such consequence, that I want to make doubly certain that you the Reader hear, see, and understand, ex­actly what we are saying. I don’t want you to miss it, because if you do miss it, you will miss one of the greatest statements ever made by Christ. It affects your life in a tre­mendous way.<br />When Jesus spoke of denying ourselves, He wasn’t speaking of asceticism, but rather of denying ourselves as it regards our own efforts and ability to live this life by our own strength and machinations. One simply can­not do that. In fact, it is impossible! We must let the Spirit do this for us, which we’ve already addressed, which He does according to what Christ did for us at the Cross. That’s what Jesus is talking about!<br />When he said, “take up the Cross daily, and follow Me,” He was speaking of you under­standing that every single thing we receive from God comes strictly and totally through what He (Christ) did at the Cross. Our focus must ever be on the Cross! Our understand­ing must ever be in the Cross! The object of our Faith must ever be the Cross!<br />Were it not for the Cross, God couldn’t even look at us. It is the Cross which opened up the way to God, which Paul is explaining over and over again even in this Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />Instead of suffering as many teach, Jesus is actually telling us that we are to enjoy the benefits of all that He did at the Cross. He suffered greatly that we might have these things, and to be sure, we could not have these things unless He had suffered greatly. But the Cross is a Finished Work, and we are to enjoy the results and the benefits of that Fin­ished Work, which is what He was speaking about when He mentioned “more abundant life” (Jn. 10:10).<br />DAILY<br />In fact, all of this is so very, very important that we are to take up the Cross “daily” in our following of Christ.<br />This means that the Cross must ever be before us. We must not allow it to be some­thing that merely happened in the historical past, with our only thoughts in that direc­tion being a song that we sing sometimes, etc. We must understand the part the Cross plays in our everyday living. We must know that there is no victory outside of the Cross. This must be understood and thought out on a daily basis, which the Holy Spirit means for us to contemplate constantly.<br />Most Christians only think of the Cross in the past tense. And then they only think of it in a sentimental way. “Jesus died for me, and His suffering was terrible,” is about the extent of their understanding of the Cross.<br />As a Believer, you must understand the part the Cross plays in your living today. In fact, it has just as much to do with your daily existence in the Lord, as it did in your initial Salvation experience. To be sure, you couldn’t have been saved unless you trusted Christ and what He did at the Cross. At that time, you would not have understood very much about that, but you definitely did have to believe (Jn. 3:16).<br />Now that you are a Believer, and growing in Grace and the knowledge of the Lord, the Holy Spirit expects you to know more. In fact, the Holy Spirit uses the words “know,” “know­ing,” or “known,” some thirteen times in Romans, Chapters 6, 7, and 8. The problem with most Christians is that they fall into the category mentioned by Paul when he used the words concerning this very thing, “Know ye not” (Rom. 6:3). The tragedy is, most<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Christians simply don’t know, simply because it hasn’t been preached to them behind the pulpit. “Faith cometh by hearing and hear­ing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).<br />Getting back to our original subject, Church must be measured by the barometer of the Cross. Paul said, “We preach Christ Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).<br />What is your Preacher preaching?<br /><br />(26) “FOR IF WE SIN WILFULLY AFTER THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE KNOWL­EDGE OF THE TRUTH, THERE REMAINETH NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS,”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The willful sin which is spoken of here, is the transferal of Faith from Christ and Him Crucified, to other things. Here, Paul would have been speaking of Christian Jews put­ting their Faith in the Levitical Sacrifices, instead of Christ. However, it is definitely not limited to that.<br /><br />2.<br />One cannot move their Faith from the Truth if they have not first heard and received the Truth, which these Christian Jews had. Their sin was a departure from Truth. The Truth is “Christ and Him Crucified.”<br /><br />3.<br />When one rejects Christ as the only sac­rifice for sin, there remains no other sacri­fice. In other words, one has just closed the door to Salvation.<br /><br /><br />TO SIN WILLFULLY<br /><br />The phrase, “For if we sin willfully,” re­fers to several things:<br />1.<br />He is speaking here of Believers who are on the verge of no longer believing. Be­lieving what?<br /><br />2.<br />Of no longer believing in Christ and His Great Sacrifice as the only manner of Salvation.<br /><br />3.<br />Such a sin is always a willful sin, be­cause it can be no other. It has to do with the next phrase.<br /><br />4.<br />The Holy Spirit here through Paul is not speaking of other types of sin. Some people have misunderstood this as to think that if anyone sins willfully, they cannot be forgiven. The truth is, every single sin that anyone commits is in some way a “willful sin.” No, Paul is speaking here of a certain type of sin, which is the type of sin that can damn one’s soul. He is speaking of turning away<br /><br /><br />from Christ and His Sacrifice on the Cross, ceasing to believe in Him as the Savior, and thereby believing in something else. This “willful sin” is limited to this particular type of sin.<br />Even then, if the person at a point in time, renounces their unbelief, and desires to come back to Christ, every clue in the Bible is, that the Lord will gladly accept them. The idea is, if a Believer ceases to believe in Christ, and renounces Christ and the Cross, and re­mains in that condition, there is no way that person can be saved. The Sacrifice of Christ being the only way, and that being re­nounced, the door is closed.<br />THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH<br />The phrase, “After that we have received the knowledge of the Truth,” speaks of the Bible way of Salvation, which is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />“Knowledge” in the Greek as here used, is “epignosis.” It is not the simple word “gnosis,” which is commonly used, but something far greater. Delitzsch defines it by saying: “When ‘epignosis’ is used, there is the assumption of an actual direction of the Spirit to a definite object and of a real grasping of the same.”<br />Paul, by the use of this word, gives us to understand that he means by it not merely a shallow historical notion about the Truth, but a living believing knowledge of it, which has laid hold of a man and fused him into union with itself.<br />So, we are not speaking here of sinners having merely heard the truth and then re­jecting it, as many teach, but rather individu­als who have heard the truth, received the truth, and made the truth a part of their lives. As well, when we say “Truth” we’re speaking of “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” as the only answer for sin, which Paul again de­scribes in Verse 29. The willful sin in this Passage as stated, is the definite rejection of His Atoning Sacrifice.<br />I want the Reader to fully understand here the meaning of the word “Truth.” Of course, we know that Truth is the Word of God. In fact, the Word of God is the only revealed Truth in the world, and in fact ever has been. However, when we say “The Word of God,” we are at the same time saying “The Sacrifice<br />NOTES<br /><br />of Christ,” for that’s what the Bible exclu­sively teaches. That’s why I keep talking about the Cross, because the Cross is Truth, even as Truth is the Cross, which is here so clearly borne out. And we must remember, it’s the Holy Spirit Who referred to the Sac­rifice of Christ as “Truth” (Jn. 1:14; 8:32; 14:6; 16:13).<br />The point is this: There is no other Truth! In fact, all Biblical Knowledge springs from the Truth of the Cross.<br />THE SACRIFICE FOR SIN<br /><br />The phrase, “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” refers to the Sacrifice of Christ as being the only Sacrifice which will cleanse from sin. This means when the Catholic Church claims that the Church it­self is Salvation, and by that we refer to keep­ing the sacraments of the Church, they have at the same time denounced the Sacrifice of Christ. One cannot have it both ways! Sal­vation is either in Christ or it’s in the Church. We know it’s not in the Church, so that means that anyone who claims it is, and if they can get people to follow them, they have just damned that person’s soul!<br />Unfortunately, many Protestant Churches fall into the same category. They claim that one must belong to their Church, or sub­scribe to their rules, or whatever! Let the following be carefully observed!<br />There is Salvation only in the Sacrifice of Christ. Of course, that refers to Jesus dying on the Cross, thereby paying for our sins. Salvation requires Faith in Him, and to be more particular, Faith in Him and His Sacri­fice, in order to be saved. It’s not a very dif­ficult thing, but it is demanded (Jn. 3:16).<br />We must never separate Christ from His Sacrifice. If we do, we have just traded Jesus the Savior, for Jesus the intellectual, or Jesus the Healer, or Jesus the Miracle Worker, or Jesus the good man, or Jesus the whatever! Once again, all of this other than “Jesus the Savior,” is “another Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />What kind of Jesus are you serving? Or more particularly, who is this Jesus you are serving?<br />The problem with the human race is sin! And to be sure, the problem in the Church is as well, sin! The idea is this!<br />Every Christian knows and understands that the problem with the world is sin, but most Christians don’t have the knowledge they should have as it regards Christians and sin.<br />Of course, Satan wants you to quit just exactly as he was successful in getting some of these Christian Jews to turn their backs on Christ. That’s his ultimate goal. But if he cannot do that, he will surely try to get you into a mode to where that sin dominates you, and even though you are saved, your Christian experience is certainly not what it ought to be. And in fact, that’s where most Christians are presently. Again I state, the problem is sin!<br />If it wasn’t sin, why would the Holy Spirit through Paul say, after instructions were given regarding victory, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not un­der the Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14).<br />Sin is the problem with the Christian, and Satan does his very best to dominate you with sin in some way. With some it’s sins of pas­sion, such as one of the vices, and with others it’s sins of pride, such as unforgiveness, apa­thy, lukewarmness, heresy, greed, etc.; nev­ertheless, in whatever capacity it is, sin is the most debilitating and destructive factor there could ever be in the heart and life of a Chris­tian. It makes for a miserable existence.<br />It is only through Faith in the Cross of Christ, which gives the Holy Spirit the lati­tude to work within our hearts and lives, which can keep us free from sin, and in ef­fect, walking in victory perpetually, i.e., “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1).<br />BACKSLIDERS<br />Many have misunderstood these Passages, thinking that it is saying that a backslider cannot come back to Christ. That’s not what it’s saying!<br />As long as a backslider, and anyone for that matter, retains his Faith in Christ and His Atonement, he can be renewed to repentance. However, that needs qualification:<br />There are millions of people, even many backsliders, who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and who believe that He died on the Cross for lost humanity, and as well, believe that one must express faith in that in order to be saved. Even though such Faith<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />is correct, if Faith stops there, the person is not saved. In fact, most of these people don’t even claim Salvation.<br />Their Faith is merely a mental acceptance of Who Christ is and What He has done. That doesn’t save anyone. That’s what one might call “vain or dead faith” (I Cor. 15:17; James 2:17). That individual must accept what they have believed, thereby making Christ their Savior and their Lord, before their Faith is actually valid.<br />However, if a person, including a back­slider, rejects Christ and His Gospel, which is the Cross of Christ, and remains in that condition, he becomes hopeless as far as Sal­vation is concerned.<br />(27) “BUT A CERTAIN FEARFUL LOOK­ING FOR OF JUDGMENT AND FIERY IN­DIGNATION, WHICH SHALL DEVOUR THE ADVERSARIES.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Judgment will ultimately come upon all Christ rejecters. This speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).<br /><br />2.<br />“Fiery indignation” refers to that which is on the part of God, and pertains to the zeal of God in punishing apostates. In other words, it angers God for individuals to spurn Christ, especially considering the great price He has paid for their Salvation.<br /><br />3.<br />This judgment will be so severe, that it will “devour the adversaries,” which actu­ally refers to hellfire, and above all, hellfire which is eternal (Rev. 20:11-15).<br /><br /><br />JUDGMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “But a certain fearful look­ing for of judgment,” refers to the fact that this is all that the Christ rejecter has in front of him. It makes no difference whether he believes it or not; ignoring it won’t make it go away. Judgment is coming.<br />As we’ve already explained in previous Commentary, “The Great White Throne Judgment” looms ahead for all unbelievers. None will escape that judgment, all will be there. The end result of such is the Lake of Fire, which will last forever, and which will “devour the adversaries,” referring to the fact, that there will be no escape.<br />The Reader must understand, that man is an eternal soul. This means that the soul and the spirit will never die. At the conclusion of the coming Millennial Reign, which will last a thousand years, there will be a second res­urrection of damnation, when bodies made of eternal material will be given to every lost soul. With these eternal bodies, all will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15).<br />Some may claim that God is cruel for do­ing such a thing. Let’s look at the next phrase:<br />FIERY INDIGNATION<br /><br />The phrase, “And fiery indignation,” re­fers to anger on the part of God, even great anger, because of men rejecting Jesus Christ.<br />When one comprehends the great price that Christ has paid in order that men might be saved, then one begins to understand the reason for this “fiery indignation.”<br />Of course, the unredeemed do not even be­lieve they need to be saved, that is in their natu­ral state of depravity. What they don’t realize, or else they refuse to realize, is that sin is the ruination of everything in the universe. It is the cause of all sorrow, heartache, pain, sick­ness, death, and dying. It is the cause of all of man’s inhumanity to man. And to be sure, it is more than a mere act, but actually is empow­ered by the Evil One himself, Satan. All of this has its birth in Lucifer sometime in the date­less past, leading a rebellion against God. Ap­proximately one-third of the Angels threw in their lot with him (Rev. 12:4). Consequently, this battle between light and darkness has raged from then until now, and will not have its conclusion, until Satan (Lucifer), along with all his cohorts, which refers to all of man­kind as well who have rebelled against God, are cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10-15).<br />For the universe to be filled with Righ­teousness and Holiness, this problem of Sa­tan and all of his followers must be addressed first. It has been addressed in Christ and what He did at the Cross.<br />THE GREAT PRICE HE PAID<br /><br />The Ordinance of “the Lord’s Supper” was given to us by Christ for several reasons, but foremost that we may remember the price that He paid (I Cor. 11:24-25). That price was the Cross.<br />The Church has a tendency to place the Cross in a subsidiary position, thereby making other<br />NOTES<br /><br />things premier. Some make the Resurrection premier, while others make the Baptism with the Holy Spirit premier. And then some count the Cross as little or nothing as it regards this Plan of Salvation, rather attributing Sal­vation to a false conception of Christ, such as the “Jesus died spiritually” doctrine, etc.<br />While of course, the Resurrection is of su­preme importance, it was not that great work that Jesus told us to not fail to remember, but rather the Cross. As well, while the Bap­tism with the Holy Spirit is of supreme sig­nificance in the heart and life of the Believer, still, it was the Cross which made this Bap­tism possible. So in effect, Christ plainly tells us to “remember the Cross.”<br />The price that was paid there is actually beyond our comprehension. For God, the Creator to become man, i.e., the creature, is beyond the pale of human thinking. And then, that which He left in order to come here is also beyond our comprehension, not having anything to compare with what He had. Consequently, to attempt to try to ex­plain the price He paid, considering our lack of knowledge, presents itself as a futile ef­fort. We simply cannot do such!<br />The only way we can do justice to this all important act is to place the Cross in its proper place of preeminence. This more than any­thing else, will obey the command of Christ to “remember Me” (I Cor. 11:24-25).<br />THE ADVERSARIES<br /><br />The phrase, “Which shall devour the ad­versaries,” refers to destruction, which is hellfire, which will ultimately come to all who reject Christ.<br />“Adversaries” in the Greek is “hupenantios,” and means “those who are hostile, those who oppose.”<br />While it refers to those who oppose Christ, more than all, and that which the entirety of the Text proclaims, it refers to those who re­ject the Plan of Redemption, which was brought about by what Jesus did at the Cross. This is the thrust of the subject and as well, the thrust of the judgment.<br />While the subject matter definitely does refer to opposing Christ, more than all, it refers to opposing what He did in order to redeem mankind. The idea is this:<br />If one attempt to accept Christ without the Cross, or else place the Cross in an inci­dental position, according to what Paul said, one has not accepted Christ, but rather “an­other Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4). And that’s where the Church makes its great mistake.<br />While the Lord doesn’t expect much from believing sinners coming to Christ, He in fact, expects very much from Believers. You as a Believer must not divorce Christ from the Cross in your thinking. In fact, when you think of Christ, which should be constantly, it should always be in connection with His Cross. That’s why He came to this world, and I speak of the Sacrificial Offering of Him­self on the Cross, and that’s why you are saved. It’s not because of your great faith, or whatever; you are saved totally and com­pletely because of what Jesus did at the Cross on your behalf, and your Faith in that Fin­ished Work. That is the Gospel! As well, you continue to grow in Grace and the Knowledge of the Lord because of your con­tinued Faith in that Finished Work.<br />Paul is telling these Christian Jews, if they repudiate Christ and what He did for them at the Cross, in favor of other things, in this case going back to the animal sacrifices, they would completely destroy themselves. As well, let the Reader understand, that what­ever part of the Church does the same thing, and I speak of forsaking the Cross for other things, such as humanistic psychology or whatever, they can expect the same end. I cannot see how anyone who reads these Pas­sages, wouldn’t come to the same conclusion!<br />(28) “HE THAT DESPISED MOSES’ LAW DIED WITHOUT MERCY UNDER TWO OR THREE WITNESSES:”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />An argument from the greater, the Cross, to the lesser, the Law, brings out the seriousness of the situation.<br /><br />2.<br />To despise the Law of Moses was a very serious matter, but this is more serious still.<br /><br />3.<br />From these statements, one certainly should gather the tremendous significance of the Offering of Christ.<br /><br /><br />THE LAW<br />The phrase, “He that despised Moses’ Law,” is meant to impress upon us the severity of<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />all that God does. And yet, we must not take this as a general assertion, as true of who­ever in any way broke the Mosaic Law: but as an alleging of a well-known fact, that in certain cases a breaker of the Law was sub­ject to the penalty following.<br />“Despised” in the Greek is “atheteo,” and means, “to set aside, to disesteem, to cast off, disannul, bring to naught, reject.”<br />DIED WITHOUT MERCY<br /><br />The phrase, “Died without mercy under two or three witnesses,” is derived from Deuteronomy 17:2-7, the last words being a direct quotation from Verse 6 in that section.<br />There the subject is apostasy from Jeho­vah to the worship of idols. That sin, which by the acknowledgment of all, had in ancient time robbed Israel of the name of God’s people, is tacitly placed by the side of the sin of those who forsake Christ.<br />Some may claim that since we are living in the day of Grace that these admonitions don’t apply; however, I must remind the Reader that judgment unto Grace is much more se­vere than it was under Law. Paul said:<br />“And the times of this ignorance (Old Tes­tament times) God winked at; but now (dur­ing this age of Grace) commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).<br />And then the Apostle said, “For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18).<br />While God is long-suffering and merciful, if men continue to reject His way, the ulti­mate result can be nothing but judgment.<br />Many in the modern Church attribute all inclement situations such as adverse weather, or whatever, to Satan. However, to do such a thing, places God in a subservient position, in a sense answerable to Satan, which is pre­posterous!<br />No! While Satan may definitely be the one who carries out certain things, it is God Who gives him permission to do what he does, and in fact, God Who oversees all things. This means, that every single thing that happens on this Earth, God has either allowed it or directly caused it; either way, He is respon­sible! Jesus said as much in His statement:<br />“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.<br />“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mat. 10:29-30). So what am I saying?<br />God instituted the Law of “sowing and reaping,” and to be sure, this Law is in mo­tion constantly (Gal. 6:7). In fact, the actual sin which takes people to Hell is the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ, and the price that He has paid for our Redemption (Jn. 16:8-9).<br />However, while the world is one thing, the Church is something else altogether. And we must remember that Paul, more than anything else, is speaking here to the Church. While his statements definitely include all, the greater thrust is toward Believers.<br />In fact, the Gentile world during the time of the Law was not held responsible for the Law; consequently, those who died without mercy for repudiating the Law were Jews.<br />While all presently without God, if they die in that state, will definitely be lost for­ever; still, the “much sorer punishment” as given in the next Verse, is reserved for those who know the way, namely the Church, but abandon the way.<br />SERIOUSNESS OF THE MATTER<br />When the Lord began to give me the Mes­sage of the Cross in 1996, which Revelation has continued unto this hour, and I trust will ever continue, at the same time, He placed a burning burden within my heart, to proclaim this Message to the entirety of the Church. He has instructed me to emphasize this Mes­sage as I’ve never emphasized any Message.<br />It’s not because this is something new, because it definitely isn’t. Actually, the Cross is the foundation of the Church, and actu­ally the foundation of all that God has ever done as it regards the human race. The Mes­sage of the Cross actually began with the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God’s Message to Satan through the serpent at that time was a brilliant prediction of the Cross (Gen. 3:15). The “seed of the woman bruising the head of the serpent, and the ser­pent bruising His (Jesus’) heel,” is a predic­tion of the Cross. Genesis Chapter 4 out­lines it perfectly as it regards the Sacrifice<br />NOTES<br /><br />of Abel. And so it was thereafter, and so it is now!<br />In fact, the Message of the Cross is of such magnitude that John in his vision of the Throne of God, said, “And in the midst of the Elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the Earth” (Rev. 5:6).<br />If it is to be noticed, Christ is referred to here as “a Lamb as it had been slain.” The Holy Spirit is then pictured so much a part of this, that in some ways the “Lamb” and the “Spirit” are pictured as one and the same. The idea is this:<br />In fact, Christ and the Holy Spirit are two separate and distinct Persons of the Godhead. But the Holy Spirit works so very much within the parameters of what Christ did at the Cross, that He is here pictured in this context. And yet for all of this, the Message of the Cross has all but been lost to the mod­ern Church. Consequently, the Church has no moorings, and the people have no victory.<br />To proclaim this Message, the Lord has in­structed me to use our Television Network and as well, the SonLife Radio Network. At the time of this writing in late August of 2000, we have some 30 stations on the air. Actually the Radio Network is only about five months old at this particular time. The Lord has in­structed me to put these stations all over the nation, even several thousands of them, which we have set out to do. The entirety of this Radio effort, 24 hours a day, is geared to the Message of the Cross. And to be sure, I definitely believe this is the primary reason that the Lord has given us this Network. It is imperative that the Body of Christ hears this Message.<br />Beginning in the 1970’s, the Pentecostal and Charismatic sections of the Church be­gan to drift toward humanistic psychology. That drift now is a wholesale acceptance of this false way. Whether the Leaders of these Denominations understand it or not, this is a vote of no confidence as it regards the Cross of Christ. Either Jesus addressed every single problem of man at the Cross, or else He didn’t! I happen to believe that He did. One cannot have it both ways. Regarding the sins, per­version, and aberrations of man, we either trust Christ, or we trust humanistic wisdom, which the Holy Spirit through James said is “earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15).<br />For those who continue on this path, and I speak of the path which leads away from the Cross of Christ, judgment is inevitable. It cannot be any other way!<br />(29) “OF HOW MUCH SORER PUNISH­MENT, SUPPOSE YE, SHALL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY, WHO HATH TROD­DEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD, AND HATH COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, AN UNHOLY THING, AND HATH DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE?”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />If judgment was demanded for those who trampled the Law, it is more demanded for those who reject the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />Treading underfoot the Son of God, is a sin against God the Father Who gave the Son to become the Sin Offering.<br /><br />3.<br />Counting the Blood of the New Testa­ment an unholy thing is a sin against God the Son Who shed His Blood.<br /><br />4.<br />The word “counted” refers to a con­scious judgment resting on deliberate weigh­ing of the facts. Here it implies a deliberate, contemptuous rejection of the Sacrifice of the Son of God.<br /><br />5.<br />The “unholy thing” refers to counting the Blood of Jesus as having no more sacred character or specific worth than the blood of any ordinary person.<br /><br />6.<br />Doing “despite unto the Spirit of Grace,” is a sin against God the Holy Spirit, Who convicts of sin, and we speak of the sin of rejecting Christ as Savior.<br /><br /><br />GREATER PUNISHMENT<br />The phrase, “Of how much sorer punish­ment,” refers to the fact that Jesus is greater than Moses; the New Covenant is better than the Old, founded on better promises and es­tablished by a better Sacrifice; consequently, to reject Christ, and more specifically, to re­ject the Sacrifice of Christ, is the worst sin of all.<br />The Cross of Christ stands at the intersec­tion of the world, i.e., “at the intersection of mankind.” Man must deal with Christ and<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />the Cross. To ignore it, is to reject it. And at the same time, it is the responsibility of the Church to take this Message, and I speak of “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” to the en­tirety of the world. The entirety of the frame­work of the Word of God proclaims this glar­ing Truth. Whenever God gave the great Revelation to Abraham, one of the first things He told him was, “In thee shall all families of the Earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). The pivot Scripture of all Scriptures says, “For God so loved the world . . .” (Jn. 3:16). The last Message given by Christ, and given just before His Ascension was, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every crea­ture” (Mk. 16:15).<br />This is the responsibility of every single Christian and not just a few. It is sad, when it is to be realized that Islam gives about 100 times the amount of money than Christians in the spread of its false message. Of course, we realize that this is not done as it regards the burden of Moslems as a whole, in fact, they have no burden, because they have no message. This money comes from Moslem governments; nevertheless, God has richly blessed Christianity, and in that blessing, He has blessed Christians. The money is there, but money is only a part of the problem.<br />The main problem is the Message. Most of the Church is preaching something that’s not the Gospel. In fact, if it’s not the Cross, then it’s not the Gospel.<br />Even during the time when I did not know and understand the part the Cross plays in our Christian experience as it regards over­coming victory, I preached strongly the Cross as it regards the initial Salvation experience. God rewarded the Message with hundreds of thousands brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and I exaggerate not!<br />But during those days, even though I did not understand the Cross as it regards our Sanctification, I did know that humanistic psychology was not the answer, or any other philosophy projected by man. I knew the answer was in the Word of God, but I did not know exactly how. Thank God, even though it took several years of seeking His Face, the Lord showed me the key to all victorious liv­ing. He plainly told me, as He took me to the Sixth Chapter of Romans, “The solution<br />for which you seek is found in the Cross.”<br />And so it was! And so it is!<br />If the Reader thinks I’m too strong on the subject, let the Reader understand that I have no choice. I see these words, “Of how much sorer punishment,” and knowing what they mean, referring to the fact that they are ad­dressed to the Church, how can I do less than place total emphasis on the great Message of “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”! (I Cor. 2:2).<br />THE REJECTION OF THE SON OF GOD<br />The phrase, “Suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,” proclaims the reason for the pun­ishment, and even the “sorer punishment.”<br />“To trample underfoot” is a strong expres­sion for disdain. It implies not only reject­ing Christ, but also despising Him — Him Who is no less than “the Son of God.” But let the Reader understand the following:<br />The thrust of all of this is not so much the rejection of Christ per se, but rather, the rejection of what Christ has done to redeem humanity, and we speak of the Cross. This is the “willful sin” here addressed. It is the individual, either rejecting the Cross as the answer to man’s dilemma, or ignoring the Cross. Either way, man has rejected the only way of Salvation.<br />In fact, untold millions in this world pres­ently think of Christ as a “good man” or even a “miracle worker,” etc. But they place no value on His Atoning Sacrifice. Irrespective as to what they think of Him Personally, if they do not accept His Sacrifice for sin, they cannot be saved.<br />NEUTRALITY?<br /><br />There is no neutrality as it regards the Cross. We either accept it or we reject it. And if we call ourselves accepting it, but in­stead turn to other things, such as humanis­tic psychology, we have in fact rejected the Cross. As I’ve said over and over again, one cannot have it both ways. Man’s problem is sin, and Jesus went to the Cross to atone for sin. There is no other cure, no other pana­cea, no other remedy, other than the Cross.<br />This is why I feel the modern Church is in such danger. A great part of the Charismatic world is openly and even blatantly rejecting<br />NOTES<br /><br />the Cross, referring to it as “past miseries.” Many in that genre refer to the Cross as the greatest defeat in human history. Conse­quently, their followers are admonished to forsake the Cross, which can be construed as none other than “blasphemy!” I speak of the so-called “Word of Faith” Churches!<br />Every single person in this world who is saved, is saved simply because of what Jesus did at the Cross. Every iota of victory pos­sessed by any Believer, is because of the Cross of Christ. All overcoming strength is because of the Cross of Christ. Every blessing, all prosperity, all healing, all Spiritual Growth, all the Fruit of the Spirit, all the Gifts of the Spirit, anything and everything possessed by the Christian, and I speak of that given by the Lord, have come exclusively to the Be­liever by and through what Jesus did at the Cross, which makes it possible for the Holy Spirit to do all of these things for us. The Cross is the central focus, as the Cross is the centrality of the Gospel.<br />While you may grow weary with my rep­etition, you must not grow weary with the Truth which I present. There is no other Way! And any Preacher who would point to another way, you should run from that Preacher, be­cause he’s not preaching the Truth.<br />Let me say it again, one cannot remain neutral as it regards the Cross. Neutrality is the same as opposing the Cross.<br />To use an illustration, if a person has a fatal disease, and there is a medicine which will cure that disease, the individual must take the medicine for it to be effective. In fact, he can address the medicine in one of three ways:<br />He can reject the medicine, refusing to take it; he can not reject the medicine, but yet not take it; or he can take the medicine. The first two ways will amount to his death, with only the last way giving him life. It is the same with the Cross!<br />THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT<br /><br />The phrase, “And hath counted the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was sancti­fied, an unholy thing,” refers to a person who has found the Lord, i.e., “has been saved,” but is now expressing unbelief toward that which originally saved him.<br />The Scripture doesn’t say “could have been Sanctified,” but rather “was Sanctified.” This comes about only by Faith expressed in Christ and what Christ has done at the Cross (Eph. 2:13-18; I Cor. 6:11). This tells us that it is possible for Believers to turn their backs on Christ, and thereby become unbe­lievers, and, if remaining in that condition, be eternally lost.<br />“The Blood of the Covenant” is an expres­sion used of the blood that established the Old Covenant (Ex. 24:8; Heb. 9:20) and also of the Blood of Jesus that established the New Covenant (Mat. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; Lk. 22:20; I Cor. 11:25).<br />While these admonitions were written by Paul for the entirety of mankind, they were more specifically directed toward the Chris­tian Jews of his day. And yet let me empha­size, the Truth that was pointed at them, is as well, pointed toward all of mankind, as well as the modern Church.<br />As we’ve already stated, some Christian Jews of that particular time it seems had al­ready apostatized and others were seriously considering doing so. What did this mean?<br />Of course, and as would be obvious, all Christian Jews had been saved out of Juda­ism. And now because of discouragement or whatever reason, some were going back into that way. And the following is what it entailed.<br />These Jews who had accepted Christ, who had been enlightened, had tasted of the Heav­enly Gift, and had been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, had tasted of the good Word of God, and of the powers of the world to come (Heb. 6:4-5), which means they had been sanctified, which refers to being set apart unto God, if they went back into Juda­ism, would have to stand before a Jewish tri­bunal in a Synagogue, and publicly denounce Jesus Christ as an imposter, as a blasphemer, and Who should have been crucified. This is what is meant by “trodding underfoot the Son of God, and counting the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith they had been sancti­fied, as an unholy thing.” As should be ob­vious, if they remained in this state they couldn’t be saved.<br />And according to the last phrase of this Verse, it is almost certain, that some of these<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Jews actually blasphemed the Holy Spirit, which we will address momentarily.<br />HOW COULD ANY BELIEVER<br />REJECT CHRIST?<br /><br /><br />To be more particular, how could these Jews who had accepted Christ, who knew the joys of sins forgiven, who experienced the great Peace of God which floods the sancti­fied soul, then turn their backs upon Christ, and especially reject Him after this fashion?<br />Many modern Preachers claim that such is not possible; however, if it’s not possible, why did the Holy Spirit have Paul to write the entirety of the Epistle to the Hebrews? To be frank, such thinking is silly! It is not only possible, it in fact happened, and actu­ally, it has continued to happen from then until now.<br />The modern Church in its ignoring the Cross, is certainly not to be placed in the same category which we have just addressed; however, one must admit, that such position is definitely going in that direction. And that is a frightful thing!<br />Turning away from the Lord is not an easy thing, nor is it a quick thing. It is a process of spiritual declination, which takes place because of a lack of consecration on the part of the Believer. Most of all, it is an improper evaluation of the Cross, and our relationship to that Finished Work. Many Christians, not understanding the Cross, at least as it regards their overcoming experience, struggle mightily against sin, always without victory. There is a terrible, discouraging factor in such a lifestyle. Consequently, many grow discouraged and quit. They haven’t really abandoned Christ and the Cross, they just simply have not properly understood the Fin­ished Work of Christ, thereby attempting to live this life by their own strength, which is impossible. Of course, if they remain in the state of the forsaking of Christ, they will be just as eternally lost, as these whom Paul addresses in this Epistle.<br />But again I emphasize, that most modern Christians who lose their way, do so because they do not understand God’s prescribed or­der of victory. The Christian Jews of Paul’s day were different. In all likelihood, they defi­nitely did understand the Cross, but purposely chose to reject the great Sacrifice of Christ. But at the same time, how similar is this with many modern religious leaders, who ought to know better than the course which they are presently taking!<br />God is merciful, gracious and true. He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. Thank God for that, or none of us would be saved. But the Reader must under­stand, that Light rejected, is Light withdrawn. And that’s the state in which the present Church finds itself.<br />It’s going to have to make a decision as to whether it accepts the Cross or rejects the Cross! There will be no middle ground.<br />If it rejects the Cross, the results are inevi­table. It is judgment! If it accepts the Cross, it will be victory unparalleled!<br />THE SPIRIT OF GRACE<br /><br />The conclusion of the question, “And hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace?”, re­fers to the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who performs the Work of Grace in the be­lieving sinner’s heart and life upon conver­sion, which Jesus paid for at the Cross. It is the Holy Spirit Who thereafter carries out every Work of God in the Believer’s life, again all paid for by Christ. Paul does not often refer to the Holy Spirit in these Passages, be­ing occupied for the most part with the Per­son and the Work of the Son. As well, and as should be obvious, he sees the Spirit as a Per­son, not an influence or a thing, for it is only a Person who can be insulted.<br />“Despite” in the Greek is “enybrizo,” and means, “insolent self-assertion which disre­gards what is due to others. It combines ar­rogance with wanton injury.”<br />In the New Testament there are a variety of ways of referring to the Spirit, but only here is He called “The Spirit of Grace” (Zech. 12:10). The expression means, “the Spirit through Whom God’s Grace is manifested.”<br />The idea is, and to which we have already alluded, it is the Holy Spirit Who performs every single work in the heart and life of the Believer, and again as stated, all paid for by the Work of Christ on the Cross. That’s the reason that Jesus said:<br />“Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto<br />NOTES<br /><br />men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men”<br />(Mat. 12:31).<br />BLASPHEMING THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />The question here begs to be asked: If these Christian Jews in their turning their backs on Christ, at least those who did, if they in fact blasphemed the Holy Spirit which would insure their doom? or did they merely grieve Him?<br />It is most certain that they definitely grieved Him, and severely. And due to the particulars of the situation, and I speak of them having to publicly deny Christ, actu­ally publicly stating that He was an imposter and a blasphemer and thereby deserved cru­cifixion, it is no doubt positive that at least some of them blasphemed the Holy Spirit. There are several particulars about blas­pheming the Holy Spirit which we should address. They are:<br />1.<br />Only a Believer can blaspheme the Holy Spirit, or else one who strongly professes to know God, such as the Pharisees of old, but who in fact doesn’t, and who in fact never has. It has to do with light given, and light professed. Those who have never known the Lord, and who make no profession of Faith of any kind, cannot blaspheme the Holy Spirit. How can they blaspheme someone of Whom they know nothing!<br /><br />2.<br />The manner in which the Holy Spirit is blasphemed, and once again I speak of so-called Believers, is to attribute the Works of God to the devil. This is what the Pharisees did regarding Christ.<br /><br /><br />When Jesus was healing the sick and cast­ing out demons, “The Pharisees heard it, and said, this fellow doth not cast out Devils, but by Beelzebub the Prince of the Devils” (Mat. 12:22-32). As stated, due to this accusation, Jesus pronounced that they had in fact blas­phemed the Holy Spirit.<br />As we have stated over and over again, every single thing done in the Believer’s life by God, is done through the Person, Work, Office, Power, and Agency of the Holy Spirit. This means, that it’s a dangerous thing to refer to something as being of the Devil, when in fact, it is of God, in other words, a direct work of the Holy Spirit.<br />I have heard Preachers make fun of speak­ing in tongues, and do so in a most debilitat­ing way. In doing this, did they blaspheme the Holy Spirit?<br />Only the Lord can determine when the line is crossed. Suffice to say, a person who would do such a thing, is treading on dangerous ground. Once again, I suspect that all of this has to do with the amount of Light that has been given to such an individual.<br />The Pharisees of old who made these state­ments about Christ, had been given Light as no human beings in history had ever been given Light; consequently, they were totally without excuse.<br />3. If a person has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit, that person will never again turn to the right way, and in fact will have no de­sire to turn to the right way. So, the idea that there are people who cry, plead, and beg to be saved, but cannot, and because they think they’ve blasphemed the Holy Spirit, is blatantly incorrect. Such a thing has never happened, at least as far as God is concerned.<br />While it certainly is possible that some people might believe a lie, and no doubt have, that’s their doings and not God. The very fact that a person would want to come to the Lord is proof that they have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit. It is the very Spirit of God Who has put the de­sire within the person’s heart to want to be saved, and to be sure, He wouldn’t do such a thing, if that person had in fact, blasphemed Him.<br />(30) “FOR WE KNOW HIM THAT HATH SAID, VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE, SAITH THE LORD. AND AGAIN, THE LORD SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Paul first of all appeals to the under­standing of his Readers.<br /><br />2.<br />“Vengeance” is an unfortunate trans­lation, because the word conveys the idea of vindictiveness which does not reside in the original Greek word. The emphasis is not on that. It is rather on the certainty that the Lord will act. The wrongdoer cannot hope to go unpunished because avenging wrong is in the hands of none less than God.<br /><br />3.<br />Paul leaves no doubt about the Lord’s intervention, for He is here named and so is His activity.<br /><br /><br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />4. That a man claims to be a member of the people of God does not exempt him from judgment. God judges all. That being the case, let not the apostate think that he, of all people, can escape.<br />A CERTAINTY OF JUDGMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “For we know Him that hath said, ‘Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense,’ saith the Lord,” is meant to imply, that every single thing is going to be judged by the Lord, Who Alone is the Righ­teous Judge. In fact, the very One Whom some of these Christian Jews was repudiat­ing, namely the Lord Jesus Christ, they will ultimately face as Judge. The Scripture says of Him:<br />“And He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears:<br />“But with Righteousness shall He judge . . . and He shall smite the Earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked” (Isa. 11:3-4).<br />Every single thing that man does, for that he will ultimately answer to God. I realize that’s a solemn statement, but it happens to be true.<br />Of course, every believing sinner who comes to Christ at that particular time wipes the slate clean. In other words, his sins were judged at Calvary and will never again be brought against him. It is the same with Be­lievers who sin, and dutifully take that sin to the Lord. He has promised to forgive, cleanse, and forget, and that He does (I Jn. 1:9). But for those who turn their backs on God, even as Paul is here addressing as it regards cer­tain of these Christian Jews, if they remain in that state, they will lose their souls, and as well, they will suffer the wrath of God, even as Paul here proclaims.<br />But what about Christians who embark upon a wrong direction, and I speak of a di­rection that is unscriptural whatever it might be, even as untold millions have done and continue to do? This is answered in the next phrase.<br />THE LORD SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE<br />The phrase, “And again, the Lord shall judge His people,” is taken from Deuteronomy<br />32:36, even as the previous quotation of this Verse was taken from Deuteronomy 32:35.<br />The idea here is, that the Lord will judge Believers when they deserve it, and chastise them when they ought to be chastised. The mere fact that we are His people will not save us from chastisement if we deserve it, any­more than the fact that one is a beloved child will save him from correction when he does wrong. This Truth was abundantly illus­trated in the history of the Israelites; and the same great principle applies to Christians as well! In fact, Paul will address chastisement in the Twelfth Chapter of this Epistle.<br />If a Christian sins, and that refers to what­ever type sin, we have the privilege of taking the problem to the Lord, where it will be cor­rectly handled; however, the idea in this is that we are sorry for our failure, and we certainly do not desire that it continue. In fact, in that capacity, the Lord places no limitations. The truth is, most Christians not knowing the Way of the Cross, are dominated by sin in some manner, with them having to go to the Lord over and over again. While such is certainly regrettable, and will definitely cause grievous problems in the life of the Believer, still, the Lord will be faithful to forgive irrespective of the number of times requested (I Jn. 1:9). Such a person doesn’t want the problem in their life, whatever it might be, but due to the fact that they do not know God’s prescribed order of victory, are doomed to continue repeating the situation. However, even then, the Lord will ultimately bring on chastisement.<br />But yet, we are faced with myriads of Chris­tians who do wrong, at times grossly wrong, but who do not think they are doing wrong; consequently, those individuals do not ask forgiveness and help from the Lord. They have embarked upon a course which is totally unscriptural, and in fact, which is sin, be­cause any deviation from the true way of the Lord is in principle, rebellion against Him. But yet, that’s where untold millions of Chris­tians presently find themselves. In other words, they are deceived! What about these particular individuals?<br />First of all, the Holy Spirit will move upon them greatly, attempting to bring them back to the right way and place. With some He succeeds in doing so, and with others He has<br />NOTES<br /><br />no success. What happens to those particu­lar individuals? And to be sure, they num­ber into the untold millions.<br />The Lord cannot abide any wrongdoing or wrong direction in the hearts and lives of His people. With some of these individuals, they will go the way of these Christian Jews, which means they will ultimately lose their souls. With others, while they won’t lose their souls, they will definitely lose the Bless­ings of God in many and most ways. And to be sure, they will lose great reward at the Judg­ment Seat of Christ (I Cor. 3:11-15). Let it ever be known, that no one gets by with God! And especially His people.<br />Jesus plainly told us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.<br />“For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Mat. 7:1-2).<br />This is speaking of making a negative judg­ment of one’s motives, and then passing judg­ment upon the person, which no human be­ing is qualified to do. Only God can do that.<br />In fact, everything must be judged Scrip­turally, in fact, it is demanded that everything be judged Scripturally. The Word says, “To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20).<br />When it comes to accepting wrong doc­trine, which again millions of Christians have done and continue to do, consequences will be suffered for that as well. The entire Epistle to the Galatians is written for that very pur­pose. These individuals were trading Grace for Law, and Paul said if they did this, they would be “entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).<br />LEADERSHIP<br /><br />Many Christians have the erroneous idea, that if their Pastor embarks upon a certain direction, or the Leaders of their Denomina­tion, that irrespective as to whether that di­rection is right or wrong, they will be held blameless in their following if in fact, such direction is wrong. Nothing could be farther from the truth!<br />To be sure, this is the Spirit that is projected by many Preachers and so-called religious leaders, however, such thinking is definitely not of God. Every single Christian is going to have to answer for himself personally. He cannot pass the buck to others, so to speak. Every Believer must know the Word, be guided by the Word, and base all their deci­sions and actions on the Word. It doesn’t matter what others do, and it doesn’t mat­ter what it costs you to do right, even if it means being put out of your Church. In fact, that has always been the cost of true Disciple­ship. Christ must come first in all things. In fact, He must be first, second, third, fourth, etc.<br />Let us ever take to heart this which the Spirit has said through Paul, “The Lord shall judge His people.” To be sure, the Lord meant exactly what He said, and we should know, that He means exactly what He says.<br />(31) “IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL<br />INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD.” The exposition is:<br />1.<br />God says what He means and means what He says.<br /><br />2.<br />God is active and working, and doing so constantly, as proven by the words “Liv­ing God.”<br /><br />3.<br />Paul is speaking here of falling into the hands of the Lord in a negative way. Such is a fearful thing!<br /><br /><br />Several things are here said in this Verse. They are:<br />A FEARFUL THING<br />This word is being spoken here to Believ­ers. In fact, the unredeemed have very little knowledge of God, at least that which is cor­rect. It is Believers to whom the Spirit is here speaking.<br />As a Christian, and as stated, I should un­derstand that Grace does not cover willful wrong direction. Also, it does not cover in­correct doctrine. Unfortunately, many Chris­tians think that because we’re living in the day of Grace, that God winks at wrongdoing. In fact, the Scripture blatantly says otherwise:<br />“And the times of this ignorance (Old Tes­tament times) God winked at; but now (this age of Grace) commandeth all men everything to repent” (Acts 17:30). Christians should fear going in wrong directions, because they will ultimately have to answer.<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />TO FALL<br /><br />The basic idea of all of this is, that Chris­tians by accepting false doctrine, fall from Grace (Gal. 5:4). This refers to substituting something else in place of the Cross.<br />All Grace comes through the Cross, and in fact everything that comes from God to Believers. To guarantee an uninterrupted flow, the Believer must at all times keep his Faith in the Finished Work of Christ, i.e., “the Cross.” If Faith is removed from the Cross to other things, and irrespective as to what those other things might be, a “fall” is the guaranteed result. With the Believer going in the wrong direction, if there is not a cor­rection, chastisement will be the ultimate result (Gal. 2:20-21).<br />THE LIVING GOD<br /><br />“The hands of the Living God,” refers to that which is negative. By the word “living” we are given to understand, that God is ac­tive in all things. Every single thing done by one of His children is very important to Him. When we go in wrong directions, the Holy Spirit immediately begins to make the at­tempt to pull us back to the right way, and I speak of the Way of the Cross. Due to how much He loves us, He will take whatever steps necessary to accomplish this — but will stop short of forcing our wills.<br />If the Believer insists on continuing on the wrong course, the Lord will apply sterner measures, and if that is rejected as well, there can come a time that the Spirit of God will leave. Far better the individual being chas­tised by the Lord, even strongly, than the Lord letting the individual go. It was said of one of the tribes of Israel, “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone” (Hos. 4:17).<br />That is the worst thing that can happen to a Believer. In fact, what does happen to such a Believer?<br />If a Believer has reached such a place that the Lord has done everything within His power to bring the individual back, short of forcing the will, which He will not do, that person will be eternally lost, that is if the Lord continues to pull back from him.<br />I do believe for some, that even though the Lord may withdraw from them for a sea­son, He ultimately comes back, with some then repenting. But if He doesn’t come back at all, there is no way that person can main­tain Salvation.<br />I’ve had people mention certain Preach­ers or individuals to me, who were obviously living in sin, whether of morals or doctrine, but who seemed to suffer no chastisement from the Lord whatsoever. What about these people?<br />The Holy Spirit through Paul answers this question: “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bas­tards, and not sons” (Heb. 12:8).<br />Despite their profession, this means that such people are really not Christians.<br />(32) “BUT CALL TO REMEMBRANCE THE FORMER DAYS, IN WHICH, AFTER YE WERE ILLUMINATED, YE ENDURED A GREAT FIGHT OF AFFLICTIONS;”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Paul wants these Christian Jews to re­member the former days, referring to the time of their Salvation.<br /><br />2.<br />As Believers, they were given light as it regards the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />3.<br />Persecution immediately came from family and friends.<br /><br /><br />CALL TO REMEMBRANCE<br /><br />The phrase, “But call to remembrance the former days,” recalls the earlier proofs that these Christian Jews had given of their faith­fulness and love.<br />In the last six Verses, Paul has enforced his exhortation by an appeal to the danger of falling away and the fearful consequences of unfaithfulness. From warning he now turns to encouragement. These individuals were to call to mind and ever keep in remembrance what the Grace of God had already enabled them to endure. As Theophylact has said, he bids them imitate, not others, but themselves.<br />These “former days” and despite the per­secutions, were days of victory. That’s why Paul refers back to this time, even as every Christian should contemplate. In other words, he is telling them, at least as it regards a course of direction, to go back to where you got in.<br />Every single person who has come to Christ has done so by accepting Christ and what He did for them at the Cross. That’s the first thing the Holy Spirit illuminates to<br />NOTES<br /><br />the sinful heart, “Jesus died for me.” In this, the sinner sees himself as wicked and there­fore lost, and as well, sees Christ and His Cross as the only hope.<br />Unfortunately, after coming to Christ, many, if not most, Believers then leave the Cross, and primarily, because their Churches direct them to other things. Perhaps it’s done inadvertently; nevertheless, it is done in most cases!<br />What do I mean by these statements?<br /><br />Most new Christians are not taught that the Cross of Christ, i.e., “the Finished Work of Christ,” i.e., “the great Sacrifice of Christ,” is not only the means of their Salvation, but also figures in everything they will be in Christ thereafter. In other words, the Chris­tian must look to the Cross of Christ at all times, and not only as it regards the initial Salvation experience.<br />Not being taught this, Christians begin to look to themselves, and I speak here of all types of good works, or their Church, or something else. In other words, their Faith shifts from the Cross to other things. As stated, most of this is done inadvertently, but the results will be the same, and I speak of failure.<br />When they go to their Pastors about their problems, that is if they do so, they are gen­erally told to “get more involved,” or that they “need to increase their faith,” or a hun­dred and one other such type things.<br />While these things no doubt are good within themselves, they really do not address the problem. The problem is, that Christian is no longer depending on the Finished Work of Christ, but rather something else. In fact, this is the great sin of the modern Church.<br />THE WAY SATAN WORKS<br /><br />Immediately after the believing sinner comes to Christ, Satan sets about to hinder that Believer in any way and every way pos­sible. The Evil One uses temptation in vari­ous ways.<br />There is only one way to meet that temp­tation, whatever course it might take, and that is by the Believer placing his trust and faith completely in Christ and what Christ did for him at the Cross, understanding that it is in the Cross that all victory was won. When he does this, the Holy Spirit will then grandly and gloriously help him, and the temptation is thrown over. However, most Christians at this stage don’t look to the Cross, because they don’t know to look to the Cross. Consequently, they attempt to face the situation in any number of ways.<br />Most of the time they face the issue with nothing but their “willpower,” which is al­ways woefully insufficient (Rom. 7:18). Oftentimes, upon hearing other Christians talk about meeting the Devil with the Word of God, they will quote particular Scriptures in the face of temptation, thinking somehow this will turn aside the thrust of the Evil One. They are confused when it doesn’t!<br />Others try stamping their feet so to speak, and rebuking the Devil. But then they find that doesn’t work either.<br />In such a situation, which to be sure af­fects every single Christian, they are success­ful in holding off certain temptations. How­ever, almost all the time, Satan will be suc­cessful in one or two particular efforts. In other words, the Christian will succumb in those capacities, whatever those capacities might be.<br />Upon such a thing, the Christian know­ing he has done wrong, instantly comes un­der condemnation. At that point, he asks the Lord to forgive him, which the Lord has promised to do, and in fact, will always do (I Jn. 1:9).<br />With forgiveness, comes an instant resto­ration of fellowship. Many Christians mis­take this for victory, when actually it isn’t. While it is certainly true that their wrongdo­ing has been forgiven, to be sure, Satan will come back. In this situation, the individual now finds himself failing again and again. Each time he asks forgiveness from the Lord, and each time forgiveness is granted; how­ever, this is not the Lord’s way. In fact, this Believer is now being dominated by his sin nature (Rom. 6:12).<br />TRY HARDER?<br />In such a situation, the Believer becomes very frustrated. In fact, the same thing is now happening to him, that happened to the Apostle Paul. The Apostle said of his own experience, and this was before he was given the Revelation of the Cross, “For that which<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />I do I allow not” (Rom. 7:15). Actually, the Greek word here for “allow,” should have been translated “understand.” Then it would read: “For that which I do I understand not.”<br />This is where most Christians are. They are struggling with all their strength not to do wrong, but in some way sin is dominat­ing them, and they are left confused and with­out understanding.<br />Of course, the Lord told Paul what the answer was, with the Apostle then giving us that answer in Romans, Chapter 6.<br />He explains there how that the Believer is “in Christ,” and in Christ by virtue of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Re­deemer. Christ was our Substitute, doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Our simple Faith in Him, places us in His cruci­fixion (His death), His burial, and His Res­urrection (Rom. 6:3-5). This means that all of our victory is without exception in Him, and more particularly, what He did for us at the Cross. That’s the reason I continue to say that our Faith must remain in the Cross, for it was there, that all victory was won.<br />Until the Believer learns this, it doesn’t really matter what he does, or how hard he tries, the end result is always going to be the same — failure. He can go to Preachers, have them lay hands on him, and even though the Preacher may be truly used of God, and even though the manifestation which follows may definitely be of the Spirit, even though at that time he will be blessed, he will find a short time later, that the same problem returns. That’s why Jesus said:<br />“You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32).<br />The trouble with Christians, we’re seek­ing a Touch, when in reality we need the Truth. Because it’s so important, please al­low me to say it again:<br />Until the Christian learns the Truth of the Cross, sin is going to continue to dominate that Christian in some way, and that despite all his efforts otherwise. God has only one way of Victory, and that is through what Jesus did at the Cross. When we place our Faith in the great, Finished Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit then helps us, which guarantees us victory. In other words, the Holy Spirit guar­antees all that Christ did for us at the Cross, but for us to have all of these benefits, He at the same time, demands that we exhibit Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, and actually continue to do so, all the days of our lives (Rom. 8:2). That’s why Jesus said, and to which we have already alluded, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself (don’t try to gain the Victory by his own ac­tions), and take up his cross daily, and fol­low Me” (Lk. 9:23).<br />WALKING AFTER THE SPIRIT<br /><br />Someone asked me once, as to the defini­tion of victory. The answer is simple, it is “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1).<br />And how do we “walk after the Spirit”? First let’s see what it’s not.<br />Walking after the Spirit is not doing spiri­tual things. Many people confuse the two. They think if they do spiritual things, such as reading their Bibles, praying, witnessing to souls, faithful attendance to Church, etc., that this is “walking after the Spirit.” It isn’t! While those things are definitely good, and in fact that which all true Christians will do, that’s not what Paul was talking about.<br />“Walking after the Spirit,” in its most sim­plistic definition, means to simply place one’s Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, under­standing that it is in Christ that all Life, Sal­vation, and victory are found. In fact, Paul uses the phrase “in Christ,” or one of its de­rivatives such as “in Whom,” some 170 times in his Epistles. Our victory is found totally and completely in Christ, and that means what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf. That’s the reason, and which we’ve already stated several times in this Volume, that Paul also said, “For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, has made me free from the Law of Sin and Death” (Rom. 8:2).<br />Again, as I’ve said over and over again, the Holy Spirit doesn’t demand much of us, but He does demand that we place our Faith in Christ, and that refers to what Christ did for us at the Cross, and keep our Faith in that Finished Work. When we do this, and con­tinue to do this, the Holy Spirit, Who is the key to all of this, helps us grandly, and we then walk in all the overcoming victory af­forded by Christ, but only in that manner. Then, “Sin shall not have dominion over us:<br />NOTES<br /><br />for we are not under the Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14).<br />LAW<br /><br />When most Christians hear about “Law,” they don’t really know what you’re talking about. And yet, if it is to be noticed, Paul talks about Law constantly, especially in Ro­mans and Galatians. Why does he do this?<br />In effect, it is the Holy Spirit Who ad­dresses this subject through him, and for good purpose and reason. The reason is, the problem has always been Law, and the prob­lem now is Law. What do we mean by that?<br />When we say “Law,” we’re not actually speaking of the Law of Moses, even though that was basically what Paul was addressing. So, how does that affect us now? To make it very simple, I will explain it in this fashion:<br />If we try to live for the Lord in any fash­ion, except total and complete Faith in the Cross of Christ, we have placed ourselves under “Law” whether we understand that or not. As such, we are guaranteed of failure.<br />Most of these things we do in attempting to live for the Lord, or to draw closer to Him, or to walk in victory, are very good things within themselves. In fact, and as stated, they are spiritual things; however, while the do­ing of the things, whatever they might be, is not wrong, our dependence on them is wrong. By putting dependence on all of these things, we have in effect turned them into a “Law,” which of course God can never honor.<br />I realize it sounds confusing, but if you’ll understand it in the following fashion, most of the confusion will be taken away.<br />The Christian doesn’t have to learn a long list of rules as to what to do and what not to do. All you have to understand is that your salva­tion, your life, and your victory are all found totally and completely in what Jesus did at the Cross on your behalf. As stated, you are “in Christ.” Consequently, you are to have faith in that, and you are not to allow Preachers to pull your faith away from that to other things. If you maintain your Faith in the Cross of Christ as it regards your life and living, the Grace of God will then flow to you in an uninterrupted manner, and the Holy Spirit will guarantee that it does. That’s why Paul said, “You’re not under Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14).<br />Now please understand, this is not one way of victory for the Child of God, it is the only way. God has provided only one Sacri­fice, and that is the Sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan will do his best to draw you away from this Finished Work. Don’t allow him to do such. And don’t allow him to use Preachers or anyone else for that mat­ter to entice you away. Put your faith in the Cross of Christ, and keep your faith in the Cross of Christ. That’s where all life and vic­tory are found (Rom. 6:3-14; 8:1-2, 11; I Cor. 1:18, 21, 23; 2:2).<br />ILLUMINATION<br />The phrase, “In which, after ye were illu­minated,” refers to the enlightenment the Gospel brings to the mind of the Believer.<br />When the person comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately takes up abode in the heart and life of the individual. And then immediately, the Believer should also ask the Lord for the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all Believers (Jn. 14:17; Acts 1:4-5).<br />At any rate, the Divine nature that is now in the Believer, opens up understanding as it regards spiritual things. For the first time in his life, the individual now begins to un­derstand some things about the Lord, and about God’s Word, which were impossible before conversion. In fact, if the Believer will place his faith in the Cross of Christ, trust­ing in the Spirit to do His Work, this illumi­nation will continue to expand all the days of his life. In fact, it is the most glorious life there is.<br />A person really doesn’t know how to live until they find Christ, Who in fact, is Life. The true purpose and meaning of life now becomes evident, which is to please God, and which is done through our Faith in Christ. In other words, Christ is everything!<br />AFFLICTIONS<br />The phrase, “Ye endured a great fight of afflictions,” refers to the persecutions that came their way after conversion. With Jews, that could have been quite extensive.<br />Their families and friends immediately, would have begun to use extensive pressure for them to renounce Christ and go back into<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Judaism. That failing, at a particular point in time, they would actually go through a type of ceremony, which one might even re­fer to as a funeral, and from then on would treat their Christian relatives, as if they were dead. Their names were no longer allowed to be mentioned, and they were accorded no recognition whatsoever. If close loved ones became ill, they were not allowed to visit. And if the Christian Jew became ill, to be sure, no one from his family would visit him. If a loved one died, they were not allowed to attend the funeral. If they passed each other on the street, on the part of the non-Chris­tian relative, there would be no recognition.<br />Some could handle this, and some couldn’t! However, and as stated, if they de­termined to go back into Judaism, they would have to go through a ceremony in the Syna­gogue, and would be expected to publicly denounce Christ, and in the most negative of terms. So as we see, these “afflictions” were quite severe.<br />In most of the countries of the world pres­ently, it doesn’t cost very much to live for Christ. Were that to change, I wonder how many Christians we would have left? There is one thing for sure:<br />The false prophets and the false apostles would thin out considerably.<br />(33) “PARTLY, WHILST YE WERE MADE A GAZINGSTOCK BOTH BY REPROACHES AND AFFLICTIONS; AND PARTLY, WHILST YE BECAME COMPANIONS OF THEM THAT WERE SO USED.”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />Some of the Christian Jews had been made a spectacle by being exposed to insult and injury.<br /><br />2.<br />The second group had suffered by be­ing associates of the former group.<br /><br />3.<br />All must be given up for Christ, even our very lives if necessary!<br /><br /><br />A GAZINGSTOCK<br /><br />The phrase, “Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflic­tions,” refers not only to the things just listed, but as well, to public ridicule.<br />For many people, the latter, and we speak of public ridicule, is the hardest thing of all to take. Most people, even Christians, go with the flow. If they are in any way, made a “gazingstock,” i.e., “laughingstock,” for their convictions, most can’t handle that! Conse­quently, most at this point, fold and buckle, as one might say.<br />These particular Believers were not merely reviled in words, they were also made to en­dure positive sufferings of various kinds. Oftentimes this fell out to financial loss, and to be sure, all who could be hurt in this man­ner definitely had such visited upon them.<br />Of course, the non-Christian Jews consid­ered themselves to be of God. Even though they blasphemed Christ, they still considered themselves to be God’s chosen people. So, whatever it is they did to their fellow Chris­tian Jews, they were doing it all in the Name of the Lord. And in fact, that’s the way with much of this nature. The following should be noted:<br />Despite claims to the contrary, those who are in actuality enemies of the Lord, are not content to merely disagree with others whom they claim to be wrong; they feel they must attack the individual as well, and even destroy him if necessary. In other words, in this per­secution, they will go as far as the law will allow. Again, it’s all done in the Name of the Lord. But yet, this is one way that is easy to tell if a person is actually of the Lord. Those who are truly of the Lord will not do such things. While they will definitely oppose false doctrine, they will not try to hinder or hurt the individual who is promoting the false doc­trine. They will pray for him, and leave him to the Lord, thereby, taking no further steps.<br />COMPANIONS<br /><br />The phrase, “And partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used,” re­fers to Christian Jews who tried to be of help to Jews newly converted, and coming under severe persecution. Consequently, the per­secution would extend to those attempting to help, even though they were not relatives, etc. The idea is, “Your friend is my enemy!”<br />(34) “FOR YE HAD COMPASSION OF ME IN MY BONDS, AND TOOK JOYFULLY THE SPOILING OF YOUR GOODS, KNOW­ING IN YOURSELVES THAT YE HAVE IN HEAVEN A BETTER AND AN ENDURING SUBSTANCE.”<br />NOTES<br /><br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Some of these Christian Jews had helped Paul, and they were hated for this.<br /><br />2.<br />They did this even though it cost some of them dearly!<br /><br />3.<br />They had at that time seen the big pic­ture, which refers to eternity, and which is an example for all modern Believers.<br /><br /><br />MY BONDS<br /><br />The phrase, “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds,” evidently refers to the time that Paul was in prison in Rome, as recorded in Acts Chapter 28.<br />Some have claimed that the words “of me,” and as they referred to Paul, are not in the original Greek texts. Those who claim that, knowing that the statement given in the King James is another strong proof that Paul is the author of Hebrews, are mainly those who do not believe he wrote the Epistle.<br />Paul was hated by the religious leaders of Israel, even to the point of murder. In fact, they did everything that was in their power to murder the Apostle, with him being spared only because of the protection of the Lord. Their hatred for him knew no bounds.<br />They blamed him for every single Jew who accepted Christ. In fact, they blamed him for the entirety of the Gospel of Christ, feel­ing that if it had not been for him, Chris­tianity would have died. While that’s not true, still, it definitely is true, that Paul was the principal player in the Early Church.<br />So if it wasn’t bad enough for Jews to ac­cept Christ, at least in the minds of non-Christian Jews, it was worse yet when they did all within their power to help the Apostle Paul, as evidently many of them did.<br />FINANCIAL LOSS<br /><br />The phrase, “And took joyfully the spoil­ing of your goods,” presents the fact, that those who did help Paul, were persecuted se­verely, and that many of them in addition to what was already being done, great pains were taken, to hurt or even destroy them financially.<br />In fact, many modern Denominations fol­low the same principle. If they oppose a fel­low Preacher, the leadership of these Denomi­nations, is not satisfied to merely have a part­ing of ways. At the same time, they feel that they must destroy the Preacher in question, whomever he might be. Consequently, they seek to step outside of their own Denomina­tion, and try to do all they can to hurt him in any way possible, and in any capacity. In fact, if such is carried on in the business world, the guilty parties can be prosecuted, because they are definitely breaking the law. Unfor­tunately, self-righteousness knows no law. It justifies its actions in many and varied ways. In fact, there is actually nothing these reli­gious leaders won’t do, and as previously stated, if the law of the land allowed it, they would actually murder the person in ques­tion. They justify their actions by claiming that what they’re doing is for the good of the Work of God. In other words, they really con­sider themselves to be working for the Lord in these perfidious actions. It was the same with the non-Christian Jews of Paul’s day.<br />The reason their modern counterparts do these things is because Christ is not really the Head of their Church. In fact, they serve as their own head; consequently, they make up their own rules. In fact, the Word of God is actually never consulted as it regards their course of action. They become a law unto themselves.<br />IN HEAVEN A BETTER SUBSTANCE<br />The phrase, “Knowing in yourselves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance,” proclaims these particular Chris­tian Jews, as looking at the big picture. While some of them did suffer financial loss here, and because of serving Christ and especially because of helping Paul, they looked beyond that, realizing that by their actions they were laying up treasures in Heaven, which was the far more important.<br />What we are addressing here is consecra­tion far beyond the norm. If something af­fects their pocketbooks in an adverse way, most Christians do not respond too favorably. In other words, if the scene was put into today’s timeframe, I’m afraid that most Chris­tians would be of little service to Paul, espe­cially considering that he was in prison at the time.<br />In fact, if the Ministry of the Apostle Paul was set down into this present time, I wonder how many Christians would really support<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Paul, even without these other problems such as prison, etc.? I don’t think very many would!<br />I think that most would bridle at Paul’s insistence upon Faith in the Cross of Christ, and considering that the Apostle was very hard on false doctrine, I think the support would have been scarce. Regrettably, the Christianity of most people extends only a certain distance. Most of it doesn’t nearly extend to “Heaven with its better and en­during substance.”<br />(35) “CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE, WHICH HATH GREAT RECOMPENCE OF REWARD.”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />This first phrase shows that it’s pos­sible for a Believer to cast away their confi­dence, which means to lose faith.<br /><br />2.<br />That which we do here for Christ will bring forth great reward in Heaven — and in fact, great reward which will be eternal.<br /><br />3.<br />The faith of the Believer is the single most important thing he can have. Every attack by Satan is in one way or the other against our Faith; consequently, in all that he does against us, the main thrust is always to get us to quit believing.<br /><br /><br />THE CASTING AWAY OF CONFIDENCE<br />The phrase, “Cast not away therefore your confidence,” refers to the fact, that some of these Christian Jews had in fact done just that, and others were seriously considering abandoning Christ.<br />“Confidence” in the Greek is “parrhesia,” and means “outspokenness, frankness, plain­ness of speech.” The idea as it is here used, refers to their confession of faith. They have confessed Christ, which means they had ex­pressed faith in Christ as the Savior of hu­manity, by virtue of His Sacrificial Offering of Himself on the Cross, and above all, they must not throw this away.<br />“Cast away” in the Greek is “apoballo,” and means, “to throw off, or throw away.” This is a strong statement as given by Paul, and conveys the thought of a reckless rejec­tion of what is valuable. Because the earlier conduct of these Christian Jews showed that they knew the value of their possession in Christ, Paul can appeal to them not to dis­card it. As Christians, they had a confidence that was based firmly on Christ’s saving work and that would be the height of folly to lose. What they had already endured for Christ’s sake entitled them to a reward. They must not lose sight of this! The New Testament does not reject the notion that Christians will receive rewards, though, of course, that is never to be the prime motive for service.<br />REWARD<br /><br />The phrase, “Which hath great recompence of reward,” refers to the fact, that everything will be answered at the Judgment Seat of Christ.<br />“Reward” in the Greek is “misthapodosia,” and means “requital, remuneration.” The idea is, that God will owe no man anything. Anything done for Him, will receive a just reward. As well, the reward here addressed, refers to this present life, and above all in the life that is to come.<br />(36) “FOR YE HAVE NEED OF PA­TIENCE, THAT, AFTER YE HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1. Proper faith demands proper patience.<br />2.<br />It is our responsibility to do the Will of God, irrespective as to what that Will might be.<br /><br />3.<br />The Promise will come, but we aren’t told exactly when. In fact, it may be at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The idea is that we be faithful to the end.<br /><br /><br />PATIENCE<br /><br />The phrase, “For ye have need of patience,” proclaims to us a great lesson. Proper faith will always have proper patience.<br />This tells us that God may not send the great blessing right now, whatever that great blessing might be. Anyway, the blessing is not to be preeminent, but rather doing the Will of God.<br />In the last several decades, the Church has been led down a primrose path. In other words, due to improper teaching on faith, the attention of the Church has become riveted on the blessing, i.e., “the Promise.” Conse­quently, there is not much love for God in all of this, simply because there cannot be much love for the Lord in all of this. If our<br />NOTES<br /><br />eye is on the reward, that’s where our heart is. We must understand the following:<br />If we are to live right and to do right, we will leave everything in the hands of the Lord. To be sure, He will not overlook anything. He who notes the sparrow’s fall, and num­bers the very hairs of our heads, as should be obvious, knows all things. If we leave the reward up to Him, and not busy ourselves about these things, the Lord will handle the situation in His Way, which is 10,000 times better than our way.<br />THE WILL OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “That, after ye have done the Will of God,” proclaims this to be the most important thing in our lives and experiences. If we properly do that, and I refer to carrying out the Will of God as it regards all things, or at least do our very best to do this, we can rest assured that God will handle everything else. That’s where the attention should be! That’s where the emphasis must be!<br />Many Christians are fearful of the Will of God. They have been led to believe that God may want them to do some horrendous thing, such as moving to Siberia, etc. Consequently, they have very little relationship with the Lord, thinking that He will now ask of them such things in such a case.<br />Such thinking is ludicrous! First of all, if God asks anything of anyone, He will auto­matically give that person a love for that par­ticular thing or locality, which changes the complexion altogether. There is no such thing as a person toiling and laboring for the Lord in some fashion or some place, where they are grossly unhappy. That does not ex­ist, being only a fabrication of the Devil, which causes many Christians to lose out on what they could have from the Lord.<br />Doing the Will of God is the most fulfill­ing, satisfying, completeness that a person could ever know. This is the secret of real life, of true living. In fact, anything else other than the perfect Will of God, always and with­out exception, falls out to hurt for the indi­vidual involved.<br />THE PROMISE<br /><br />The phrase, “Ye might receive the Prom­ise,” refers to that which will definitely come, whatever it might be. However, none of that is to be our concern.<br />We are to love the Lord enough, and to have enough faith in Him, to know that He will provide for us, will take care of us, and will always do for us what we need.<br />There are some Christians who seem to be blessed now more than others. If that is in fact the case, and I find myself seemingly not blessed as much, that is not to be my concern. The Lord knows what He is doing. He tailor-makes the experience of every Christian, and does so for our betterment, which we must understand.<br />As a Believer, I am to trust the Lord, un­derstanding “that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6); how­ever, it is first of all, my business to “believe that He is,” and at the same time “diligently seek Him,” and then leave the rewarding up to Him. As previously stated, we must not get our eyes on the Promise, as important as the Promise is. We must remember, that this Promise comes from God, in effect, a Prom­ise He has made, and to be sure, God keeps His Promises!<br />(37) “FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.”<br />The composite is:<br />1. This expression comes from Habakkuk<br />2:3.<br />2.<br />The idea is, that whatever reward the Lord sees fit to give us here, will be nothing in comparison to that which will be given there.<br /><br />3.<br />The Rapture of the Church should be the crowning thought as it regards all Chris­tians, and of course, we speak of the coming Resurrection. It is then, when every Prom­ise will be fulfilled.<br /><br /><br />This particular Scripture says several things to us. Some of them are as follows:<br />A LITTLE WHILE<br />This of which the Holy Spirit speaks through Paul, may seem to be in the never, never; however, in the light of eternity, which is the manner in which it should be observed by all Believers, whatever the timeframe may be, is not long.<br />In fact, the expression is very much stron­ger in the Greek text. Expositors translate it:<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />“For yet a little — a very little — while and He that cometh will come and will not de­lay.” Another translates it: “For yet a little<br />— ever so little — while.”<br /><br />So, if the Holy Spirit deemed the timeframe but short some 2,000 years ago, which He definitely did, then how much closer are we presently?! The truth is, we’re living in the very last of the last days, perhaps even the last months of the last days. The Church has already entered into the last great apostasy, which will only grow worse. This means that the Rapture of the Church cannot be very long off. In other words, it could happen at any moment (I Thess. 4:16-18).<br />HE WILL COME<br /><br />The phrase, “And He that shall come will come,” refers to the Lord coming Person­ally Himself.<br />Once more the hope of His Coming is set before these Hebrew Believers, and all others as well, even unto this present hour, as an animating and certain expectation. He who cherishes that hope finds in it a moral power that makes real a life of victory. As we have stated, this Passage is derived from Habakkuk 2:3-4. Verse 4 pertains to Verse 38.<br />Christ is the subject of Habakkuk’s vision. Not the beginning, but the perseverance of God’s righteous man as opposed to declen­sion and apostasy, is the force of the quota­tion here. As the righteous man receives life by faith, so by faith he continues to live; but if he draws back, God has no pleasure in him. In fact, the Holy Spirit in Habakkuk states the cause of his drawing back — pride.<br />WILL NOT TARRY<br /><br />The phrase, “And will not tarry,” means that there is an appointed time for the Rap­ture of the Church, and at that appointed time, this great happening will come about.<br />Some claim that the Rapture of the Church is either pushed up or delayed be­cause of actions of the Church, etc. That isn’t so!<br />First of all, God is omniscient, meaning He knows all things. So in simple terms, that means that He knows exactly when He is coming for the Church, and to be sure, that particular date, whatever it is, and He Alone knows, will not be pushed up or delayed. While some things of the Lord are delayed by the lack of faith on the part of men, there are other things, such as the Rapture and the Second Coming, etc., which are not moved by man’s faith or the lack thereof.<br />A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE<br /><br />I never cease to marvel at the manner in which the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God in any and every capacity. The original point in Habakkuk, is that the faithful must await God’s good time for the destruction of their enemies, the Chaldeans.<br />But as well, even as the Holy Spirit records in Hebrews 10:37, it refers to the Rapture of the Church and as well, to the Second Coming.<br />On a personal basis, the Holy Spirit gave me this Promise in Habakkuk in 1993, if I remember the year correctly. The exact quo­tation is:<br />“And the LORD answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.<br />“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Hab. 2:2-3).<br />In seeking the Face of the Lord concern­ing a moving and operation of the Holy Spirit as it regards my own personal Ministry, the Lord, as stated, gave me this Promise. It is now beginning to happen, even though it has been some years in coming. And I believe what will happen, is going to usher many people into the Kingdom of God. Conse­quently, this Passage as used by Paul, is very dear to me personally.<br />(38) “NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Faith is the principle by which God deals with man.<br /><br />2.<br />It is possible for a person to come to Salvation, and then to draw back to the place and position of being lost. Such is a denial of the Faith.<br /><br /><br />3. God has a soul.<br />NOTES<br /><br />4. God is saddened by the loss of Faith among Believers, thereby putting them in the category of unbelievers.<br />FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “Now the just shall live by faith,” is derived from Habakkuk 2:4. In es­sence, this is the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 15:6). As well, this was the Divine spark that lit the Reformation when Martin Luther, an Augustinian Monk, was led to this Text by the Holy Spirit, with it being illuminated to him. In simplistic form, it means that the justified person is justified by God upon the basis of, and in answer to, his faith in the Lord Jesus, and more particularly, what Jesus did for him at the Cross.<br />First of all we must understand, that it is on the basis of Faith and Faith alone, in which God deals with the human race. So what do we mean by that?<br />As just stated, it means that God gave His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pay man’s ter­rible sin debt, which He did by dying on the Cross. He died for all men, including those who had placed their faith in Him even be­fore the Cross, which includes all the Old Testament Saints.<br />God then requires that all men simply exhibit Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross, accepting Him as their Savior, thereby believing that the price He paid was and is sufficient. That’s what the central Text of the Bible tells us:<br />“For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). That’s all that God requires of the human race.<br />That means that we cannot come to Sal­vation by the giving of money, by the doing of good deeds, by belonging to certain Churches, by “being good,” through or by education, or any other way. Those things are referred to as “works,” which God can never accept. In essence, these “works” at­tempt to “buy” Salvation, in which much if not most of the world constantly engages. In the first place, the terrible debt that man owes to God in the realm of sin which in ef­fect, is a crime against God, is of such mag­nitude, that there is absolutely nothing that man can do to assuage this debt. It’s like try­ing to pay the debt of a trillion dollars with a few pennies. So, man not able to accomplish his own Salvation, God had to do this thing for man, which He did, by becoming man, and going to the Cross, all on man’s behalf.<br />Simple faith in Christ and what He did for us instantly brings about Salvation, which means that God instantly imputes to man a perfect righteousness, actually the perfect, pure, spotless Righteousness of Christ.<br />Inasmuch as “Faith” is required of all men, this angers some, because they consider themselves much better than others. In other words, the Jew grew very angry with Paul because he boldly proclaimed that they must accept Christ in the same manner as the Gentiles, which was and is by Faith. It is the same with many educated and rich people. Many of them don’t want to admit that they have to come the same way as the poor and the uneducated. Also, those who subscribe to a code of ethics are loathe to admit, that they have to come the same way as the drunk or the drug addict, etc. Never­theless, God’s Way is the Way of Faith, and unless men come His Way, they cannot be saved, and that means the eternal loss of the soul into hellfire (Rev. 20:11-15).<br />EXACTLY WHAT DOES FAITH MEAN?<br />Whenever Paul or Peter mention Faith, or any of the other writers in the Bible for that matter, they are always, and without excep­tion, speaking of Faith in Christ, which re­fers to what Christ did at the Cross. There are two things we must here remember:<br />1. Our faith must be exclusively in Christ. It must not be Christ plus something else, but always Christ Alone. And this is one of the major problems as it regards humanity.<br />Many attempt to believe in Christ plus the Church, plus good works, plus other things, etc. To add anything to our Faith in Christ, nullifies such Faith, which means that God will not honor it. And that’s the reason that millions walk down Aisles of Churches, join­ing the Church, thereby thinking this affords Salvation for them. Their faith is in that Church, and more particularly, in the join­ing of that Church, than anything else. Christ is mentioned and thought of in a nebulous<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />way, but to their minds, their Salvation rests in them joining the Church. Pure and simple, these people aren’t saved.<br />The Church, plus anything else, has ab­solutely nothing to do with Salvation, that being entirely in Christ. It’s certainly not wrong to join a Church, but it is definitely wrong to think that doing such affords Sal­vation or anything of spirituality for that matter. Joining a Church simply means that we are joining in fellowship with other like Believers, in order to be more effective, hope­fully, for the work of God.<br />2. When we say “Faith in Christ,” we must always remember, that it is Faith in what Christ did at the Cross. As we must never separate Faith from Christ, we must never separate Christ from the Cross.<br />Millions claim to have faith in Christ, but they really do not properly understand what they are actually saying. We must understand in our minds, that when we speak of Christ, when we think of Christ, it is always in con­nection with the Cross. While of course, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the Exal­tation of Christ are very, very important, as would be obvious, still, it was not these things which purchased our Redemption, but rather what Jesus did at the Cross. This must never be forgotten or misunderstood.<br />THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH<br /><br />All we’ve previously said, primarily refers to the sinner coming to Christ; however, as Paul uses this Text, the greater thrust of the statement refers to those who have already come to Christ and are now ordering their life after Christ. Unfortunately, in many Church circles, we properly tell people how to get saved, just as I have already attempted to do so, but then we lead them wrongly af­ter they come to Christ. As the believing sin­ner is saved by Grace through Faith (Eph. 2:8-9), the believing Christian is kept by Faith. And what do we mean by that?<br />“Live” in the Greek is “zao,” and means, “to live life.” It refers to our everyday living, the manner and way we order our behavior.<br />Because we have exhibited Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross, we are now saved, i.e., “just.” As already stated, we can attain such, i.e., “Justification,” only by trusting in what Christ has done for us. We are “just” only on that basis. And we re­main just only on that basis. But this is where the problem arises.<br />SALVATION BY FAITH,<br />SANCTIFICATION BY SELF!<br /><br /><br />What do we mean by the statement, “Sal­vation by faith, and Sanctification by self”?<br />It means that millions of people come to Christ, are saved, and are saved by Faith, be­cause that’s the only way one can be saved, and then they attempt to bring about Sanc­tification in their lives by the machinations and efforts of self. In other words, they try to sanctify themselves.<br />The word “Sanctification” simply means to be “set apart unto God.” Now that we belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within our hearts and lives, and is there to perform an intended task, which is to make us more and more Christlike. This is done basically by the “Fruit of the Spirit” being developed within our lives (Gal. 5:22-23).<br />He can only do these things in one way, even as we’ve stated over and over again, and that is by us continuing to exhibit Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, which makes all of these things possible. The Believer must understand the following:<br />As the sinner can do absolutely nothing to save himself except have Faith in Christ, likewise, the Believer can do absolutely noth­ing to sanctify himself, except to continue to have Faith in Christ, which means to have Faith in what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf. The Believer cannot make himself holy, cannot make himself righteous, can­not draw himself closer to God by his own efforts and machinations, in effect, cannot really do anything by his own strength and ability which will affect anything with God. The Scripture continues to say, “The Just shall live by Faith,” which means that he will order his life by Faith, which refers to the fact of what Christ did at the Cross, and our Faith in that.<br />But yet, the great full-time effort of the Church falls into the realm of “self-sanctifi­cation.” The only thing that such efforts succeed in doing is to make us self-righteous, which is the bane of the Church.<br />NOTES<br /><br />POSITION OR ACTIVITY?<br /><br />Many Christians think that one draws closer to God by one engaging oneself in spiritual activity. While the activity is good, and will definitely bless the individual, and in fact, which every Christian should do, still, none of this activity will draw us closer to God, will help us be stronger in the Lord, will give us victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, etc. And that’s where we make our mistake. We think by involvement or activity, that such does something for us in the spiritual sense. Again I say, it doesn’t!<br />Everything that we presently are in Christ, and everything we hope to be in Christ, is all given to us freely according to our “position in Christ.” Jesus died for us, and we in ef­fect, died with Him, i.e., “were baptized into His death” (Rom. 6:3-5), were buried with Him, and raised with Him in newness of life. Consequently, we are “in Christ.” That is our spiritual position, brought about totally and completely through what Jesus did at the Cross, and our faith in that. That’s the way it is and the way it always will be. So, if I want to get closer to God, which every Chris­tian should definitely desire, what do I do?<br />It can only be done in one way and one way alone. I am to understand that every­thing I am in Christ, and everything I hope to be in Christ, comes totally and completely by my position in Christ, which refers to what He did for me at the Cross. My Faith is to be anchored there, which will give the Holy Spirit the latitude to work within my heart and life, and do all the great things which He Alone can do. In this manner, I not only grow closer to the Lord, but I constantly grow closer to the Lord, which is the intended pur­pose of all of this (Rom. 8:1-2, 11; Gal. 5:5).<br />DOES THIS MEAN I’LL NEVER HAVE ANY MORE PROBLEM WITH THE DEVIL?<br />No, not at all! Just because your Faith is now right, meaning that it’s in the right ob­ject which is the Cross, doesn’t mean that Satan is going to back off. In fact, he is go­ing to oppose you all the days of your life, and do so in every way possible. But you need have no fear, as long as you properly abide in Christ, and you do that by constantly exhibiting Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. Listen to what Paul said:<br />“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of Righteousness by Faith” (Gal. 5:5).<br />This means as we consistently exhibit faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, and not allow our Faith to be deterred to other things, that the “hope of Righteousness” will be developed in us. It’s a process, which means that it takes some time. Just because you have your faith properly placed in the Cross, doesn’t mean that you will be instantly mature in a spiri­tual sense. But notice what he said in this:<br />He said this “hope of Righteousness” comes by “Faith,” which refers to Faith in the Fin­ished Work of Christ, which refers to position, and not activity. The phrase “through the Spirit” refers to the fact that this is the way the Spirit works. In fact, and as we’ve stated re­peatedly, every single thing that the Lord does for us, is all done by and through the Office, Person, Power, and Agency of the Holy Spirit.<br />I keep saying these things, because some­times it’s hard for all of us to fully compre­hend a particular Truth. We say we know it, but in reality we don’t. And the sad truth is, most of the Church doesn’t understand that everything that is done for us by God, is al­ways and without exception, a Work of the Spirit. And at the same time, this Work of the Spirit is not automatic. It doesn’t re­quire much on our part, but it definitely does require something, and what is that?<br />The Holy Spirit simply demands that we understand that He can do all that He does for us, according to what Christ did at the Cross. The Work of Christ at the Cross was a legal work, within which confines the Spirit works. In other words, He will not go outside of those parameters. This is so iron clad in fact, that He refers to this as a “Law” (Rom. 8:2).<br />Now that doesn’t mean we have to under­stand everything about the great Finished Work of Christ, which in effect is the New Covenant. In fact, no one understands ev­erything about this, simply because it is in­exhaustible. That’s the reason that Paul re­ferred to this Covenant as the “Everlasting Covenant” (Heb. 13:20).<br />But you as a Believer do have to under­stand that all that you have in the Lord has been made possible by what Jesus did at the<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Cross. You are to place your faith in that, and then the Holy Spirit will do great and mighty things for you (Rom. Chpt. 8).<br />CONSECRATION<br /><br />We Christians use the word “consecration,” quite often, and of course, referring to con­secration to the Lord. When we see individu­als who are faithful to Church, etc., we refer to them as “consecrated to the Lord.” In fact, that may definitely be; however, not neces­sarily so!<br />The correct Scriptural interpretation of Consecration to the Lord is that we are trust­ing totally and completely in the Cross of Christ, understanding that this is the Source of all Spiritual Blessings (Eph. 1:3). This is true consecration, which again, is “position.” Let me make this statement:<br />Consecration is what we do, while Sancti­fication is what we are. However, that which we do as it regards Consecration, is found only in one aspect, and that refers to having Faith in the Cross of Christ. That is the total extent of our “doing.” If we try to “do” any­thing else, thinking it makes us conse­crated, we have then placed ourselves in the realm of works, which can never bring on true consecration.<br />But we in the Church have become ac­customed to thinking that a person is conse­crated to the Lord, if they don’t do certain things, or if they do certain things such as prayer, faithfulness to Church, etc. Not so!<br />Now, when a person is properly conse­crated to the Lord, which means that they are exhibiting Faith in the Cross of Christ, to be sure, that person will definitely do cer­tain things; however, he will do these things as a result of consecration, and not in order to be consecrated.<br />For instance, if a person is truly trusting in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross, which is His consecration, he at the same time will have a prayer life, will be faith­ful to Church, will be faithful in his giving to the Lord, will “come out from among them and be separate,” etc. (II Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1).<br />DRAWING BACK<br /><br />The phrase, “But if any man draw back,” portrays the fact that such can be done, and of course, Paul is speaking here of Believers. In fact, this is what the major thrust of this Epistle to the Hebrews is all about. Some of the Christian Jews had already drawn back, with others seriously contemplating doing so. What does it mean to draw back?<br />It means to draw back from Faith in Christ, and more particularly, to draw back from Faith in what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf. This is what the Apostle is here talk­ing about.<br />The Lord will never throw over any Be­liever because of sin. If He did, there wouldn’t be any Believers left.<br />While sin will definitely cause the Believer all kinds of problems, and will definitely sepa­rate one from God, the Lord doesn’t wash the Believer out because of sin. But let not the Reader think that sin is to be taken lightly. There is a terrible “deceitfulness to sin” which refers to deception. Sin also hardens the heart (Heb. 3:13). So, let not any Believer think he can look at sin with impunity, or use the Grace of God as a license for sin. The answer of the Holy Spirit to that through Paul is, “God forbid!” (Rom. 6:1-2).<br />But again I emphasize, if the Lord threw over every Christian who has sinned, there wouldn’t be anyone left. Thank God we have a recourse for sin, and that is to take it to the Lord, where He cleanses us and washes us from the effects of sin (I Jn. 1:9). In fact, that is the intercessory Work of Christ, which He is car­rying on at this very moment at the Throne of God before the Father (Heb. 7:25; 9:24).<br />The only thing that can permanently sepa­rate a Believer from the Lord is when the Believer quits believing, which means he no longer evidences Faith in Christ and what Christ did for him at the Cross. As stated, this is the “drawing back” of which Paul is here speaking. We get saved by trusting in what Christ did at the Cross, and if we lose our way, and God forbid that would happen, but if it did, it would be because of losing Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ. Faith in that great work got us in, and faith no longer evi­denced in that great work, will put us out.<br />Millions claim presently that if you’re not in their Church, that you’re not saved; con­sequently, for those who believe that, if one is in that particular Church, whatever it might<br />NOTES<br /><br />be, and they are put out of that Church, these same people equate such with that person then losing their soul. They have equated salvation with their Church, and so if a per­son is no longer in that Church, they equate them as being lost. Such is ridiculous! In fact, it is ridiculous beyond compare! It would be funny, if it wasn’t so serious.<br />I’m ashamed to say such, but many in the Denomination with which I was formerly associated, actually believe such foolishness. Pure and simple, those who would believe such, at the same time means they are not exhibiting Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ. That being the case, they aren’t saved!<br />They may claim their Faith is in Christ; however, in reality it is in Christ plus their Church, which nullifies their Faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit will not accept such.<br />But to be frank, many Denominations be­lieve this foolishness. While most of them did not begin this way, as little by little in their minds, they make their Church bigger and bigger, at the same time, Christ becomes less and less. That’s what happened to the Denomination with which I was formerly as­sociated. While there are still many Godly Preachers in that Denomination, and of course, Godly people as well, still, the trend sadly and regrettably is away from Christ to­ward other things. In other words, they are “drawing back” from Faith solely in Christ and Him Crucified. That is the great danger throughout the entirety of the Church, and we speak of all Denominations, and even in­dependent groups, etc.<br />This means that if you, the Believer, have your Faith in anything other than the Fin­ished Work of Christ, in some way, in some degree, you are “drawing back,” which if continued, even as the next Verse proclaims, can lead you “to perdition.”<br />NO PLEASURE IN HIM<br /><br />The phrase, “My soul shall have no plea­sure in him,” is speaking of God. Even though this particular phrase is not a direct quota­tion from Habakkuk, still, that which is said in that particular Book makes it clear that God is not at all pleased with the one who draws back. Some have claimed that Paul is here speaking of himself, or else the writer, whomever he may have been. Such does not fit the Text.<br />The beginning of Verse 38 begins with a direct quotation from the Prophet Habakkuk, and the balance of the Verse falls into the same category.<br />It should go without saying, that God is grieved over such conduct on the part of any Believer. Considering the price that was paid for our Salvation, for one to come to Faith, and then draw back from Faith, presents a heartrending situation.<br />The Lord said through the Prophet Ezekiel, “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” (Ezek. 18:23).<br />Through the same Prophet, the Lord also said, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek. 33:11).<br />(39) “BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />There must never be a thought in the mind of the Believer about drawing back.<br /><br />2.<br />However, we are plainly told here that it definitely is possible for a Believer to quit believing, and thereby be eternally lost.<br /><br />3.<br />Salvation of the soul is strictly by Faith, and that refers to Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, to which the Believer should ever look.<br /><br /><br />DRAWING BACK UNTO PERDITION<br />The phrase, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition,” refers to two things:<br />1.<br />It is possible to lose Faith in Christ, and thereby lose one’s soul.<br /><br />2.<br />There is no reason that any Believer should ever do such a thing. If faith is main­tained in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross, there is no danger.<br /><br /><br />“Perdition” in the Greek is “apoleia,” and means “spiritual ruin, destruction, eternal loss.” We are speaking here of the losing of one’s soul, which Paul has already addressed in Verses 26-31.<br />In effect, Paul is saying, “I’m a Jew, and I have suffered terrible persecution, but I’m not<br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />going to give up my faith in Christ because of that, and in fact, there has never even been a thought of doing such.” But yet, some had definitely “drawn back unto perdition.”<br />FAITH<br /><br />The phrase, “But of them that believe to the saving of the soul,” refers to the fact that the key to all that we have in Christ is Faith, and more particularly, Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. This is the only thing that saves the soul, and the only thing that keeps the soul saved.<br />“O Savior, as my eyes behold the wonders of Thy might untold, “The heav’ns in glorious light arrayed, the vast creation Thou hast made, “And yet to think Thou lovest me — my heart cries out, ‘How can it be?’”<br />“As at the Cross I humbly bow and gaze<br />upon Thy thorn-crowned brow,<br />“And view the precious bleeding form<br /><br />by cruel nails so bruised and torn, “Knowing Thy suffering was for me, in grief I cry, ‘How can it be?’”<br />“How can it be? How can it be? Was ever Grace so full and free!<br />“From heights of bliss to depths of woe in loving kindness Thou didst go, “From sin and shame to rescue me —<br />O Love Divine, how can it be?”</div>Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-45220341040626484172008-03-03T08:08:00.002-06:002008-03-03T08:15:23.984-06:00Hebrews 9 Commentary<div align="justify">Hebrews 9 Commentary<br /><br />(1) “THEN VERILY THE FIRST COV­ENANT HAD ALSO ORDINANCES OF DIVINE SERVICE, AND A WORLDLY SANCTUARY.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />Paul is contrasting the First Covenant with the Second or New Covenant.<br /><br />2.<br />The First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, which means that it was of God, although meant to be temporary only.<br /><br />3.<br />The phrase “worldly sanctuary” does not have an evil connotation as used here, but rather means that it was of the Earth, while the Sanctuary of the New Covenant is in Heaven.<br /><br /><br />THE FIRST COVENANT<br /><br />The phrase, “Then verily the First Cov­enant,” is meant to describe the Tabernacle in which the Service of God was celebrated under the former dispensation, and to show that it had a reference to what was future, and was, therefore, only an imperfect represen­tation of the coming reality.<br />It is important to show this, as the Jews regarded the Ordinances of the Tabernacle and of the whole Levitical service as of Divine ap­pointment, and of perpetual obligation. The object of Paul is to prove that they were to give place to a more perfect system, and hence it was necessary to discuss their real nature.<br />The word “Covenant” is not in the origi­nal Text, but is rightly placed, because that is what Paul is actually talking about. It means, that while the First Covenant was definitely of God, meaning that it was given by God, and was to be held as sacred, still, it was to only have a temporary existence.<br />The two Covenants having been introduced and contrasted, the imperfection of the Atone­ment under the First Covenant is in Hebrews Chapters 9 and 10 contrasted with the per­fection of the Atonement under the Second Covenant, and the unrelieved conscience of the worshiper under the one set over against the perfected conscience of the worshiper under the other — that is, a conscience per­fectly relieved from a sense of guilt in the Presence of God.<br /><br />The Scriptures proving these contrasts are quoted by Paul, and a warning (Heb. 10:26­31) added as to the judgment certain to fall upon those Jewish Christians who rejected this Second Covenant and the Atoning Sac­rifice that ratified it.<br />God is a God of order. This is verified by the details to which He has gone in man’s Redemption. From the very beginning God has prescribed ways for man to enter into His Presence. When man fell in the Garden of Eden an animal was slain to provide a cov­ering for Adam and Eve as they went from the Garden into the world. This act illus­trated the seriousness of their sin, and showed that the shedding of innocent blood in Sacrifice (of clean animals) was the only means of access into the presence of God. Without the Blood there will be no remis­sion of sins.<br />When God instituted the Mosaic economy, He ordained the order for service and wor­ship. He gave Moses detailed instructions, carefully outlining the Priestly functions, the Sacrificial system, and the construction of the Tabernacle.<br />GOD’S ORDER<br /><br />It is interesting to note the time God spent in giving plans for the building of the Taber­nacle and in giving instructions for worship. He had taken only six days to re-create the world, but when He began to design His house, He took 40 days (Ex. 24:18). This compari­son tells us that God is concerned deeply about His house, whether the Tabernacle and Temple of old, or our present hearts and lives (I Cor. 3:16).<br />He is concerned that the service be in or­der, that the house of the Lord be fitting in His sight. Consequently, it is perfectly in or­der to begin a worship service with singing, hence the Book of Psalms being the largest Book in the Bible, following that with pray­ing and giving, and concluding with preach­ing and more praying. God has an order (Fjordbak).<br />ORDINANCES<br /><br />The phrase, “Had also Ordinances of Di­vine Service,” means “ordinances adapted for Divine Service.”<br />The Greek word for “Ordinances” means “laws, precepts, ordinances.” The idea is, that there were laws regulating the worship of God.<br />Has the Reader noticed the number of times that the Holy Spirit through Paul uses the word “Law,” as it refers to the great Plan of God? Please note the following:<br />In the creation which includes everything from man, to Angels, to the planets, etc., God has done all of this by a system of Laws, Laws incidentally, which He has formulated Himself.<br />The following are some of these Laws, all of which pertain to the moral and the spiri­tual. However, the world of science is gov­erned in the same manner, but of that we will not attempt to address ourselves:<br />1.<br />The Law of Moses: This was the Law which was given to Moses and the Children of Israel on Mount Sinai. Except for the moral part of that Law listed in Exodus Chap­ter 20, this Law is no more in force, actually meaning by God to have been temporary.<br /><br />(Nine of the Ten Commandments were brought over into the New Covenant, exclud­ing only the fourth Commandment, “Re­member the Sabbath,” etc., which we have addressed in previous commentary.)<br /><br />2.<br />The Law of Faith (Rom. 3:27): The Law of Faith pertains to the Finished Work of Christ, in other words, what Christ did for us on the Cross. Everything that humanity needs to be saved and to live victoriously comes by the means of what Jesus did at the Cross and in His Resurrection on our behalf. Our Faith is supposed to be within those pa­rameters, in other words, believing in what Christ has done for us. This means that all Faith, in one form or the other, is to refer to the Cross. If it’s Faith in something else, while it might truly be Faith, it’s not Faith that God will recognize.<br /><br />3.<br />The Law of the Sin Nature (Rom. 7:21): The sin nature is the evil impulse which fills the heart of man as a result of the Fall, and propels man toward that which is wicked and wrong. When the believing sinner comes to Christ, the sin nature although remaining, is throttled so to speak. In other words, it be­comes dormant; however, it can spring to life very quick, if the Believer attempts to trust in other than the Cross.<br /><br />4.<br />The Law of God (Rom. 7:22): This is the Divine Nature which comes into the Be­liever at conversion. It is the opposite, as would be obvious, of the sin nature, and is now to control the Believer, and does so by the Power of the Holy Spirit. This is actu­ally what takes place at Regeneration.<br /><br />5. The law of self-will (Rom. 7:23).<br /><br /><br />6.<br />The Law of my mind (Rom. 7:23): This is actually the law of the inward man, which has been renewed by the Power of the Holy Spirit. It is supposed to be very similar to “the Law of God.”<br /><br />7.<br />The law of sin (Rom. 7:23): This is the same as “the law of sin and death” as given in Romans 8:2. It is the Law which will kick in, and without fail, if the Believer attempts to walk holy and live holy by other than the means of the Cross. In other words, if the Believer places his faith in things other than the Cross, he will sin, which will then kick in the sin nature.<br /><br />8.<br />The Law of the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2): This is the Law by which the Holy Spirit func­tions, which pertains to the Finished Work of Christ. In other words, all that Jesus did on the Cross was done for sinful humanity. Whatever those parameters consist of, in that the Holy Spirit works. This is a Law that He will not break, meaning that He will not work outside of those parameters.<br /><br />9.<br />The Law of Righteousness (Rom. 9:31). This Law pertains to the moral part of the Law given to Moses, and described in Exo­dus Chapter 20. It is referred to as the “Ten Commandments.” The only One Who ever fully kept this Law was Christ; however, all who place their trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf, are instantly imputed this Righteousness.<br /><br /><br />LAW<br /><br />The Holy Spirit used the word “Law” for a reason. Law means “a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is known is invariable under the given conditions.” It is “a rule of construction or procedure.”<br />As we’ve already stated, every single law in the universe whether it be scientific or moral, was created by God, and to be sure, will hold true. Science struggles to find these laws and then to understand how they work.<br />Fortunately, science cannot change these laws, and are thereby forced to abide by the ramification of those which they presently understand.<br />The Bible contains the moral laws and to be sure, they are just as exact as the laws of true science. Actually, that’s what we are studying here — the moral Laws of God.<br />To explain how they work, the following must be noted and understood:<br />THE WORKING OF GOD’S MORAL LAWS<br />Every moral Law made by God is of course, of extreme significance. Because they are Laws made by God, they cannot be bent, bro­ken, or ignored. Whether one believes in them or not, they are very similar to the laws of science, they invariably function. As stated, that’s the reason the Holy Spirit referred to them as “laws.”<br />The Believer has to contend with the fol­lowing:<br />1.<br />The law of the sin nature.<br /><br />2.<br />The law of self-will.<br /><br />3.<br />The law of sin and death.<br /><br /><br />Again we emphasize, these are laws, and they will definitely kick in if the Believer doesn’t address them correctly.<br />First of all, “the law of the sin nature” should not cause any Believer a problem, as it has been rendered powerless by the Divine Nature — that is, if we address it correctly. However, if we do not address it correctly, it can cause the Christian untold problems (Rom. 7:18).<br />The “law of self-will” is an ever-present factor in the life of every Believer, and actu­ally our greatest problem. “Self-will” refers to the Believer encountering one of two prob­lems, or both. The first problem pertains to attempting to force our will into the mix in­stead of God’s Will. And this speaks of any­thing as it pertains to life and living. The second factor pertains to the Believer at­tempting to walk in Righteousness and Ho­liness by his own self-efforts, instead of God’s prescribed order.<br />The secret of the victorious, overcoming, Christian life, is “the Law of the Spirit of Life.” This is a greater law than the law of sin and death, or the law of self-will. However, if we as Believers attempt to push forward the law of self-will, the Holy Spirit Who operates the Law of Life, will simply refuse to function. In other words, if the individual demands to have his or her way, instead of God’s Way, the Holy Spirit will allow the Believer to do just that; however, the results, and to be sure, will be bitter!<br /><br />HOW DOES THE CHRISTIAN GET<br />THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE<br />TO WORK FOR HIM?<br /><br />This is the secret of all victory in Christ.<br /><br />If one is to notice, the Holy Spirit through Paul tells us, that this “Law of the Spirit of Life” is “in Christ Jesus.” This refers to what Jesus did at the Cross and in His Resurrec­tion, all on our behalf. In other words, this Law which is the Source of our victory, func­tions totally and completely within the pa­rameters of the Atonement, i.e., “the Sacri­fice of Christ.” The account of that is found in Romans 6:3-5.<br />All the Believer has to do, is what we’ve been saying in this Commentary and in fact in several Commentaries, over and over again; the Believer must exhibit Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, and must do so on a continuing basis. That’s what the Holy Spirit demands of us (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />FAITH<br /><br />It must always be remembered, that God works exclusively with us on the basis of Faith. And that means it is never of works or merit of any nature, but always, and exclusively, on the principle of Faith. In fact, and as we’ve already stated, it is called “the Law of Faith” (Rom. 3:27). This pertains totally and com­pletely to what Jesus did at the Cross in or­der to redeem humanity, and our Faith in that Finished Work.<br />When one exhibits Faith in the Sacrifice of Christ, such effort and direction says that the one exhibiting Faith knows and under­stands, that Jesus did all that we need, and which we could not do for ourselves, at the Cross. At the same time, it also states that the Believer knows and understands that he cannot do any of these things which needs to be done, but they can only be done by Christ, and in fact have already been done by Christ at the Cross. Faith in that Finished Work proclaims that which God demands on behalf of all who come to Him.<br />When the Believer does this, and contin­ues to exhibit Faith in the Finished Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit will then work might­ily on the Believer’s behalf, which is the “Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus.” This is secret of all victory and all overcom­ing strength. In fact, it is the only way that the Believer can live the life he ought to live (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />The biggest problem in the Church pres­ently, and in fact which has always been the biggest problem, is the Christian attempt­ing to be what he ought to be in the Lord by efforts and means of his own ability and machinations outside of the Cross of Christ, which God will never honor. It doesn’t mat­ter how spiritual or how religious these ef­forts might be, the Holy Spirit simply will not honor them, which guarantees defeat on the part of the Believer. Sadly and regretta­bly, and because of not knowing the Victory of the Cross, i.e., “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus,” the majority of Christendom presently, walks in defeat. That’s the reason that I’ve tried in every way that I know how, asking the Lord to help me to explain the vic­tory of the Cross, and even to explain it over and over again, even in different ways, pray­ing that the Reader will grasp the Truth that is given here. In fact, there is no Truth more important than this of which I say. Without the Believer understanding this which has been provided by our Heavenly Father, and at such great price, it is impossible for the Believer to “walk in victory,” or to experi­ence the “more abundant life” promised by Christ, or to live and experience this “rest” also promised by the Saviour (Rom. 8:2; Jn. 10:10; Mat. 11:28-30).<br />SANCTUARY<br />The phrase, “And a worldly Sanctuary,” is not meant to imply by the word “worldly” that something here is amiss. The word “worldly” is used as contrasted to the Heavenly world. The Tabernacle as constructed by Moses was on Earth, while the Heavenly Sanctuary, as would be obvious, is in Heaven.<br />Paul is contrasting here two whole ways of approach to God. He is talking about the Old Covenant that has been superseded now that Jesus has set up the new one. But the old one, Paul points out, had been set up with a full set of regulations for worship and the like. In other words, the method of worship was not left haphazard, but was Divinely pre­scribed. This means that the old way must be seen as originating in the Divine initia­tive, which it most definitely was. Then the new is its fulfillment, not its contradiction.<br />The old way not only had regulations, but also a Sanctuary described as “earthly.” The meaning is not that the Sanctuary as described here, is worldly in the bad sense, but simply that it belonged to this world in contrast to the Heavenly Sanctuary where Jesus now Min­isters. The First Covenant, then, was estab­lished with its due regulations for worship and its holy place of this Earth where worship could be carried on. We will find that Paul will go on to stress the “earthly” nature of it all, in contrast to the Heavenly Sanctuary.<br /><br />(2) “FOR THERE WAS A TABERNACLE MADE; THE FIRST, WHEREIN WAS THE CANDLESTICK, AND THE TABLE, AND THE SHEWBREAD; WHICH IS CALLED THE SANCTUARY.”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />Paul is speaking here of the Tabernacle which design was given to Moses by the Lord.<br /><br />2.<br />The first part of the Tabernacle was the “Holy Place,” which contained the sa­cred vessels mentioned. Immediately behind the “Holy Place” was the “Holy of Holies” which contained the Ark of the Covenant.<br /><br />3.<br />The word “Sanctuary” usually refers to the whole edifice; however, if the word is used in its most strict sense, it refers only to this first room.<br /><br /><br />TABERNACLE<br /><br />The phrase, “For there was a Tabernacle made,” refers to that which Moses had made in the wilderness, which specifications were given to him by God. If we use 18 inches to the cubit, which seems to be the measure­ment most agreed upon, the entire frame of the Tabernacle was 45 feet long and 15 feet wide. As well, it was 15 feet high.<br />The first room or the “Holy Place,” in which the Priests attended their duties con­stantly, was 30 feet long. The “Holy of Holies” which made up the second room or tent as it was referred to, was 15 feet long. This room contained the Ark of the Covenant, on which there were two Cherubim, one on either end, looking down upon the Mercy Seat. God dwelt between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim. No one went into this room except the High Priest, and that only once a year on the Great Day of Atonement, when the blood of the Sac­rifice was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. Actu­ally, he went into this room twice, the first time for himself, and because, even though he was the High Priest of Israel and a type of Christ, still, he was a sinful man. He went in the second time for Israel, both times on the same day.<br />(Actually, the exact size of the two rooms in the Tabernacle is not specified in the Scrip­tures, but it is commonly supposed that the Tabernacle was divided in the same manner as the Temple was afterwards; that is, two-thirds of the interior constituted the “Holy Place,” and one-third the “Holy of Holies.”)<br />WHY THE TABERNACLE<br />AND NOT THE TEMPLE?<br /><br /><br />It will be noted throughout that Paul has the Tabernacle in view rather than the Temple. This is not, as some have supposed, because the construction of the Temple was any less Divinely ordered than that of the Tabernacle. David plainly declared to Solomon, and giv­ing him the plan of the more permanent Sanc­tuary, “All this the Lord made me understand in writing by His Hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern” (I Chron. 28:19).<br />However, the Temple types evidently pre­figure Millennial Glory and Blessing and will be fully entered into and understood in that day of Jehovah’s power.<br />The Tabernacle, on the other hand, which was a temporary dwelling place, picturing truth for a pilgrim people, has its application to the present times when the Holy Spirit, typi­fied by the cloudy pillar of old, is leading the new dispensation company through the wil­derness of this world, on to the rest that re­mains for the people of God (Ironside). So, while the Tabernacle pictures the Church on Earth before the Resurrection, hence the Holy Spirit using this example, the Temple represents the coming Millennial Reign.<br /> <br /><br />TYPES<br /><br />A study of the Tabernacle and its furnish­ings would show how Christ is portrayed in this structure with all its rituals, ceremonies, and ordinances. This study is called “typol­ogy.” A study of the types will bring addi­tional light to many Passages of Scripture.<br />This is very important, because it continu­ally focuses our attention on the Blessed Lord Jesus, His life and work. Over and over in the Types He is lifted high; He is exalted and magnified. By studying these “types” we will see the meticulous care with which God planned Redemption and, in so doing, gave to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the pre­eminence throughout all Scripture.<br />A “type” as found in the Bible is a person or thing which God has designed to repre­sent or prefigure some person, thing, or event that would appear in the future. Usually, if not always, the type appears in the Old Testa­ment and the person, thing, or event to which it refers appears in the New Testament. In a way, types were a sort of prophecy, giving an advance view in symbolic picture form, of what was to come.<br />In fact, “types” and “symbols” are so closely related, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between them. In fact, the dictionary uses these two words as synonyms for each other. There is a slight difference, however, though their purpose and intent are much the same.<br />A “type” is a sort of model of the thing to which it refers, containing some of the quali­ties and characteristics of the real thing.<br />In comparison, a “symbol” is an object that reminds us of something else, not by resembling it exactly but by having certain features or characteristics that remind us of it (Fjordbak).<br />THE SACRED VESSELS<br /><br />The phrase, “The first, wherein was the Candlestick and the Table and Shewbread,” refers to the Holy Place where these sacred vessels were situated. It was, as stated, the “First Room.”<br />Into this area, the Priests went constantly as they attended their duties; but, as stated, it was only the High Priest who could go far­ther which was past the Veil into the Holy of Holies, and that only once a year, and not without blood.<br />THE CANDLESTICK<br />The “candlestick” would have been better translated “Lampstand.” It was much more than a mere “Candlestick.”<br />There was no window in the Tabernacle, for the light of nature cannot reveal spiritual things. It was, therefore, illuminated from this Holy Vessel, which was placed on the south side, or left side, as one walked in.<br />The “Lampstand” is a type of Christ who provides illumination for the world.<br />Jesus Christ came into a world that was darkened by sin and despair. He came as a Light, so that “The people which sat in dark­ness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Mat. 4:16).<br />The Gospel was meant to dispel the dark­ness. Though men may reject the Light and refuse it, they can never extinguish it. The Light still shines today in and through the lives of Believers.<br />LIGHT<br />But men loved darkness rather than light. They rejected the Light, and so far as they were concerned, extinguished it. Since Christ was put to death by wicked hands, the world has never again gazed upon the Light. He is now hidden from their eyes. But He Who was slain by the world rose again, and then as­cended on high; it is there in the Holy Place in God’s Presence, in which that Presence is the Holy Place, that the Light now dwells. And while there — Oh marvelous privilege<br />— the Saints have access to Him.<br />As a result of Israel’s rejection of Christ, black shadows rest upon the world which has cast out the Light of Life: “The way of the wicked is as darkness” (Prov. 4:19).<br />Regarding the Crucifixion, even though Israel was the chief instigator, still, Rome participated in this event, thereby, symboli­cally speaking, Christ was rejected by the entirety of mankind.<br />It is now night, for the “Dayspring from on high” is absent. The Lampstand tells of the gracious provision which God has made for His Own beloved people during the interval of darkness, ere the Sun of Righteousness shall rise once more, and usher in for this Earth that morning without clouds.<br />Its seven branches and lamps constantly fed by oil, represented the fullness of Light that is in Christ Jesus, and which by Him is com­municated to His whole Church.<br />The “oil,” representing the Holy Spirit, was poured into its lamps and then shed forth light from them. Such was and is the economical relation of the Spirit unto the Mediator.<br />First, Christ was “anointed” with the Spirit “above his fellows” (Ps. 45:7; Jn. 3:34), and then He sent forth the Spirit (Acts 2:33). Objectively, the Spirit conveys light to us through the Word; subjectively, by inward and supernatural illumination (Pink).<br />LIGHT AND OIL<br /><br />In studying the candlestick, two symbols are of great interest: Light and Oil. These two symbols are used throughout the Scrip­tures. As we have seen, Jesus Himself is called “the Light.” God dwells in light “which no man can approach unto,” and God is called the “Father of lights,” from Whom is “every good gift and every perfect gift” (I Tim. 6:16; James 1:17).<br />The two figures of light and oil are very beautiful and interesting, even in their natu­ral symbolism. Light was the first restored object of the natural world, and it is its chief glory. It is essential, in a great measure, to the existence of life. It is that which clothes everything with beauty and color. It is that which gives the glory to the rainbow and the ruby. It is that which makes the diamond anything but a little bit of charcoal. It is that which makes the human face so full of love­liness; and it is that which gives us everything that is beautiful in our human relationships, and in all the wonders of the natural world.<br />Nor have we only the light which comes from without, but the light which comes from within; the sense of sight, the power of wis­dom which brings into our consciousness and perception the objects of nature around us.<br />The Holy Spirit is also the Source of light. And the vision of Revelation closes with the light that is brighter than the sun, and a Rainbow gathering up all of its beautiful effulgence around the Throne forever.<br />As well, the figure of oil expresses many interesting thoughts. It is the source of arti­ficial light. It contains in itself the elements of life and healing and, in contact with fire, the elements of light. We find it employed for many other purposes than light.<br />It was used in connection with the conse­cration of the Priesthood, and in healing, but it was especially set apart for the lighting of God’s Sanctuary. And it was specifically pre­scribed by God Himself, and by the most awful sanctions, guarded from being coun­terfeited. If anyone should endeavor to imi­tate or counterfeit it, he was to be cut off from among the people. Its ingredients were com­pounded together in some mysterious way for its sacred use to light God’s Holy Sanctu­ary (Simpson).<br />GOLD<br /><br />The substance of the material for the fur­niture of the Tabernacle was different in the Holy Place. In the outer court, copper was the prevailing material. Copper had to do with the judgment of sin. In the Holy Place, gold was the material that predominated. This was no accident or chance occurrence.<br />The gold speaks of the Deity of Christ. It was the only object that set forth in such a visible way its Deity.<br />Two objects of furniture, the Lampstand and the Mercy Seat, were made entirely of gold. The Lampstand was the perfect sym­bol of Christ as the Son of God — “That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (Jn. 1:9). He was a “Light of the Gentiles” (Isa. 42:6).<br />Had He been philanthropic and had He not come out from God, He would have been merely another teacher who “darkened coun­sel by words.” He would have only added another ethical system to the already multi­tudinous and multifarious systems, and He would have been but the harbinger of dark­ness “through philosophy and vain deceit.” But as the Son of God, “He is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”<br />A TYPE OF CHRIST<br /><br />The Lampstand was handmade, of beaten work, and was highly ornamented. Although gold, this beaten work speaks of His humanity.<br /> <br /><br />There was a central shaft with three branches on the side, making seven branches in all. The central shaft spoke of Christ, with the three branches to the side speaking of the Church. The six branches are short of perfection, made perfect by the central shaft, hence the number “seven,” which de perfection and completion.<br />It is said that the Lampstand was one piece of pure gold. In other words, the six branches were not fused to the central shaft, but rather the entirety of the piece was made of one slab of gold, beaten into its design. This signi­fies, as Jesus said of Himself and the Church, i.e., each individual Believer, “I am in My Fa­ther, and ye in Me, and I in you” (Jn. 14:20).<br />Each branch contained three sections, each section being beaten into the shape of an almond blossom, a blossom, and a knop. On top of each shaft was an open almond blossom. This speaks of the Fruit of the Spirit, which should be predominant in the lives of all Believers.<br />On each of these almond blossoms at the top, were placed the Olive Oil Lamps. Even though the Almond Blossoms looked like wood, they in fact were gold, reminding us of Aaron’s rod that budded.<br />This represents the Incarnate Christ as the Light of the world, and filled with the Spirit without measure.<br />As well, we must remember even as stated, that the branches represent Believers, but Believers in Christ, which are but reflections of His Light. We have no light within our­selves per se, all Light being of Christ.<br />HUMANITY AND DEITY<br /><br />There were no measurements given for the Lampstand of pure gold. That which speaks of His Deity alone cannot be measured, for Deity is beyond the computation of man, nei­ther can a tape be placed along that which speaks of God.<br />Again, the Priesthood of Christ, which is conditioned on the fact that He became a man, is made to rest on His Deity.<br />There is not recorded any incident in the Life of Christ in the Gospels which does not instantly record His Deity with every men­tion of His humanity, yet never confusing or fusing the two. In the shortest verse of the Bible, “Jesus wept” (Jn. 11:35), there is re­corded a perfectly human incident in His life. It is a characteristic of humanity to weep; it is perfectly natural. But the tears were not dry upon His cheeks before He commanded, “Lazarus, come forth.” And Lazarus came forth. That was perfectly Divine — only De­ity has the power over death.<br />THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT<br />One technical point about the Lampstand is of interest — it was a light-holder. The ol­ive oil lamps were placed upon the Lampstand. The Lampstand supported the flame, but the flame revealed the beauties of the golden Lampstand. The olive oil lamp is a scrip­tural symbol of the Holy Spirit. The analogy is striking.<br />Christ sent the Holy Spirit into the world and He supports the Spirit in His work. But the Spirit takes the things of Christ and re­veals them unto Believers. As the olive oil lamps were supported by the Lampstand and they in turn revealed its beauty, thus Christ is the foundation and support for the work of the Spirit, but the Spirit in turn reveals the things of Christ (Jn. 16:12-15).<br />IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH<br />The Lampstand gave light in the Holy Place — it not being possible for natural light to percolate or penetrate there. The Priest inside walked by Divine Light, but he had to go outside for natural light.<br />True worship today is in spirit and truth; it is where the Spirit takes the things of Christ and reveals Him unto the Believer. Walking by the light of reason, intellect, sci­ence, or the Golden Rule may be fine and proper for the natural man, but these never lead the soul into the place of fellowship with God. Natural light is the extent of these, and by virtue of the appeal to the natural man, they are indeed dazzling. The moths are at­tracted, and the light that draws them is their destruction.<br />But true worshipers behold only Christ, and this is never discerned by the natural man, but only with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The beauties of Christ are never beheld by the natural man, but are revealed only by the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Divine light was only found in the Holy Place. Only as worshipers in the present age pass by the Cross and Laver (Word of God) and come to Christ for light are they truly worshiping God. Christ is the Lamp unto our feet and the Holy Spirit is the Light unto our path. Christ said, “I am the light of the world.” True Believers alone know that to be true.<br />Going back to the open almond blossom on top of the branch where was placed the olive oil lamps, the following sheds light on that:<br />Believers today have been sent into the world as lights: “Ye are the light of the world.” However, and as stated, this means that we are merely reflectors, to reflect His light. Only as we walk in Him can we be lights in the world. A reflector must be where light is in order to reflect it. “Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isa. 2:5) (McGee).<br />THE ONE PURPOSE OF THE LAMPSTAND<br />The one purpose of the Lampstand was to shine. To do this there had to be oil in the cups which were part of the Lampstand. One of the Ministries of the Priests was to make sure there was oil in the Lampstand. If the oil became used up, the light would go out. The oil was a type, as stated, of the Holy Spirit.<br />Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, we cannot shine as lights in the world. We can be thankful for the New Testament ar­rangement. The oil for the Old Testament Lampstand had to be replenished continually. But in the New Testament era, the Holy Spirit dwells within Believers and is available with His help whenever needed; however, that help is forthcoming only as we maintain our Faith in the Cross of Christ which must never be forgotten (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />It must not be forgotten, that of all the sa­cred pieces of furniture and vessels of the Tab­ernacle, the Brazen Altar was first and fore­most, and was a type of the offering up of Christ on the Altar of the Crucifixion. With­out that, everything else in the Tabernacle, even the Ark of the Covenant, were moot.<br />MINISTRY<br /><br />Each branch of the Lampstand was equal in height to the others. None was consid­ered better than another. There are various ways we can shine for Christ. There are dif­ferent kinds of ministries, because talents and abilities vary, along with the Call of God. But to God all Ministries are of equal value. As the children’s chorus of long ago said:<br />“Each one should shine,<br />“You in your small corner,<br />“And I in mine.”<br />In order for the Lampstand to be effective, it required constant care. The oil had to be replenished. The wicks had to be trimmed. The wicks were the means by which the light was shed, as they were soaked with the oil.<br />Remember this, our abilities and talents are like the wick of the candlestick. We are not to serve in such a way that people say, “Oh, what a beautiful wick!” Rather, they should admire the Lampstand — Christ. The only time the wick calls attention to itself is when it’s not burning properly. If people notice us, that means they’re not noticing Christ, and it means we are not properly presenting Christ, i.e., “Not burning properly.”<br />The tongs and the snuff dishes (Ex. 25:38) were used in caring for the Lampstand. When the Priest checked the Lampstand each morn­ing to see how it was doing, he would also trim the wick if necessary. Sometimes the Lord has to deal with us in similar fashion, so that we can shine for Him more brightly.<br />Many Christians need trimming so-to­speak, in order that they might burn prop­erly, and not merely cast forth a dirty soot, which a dirty wick does (Harris).<br />DIVINE<br /><br />The Light which God gives to us is all Di­vine, and in no sense human. The oil . . . was made from materials Divinely specified. And so it teaches us that the Light we need does not come from man, not from the rea­sonings of the wise, not from our own sound­est judgment even; but it comes to us from the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ and His precious Word. And all the light that God gives a soul in its Heavenly journey must be Divine.<br />SOLE ILLUMINATION<br /><br />The Candlestick was the sole illumination of God’s Sanctuary. And so it teaches us that<br /> <br /><br />we have no other light but God. When we trust Him, we must wholly trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding.”<br />Have you this light? Have you taken all of your ideas of things from the Bible and from the Spirit, and from God? Is your Tabernacle partly lighted by the golden lights, and partly by the murky light of the world? I do not wonder that it gets dark sometimes. Let us look and see if we have the Light after the pat­tern of Christ. A great many Christians go astray here. They are not careful to have all their light from above.<br />THE SEVENFOLD LIGHT<br /><br />Again, we learn from the ancient Lampstand that the Light which God gives us is a perfect light. It was a “sevenfold light,” and seven . . . stands for completeness. There was not one only, but there were seven, and they afforded all the Light that was required. And so God gives you Light that has no dark­ness in it. When He leads you . . . it is always in the right path . . . When He teaches, you can lean your whole weight on Him, for He cannot fail. “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”<br />So the Holy Spirit is called “the seven Spir­its before the throne.” Isaiah tells us what that is:<br />“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and under­standing, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD” (Isa. 11:2).<br />1.<br />The Spirit of the Lord.<br /><br />2.<br />The Spirit of Wisdom.<br /><br />3.<br />The Spirit of understanding.<br /><br />4.<br />The Spirit of counsel.<br /><br />5.<br />The Spirit of might.<br /><br />6.<br />The Spirit of knowledge.<br /><br /><br /><br />7. The Spirit of fear of the Lord. These are all different forms of Light, but they are all the same Divine Light.<br />So God has a great many kinds of Light. He has the light by day, and the light by night. He is the Light that guides, and the Light that glorifies. He is the Light that shines in with awful power upon your sins and makes you weep. And then He is the Light that shines upon His Own sweet face, His Own precious Cross, and Blood, and lifts you out of your sin, and makes your heart happy in His joy. Sometimes the Light shines from His Truth, then sometimes from the Spirit’s pres­ence in the inner life. And sometimes we cannot keep it in, but it shines out and sheds its glory on others — the sevenfold Light of God in the heart.<br />THE BREAD OF LIFE<br />This Light revealed the other objects in the Tabernacle. It showed the Priests the beauti­ful and precious things in the Holy Place. It revealed to them the Table, covered with the Bread, and the Frankincense.<br />The best thing in the Light was that it showed, not the Light, but the Bread. And so when this Light comes, it is not that you have such a light that you gaze until your eyes are dazzled; but the Light comes to show you the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, to show how the promises are for you, how you are to understand, how you are to take, how you are to hold fast and be strong.<br />The main business of the Spirit is to glo­rify Christ (Jn. 16:14-15). This means that if what is happening in our lives as it regards what we think is the Spirit, which is to make Christ greater and greater, then it’s really not the Spirit of God, but another spirit alto­gether. And furthermore, the Spirit will also portray to the Believer, and in a way that is paramount, not only Christ as the Son of God, but “Christ crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).<br />While He does many glorious things within our lives, even as we’ve already portrayed, it is the glorification of Christ and more par­ticularly, what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf, which are always paramount. Again I state the following:<br />If we are dazzled by displays of sensation­alism or emotionalism, which causes us to get our eyes on other things, this is not the Spirit of God, not the True Light, but rather “an angel of light,” i.e., “Satan” (II Cor. 11:14).<br />THE WORK OF THE LIGHT<br />As stated, the Light was portrayed not to dazzle the beholder, but rather to portray the “Bread,” i.e., “Bread of Life.”<br />So that we will not be bedazzled by other things, how can we as Believers assure<br /><br /> <br /><br />ourselves, that the light we have is not dark­ness? (Mat. 6:23).<br />If the Believer will understand and follow three particular things, the Light will always shine properly. These things are:<br />1.<br />Understand that the Cross is the Source of all things from God (Rom. 6:3-5).<br /><br />2.<br />Understand that your Faith at all times must have the Cross as its object. This must never change! (I Cor. 1:18, 23; 2:2).<br /><br />3.<br />With Faith properly placed in the Cross, which means that we properly understand that the Cross is the Source of all Blessings and all help, the Holy Spirit will then be able to function properly within our hearts and lives (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br /><br /><br />To be sure, I have already given several times these three simple steps in this Com­mentary, and have done so with purpose. There is nothing more important for the Christian than that which we’ve just stated. I want to make certain that you understand exactly what is being said, and if so, I know that your path will be that of victory. Other­wise, it will be anything but victory!<br />BELIEVERS AND THE LIGHT<br /><br />The Lampstand did not have inherent light; it was only the bearer of the light; it only held the Light, but the oil gave the light. We must remember, that the branches on either side represent Believers. So this means, that we aren’t the light, but only a bearer of the light.<br />In fact, Jesus Christ and Jesus Alone is our Light, and we simply receive and reflect Him.<br />While it is true that the oil represents the Holy Spirit, still, the Holy Spirit does all things by and through what Jesus did at the Cross. Hence, Paul saying the following:<br />“The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2).<br />If the Believer is to notice, this great and wonderful promise of all Life and Victory is brought about by the Spirit, but all that is done is “in Christ Jesus,” which means what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />THE TABLE AND THE SHOWBREAD<br />As the Priests entered the Holy Place, the Table with its twelve loaves of bread sat on the right or north side of the Sanctuary. The Table was small, and of course we’re speaking of the Tabernacle and not the Temple, mea­suring some three feet long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high. It was made of acacia wood, covered with gold. A golden border surrounded the table with a crown of gold.<br />Though intimately connected, yet these two objects (the bread and the Temple) may be distinguished in their typical significance. The natural relation of the one to the other helps us to perceive their spiritual meaning: The Bread was placed upon and thus was sup­ported by the Table. The Table speaks of “communion” (I Cor. 10:20-21).<br />The “Showbread,” or twelve loaves on the Table, also spoke of Christ. “My Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven” (Jn. 6:32).<br />The word “Showbread” in the Hebrew is literally “bread of faces,” faces being put by a figure for its “presence” — pointing to the Divine Presence in which the Bread stood, “Showbread before Me always” (Ex. 25:30) (Pink).<br />TO PARTAKE OF THE BREAD<br /><br />The Golden Showbread Table contained an array of twelve loaves of fine flour, sprinkled with sweet-smelling frankincense, and eaten only by the Priests, and were re­placed on the seventh day by a fresh supply.<br />Here again . . . is that mysterious blending of Christ and His people. Christ is the True Bread of Presence. He is the Bread of God.<br />Jehovah finds in His obedience, life, and death, perfect satisfaction; and we too feed on Him. His flesh is meat indeed. We eat His flesh and live by Him.<br />The Table was portable, so as to be carried in the journeyings of the people; now we can never thrive without taking Him with us wherever we go. This is the Heavenly Manna, our daily Bread, our Priestly prerequisite.<br />HOW CAN ONE EAT OF THE<br />FLESH OF CHRIST?<br /><br /><br />Actually, the Showbread eaten by the Priests was meant to represent Christ and our partaking of Him.<br />This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you.<br /> <br /><br />“Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.<br />“For My flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed.<br />“He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh my Blood, dwelleth in Me and I in him” (Jn. 6:53-56).<br />What did Jesus mean by this?<br /><br />First of all, He wasn’t speaking of literally eating His flesh and drinking His Blood. He was referring to the Cross, and the Faith that one must have in that Finished Work.<br />When Jesus died on the Cross, it was His physical body which died, hence the “flesh!” As well, He shed His Blood at that time.<br />When one exhibits Faith in this great Sac­rifice of Christ, one is literally partaking of what Jesus did at the Cross on His behalf. In fact, this is what Paul was talking about when He said:<br />“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His Death?” (Rom. 6:3).<br />By the use of the word “baptize,” Paul was not speaking of Water Baptism, but rather, the Death of Christ on the Cross. When the be­lieving sinner exercises faith in what Jesus did there, in the Mind of God, the sinner is placed in Christ, and more particularly, in His Death. Jesus, serving as our Substitute (Last Adam) and our Representative Man (Second Man) (I Cor. 15:45-47), did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Faith in Him and what He has done, establishes such a union with the Price that He paid, that the Holy Spirit through Paul used the word “baptize,” which explains this union more than any other word.<br />THE CHRISTIAN AND THE CROSS<br /><br />As we’ve said over and over again, almost all Christians understand the Cross as it re­fers to our initial Salvation experience; how­ever, almost none have understanding as it regards the part the Cross plays in our ongo­ing experience. In fact, the Cross is just as important in our everyday living for God, and will be until the Lord calls us home, as it was in our initial Salvation experience.<br />Jesus said, “As the Living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me” (Jn. 6:57).<br />The words “even he shall live by Me,” refer to our everyday lives. As well, the words, even as we’ve already explained, “so he that eateth Me,” refers totally and completely to the Cross, and one’s Faith in that Finished Work. So, Jesus is plainly saying here, that our “living,” i.e., “victory and overcoming power,” will come from what He did at the Cross, and is made available to us by Faith in that great Sacrifice.<br />When the Believer understands this, and evidences faith in the Finished Work of Christ, knowing that this is the Source of all Bless­ings and all help, then the Holy Spirit per­forms mighty things in our hearts and lives (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). In fact, I don’t know how much clearer all of this could be.<br />THE CROSS, A REQUIREMENT<br />The Table was not merely to be admired for its beauty. The Bread on the Table was not a decoration. Before the Priests could derive nourishment from it, they must actu­ally eat.<br />This means that it is not enough to ad­mire and appreciate Christ; we must partake of Him and do so in the manner mentioned, which refers to believing in what He did at the Cross on our behalf, and thus make His death and life a part of our lives.<br />The purpose of the Table was to exhibit the Bread. This is the purpose and ministry of the Church and the Christian; this is what we have been appointed to do.<br />The Table was not made to show itself, nor have we been made to show ourselves. Our Ministry today is to show forth Christ, and by that, we mean to preach and teach “Christ Crucified,” as the answer for dying, hurting humanity (I Cor. 1:23).<br />If we present Christ in any other way other than “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” we are, in fact, presenting “another Jesus” (I Cor. 2:2; II Cor. 11:4).<br />CHRIST, THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE<br />Jesus said: “The thief (the Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel — Satan) cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).<br /><br /> <br /><br />He also said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<br />“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.<br />“For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Mat. 11:28-30).<br />When Jesus said that He had come that we might have “life,” and that He would give us “rest,” He was as well, speaking of the means by which this would be brought about, which would be the Cross.<br />Millions of Christians, although they have this “Life,” do not really at all enjoy it, and as well have this “Rest,” but do not experi­ence it. Any person who is in Christ, by vir­tue of being in Christ, has these things of which we speak. But if the Believer doesn’t know and understand the veracity of the Cross, the Believer will not enjoy “Life,” even though he has it, and neither will he experi­ence “Rest,” even though he has that as well. In fact, most Christians presently live in Ro­mans Chapter 7, and if the truth were known, they would have to say with Paul before he learned God’s prescribed order of victory, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:24). To be sure, very few will admit to this; nevertheless, that is the actual fact.<br />What’s wrong?<br />VICTORY AND THE CROSS<br /><br />What is wrong with modern Christendom, is the same thing that was wrong with Paul in Romans Chapter 7, before he learned the secret of the victorious, Christian experience, which he gave to us in Romans Chapter 6. They are trying to live the Christian life 180 degrees from the manner in which they be­came Christians.<br />Every single person who’s ever been saved did so by having simple Faith in Christ. In fact, if they attempted to find Salvation in any other manner, they were unsuccessful!<br />But after coming to Christ, most Chris­tians, simply because few know any better, then try to “live” for God, through a regi­men of works, in one way or the other. They do so, because they have little or no under­standing whatsoever of the victory that’s found in the Cross. In fact, victory can only be found in the Cross. Now let us state again the following:<br />Every single person in this world who truly knows Christ has the victory and is an over­comer. The problem is, they’re not walking in victory, and not living as an overcomer, even though they do have these attributes, exactly as they have “life” and “rest.”<br />Every single thing that Christ did at the Cross, and to be sure, He covered everything that man lost in the Fall, is given automati­cally to every individual immediately upon their coming to Christ — at least all that we can have this side of the Resurrection.<br />That means there’s really nothing else that Christ can do for us, meaning that He has already done it all.<br />Despite that fact, millions of Christians are seeking deliverance in one way or the other, when the truth is, their deliverance was ef­fected at the Cross nearly 2,000 years ago. In other words, it’s already done, and done in totality!<br />So, most Christians would then ask, “If it’s already done, why am I having prob­lems?”<br />We’re having problems simply because we’re trying to appropriate these things all in the wrong way. In this mode, in which the vast majority of Christendom finds itself, the Holy Spirit simply will not help. In fact, for Him to do so would actually mean that He would be breaking the Law (Rom. 8:2).<br />REVIVAL OR REFORMATION?<br /><br />Many Christians are talking about the need for Revival, when the actual need is Refor­mation. And what do we mean by that?<br />First of all, Revival cannot actually come until there is a Reformation.<br />By Reformation, we’re speaking of the fact that Christians need to change the way they believe. This means that the thinking pro­cess of the Church must be reformed.<br />Reformed in what way?<br />Our Faith must be anchored squarely in the Cross of Christ; however, for that to be successfully done, most Christians are going to have to change their thinking.<br />We must realize, first of all, that every single Blessing, every single help that we need,<br /> <br /><br />comes exclusively from, by, of, and through the Cross of Christ. Jesus said:<br />“You shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free” (Jn. 8:32).<br />The Believer must understand that the Cross of Christ is the centrality of the Gos­pel, not your Church, not your works, not anything else, rather the Cross and the Cross alone! That’s where Jesus paid it all, which means the price was paid, and which means that He paid for all that we need. In fact, if we attempt to win victory by our works, or anything we might do other than Faith in the Cross, we will find ourselves having the very opposite of victory.<br />When the Believer understands what we’re saying (Rom. Chpt. 6), and begins to act upon that, he will find that the “more abundant life” which Jesus spoke about, along with the “Rest,” and as well a victory and overcom­ing power, will begin to be realized within his heart and life, which will then translate into his everyday walk. It may not come in­stantly, and in fact, seldom does; however, if one is on the right road, and the Cross is the right road, the desired destination will ulti­mately be reached (Rom. Chpt. 8).<br />Now the Reader should consider very care­fully these things we have said. Considering that we are speaking of the issues of life and death, we should realize the utter signifi­cance of what is being taught here.<br />And please believe me, the moment that one begins to make the Cross of Christ the object of his faith, which then secures the help of the Holy Spirit, one will instantly know that he’s on the right road. No one will have to tell him, no one will have to ex­plain it to him, he will know!<br />Of course, Satan will do everything within his power to discourage any and every Be­liever who begins this “good fight of Faith,” but the Believer is to keep his eyes on the Cross, never deviating from that great Sac­rifice. If he does happen to suffer a setback, he is to simply ask the Lord to forgive him (I Jn. 1:9), and as well, ask the Lord to show him the discrepancy in his faith, which the Lord will always do. To be sure, every prob­lem we have is because our Faith is deficient in some way. It’s either totally misplaced, as it is with most Christians, or else it’s not as strong as we think it is, which is true of most also!<br />Faith must ever have as its correct object the Cross of Christ. The Believer must ever understand and act upon that.<br />SANCTUARY<br />The phrase, “Which is called the Sanctuary,” should have been translated, “which is called the Holy Place.” The name “Sanctuary” was commonly given to the whole edifice.<br />The Tabernacle pictured Israel under the First Covenant, having no assurance as to the forgiveness of sins and no access to God, ex­cept on a very limited basis.<br />Only the Priests had the right of entrance into the “Holy Place,” and the High Priest alone once a year for a few moments into the “Holy of Holies.” Such was the relationship of the nation with God.<br />They could not draw near to Him, or stand in His Presence. The First Covenant in its high­est and nearest access to God placed a Priest­hood between God and the people, and the “Holy of Holies,” the holiest of all, character­ized the inadequacy of that access (Williams).<br />(3) “AND AFTER THE SECOND VEIL, THE TABERNACLE WHICH IS CALLED THE HOLIEST OF ALL;”<br />The exposition is:<br />1.<br />There were two Veils in the Tabernacle. The first separated the Holy Place from the Tabernacle court and prevented the people from looking into the Holy Place (Ex. 26:31­38). The second Veil was placed between the first room, which was the Holy Place, and the second room which contained the Ark of the Covenant, which was the Holy of Holies.<br /><br />2.<br />The “Holiest of all,” was actually the sec­ond room, or the “Holy of Holies,” as stated, where the Ark of the Covenant was located.<br /><br />3.<br />Access was extremely limited to this particular room, with only the High Priest allowed in, and that only once a year, and then only for a few moments.<br /><br /><br />THE SECOND VEIL<br />The phrase, “And after the second Veil,” pertains to that which hid the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was a small room 15 feet square — a perfect cube. Inside the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the<br /><br /> <br /><br />Covenant, overshadowed by the Cherubim on the Mercy Seat of gold.<br />Inside the Ark, were the rod of Aaron, a golden pot of Manna, and the Tables of Stone on which were written the Ten Command­ments given to Moses.<br />The Holy of Holies was the Throne Room of God, a place where He manifested His Pres­ence by the Shekinah. From this place the pillar of fire and cloud arose. As such, it was a picture of Heaven.<br />Comparing Christ with the High Priest who entered into the Holy of Holies just once a year, Paul said:<br />“For Christ is not entered into the Holy Place made with hands, which are the fig­ures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the Presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24). As God, i.e., “the Holy Spirit” once dwelt in the Holy of Holies, so now He dwells in another temple, who is in fact, the Believer (I Cor. 3:16).<br /><br />WHY THE VEIL?<br />Why was there this barrier?<br /><br />It shut God in. He is Holy, and because the people were sinful, they could not fellowship with Him. Sin is always a barrier between man and God.<br />An encouraging feature of this barrier was that it was a curtain and not a wall. This sug­gested that though God was hiding Himself from man and there was no direct access to Him, a time was coming when the Veil would be eliminated. Also, this barrier was not en­tirely closed, for once a year, as stated, a rep­resentative of the people, the High Priest, could enter with the blood of Sacrifice.<br />The Veil was made of fine twined linen embroidered like the roof of the Tabernacle with Cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet colors. Hebrew historians tells us it was about four inches thick and very strong, at least the one which hung in the Temple, and that it would have taken four yoke of oxen to tear it apart. Exactly how thick the one was which hung in the Tabernacle, if not the same, we aren’t told.<br />THE COLORS OF THE VEIL<br /><br />First of all, we know and understand, that everything in the Tabernacle spoke of Christ, and when we say everything, we mean “ev­erything!”<br />First of all, the Veil was of fine linen. As well, linen is white.<br />The word “fine” speaks of Christ’s spot­less innocence and faultlessness. Peter says of Him that He “did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth” (I Pet. 2:22).<br />The linen, as is all linen, unless it’s dyed, was white, which speaks of the purity of Christ.<br />The word “twined” as in “fine twined linen,” pictures the perfect unity of the hu­man and the Divine in Jesus. He was perfectly human, with feelings and desires like any other man. But He was also perfectly Di­vine. As one Greek scholar said, “When God became man, i.e., ‘incarnate,’ He never lost the possession of His Deity, but did lose the expression of His Deity.”<br />The white linen was embroidered in blue, which spoke of the Heavenly origin of all Salvation, i.e., “Christ.”<br />It also had purple and scarlet colors in it, with the purple speaking of the Kingship of Christ, and the scarlet speaking of His Blood, which would be shed for the sins of man. Both colors, the purple and the scarlet, out­lined the figures of Cherubim on the Veil.<br />JESUS AS THE DOOR<br /><br />The entirety of the Veil represents the Per­son of Christ, and as some have said, it repre­sents His Body. To enter the Holy of Holies where God resided between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim, one would have to pass through the “Veil.”<br />Jesus said of Himself, “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me” (Jn. 14:6).<br />As well, He said, “I am the door of the sheep” (Jn. 10:7).<br />It must also be remembered, that the “door” is a “bloody door” (Ex. 12:3-7), sig­nifying the Crucifixion, the price which Christ would have to pay in order for man to have access to God.<br />When the Veil in the Temple was torn (Mat. 27:51), at the time that Jesus died on the Cross, it was done supernaturally. It was torn from the top to the bottom: from the top to show that God did it; to the bottom to show how complete a Sacrifice Jesus’ death actu­ally was.<br /> <br /><br />The torn Veil represented His torn body, i.e., “the Crucifixion,” which opened up the way to God.<br />As we’ve stated over and over again, it is impossible for the Believer to fully under­stand the New Testament unless he under­stands the Old. In symbolic and picture form, the Old Testament pictures Christ totally and completely, in His atoning work, regarding Who He is, and what He did, i.e., “the Cross.”<br />THE HOLY OF HOLIES<br /><br />The phrase, “The Tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all,” is in fact the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat, overlooked by Cherubim on either end, who looked down upon the Mercy Seat. As we’ve already stated, no one could enter this room except the High Priest, only once a year, and then only for a few moments. As well, he had to enter with blood from the Sacrifice, which would rep­resent the Blood that would be shed by Christ on the Cross. He actually entered in twice, the first time for himself, because he was a mere human and, therefore, sinful, and the second time on behalf of Israel. He sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat, and as well part of the blood was sprinkled on the horns of the Altar of Incense. It was done so seven times on the horns, signifying that the Re­demption which would be afforded by the coming Redeemer would be a perfect Re­demption (Lev. Chpt. 16).<br />(4) “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;”<br />The composite is:<br /><br />1.<br />The “Golden Censer” was actually the “Altar of Incense,” and was looked at as be­ing a part of the “Holy of Holies,” even though it actually sat in front of the Veil in the “Holy Place.”<br /><br />2.<br />The Ark of the Covenant was in the Holy of Holies proper, and was where God dwelt between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim.<br /><br /><br />3.<br />A golden pot of Manna was kept in the Ark and of course was a type of Christ as the Bread from Heaven.<br /><br />4.<br />“Aaron’s Rod that budded,” speaks of the Resurrection of Christ.<br /><br />5.<br />“The Tables of the Covenant,” refer to the two stones containing the Ten Command­ments, i.e., “five Commandments each.”<br /><br /><br />THE ALTAR OF INCENSE<br />The phrase, “Which had the Golden Cen­ser,” should have been translated “the Golden Incense Altar.” The Greek word here used for “Censer,” is “thumiasterion,” and is the ordinary word for an “Incense Altar,” and should have been translated accordingly. It is not at all the same as the word used in Rev­elation 8:3, 5 for a censer which is “libanotos.” Any ordinary reader of English can see how utterly different the two words are. There can be no question then, but that “Censer” means the Incense Altar.<br />But why does Paul plainly connect it with the Holy of Holies, when matter of fact it clearly stood in the Holy Place?<br />First of all, the Apostle does not say it was in the Holiest, but he does declare it belonged to the Holiest. It belonged to the Holiest because it typified Christ’s Person and inter­cessory work in the Holiest of all.<br />But during all the Old Testament Dispen­sation it must stand outside the Veil where it could be approached by the Priests, and yet so near the Veil that the moment this cur­tain was parted for the High Priest to enter once a year, the fragrant smoke of the In­cense entered the Holiest.<br />However, the High Priest did take a “Cen­ser” full of burning coals of fire from off the Altar (Brazen Altar) before the Lord. He then took Incense and put it upon the fire, “that the cloud of the Incense may cover the Mercy Seat that is upon the Ark” (Lev. 16:12-13).<br />But as well, we must note that this was not a Golden Censer, neither was it kept in the Holy of Holies. And as we’ve already stated, the Greek word which Paul used, actually meant “Golden Altar,” and not “Censer.”<br />THE LAW<br />At any rate, the ritual carried out by the High Priest on this Great Day of Atonement,<br /><br /> <br /><br />as it regarded the Mercy Seat, the Censer, and the Golden Altar, presents the acceptability of Christ’s Person to God and the efficacy of His intercession. The beautiful type of this entire procession as denoted in Leviticus Chapter 16, presents the satisfaction that Christ made unto God, and completed at the Cross. His mediatory intercession is a sweet savor unto the Father, and effective unto the Salvation of His Church.<br />The fact that the smoke of this Incense covered the Ark and the Mercy Seat wherein was the Law, and over which the symbol of the Divine Presence abode, denoted that Christ has magnified the Law, met its every requirement, and is the end of the Law for Righteousness unto everyone who believes.<br />The Ministry of the Altar of Incense and the yearly Ministry before the Mercy Seat were very similar. A Veil stood behind the Altar of Incense and before the Ark so that the interceding Priest was separated from the Presence of God. The High Priest could not make direct intercession, at least as it re­garded his own person.<br />God’s Holiness demanded such a barrier because of man’s sinfulness, yet there were Divine provisions made for access through the shed Blood of the Sacrifice. At that time, the barrier remained, reminding them that the way into the very Presence of God had not yet been provided. Perfect access would come only through the shedding of the Blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. By His Death, He removed all bar­riers that stood between God and man. The Veil is now rent.<br />F. B. Meyer says, “. . . The way into the Holiest lies open. It is new and living and blood-marked; we may, therefore, tread it without fear or mistake, and pass in with holy boldness to stand where angels veil their faces with their wings in ceaseless adoration.”<br />THE MANNER OF THE<br />ALTAR OF INCENSE<br /><br /><br />Along with the Golden Lampstand and the Table of Showbread in the Holy Place, stood the third article which was the “Altar of In­cense.” It stood at the west end of the Sanc­tuary before the Veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.<br />It was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It had a golden crown around the top with four horns on the corners. It stood three feet high, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches long. As obvious, it was small.<br />Incense was to be offered on the Altar to the Lord each morning and each evening. The sweet Incense smoke ascending and filling the Holy Place represented the priestly interces­sion of Christ on our behalf. His very Person is a sweet fragrance unto the Lord. We must always remember that! For that means, that if we try to come to the Father in any other way except through and by the Name of Jesus, access will not be granted (Jn. 16:23).<br />As well, Incense was to be burned upon this Altar both morning and evening. The idea is according to the following:<br />Coals of fire were to be taken from the Bra­zen Altar, which represented the Crucifixion of Christ on our behalf, where in effect, He took the judgment of God upon Himself which we should have taken, all represented by fire. These coals then laid upon the Altar of Incense, signified that God will accept no worship, no petition, in fact no access what­soever, unless it comes through Christ and the Cross.<br />The Incense which burned on the Golden Altar had a special significance. It had cer­tain prescribed ingredients which were to be used only for this purpose. In fact, every item in the Incense spoke of Christ in some man­ner, whether in His Life or Death. There were four spices. They are as follows:<br />1.<br />Statce: This was a type of gum that came from a tree that had been cut. It typi­fies the shedding of the Blood of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />Onycha: This comes from a shell found on the shores of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and signifies the Baptism of death that Christ underwent on our behalf.<br /><br />3.<br />Galbanum: This was the juice or “bleeding” of a shrub, which spoke of being crushed, and again, which signified what Christ underwent on the Cross.<br /><br />4.<br />Pure Frankincense: This seems to be the most important of the aromatic gums and is regarded by itself as a precious perfume. It comes from a tree that grows abundantly in India. The word “pure” used here refers to the free-flowing and liberal giving forth<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />of its odors. It speaks of what the death of Christ would produce, which was and is Eter­nal Life.<br />Nothing else was offered on this Golden Altar except the Blood of Atonement, which as stated was administered once a year. Blood was placed on the four horns at either end of the Altar, signifying several things:<br />1.<br />Access into the Presence of God was provided only by what Jesus did at the Cross, and our faith in that Finished Work.<br /><br />2.<br />All that God does for us as Believers can only come through what Christ did at the Cross.<br /><br />3.<br />The Blood on the horns of the Golden Altar signifies the absolute necessity of the Believer continuing to have Faith in the Fin­ished Work of Christ, understanding, as nec­essary as it was to have Faith in the Cross to be saved, as necessary it is to continue to have faith in the Cross in order to walk in victory.<br /><br /><br />The Reader must understand, that it was God the Holy Spirit Who resided in the Holy of Holies, between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim. This tells us, along with the Blood being applied to the horns of the Golden Al­tar, that the Spirit will not work within our lives, unless our Faith remains steadfast in the Cross of Christ (Rom. 8:1-2, 11; I Cor. 3:16).<br />DISTURBED CHRISTIANS!<br /><br />The Scriptural Truth we have just given regarding the manner and way in which the Holy Spirit works, is the very reason that many Christians live less than victorious lives, and despite all of their efforts other­wise. Most Christians do not know or real­ize, the part the Cross plays in their contin­ued living for God. In fact, most Christians only think of the Cross as it relates to their initial Salvation experience. They little know the part that the Finished Work of Christ plays in their ongoing living for God, there­fore, placing their faith in other things. As a result of this, the Holy Spirit, Who always demands that we have Faith in the Cross, as typified by the Blood on the horns of the Golden Altar, simply will not work within our lives. And to be sure, without His help, it is literally impossible for the Believer to live as he ought to live, and be what he ought to be in Christ (Jn. 14:16).<br />THE ALTAR OF GOLD AND SACRIFICE<br />The Altar of gold was the place where In­cense was burned. Sacrifice of any kind was forbidden, only Incense could be offered; how­ever, the Blood which was applied to the four horns once a year definitely was symbolic of Sacrifice, but rather a Sacrifice already offered. Even though this was an Altar, no Sacrifice was to be offered on it, as it generally is on Altars, for the simple reason, that the one Sacrifice of Christ would be forever sufficient; however, the very fact that it was referred to as an Altar, tells us, that our Faith is to ever be in that one completed work. Whereas no more Sacrifice will ever be needed, yet, we are to ever have Faith in that one Sacrifice.<br />This Altar was made of shittim wood over­laid with gold. This type of wood was inde­structible in the sense that it would never rot, nor due to its fragrance, could it be in­fested with worms, etc. It speaks of the hu­manity of Christ which was a perfect human­ity. The gold of course, speaks of His Deity.<br />OUR GREAT INTERCESSOR<br />The Altar of gold is first of all a figure of Christ as our great Intercessor. It was where the Priests ministered both morning and evening, and above all, where the High Priest ministered once a year on the Great Day of Atonement, when the blood was applied. All of this was a figure of Christ, our High Priest in Heaven. “We have such an High Priest, Who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Heb. 8:1).<br />What type of Intercession does Christ make for us, and how is it made?<br />As it regards Intercession, and irrespec­tive of the type, Christ in effect, does such by His very Presence at the Throne of God. That means that He really doesn’t do anything, simply because it has already been done at the Cross and in His Resurrection. The Scripture plainly says, “For Christ has not entered into the Holy Place made with hands (the Tabernacle and Temple of old), which are the figures (symbols) of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the Presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24).<br />In other words, His very appearance “in the Presence of God for us” guarantees<br /><br /> <br /><br />Intercession of all types. He doesn’t really have to say or do anything, His Presence alone, sig­nifies that it has already been done and ac­cepted by God.<br />THE TWO ALTARS<br /><br />The Brazen Altar sat outside the Taber­nacle, and was actually the first thing seen when approaching the Tabernacle. At this Altar, God deals with the sinner. The Altar of Gold inside the Tabernacle is where God deals with the Saint. The Altar of Brass speaks of Earth while the Altar of Gold speaks of Heaven. The Altar of Brass has to do with sin, while the Altar of Gold has to do with Holiness. The Altar of Brass, is a figure, rep­resenting what Christ did for us on Earth in the giving of Himself on the Cross; the Altar of Gold, is a figure, representing what Christ does for us in Heaven; however, what He does for us in Heaven, is made possible by what He did for us on Earth.<br />THE CROWN<br /><br />The Golden Altar had a golden crown on its outside edges. It refers to Christ as our High Priest, but yet a crowned Priest. In other words, He is both King and Priest. Conse­quently, He combined both offices in Israel of King and Priest. In fact, He combined the Offices of King, Priest, and Prophet.<br />These three offices provided the titular leadership of Israel. The King was the head; the Priest was the Intercessor; the Prophet was the Spiritual Leader. These were all types of Christ, and in fact, Christ was and is all of these offices. This means that He is the True Israel, just exactly as He is the True Church, and as well, the True Man.<br />THE HORNS<br /><br />On all four corners of this Altar were four horns. They pointed outward, north, south, east, and west.<br />This signifies the fact, that this is not a “Western Gospel,” or an “Eastern Gospel,” but rather, Salvation for the entirety of the world.<br />As well, it signifies that Christ died for the whole of humanity (Jn. 3:16), and that His sacrificial, atoning work, suffices for all.<br />Also, these horns signify, and by the blood being applied to them once a year, even as we’ve already stated, that the way to everything that Christ has done for us, is through the Cross, and our Faith in that great Sacrifice.<br />I have before me a Commentary written by a famous name in Christendom, who with­out a doubt was a great man of God; how­ever, the things he said about this Altar and the Intercession of Christ, tells me that he didn’t quite understand the mode of Inter­cession or how it is brought about.<br />He said, “He (Christ) is pointing this very moment to your need, saying, ‘Father, de­liver; Father, give the victory’.”<br />Now most of the Church would applaud that statement, but it is wrong!<br />In the first place, all deliverance and all victory were purchased totally and com­pletely by Christ at the Cross. It is not a matter of Him or the Father, or even the Holy Spirit having to do anything else in order for anyone to have victory over anything within their hearts and lives.<br />When Jesus died on the Cross, He died for the entirety of mankind. That means, that every single person can be saved if they will only accept.<br />At the same time, His Death and Resur­rection guaranteed total and complete victory for every single, solitary Believer. In other words, it’s already done. As we’ve already stated in this Volume, this means that every single Christian has victory, even though most Christians are not walking in victory. Every Christian is an overcomer, even though most Christians are not living an overcoming life.<br />This refers to what Christ did for us at the Cross, and our faith in Him, literally placing us in His life and victory (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14). If Christ, or the Father, or the Divine Spirit, have to do anything else in order for us to have anything that we need, this means that the Work of Christ is not actually a Finished Work.<br />But it definitely is a Finished Work! So, that being the case, why is it that all Believ­ers do not walk in victory, especially consid­ering, that all Believers are “in Christ,” which means, that we have everything that Christ did for us at the Cross?<br />IT IS A MATTER OF FAITH<br /><br />Christians do not walk in victory and do not live an overcoming life for one reason<br /> <br /><br />— their lack of Faith in the Cross of Christ. As we’ve stated over and over again, most Christians know and understand the part the Cross plays in their initial Salvation experi­ence, but they have little or no knowledge at all, as it regards what the Cross means to their everyday living. Consequently, they place their Faith in other things, which God will never honor.<br />It is not a question of Christians having Faith, but rather a question of their Faith being misplaced. Now please read the fol­lowing thought very carefully:<br />It is only Faith in the Cross of Christ, which refers to His Finished Work, which God will recognize (Gal. 2:20). If it’s Faith in anything else, we have actually turned this great commodity into a “work.” And what did the Holy Spirit say about that?<br />“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace” (Rom. 11:6).<br />Paul also said, “For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God;<br />“Not of works, lest any man should boast”<br /><br />(Eph. 2:8-9).<br />So, while faith continues to be faith irre­spective as to what is its object, still God classifies it as “works” if it’s not Faith in the Finished Work of Christ, which is speci­fied by the word “Grace.” Grace is simply the goodness of God extended to undeserv­ing man. However, it is the Cross of Christ, and our Faith in that Sacrifice, which makes it possible for God to extend Grace to unde­serving souls.<br />Inasmuch as the four horns on the Golden Altar signify Kingship and, therefore, victory, this means that it is for all; however, it must come by the way of the Cross, signified by the Blood applied to those horns once a year on the Great Day of Atonement, which means that our Faith must ever rest within the Fin­ished Work of Christ. Then, and as stated, the Holy Spirit Who then resided between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim, will guarantee to us all that Christ carried out on our behalf in His Finished Work. It is the Divine and Eternal Spirit, Who guarantees all that Christ did, and does so on our behalf (Jn. 16:7-15).<br />THE ARK OF THE COVENANT<br />The phrase, “And the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about with gold,” presents the most glorious and mysterious Vessel of the Tabernacle. Actually, it was the first thing made (Ex. 25:10-11). In fact, in a sense one might say, the whole Sanctuary was built for no other purpose but that it may house the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 26:33).<br />The Ark was the outstanding symbol that God Himself was present among His people and that His Covenant-Blessing was resting upon them. It was the coffer in which the Tables of the Law were preserved. Its preemi­nence above all the other Vessels was shown in the days of Solomon, for the Ark alone was transferred from the Tabernacle to the Temple. But yet we must not forget that it was the Brazen Altar alone which made ac­cess possible to the Ark of the Covenant.<br />Once again, the Ark was an outstanding figure of the Son of God. It too was made of Shittim wood, overlaid with gold. The wood which was incorruptible was a type of His sinless humanity. Of course, the gold, as stated, was a type of His Deity.<br />The two materials of which the Ark was made symbolized the “union” of the two na­tures in the God-Man, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, “God was manifest in the flesh” (I Tim. 3:16).<br />The Ark formed God’s Throne in Israel:<br />“Thou that dwellest between the Cherubim”<br />(Ps. 80:1).<br />Christ is the only One Who perfectly en­throned God, honoring His Government in all things.<br />A TYPE OF CHRIST<br />As everything else in the Tabernacle is a type of Christ, the Ark of the Covenant falls into the same category. Some of the ways are as follows:<br />1.<br />From it God communed with Moses, the leader of His people. Christ is the man­ner in which we reach the Father. In fact, no man can come to the Father except by and through Christ (Jn. 14:6).<br /><br />2.<br />It symbolized guidance. “And they departed from the Mount of the LORD three days’ journey: and the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD went before them in the three<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />days’ journey to search out a resting place for them” (Num. 10:33).<br />3.<br />While it is the Holy Spirit Who leads and guides us presently (Jn. 16:13), He does so strictly and solely through the Finished Work of Christ. The Holy Spirit resides in all Believers, but He is able to do that only because of what Jesus did at the Cross.<br /><br />4.<br />As the Ark of the Covenant symbolized guidance, it also represented Divine Leader­ship, which refers to Christ as the “Head” of the Church (Eph. 1:22).<br /><br /><br />When Israel was about to pass over Jor­dan into Canaan, the Priests carrying the Ark went first. And it was when their feet touched the water that Jordan was rolled back and the people of Israel could march over on dry ground (Josh. 3:14-17).<br />To say this in New Testament terminol­ogy, “When He putteth forth His Own sheep, He goeth before them” (Jn. 10:4). As we’ve already stated, He not only brings victory, He is our Victory.<br />GOD’S PORTRAIT OF CHRIST<br /><br />As we come in closer to the dwelling place of God, the emphasis is removed from the “Work of Christ,” as represented all the other Sacred Vessels, to the “Person of Christ,” represented by the Ark. There were actually two articles of furniture in the Holy of Ho­lies, the Ark and the Mercy Seat; however, they were so joined as to be one. We will direct our attention first to the Ark.<br />Israel was a theocracy, meaning that Jeho­vah Alone was their king. At least this held true until they demanded a king, with the first one being Saul, who was not the choice of God but rather the people. David was God’s choice, and was meant to be the first king of Israel; however, Satan used the people of Israel to attempt to thwart the Plan of God, which he so often does. Let me say it a little clearer:<br />God has a Plan for His Church, and more particularly, He has a plan for every indi­vidual member of His Church. Unfortu­nately, unspiritual men too often usurp au­thority over the Headship of Christ, and in­sert their own plans instead, which always brings great hindrance to the Work of God.<br />Even when David became king of Israel, and even with the members of his family who followed him, this more than anything else was to represent the Kingship of Christ. Jehovah was still King or at least was meant to be!<br />In this they were unlike the nations around them. The Ark was God’s Throne; however, in no way do we mean to insinuate that there was some type of physical presence in the Holy of Holies, for there wasn’t. But yet, He dwelt, as far as His presence was concerned, between the Cherubim (Ps. 99:1). Actually, and as we’ve already stated, as far as the Godhead was concerned, it was the Holy Spirit Who actu­ally resided in the Holy of Holies (I Cor. 3:16).<br />Of all the articles of furniture that made up the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant was the most important. The instructions for it were the first given of any part of the Tabernacle. The fact that it was God’s Throne lent importance to it. And yet, no Israelite ever saw it, so sacred was it. Only the High Priests were permitted to behold it.<br />On the wilderness march it was carefully wrapped, first in the Veil and then with badger’s skins . . . it was thus a True Symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ setting forth both His Deity, represented by the gold, and His humanity, represented by the wood; for the Ark was made of wood (incorruptible wood) and overlaid with gold. In this it spoke of Him as “Very God of Very God and Very Man of Very Man.”<br />The Ark could not be spoken of as merely a wooden box, for it contained gold; and it could not be called a golden chest, for it con­tained wood. It required both to maintain the symbolism pointing to Christ as the God-Man. As we’ve stated over and over again, every single thing in the Tabernacle and the Temple as well pointed to Christ and sym­bolized Him in some way.<br />To overlook this duality is to entertain a monstrous notion of His Person. There is no doctrine of Scripture so filled with infinite mystery, so far removed from the pattern of man’s thinking, so foreign to the realm of explanation, than this union of God and Man in Christ. Yet, there is no symbol so simple as the Ark — merely a box made of wood and gold — yet it speaks of things unfathomable.<br />Truly, God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. That simple box tells the<br /> <br /><br />whole story, so far as man can take it in, of the unsearchable mysteries of the Blessed Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />GOLD AND WOOD<br /><br />The gold was both inside and out. “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead Bodily” (Col. 2:9). This means that He was not merely an emanation of God, “He was God.” He spoke as God. He put Himself on the same plane with God: “Ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” And again, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.”<br />Likewise, He was Perfect Man. He grew tired and sat down at a well in Samaria. He slept, He ate, He drank, and He laughed and wept. And beyond all that, He suffered. All these are human characteristics.<br />The gold and the wood in the Ark were both required; yet neither was mingled with the other, nor was the identity of one lost in the other. Christ was both God and man, but these two natures never were fused or merged, one might say! In other words, He never func­tioned at the same time as both God and man. Actually, I think one could say without fear of contradiction, that He never functioned as God in His earthly Life and Ministry, although He never ceased to be God. As one Scholar said, “As the God-Man Jesus Christ, He never lost His possession of Deity, but in fact He did lay aside freely His expression of Deity.”<br />Some confuse His performing of miracles with Deity; however, He did all of this as a Man filled with the Spirit, in fact as no other man had ever been filled, thereby perform­ing miracles by the Spirit (Lk. 4:18-19).<br />ISRAEL AND THE ARK<br /><br />Containing the Law, and being the place where the Symbol of the Divine Presence was manifested, the Ark was regarded as pecu­liarly holy; and in the various wars and revo­lutions in the Hebrew commonwealth, it was guarded with peculiar care.<br />After the passage over the Jordan it re­mained for some time at Gilgal (Josh. 4:19), with it then being removed to Shiloh (I Sam. 1:3). From hence the Israelites took it to their war camp, apparently to animate them in battle, but it was taken by the Philistines (I Sam. Chpt. 4).<br />The Philistines, however, oppressed by the hand of God because of their taking the Ark, resolved to return it, and sent it to Kirjath­jearim (I Sam. 7:1).<br />In the reign of Saul, it was at Nob. David, attempting to bring it to Jerusalem, but do­ing so incorrectly, brought death to at least one member of the entourage, and instead conveyed it to the house of Obed-edom, and ultimately to his palace on Mount Zion (II Sam. Chpt. 6).<br />At the dedication of the Temple it was placed in the Holy of Holies by Solomon, where it remained for many years. Subse­quently, it is said, the wicked kings of Judah, abandoning themselves to idolatry, estab­lished idols in the Most Holy Place itself; and the Priests removed the Ark, and bore it from place to place to secure it from profanation.<br />When Josiah ascended the Throne he com­manded the Priests to restore the Ark to its place in the Sanctuary, and forbade them to carry it about from one place to another as they had done before (II Chron. 35:3).<br />It is supposed that the Ark remained in the Temple of Solomon until immediately before its (the Temple’s) destruction. There is no record that it was taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon, along with some of the other ves­sels (II Chron. 36:18-19).<br />Some think that Nebuchadnezzar may have destroyed it upon his invasion and de­struction of Jerusalem and the Temple; how­ever, that is unlikely! The Babylonians were prone to take the “gods” of vanquished na­tions to Babylon, where they were put on display in the temple of the god Bel. In ef­fect, this stated, at least in their minds, that Bel was stronger than the other gods of other nations. Of course, the Ark was not an idol, but Nebuchadnezzar no doubt would have taken it as symbolic of the God of Israel, had it been present in the Holy of Holies when his soldiers overran that sacred place.<br />Legend says that Jeremiah hid the Ark, with its hiding place remaining a secret. This much is certain, there is no evidence that it was ever placed in the second Temple built by Zerubbabel, after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. As well, when the soldiers of Titus broke into the Holy of Ho­lies in the destruction of the third Temple<br /><br /> <br /><br />built by Herod in A.D. 70, Jewish history tells us that the room was empty. In other words, there was no Ark there.<br />Some claim that it is in a subterranean room under the Temple Mount, with some claiming it is presently in Ethiopia. I think one can say with certitude, that these claims are false!<br />MANNA<br /><br />The phrase, “Wherein was the Golden Pot that had manna,” presents that which was a type of Christ as the Bread of Life (Jn. 6:32-33, 35).<br />This tells us that a small quantity of Manna was preserved as a perpetual remembrance of the food which they had eaten in their long journey in the wilderness, and of the Good­ness of God in miraculously supplying their wants. As the Manna, also, would not of it­self keep (Ex. 16:20), the fact that this was to be laid up to be preserved from age to age was a perpetual miracle and proof of the pres­ence and faithfulness of God. Again we state, the Manna was a type of Christ as the Bread of Life.<br />At some point in time, this item seems to have been removed from the Ark (I Ki. 8:9); however, I think the evidence is clear, that it definitely was kept in the Ark during the wil­derness journeyings, and possibly even some time after they came into the Promised Land. It was of this time, of which Paul speaks. It is for sure, that at some particular time, the “Golden Pot” as well as “Aaron’s rod that budded,” were lost.<br />AARON’S ROD<br /><br />The phrase, “And Aaron’s Rod that bud­ded,” represents Christ Alone as Savior, and to prove that, God raised Him from the dead.<br />Aaron’s rod budded as a proof that God had chosen him to minister as High Priest. The princes of some of the Tribes of Israel while in the wilderness, were disposed to rebel, and to call into question the authority of Aaron. To settle the matter, each one was required to take a rod or staff of office, and to bring it to Moses with the name of the Tribe to which it appertained written on it. These were laid up by Moses in the Taber­nacle; and it was found, on the next day, that the rod marked with the name of Levi had budded and blossomed, and produced al­monds, all done overnight. In perpetual re­membrance of this miracle, the rod was pre­served in the Ark (Num. Chpt. 17).<br />In effect, these rebels in Israel were deny­ing Christ. Aaron being a type of Christ, they were in effect saying, that they could come before God without a mediator, claiming they were worthy. Their judgment was severe (Num. Chpt. 16).<br />Let it be understood presently, that any and all who attempt to place anything ahead of Christ, be it Church, Denominations, Or­dinances, so-called Sacraments, Mary, the Mother of our Lord, good works, etc., will be judged accordingly.<br />CHRIST AS PRIEST<br /><br />Aaron’s Rod in the Ark in the strict sense of the word, speaks of the Work of Christ as Priest. The Prophet spoke for God before man; the Priest spoke for man before God. As a Priest, Christ offered Himself. As a Priest, He passed into Heaven and even now sits on God’s right hand.<br />We have spoken previously of the Work of Christ as Priest. Suffice to say here that there is a Man in Glory at this very moment for us, i.e., “representing us.” As Aaron’s Rod which budded (the authority of His Priesthood) was in the Holy of Holies, thus today there is in Heaven at God’s right hand the Man Christ Jesus, Who was raised from the dead. He is the unique example of Resurrection up to the present hour. He is there for us.<br />Going back to the Golden Pot of Manna, this as stated represents Christ as the Bread from Heaven. This means that He was the consummate Prophet. Christ not only spoke for God, He was also God’s Message to man. He was the Logos, the Word of God, the very Alphabet of God, and the Alpha and Omega.<br />Christ was God’s final Message to man . . . God has no addendum to place after Christ. There can be no postscript to the letter where Christ is the embodiment of that letter. God has told His heart in Christ.<br />THE TEN COMMANDMENTS<br /><br />The phrase, “And the Tables of the Cov­enant,” proclaims two Tables, with each Table<br /> <br /><br />containing five of the Ten Commandments. It is said that the first five pertain to man’s obligations toward God, with the second five pertaining to his obligations toward his fellowman.<br />As the Golden Pot of Manna spoke of Christ as Prophet, and the Rod that budded spoke of Him as Priest, the Tables of the Cov­enant speak of the Kingship of Christ. This Earth needs a ruler; a man needs a king; and someday He is coming as “King of kings and Lord of lords.”<br />The phrase, “And the Tables of the Cov­enant,” is drawn from Deuteronomy 10:1-5. The preservation of the two Tables of stone (on which were inscribed the Ten Command­ments) in the Ark, foreshadowed Christ mag­nifying the Law and making it honorable (Isa. 42:21). The fulfillment of this type is stated in Psalms 40:7-8 where we hear the Mediator saying, “Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me; I delight to do Thy Will O My God; yea, Thy Law is within My heart.”<br />The Representative of God’s people was “made under the Law” (Gal. 4:4), and per­fectly did He “fulfill it” (Mat. 5:17).<br />Therefore, it is written, “By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). Thus may each Believer exclaim, “In the Lord have I Righteousness and strength” (Isa. 45:24).<br />We learn as stated, that while the Golden Pot of Manna and Aaron’s Rod that budded, were ultimately lost from the Ark, meaning that Christ had totally fulfilled these types, the two Tables remained. In fact, the Law, and we speak of the Moral Law of God, can never be done away with. It is holy, just, and good. Not one jot or tittle can pass away from it. It is at the heart of all things.<br />Beneath all surfaces, below all the cover­lets, deeper than the foam, tumult, and revo­lution of the world, rests the righteous, in­exorable Law. We must all yield to its impe­rial sway. Even the atheist must build his walls according to the dictates of this plumb line, or they will inevitably crumble to ruin, as history has proven over and over again.<br />While Christ definitely fulfilled all the Law, meaning that He kept it perfectly, and even satisfied its just demands by His righteous death on the Cross, still, the world in general continues to be answerable to the Law, whether they realize it or not! In other words, one day when all the unredeemed stand at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15), it will be according to that Law that they will answer. Regrettably, they will all be found wanting.<br />The only way that one can escape the “found wanting,” is to place one’s faith and trust totally and completely in Jesus Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf. As stated, He satisfied the Law regarding all of its demands, and the only way that the Law can have no claim on anyone, is for that per­son to express Faith in Christ and nothing or no one but Christ. That being the case, all the ordinances that were against us, are blotted out. In fact, Jesus “nailed all of these to His Cross” (Col. 2:14-15).<br />As well, the Law is kept in Christ, and our being In Christ, makes us “Law-keepers,” instead of “Lawbreakers.” But the Reader must remember, that all of this is predicated on our Faith in Christ, and more particularly, what Christ did at the Cross for us, in other words, on our behalf (Jn. 3:16).<br />Every single person in the world will an­swer to the Law of God, whether in Christ, or whether on their own, in which the latter no one wants to do, at least if they are in their right mind.<br />(5) “AND OVER IT THE CHERUBIMS OF GLORY SHADOWING THE MERCYSEAT; OF WHICH WE CANNOT NOW SPEAK PAR­TICULARLY.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />There were two Cherubims attached to the Ark of the Covenant, one at either end facing each other, and looking down upon the Mercyseat.<br /><br />2.<br />The Mercyseat was the lid of the box called “the Ark of the Covenant.”<br /><br />3.<br />All of this typifies the Throne of God, of which Paul now says that he will not take the time to go into detail.<br /><br /><br />CHERUBIMS<br />The phrase, “And over it the Cherubims of Glory,” presents these strange beings. “Cherubims” is a transliteration of the He­brew word meaning “Living Creatures.”<br /><br /> <br /><br />The Cherubims, as stated, were two in number, made of gold, actually of one piece with the Mercy Seat, the golden cover of the Ark. They are described as the Cherubims of Glory because they are closely attached to and attended upon, the place of the manifes­tation of the Divine Glory representing the Throne of God.<br />These Cherubims had outstretched wings, meeting in the center, thus overshadowing and, as it were, proclaiming the Holiness of the thrice holy God.<br />There is profound significance connected with their figures, which is made clear from the prominent place which they occupy in connection with the description of the Mercy Seat given in Exodus 25:17-22. Mention is there made of the Cherubim, in either the singular or plural number, no less than seven times. As well, the mention of them in Gen­esis 3:24 suggests that they are associated with the administration of God’s Judicial authority. In Revelation 4:6-8 and Ezekiel 1:5-10, they are related to God’s Throne.<br />Notice that the Cherubim look down upon the Mercy Seat of the Ark which it covered. They symbolize, it seems, the Righteousness and Justice of God. A broken Law demanded judgment, but God made a provision.<br />Once a year the Mercy Seat was sprinkled with Blood. This meant that God, repre­sented by the Cherubim, saw not the broken Law but the Blood of Atonement. His grace covers all our sin (Harris).<br />When the Temple was built, the Cheru­bim placed in the Holy of Holies at that time, were of huge size. They were made of olive wood, and were 15 feet high. They were over­laid with gold, with each having two sets of wings. One set touched the wall on one side of the Holy of Holies, with the other Cherubim touching the other wall. The other set of wings met together over the Ark (I Ki. 6:23-28).<br />It is almost certain, that their design in the Tabernacle was somewhat different, with their second set of wings folded down by their sides, that is if such wings were shown.<br />Also, there is evidence that the smaller Cherubim attached to the Ark of the Cov­enant remained in their position as it regards the Temple, but with the giant Cherubim towering above them, actually filling up the entirety of the room. Incidentally, the Holy of Holies in the Temple was 30 feet square and 30 feet high. The two giant Cherubim were 15 feet high, with all four sets of wings spanning the entirety of the length of the room. As stated, one set touched the walls behind, with the second set of wings of each Cherubim stretching out in front, meeting in the middle over the Ark.<br />Whereas the Cherubim attached to the Mercy Seat, and made of the same mass of gold, looked downward upon the sprinkled blood, the Cherubim made of olive wood looked outward. God’s perfect judgments will, in the Millennium, which these Cheru­bim in the Temple represent, be enabled to look out from Calvary upon a Kingdom wherein shall dwell Righteousness. This is not now possible, for Righteousness retreated to Heaven when Christ went to the Father (Jn. 16:10); however, in the coming Millen­nium, Christ will Personally reign from Jerusalem, hence Righteousness then filling the Earth (I Ki. Chpt. 6).<br />We find the Cherubim connected with Eden at the beginning (Gen. 3:24), and we see them again at the Throne of the Lamb at the close of Bible History (Rev. 4:6-9).<br />STRANGE BEINGS<br /><br />In Ezekiel Chapter 10 we find the chariot-throne of God being borne up by Cherubim, and actually going from place to place. Rep­resentations of these winged creatures were also embroidered on the Curtains and the Veil of the Tabernacle, and even on the walls of the Temple (Ex. 26:31; II Chron. 3:7).<br />These Beings were also carved in the form of a frieze around the wall of Solomon’s Temple, and they appeared together with ani­mal representations on decorative panels forming part of the base of the huge brass basin (Molten Sea or the Brazen Laver) which contained water for ritual ablutions.<br />The Old Testament does not describe the appearance and general nature of these Cheru­bim clearly. They were generally represented as winged creatures having feet and hands. In Ezekiel’s vision of the restored Jerusalem, the carved likenesses of Cherubim had two faces, one of a man and the other of a young<br /> <br /><br />lion (Ezek. 41:18-19), whereas in those seen in his vision of the Divine Glory, each of the Cherubim had four faces and four wings, each with the face of a man and the face of a lion on the right side, and the face of an ox and of an eagle on the left side (Ezek. 1:6-11).<br />In Revelation, John described them a little differently. He said they were “full of eyes before and behind.” As well, each of these Living Creatures had only one face, one with the face of a lion, the other of a calf, the third of a man, and the fourth like an eagle. As well, whereas the ones Ezekiel saw had four wings, those observed by John each had six wings (Rev. 4:6-8).<br />I think it is obvious from the Scriptures, that there are different types of these crea­tures. Actually, in Isaiah’s vision, he told of seeing creatures which the Holy Spirit told him were “Seraphims.” These as well had six wings, but like the Cherubim seen by John, only had one face. As well, those seen by Isaiah cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His Glory” (Isa. 6:3), while those seen by John also say, “Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come” (Rev. 4:8). Ezekiel mentioned, it seems, that they said something, but he doesn’t say exactly what (Ezek. 1:24-25).<br />It seems from what little description we are given, that these strange creatures have many duties, and as well, are greatly connected with the Glory and Holiness of God. They as well seem to be attached to the Throne, but be­yond that we have little knowledge. To specu­late further, would be only speculation, and of little value.<br />THE MERCY SEAT<br /><br />The phrase, “Shadowing the Mercy Seat,” of which we cannot now speak particularly, refers to the golden lid which covered the Ark, and down upon which the Cherubim gazed.<br />The words “Mercy Seat” are the transla­tion of the Greek “hilasterion,” and means “propitiation”; however, the manner in which this Greek word is used, does not suggest as it normally does “something offered to pla­cate or appease anger,” but rather refers to Atonement or Reconciliation through cov­ering, and in that way getting rid of the sin which stands between God and sinful man. The chief idea in the word is not that which is related to an offended party, but to sin or uncleanness (Wuest).<br />Vincent says, “As here used of the Mercy Seat, it is not that of appeasing one who is angry with a personal feeling against an of­fender, but of altering the character of that which, from without, occasions, a necessary alienation, and interposes an inevitable ob­stacle of fellowship.” The idea is, that ob­stacle between God and man, namely sin, was removed by our Lord’s atoning death on the Cross. The Sacrificial Blood sprinkled on the cover of the Ark fully satisfies the demands of the broken Law, and comes between the tablets of the Law reposing in the Ark and the High Priest who represents the people and in whom the people stand. Thus, did the Blood of Jesus interpose itself between the Law of God and the guilty sinner.<br />This is where mercy is offered on the ba­sis of justice satisfied. It is the place where a Holy God will meet sinful man and save him (Wuest).<br />THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MERCY SEAT<br />There were two articles in the Holy of Ho­lies. The appearance of them seemed as one, but careful examination revealed two, for the Mercy Seat furnished a top for the Ark. They would appear to be the same thing, but they were separate and distinct. However, the in­structions for both are given together. The blueprint of the Mercy Seat is contained in Exodus 25:17-22, following the blueprint for the Ark.<br />The Mercy Seat was the top for the Ark, but it was actually a separate piece of furni­ture. It was made of pure gold. It was about 3 ¾ feet long, and about 2 ¼ feet wide. As stated, the Cherubims were actually a part of the Mercy Seat, all of it made out of one piece of gold, and was probably the special work of Bezaleel.<br />Perhaps we could say, that the Mercy Seat was the most important article of furniture, and where all were God-appointed, it was supreme.<br />In the instructions, God interjects this revealing declaration, “And there will I meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from<br /><br /> <br /><br />above the Mercy Seat.” On the Great Day of Atonement God issued a warning to Aaron not to come within the Veil, except at the ap­pointed time, “For I will appear in the cloud upon the Mercy Seat.”<br />On the wilderness march it was from above the Mercy Seat between the Cherubim that God directed Israel.<br />The fact that the Mercy Seat was gold de­clares the Deity of Christ again. There is a resurrected Christ upon the Throne of the universe today. The Man in Glory is sitting at the Father’s right hand, waiting until the time when His enemies shall be made His footstool and when He will receive the Throne of David, which will take place at the Second Coming (Rev. Chpt. 19).<br />THE BLOOD<br /><br />As we approach the teaching of the Mercy Seat in its primary import, it is essential to see what made it a Mercy Seat. In order to ascertain this, a consideration must be made of the Great Day of Atonement, for only on this day did the High Priest approach the Mercy Seat.<br />Aaron, after casting lots for the scapegoat, which was a type of Christ bearing away the sin of man, offered the other goat on the Burnt Altar. After offering a bullock for him­self, an analogy which finds no parallel in Christ, and because there was no sin in Christ, Aaron brought the basin of blood within the Veil and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat. In fact, the Blood made it a Mercy Seat. God did not look down upon the merit of Aaron, or upon the goodness of the people, but rather He looked down upon the blood.<br />This means that the sinning nation was made nigh by the blood. Christ is the Mercy Seat today, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in His Blood, to declare His Righteousness for the remis­sion of sins that are past, through the for­bearance of God” (Rom. 3:25) (McGee).<br />COVERING<br /><br />Even though the Greek word used for the Mercy Seat means “propitiation,” the He­brew word actually means “covering.” They are very close in meaning, but the word “covering” probably says it best.<br />The Mercy Seat covered the Tables of the Law which were in the Ark, and which Commandments had been broken by all people. Consequently, the people needed a covering to shield them from the condemnation for their sins. The Mercy Seat was this covering.<br />The idea is, that the Blood of Jesus covers all sin, actually cleansing it (I Jn. 1:7, 9; 2:1­2). He brings atonement through His Own Blood, not that of bulls or of goats. Every human being on the face of the Earth has sinned, but when the Blood of Christ is applied, our being in Christ, which we are, means that God sees the Blood of His Son, which He has shed for us, which also means we have no more sin.<br />A NECESSITY FOR ALL<br /><br />I get sadly amused at times at the manner in which many Christians speak of sin.<br />One Brother wrote just the other day, and his letter is indicative of many, mentioning that he had “had a problem,” which I suppose he was speaking of a “moral problem.” Many Christians use these terms as if they only apply to a few. The truth is the following:<br />While many definitely will not commit certain sins, the Truth is, the entirety of the human race, and without exceptions, “have a problem,” and that problem is sin. And to be sure, it is all a “moral problem” in one shape, form, fashion, or the other. That’s why Jesus had to come down here and die on a Cross. As well, I think it would be proper to say two or three other things:<br />Also, some Christians are rather fond of referring to certain people as “fallen,” when the Truth is, the only Christians who are fallen are those who have discontinued their faith and trust in Christ. No one is fallen because of sin of any nature, and I speak of having dutifully confessed it before the Lord, thereby receiving forgiveness and cleansing (I Jn. 1:9). If in fact, “sin” of any nature, other than rebellion against God’s Way which is the Cross, constitutes one as “fallen,” this would then mean that the entirety of Christendom is fallen. No! The only ones who are judged by God as “fallen” are those who no longer trust Christ (Heb. 6:4-6).<br />As well, any Christian who attempts to hang a sin around the neck of a Christian who has<br />long since repented of the thing and forsaken such error, is doing a terrible despite to the Spirit of Grace. This is an insult to Christ of the greatest proportions. There is no such thing as a 50 percent justification by faith, or 75 percent justification by faith, or a partial justification by faith in any sense. One is either totally justified by Faith, which is the only thing that can be done, or is not justified at all!<br />And last of all, there is only one way that sin can be handled, and that is by taking it to the Cross. Whenever men demand that some­thing else be done, such as entering into some type of “works” regimen in order to attempt to atone for sin, one has just negated the Grace of God. Unfortunately, many Religious Denominations fall into that category. They are not willing to accept God’s provision, but rather manufacture provisions of their own, which change with the political climate. Such efforts and ways are an abomination to God, and as well, do terrible despite to the Spirit of Grace (Heb. 10:29).<br />And it should be quickly said that any Preacher or person, who subscribes to such a regimen, is cutting off the Grace of God unto themselves. One cannot trust God for Mercy and Grace, and at the same time trust man as it regards a regimen of “works.” There is one atonement, and that’s the Blood of Jesus. Whenever we try to enter something else into the mix, we sin greatly against God. And that goes for the ones demanding such works, and the one agreeing to abide by such works. This is the same thing as a sinner trying to be saved by trusting in Christ and Mary, the Mother of our Lord, at the same time.<br />Again I emphasize, there is only one an­swer for sin, one solution for this dread mon­ster, and that is the Cross of Christ, and one’s Faith in that Finished Work. To add any­thing else is abominable before God.<br />It must always be understood, that there is no such thing as a probationary time with God, no partial forgiveness of sins, no partial justi­fication; there is nothing of that sort in the Word of God. And if such is insinuated or suggested, it is always of man and never of God, and must never be heeded at any cost.<br />(6) “NOW WHEN THESE THINGS WERE THUS ORDAINED, THE PRIESTS WENT ALWAYS INTO THE FIRST TABERNACLE, ACCOMPLISHING THE SERVICE OF GOD.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />The word “ordained,” means they were designed by God, and speak of the Tabernacle Service.<br /><br />2.<br />The “Priests” were mediators between God and Israel, and as such, served as types of Christ.<br /><br />3.<br />The words “first Tabernacle” actually mean the first part of the Tabernacle, or that referred to as the “Holy Place.”<br /><br />4.<br />What they were instructed to do, was “the service of God,” all designed by God that He could commune with His people.<br /><br />5.<br />It was all temporary, in fact, pointing to something better which was to come.<br /><br /><br />ORDAIN<br />The phrase, “Now when these things were thus ordained,” refers to the fact that all of this was of God, and that every part and par­cel of the Tabernacle in some way pointed to Christ. In fact, Paul plainly intimates that every part of it had a specific significance as typical of the Lord Jesus and His Ministry.<br />TABERNACLE MINISTRY<br />The phrase, “The Priests went always into the First Tabernacle,” refers as stated, to the first room of the Tabernacle called the “Holy Place,” which the Priests went into daily and which, with the exception of the High Priest, they could go no further.<br />In fact, as long as the old dispensation lasted, the Priests had no access into the Ho­liest. They went only into the First Taber­nacle and accomplished the liturgical service. Once a year the High Priest alone was per­mitted to enter the Sacred Inner Chamber where the Shekinah hovered over the Mercy Seat. Nor could he approach without aton­ing blood, which he offered first of all for him­self as being but a sinful man, and also for the failures of the people.<br />The Tabernacle was actually a place of com­munion, a place of fellowship, a place of wor­ship, and a place for forgiveness of sins. The people could come freely to the gate of the Outer Court; it was always open as an invita­tion to any who needed to come. They could come into the Outer Court where Sacrifices<br /><br /> <br /><br />were made on behalf of their trespasses and sins. However, the people did not enter the Tabernacle itself, but the Priests entered on their behalf.<br />THE SERVICE OF GOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Accomplishing the Service of God,” refers to what was done there. From the Sanctuary Paul moves to the ritual. He is particularly interested in what was done on the Day of Atonement, and he uses the limi­tations attached to the High Priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies to bring home the inferi­ority of the whole Levitical system. But he begins with the Ministry of the lower Priests.<br />When the Tabernacle system was estab­lished, the Priests did their work in the first room of the Tabernacle. This included such things as burning incense (Ex. 30:7-8), set­ting out the holy loaves (Lev. 24:8-9), and trimming the lamps (Ex. 27:20-21; Lev. 24:3­4). There was a sharp distinction between the duties and place of service of the Priests and those of the Levites (Num. 18:1-7).<br />The Levites, who of course were also of the tribe of Levi, were to be under Aaron and the succeeding High Priests in any service they were allowed by Law to perform in the Taber­nacle service. They were limited to certain duties in the Tabernacle Court and around the Brazen Altar, to transporting and erecting the Tabernacle, and to some other services.<br />They were not to come near the vessels of the Sanctuary and the Golden Altar inside the Tabernacle itself. In fact, breaking the Law on this point carried the death penalty.<br />The Priests were to have charge of all Sac­rifices of the Brazen Altar and all services inside the Holy and Most Holy Places.<br />(7) “BUT INTO THE SECOND WENT THE HIGH PRIEST ALONE ONCE EVERY YEAR, NOT WITHOUT BLOOD, WHICH HE OFFERED FOR HIMSELF, AND FOR THE ERRORS OF THE PEOPLE:”<br />The construction is:<br /><br />1. The word “second” refers to the sec­ond room in the Tabernacle, which was the “Holy of Holies.”<br />2.<br />Only the High Priest was allowed in this particular room.<br /><br />3.<br />He was allowed to go in only once a year, and that on the Great Day of Atonement.<br /><br /><br />4. When he went inside this room, he had to take with him the blood of the Sacrifice, “which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.”<br />THE HOLY OF HOLIES<br /><br />The phrase, “But into the second went the High Priest alone,” refers as stated, to the “Holy of Holies,” and has great significance as it regards Christ.<br />ALONE<br /><br />As we look at this, and I speak of the Tab­ernacle Ministry being a type of Christ, let’s first of all look at the word “alone.”<br />When Jesus came to Earth, He came alone. He walked among men, but He walked alone. He went into the Garden with His three cho­sen Disciples, but He was really alone. The work He came to accomplish could be done only by Himself alone; the Redemptive Work of Jesus was done alone. “. . . He had by Himself purged our sins . . .” (Heb. 1:3).<br />No angel or any man could do what Jesus did. Nor could any assist Him. He alone bore the sin of the whole world; He alone made reconciliation.<br />Around the Cross was a multitude — but He was alone. That day when He hung on a Cross on Calvary’s hill, drops of blood flowed from His wounded hands and feet; His brow and back were bloodstained from thorns and from scourging. He cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Mat. 27:46). He felt the separation that sin brings, and He cried out in agony under sin’s bur­den (Mat. 27:50-51).<br />Alone, Jesus died for the sins of the world. Alone, He carried the sins of men. Alone, He purged, He reconciled. He became the Cap­tain of our Salvation and “the Author of Eter­nal Salvation unto all them who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9).<br />As we’ve already stated, the “Veil” signi­fied separation, emphasizing the sinfulness of man and the holiness of God; however, when Jesus died on the Cross, that Veil was rent; it was torn apart. This means that the way into the Holiest was made open; access through the Blood of Christ was now provided. No longer did anyone need to stand outside, but whoever would, could enter. The rent Veil is<br /> <br /><br />God’s way of saying, “Enter into My Pres­ence; walk with Me into the Holy of Holies.”<br />HE ALONE IS WORTHY<br /><br />As He alone paid the great price, this means that He alone is worthy! He alone has been exalted as Lord over all things, and simply because He alone paid the price. This also means, that He alone is the faithful, merci­ful, sympathetic High Priest.<br />YEARLY<br /><br />The phrase, “Once every year,” pertain­ing to the Great Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:14; 23:27), tells us several things. They are as follows:<br />1.<br />As is obvious, the way was not open for all to enter. Not even the Priests could en­ter, save only the High Priest.<br /><br />2.<br />He could only enter on one particular day each year, the Great Day of Atonement.<br /><br />3.<br />The very fact that he had to keep enter­ing each year, testifies that whatever sacrifices had been previously offered, did not suffice, and because they could not suffice. The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin.<br /><br />4.<br />The very fact that this arrangement was made, which as is obvious was imperfect, tells us that it was only temporary.<br /><br /><br />BLOOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people,” presents him going in twice on this one day.<br />Some say he actually entered three times on this day, the first time with Incense, then with the Blood of the bullock which atoned for his own sins and those of his house, and finally with the blood of the goat for the sins of the people.<br />The word “errors” is the translation of “agnoema,” and means “a sin committed through ignorance or thoughtlessness.”<br />Whenever a known sin was committed, each Israelite was to journey to the Tabernacle, or Temple for that matter, and offer up the proper sacrifice, according to the sin com­mitted. Actually, there were five different types of Sacrifices, “the Whole Burnt-Offer­ing, the Sin-Offering, the Trespass-Offering, the Peace-Offering, and the Thank-Offering.”<br />Of course, Jesus fulfilled by His one offering of Himself, all five Sacrifices.<br />However, even for the few who tried to be diligent in their service to the Lord, still there were sins of ignorance or thoughtlessness committed, which required this one great Sacrifice each year.<br />“For” in the Greek is “huper,” and speaks of “substitution.” It means “for the sake of, in behalf of.” It speaks of the substitutionary character of the Atonement. Here the blood is offered as a type pointing to the coming Atonement of our Lord.<br />THE HIGH PRIEST WITHIN<br />THE HOLY OF HOLIES<br /><br />Having made a brief reference to the struc­ture of the Tabernacle and its two compart­ments, and the furniture belonging to each of them respectively, the Apostle now turns to consider the uses for which they were de­signed in the Service of God.<br />When the things mentioned in Verses 2-5 had been made and duly ordered, they stood not for a magnificent show, but were designed for constant use in the Service of God. Hereby, we are taught that for any service to be ac­ceptable to God, it must be in strict accord with the pattern He has given us in His Word.<br />Actually, everything was fully prepared for Divine service before that service was per­formed. So in modern public services and Divine worship, there must be fit persons who, under the Spirit, are to lead it — “able Ministers of the New Testament” (II Cor. 3:6); fit arrangements and order (I Cor. 14:40), not mere human tradition (Mat. 15:9); a fit mes­sage unto edification (I Cor. 14:26) (Pink).<br />However, of all the priestly duties carried on by the many Priests in the first room of the Tabernacle, they could not at all enter the Holy of Holies, which was the second room, that being reserved for the High Priest, who alone could enter only on one particular day of the year, the Great Day of Atonement.<br />PREPARATION<br />Even though all the Priests of the Mosaic Order were types of Christ, the High Priest held a special position in this regard.<br />First of all, all High Priests were afforded very special garments. They were called “holy<br /><br /> <br /><br />garments for glory and for beauty” (Ex. 28:2). These garments were made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen (Ex. 28:5). Actually, they were designed by the Holy Spirit. All of these colors spoke of Christ in a special way: gold for deity, blue for Heaven, purple for royalty, scarlet for His Blood, and fine linen for His Perfect Righteousness.<br />However, when he went into the Holy of Holies, he was to divest himself of these beau­tiful garments, leaving only the coat made of fine linen which was worn next to the body. The fine linen as stated, speaks of the Righ­teousness and spotless purity of Christ. As well, him divesting himself of his “garments of glory and beauty,” tells us that He did not purchase our Redemption through His De­ity, but rather through His humanity, and that by dying on a Cross.<br />THE MINISTRY OF THE HIGH PRIEST<br />On this very special day of the year, the Great Day of Atonement, after the usual morning Sacrifice, the High Priest as stated, removed the beautiful robes he usually wore, and dressed himself in pure white linen gar­ments, the symbol of purity. Here is a pic­ture, also as stated, of Christ laying aside His Divine prerogatives and coming down to Earth that He might work Atonement for us.<br />First of all, the High Priest offered a bul­lock for a Sin-Offering for himself and his family. Usually this blood was poured out entirely at the base of the Brazen Altar. But on this occasion it was placed in a basin which he carried into the Holy Place. From the Brazen Altar he took coals and he ob­tained some Incense which he placed in a Censer. As he pulled aside the Veil that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Ho­lies, the smoke from the Incense upon the coals billowed up, hiding the Mercy Seat from view. If he had failed to do this, he would have died (Lev. 16:13).<br />With his finger, he took of the blood of the bullock and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat and in front of it seven times. It was only because he had blood for Atonement to present that he dared to come into the Holy of Holies.<br />After the High Priest had made Atone­ment for himself, he returned to the door of the Tabernacle. Here two goats were led be­fore him. They represented two parts of one offering, picturing the means and the results of Atonement. By casting lots, one was cho­sen to be offered upon the Altar. It was called the Lord’s goat. The other one was called the goat of the people.<br />Taking the Lord’s goat, the High Priest killed it and offered it upon the Brazen Al­tar. Then taking some of its blood, he en­tered the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of sacrifice there seven times. He also put part of that blood and the blood of the offering he had made for himself upon the Altar of Incense. Then the body of the bul­lock which had been offered for a Sin-Offer­ing was burned outside the camp.<br />A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF ATONEMENT<br />On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus became our Sin-Offering. The pouring out of His Blood on the Cross, and then Him presenting Him­self before the Father, means that He was accepted there on our behalf.<br />The Blood on the Altar of Incense, which represents intercession and worship, means that because of Jesus’ Death, we have access into the very Presence of God. Fulfilling the type perfectly, Jesus died outside the Holy City, Jerusalem, just as the animal was burned outside the camp.<br />SCAPEGOAT<br /><br />The goat for the people was called the scapegoat, and represented Christ taking our sins away.<br />At the door of the Tabernacle the High Priest laid his hands upon it and confessed the sins of the people over it. Then the scape­goat was sent away into the wilderness never to return.<br />Jesus not only died for our sins and cleansed us from them; He also sends them away, not to be remembered against us anymore. They have been put away forever. Like the Israel­ite who watched the scapegoat disappear from view, we can say, “There go my sins!”<br />In the time of all of this, when the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies, the people knew that if he were to disobey any of the provisions of God about coming into His Presence, he would die. But as they listened,<br /> <br /><br />finally they would hear the tinkling of the bells on the skirts of the garments of the High Priest, of which he had once again clothed himself, and by that they knew he was alive. The entire procession had been accepted by God, and that means that Atonement had been made.<br />After Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, He ascended on high and presented Himself to the Father. He had shed His Own Blood on our behalf. God accepted that, which means that Atonement was now made for all time and for every human being, at least those who would believe (Jn. 3:16).<br />As the people waiting anxiously outside of the Tabernacle heard the sound of the bells, likewise on the Day of Pentecost, there was heard a sound from Heaven. The com­ing of the Holy Spirit not only brought Di­vine power and joy, but also indisputable proof that Jesus was alive, and that His great Sacrifice had been accepted as full Atone­ment for man’s sins (Harris).<br />(8) “THE HOLY GHOST THIS SIGNIFY­ING, THAT THE WAY INTO THE HOLIEST OF ALL WAS NOT YET MADE MANIFEST, WHILE AS THE FIRST TABERNACLE WAS YET STANDING:”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />Paul states that the Holy Spirit is both the Divine Author of the Levitical system of worship and its Interpreter.<br /><br />2.<br />The first Tabernacle or the first room is the “Holy Place.”<br /><br />3.<br />As long as that part of the Levitical in­stitution was still in effect, Israel was to un­derstand that the way into the Presence of God had not yet been opened.<br /><br />4.<br />The division of the Tabernacle into the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies showed the limitations of the Levitical system, and kept the people from coming directly to God.<br /><br /><br />THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />The phrase, “The Holy Spirit this signify­ing,” proclaims several things:<br />1. Every single thing done on this Earth by the Godhead, with the exception of the Birth, Life, Ministry, Death, Burial, Resur­rection, and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, was done and is done exclusively by the Holy Spirit.<br />2.<br />That being the case, the Holy Spirit was both the Divine Author of the Levitical system of worship and its Interpreter.<br /><br />3.<br />The Holy Spirit is actually the Member of the Godhead Who dwelt between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies.<br /><br />4.<br />The very manner in which the Spirit designed the Levitical system portrays the fact that it was only temporary.<br /><br />5.<br />As long as the Veil stood between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, access to God was cut off.<br /><br />6.<br />Until the Cross, the Holy Spirit could not be approached, as is here painfully obvi­ous, but since the Cross, He now literally abides permanently within the hearts and lives of all Believers (Jn. 14:17).<br /><br /><br />As John recorded it, Jesus said, “For He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” And that’s exactly the way it was!<br />As we are studying here, He dwelt with Israel, but definitely not in Israel, i.e., “abid­ing permanently within their hearts and lives.” The Cross changed all of this, in that Jesus there paid the terrible sin debt, which made it possible for Believers to be justified in fact as well as theory.<br />7. The Holy Spirit is a Person, actually a Member of the Godhead, and not merely an emanation from God. In other words, the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Father is God and the Son is God (Mat. 28:19).<br />THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />Paul is demonstrating one aspect of the Holy Spirit’s Ministry in the Old Testament. It is the Ministry of the Spirit to testify of Christ; the Spirit glorifies Christ. Even in the Old Testament the Spirit used the Mo­saic system to point to the Redemptive Work of Christ.<br />Paul is showing the Reader the privilege that is now his to come boldly into the Pres­ence of God. The Saints of the Old Covenant never knew such a blessed privilege. The Believer may now draw near to God in confi­dence because of the Atonement made by Christ. We are accepted by the Father on the basis of the Finished Work of Christ.<br />Now we begin to understand the words of Jesus: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me”<br /><br /> <br /><br />(Jn. 14:6). There is no other sacrifice for sin but the sacrifice of Jesus Himself; there is no other name in which we find Salvation. The way into the Most Holy Place is by the Blood of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son.<br />THE CROSS<br /><br />So, the Holy Spirit ever points to the Cross. He did so in every Sacrifice offered. He did so in all the blood that was spilled from the Sacrifices, with it being poured out at the base of the Brazen Altar. He did so in the doctrine of the Sabbath and the Feast Days. He did so in the Rite of Circumcision. He did so in the very work of all the Priests, and especially the ministry of the High Priest. He did so in all of the apparatus of the Taber­nacle, including its furniture and sacred ves­sels, even down to the tent pegs. Everything and without exception pointed to Christ, but more particularly Who He was, and what He would do in order to redeem mankind, which was to go to the Cross.<br />That’s at least one of the reasons that many Christians come up with all type of false doctrines. They do not know the Old Testa­ment, which in effect, actually lays the foun­dation of the New Covenant, and in fact is the foundation of the New Covenant. In types and shadows and in symbolism, over and over again, the portrait of Christ is painted in the sense of Paul’s statement, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />It is the Cross and the Cross alone, which tore down the Veil that separated man from God. It was the Cross alone, which gave ac­cess into the very Holy of Holies. It was the Cross alone, which made it possible for the Holy Spirit to come in and abide permanently within the hearts and lives of all Believers. It was the Cross alone, which made it pos­sible for men and women to life victorious over the world, the flesh, and the Devil. That is God’s Way, and His Way alone!<br />When Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Fa­ther, but by Me” (Jn. 14:6), He was in effect saying, that His Way was the Cross; His Truth is the Cross; the Cross is that which provides the Life. As well, when men come to God, they must come by the way of the Cross. There is no other way.<br />Millions presently attempt to portray Jesus other than the Cross. In other words, they completely ignore Paul’s statement which said, “We preach Christ crucified” (I Cor. 1:23), thereby, presenting and preaching “an­other Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />Let the Reader understand, if it is not the Jesus of the Cross, it is pure and simple, an­other Jesus, which is the ruination of the Church.<br />Every single person in this world who has ever been saved, has been saved by the virtue of Faith expressed in Christ and what He did at the Cross on their behalf. Of course, as a believing sinner, their knowledge of Christ was very scanty. In fact, all unbelievers are spiritually dead, meaning they have no con­cept of God whatsoever, at least a concept that is Scripturally correct; consequently, the Holy Spirit has to provide Faith to them in order that they may believe, which He readily does upon presentation of the Word. But the Faith He provides is that which anchors in the Cross.<br />As well, every single victory and blessing had by any Believer after coming to Christ, is altogether obtained by and through what Jesus did at the Cross on our behalf. Faith in the Cross of Christ is the secret of all vic­tory, all overcoming strength, all power, and all blessings. It is the secret of all Spiritual Growth, all growing in grace and the knowl­edge of the Lord.<br />DECEPTION<br /><br />It is August, 2000, as I dictate these . And what I’m about to say is not said with any joy, but rather with a broken heart.<br />Due to the fact that the Church has had so little teaching on the Cross in the last sev­eral decades, any more it hardly knows where it’s been, where it is, or where it’s going. In fact, there are less people being saved at this hour, than at any time since the Reformation. Also, there are less people being Baptized with the Holy Spirit than any time since the out­pouring of the Latter Rain at the turn of the 20th Century. In fact, there are fewer people actually being healed, and that despite all the hype otherwise. As well, there is less true vic­tory within hearts and lives than ever before.<br />Why?<br /> <br /><br />It is because of a departure from the Cross, which is the foundation of the Faith (Rom., Chpts. 6, 8; Eph. Chpt. 1).<br />The Church is presently being scammed by hucksters as never before. Under the guise of “faith,” people are being separated from their money, claiming that for every dollar they give, they’re going to get many dollars back, etc. It would be ludicrous if it weren’t so sad!<br />Just two nights ago, I watched a scam art­ist over Television telling the people, God had told him that for every single dollar they give, they would get two back. The place was filled with slack-jawed gullibles waiting to be fleeced. Unfortunately, there seems to be enough greed in all of us to keep these scams going. The tragedy is, great segments of the Church think this blasphemy is actually of the Lord.<br />Then the other day I saw another Preacher over Television delivering people, and giv­ing them a word of knowledge, while the band behind him played “rap.” To cut straight through to the chase, the whole scene was one of sorcery, which means that it was ac­tually being promoted by demon spirits. But yet, the auditorium which belonged to a so-called Christian TV Network was filled with people thinking it was all of God. That’s the tragedy!<br />In such a situation, the people definitely do not leave as they came. They leave with Satan having a greater hold on them than ever. One cannot subject oneself to the operation of the spirits of darkness, even though they come under the guise of “angels of light,” and not be adversely affected (II Cor. 11:13-15).<br />On the other side of the spectrum, audi­toriums are filling up with multiple thou­sands of people, who watch the Evangelist as he produces one “trick” after the other, with various manifestations, all claiming to be of the Holy Spirit. To be sure, it is a spirit in­volved, but it’s not “the Spirit.” If it’s not Biblical, then it’s not right.<br />The Church is so easily deceived, simply because it has been lured away from its True Foundation, which is the great Sacrifice of Christ. Other things have been substituted, and these other things are destroying untold millions of souls.<br />The Holy Spirit will never deviate from the Word, and will always anchor everything He does in the Finished Work of Christ (Rom. 8:1-2). But the problem is, the Church, little knowing the true way, falls for any way that’s presented, with money being the fuel that drives this whole sordid mess. And a sordid mess it is!<br />THE WAY INTO THE HOLIEST<br />The phrase, “That the way into the holi­est of all was not yet made manifest,” pro­claims the fact, and by the Holy Spirit at that, that while the Law was in force, which in­cluded the Priesthood, Tabernacle or Temple worship, Feast Days, Sabbaths, Circumcision, etc., access to God was blocked, except in the most limited way.<br />As we’ve said repeatedly, the very means by which all of this was carried on, provided a constant, glaring reminder, that all of this was at best, a stopgap measure, meaning that it was temporary. It was merely pointing to the One Who was to come, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />Paul sees the Holy Spirit as using the pat­tern of the Tabernacle to teach important truths. The limited access into the Holy of Holies was meant to bring home the fact that ordinary men had no direct access to the Presence of God. Paul is actually saying that people get direct access to God through the Finished Work of Christ and that alone, and that before such work was accomplished there was no such access.<br />Actually the words, “the way into the ho­liest of all,” although definitely referring to the Presence of God, in the final analysis, refers to Heaven, where the true Throne of God actually is. To show you how correct this is, before the Cross, when Believers died, they didn’t go to Heaven. They were actu­ally taken down into Paradise which was ac­tually very near the burning side of Hell. Jesus said there was a great gulf that sepa­rated the two compartments (Lk. 16:26).<br />The reason that before the Cross Believ­ers could not be taken into Heaven when they died, but rather taken to the heart of the Earth, is because the sin debt still remained. In other words, due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin,<br /><br /> <br /><br />even though they had exhibited Faith in the coming Redeemer, and were, therefore, saved, still, they could not be taken into the Pres­ence of God, until the sin debt was removed.<br />When Jesus died on the Cross, thereby say­ing, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30), Matthew re­corded “the Veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Mat. 27:51). This meant that due to what Christ had done at the Cross, which was to bear the sin penalty of mankind which was death, the sin debt to God was then paid, with God im­mediately opening up access to Himself by man. As well, Jesus then went down into Hell itself, at least into the Paradise side, and Paul said, “He led captivity captive” (Eph. 4:8).<br />This means that before the Cross all the Saints were actually held captive by Satan in Paradise. To be sure, they were comforted in this state, but nevertheless captives of the Evil One. Jesus upon His Death liberated all of those righteous souls from Paradise, ac­tually making them His captives, taking them to Heaven with Him. This means the sin debt had been paid, with Satan having no more claim. The Cross did it all.<br />Now when Believers die, all instantly go to be with Christ in Heaven (Phil. 1:23).<br />So, when Paul spoke of “the way into the holiest of all not yet being made manifest,” which spoke of the time before the Cross, it had a far deeper meaning than is at first realized.<br />The Cross of Christ was a monumental thing. In fact, it addressed every single prob­lem which man had incurred upon himself as a result of the Fall. While it is true, that we do not yet have all the benefits of what Jesus did at the Cross, and will not have un­til the coming Resurrection, still, what we do have is enough to walk totally and com­pletely in victory with sin not at all having dominion over us (Rom. 6:14).<br />THE FIRST TABERNACLE<br /><br />The phrase, “While as the first Tabernacle was yet standing,” shows the limitations of the Levitical system.<br />When God rent the Veil, as stated, this was God’s object lesson to the Aaronic Priesthood that its ministry was now over, that the Temple was to be closed, that a new Priest had arisen after the order of Melchisedec. But, Israel in its apostasy, repaired the Veil and kept on of­fering sacrifices, until God in His wrath, sent Rome to destroy the City of Jerusalem and scatter His chosen people to the ends of the Roman Empire, and ultimately the Earth (Wuest).<br />The way into the Holiest of all, into Heaven itself and the Presence of God, had been opened at the Cross. As long as the old dispensation lasted, the Priests had no ac­cess into the Holiest. They went only into the first Tabernacle (Holy Place) and accom­plished the liturgical service.<br />Once a year the High Priest alone was per­mitted to enter the Sacred inner chamber where the Shekinah hovered over the Mercy Seat. Nor could he approach without aton­ing blood, which he offered first of all for him­self as being but a sinful man, and also for the failures of the people.<br />YET STANDING<br /><br />By this arrangement, the Holy Spirit was declaring the solemn fact that the way into the immediate Presence of God had not yet been made known, nor could be, so long as that first Tabernacle had any standing be­fore Him.<br />The expression “was yet standing” is mis­leading. It would suggest the way into the Holiest was not made known until the de­struction of the Temple in A.D. 70, and thus many have understood it.<br />But it clearly means that the way into the Holiest was not opened up so long as God recognized the first Tabernacle. The truth is according to the following:<br />The moment Christ Jesus died upon the Cross, the entire typical system ceased to have any standing before God. It was but a figure for a time then present, and the gifts and sacrifices offered in connection with it were simply picturing the offering up of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In themselves, they were of no real value. They could not settle the sin question and, therefore, could not perfect the consciences of those who brought them, even as we will study in the next Verse.<br />(9) “WHICH WAS A FIGURE FOR THE TIME THEN PRESENT, IN WHICH WERE OFFERED BOTH GIFTS AND SACRIFICES,<br /> <br /><br />THAT COULD NOT MAKE HIM THAT DID THE SERVICE PERFECT, AS PERTAINING TO THE CONSCIENCE;”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The word “which” refers back to the “Tabernacle” of the previous Verse.<br /><br />2.<br />“Figure” refers to a parable or symbol, which refers to the Tabernacle as an object lesson used to explain spiritual truth. As long as it remained an object lesson, thus a rec­ognized institution, it was clear that the ac­tual Tabernacle to which it pointed was not yet in use.<br /><br />3.<br />The words “in which” refer to the pre­scribed details of the Levitical ritual which included all the Sacrifices, etc.<br /><br />4.<br />These rituals could not affect the heart of man, as no ritual within itself ever does.<br /><br /><br />A FIGURE<br /><br />The phrase, “Which was a figure for the time then present,” refers to the Tabernacle being a representation of important realities, and of things which were more fully to be revealed at a future period. All of this should have been extremely obvious; but at the same time, it is admittedly much easier to look at something after the fact, than to do so from a future perspective. However, there was no excuse for Israel not knowing and under­standing all of this after Jesus had come and began His Ministry. They didn’t accept Him as the Messiah, because they didn’t want to accept Him as the Messiah. They were look­ing for someone to satisfy their own sinful lusts, instead of the One Whom the Bible had predicted. Had they bothered to investigate His Life and Ministry according to the Scrip­tures, the evidence would have been irrefut­able. But like so many, they saw only what they wanted to see and heard only what they wanted to hear.<br />In fact, by the time of Christ, the religious leadership of Israel had so perverted the Law and even the rudiments of the Temple, that it now held little resemblance to that which was originally given to Moses by God. The reli­gious leadership of the nation now used the great Law to enrich themselves, to put forth their own agenda, in other words, to use it for their purposes. Its true meaning had long since been forgotten.<br />GIFTS AND SACRIFICES<br />The phrase, “In which were offered both Gifts and Sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience,” portrays the weakness of the First Covenant. These Gifts and Sacrifices could not make the worshipper perfect so far as his conscience was concerned. The word “perfect” in the Greek is “teleios” which does not mean sinless, but rather complete, finished. The word described that which needed noth­ing to make it what it should be — complete.<br />The Levitical ritual as such did not touch the conscience. In fact, no ritual in itself ever does. There was nothing in it that should deal with conscience. Only the working of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God and the efficacy of the Blood of the Messiah could do that.<br />The Holy Spirit did in Old Testament Times deal as He does today with the consciences of men, but the Salvation which He applied under the Levitical system found its source in the New Testament Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus. In other words, there was no salva­tion in the Sacrifices, as there could be no Salvation in such. Salvation was found in the Believer having Faith in What and Whom the Sacrifices represented, namely the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He would do at the Cross, of which the Sacrifices were typical.<br />Therefore, while operating under the ju­risdiction of the First Testament, God was giving Salvation to the First Testament Be­liever by virtue of that which would be ac­complished through the New Testament. Since the First Testament could not do that which the New Testament did, it was set aside in favor of the New Testament, even as it had to be! And this is actually the argument of the Book of Hebrews (Wuest).<br />The old system could not bring Israel, or anyone else for that matter, to the Heavenly purpose God had for them.<br />THE LAW<br />The Old Covenant — the Tabernacle, the Sacrifices, the Priesthood — was “imposed upon Israel until the time of Reformation.” The Mosaic order was placed upon them un­til the New Covenant could be established in<br /><br /> <br /><br />Christ, and until all that which had been sym­bolized in the Old could be fulfilled in Christ.<br />Of necessity, the Law was a burden and a weight to them with its many commands, its gifts, sacrifices, meats, drinks, diverse washings, and carnal ordinances. No person was ever justified before God by doing any of the things required by the Law, for the simple reason, that rituals and ceremonies cannot cleanse the heart of the sinner. How won­derful it is presently that we may worship Him, not under the bondage and weight of legalism, but in spirit and in truth.<br />We need no longer worship in shadows. We no longer serve in examples, but we have moved from the realm of symbols into the reality of the freedom of Christ, the Minister of the Heavenly Sanctuary of which the earthly was only a figure.<br />A TABERNACLE IN HEAVEN?<br /><br />We do know there is a literal Temple in Heaven (Rev. 3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 14:15, 17; 15:1-8; 16:1, 17).<br />John did say regarding his vision on the Isle of Patmos, “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it” (Rev. 21:22).<br />But what John was actually saying per­tained to the fact of going to a temple to wor­ship, as in the earthly Temple at Jerusalem. God and the Lamb, i.e., “the Lord Jesus Christ,” will be visibly present among men forever, with worship continuing forever (Rev. 22:3-5).<br />But yet, according to John’s statement, there is a sense in which Christ is all of these things. In other words, He is the Brazen Al­tar, the Brazen Laver, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, etc.<br />We do know that John also saw in his vi­sion regarding Heaven, “the Ark of His Tes­tament,” which is in the Temple in Heaven<br />— the Ark incidentally, after which Moses patterned his Ark of the Covenant (Heb. 8:5; 9:23; Rev. 11:19).<br />As a part of this vision, John also men­tioned that he saw Christ standing “in the midst of the seven candlesticks” (Rev. 1:12­13). Whether that exactly means that there is a literal Golden Lampstand in Heaven, we aren’t exactly told. We do know that John also said that the Golden Candlesticks or Lampstands, represented the seven Churches which Jesus would address; however, that within itself doesn’t negate the idea of a lit­eral Lampstand in Heaven. He does give us another clue by saying, “And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5). There is some evidence that this is the same Golden Lampstand of Revelation 1:13.<br />As well, the “Golden Vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the Saints,” in some way resembled the Altar of Incense, which John also saw (Rev. 5:8). This in a sense is seen again in Revelation 8:3, but this time held in the hands of an Angel.<br />Consequently, I think at least in some crude way, that one could say that the wilderness Tabernacle was a pattern of the one in Heaven. There is a Sanctuary in Heaven that corresponds to the earthly Tabernacle. The earthly Tabernacle furnishes us with some of the geography of Heaven.<br />The Reader must understand, that sin has not only entered the human family on this Earth, but considering that one-third of the angels fell with Lucifer in his great revolu­tion against God, it extends to the whole cre­ation of God, even to Heaven itself. No, this doesn’t mean there is sin in Heaven; but it does mean that Heaven has been greatly af­fected by that which happened in the date­less past.<br />It seems from what little at least we can understand, that God evidently abides in a Heavenly Tabernacle in order to protect the creation from His Holiness. If God dealt only in Righteousness and Justice, He would be forced to destroy in judgment His universe and creatures touched by sin. This Heav­enly Tabernacle sets forth His Redemption by the Blood of Christ.<br />Paul said, “And, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him I say, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven” (Col. 1:20).<br />If God dealt only in Righteousness, He would destroy in judgment His universe and<br /> <br /><br />creatures touched by sin, but the Heavenly Tabernacle makes it possible for God in Righ­teousness to salvage His creation. In this Tab­ernacle, Jesus is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. When He died on the Cross, He ascended by the virtue of His shed Blood into the Heavenly Tabernacle.<br />THE SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM<br /><br />The whole system of the Mosaic Covenant was to provide a means by which sinful man might approach a holy God. This was to be done by means of a sacrificial system, through various types of offerings. By this means men learned the proper way to approach God, and they also found Atonement for their sins.<br />Looking at all of this from a naturalistic viewpoint, the Sacrifices are a glory spectacle; however, a Spirit-guided inspection of these Offerings will unveil some of the great prin­ciples of God’s dealings with men and will lead us into the Holy of Holies of Scriptural truth.<br />The principle in back of the offerings is this: man is doomed as a sinner, and yet God has planned to save him. The Law of God is that sin brings death, yet God has provided a way of escape.<br />There is one life that has not been forfeited, because it belongs to Christ, Who never sinned. Therefore, His life is accepted by God in place of the sinner’s life, at least upon Faith evidenced by the sinner in Christ and what He did at the Cross on the sinner’s behalf.<br />THE BLOOD<br /><br />Moses said, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the Altar to make an Atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an Atonement for the soul” (Lev. 17:11).<br />Paul said, “And without shedding of blood is no remission,” (Heb. 9:22).<br />The Blood, as is obvious, assumes a very important part in all of this. The Hebrew word “kaphar,” translated “Atonement,” shows its significance. It literally means, “to cover.” The Blood of Christ acts as a screen which hides sin from God’s eyes, so He does not visit judgment on the soul that has been covered by the Blood. Of course, the Blood of Jesus does even more, cleansing the heart from sin. In the Old Testament economy, the Blood only covered, while under the New Testament economy, which is all in Christ, the Blood not only covers but also cleanses, in effect, doing away with the sin as though it never existed.<br />Though the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament covered sin, they could not take it away. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). An animal, incapable of inde­pendent thought and moral feeling, was not a perfect sacrifice for man. Furthermore, the work of Atonement in which the animal was involved was not a voluntary and personal act of the animal, which would be obvious.<br />The value of the animal sacrifices as or­dained by God was the fact that they pointed forward to the coming of a Perfect Sacrifice, One foreordained before the foundation of the world. They all foreshadowed the com­ing of Christ, Who would give Himself for the sins of mankind.<br />(10) “WHICH STOOD ONLY IN MEATS AND DRINKS, AND DIVERS WASHINGS, AND CARNAL ORDINANCES, IMPOSED ON THEM UNTIL THE TIME OF REFORMATION.”<br />The exposition is:<br />1.<br />The Old Covenant sacrifices were car­nal, temporary, and powerless to cleanse from sin.<br /><br />2.<br />However, these rites and Ceremonies were commanded by Divine authority, as proper representations of the Gospel system, which would come and rectify all things.<br /><br />3.<br />“The time of reformation,” refers to the New Covenant which was to come, and which did come, and which is Christ.<br /><br /><br />RITUALS AND CEREMONIES<br />The phrase, “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances,” refers to the entirety of the Lev­itical system.<br />To go into detail as to the meaning of these things would be pointless. Even though they were then necessary to accomplish, the truth was, all of these rituals could not forgive one single sin or save one single soul, and nei­ther were they meant to do so. In themselves, they were of no real value.<br />They could not settle the sin question and, therefore, could not perfect the consciences of those who brought them. The idea is this:<br /><br /> <br /><br />The many ordinances in connection with meats and drinks and different washings, whether of persons or things, in fact all the fleshly observances which were connected with the First Covenant, were only intended to serve a temporary purpose and to be in force until the time of reformation; that is, until Christ by His Death and Resurrection fulfilled them all and brought in the present new and glorious dispensation of the Grace of God.<br />The moment Christ died upon the Cross, the entire typical system ceased to have any standing before God. It was but a figure for a time then present, and the gifts and sacri­fices offered in connection with it, were sim­ply picturing the offering up of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In other words, all of these things were only meant to portray in symbolic form that which was to come. It was faith in what they represented that caused one to be saved, and not the ac­tual carrying out of the rituals or ceremonies.<br />Paul uses the phrase, “carnal ordinances,” which refers to religious ceremonies that touched man’s body, but went no further. They were as powerless as modern “sacraments.”<br />MODERN RELIGIOUS RITUALS<br /><br />Unfortunately, the problem of dependence on rituals and ceremonies did not die with the old Mosaic Law. It is just as prevalent pres­ently as then.<br />Millions of people have joined Churches, in effect going through a ritual, which within itself is no harm, but dependence on that for Salvation in fact is great harm. And that’s the whole idea! It really doesn’t matter what it is.<br />If the Israelites of old placed their faith solely and completely in these “divers washings” and “carnal ordinances,” the simple fact was, they couldn’t be saved. As already stated, it was only by understanding what these things represented, and having proper faith in that symbolism, which was Christ, which afforded Salvation. It is the same presently.<br />To attempt to enumerate all of the many things in which men presently place their faith would be too cumbersome. Suffice to say, if we place our Faith in anything other than Jesus Christ and what He did for us at the Cross, we will not find that for which we seek. Salvation is only in Christ and His Fin­ished Work. One can say the same for a vic­torious walk in Christ after Salvation.<br />The only way that one can walk in vic­tory, meaning that sin will not have domin­ion over him, is to place his Faith exclusively in the Cross of Christ, understanding it was there that provision was made for all things. When the Believer does this, and in fact, con­tinues to do this even on a daily basis (Lk. 9:23), then the Holy Spirit will mightily help the Believer, Whose help incidentally we must have (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />Our difficulty is, we think the doing of spiri­tual things automatically constitutes “walk­ing after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). It isn’t and it doesn’t!<br />Doing spiritual things, as good and noble as that might be, does not constitute Faith in Christ and Him Crucified, which is an ab­solute requirement if we are to have what we must have from the Lord. But regretta­bly, that’s where most of the modern Church presently finds itself.<br />Satan doesn’t care how many Preachers lay hands on you, or how much you are “slain in the Spirit,” etc. He knows if your faith is in those things, that even though those things within themselves are Scriptural and real and will afford Blessings, still, you’re not going to find victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, by these methods.<br />The Reader is not to think that we’re de­meaning manifestations or anything that pertains to the Lord, just as Paul was not demeaning the rituals and ceremonies re­quired in the Law of Moses. In fact, and as stated, all of these things were given by God, even as many modern things are of the Lord; however, the idea is, if Christians place their Faith in these things, which most do, not really understanding that all they receive from the Lord comes by and through what Jesus did at the Cross, then they will not re­ally receive that for which they seek.<br />To be sure, Satan is very subtle! He doesn’t really care how religious you actually are. He doesn’t really mind your involvement in all type of religious or even spiritual things, just so long as you do not exhibit proper faith in the Finished Work of Christ. Much of the<br /> <br /><br />modern Church, ignorant of God’s prescribed order of victory and life, look to other means, which always brings disappointment.<br />This is one of the reasons that when Chris­tians hear about something which is supposed to be happening in a certain place followed by particular manifestations, thousands flock to the site. While that which is happening may truly be of God, that doesn’t mean that vic­tory will be achieved by one involving them­selves in what is actually taking place.<br />If a Christian doesn’t understand the Cross and how it involves itself in our daily walk before God (Lk. 9:23), then spiritual prob­lems of one nature or the other will plague that particular Christian. In fact, that is the case with almost all of Christendom pres­ently! Then to find relief in respect to these situations, which pertain to victory in one capacity or the other, they resort to things which, although Scriptural within them­selves, do not turn out to be the victory for which they had hoped.<br />VICTORY<br /><br />Victory is not something we get by doing, but rather we do by getting. No, that’s not a mere play on words.<br />Victory is ours by getting it from Christ. And we get it simply by exhibiting Faith in His great Sacrifice. It’s not earned or mer­ited, it is rather all in Christ.<br />When convicted by the Spirit, the human heart cries out to God; however, that cry is not satisfied by being religious or doing reli­gion, it is only satisfied in Christ.<br />I watch Christians stumble from one sce­nario to the other, and to be sure, it is pain­ful to observe. And I think the reason that it’s so painful, is because I’ve been there. Conse­quently, I know the frustration which always leads to fear. I know what it is to work and labor, and then to think, maybe if I’ll just do more, this will bring that for which I seek.<br />Many may think that Christians don’t fol­low this path. But the truth is, almost all of Christendom is doing exactly that. We think the more we do, that somehow it earns something with God. We should understand the following:<br />God has nothing for sale. So that means we cannot earn anything as it regards the Lord, and neither can we merit anything. It doesn’t really matter what we do or how hard we work at it, it doesn’t buy us anything with God.<br />God works strictly on the principle of Faith. And by that, we mean Faith placed exclu­sively in Christ and Him Crucified. If the Believer thinks of Christ in any other man­ner or way other than what Christ did at the Cross, then the Believer is misunderstand­ing Christ. While Christ is many things, we must never forget that it was the Cross that set us free.<br />That’s the reason that Jesus is referred to in the Book of Revelation some 28 times as “the Lamb.” In fact, He is referred to accord­ingly some seven times in the last two Chap­ters of Revelation, which speak of the per­fect age to come.<br />Upon the arrival of that time, there will be no more sin, no more Satan, no more failure, and no more disobedience or rebellion toward God. All of those things are now past, with nothing remaining except Righteousness. And yet, Christ is referred to even in this at­mosphere some seven times as a “Lamb.”<br />Why?<br />The reasons should be obvious. The Holy Spirit wants us to understand that this great Salvation which every Saint has and will have, and will enjoy forever, and in a glory and splendor which absolutely defies description, was all purchased by such a great price. We must never forget that, and the Holy Spirit refers to Christ as the “Lamb” in order that we not forget that.<br />And if the Holy Spirit wants the entirety of eternity future to understand that all was acquired by what Jesus did at the Cross, doesn’t it stand to reason that it is to be the centrality of the Gospel presently? The Mes­sage is, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23). We must never forget that, un­derstanding that this is the source of all things that comes from God to us.<br />THE TIME OF REFORMATION<br />The phrase, “Imposed on them until the time of Reformation,” refers to the entirety of the Law being fulfilled by Christ, and thereby set aside, with the New Covenant taking its place, which is perfect in every re­spect (Heb. 13:20).<br /><br /> <br /><br />To be sure, these ordinances were of value in order to introduce the better system; how­ever, they were not adapted to purify the con­science and remove the stains of guilt from the soul, simply because they could not do so. The fact of sin was too terrible and the damage was too great for these things to an­swer that problem. It took the Blood of Christ to do that!<br />The idea is, the First Testament never was satisfactory, so far as offering a sacrifice that could pay for sin was concerned. It could not actually in itself save the Believer. It only pointed to the One Who could save, and that was the One to Whom all the Sacrifices and rituals pointed, namely Christ.<br />The idea is not that these things were bad. In fact, they were all given by God and for specific reasons. They presented a stopgap measure which would suffice until Christ came. Actually, the Law was intended to do many things, but it was never intended to save, but merely point to the One Who could save. When Christ came, the Law had served its purpose, and was now laid aside.<br />The problem was never with the Law, but rather with Israel who tried to make Salva­tion out of its rituals and ceremonies. And now during Paul’s day, Christian Jews were still trying to hang onto the Law, along with Christ, with some even repudiating Christ altogether and going back totally into Law and ritual worship, which of course, would spell doom to the soul. In fact, this is the reason for the writing of the entirety of the Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />(11) “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;”<br />The composition is:<br /><br />1.<br />Christ has now come, to Whom the Law had pointed.<br /><br />2.<br />He was not a mere human being born in the midst of humanity. He came from outside of humanity and incorporated Him­self with humankind through the Virgin Birth. He came from another world. (Wuest)<br /><br />3.<br />“Good things to come,” should have been translated “of the good things realized.”<br /><br /><br />4.<br />Christ was the True High Priest, to which the Levitical order had always pointed.<br /><br />5.<br />The more perfect Tabernacle was His Personal Body; however, it represented the heavenlies, that is, the Throne of God.<br /><br />6.<br />The Tabernacle of which He speaks is not of this Earth. It is all Heavenly.<br /><br /><br />CHRIST HAS COME<br /><br />The phrase, “But Christ being come,” speaks of an advent.<br />The little word “but” is the pivot upon which all the argument swings. Paul speaks of Messiah “being come.” The Greek word is “paraginomai,” which means, “to become alongside,” thus, “to arrive upon the scene,” here the human scene. As stated, it speaks here of an advent.<br />Christ was not a mere human being born in the midst of humanity. He came from out­side of humanity and incorporated Himself with humankind through the Virgin Birth. He came from another world. He in total was the prediction of the Prophets, actually the One promised by God at the very outset of the Fall in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15). Of course, when we speak of Christ coming, we’re speak­ing of the Incarnation, God becoming man.<br />HIGH PRIEST<br /><br />The phrase, “An High Priest,” is now pre­sented by the Apostle to show how marvel­ously the One offering of our Lord Jesus Christ transcends all the types and shadows of old. He is both High Priest and Victim.<br />As High Priest “of the good things real­ized,” Whose Ministry is linked with a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, that is, with the eternal dwelling place of God, He has by the presentation of His Blood (by it being shed at the Cross) entered in once for all into the Ho­liest on the basis of an accomplished Redemp­tion. His work abides eternally before God.<br />Because of the infinite value of His pre­cious Blood, He has fully met all the claims of Divine Justice and thus secured eternal Redemption.<br />THE GOOD THINGS REALIZED<br /><br />The phrase, “Of good things to come,” as stated, should have been translated, “of the good things realized.”<br /> <br /><br />Even though some of the things that Jesus accomplished by His Death and Res­urrection await the coming general Resur­rection, still, as it regards the Blessings al­ready attained, these are grand and many. Because of Christ, we now have free approach to God, a better Covenant, personal commun­ion with God, along with the purging of the conscience. Actually, there is no limit to what Christ has done for us at the Cross, and as well, which is realized presently within our hearts and lives.<br />Above all of this one might say, the advent of the Holy Spirit, Who abides permanently within our hearts and lives, is of such bless­ing as to defy all description (Jn. 14:16-17).<br />The multitude of carnal ordinances that had been placed upon Israel were only tem­porary. All the blessings of the Old Testa­ment rested upon obedience to the Law, yet no one could keep the Law perfectly. All sinned; all came short of the Glory of God.<br />The Old Covenant was ineffective; it could not produce an inward change that would enable man to obey the commandments set down by God.<br />The Old Economy produced despair. But Paul showed his readers hope: “Christ . . . High Priest of good things now realized.” The New Covenant brought new and eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and the indwelling Presence of God. It is a New Covenant in which God places His Laws in men’s hearts; He writes them on our hearts and minds.<br />It was the tragedy of all tragedies, that Is­rael did not recognize Him when He came. There was no reason for this, considering that the Prophets of old had perfectly pro­claimed Who He would be, and how and what He would be. What Israel wanted was not what Israel needed! They wanted money, place, position, and, oh yes, to be the great­est nation in the world once again. A Mes­siah of that stripe, which the Word of God did not proclaim concerning the First Ad­vent, they would have accepted. In fact, they will accept the Antichrist when he makes his debut, all in the same spirit. It will prove to be the worst mistake they’ve ever made, other than the Crucifixion of Christ.<br />Unfortunately, much of the modern Church follows down the same path. It doesn’t want Christ Who makes one holy and righteous, but rather a Christ who will give them money.<br />God help us!<br />A GREATER TABERNACLE<br />The phrase, “By a greater and more per­fect tabernacle,” presents the contrast of Christ with the Tabernacle of old.<br />As the Apostle has already said, the first Tabernacle could not cleanse from sin and thereby assuage the guilt, but the new Tab­ernacle could.<br />The new Tabernacle is Christ, as proven by the statements of Verse 12. While as well it definitely does pertain to the Throne of God; nevertheless, it is Christ Who had made it possible for all Believers to enter that Holy of Holies. To picture only the Throne with­out Christ does great violence to the entirety of the Finished Work of the Savior. In effect, Christ is all in all, i.e., “everything.”<br />NOT OF THIS BUILDING<br />The phrase, “Not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building,” refers to the fact that the great Plan of God is entirely of God and not at all of man.<br />While man did have a part in the building and erection of the first Tabernacle, man has no part in this one whatsoever. The idea is, by the means of the shedding of His Own Blood (not the blood of animals), has Christ entered the holiest of all, into the Presence of God. This is an emphatic way of saying that He has won for His people an effective Salva­tion in that it has nothing to do with earthly sacrifices.<br />HANDS<br />The problem that the Lord has with all of us is the problem of “hands!” What do we mean by that?<br />We’re speaking of man putting his hands into the great Plan of God and thereby chang­ing it, which makes it ineffective. That’s the great problem of the Church, as it has always been the great problem of the Church.<br />Preachers claim that one has to be bap­tized in water to be saved. They seem not to realize that this negates faith in the Fin­ished Work of Christ. This is man putting<br /><br /> <br /><br />his meddlesome hands into the great Work of God.<br />When this is done, it has the “trickle down effect,” on everything that pertains to the Lord. For instance, if there is failure of any kind on the part of a Preacher, most Denomi­nations, if not all, instead of continuing to trust Christ, once again put their “hands” into the mix. Almost without exception, a dog and pony show of some nature is prescribed, which must be ridiculous in the eyes of God. Oh yes, I must quickly add that these rules are changed quite often. That demands a question: If in fact such rules are Scriptural to begin with, how can they be changed? The truth is, men love to make rules and force other men to obey them, and religious men love to do so most of all!<br />PERSONAL HANDS<br /><br />The biggest problem for the Child of God, at least as it regards walking in victory, is not knowing God’s prescribed order of vic­tory, which is Faith in the Cross of Christ, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit. Not knowing this, we resort to the efforts of our “own hands,” so to speak! As I’ve already said several times, we do spiritual things, and we think that this is what brings whatever it is that we need.<br />The Truth is, we turn these things into the efforts and labors of our own hands, which God can never honor. In fact, trying to bring about victory other than by trusting in what Christ has already done on our behalf, is sin! I realize that’s a blunt statement, but it is true.<br />I had a young Preacher say to me some time ago, “When I have trouble with the world, the flesh, or the Devil, I go on a three-day fast, and that solves my problem.”<br />While fasting is definitely Scriptural, it is not Scriptural in this fashion. If that’s what it took to walk in victory, then Jesus didn’t pay it all at the Cross, and there are other things which need to be added.<br />No! This young man was turning a per­fectly Scriptural principle into “works,” i.e., “hands,” which is always wrong in the sight of God.<br />Not knowing the victory of the Cross — this is a world that I lived in for years, which brought untold sorrow to this Evangelist.<br />But Grace upon Grace, the Lord showed me that this great life lived in Christ, is “not made with hands,” but is totally and com­pletely of Christ. The day the Holy Spirit revealed this to me, and then as well told me that all victory was in the Cross, was the greatest day of my life other than the day I was saved and the day I was baptized with the Holy Spirit.<br />Having walked the path made by the hands of men, and having lived in a building made by the hands of men, I want no more of that direction. Therefore, I say with the Psalm­ist, “Through Thy precepts I get understand­ing: therefore I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:104).<br />(12) “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.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />The blood of bulls and goats under the First Covenant could never take away sin.<br /><br />2.<br />By His Own Blood, which was blood of a unique kind, He purchased our Redemption.<br /><br /><br />3. His One Sacrifice is sufficient for all time.<br />4.<br />His Sacrifice opened up the way to the Holy of Holies, i.e., “the Throne of God,” to which all can come, who will place their faith and trust in Christ and His Cross.<br /><br />5.<br />This which He did, “obtained eternal Redemption for us.”<br /><br /><br />THE BLOOD OF GOATS AND CALVES<br />The phrase, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves,” proclaims by the fact of the con­tinued need of more sacrifices, that such were not effective. It is estimated that approxi­mately one billion sacrifices were offered up during the approximately 1,600 years of the Law. Josephus, the Jewish Historian, says that as many as 250,000 lambs were offered up during the Passover week when Jesus was cru­cified. As well, that was typical of most Pass­overs. Also, there was a constant stream of individual sacrifices carried on perpetually.<br />The Reader, however, is not to think that these particular sacrifices were of no value. While it is true they couldn’t take away sins, still, they were symbols of the One Who was to come. Also, they served to atone or cover<br /> <br /><br />the sins of men, even though they could not take them away. This fact alone is extremely important; therefore, we must not minimize the blessing of the covering of sin which then existed. This made it possible for God to commune with His people, at least in a lim­ited fashion, and as well was a portend of that which was to come.<br />THE BLOOD OF CHRIST<br /><br />The phrase, “But by His Own Blood,” pre­sents the price that was paid.<br />The moment the Blood of Christ was shed upon the Cross, its efficacy was recognized in Heaven, thus answering to the sprinkling of the blood upon the Mercy Seat. But, spiri­tually speaking, it is not only seen as sprinkled upon the Throne of God, but also upon the Believer, who is thus purged from all un­cleanness.<br />There is a great distinction set forth in these Verses, which is exactly what Paul in­tends. Not only was the Ministry of the New Covenant carried out in a different Taber­nacle, but also the Blood that had been of­fered was different.<br />In the case of Aaron’s Priests, it was the blood of goats and calves. In the case of Christ, it was His Own Blood. Now the ef­fectiveness of our Lord’s Blood rested not in the mere fact that it was human blood, but in that it was the Holy Blood of God’s Son. It was Blood that had flowed in the veins of One Who was, as to His humanity, sinless. But He was also Divine; He was God mani­fested in the flesh; therefore, the Blood of the New Covenant was more efficacious than that of the Old.<br />This was the only Blood that the High Court of Heaven would accept as valid Atone­ment or payment for sin one might say. It was the Sacrificial Blood of the Son of God. And by the word “Sacrificial,” or “Sacrifice,” we are referring to that which was offered freely. In other words, Jesus was not executed and in effect, no one killed Him. He pur­posely and freely breathed out His Own life in Sacrifice for dying humanity.<br />THE BLOOD ON THE MERCY SEAT<br /><br />When we speak of the Blood of Christ be­ing applied to the Mercy Seat of Heaven, we are not to understand that our Lord took His physical Blood into Heaven. That didn’t happen! The Precious Blood of Christ was poured out at the Cross and dripped onto the Earth. But because He shed His Blood, He was able to enter into the very Throne Room of Heaven itself, having accomplished Salvation by the giving of Himself. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father. His is the exalted, bloodless, glorified body which is an eternal testimony that all sin, past, present, and future, has been atoned, at least for all who will believe (Jn. 3:16).<br />Some translations import the idea of Christ as taking His Blood into Heaven itself. They claim this from one translation that says, “taking not the blood of goats and calves but His Own Blood”; however, this is quite un­warranted. The Greek does not say this.<br />The translation is objectionable because it implies that Christ’s atoning work was not completed on the Cross, but that He still had to do some atoning act in Heaven like the earthly High Priest who took the blood into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement.<br />However, the manner in which Paul makes these statements tells us, that what Christ did on the Cross was final. It needed no supple­ment. Jesus fully, totally, and completely paid the price at the Cross, which means there was nothing else to be done.<br />In fact, the price was so complete at the Cross, that God immediately ripped the Veil in the Temple from top to bottom, com­pletely opening up the way to the Holy of Holies, which meant the work is now done (Mat. 27:51).<br />This completely shoots down the falla­cious doctrine, claiming that Jesus died spiri­tually on the Cross, actually taking upon Himself the nature of Satan, and then went to Hell as a sinner. This doctrine also claims that after being in Hell for a period of time, He then threw off the shackles, and was “born again” as any sinner is Born-Again, etc. And by having faith in that, people are saved.<br />That particular doctrine is an abomina­tion. There is not one single shred of Scrip­tural proof regarding this erroneous subject. Jesus did not pay for your Redemption in Hell. He paid for it at the Cross, and did so by the shedding of His Own Precious Blood.<br /><br /> <br /><br />In fact, the Resurrection of Christ after the Cross was a given. Jesus had atoned for all sin. Inasmuch as the wages of sin is death, and all sin had been atoned, Satan, death, and Hell had no claim whatsoever on Christ. In fact, if there had been one single sin unatoned, Christ could not have risen from the dead. But God raised Him from the dead, because in fact, all sin had been atoned, and had been done so by the Blood of Christ.<br />THE RESURRECTION<br /><br />Many Christians are fond of talking about themselves as “Resurrection people.” In a sense, that is so; however, most of the time when they say this, they are ignoring the Cross, or even demeaning the Cross. I would remind the Reader of the following:<br />Paul said, “But God forbid that I should glory (boast), save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by Whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).<br />I remind the Reader that Paul didn’t say, “But God forbid that I should glory (boast), save in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,” etc. While of course, the Resurrec­tion of Christ was of extreme significance, that goes without saying; however, everything that we have today in the realm of Salvation and Blessings, comes entirely by and through what Jesus did at the Cross, and by no other means.<br />As well, it must be understood, that when Jesus shed His Life’s Blood, it was not for Him­self — for He had no sin — but it was for others, in fact the entirety of humanity, who definitely was polluted with sin. But faith in the atoning work of Christ on the Cross, re­moves the sin and the guilt, and in truth, is the only thing that can remove the sin and the guilt (I Jn. 1:7).<br />ONCE<br /><br />The phrase, “He entered in once into the Holy Place,” proclaims Christ doing what no other Priest had done. He offered a Sacri­fice that was complete; thereby the Heavenly Tabernacle was opened to Him.<br />Actually, He might have entered Heaven at any moment during His Perfect Life; He could have gone back to His Father, for He was always pleasing to Him. Yet, had He done so, not one single soul would have been redeemed. He had to willingly offer Himself as a Lamb without spot or blemish. Though He was the sinless One, our sins were laid on Him; He was made to be sin for us, which means to take the penalty of sin, which He did. Only after He had accomplished Eter­nal Redemption did He return to His Father.<br />When He did return, He went into God’s Presence for us with only one claim on our behalf: His shed Blood. His Blood was the witness that, in the Person of our Substi­tute, Divine wrath and judgment had been endured on our behalf. Now, according to our Faith in His Finished Work, we might come near to God, having been brought nigh by the Blood of Christ. There is now Rec­onciliation and Peace because of our great High Priest.<br />The very word, “once” states that what He did, will never have to be done again. His One Sacrifice was sufficient for all people, for all time, in essence for all eternity. There can be no repetition, simply because there doesn’t need to be a repetition. The work is final; the work is done!<br />THE HOLY PLACE<br /><br />Once again we emphasize, that Christ didn’t go into Heaven with His Blood in a basin or a container of sorts and apply it to the original Mercy Seat. Actually, the “Holy Place,” as Paul here describes it, is the Throne of God.<br />The idea is, that He entered Heaven after His Resurrection and appeared at the Throne, where He is now seated by the right hand of Majesty (Heb. 1:3). His Blood having been shed for sin is now the ground of His plead­ing and intercession for the pardon of sin. It is not something that He must continue to do, but the fact of His very appearance there guarantees all that we have said.<br />While there is an Ark of the Covenant in Heaven (Rev. 11:19), there is nothing in Scripture that says that He literally applied literal Blood to the Mercy Seat. In a sense, He is the Mercy Seat, exactly as He is the Ark. As such, He serves as our Mercy, or the means by which we have mercy extended to us, and as well He is the satisfier of the Law, which pertained to the Ark of the Covenant, i.e., “the Law.”<br /> <br /><br />ETERNAL REDEMPTION<br /><br />The phrase, “Having obtained Eternal Re­demption for us,” proclaims what was accom­plished by the giving of Himself on the Cross.<br />“Redemption” in the Greek is “lutrosis,” and is from the Greek “lutroo,” which means “a ransoming, or a ransom price of redemp­tion; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price.”<br />Let the Reader understand, that the ran­som was paid to God and not Satan. It was to God that the terrible sin debt was owed. It was God Whom man had offended. Man owes Satan nothing, and for sure, God owes Satan nothing.<br />The ransom was a price that man could not pay due to the fact of it being so high; therefore, God paid the ransom Himself, in the giving of His Only Son, Who suffered on the Cross, which thereby paid the price.<br />As well, the Greek word “lutroo,” means that such a price was paid, that no creature in eternity future, be he demon, devil, An­gel, or man will ever be able to say that the price was insufficient. The word “eternal” guarantees that the price stands good forever. It is eternal in its merit and efficacy.<br />UNCONDITIONAL ETERNAL SECURITY<br /><br />Some would attempt to take the word “eternal” as it refers to Redemption and force it into a meaning that Paul did not proclaim here.<br />Redemption, as afforded by Christ, pre­sents a perfect Redemption, and thereby will never need amendment. This means that it will stand forever; however, man’s possession of it is eternal only upon continued faith. So, the word “eternal” refers to Redemption as here plainly stated, and as well to posses­sion of Redemption.<br />There are certain conditions one must meet to get this Eternal Redemption, and cer­tain conditions that one must meet in order to keep this Eternal Redemption (Jn. 6:27).<br />To cut through all the theology, and to go to the very reason for which this Epistle to the Hebrews was written, the key ingredient is Faith. The Lord doesn’t overthrow His chil­dren because of sin. Calvary addressed that; however, in no way does that mean that sin is to be looked at with impudence. The facts are, no true Christian wants to sin, and in fact, every true Christian hates sin (Rom. 7:15). Any so-called Christian who sins with impunity, and continues to claim Christ, is simply fooling himself. In other words, that person is not saved, despite their claims.<br />It is true, that there are many Christians who are in fact bound by sin, and because they do not know God’s prescribed order of victory, which is the Cross. But still, those people whomever they might be, and to be frank, they number the vast majority of Christendom, hate the sin that dominates them, and actually continue to try to break out of its grip, although attempting to do so in the wrong way. These people are saved, even though not walking in victory, and for the reasons given.<br />As should be obvious, I’m not speaking of those particular Christians, but rather those who profess Christ, but with whom there’s never been a change within their lives. In other words, it’s business as usual. These people number into the millions, and as stated, aren’t saved, and in fact have never been saved.<br />As long as a Christian continues to evi­dence Faith in Christ, that person is saved. But if they lose their Faith in Christ, even as some of these Hebrews were doing, hence the writing of this Epistle, then one can lose their way and lose their soul.<br />The Lord never throws a person over for any cause or reason, who continues to have Faith in Him. But when an individual ceases to have Faith in Christ and His Finished Work, there is no basis on which God can continue to deal with that person (Heb. 6:4-6).<br />Some would attempt to claim that no true Christian would do such a thing; however, once again we go to the Book of Hebrews. The entirety of this Epistle was written by Paul addressing this very problem. These particular Jews definitely were Christians. Paul, as previously stated, refers to them as “Brethren.” In fact, he refers to them as “Holy Brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1).<br />Knowing that the Holy Spirit is the One Who inspires the Scriptures, we must come to the conclusion, that being the case, that<br /><br /> <br /><br />either the Holy Spirit lied, or else these Jews were in fact “Holy Brethren,” which means they had accepted Christ. Of course, we know the latter to be the correct conclusion. These were Christians who were seriously consider­ing, at least some of them, turning their backs on Christ.<br />In fact, for these Jews to do this, they would actually have to renounce Christ, actually con­fessing and saying that He was an imposter and, therefore, a blasphemer, and was wor­thy of Crucifixion. Paul said if they did this thing, and remained in that state, that it would be “impossible . . . to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).<br />It’s bad enough to believe the unscriptural doctrine of unconditional eternity security, but it’s worse yet to believe this particular doctrine, thinking you can live any way you so desire and still make Heaven your home. Such thinking presents a fool’s hope. And in fact, there are millions in this very state presently, and part of the blame can be laid to this unscriptural doctrine.<br />THE ECONOMY OF REDEMPTION<br />A Bible Scholar once said: “What is un­folded in Scripture is one great economy of Salvation, an organism of Divine acts and testimonies, which, with the beginning of Genesis with creation, advances progres­sively to its completion in the Person and Work of Christ, and is to find its close in the new heaven and earth predicted in the Book of Revelation; and it is only in connection with this whole that the details can be prop­erly estimated . . . He who has not learned to understand the Old Testament and its historical connection . . . lacks the key to its meaning.”<br />Some modern theologians have a tendency to divorce Old Testament teaching and expe­rience from any direct connection with the New Testament. To this school of thought Jehovah of the Old Testament is a dim and distant Figure Who has gone into retirement.<br />Of course, such thinking is without fact or foundation. Quite to the contrary, the relationship of the New Testament to the Old is of such nature that they both stand or fall together. The New Testament assumes the existence of Old Testament Law and Proph­ecy as its positive presupposition.<br />We cannot have the redeeming God of the New Covenant without the Creator and Cov­enant God preached in the Old; we cannot dis­count the Redeemer from the Old Testament predictions which He came to fulfill. The gen­esis of all the ideas of the New Testament relat­ing to Salvation lies in the Old Testament.<br />A famous divine says, “There is not a flower of truth blooming in the New Testa­ment whose seed was not sown in the soil of the Old; and there was not a seed of truth planted in the Old Testament which does not come to full fruitage in the New . . . the very breath of the Old Testament is the same breath that prayed, dying, on Calvary.”<br />THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION<br /><br />The Scripture teaches us that the Heav­enly Council met in an extraordinary session on behalf of man’s Redemption long before the catastrophe of the Fall took place. God the Father, with the Son, and the Holy Spirit, constituting the Trinity, had the bridge of Salvation built before man actually came to it (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />While the details of the Plan of Redemp­tion were not known from the beginning, there was no uncertainty as to the facts. The Christ promised in Eden, from that moment was the Savior of the world; making it pos­sible that the first woman who yielded to the temptation of disobedience, might through faith in the Promised Redeemer, become a subject of His Redemptive Grace.<br />A noted Bible Scholar captures the sig­nificance of this truth in these words: “Be­fore the first man sinned, God provided a way by which he (man) might escape the death penalty and be made perfect again. That was through the atoning work of Christ on the Cross, Who in the reckoning of God was slain from the foundation of the world.”<br />With regard to Christ’s eternal relation­ship to Salvation, another noted Bible Scholar says, “Before the foundation of the world God had appointed His Son to be the Mediator of the predetermined counsel of Salvation. The Son is the Lamb, without blemish or fault, before known prior to the<br /> <br /><br />foundation of the world being laid” (I Pet. 1:20). This means that Christ is the Media­tor of world Redemption, for it was the good pleasure of the whole fullness to dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile all things unto Himself (Eph. 1:4; 3:11; Col. 1:19-20; Heb. 1:2; I Pet. 1:20). From eternity the Son was willing to carry out the work of Redemption. His Death on the Cross was an offering of Himself to God “through the eternal Spirit” (Heb. 9:14), that is through His eternal Spirit, through which Christ performed all His other works also, and in which finally He pre­sented Himself to the Father, in obedience unto death, which death, although carried out in time, is nevertheless an act above time.<br />ONE GOD<br /><br />The Bible, from Genesis through Revela­tion, reveals one God, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. The God of creation is presented in the New Testament as a God of love and mercy, and it was this God Whom Jesus came to reveal.<br />The fact that God is holy and eternally the same, makes it impossible for Him to change. His hatred for sin and His love of Holiness have always been the same; with Him “is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). The Psalmist had this in mind when he said: “Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end” (Ps. 102:27).<br />Malachi, as a spokesman for the Lord says, “For I am the LORD, I change not” (Mal. 3:6). Parallel to this plain teaching of Scripture is the fact that God does not have two redemp­tive plans — one for the people in the Old Testament and one for those in the New. Af­ter Adam and Eve sinned, God made a re­demptive provision for them, and this initial provision was made for all people of every age and dispensation (Rom. 4:13; 9:6-8).<br />THE BLOOD<br /><br />After their transgression, Adam and Eve suddenly realized that they were sinful and naked, and immediately they made aprons from fig leaves for temporary covering. Shortly thereafter “the LORD God made coats of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21).<br />A well-known Scholar says, “By this we are informed, that the price of the covering for man’s nakedness and sin, was the life of the animal . . . thus it would appear, that the Lord permitted those who had been victims of the Fall, and upon whom death had been pronounced, as a sign or pledge of their de­liverance, to take the first life, and shed the first blood, as a type of Him Who was Him­self the seed of the woman; but who should conquer Satan, destroy His power over hu­manity, deliver from the curse and prepare man for eternal blessedness and a youthful immortality.” What a wonderful Message of Salvation in the early shedding of blood.<br />CONSCIOUSNESS OF SIN<br />Fairbairn, in his Typology of the Scrip­tures makes a striking statement at this point: “It is the fact noticed at the close of God’s interview with our first parents after the Fall: ‘Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them’ (Gen. 3:21).<br />“The painful sense of nakedness that op­pressed them after their transgression, was the natural offspring of a consciousness of sin — an instinctive fear lest the unveiled body should give indication of the evil thoughts and dispositions which now lodged within. Hence, to get relief to this uneasy feeling, they made coverings for themselves of such things as seemed best adapted to the purpose, out of the vegetable world which had been freely granted for their use. They girded themselves about with fig leaves.<br />“But they soon found that this covering proved of little avail to hide their shame, where most of all they needed to have it hid­den; it left them miserably exposed to the just condemnation of their offended God. If a real and valid covering should be obtained, sufficient to relieve them of all uneasiness, God Himself must provide it.”<br />THE COVERING<br />And so He actually did. As soon as the promise of mercy had been disclosed to the offenders, and the constitution of mingled goodness and severity brought in, He made coats to clothe them with, and these were coats of skin. But clothing so obtained ar­gued the sacrifice of life in the animal that furnished them; and thus, through the death<br /><br /> <br /><br />of an inferior, yet innocent living creature, was the needed relief brought to their dis­quieted and fearful bosoms. One might say, that the outward had respect to the inward and spiritual. The covering of their naked­ness was a gracious token from the Hand of God, that the sin which had alienated them from Him, and made them conscious of un­easiness, was henceforth to be in His sight as if it were not; so that in covering their flesh, He at the same time covered their con­science — at least as much as it could be done with such a covering.<br />All of this was done purposely by God to denote the covering of the guilt from the eye of Heaven — an act which God Alone could have done. But He did it, as we have seen, by a medium of death, by a sacrifice of life in those creatures which men were not yet per­mitted to kill for purposes of food, and in connection with a constitution of Grace which laid open the prospect of recovered life and blessing to the Fallen.<br />ADAM<br /><br />It might be possible to say that Adam and Eve at the beginning, appropriated God’s re­demptive provision for their fallen condition. It is obvious that Adam at the first believed in the original good news of the coming seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). This is proven by the name “Eve,” which means “Life,” which he gave to his wife (Gen. 2:23). This was directly after the original promise, and im­mediately before the expulsion from Para­dise. Sunken in death he nevertheless gave his wife so proud a name, and thereby ex­pressed his faith in the conquest of death by life, and from that time the new name of his wife was for man the reminder of the prom­ise of God’s Grace.<br />That Eve also in faith took her stand on the ground of the word of promise as shown by her statement in Genesis 4:1. The re­demptive acceptance is most strongly re­flected in Abel, whose Righteousness cannot be doubted (Mat. 23:35; Heb. 11:4; I Jn. 3:12). On the other hand, Cain is presented as one who rejected the redemptive plan, and this rejection is evidenced by the fact that he murdered his brother (Gen. 4:5-15). Abel accepted God’s redemptive plan by faith; Cain rejected it by doubt. Abel’s faith was evi­denced by Righteousness; Cain’s sinful re­bellion is evidenced by his crime. “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Mat. 7:20).<br />However, at a point in time, the evidence is that Adam and Eve had lost faith. When Cain was born, the first lady said, “I have gotten a man from the LORD” (Gen. 4:1).<br />By her using the name “Lord,” which means “Covenant God,” it shows that she had faith in the Covenant that God would send a Redeemer. Possibly she even thought that this baby would be that Redeemer. In­stead, he turned out to be a murderer, which shows that she did not know or realize just how bad sin actually was and the terrible toll it had taken.<br />When Seth was born, she said, “For God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew” (Gen. 4:25).<br />She now no longer addresses Jehovah as “Lord,” signifying faith in the Covenant, but rather as “God,” meaning she had lost faith. This we do know, Adam and Eve are not listed in the great roster of Faith outlined in He­brews Chapter 11. Every evidence is, that they lost their way with God, because of los­ing Faith.<br />THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD<br /><br />Cain must have been in a position to have the same knowledge of sin and mercy, but the offering which he brought was rejected. In what way did the two offerings differ?<br />One offering, that of Abel, was of such a nature that it required the shedding of blood. The other was bloodless. Evidently the prin­ciple of truth suggested in Hebrews 9:22, “without shedding of blood is no remission,” was in force even at this early date.<br />Here it can be seen that the blood sacri­fice, typifying the Blood of “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8) was sufficient ground for the Faith of Abel.<br />It is quite evident, that we have an inti­mation, at least in the sacred records, that the sacrifice and its earliest history was in­stituted by God Himself, either by example or immediate command . . . The shedding of the blood of the sacrifice, and the yielding up of its life, must repeat continuously to stupid, fallen humanity of every generation,<br /> <br /><br />the message of man’s guilt, of Divine justice and God’s mercy, until the Promise made in Eden should be fulfilled.<br />The loss of life is the penalty of sin, and its typical vicarious surrender was necessary to remission (Heb. 9:22) . . . the blood of ani­mals was used in all offerings for sin in Old Testament times (Lev. 17:11).<br />As well, the “Blood of Jesus,” the “Blood of Christ,” the “Blood of Jesus Christ,” or the “Blood of the Lamb,” are figurative expres­sions for His atoning death (I Cor. 10:16; Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:14; 10:19; I Pet. 1:2, 19; I Jn. 1:7; Rev. 7:14; 12:11).<br />Scripture tells us that Noah took clean sacrificial animals into the Ark (Gen. 7:2). Evidently for sacrificial purposes, and after the flood “Noah built Jehovah an Altar and offered Burnt-Offerings” . . . To Him must the hearts of the pious lift themselves, to Heaven the height must their offerings and prayers ascend, if they are to reach His Throne.<br />So as to give this “upward direction” to the sacrifice, from now on there were erected on Earth high places and Altars from whence they should ascend Heavenwards in the fire. The Presence of God is indeed everywhere and is not restricted by the boundaries of an above or beneath (Ps. 139) . . . the clean ani­mals offered, as well as the sacrifices from the beginning of the world, themselves point to the Sacrifice of Golgotha, the Lamb with­out blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19­20) Who is in truth the foundation of all pres­ervation and Salvation of the world.<br />It is also evident that this blood symbol­ism is reflected in the Old Testament rite of Circumcision. This act was a covenant signed between Abraham and Jehovah.<br />In order that Abraham might become the “friend of God,” it was commanded that he should be circumcised as a token of the Cov­enant between him and God (Gen. 17:10-11). The blood exuding from the operation was a testimony of Faith in God’s Blood Atonement.<br />The use of blood in the Old Testament is everywhere vested with cleansing, expiatory, and reverently symbolic qualities . . . from the Old Testament to the New Testament we see an exaltation of the conception of blood and ceremonies. In Abraham’s Covenant, his own blood had to be shed . . . There must always be a shedding of blood. “Apart from shedding of blood there is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). The exaltation and dignifying of this idea finds its highest development then in the vicarious shedding of Blood by Christ Himself (I Jn. 1:7).<br />SACRIFICE<br />Noah was a faithful follower of Christ (Je­hovah), and of him it was said that he “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” He was a “just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Gen. 6:8-9).<br />He was not only righteous in his conduct, but he was pious and had continual commun­ion with God. In his devotion to God, Noah observed carefully the redemptive pattern given by God to the Adamic generation.<br />Adam Clark says, “The old world began with sacrifice, so also did the new. The proper mode of worshipping the Divine Be­ing is the invention or institution of God Himself; and Sacrifice, in the act and design, is the essence of Salvation.”<br />Without Sacrifice, actually offered or im­plied, there never was, and there never can be any Salvation. Even in the heavens, a Lamb is represented before the Throne of God as newly slain (Rev. 5:6, 12).<br />The design of Sacrifice is two-faced: the slaying and the burning of the victim first point out that the life of the sinner is for­feited to Divine justice; second, that his soul deserves the fire of perdition.<br />The Jews have a tradition that the place where Noah built his Altar was the same in which the Altar stood that was built by Adam. It was by the offering of this blood sacrifice that Noah linked his profession of faith with those who preceded him. By this offering he acknowledged himself a sinner and pro­fessed faith in the promised Christ (Jehovah) Messiah. To this faith the writer of Hebrews refers (Heb. 11:7).<br />FAITH<br />Abraham was a child of faith. At a point in time, Abraham “believed God, Who spoke to him.” He did not oppose the light of faith which, through God’s doing, was born in him as a superior wisdom . . . by this capacity to welcome within him a new life, by this heroic<br /><br /> <br /><br />faith, was he justified . . . Abraham believed; he had faith in Jehovah, and Jehovah reck­oned it to him as Justice, i.e., “Righteousness.” In fact, this is one of the peaks of Scripture. It is higher than Sinai. It joins together the two Testaments.<br />Already it reflects the light of Christ . . . Abraham, now at peace, lived on in faith.<br />The most significant event in Abraham’s life was the Revelation he received on a starry night when God concluded with the Patri­arch the Covenant of Faith (Gen. 15:5, 18). That was the time when Abraham received the Divine declaration of justification, and it is there that in the annals of Salvation the very first plain and express mention is made of the “justification” of a sinner (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:2-4).<br />It is evident, however, that all redemptive responses required an act of faith, and it was by faith in God’s redemptive provision that people of all ages have been justified.<br />Let us hurriedly state, that when we speak of Faith, it is plainly obvious, that always and without exception, it is speaking of Faith in Christ and what He would do at the Cross on behalf of lost humanity. Faith in Christ that leaves out the Cross, is no faith at all, at least that which God will recognize; consequently, every Believer must understand this about Christ, and understand this about Faith. Ev­ery thought of Faith, every sinew of Faith, every ligament of Faith, all understanding of Faith, must always be concluded, and with­out exception, in the parameters of the Cross of Christ. To think of Faith other than the Cross, is again as stated, Faith that God will not recognize. To prove the point, please note the following:<br />When was faith reckoned to Abraham for Righteousness? Was it before or after his circumcision? (Rom. 4:10).<br />The answer runs: not less than 13 years before he was circumcised. Because the cov­enant of circumcision was first introduced when Abraham was already 99 years old (Gen. 17:1-14); but the Covenant of Faith and the Justification took place before even the birth of Ishmael, and, therefore, before his 86th year (Gen., Chpt. 16; 17:1).<br />Consequently, Abraham had been justified already 13 years before he was circumcised, proving that circumcision had absolutely nothing to do with his Justification, and as well, proving that his Justification was based strictly on the Sacrifice of Christ.<br />It is significant that Paul builds his case for Justification by Faith upon the Old Tes­tament. In Romans, he draws liberally upon the Hebrew Scriptures to prove that Justifi­cation is through faith and faith alone, and again, by that, we refer to Faith in the Cross (Rom. 3:21; 4:1).<br />Paul graphically points out, that Abraham’s justification prior to circumcision is pro­phetically significant in that through it Abraham was to become father of all such as were without circumcision, but through faith alone should become justified. Through this very fact it became evident that circumcision cannot be a condition precedent to, but only a “seal” of the Righteousness that Faith has already provided (Rom. 4:11).<br />THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT<br />AND THE LAW<br /><br /><br />One Scholar points out, and rightly so, that to attain the temple of Salvation, the Gentiles must not first pass through the anteroom of the Jews — that is through the Law — but the Jew must first pass through the anteroom of that faith which Abraham already had while being, so to say, a “heathen.” Thus, it is set forth that Salvation is without human merit and that Redemption is of Grace, a free gift purely to faith, and proof is given that the Gospel of the Church Age was foreshad­owed in the Covenant with Abraham, thus the “New Covenant” is the continuation and glo­rious perfection of the Covenant already given to Abraham (Rom. Chpt. 4; Gal. 3:9, 14).<br />Exactly what Abraham knew about the coming Christ we are not told; however, we do know that death and resurrection were explained to him, and was made even more pertinent by the object lesson of God’s de­mand that Abraham offer Isaac up to Him in sacrifice.<br />In this, the Patriarch knew that God would redeem humanity by the death of His Son. As well, the Patriarch also knew that the Redeemer would be resurrected.<br />His faith in God’s resurrection power is manifested in his willingness to sacrifice his<br /> <br /><br />son Isaac, upon whom so much depended. And this very act he reckoned “that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead”<br />(Heb. 11:19).<br />Special attention should be directed to the words of Abraham to his servants: “. . . I and the lad will . . . worship, and come again to you” (Gen. 22:5). Thus, Abraham be­comes the type of the New Testament Faith in Resurrection.<br />All of this is proclaimed by Christ when He said of the Patriarch, and speaking to the Jews, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad” (Jn. 8:56).<br />Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses were men of faith (Heb. 11:20). They knew about the Promise and rejoiced “concerning things to come” (Heb. 11:20).<br />THE LEVITICAL SYSTEM<br /><br />The sacrifice which represented, in the fullest measure, Christ and His work of ex­piation and Atonement, was the particularly great offering of the Levitical system. Whether from the herd of cattle, the flock of sheep or goats, or the clean fowl, it was one without blemish. This represents Christ, the choice One of Heaven, the unblemished One, Whose whole life was sacrificed, and con­sumed as it were upon the Altar of Divine justice, on behalf of sinful men.<br />As previously stated, from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), offering the Sacri­fice was a testimony to saving faith in God’s Redemptive Promise. Of these men of faith it is said:<br />“These all died in faith, not having received the Promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strang­ers and pilgrims on the Earth” (Heb. 11:13).<br />ALWAYS BY FAITH<br /><br />Faith has always been the basic fundamen­tal in the sinner’s Redemption. Only by faith and faith alone can a sinner be reconciled to God. Faith was the key to Salvation for Abel, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as for Paul and Silas, and in fact, every person who has ever come to Christ. Paul said:<br />“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe<br />that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). How­ever, and as we’ve already stated, when the Bible mentions faith, and in any capacity, it is always and without exception, speaking of faith expressed in the atoning merits of the Blood of “the Lamb slain from the founda­tion of the world” (Rev. 13:8).<br />In the last several decades, the Church has been inundated with teaching on Faith. But virtually all of the teaching has been faith in self or faith in faith, or as they like to put it, “faith in the Word,” but the latter is a mis­nomer, because if it’s not Faith in the Cross of Christ, in other words, if Faith doesn’t have the Cross as its sole object, then it’s not Faith that’s taught in the Word of God. Faith, as it’s been taught since the middle of the 20th Century, has for the most part been Faith in the Word pulled out of context. In other words, instead of allowing the Word which always addresses itself to the Cross, to mold our lives, these teachers attempted to take the Word and make it serve them. Theirs was the sin of the wilderness temptation.<br />Satan attempted to get Jesus to do the same identical thing. He wanted Him to use His power for His Own benefit, i.e., “turn the stones to bread”; however, Jesus would not at all yield to such, placing the emphasis on the Word instead of the bread by saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God” (Mat. 4:1-4). This is so important that I want to state it again:<br />In the last several decades, false teachers have attempted to make the Word produce for them whatever their lustful desires claimed. In other words, to use it for their own gratification, which of course found a ready audience. Unfortunately, there seems to be enough greed in all of us to keep such false doctrine alive.<br />The Word of God is meant to mold us into the image of Christ, which the Holy Spirit sets out to do. It is never to be used merely as a provider of “things.” And the only prin­ciple which can throttle such unholy desires within our hearts, is to understand that the Word of God is actually the Cross, as the Cross is actually the Word of God. That means that Faith must be anchored at all times in<br /><br /> <br /><br />the Cross, which will then bring about the veracity of the Word within our lives. To do otherwise, is to invite sure disaster! Let’s say it this way:<br />If “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8), His relation­ship to the redemptive program is the same “yesterday, and today and forever.”<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />It must be understood that God the Cre­ator and Jehovah the Savior are eternally the same. The Spirit of God in the Old Testa­ment is the Holy Spirit in the New; He re­veals Divine truth in both Testaments.<br />It must be noted, however, that the com­ing of the Holy Spirit upon persons in the Old Testament was limited in the manner in which He could work. Due to the fact that the sin debt was not yet paid, and because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin, the Holy Spirit could only abide “with” individuals instead of His present ca­pacity as being “in” Believers (Jn. 14:17).<br />While it is definitely true that He did come into certain individuals in Old Testament times for short periods of time, He could not there abide permanently, as He does presently.<br />As it regards the Word of God, Peter defi­nitely attributes the inspiration of the Old Testament to the Holy Spirit when he says: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (II Pet. 1:21).<br />In fact, it is only through the Divine self-witness of the Spirit that Divine Revelation penetrates the heart and mind of man. The Spirit is represented as proceeding from Christ, but it must be understood, that a per­son can also lose the Spirit even as Saul did (I Sam. 16:14). The Scripture also says in Isaiah, “they rebelled, and vexed His Holy Spirit” (Isa. 63:10).<br />The point I’m attempting to make in all of this is, the Holy Spirit superintended ev­ery single thing that was written in the Old Testament, and as well, superintended every single thing given by God in that period of time. Consequently, when we observe care­fully what He did, we see the Cross of Christ as prominent in the entirety of the great Plan of God in olden times. In fact, the Law por­trays the Sacrifices as the centerpiece of that great work, which portrayed the Cross as nothing else.<br />Peter in speaking to the people of Israel about Christ said, “This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:11­12). Here again is the language of eternity which projected this truth into every age. It is evident that Salvation has never been avail­able through any other name. Only by Faith in God’s Christ, and what He did at the Cross on our behalf, can anyone be saved. This means, that every single person who has ever gone to Heaven, or who will go to Heaven, will be there because of exercising saving Faith in Him.<br />It is clearly revealed that the God of cre­ation is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as of Peter, James, and John. God has a standing offer of pardon to all men who turn from their evil ways and do that which is right (Ezek. 33:11-14). The “Song of Redemp­tion” is the keynote of all Christian hymns.<br />As stated, the Holy Spirit superintended all of this in the Old Testament, which pro­vides the foundation for the New, and cen­ters it all up in Christ, and more particularly, in His Cross (Isa. Chpt. 53).<br />THE NATURE OF THE ATONEMENT<br />In the Gospels, Christ Himself related His anticipated “death on the Cross” to the cul­minating phase of the Atonement that was provisionally and foundationally made in the death of “the Lamb slain from the founda­tion of the world” (Rev. 13:8). In effect, the death of Christ was as Anselm said, “a satis­faction paid to God for the sins of mankind.” Luther and other Reformers attested that the suffering of Christ was the Divine punish­ment for the sins of the world. The death of Christ presents the fact of the Doctrine of the Atonement predicated upon the assump­tion that man had sinned and that he could regain favor with God only by becoming jus­tified, i.e., “restored to a condition as though he had never committed sin.”<br /> <br /><br />Justification in turn was possible only by Faith, and we speak of Faith in Christ and His Cross, a concept stated in the Old Testament and reaffirmed in the New (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:38; 11:6).<br />The Old Testament Church had a pro­phetic look at the Cross, while the New Tes­tament Church has a historical look at the Cross; however, it is the one and same Cross to which God committed His Son “from the foundation of the world.”<br />A pledge from God has always been cur­rent legal tender in the Kingdom. The Be­liever could transact Faith upon this provi­sion and gain personal justification.<br />Sauer says, “When the Mediator of Salva­tion is described as Christ-Messiah, that is, Anointed, this means that the highest offices and dignities (Prophet, Priest, and King) of the whole of the Old Covenant are united in His Person, and that in Him all prophecies have reached eternal fulfillment.”<br />FULFILLED IN CHRIST<br /><br />David attested the Lordship of the Christ-Messiah when he said: “Thou hast crowned Him with glory and honor. Thou madest Him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under His feet” (Ps. 8:5-6; Heb. 2:6-9).<br />Here David is addressing God the Father (Elohim) with regard to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Jehovah) and states in the “eter­nal tense” a truth that was acknowledged by Paul in his writing the Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />As well, the fact of the personal, conscious, real preexistence of Christ is taught plainly in John 8:58; 17:5; Phil. 2:6-8, where voluntary action is ascribed to the Son of God as before the world was. This excludes a merely “ideal” preexistence (Mic. 5:2; Jn. 1:14; Heb. 10:5-7).<br />All of this means, and makes itself very evident, that all the symbols, doctrines, and examples of Atonement in the Old Testament find their counterpart fulfillment and com­plete explanation in the New Covenant in the Blood of Jesus Christ (Mat. 26:28; Heb. 12:24).<br />By interpreting the inner spirit of the sac­rificial system, by insisting on the unity and holiness of God, by passionate pleas for pu­rity in the people, and especially by teaching the principle of vicarious sufferings for sin, the Prophets laid the foundation in thought-forms and in spiritual atmosphere for such a Doctrine of Atonement as is presented in the life and teachings of Jesus, and especially His death and Resurrection, and as is unfolded in the teaching of His Apostles as well. Jesus Christ came to elucidate, exemplify, and clarify the eternal truth of the Atonement, and in fact Jesus Christ is the Atonement.<br />CHRISTIANITY<br />It is an accepted fact that, “Christianity” named as such, had its beginning with the In­carnation of Christ, but provisionally and func­tionally the principle of “Christianity” was a reality from the day God gave the redemptive plan. In fact, one might say, that all Believers of the Old Testament were actually “Chris­tians,” and they were “Christians,” because they exercised saving faith in Christ (Jehovah) the Messiah. They were Christians before they were so called at Antioch (Acts 11:26).<br />By assuming the name “Christian” the Believers in the Early Church did not sub­scribe to a new faith, they merely accepted a new name. The foundation for Salvation has always been rooted in the Atonement made for man. As Jesus Christ was in the Divine purpose appointed from the foundation of the world to redeem man by His Blood He, there­fore, is in a very imminent sense, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” i.e., “from creation” (Rev. 13:8).<br />Every student of the Bible is aware of the fact that of Christ “all the Prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43). Christ is the theme of the Old Testa­ment: He said so Himself (Lk. 24:25-27, 46; Jn. 5:39). Jesus Christ is the King of all Scrip­ture, and it is in this light that the testimony of His preceding heralds can be properly un­derstood: it is only from the New Testament that the question of the Atonement so plainly stated in the Old Testament solves itself.<br />ONE ATONEMENT<br />Any intelligent interpretation concerning the Atonement must take into consideration the fact that there is only one Atonement — both in the Old and New Testaments, and that the Blood of animals in the Old Testament<br /><br /> <br /><br />was symbolical of that Blood which was shed by the Lamb of God, which was provision­ally, and prophetically, appropriated during the Old Testament.<br />In all Atonement in the Old Testament and the New Testament, the initiative is solely of God Who not only devises and reveals the way of Reconciliation, but by means of An­gels, Prophets, Priests, and ultimately His only Begotten Son applies the means of Atone­ment and persuades men to accept the prof­fered reconciliation. It follows that Atone­ment is fundamental in the nature of God in His relations to men, and that Redemption is in the heart of God’s dealing in history. In Jesus Alone we “behold the Lamb of God tak­ing away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />DAY OF ATONEMENT<br /><br />The “Day of Atonement,” as such, did not make its appearance until the era of Taber­nacle worship, but its functional principle was patent in the worship system current in ear­lier days. A progressive element of refinement is to be recognized in redemptive history.<br />Early worship had as its center the Altar without benefit of a particular building or temple, etc. Later came the Tabernacle, which was followed by the Temple. During the ex­ile, the Synagogue came into being, and it is out of the Synagogue, that the Church arises.<br />All of these places of worship were differ­ent in design but were, for purpose and func­tion, the same. In each of these places of worship there is the idea of God meeting man<br />— a place of meeting where sinful man meets the conditions of Salvation, made possible through the Atonement.<br />Abraham built an Altar, which of course represented Christ and the death He would die on the Cross, thereby appropriating the benefits of the Atonement through Faith which, in effect, made him a Believer in Christ. In fact, the way in which Abraham responded to the Goodness of God makes him a type of the Christian Believer, and one might even turn it around and say that the Christian evi­dencing Faith in the Redeemer, makes him a type or child of Abraham. Both have come the same way, which is by Faith in Christ — with Abraham it was Faith in the Christ Who was to come, and with Christians it is Faith in Christ Who has come. In fact, it was the Faith of Abraham in the Divine Promise, which in effect, was in the Atonement, which was not supported at all by the evidence of the senses and, therefore, becomes the type of Faith that leads to Justification (Rom. 4:3). It is in this sense that he is the “Father” of Christians, as Believers (Rom. 4:11).<br />For that Promise to Abraham was, after all, a “preaching beforehand” of the Chris­tian Gospel, in that it embraced “all nations” (Gal. 3:8). By Faith Abraham appropriated personal Salvation, and he is one with all Believers in God’s Christ. Even though the formal “Day of Atonement” had not been in­stituted, Abraham was indeed a kind of spiri­tual child made possible through the Blood Atonement, laid down in principle even in the Adamic generation (Gen. Chpt. 4).<br />The Atonement is again symbolized in the Passover. It was instituted in Egypt to com­memorate the culminating event in the Re­demption of the Israelites (Ex. 12:1, 14, 42; 23:15; Deut. 16:1-3). Sprinkling the blood of the Paschal Lamb symbolized Faith in the blood of the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />Actually, all of this comes down to us in the Christian era in our taking of that referred to as “the Lord’s Supper.” It should be pointed out that the words used in the narratives of the New Testament institution of this Ordi­nance, are similar to those in connection with the Passover, i.e., “body,” “blood,” “cov­enant,” “given,” “poured out,” “for you,” “for many,” “unto remission of sins,” “memo­rial” (Ex. 24:6-8; Lev. 2:2; 4:5-7, 16-34; 17:11­14; 24:7; Num. 10:10; Heb. 9:11-28; 10:4-10, 19-20). In fact, the immediate background of the Lord’s Supper is the Passover, which Jesus Himself instituted (Lk. 22:7-18).<br />THE NATURE OF THE NEW BIRTH<br />A very important question revolves around the question of personal Salvation in the Old Testament. Professor Oehler states the ques­tion thus: “Are we to say that the just man not only walked in the faith of a future ful­fillment of the Promise and a future Redemp­tion, but also rejoiced in the present posses­sion of Salvation and had an assurance that His sins were forgiven?”<br /> <br /><br />From the evidence gathered in the Old Testament comes the conclusion that per­sonal Salvation was definitely enjoyed by people before the Advent of Christ. It is as­sumed that the Disciples and others were saved men before the Crucifixion.<br />Both the Old and New Testaments teach by precept and example that all individuals expe­rience Divine Forgiveness who have repented of their sins and turned to God in saving faith, and that these Believers constitute the Old Testament Church (Ezek. 43:27; Acts 10:34­36). David, as an individual, testified to per­sonal forgiveness and Salvation when he said, “blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Ps. 32:1). It is assumed that this Testimony closely followed his con­fession and repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. On another occasion the Psalm­ist said: “There is forgiveness with Thee” (Ps. 130:4; II Chron. 7:14; Isa. 55:7; Ezek. 18:21; Acts 2:38). Many other instances are given in the Old Testament of individuals repenting and being restored to God’s favor (II Kings 22:19; Job 42:1, 6; Jonah 3:6-9). The sin of Israel is recognized as the sin of the individual, which can be removed only by individual re­pentance and cleansing. This is best seen from the stirring appeals of the Prophets of the Exile . . . this cannot be understood otherwise than as a turning of the individual to the Lord.<br />There was no merit in the animal sacri­fice brought by the individual worshipper, for “the blood of bulls and of goats” cannot take away sins (Heb. 10:4). It was only as the Sac­rifice symbolized and testified to faith in the blood of God’s redemptive “Lamb” that sins were remitted.<br />In the teachings of our Lord, based upon the Old Testament, the “new birth” or re­generation is assumed. The Old Testament teaching is clear at this point and graphically brought to the surface by Christ in His con­versation with Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1-21).<br />Nicodemus “was a man of the Pharisees . . . a ruler of the Jews” (Jn. 3:1). As such, he was well versed in the Law. And yet, despite this fact, Nicodemus was apparently ignorant of the Old Testament teachings on “the new birth.” He is somewhat typical of the church member, although religious, but who hasn’t been “born again.”<br />Jesus takes this occasion to rebuke Nicodemus for his ignorance. In fact, Jesus chides him with these words: “Art thou a mas­ter of Israel, and knowest not these things?” (Jn. 3:10).<br />Here it is seen that Christ is speaking about a Divine necessity existing before the Cruci­fixion was actually carried out. Nicodemus could not become a member in the “King­dom” until he had experienced Salvation, i.e., the “new birth.” The Incarnation did not in any way change the conditions by which Be­lievers entered the “congregation of the Righteous” (Ps. 1:5; 40:3; 51:7; Ezek. 11:19; 36:26; II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).<br />BACK TO FAITH<br />Throughout centuries God spoke the word “Faith” into the history of Salvation — this is the meaning of the Covenant with Abraham. Through 2,000 years it was an education in faith. Throughout centuries God also spoke the word “repent” into the history of Salva­tion — this is the meaning of the Law of Moses. Therefore, throughout approximately 1,500 years, it was an education in repen­tance. “Repent and believe the Gospel” (Mk. 1:15) says Christ and thereby pulls together both repentance and faith in redeeming one­ness. This is the New Testament purpose of the Old Testament.<br />THE NEW BIRTH<br />The teaching on the “New Birth” in the New Testament reiterates a truth that is, was, and always will be, effective to the end of time. It is written in the language of eternity and is not subject to change. It is anchored totally and completely in the great Sacrifice of Christ, which is found in both Testaments (II Tim. 3:16; I Pet. 1:10-11).<br />Paul distinctly reaffirms the basic Old Tes­tament concept that a new life is in store for those who have been spiritually dead; that at conversion a spiritual resurrection has taken place. This regeneration causes a complete revolution in man. He has thereby passed from under the law of sin and death and has come under “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:2). The change is so radical that it is possible now to speak of a “new creation,” of a “new man, that after<br /><br /> <br /><br />God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness” (Eph. 4:24) and of “the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him Who created him” (Col. 3:10; II Cor. 5:17); and the Image to which the sin­ner in the New Testament is renewed is the Image of the Old Testament God.<br />The idea of all of this is, God has only had one way of Salvation, whether in Old Testa­ment times, or New Testament times. That way has been Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Every Sacrifice pointed to this. In fact, every single Revelation of God given to men has always centered in this foundation Doctrine, the Gospel of Christ, and more particularly, what Christ did for us that we might be saved.<br />(13) “FOR IF THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND OF GOATS, AND THE ASHES OF AN HEIFER SPRINKLING THE UNCLEAN, SANCTIFIETH TO THE PURIFYING OF THE FLESH:”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />This Verse speaks of ceremonial defile­ment.<br /><br />2.<br />Ceremonial defilement was not in it­self sin, but a type of sin.<br /><br />3.<br />The defilement and cleansing as here enjoined were both symbolic.<br /><br /><br />THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS<br />The phrase, “For if the blood of bulls and of goats,” presents Paul turning again to the Levitical Sacrifices. In them he finds the power to effect an external purification, a cleansing from ritual defilement. He refers to the blood of “bulls and goats,” which means much the same as that of “goats and calves” in Verse 12.<br />What do we mean by ceremonial defile­ment?<br />There were many rules and regulations in the Mosaic Law, which if violated defiled the individual, which necessitated them going through a cleansing ritual. There were no moral connotations involved in these rules, except obedience or disobedience to the Word of God. The idea was, that these rules repre­sented something concerning Christ Who was to come.<br />Even when sin was committed, and espe­cially when sin was committed, the sacrificial process had to be engaged, of which Paul speaks here; however, the ritual of the ani­mal sacrifices as well did not take away sin, because such sacrifices cannot take away sin. But it did serve as a covering for the sin, and Faith in what the Sacrifices represented, and more particularly, Who they represented, did bring forgiveness of sins.<br />Now that Christ has come, all of these things which pointed to Him, are now of no necessity. The shadow is no longer a neces­sity once the reality has appeared.<br />THE LAW OF THE RED HEIFER<br /><br />The phrase, “And the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the pu­rifying of the flesh,” once again refers to ritual defilement, and as well, the method of cleans­ing. As we’ve stated, ceremonial defilement was not in itself sin, but a type of sin. In the case of the red heifer, it was only the flesh of the person which was defiled by contact with the dead. It was likewise only the flesh that was cleansed. Thus, defilement and cleans­ing were both symbolic. But let’s look at it more closely:<br />The “Law of the red heifer” may be some­what strange to modern thinking; however, it was given to Israel by the Holy Spirit for a specific reason.<br />If a person touched a dead body, he was ceremonially unclean, and could only be pu­rified by applying the “water of separation” to his physical body.<br />The red heifer was killed and its body was burned. Its ashes were to be taken up, placed in a clean place, and then when needed, a certain amount was to be mixed with water, with it then being called the “water of sepa­ration.” This water was to be sprinkled upon him on the third day after touching the dead body and on the seventh day. As well, any place where an individual died, anyone who walked into the room, would also be consid­ered unclean, and would have to be cleansed by the application of the “water of separa­tion” (Num. Chpt. 19).<br />The reason for all of this had to do with death which is brought about by original sin. It was to be an object lesson as to the horror of this awful malady, and we continue to speak of sin, which has gripped the human race, and brought death to everything.<br /> <br /><br />The “heifer” symbolized Christ. It was spotless externally and without blemish in­ternally. It was to be a female, and it was to be red. Christ in His humanity was spotless within and without; he was gentle as a woman; he was never in bondage to any sin; the Law had no claim upon Him as a debtor; and He robed Himself with the red Earth of manhood, with “red” also symbolizing His Blood.<br />The heifer was to be led by the High Priest without the camp; and there was she slain. So was Christ led of the Spirit to Calvary, where He offered up Himself.<br />The body of the heifer was then to be burned, which signified the Judgment of God which came upon Christ, instead of the hu­man race. While the heifer was being burned, cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet were to be thrown into the fire. The cedar wood repre­sented the Cross of Christ, the hyssop repre­sented His humanity, and scarlet represented His shed Blood.<br />The blood of the heifer is only once men­tioned in the Chapter. So Christ was once offered. As well, it needed not be that a heifer should be killed every time purification was needed, which was constant. Its ashes would suffice.<br />PURIFICATION<br /><br />Purification from the defilements un­avoidable during pilgrimage was effected by an application of the ashes of the burnt heifer with running, i.e., living water. Christ’s death need not be repeated, in order to the forgive­ness of the daily sins of the celestial pilgrim. It only needs that the meaning and perfec­tion of His death, typified by the burnt ashes, should be effectively applied to the con­science by the Living Spirit, symbolized by the running water, and the sense of forgive­ness and cleansing is enjoyed.<br />The last twelve Verses of Numbers Chap­ter 19, reveal the malignity of sin, and its en­during contagion and defilement. Acciden­tally touching a bone, even though it were a thousand years old, defiled and procured ex­clusion from the camp. Restoration was only possible after an application of the ashes of the heifer on the third day and on the seventh day.<br />The three days prior to the first purging fastened on the conscience, the hatefulness of sin to God; the four days prior to the sec­ond and final application of the ashes and run­ning water, instructed the conscience as to the perfection of the purge and the wonders of the grace that provided it.<br />Possibly the third day pointed to the Res­urrection of Christ; the seventh day as to the perfection and totality of Redemption af­forded by His Death and Resurrection.<br />“At even” the defiled person was pro­nounced clean. The preciousness of Christ’s Atoning Blood, and its sufficiency to cleanse from all sin, speak with special sweetness to the heart and conscience at evening, when life is closing and the shadows of death are about to fall.<br />The presence of death in a house defiled everything in the house, except a covered ves­sel. The Christian pilgrim necessarily comes in contact with “death” every day, i.e., with that which defiles, but he escapes defilement if he is a “covered vessel,” that is, if he lives under the covering of the Blood and the Holy Spirit.<br />The warning duplicated in Verses 13 and 20 of the 19th Chapter of Numbers, predicts the doom of those who deny the need of Christ’s Atoning Death (Williams).<br />(14) “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?”<br />This structure is:<br />1.<br />Paul now makes a comparison between the effectiveness of the blood of animals and that of the Blood of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />The former could cleanse from ceremo­nial defilement, but only the latter could cleanse from actual sin.<br /><br />3.<br />The “Blood of Christ” was perfect, therefore, acceptable to God, as payment for all sin.<br /><br />4.<br />The application of that of the animal had to be done constantly, with many ani­mals having to die down through the centu­ries, while the one Sacrifice of Christ sufficed for all time.<br /><br />5.<br />The ceremonial cleansing gave no power to live right, while the application of the Blood of Christ, and faith in that Finished<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Work provides the power to “serve the Liv­ing God.”<br />THE BLOOD OF CHRIST<br /><br />The beginning of the question, “How much more shall the Blood of Christ . . . ?”, proclaims beyond question, the price paid for man’s Redemption, a price so great, that in fact, it beggars description.<br />The efficacy (effectiveness) of our Lord’s Blood rested, not in the fact that it was hu­man blood, but that it was human blood of a unique kind. It flowed in the veins of One Who was as to His humanity, sinless, and as to His Person, Deity. And the combination of these two, sinless humanity, and Deity, made it unique, efficacious. It was the only sacrificial blood that could be sprinkled on the Mercy Seat in the Heavenly Holy of Ho­lies, so to speak, the only Blood which the High Court of Heaven would accept as pay­ment or Atonement for human sin. It was this blood poured out on Calvary’s Cross that gave Christ access as High Priest into the Holy of Holies of Heaven.<br />However, and as we’ve already stated, we are not to understand that our Lord took His Blood into Heaven, for that didn’t happen. That precious Blood was poured out on the Cross, and dripped into the Earth. But it was by virtue of that fact that He entered Heaven, having accomplished Salvation by the Sacri­fice of Himself. It was in that bloodless, glo­rified human body which is an eternal testi­mony that the debt of sin has been satisfied, that our Blessed Lord entered Heaven.<br />DEATH<br /><br />The words “how much more” stress the in­comparable greatness of Christ and His Work for us. “The Blood of Christ” means Christ’s Death regarded as a sacrifice for sin. Though some have suggested that we should see in references to “the Blood” allusions to life rather than death, this does not seem soundly based. The word “Blood” points to death.<br />In this context “Blood” is not death in general but death seen as a sacrifice. Christ offered Himself in Sacrifice to God.<br />As well, the Sacrifice offered here, which was the spotless, pure, Perfect Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which means that He poured out His Life, in order that we might have life, was so effective, so grand, so total, so complete, that it will never have to be done again.<br />When Paul mentioned the red heifer in the previous Verse, and more specifically “the ashes of the heifer,” this cried aloud as did the expiring Savior, “It is finished!” For ashes tell of fire burned out never to burn again. It was done!<br />This is what makes it so bad for religious men to attempt to add something to the Fin­ished Work of Christ, or to take from that Work. Some of the Christian Jews attempted to add to that Finished Work by attempting to add the Law, which Paul adamantly re­fused to accept. In fact, this problem con­tinues unto this hour, with men attempting to add the Church to that Finished Work or Water Baptism, or good works of any na­ture, etc.<br />Others attempt to take from that Finished Work, by claiming that it is so effective, that we need not worry about sin, in other words, claiming that the Cross gives them license to sin. Paul addressed that by saying, “shall we sin that Grace may abound?” His an­swer was to the point:<br />“God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-2).<br />THE ETERNAL SPIRIT<br /><br />The phrase, “Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,” refers to the Holy Spirit. It speaks of the Ministry of the Holy Spirit at Calvary. Twice in this Chapter Paul has pointed out the Min­istry of the Holy Spirit as it relates to the Ministry of Christ.<br />In Verse 8, the Spirit used the Old Covenant as a means to point to the Redemptive Work of Christ that would make perfect access pos­sible into the Presence of God. Now, in Verse 14, the role that the Holy Spirit played in the offering of Jesus upon the Cross is un­folded. Jesus offered Himself through the Spirit. Consequently, I think one could say without fear of contradiction, that the Holy Spirit Personally had to grant permission before the Son of God could give His Life on the Cross.<br /> <br /><br />The Blood of Jesus was spilled through the Eternal Spirit, in effect with the Spirit superintending every moment of this mo­ment of all moments. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God; They are the Trinity, the Three in One. In the counsels of Heaven it was agreed by Al­mighty God — Father, Son, and Spirit — that Christ should become the Sacrifice for man’s sin. This means that all felt the pain of Cal­vary; all fully knew and understood the cost of redeeming mankind from sin. So again we will make the statement, “The Blood of Jesus was spilled through the Eternal Spirit.”<br />THE MANNER IN WHICH THE<br />HOLY SPIRIT WORKS<br /><br /><br />As a result of the Sacrifice of Christ, we find the Spirit not speaking of Himself, but pointing to Him Who died on Calvary’s Cross. The Spirit is ever glorifying, magnifying, and uplifting the Son of God. It is through the Spirit that we worship the Lord. In fact, the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit as we worship Him in truth and in spirit (Jn. 4:24; Rom. 8:16).<br />Not only are we told here that the Eternal Spirit superintended the great Sacrifice of Christ, but as well, the Scripture also says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself” (II Cor. 5:19). As well, it was the Father Who gave His Son because of His love for mankind (Jn. 3:16); it was Christ Who offered Himself freely on the Cross; it was through the Spirit that He offered Himself without blemish. Thus, all three Persons of the Trinity were involved in our eternal Redemption.<br />When Christ came into this world, He came to do the Will of His Father. Christ’s Will was subject to the Will of God the Fa­ther and to the Will of the Holy Spirit, with there never being a conflicting spirit.<br />The Holy Spirit rested upon Him in power and anointing to carry out the Will of God. When Christ humbled Himself and took the form of a servant, when He became a man, He was filled, led, and motivated by the Spirit.<br />Christ was obedient even unto death. He subjected Himself to the Spirit’s leading in every detail, even to being driven into the wilderness of temptation by the Spirit. It was the Spirit Who led a willing Messiah to the Cross, that lost mankind might find Re­demption (Fjordbak).<br />THE REVELATION OF THE CROSS<br />When the Lord began to open up to me the Revelation of the Cross, He showed me as well, the manner and the way in which the Holy Spirit works.<br />First of all, He portrayed to me the true purpose and mission of Christ to this Earth, which was to die upon the Cross. That was His destination, His Purpose, actually, the very reason for the Incarnation, i.e., “God be­coming man.” While every aspect of Christ’s Person, Life, and Ministry was of extreme significance, everything and without excep­tion, pointed directly to the Cross. In other words, the Cross was His eternal destina­tion, with everything pushing toward that. In fact, all of this had been decided by the Godhead before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />Consequently, He portrayed to me that ev­ery thought of Christ must in some way, be in connection with the Cross. To divorce Jesus from the Cross in any manner, is to present “another Jesus” which of course, cannot be acceptable to the Divine Spirit (II Cor. 11:4).<br />All of the prophecies of the past, all the predictions by the Seers of old, portrayed the Redeemer as giving Himself for the sins of man (Isa. Chpt. 53). The whole of the Sacri­ficial system of the Mosaic Law, ever pointed toward the eternal Sacrifice.<br />Consequently, the Lord told me that all Salvation has as its Source, the Cross of Christ. As well, from the Cross flows all Blessings, all Healing, all Prosperity, in fact, everything we receive from God. The Cross is the means by which the Grace of God is extended to undeserving man. This means as well, that to divorce Grace from the Cross, is to completely misunderstand Grace (Gal. 2:20-21).<br />The basis for my understanding of the Cross is Romans, Chapter 6. In fact, that’s where this Revelation began. The Lord began to open up to me the meaning of this tremen­dous Chapter, which explains what the Cross is all about, and how that it pertains to the<br /><br /> <br /><br />believing sinner upon coming to Christ. (Please see our Commentary on Romans.)<br />FAITH<br /><br />As the Revelation continued, the Lord took me to the experience of Abraham as it regards Faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6).<br />He showed me that Abraham believed God, but more particularly, he believed what God would do as it regards the Redemption of humanity. God would send a Redeemer into this world, and Abraham was to have Faith in that exclusively. In fact, the Cov­enant that God made with Abraham is the foundation of the entirety of the Plan of Sal­vation for the human race.<br />As a result of this, the Holy Spirit showed me that my Faith must be the same as that of Abraham, meaning that it must be an­chored totally and completely in the Cross. The Cross must ever be the object of my Faith, understanding, as stated, that the Cross is the Source or the Means of all Bless­ings from God.<br />He also portrayed to me the error of much of the teaching on faith in the last several decades, and the reason for the error!<br />The faith which has been proclaimed and taught for the last several decades, has not been Faith in the Finished Work of Christ, not at all! It has been faith in other things, with the greatest claim being that it’s faith in the Word; however, let it ever be understood, if it’s not Faith squarely in the Cross of Christ, then it’s actually not faith in the Word, but something else altogether, despite the claims.<br />It is impossible to divorce the Word from the Cross, or the Cross from the Word. The Scripture plainly portrays Christ as the “Liv­ing Word” (Jn. 1:1).<br />It also tells us, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14).<br />Now let it ever be understood, that the Word was made flesh for one reason, and that was to go to the Cross. This is proven by the next statement:<br />John said of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />The Holy Spirit had John to use the appellative “Lamb” for one purpose, and that was to portray the Cross.<br />So, if we do not think of the Cross as in a sense being the Word, and the Word as in a sense being the Cross, we misunderstand the Word of God altogether. It can all be summed up in Jesus, but it must ever be understood that it is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />To have Faith properly in the Word, one is at the same time having Faith in the Cross. And one might even say, that to have Faith in the Cross is to have Faith in the Word. As stated, the two cannot be divorced!<br />When one begins to understand the Cross, and as well, understanding that this is where our Faith is to ever be, the entirety of the Bible takes on a brand-new complexion. One sees the Cross on every page and in every act. The reason is, one now sees the Bible in the light of the Cross. The Word of God is that which tells us what was done, and the Cross is that which was done. In other words, the Word ever points to the Cross, as the Cross ever points to the Word. So, Faith must be under­stood in that capacity. It must ever be in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />The Lord then showed me that this is the manner in which the Holy Spirit works. In other words, He demands that we exhibit Faith at all times, in the great Finished Work of Christ. He actually doesn’t require much of us, but He definitely does require that. In fact, the Word emphatically states this:<br />Paul said, “The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Now let us briefly analyze that Scripture:<br />1.<br />The Law: The Word “Law” refers to that which is designed by God, which refers to the manner and means by which the Spirit works, and as well, means that He will not deviate from this way. Laws made by God will always function exactly in the manner in which they are designed. They have the power of Deity behind them, and will never be bro­ken by God. While man may break them, God never shall. And to be sure, if man breaks them, which he constantly does, he must suffer the consequences.<br /><br />2.<br />The Spirit: Of course, this speaks of the Holy Spirit. This refers to the fact that<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, works exclusively within the bound­aries, i.e., “the parameters,” of this particu­lar Law, which we will define momentarily.<br />3. Of Life: This “Life” comes through and is superintended by the Holy Spirit. It is ac­tually the Life of God in an uninterrupted flow coming to the Believer. This is what Jesus was speaking about when He said, “If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me, and drink.<br />“He that believeth on Me, as the Scrip­ture hath said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.”<br />John then quickly added, “But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive” (Jn. 7:37-39). This “Life,” which Jesus likened to “Living Water,” referring to its uninterrupted flow, is what makes this Christian experience different than anything else in the world. This is the “more abundant Life” promised by Christ (Jn. 10:10).<br />4. In Christ Jesus: This means that this “Law” is centered up in Christ, and more par­ticularly, what He did at the Cross on our behalf. The idea is, what Jesus did at the Cross makes everything possible that we re­ceive from God. This actually means that the Holy Spirit works entirely within the pa­rameters of the Finished Work of Christ, and that He will not work outside of those pa­rameters. That’s why He demands that we exhibit Faith totally and completely in the Cross of Christ. When this is done, He will do great and mighty things for us and with us. But without such Faith being registered at all times, His work will be very limited within our lives, for the simple reason that He will not break the Law.<br />REASONS FOR FAILURE<br /><br />I want the Reader to read very carefully these next few paragraphs, because if properly un­derstood, many questions will be answered.<br />At this very moment, there are good Chris­tians who in their love for the Lord are wit­nessing daily in their efforts to win souls to Christ, and in fact, are winning souls to Christ. But yet, sin is dominating them in some fashion, and they do not understand how or why, especially considering that they love the Lord as much as they do, and are working tirelessly for Him!<br />As well, there are untold thousands of Preachers who are truly called of God, and are anointed by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel, which sees wonderful things done for the Lord in the realm of people being saved, etc. But yet, sin is dominating these Preach­ers in some way. In fact, such a scenario is almost endless.<br />There are untold thousands of Christians who eagerly seek Preachers who are being used of God, that they may lay hands on them, that God may move upon their hearts and lives. In fact, this is done constantly, with at times great manifestations following such as “healings,” etc.<br />But then these people find themselves continuing to fail spiritually, in other words, with sin dominating them, and they are left very confused.<br />Most of the modern Church not under­standing this, is very quick to claim, that is if the problems of these Preachers or people are found out, that they are not of God, etc. What they don’t seem to realize is, that if these people are not of God, then they aren’t either. Because if the truth is known, sin is dominating these faultfinders just as much as the others, if not more.<br />So how do we explain Christians truly be­ing used of God, and truly loving God with all their hearts, but at the same time failing in some way, as it regards some particular sin. In fact, these people, and their number is the vast majority of the modern Church, are living a life of sinning and repenting! Sinning and repenting! Sinning and repent­ing! Etc.<br />Many of them mistake forgiveness for de­liverance, when such is not the case at all.<br />FORGIVENESS IS NOT DELIVERANCE<br />While forgiveness is always available to ev­ery Child of God, with the Lord putting no limitation on that whatsoever, we are to never mistake forgiveness for deliverance (I Jn. 1:9).<br />Forgiveness is merely a restoration of fel­lowship which has been broken because of sin of some nature. And the Lord has always promised to do this if we will always confess our sin to Him. To be sure, He, exactly as He has stated, will always be faithful to forgive and cleanse.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Even though this is available to all Believ­ers, and thank God it is; still, “sinning and repenting” on a constant basis are not the Will of God, as should be obvious.<br />While the Bible does not teach sinless per­fection, it definitely does teach that “sin shall not have dominion over us” (Rom. 6:14). But the truth is, sin is dominating the hearts and lives of most Christians.<br />THE SIN NATURE<br /><br />And when we say “sin,” we are actually speaking of “the sin.”<br />In Romans, Chapter 6, Paul explains all of this. In the original Greek, most of the time before the word “sin” it has what is re­ferred to as “the definite article.” In this case, it is “the,” as in “the sin” (Rom. 5:20-21; 6:1­2, 6-7, 10-14, 17-18, 20, 22-23, etc).<br />It’s amazing that some Preachers claim that Believers no longer have a sin nature, when it could hardly be clearer and plainer in Scrip­ture! However, the power of the sin nature is totally and completely broken within the heart and life of the Believer. In other words, it should cause no problem whatsoever; however, if the Believer doesn’t understand the veracity of the Cross, in other words, what Jesus did there for him, then it is certainly possible for the Christian to once again be controlled by the sin nature, which in fact millions are.<br />The sin nature dwells and reigns (rules) in all unbelievers. It definitely does dwell in Believers, but it’s not supposed to reign (rule).<br />Paul said, “Let not the sin therefore reign in your mortal body” (Rom. 6:12). Again, I want the Reader to understand that he is speaking here of “the sin.” This means, he’s not actually speaking of acts of sin, so much as he is speaking of the nature of sin. And if all of this weren’t possible, why would the Apostle say, “Let not the sin therefore reign . . .” He said it, because it definitely is pos­sible, and in fact, is happening right now in the majority of Christian’s lives.<br />THE REASON FOR THE<br />SIN NATURE RULING<br /><br /><br />A person coming to Christ doesn’t mean at all that Satan is not going to bother them again. In fact, every Christian is a target for Satan.<br />As well, just because God has called Be­lievers for certain particular things, even to Preach the Gospel, with them being used mightily, doesn’t mean that Satan will stop his efforts. Peter said:<br />“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (I Pet. 4:12).<br />There is absolutely nothing that a Christian can do that will stop the attacks of Satan, but there is much that the Christian can do which will guarantee Satan’s defeat. In other words, you as a Believer do not have to yield to his advances, his temptations, his efforts, or any­thing that he does. The Scripture also says:<br />“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I Jn. 4:4).<br />I DON’T UNDERSTAND!<br /><br />Millions of Christians at this very moment, and I speak of those who truly love the Lord and are even being used of God, and some of them in a great way, in their hearts are say­ing, “I don’t understand!”<br />They’re saying this simply because they can­not seem to find victory in their own personal hearts and lives, which means, as stated, that sin is dominating them in some way. They have fought this thing, whatever it might be, in many and varied ways. They’ve tried to over­come by praying more, giving more money to the Work of God, getting more involved in the Work of God, fasting, or many other things that one might name. However, their prob­lem is not getting better, but rather worse.<br />Paul addressed this by saying:<br />“For that which I do I understand not”<br />(Rom. 7:15).<br />While the word “allow” is used by the King James translators, the actual Greek word which Paul used should have been translated “understand.”<br />Romans Chapter 7 proclaims Paul’s experi­ence not long after he was saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit. At that time, he didn’t understand the Victory of the Cross, so he tried to live for God in the same manner that most Christians try to live for God, which translates into one’s own strength and power, etc. In other words, to try to live this life without the help of the Holy Spirit, which is impossible.<br /> <br /><br />Despite all of Paul’s efforts to the contrary, he found himself failing, and failing over and over again; hence him saying, “I don’t un­derstand.” And that’s the very condition of the majority of Christendom presently.<br />And once again, please understand, that I’m speaking of good Christians. These are people who love God, and in fact, are being used of God. They are trying so hard, but despite all of their efforts, they continue to fail in some way.<br />It doesn’t really make any difference that no one may know about their problem, God knows about the problem, and so do they. It is in fact, hurting them to no end, as sin al­ways does! And please understand, that it’s sin which we are talking about.<br />THE LAW<br /><br />The Holy Spirit will definitely help any Believer do anything, providing He’s not called upon to break the Law. Now what do we mean by that?<br />Every one of these Christians of whom I speak are attempting to overcome their prob­lem, whatever it might be, in one of many ways. Millions have gone to their Pastor, con­fided in him, asking what they should do. Almost invariably, most Pastors, not actu­ally knowing the answer, will tell them one of several things:<br />“You must get more involved in the Church!” “You must get in the Altars!” “You must increase your Faith!” Or many at this present time, are referring them to a Psy­chologist. Actually, some large Churches have a Psychologist on their staff, or else there is a “Christian Psychologist” with whom they are acquainted, etc.<br />While the former advice will help a little, the latter will help not at all!<br />The tragedy is, most Preachers to whom the people go for help, are not walking in vic­tory themselves. And please understand that I do not say that sarcastically or unkindly. It just happens to be the truth!<br />What is wrong?<br />THE CROSS<br /><br />God’s way is the Cross, and it is for every­one. That means that the same solution which He has for the Laity, He as well has for Preachers. There’s only one solution! And the Truth is, most Preachers do not have the slightest idea as to the part the Cross plays in our everyday living for God. Most of them know and understand that the Cross is im­portant as it involves our initial Salvation experience, but beyond that they have little or no knowledge.<br />Every single failure on the part of a Be­liever, and it doesn’t matter who that person is, or what type of failure it is, is brought about because of not understanding the victory found only in the Cross. As I’ve repeatedly stated, in the last half century, the Church has had almost no teaching on the Cross; conse­quently, one might say, and with saddened regret, the modern Church is Cross illiterate.<br />And then there’s the other problem of un­belief! Many in the modern Church simply do not believe the Cross holds the answer for the ills of man. They look to other things, mostly humanistic psychology. In fact, I think I can say almost without fear of con­tradiction, that any Preacher who recom­mends psychology, has simply lost faith in the Cross of Christ. While there certainly may be some few who have fallen into this trap because of ignorance of the Cross, I feel the vast majority are traveling that road of humanistic religion because of unbelief.<br />If the Believer will read carefully the pre­vious pages concerning the Cross, and be­lieve what he reads, asking the Lord to prop­erly reveal it to his heart, he will start down a road that will lead to the greatest life and living he’s ever known in all of his experi­ence in following Christ. This doesn’t mean that Satan will quit; however, it definitely does mean that sin will no longer have do­minion over you. It definitely does mean that you now will begin to enjoy this “more abun­dant life.”<br />The Scripture tells us, “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits” (II Tim. 2:6).<br />That simply means, that I cannot tell you how to have victory in your life, if I haven’t first gained victory in my own personal life.<br />VICTORY<br />If there is anyone in this world that’s a perfect example, this Evangelist is. I know<br /><br /> <br /><br />what it is to be greatly used of God. I know what it is to love the Lord with all of your heart, and at the same time be failing Him, and not really knowing and understanding why, especially considering, that you’re try­ing so hard to do otherwise!<br />I also know what it is to be laughed at, ridiculed, with your name becoming a joke, and no one there to help. In fact, not only did most not try to help, but they even tried to hurt. So when I bring these things to you, I bring them from experience.<br />I’m sure the Believer understands, that the Christian doesn’t have a choice as to how Satan attacks him. Those things are decided by God (Job, Chpts. 1-2). Satan is allowed a certain amount of latitude, but thank God it is the Lord Who decides the degree of that latitude and not Satan himself.<br />As a Believer, and again, being mightily used of God to win untold thousands to Christ, I understood the Cross as it regarded our initial experience of Salvation, but I had no knowledge whatsoever as to the part the Cross plays in our everyday living for God. I didn’t know that the Cross was our source of victory. And regrettably, I didn’t know a single Preacher in those days who did, and don’t know many now who do. As I’ve stated, Satan has been very successful in pushing the Church away from its True Foundation. He’s been very subtle in his approach, mak­ing us think it was great faith that we needed, when in reality, what we were being taught about faith wasn’t even Scriptural. Of course, it should be obvious by now, I speak of the modern faith message.<br />And let the Reader understand, even as we’ve been attempting to explain in the last few pages, it really doesn’t matter how much you’re being used of God, if you don’t know God’s prescribed order of victory, you will suf­fer defeat. That means at this very moment, that most Preachers, even those who are pastoring the largest Churches, even those who are truly being used of God, for the most part, are not living victoriously themselves. Again, I state:<br />If the Believer, Preachers included, does not understand the Cross as it regards what Jesus there did on our behalf, and how it alone is the source of all things we receive from God, and how our Faith in the Cross gives latitude to the Holy Spirit to do His mighty work within our lives, that indi­vidual, irrespective as to whom he is, will live a life of spiritual failure. In other words, and as stated, sin will dominate him or her in some way.<br />And, considering that precious few pres­ently know and understand the “Word of the Cross,” this means that the vast majority of the Church is presently living far beneath what Christ has actually afforded for them. And to be sure, living beneath our spiritual privileges in Christ, does not merely fall out to us having to drive a Neon instead of a Cadillac, but it rather falls out to Satan domi­nating us with sin in some manner.<br />Regarding my own personal life, living for the Lord is now the most pleasant, the most wonderful, the most glorious life that one could ever lead, live, or have. Now, I person­ally know what Jesus was talking about when He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abun­dantly” (Jn. 10:10). I now know what He meant when He said, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest” (Mat. 11:28).<br />Having experienced both sides of this fence so to speak, and knowing the sorrow and heartache that an improper understand­ing of the Cross can mean in the life of a Christian, and as well, knowing exactly what it means as it regards all that Jesus did there, and our appropriating His great Life and Vic­tory unto us, and doing so by our Faith in His Finished Work, which gives one the con­stant help of the Holy Spirit, can I be blamed for doing everything within my power to re­veal to you what the Lord has revealed to me, and which is so obvious in His Word!<br />The Scripture plainly says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).<br />The reason that the majority of the Church knows next to nothing about the Cross of Christ, is simply because, as stated, it has been little preached in these last several decades. And if a great truth is not preached, it’s im­possible for the people to have faith in that of which they do not know.<br />If this Commentary that you now hold in your hands could be read by the entirety of<br /> <br /><br />the Church all over the world, and if it would be read with Faith, there isn’t a single Chris­tian who could not start down a road of total and complete victory. It remains only for them to know and believe.<br />That’s also the reason that I plead with you the Reader, to get as many copies of these Commentaries into the hands of other Be­lievers as possible, and especially Preachers. Please remember this:<br />The Cross is the answer to the ills of man­kind, and in fact, the only answer. That’s the reason that Paul said:<br />“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).<br />DEAD WORKS<br /><br />The phrase, “Purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God,” is ex­actly what I’ve been trying to say in these last few pages. This fourteenth Verse, as the Holy Spirit gives it through Paul, plainly tells us that it is only the “Blood of Christ,” which will “purge the conscience,” which refers to taking away the guilt of sin, and then help us to “serve the Living God.” Clear and plain, this is exactly what I’ve been telling you in paragraph after paragraph.<br />Guilt comes about because of sin, of course, which is failure on our part. This puts the individual under condemnation. And regrettably, that’s where most Christians presently are, and because they have tried to bring about Salvation and victory through “dead works.”<br />Let the Reader understand, that Paul is speaking here to Believers. While this defi­nitely applies to the unsaved, still, he is ad­dressing himself to those who are already saved, but have drifted back into “dead works,” which is the problem that presently grips the modern Church.<br />What are “dead works”?<br /><br />It is anything other than simple Faith in the Cross of Christ, i.e., “the Blood of Christ.” And when I say “anything,” I mean “anything.”<br />Do you the Reader understand, that it’s possible for the Believer to turn something as holy as prayer into “dead works”? or church attendance? or fasting? or the giving of money to the Work of the Lord? or manifestations of the Spirit?<br />All of these things I’ve mentioned, plus many we haven’t mentioned, are righteous and good within themselves, and will be a tremendous blessing to any Believer, and are things in which all true Christians will defi­nitely engage themselves; however, if we try to use these things to overcome sin, we turn them into “dead works,” which God can never recognize.<br />Now I ask the Reader, please don’t misun­derstand what I say. I’m not telling the Be­liever not to pray. If anything, I’m telling you to pray more. But it must be done in the right way.<br />Satan wants to drag every Believer down. And when I mention dragging the Believer down, I’m speaking of sin. He does everything within his power to get the Believer to fail God in some way. And if he can do that, he will then try to place the Believer in bondage to that thing, with the sin nature once again run­ning riot in the Believer’s life. In other words, and as previously stated, the sin nature will not only then dwell within the Believer, which it does in all, but it will also rule and reign in the Believer, which is a tragedy, but which is the case with most modern Believers.<br />If that is in fact the case, and it is with most, the Christian is then miserable. In fact, it cannot be any other way.<br />If you are to notice, some particular Preacher or person in whom great confidence is placed will fail the Lord, and many will say, “I don’t understand!” Or, “How could they have done that?” And please remember, for every one whose sin comes to light, there are scores of others in which the sin doesn’t come to light.<br />Or else, Satan may not choose to attack some Believers with one of the vices, but rather with sins such as “unforgiveness,” or “apathy,” etc. With others it is “fear” or “un­belief,” etc. Irrespective, that most Chris­tians don’t pay much attention to the latter, they are still sins in the Eyes of God, and will cause tremendous trouble and difficulty in the heart and life of the Believer.<br />The Cross answers to all sin, irrespective as to what it might be, and in fact, is the only answer for sin.<br /><br /> <br /><br />PRIDE AND HUMILITY<br /><br />The one sin that is the most prevalent of all, is the sin of pride. Of course, this is the opposite of humility. But it is probably the sin that keeps more Believers from trusting in the Cross than anything else.<br />It’s difficult for Preachers to admit that what they’re doing is wrong, and I speak of a particular belief system. All Preachers, and I include myself, are like Abraham, who when told by the Lord that he had to give up Ishmael, wasn’t so very happy about doing so (Gen. 21:9-12).<br />Isaac and Ishmael symbolized the new and the old nature in the Believer. Sarah and Hagar typified the two covenants of grace and works, of liberty and bondage (Gal. Chpt. 4).<br />The birth of the new nature demands the expulsion of the old. It is impossible to im­prove the old nature. The Divine Way of Ho­liness is to “put off the old man” just as Abraham “put off” Ishmael. Man’s way of Holiness is to improve the “old man,” that is, to improve Ishmael. The effort is both foolish and hopeless.<br />Of course, the casting out of Ishmael was “very grievous in Abraham’s sight,” because it is always a struggle to cast out this ele­ment of bondage, that is, Salvation and vic­tory by works. For legalism is dear to the heart. Ishmael was the fruit, and to Abraham the fair fruit of his own energy and planning.<br />But the Epistle to the Galatians states that Hagar, the bondwoman, represents the cov­enant of the Law, and that her son represents all who are of “works of Law,” that is, of all who seek Righteousness on the principle of works of Righteousness.<br />But the bondwoman cannot bring forth a free man! The Son Alone makes free, and He makes free indeed. Sarah, the freewoman, symbolizes the covenant of grace and liberty.<br />WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS<br /><br />Please allow me to say again that which I’ve just stated:<br />All who seek Righteousness on the prin­ciple of “works of righteousness,” will never achieve that for which they seek, but actu­ally the very opposite. While “works of righ­teousness” are very desirable in the hearts and lives of all Believers, those things in no way make us Righteous. Righteousness, i.e., Holiness, i.e., Victory, etc., can only be achieved by simple Faith in what Christ did on the Cross on our behalf. Simple Faith expressed in Him, and more particularly, in what He did for us, will guarantee all that the Saint needs, and more besides. But if we try to attain these things, as stated, by “works of righteousness,” we will fail every time.<br />And in the failing, we will be very con­fused. In the doing of spiritual things, we automatically think that we are “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1); however, that is not the case at all.<br />“Walking after the Spirit,” as Paul de­scribed, is simply ordering our behavior in the manner of the Spirit, which is the manner of the Cross. Then we will walk in perpetual victory, enjoying all that Jesus has purchased for us at great price.<br />Don’t you the Reader understand and know, considering what Jesus did for us, and the tremendous price that He had to pay, that He certainly wants us to have all that He has done for us! Surely, you realize that!<br />And as well, don’t you think it saddens His heart, when we fall so far short of all this He has done for us! To be sure, it’s ours, but only by Faith, and only by Faith in what He did on the Tree nearly 2,000 years ago.<br />No! We’re not trying to put Jesus back on a Cross. In fact, at this moment, He is seated by the right Hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3), and in fact, spiritually speaking, we are seated with Him (Eph. 2:6).<br />Actually, the Cross is something which happened in the distant past, and which will never have to be repeated, and which has ben­efits that continue unto this hour, and in fact, will never be discontinued. It’s those ben­efits which we are to have, and that of which I speak!<br />TAKING UP THE CROSS DAILY<br /><br />Jesus said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Lk. 9:23).<br />Besides all the teaching of Paul, which incidentally the Holy Spirit gave to him, this one Verse quoted by Christ, proclaims the absolute necessity of the Cross as it involves<br /> <br /><br />our daily living before the Lord. Unfortu­nately, most Christians completely misunder­stand this Verse. They don’t deny it, simply because it is undeniable. Jesus said it, and besides that, it is so clear and plain as to its intent, that it cannot be explained away. But as stated, most completely misunderstand what He has said here.<br />The understanding of the Cross as it re­gards the modern Church, is that of suffer­ing. In other words, they are thinking that Jesus is saying here that we must suffer, and do so, I suppose, on a daily basis. Of course, that’s not a very inviting prospect!<br />Whenever some Christian has to go through a terrible problem, other Christians will look at the situation and their response generally is, “That’s the cross they have to bear, and I pray the Lord never asks me to do that!”; or words to that effect.<br />While the Cross definitely did speak of suf­fering on the part of Christ, and suffering of such magnitude that it defies all description; however, where the Cross spoke death to Him, as it was intended to do, it speaks life to us. In fact, taking up the Cross daily is the most glo­rious, the most wonderful, the most life-giv­ing, the most fulfilling thing that one could ever do. Such is the source of all blessing, all help, all Grace, all Peace, all riches, all things which are good, etc. Christians should be running to take up the Cross, should be endeavoring to find out exactly how it is to be done, should be clamoring to engage themselves in this process, but because of er­roneous understanding, Christians want no part of the Cross. But, notice what Jesus said:<br />DENY OURSELVES<br /><br />First of all, He tells us that if anyone is to follow Him, and that means “anyone,” they have to first of all “deny themselves.” What does that mean?<br />Jesus is not speaking of asceticism. As you know, asceticism is the denial of anything that is good, all pleasure, etc. So, the first misunderstanding occurs with the first com­mand of denying oneself.<br />Jesus is speaking instead of denying our­selves, as it regards denying our own strength and ability, our own power and personal ef­fort, concerning living this Christian life. In other words, He is telling us that it’s impos­sible for us to live as we ought to live, do as we ought to do, and be as we ought to be, within our own strength. We have to have the help of the Holy Spirit. That’s what He is saying! And now He will tell us exactly how we can have that help.<br />“Taking up the Cross,” merely refers to taking upon oneself all the benefits of what Jesus did there on our behalf, and understand­ing that the Cross is the source of all Salva­tion and Blessing. That’s the reason that I said that bearing the Cross is the greatest, most wonderful life that one could ever be­gin to live. Jesus paid a terrible price in order that we might have all the things which God desires to give us. This means that we can have nothing from God, but that Jesus made it possible through the Cross. Considering the great price that He paid, it stands to rea­son, as we’ve already stated some pages back, that He would want us to have these great benefits. And to be sure, we can only have them by understanding what the Cross actu­ally is, and what it actually means to us, even as Paul proclaims in Romans Chapter 6.<br />Again, we emphasize that the Cross made everything possible, and I speak of all the good things that God has given us through Christ Jesus. That’s the reason that Paul keeps say­ing “in Christ,” or “in Him,” etc. So, instead of running from the Cross, every Believer ought to run toward the Cross, for it is there that the fountain of all blessings flow.<br />DAILY<br />Now notice that He said to us, that the Cross must be taken up “daily!” Why did He say that?<br />Man has such a problem with pride, even the most ardent Believers, that we have to have constant reminders that all the Bless­ings we possess, are not at all of our own mak­ing, but rather come totally and completely from Christ, and more particularly, what He did at the Cross on our behalf. At the slight­est pretext, we are prone to look to ourselves, thinking that it’s our ability, our talent, our mental gymnastics, or whatever, that have brought upon us these Blessings. Or else we’ll begin to think that it’s “our Faith,” “our consecration,” “our dedication,” etc.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Satan doesn’t really too much care as to what we do or think, just so long as we take our eyes off of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.<br />So, the Lord desires that we begin each day with the understanding that our Faith must be freshened and renewed for that par­ticular day, which means that we put yester­day in the past, and not concern ourselves about tomorrow. Remember, that He told us to do just that:<br />“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.<br />“Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Mat. 6:33-34).<br />It’s like the Manna of old. The Israelites were given instructions to gather each day only enough for that particular day, because there would be a fresh supply the next day. This taught them trust and dependence on the Lord.<br />It is the same identical thing as to what Jesus says here. We are to take up the Cross daily.<br />In fact, this is where many Christians have problems. Many will come into the knowl­edge of the Cross, just as I pray that you the Reader are now beginning to do, with great joy filling your heart, and because of this foun­dational Truth of all truths, and then you’ll stub your toe, and wonder what went wrong?<br />What goes wrong is one of two things, or perhaps both:<br />1.<br />We do not take the admonition of Christ seriously enough about taking up the Cross daily; consequently, we little by little begin to trust in ourselves, instead of this which Jesus has done for us.<br /><br />2.<br />All failure in any capacity is in some way a failure of Faith. And, I’m sure that the Reader can see how these two points are tied together as it regards Faith. Taking up the Cross daily refreshes our Faith, and above all, it secures it in the correct object, which is the Cross, and which is the most important part of our Faith.<br /><br /><br />SAVING OUR LIVES<br /><br />To help us more fully understand this of which the Master is saying, He further adds:<br />“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it” (Lk. 9:24).<br />In this Passage, Christ is merely saying, that all life is found in Him, and Him Alone, and more particularly, in what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />When He spoke about us saving our life, and thereby losing it, He is merely saying that if we try to find life in any way other than through and by His Cross, that no matter what we find, it will conclude by us losing life.<br />If instead, we give our life over to Him totally and completely, actually understand­ing that we were baptized into His Death when He died, were buried with Him, and raised with Him in newness of life (Rom. 6:3­5), we will in turn save our life.<br />The idea of all of this is, that all life is found exclusively in Christ, and more particularly, what He did at the Cross, all on our behalf. Jesus has always been God, but that fact alone could not save us. It is the Cross which made pos­sible the life of God being manifested in us. This is what Paul was talking about when he said:<br />“The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2).<br />Once again, I emphasize the fact, that Christ is not speaking about suffering as He speaks here of the Cross, except in an indi­rect way. He is actually saying, that out of His great suffering, we can have life and have it more abundantly (Jn. 10:10).<br />ACTIVITY OR POSITION?<br /><br />If one is to notice, all of this which Jesus says is not arrived at by activity on our part, but rather by position. And what do we mean by that?<br />Every Believer has a “position” in Christ. It is a position of relationship, which the Holy Spirit through Paul referred to as “sons.” Of course, “sons” is used for both men and women, as there is no gender in Christ, no male or female, all are one in Him.<br />We gain this position not at all by activity, and in fact, it cannot be gained by activity, but only by Faith.<br />Most Believers understand what I’ve just said, as it regards the initial Salvation expe­rience, knowing they were saved by Faith and<br /> <br /><br />not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). However, when it comes to our daily living, which is what we are here discussing, most Christians resort to activity, thinking the activity will bring about a victorious life. It doesn’t! In fact, it has the very opposite effect!<br />What do I mean by activity?<br /><br />We attempt to gain Righteousness or vic­tory, whatever term we would like to use, by “works of Righteousness.” In other words, by doing things for the Lord, we somehow think this will bring us out to a victorious life. It doesn’t!<br />While every Christian as previously stated, should definitely be engaged in “works of Righteousness,” we should ever understand, that this should be a result of our experience with Christ, and never a “cause.” In other words, no Christian can gain victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, by engaging in “works of Righteousness,” as important as those works may actually be. Our victory is gained totally and completely by simple Faith in Jesus Christ, and what He did for us at the Cross, and exhibiting that Faith even on a daily basis, which we’ve already discussed. When we do this, and do it in this fashion, the Holy Spirit then helps us, which is the secret of all overcoming strength (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />Concerning the Holy Spirit, Paul said:<br /><br />“But if the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of Him (God the Father) that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He (God the Father) that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies (your present life) by His Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11).<br />Most Christians read this Verse and think that Paul is speaking here of the coming Resurrection. No, he isn’t!<br />He is speaking of our living and our lives now. He is speaking of us walking in victory before the Lord, being daily overcomers, and telling us that the Spirit will do this thing in us, and do this thing for us, “quicken your mortal bodies,” etc.<br />But the Spirit will not do this if we attempt to bring it about by “works of Righteousness.” When we attempt to live our lives in this fash­ion, we have turned these works of Righ­teousness into efforts of the flesh. And, Paul also said, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom. 8:8).<br />As Christians, we have the mistaken idea that our doing spiritual things means that it’s after the Spirit. It might be; however, if we’re doing these things in an attempt to be what we ought to be in Christ, then it ceases to be spiritual, and becomes “works,” and which we might quickly add, works in the wrong way, which constitute the flesh, which God can never bless.<br />We must go back to Romans 8:2, under­standing that our victory over the “law of sin and death,” is brought about entirely by our Faith in what Jesus did for us at the Cross. Again, I state, it’s called, “The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.”<br />So, our victory is not found in “activity,” but rather in “position,” and by that, I mean our position in Christ, which refers to what He did for us at the Cross.<br />SONS OR SERVANTS?<br />Paul said, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of His Son (made possible by what Jesus did at the Cross) into your hearts, crying Abba, Father.<br />“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Gal. 4:6-7).<br />First of all, we know and understand, that every single Believer in the world, and no matter how weak or strong that Believer might be, is a “son in Christ.” This is made possible by what Christ did at the Cross and our Faith in Him.<br />However, the facts are, that even though every single Believer is a “Son,” with all of the inherent rights and privileges, still, most Believers are living instead like “servants.” And as should be readily obvious, there is a vast difference in a “servant” and a “Son.” And for emphasis, please allow me to add this:<br />We do not get to be a “Son” by earning the position, or as we have just discussed, by some sort of activity. We have this “position” sim­ply by Faith in what Christ has already done for us. So, why is it, that most Christians are living like servants instead?<br />If the Believer doesn’t know and under­stand the Cross of Christ, and that the Cross is the Source of all blessings, in other words, that the Cross made everything possible, then of necessity that particular Believer is going<br /><br /> <br /><br />to exist as a “servant,” even though he is a “Son.” And because most of the modern Church has little or no understanding at all about the Cross of Christ, most are living like servants. Consequently, they keep trying to earn their place and position, which is im­possible anyway, and beyond that, Christ has already done everything that is needed.<br />To live as a “Son,” which refers to having all the benefits and privileges for which Jesus paid such a price, we don’t have to do one single thing except simply trust in what He did at the Cross for us. And as stated, we must do this on a daily basis! Now why is that so hard?<br />It’s hard, even though it doesn’t have to be, simply because of unbelief.<br />For nearly 50 years (or longer), the Church has been taught “Salvation by faith” and “Vic­tory by works.” In fact, that’s the reason that Paul wrote his Epistle to the Galatians.<br />The Galatians had been saved under Paul, which means they had the benefit of the greatest teaching on the face of the Earth of that particular time. But after Paul founded these Churches, and then went on to other fields of labor, false teachers came in from Jerusalem, Christian Jews incidentally, who professed Christ, but as well taught that the Law must be kept, etc. This is what occa­sioned the Epistle to the Galatians, and one might quickly add, the most strident Epistle written by Paul. In other words, the Apostle was angry when he wrote the Epistle, simply because he knew if the Galatians believed this false doctrine, it would fall out to their ruin.<br />FALSE DOCTRINE<br /><br />First of all, how in the world could any­one get people like the Galatians who had been brought in under such sound teach­ing, to forsake that teaching, and thereby believe error?<br />All false doctrine is instigated by demon spirits (II Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 16:13-15). Consequently, this means there is power be­hind false doctrine. As well, all false doc­trine, will always appeal to some base inter­est within the heart and life of the individual. I speak of self-will, greed, love of position, etc. However, the appeal is made in a spiri­tual way, which makes it seem right.<br />Also, as it regards abandoning Faith in the Cross, and instead placing it in other things, there is something in the heart of every single Believer, which likes to “do religion.” It’s an evil thing, but strangely enough, it makes us feel holy.<br />Consequently, many Preachers will say, “Oh yes, I believe in the Cross, but I also be­lieve that we have to do. . . .” What they’re actually saying is, that they don’t believe in the Cross, but rather in their own “works,” whatever those works might be.<br />For instance, one Preacher speaking a few days ago with one of my associates said, “Yes, I believe in the Cross, but I also believe that every person has to be accountable.”<br />He was actually saying that he didn’t be­lieve in the Cross, but rather believed in some regimen cooked up by men, in whom the party in question must engage, and if he does such to their satisfaction, whatever it might be, then he is being “accountable,” and thereby accepted!<br />ACCOUNTABILITY<br /><br />What is accountability?<br />That’s a good question, and would be an­swered in any number of ways by as many people. In fact, almost all Preachers would claim that accountability is doing what they tell you to do, which is seldom Scriptural, but some regimen, which we’ve already men­tioned, devised by themselves. And as well, the regimen changes with each Preacher, etc. As I’ve said before, men love to make rules and make other men obey them, and reli­gious men love to make rules most of all.<br />While such foolishness might be account­ability in their eyes, it is definitely not ac­countability in God’s eyes. And whom do we want to please? God or men?<br />Accountability is being accountable to the Word of God. Let me direct you to David.<br />The sweet singer of Israel in the one of the last Psalms he wrote, if not the last one, said: “For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from My God” (II Sam. 22:22). In fact, this is the 18th Psalm.<br />In reading a Commentary the other day, the writer commenting on this particular Verse as given by David said, “How could<br /> <br /><br />David have said such a thing, considering the great sin he committed with Bathsheba?”<br />In the first place, David wasn’t merely giv­ing us his thoughts in the Psalms, but was rather writing as the Holy Spirit moved upon him to do so. This means that every single thing he said was absolutely right, and in fact, perfect. So, what did he mean?<br />In the first place, there is no human be­ing who has never sinned. However, it seems that some Christians conduct themselves as if some have sinned and some haven’t. No! “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God,” which means, that all are totally dependent upon the Grace of God, that is, if they are to be saved.<br />David wasn’t claiming that he had never sinned or anything of that nature. He was saying, that whatever had happened in his heart and life, with some of the things being very wicked and very negative, he had not failed to take them to the Lord. In other words, he had not wickedly departed from God in seeking solutions elsewhere. He took his terrible failures to the Lord, which is the only place they can be taken. That is ac­countability!<br />When you the Believer hear Preachers talk­ing about accountability, you should ask your­self the question as to what type of account­ability it is of which they are speaking. Are they speaking about accountability to God, or to rules and regulations made up out of their own minds?<br />We as Believers must always remember the following:<br />In all things, we must go God’s way. It may cost us something, but any other way will bring death. Dog and pony shows are for car­nivals. Christians shouldn’t engage in such.<br />THE COUNTERFEIT CHURCH<br /><br />“I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the syna­gogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).<br />The conflict between the forces of good and evil in the world is evident on every hand. Every means and method are used by Satan, along with his angels and demon spirits, to frustrate and destroy God’s redemptive pro­gram (Job 1:7; Lk. 4:6; Acts 26:18; II Cor. 4:3-4; Eph. 6:12; II Thess. 2:9).<br />Satan’s most effective efforts have been made through imitation, half-truths, and counterfeits. Satan has counterfeits for all the good things of God. This means that there is in the world today a Counterfeit Church made up of people who are motivated by Satan. Sadly, this makes up the largest of that which we commonly refer to as “Church.”<br />Directing the Counterfeit Church are the false prophets and ministers who perpetuate a counterfeit religious program, with its se­ductively beautiful allurements — its ritual­istic appeal — its religion made up of works, without repentance or abandonment of sin, of which Jesus said, “Many there be which go in thereat” (Mat. 7:13; II Cor. 11:13-15).<br />It is a well-know fact that counterfeits and adulterations are difficult at times to detect, and many are deceived thereby. The Coun­terfeit Church propounds a kind of human­istic, rationalistic salvation, or at times even a Salvation of signs and wonders, which in effect, is a dependence on man himself for the attainment of the good life . . . etc. What­ever satisfaction he is to enjoy he must achieve by his ability to control the physical world about him, or through his manipula­tion of social forces which can thus be made to serve him, or an effort to force God into some so-called mode by a supposed, supe­rior faith, or by claiming God through signs and wonders, etc., all outside of the Cross.<br />Despite all the claims, despite the great re­ligiosity, despite the claims of faith, the Coun­terfeit Church is made up of people who serve and worship Satan. They do it very religiously, but we must remember, that Satan is a reli­gious being. So this means, that of all his ef­forts in the world to steal, kill, and to destroy, his greatest efforts are from inside the Church.<br />These people use the forms and terminol­ogy of the Church, and of course I speak of the True Church, but at the same time they “deny the power thereof” (II Tim. 3:5), which means to deny the power of the Cross, or else they claim great power, but once again it’s power outside of the Cross.<br />To be very frank, much, if not most, of the institutionalized Church is controlled by this group.<br />In fact, we can see these two lines, the True Church and the Counterfeit Church, running<br /><br /> <br /><br />through all the Ages. Actually, the two are so closely related, that it takes one thoroughly versed in the Word and led by the Spirit, to tell the difference at times. Jesus spoke of it as “wheat and tares” (Mat. 13:30).<br />CAIN AND ABEL<br /><br />When Cain and Abel had their conflict, the Church came into full view for the first time. God’s Redemptive Plan implored the shed­ding of animal blood, which was typical of the “Lamb that was slain from the founda­tion of the world” (Rev. 13:8). By offering Blood Sacrifices as God had commanded, early Believers, and we speak of all those from Abel on, at least until Jesus came, testified and gave evidence of their Faith in God’s Redemptive provision. They expressed faith in Christ (Jehovah) and were thus saved. Favor with God has always hinged upon the sinner’s acceptance of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />That’s what the Text means regarding Jesus’ Baptism, when God said of Him, “Thou art My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased” (Mk. 1:11).<br />At the same time, this means that God is not pleased with any man, not one single solitary person, and that goes for all time. All were born in sin, and it is the sin that greatly displeases God. The only way the sin can be handled, is by one accepting Christ, and when this is done, because God is pleased with His Son, He is at the same time pleased with those who accept Him, but only then!<br />At the same time, that means that God has no satisfaction in our Church, Denomi­nations, good works, or anything of that na­ture, at least if we are engaging in these things, and in whatever capacity, thinking they are helping us to be drawn closer to God, etc. While these things in their own way are very important, and even very important with God, we as Believers must always keep first things first. It is Jesus Who is everything, and more particularly, what He did at the Cross on our behalf. At the same time, that means that nothing must be added to Him or taken from Him. To say it in a clearer way, it’s not Jesus and the Church, or Jesus and Water Baptism, or Jesus and speaking in other tongues, etc. It’s Jesus and Jesus Alone Who provides Salvation, and does so in every capacity.<br />When the Savior said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me,” (Jn. 14:6), He clearly revealed that He had always been the channel through which sinners obtained fa­vor with the Father. Here the language of eternity is clearly revealed.<br />ABEL AND THE CHURCH<br /><br />Here Abel represents the Church one might say. He brought an acceptable Blood Sacri­fice. Cain represents the Counterfeit Church. “Cain offered no firstling Sacrifice, but the first thing that came to hand, something or other that he had just found, or had raised such as vegetables, etc.”<br />Cain offered merely an expression of his dependence and thanksgiving, and this indeed a self-wrought production of his own strength. Thereby he became the prototype of all who dared to approach the Sanctuary of God with­out the shedding of Blood (Heb. 9:22).<br />CAIN AND RELIGION<br /><br />It is evident that Cain was religious — he had a religion of the flesh, a self-willed wor­ship, a self-justified justification by works, and the insubordinate self-redemption which relies on itself and rejects substitution — this idealizing of one’s own power, this theology of the first murderer, this “faith” of the serpent’s seed (James 2:10); but on the other hand, note the “way of Abel” — the humble acknowledgement that sin demands death, the reliance of the guilty on the Sacrifice appointed by God Himself, the enduring of persecution for the sake of the eternal goal, the expectation of the triumphs of the Di­vine Redemption through the woman’s seed.<br />The highest perfecting of “Abel” is Christ . . . but the highest development of Cain is Antichrist and in him the self-deification of the curse-laden sinner (I Thess. 2:4).<br />MEMBERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST<br />Membership in the Church, i.e., “The Body of Christ,” has always been restricted to those who have appropriated the “Blood of Christ” by faith; whereas membership in the “Syna­gogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9; Ex. 15:6; Isa. 30:1; Acts 13:10; Rom. 1:18; 9:22, etc.); i.e., the<br /> <br /><br />Counterfeit Church, has been reserved for those who reject Christ (Jesus) as Lord and Savior, which means to reject the Cross. Many attempt to accept Christ without the Cross, but such is not to be. Paul referred to such as<br />“another Jesus, another spirit, another gos­pel” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />Man is automatically a member of the Counterfeit Church who defaults regarding Christ, even as did some of the Christian Jews of Paul’s day, necessitating him writing the Epistle to the Hebrews, and of course many others as well down through the ages, and/ or rejecting the redemptive provision made by God “from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8; Acts 2:23, 25; I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />THE COUNTERFEIT CHURCH<br /><br />The Counterfeit Church goes under quite a number of names in the Bible. It is referred to as the “Synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9), “an angel of light” (II Cor. 11:14-15), “those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (II Tim. 3:5), “the fallen from Grace” (Gal. 5:4), “those who depart from the Faith” (I Tim. 4:1), “the rejecters of sound doctrine” (II Tim. 4:3), “the evil congrega­tion” (Num. 14:27-37), “the assembly of the wicked” (Ps. 22:16).<br />If it is to be noticed, all of these people claim to know God, with many even claim­ing to follow Jesus, with all claiming to be saved, whatever is the definition they put upon that word.<br />PARALLEL COURSES<br /><br />The True Church and the Counterfeit Church have always held parallel courses, and at times the Counterfeit Church is found within the Church, but never of it. Repre­senting these two institutions in history, even up to this present hour, are the witnesses — the true and the false.<br />For instance, in Jesus’ day, the Church was no longer represented by the Temple lead­ers, the formal administrators of the reli­gious affairs, the Priests, etc., even though they possessed the key to the Temple pre­cincts, despite all of this, they were imposters and counterfeits. They were “of the Syna­gogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie” (Rev. 3:9). Of course, as is perfectly known, they crucified the Lord of Glory.<br />It is evident that God has never been de­pendent upon any visible ecclesiastical orga­nization for preserving the Redemptive Plan. At times down through history, the Church has been temporarily forced underground while the Counterfeit Church took over, but irrespective of that, God has always had His witnesses in every Age and dispensation.<br />CHARACTER AND REPUTATION<br />As someone has well said, “Reputation is what people think you are, while character is what God knows you are.”<br />If one is to notice, the religious leader­ship of Jesus’ day, had impeccable reputations over Israel, but yet, their characters were evil and wicked, so evil and wicked in fact, that they would crucify their own Messiah, the Lord of Glory. So how is such to be judged? To be frank, untold millions have died with­out God and gone to Hell, simply because they judged wrongly. In other words, they put their faith in a particular Church, a Preacher, a Denomination, etc. Or most of all, they listened to what so-called religious leaders told them, believed it, and died lost.<br />Knowing that Satan does his greatest work from inside the Church, and knowing that he is a master at making people believe some­thing which isn’t really true, Jesus gave us the example that must be followed as it re­gards True Apostles and false apostles. Lis­ten to what He said:<br />“Beware of false Prophets (Apostles), which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” In other words, these people look the part and even sound the part, but inwardly they are any­thing but that which they claim.<br />The Master then said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Mat. 7:15-16).<br />First of all, let’s notice what He didn’t say:<br />He didn’t say that we would know because they were elected to some official office in some religious Denomination. He didn’t say we would know them because they pastor a big Church, or draw large crowds. He didn’t say that we would know them because they are talented or have great ability. He didn’t say we would know them because they perform<br /><br /> <br /><br />signs and wonders. But rather, He said we would know them by their “fruits.”<br />FRUIT<br /><br />When Jesus used the word “fruit,” He was using it as a metaphor, which refers to an ob­ject or happening that explains something else.<br />In the New Testament, as in the Old, meta­phorical uses predominate. This is particu­larly true in the Gospels, where human ac­tions and words are viewed as fruit growing out of a person’s essential being or character.<br />One example of this is found in the preach­ing of John the Baptist (summarized in Mat. Chpt. 3 and Lk. Chpt. 3). John called for re­pentance and insisted that any inner change produce fruit as evidence of its reality.<br />Matthew Chapter 7 and Luke Chapter 6, even as we are here addressing, report Jesus’ explanation to His followers that true char­acter is recognized in a person’s acts. “The good man brings forth things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart” (Lk. 6:45; repeated almost identi­cally in Mat. 12:35). A parallel passage, Mat. 12:33-37, expands on this theme.<br />It is in the Gospel of John, and the Epistles of Paul that the concept of fruitfulness shifts from that of the product of character to the product of God’s work within us.<br />In John 15:1-16, Jesus takes the image of the vine, with God as Gardener, from Isaiah. We Believers are carefully tended by the Fa­ther, pruned, and cared for that we may “bear much fruit.” Fruitfulness is possible, He said, if we remain in Him and His words remain in us.<br />The point Jesus makes is that fruitfulness is rooted in our personal relationship with Him, and our personal relationship with Him is maintained by living His words: “If you obey My commands you will remain in My love” (Jn. 15:10).<br />God has chosen us. It is His intention that we be fruitful. It is for this reason that He has given us the most intimate of relation­ships and Jesus’ Own words to guide us, and it is our responsibility to walk in close fel­lowship with our Lord, which we can only do by expressing constant faith in the Cross of Christ and what Jesus did there, which has a constant bearing upon our everyday living (Rom. 6:3-5; 8:1-2, 11).<br />The Seventh Chapter of Romans which describes Paul’s personal experience after coming to Christ, explains that human ac­tions are energized from one of two sources. We can, on the one hand, be energized by our sinful nature; but when we are, we produce “fruit for death.” Or we can be energized by the Holy Spirit. When we are controlled by the Spirit, we bear “fruit to God.”<br />But we must ever remember, that the Holy Spirit works within our hearts and lives on one premise, and one premise alone! He demands that we exhibit Faith in the Cross of Christ at all times, understanding that all blessings, all good things, all power, strength, grace, glory, and peace, come exclusively from God by this source. When we exhibit faith in this man­ner, the Holy Spirit then works on our behalf, producing the fruit within our lives which only He can produce (Rom. 8:1-2; Gal. 5:22-23).<br />In fact, we can only be controlled by the Holy Spirit in this fashion. If we try to get close to God, or maintain our walk with God, through any other manner, and no matter how serious or dedicated we might be, we will fail, simply because the Holy Spirit will not help us in those endeavors. Remember what we said sometime back:<br />God is pleased only with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of course what Christ did, which refers to the Cross. If we are in Him, which every Christian is, maintaining our Faith and confidence in His Finished Work, then the Holy Spirit will grandly help us. If we step outside of the Finished Work of Christ, although continuing to be Christians, we will then find ourselves “walking after the flesh,” which will bring forth sin and death, because we’re depending on ourselves. And because we are in fact depending on ourselves, the Holy Spirit at that stage will not help us. Always remember the following:<br />Every Christian must understand, that everything comes to Him through the Cross of Christ.<br />Understanding that, every Christian must maintain his Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ at all times, never allowing his Faith to be removed to any other object, no matter how good that other object may seem to be.<br /> <br /><br />When we do this, and continue to do this, with Faith as our essential ingredient, and the Cross of Christ as its ultimate destina­tion, the Holy Spirit, Whom we must have within our lives in order to live what we ought to live and be what we ought to be, then will work mightily upon our behalf, but if we step outside of these parameters, which is where most of the Church is presently, the Holy Spirit, although remaining, simply will not help, because if He did in such a circum­stance, He would be breaking the Law, and that He will not do (Rom. 8:2).<br />THE FRUIT OF THE SIN NATURE AND<br />THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT<br /><br /><br />Galatians 5:16-26 defines the fruit of sin­ful human nature and the fruit of the Spirit energized nature. It is striking that the fruit God seeks, as defined here, is exactly the fruit sought in His Old Testament Believers! Bad fruit, the acts of the sinful nature, are “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idola­try and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Gal. 5:19-21).<br />As we’ve already said, let the Reader un­derstand, that Paul is speaking here of Chris­tians. In other words, if the Christian doesn’t follow the Word of God as he ought to as it regards the Cross of Christ, the works of the flesh will begin to manifest themselves in his heart and life, just as they did before he came to Christ. In fact, it cannot be any other way. And due to the fact that this is so very seri­ous, please allow us to state the case again:<br />The only way that the “Fruit of the Spirit” can be born out in the heart and life of the Believer, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23), is that the Believer understand at all times, that these things come exclusively by the Spirit. In other words, there is no way that you as a human being, and no matter how conse­crated to God you might be, can bring about these things within your own heart and life by your own machinations. It simply can­not be done.<br />And how does the Holy Spirit do these things in our lives?<br />He only requires one thing of us, and that is that we exhibit Faith in the Cross of Christ at all times. This is explained to us in Ro­mans 6:3-5, where we are informed as to what happened to us when we got saved. We were literally baptized into the death of Christ, referring to His Crucifixion; we were buried with Him, meaning that the whole sordid mess of our past life before Christ was good for nothing, except to be buried, and then we rose with Him in newness of life.<br />Now this is what happened to us in the Mind of God, when we exhibited Faith in Christ and His Finished Work, when we were initially saved.<br />We will then continue to live this resur­rection life, which is the most glorious life in the world, providing that we continue to understand that “we have been planted to­gether in the likeness of His death” (Rom. 6:5). Let’s say it again:<br />We cannot have and walk in “the likeness of His Resurrection,” which means to enjoy all the victory that He there purchased for us, unless at all times, we understand and realize, that all of this has come to pass be­cause “we have been planted together in the likeness of His death.” We are Resurrection people with all its attendant blessings, only if we continue to understand that we are as well “Crucifixion people.” The Resurrection must never be placed ahead of the Cross, and the Cross must never be forgotten in the least, as we survey the wondrous blessings which He affords us at all times. We must remem­ber, that all of these wonderful things didn’t come about because of the Resurrection, but because of the Crucifixion, and our being in that Crucifixion by Faith. That’s why Paul strongly said, “But God forbid that I should glory (boast) save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).<br />Understanding our death, burial, and res­urrection in Him, and always in Him, we must at all times “reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin (dead unto the sin na­ture), but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).<br />Understanding this, and continuing our Faith in this direction, and I speak of the di­rection of the Cross, the sin nature will never<br /><br /> <br /><br />dominate us any more, and the fruit of the Spirit will always be developed within our hearts and lives.<br />The fruit of that is, “sin shall not have do­minion over you: for you are not under the law (the law has no more claim on you), but under Grace (due to what Jesus did for you at the Cross, which is the source of all Grace)” (Rom. 6:14).<br />Once our Faith is properly placed in the Cross, and it remains in the Cross, under­standing that the Cross is the Source of all blessings, then it is guaranteed that proper fruit will result. Otherwise, it will be “works of the flesh.”<br />THE TRUE CHURCH<br /><br />To shorten these theological statements down to simple terms where we all can un­derstand it, it simply means that the Cross of Christ is the dividing line between the True Church and the Apostate Church, i.e., “Coun­terfeit Church.”<br />In fact, it has always been that way, but is going to be and is more prominent now than ever. As one views the Cross, whether posi­tive or negative, accordingly will one be a part of whichever Church.<br />THE LAMB OF GOD<br /><br />When John introduced our Lord as “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29), he introduced “The Lamb” Who had been “taking away the sin of the world” from the beginning of time. In certain historical periods “the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints” (Jude vs. 3) has been hard pressed, but God has never been without a witness. At times “The Faith” has made tactical retreats and has taken its abode with small groups and sects, but it has always revived and flowered into revival movements in many localities.<br />In the religious world, the ideal has at times been lost as far as the visible outline was con­cerned, even as the Church more and more apostatized, but it continued to “glow” in the hearts and minds of the common people. So it has been with “The Faith” throughout the history of Redemption.<br />The entire ecclesiastical hierarchy of Pharisee-Sadducee Judaism of our Savior’s day stands condemned before God. Profess­ing themselves to be servants of God, they were instead the disciples of death. Instead of accepting Christ (Jehovah), now in the Person of Jesus, they rejected Him — the “Chief Corner Stone” (Acts 4:10-12). Instead of being truly in “the Church,” which is achieved by making Christ one’s Lord and Savior, these counterfeits served the “Syna­gogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).<br />A further inquiry might be made relative to the identity of these apostles of evil. Did Christ call them by name? The Gospels bear witness to the fact that the servants of Satan were none other than the Scribes (Pastors), the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priests, the Elders, and the Rulers who were in charge of the religious program of Israel. In other parts of the Scriptures they are re­ferred to as the “congregation of evildoers” (Ps. 26:5), “congregation of hypocrites,” “assembly of the wicked” (Ps. 22:16). Jesus said of them, “Ye are of your father the Devil” (Jn. 8:44; Jer. 15:17; Ezek. 2:3; 5:6, etc.).<br />Their interest in the Work of God was lim­ited to the extent to which they could use it as a cloak behind which to hide their wicked and corrupt activities. Sin, to them, became a lucrative business. The poor were oppressed and driven into slavery; dishonest trading and exacting bribes were the order of the day; public and private virtue were almost un­known; the courts of justice were notorious; immoralities were practiced without shame or compunction. The appetites of the greedy Temple authorities were such that they made the House of God “a den of thieves” (Mat. 21:13; Chpt. 23).<br />This is why Jesus said of Israel, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mat. 9:36).<br />Through faith the “congregation of the Saints” (Ps. 89:5), i.e., “The Church,” stood up under every form of persecution and abuse at the hands of these “children of the Devil” (I Jn. 3:10), i.e., the Counterfeit Church. The faithful Believers were subjected to every dis­grace and indignity known to man (Heb. 11:37-40). These accusations were further established by the witness of Christ.<br /> <br /><br />CONDEMNATION<br /><br />In addressing the Scribes and Pharisees in Jerusalem, Jesus calls to mind the fact that Isaiah had pronounced condemnation upon the religious leaders of his day. Our Lord then applies this condemnation to their de­scendants: “this people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doc­trines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:8-9).<br />Isaiah referred to this group as an “abomi­nable branch” (Isa. 14:19); “rebellious chil­dren” (Isa. 30:1, 9). Teaching humanistic theories instead of Divine Truth has always been characteristic of the Counterfeit Church.<br />One need only look at much of the modern Church to perceive the counterpart of that which Isaiah spoke. The modern Church pro­claims humanistic psychology as the answer to the ills of man, which is a vote of no con­fidence as it regards the Cross of Christ. It can be concluded as nothing else other than “humanistic theories instead of Divine Truth.”<br />THE SPIRITUALLY BLIND<br /><br />Jesus advised the people to ignore the Temple authorities because they did not pos­sess spiritual faculties with which to discern spiritual issues, that’s why they hated Him so readily.<br />Jesus said: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Mat. 15:14).<br />Certainly no blind man wants another blind man to lead him across the street, or any­where for that matter, nor does a sinner care to have another sinner lead him into the way of Salvation, which of course is impossible.<br />And let me quickly say, any Preacher pres­ently, who attempts to lead people to Christ other than by the Way of the Cross, or at­tempts to lead them into victory after they are saved, other than by the Way of the Cross, is none other than spiritually blind. He cannot lead anyone anywhere, because he doesn’t know the way. He doesn’t know the way, be­cause he hasn’t found the way himself. So how can he lead others?<br />HYPOCRITES<br />On another occasion, the Pharisees and Sadducees came to tempt Jesus with their fool­ish questions, whereupon Jesus called them “hypocrites” (Mat. 16:1-3). This is also a fit­ting appellative for members of the Counter­feit Church presently.<br />The “hypocrisy” of which Jesus men­tioned here, was not so much the putting on of one face while being another, even though it did include that, but rather spoke of these so-called religious leaders leading people in a wrong direction. In other words, they claimed to know the Way of God, while all the time pointing in another direction.<br />How similar that is with the modern Church. In fact, all Churches claim to know the way; however, it should be obvious, that with so many pointing in different directions, that all of these directions cannot be correct. In fact, there is only one right direction, and that is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). That’s why Paul said, “we preach Christ crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).<br />That means “Christ Crucified” for all people, all situations, and all circumstances. What is your Pastor preaching?<br />WARNINGS<br />Jesus warned the people then about the religious leaders: “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Mat. 16:6). By leaven, Christ meant the poisonous humanistic command­ments of men as against the Doctrines of God. As leaven has a tendency to permeate the dough, so this poison was in danger of spread­ing completely among the people.<br />Any error believed by any Christian, if not ultimately removed, will ultimately take over the whole, until that’s all that is left. And that’s the shape of most of the modern Church.<br />Jesus warned the Israelites of his day against listening to these religious leaders, and I am doing the same here.<br />Why are you associated with your present Church?<br />If it’s for any other reason than the Word being preached without fear or compromise behind the pulpit, accompanied by a moving and operation of the Holy Spirit, then you are attending for all the wrong reasons.<br /><br /> <br /><br />There aren’t many good Churches, which means there aren’t many Godly Preachers. There are a few, but not many! And where you go to Church is of extreme importance. If you’re hearing wrong doctrine, it will ulti­mately take effect within your heart and life, bringing forth negative results.<br />The great problem with this is, false doc­trine carries with it deception, which carries with it a spirit of darkness, which is some­what like placing a person in prison, mentally and spiritually. Only the Power of God can get them out of such a situation, hence the reason that many never make it out of that darkness, even as they didn’t in Jesus’ day.<br />THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST<br /><br />As evidence of corruption and perversion within the ranks of the Priests and Elders of Jesus’ day, attention is called to the way in which they challenged the authority of Christ (Mat. 21:23). The fact that they did not rec­ognize the Savior as the Son of God evidences their ignorance of the Father (Jn. 8:19).<br />At the present time, it’s not so much a di­rect challenging of the authority of Christ, as it is the authority of the Cross as the means by which all things come to us from God. This is the great problem presently!<br />The modern Church has drifted so far away from the Cross, that it anymore little knows its place and position in Christ. For one can only know that place and position according to the Cross of Christ, and our Faith in that Finished Work (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14).<br />DEMON POWERS<br /><br />The demon-possessed nature of these leaders in Israel is further evidenced in the effort of the Chief Priests and Pharisees to lay hands on the Savior in order to harm Him.<br />Let the Reader understand, that all false doctrine is instigated by demon spirits. That’s the reason that deception has such a power be­hind it, even as we’ve already briefly mentioned.<br />To whatever degree false doctrine perme­ates the heart and life of a Believer, to that degree will demon spirits have some control. No, that doesn’t mean the Believer is demon-possessed, for a Believer cannot be demon-possessed; however, they can definitely be de­mon controlled to a certain extent.<br />All of this comes about in works of the flesh, even as we’ve already discussed (Gal. 5:19-21).<br />In facing this problem, and incidentally a problem which definitely exists, and exists abundantly so, many Preachers have advo­cated that hands be laid on individuals with these particular demons “cast out” or “re­buked,” etc. As stated, while demon spirits are definitely involved in the hearts and lives of many Believers, the laying on of hands under those circumstances is not the answer.<br />Even if the spirit is rebuked, due to the fact that the person does not know the Truth, the spirit will be back very shortly with the roller coaster ride spiritually speaking, continuing.<br /><br />The answer is telling the individual the reason for their problem, which allows evil spirits to operate within their lives, which is faith and dependence in something else other than the Cross of Christ. Whenever the Be­liever begins to trust and believe in what Jesus did for him at the Cross, continuing to believe that on a daily basis, even which Jesus demanded (Lk. 9:23-24), the Holy Spirit will then begin to work mightily within the Believer’s life, and victory will be his. That’s what Paul was talking about when he men­tioned, “walking after the Spirit.”<br />To be sure, if one “walks after the flesh,” one is going to suffer the penalty of “the law of sin and death,” which always falls out to works of the flesh (Rom. 8:1-2).<br />SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS<br /><br />In order to further evaluate the status of the Temple authorities, the following facts must be considered:<br />Jesus called the Scribes and Pharisees a stumbling block to the Kingdom of Heaven; they refused to go in, and they prevented oth­ers from doing so as well (Mat. 23:13).<br />The Scribes and Pharisees devoured wid­ows’ houses (literally robbed the widow of her home and living) and then hid behind long sanctimonious prayers in public places (Mat. 23:14).<br />Their modern counterparts do the same identical thing under the guise of “faith,” in other words, if you’ll give so much money, all of your bills will be paid at the end of six months, or some such foolishness. Others<br /> <br /><br />claim, that “money” is that which brings glory to God. There seems to be enough greed in all of us to fall for this bait, and bait it is!<br />The only ones who get rich in this mod­ern scheme are the Preachers, and their gains are obtained in the most perfidious way pos­sible. In other words, they do the same iden­tical thing as the Pharisees of old, by rob­bing the poor under the guise of faith.<br />While God definitely does bless people and bless abundantly, and while all Believers should give generously to Him, and while the poorest should most definitely give as well, for that is the secret of their Blessing, still it must always be done with a right motive. To give only to get, is unscriptural, and will not bring any rewards of any nature, but will only seek to separate the person from their money, and as well push them further away from God, by causing them to place their hopes in money instead of the Lord. Paul said that we must give to “prove the sincerity of our love” (II Cor. 8:8).<br />The Pharisees took great pains to convert the heathen to their way of life and then “to make him twofold more the child of Hell” than they already were (Mat. 23:15). And this is exactly what happens to most people who join modern Churches.<br />The Pharisees were referred to by Christ as fools who pervert God’s Word by their false teachings regarding the Temple and the Altar, and many other such things (Mat. 23:16-18).<br />The Pharisees, intoxicated with their own self-righteousness, boasted: “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the Prophets” (Mat. 23:30). But Jesus counters their claim: “Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the Prophets” (Mat. 23:31). By their acts, their deeds, and attitudes, they wit­nessed to their true nature. Jesus then called them “serpents and vipers,” the key symbol of sin, and asked the question that cannot be answered: “How can ye escape the damna­tion of Hell?” (Mat. 23:33).<br />Jesus next described prophetically the per­secution and murder to which they would give themselves in their conflict with God’s righteous forces (Mat. 23:34). In fact, the<br />Master gave the Scribes and Pharisees a pre­view of their future wickedness: “Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes: and some of them ye have killed and crucified: and some of them ye shall scourge in your Synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the Earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the Temple and the Altar” (Mat. 23:34-35).<br />Paul gives a vivid description of the hor­rible treatment received by the Saints at the hand of the Counterfeit Church apostles: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wan­dered about in sheep skins and goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) (Acts 4:1­3; 15:18, 21; Heb. 11:37-38).<br />Finally the Chief Priests, Scribes, and El­ders mocked him as He died on the Cross (Mat. 27:42).<br />In a final consideration of the religious lead­ers of Israel, it can be pointed out that their rejection of Christ evidenced the fact that they did not know the Father and that the love of God was not in their hearts (Jn. 8:19).<br />While the leaders made much over their faith in Moses, still our Lord told them that they stood condemned in the presence of Moses (Jn. 5:45-46). If they had been the true spiritual descendants of Moses, they would have accepted Christ as the Messiah. He said to them: “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me for he wrote of Me” (Jn. 5:46).<br />These Religious Leaders continued to boast that they had “one Father, even God” (Jn. 8:41), but the Master said to them: “If God were your Father, ye would love Me; for I proceeded forth and came from God, nei­ther came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Even because you cannot hear My Word” (Jn. 8:42­43; Mat. 11:27).<br />MODERN COUNTERPARTS<br />In a final address, Jesus drove His indict­ment home. Says He: “You are of your fa­ther the Devil, and the lust of your father you<br /><br /> <br /><br />will do. He was a murderer from the begin­ning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him” (Jn. 8:44).<br />As well, it must be remembered, that these people were very, very religious. They could quote much of the Law by memory. In fact, they were hair splitters on the letter of the Law. Yet they stood slamming Heaven’s doors in sinner’s faces.<br />Jesus said, “Ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men. Woe unto you. . . .”<br />While their adornings were likewise at­tractive as “shining brightly” even while their hearts were full of dead men’s bones — gos­siping, killing with a dagger-tongue dipped in slime of slander, and writing the death warrant. Jesus called it “hypocrisy and in­iquity” even though practiced by the chief religionist of that day.<br />This certainly is a very serious indictment of those who were clad in ecclesiastical garb, and it is well to note that Jesus does not once recognize or identify the fleshly descendants of Abraham as the “Israel of God” (Rom. 2:28-29; Gal. 6:16).<br />Their modern counterparts flourish pretty much in the same manner. While most people do not presently know this of which I say, even as the people of Jesus’ day did not know or realize how wicked their religious leaders were as well. As stated, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, had impeccable reputa­tions over Israel, but their characters were as evil as evil could be. Please allow me to state this fact again: “Reputation is what people think you are, while character is what God knows you are.”<br />The great wickedness of this hour, and I speak of the present day in which we live, is not the dope-dealers and liquor distillers, or even the gambling interests, as wicked and vile as those things might be. The greatest wickedness of all is “spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). I speak of many of the religious leaders of this nation, and around the world, who are leading people astray by their man-devised rules which have no Scriptural foundation. In other words, whichever way it is looked at, and by what­ever degree it is judged, the conclusion is an abrogation of the Cross of Christ. And let me hurriedly state the following as well:<br />The same murderous spirit that was in the Pharisees and Sadducees of old is in their modern counterparts. The only difference is, those of Jesus’ day, had more latitude un­der the Law to do physical harm than at the present. Still, those of the present day, even though not allowed to murder one physically, still do all within their power to steal, kill, and destroy, with gossip, innuendo, slander, anything to destroy the reputation of those whom they do not like.<br />Even though most of the laity would not be aware of these things, even as they were not aware in the time of Christ, still the fact remains that this situation is grossly prevalent.<br />These religious leaders, and I speak of the leaders of most modern Denominations, have little regard for souls, little regard for lives being changed, their one interest being place, position, and money. I realize that’s strong, but it’s not nearly as strong as that which Jesus said, as he referred to these as “snakes, vipers, hypocrites,” etc. (Mat. Chpt. 23). Paul referred to them as well as “dogs” (Phil. 3:2).<br />It’s also a known fact, if the so-called reli­gious leaders advocate a certain way, most of the people will follow, no matter how wrong it might be. Again, it was the same in Jesus’ day. Despite the miracles and healings which He performed, and which make any modern ministry seem to be small by com­parison, that particular rule held. And why did it hold?<br />In Jesus’ day, if the people followed Him, they were threatened with excommunication from the Synagogue (Jn. 9:22), which threat­ened every part of their livelihood. In other words, most put in this position, lost their employment, plus they were evicted from the places where they were living, and forsaken by their family. Their modern counterparts do the same!<br />If modern Preachers, at least in most Pen­tecostal Denominations, violate the man-de­vised rules of the Denomination, they will not only be drummed out of that particular Denomination, but every effort will be made to hinder and hurt the person even though they are no longer associated with that group. The law of the land prevents physical harm, but were that not the case, and to be sure,<br /> <br /><br />many modern religious leaders, would actu­ally murder those with whom they do not agree. Let me take it a step farther:<br />If the law of the land allowed, and that’s what makes the separation of Church and State a God-given blessing, many modern religious leaders, would shut the doors of every single Church in the nation with whom they did not agree, stop every single Preach­ers from preaching over Television or Radio, or anywhere for that matter, with whom they did not agree or approve. Let me say it again:<br />The spirit of false doctrine incorporates itself in the spirit of the person, which falls out to the spirit of murder. And let the Reader understand, that the Commandment which says “Thou shalt not kill,” carries with it the meaning not only of the taking of one’s life, but the destroying of one’s reputation by gossip and slander as well! This is always a characteristic of the Counterfeit Church.<br />TRUE DOCTRINE AND FALSE DOCTRINE<br />While it’s perfectly proper for the Preacher of the Gospel, and even demanded of him, that he point out false doctrine, at the same time, he is not to denigrate the person preach­ing the false doctrine. Some people confuse the two. They think opposition to false doc­trine is opposition to the person. It isn’t!<br />Every true Preacher of the Word is com­manded by the Lord to be a “watchman” (Isa. 21:11; Ezek. 3:17). This means that false doc­trine must be pointed out; however, there must not be any animosity against the one who holds to false doctrine. In fact, every effort must be made to get these individuals, whomever they might be, back to that which is right. And speaking disparagingly of their person will not render too very much help regarding that.<br />However, as well, if it is to be noticed, those who are engaged in false doctrine, will very seldom attack the Message, but instead, the Messenger. They will do everything they can to denigrate him, his way, his person, and anything about him that they can.<br />In fact, that’s one of the ways a person can tell what is being preached and who is preach­ing it. If they attack his Message, what they’re saying may be right or it may not be right. But if they attack the Messenger, much of the time, if not all of the time, what they’re saying is wrong, or else their spirit is wrong.<br />FALSE RELIGIONS AND THE<br />COUNTERFEIT CHURCH<br /><br />It is sometimes assumed that heathen re­ligions are false, and because they are false, there is no factual foundation for their exist­ence; however, this interpretation must be viewed with caution.<br />The Biblical record clearly shows that good and evil, both, are present in the world, and evidenced in every area of life, including religion. In fact, heathen religions are sa­tanic realities, which must not be minimized. Satan’s counterfeit religious system includes the use of all non-Biblical religions, which are designed to “steal, kill, and destroy” (Jn. 10:10). Actually, no evangelistic program is more pronounced and evident than the one which is and has been promoted by the “prince of this world” (Jn. 14:30).<br />And of course, the most dangerous of all is Satan as “an angel of light,” designed to “deceive the very elect” (Mat. 24:24; II Cor. 11:13-15). These, as stated, “preach another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel” (II Cor. 11:4).<br />This is all done through “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).<br />Satan has control of a mighty region, even after his fall, and this suggests that the Earth and its surrounding atmosphere, was his place of dominion before the Fall. This finds its definite confirmation in the Word of God. Our Lord Himself recognized Satan as the “prince of the world” (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Paul terms him the “prince over the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2).<br />When at the time of the temptation Satan offered to the Lord all the kingdoms of the Earth, and said, “All this power will I give Thee and the glory of them: for that is deliv­ered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Lk. 4:6), the Lord acknowledged this authority. Thus, the Lord did in no way mini­mize or discount the power of Satan and evil spirits. The governmental position of Satan over his world-region has continued through the ages. John testifies that “the whole world<br /><br /> <br /><br />lieth in wickedness” (I Jn. 5:19). And Paul speaks often of the authority of Satan (Acts 26:18; Eph. 2:2; Col. 1:13).<br />From the time Satan renounced his alle­giance to the Most High a mighty breach runs through the cosmos, and an organized, op­posing kingdom of evil, i.e., the Counterfeit Church, confronts the universal Kingdom of God (Mat. 12:26). Satan as a ruler has in turn princes and authorities under himself (Dan. 10:13-20; Eph. 6:12), and the opposition be­tween him and the Kingdom of God is hence­forth the theme and the essential subject of the universal superhistory outlined in the Holy Scripture.<br />THE VICTORY IS IN THE CROSS<br /><br />Christ, instead of denying the existence of evil spirits, recognized them, and by His power overcame them. However, when we mention Him overcoming Satan, his fallen angels, and spirits of darkness, that must be qualified.<br />Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things; however, even though He did create Lucifer in the beginning, along with all Angels, He definitely did not create them in their fallen condition. They were created beautiful, righ­teous, holy, and true (Isa. Chpt. 14; Ezek. Chpt. 28).<br />At some time in eternity past, Lucifer, pos­sibly the most beautiful and powerful of all of God’s Angels, led a revolution against God, which drew away one-third of the Angels to his side. We do know that this revolution must have been powerful for that many An­gels to defect (Rev. 12:4). As well, we also know that demon spirits were not created by God in this fashion. They became this way at a point in time.<br />Some Bible Scholars believe that they were a form of creation on this Earth before the Fall, and when Lucifer ruled this Earth under God in Righteousness and Holiness (Isa. 14:12-15). Throwing in their lot with Lucifer, now known as Satan, they became spirits without bodies, actually seeking a body to inhabit, and all of them evil, hence “evil spirits.”<br />Satan then dragged man down in the Gar­den of Eden, no doubt extremely jealous that God had given Adam dominion over the Earth and in fact, it seems all of God’s creation, at least that part of the heavens which affected this Earth, and possibly even the entirety of the creation (Ps. 8).<br />Consequently, the Lord Jesus Christ be­ing the Creator (Jn. 1:1), and Satan plus all of his fallen Angels being but mere creatures, it should be obvious as to Who is the Head over all things. So, when we speak of Jesus overcoming Satan, we are not speaking of supremacy. Christ already has that, and in fact, has always had that and it is a supremacy which will never change.<br />That of which we speak is the dominion that Satan had over humanity as a result of the Fall. Adam was given this dominion, and then forfeited it to Satan by disobedience to God.<br />As we’ve already stated in previous Com­mentary, God works entirely from the posi­tion of Laws — Laws incidentally which He has instituted Himself. Satan as well works within those Laws, and so does all of human­ity. Of course, Satan broke those Laws when he led a revolution against God, and will ul­timately be condemned to the Lake of Fire forever because of this disobedience. As well, much of humanity has broken the Laws of God, and will have the same end.<br />DOMINION<br /><br />So, for the dominion that man forfeited to be regained, God would have to do it law­fully, and even at great price. The price was the Cross.<br />But let it be understood, that the ransom paid by Christ was not to Satan at all, but al­together to God. Man had sinned against God, had committed a gross crime against God, and it was to God that the debt was owed. That’s the debt that Jesus paid, the debt owed by man by pouring out His Own Life’s Blood.<br />When He did this, He atoned for all sin, which means the debt was paid totally and completely. With all sin being atoned, past, present, and future, at least for those who will believe (Jn. 3:16), Satan lost his legal hold upon humanity; in other words, his do­minion over man was broken.<br />The Scripture plainly says regarding man and Satan, respecting what Jesus did, that He “blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (satisfied the demands<br /> <br /><br />of the Law), which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross;<br />“And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, tri­umphing over them in it” (Col. 2:14-15).<br />This is the manner in which Jesus con­quered Satan. By dying on the Cross and paying the debt that man owed to God, Sa­tan was then deprived of his legal right to hold man in captivity. So, this defeated not only Satan, but also every power and princi­pality, all the rulers of the darkness of this world, and all spiritual wickedness in high places. It was all done at the Cross, and in His Resurrection.<br />ISRAEL<br /><br />But due to what Israel did in rejecting Christ when He came, the world has been submitted to nearly 2,000 more years of evil and wickedness, which Jesus referred to as “the times of the Gentiles.” He said:<br />“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations (speaking of the Jews, which they were): and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gen­tiles be fulfilled” (Lk. 21:24).<br />As stated, this time has now lasted for nearly 2,000 years. The Jews while in control of Jerusalem presently, still do not control the Temple Mount. They will get control of that for a short period of time in the coming Great Tribulation, when they will have accepted the Antichrist, thinking that he is the Messiah.<br />But they will find to their dismay, that they have just made the biggest mistake of their existence, other than when they crucified Christ. They will come very close to being exterminated by this false Messiah, and in fact would be exterminated, were it not for the Second Coming of the Lord (Rev. Chpt. 19), which will then rescue them, and as well to­tally defeat the Antichrist and his armies.<br />Then, Israel will accept Christ not only as their Messiah, but also as their Lord and Sav­ior. In fact, the Scripture plainly tells us that they will then know and realize what they did in the past, and how awful and wrong that it actually was. The Scripture says:<br />“In that day there shall be a great mourn­ing in Jerusalem . . . and the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart . . . (and) all the fami­lies that remain” (Zech. 12:11-14).<br />At that time they will say, “What are these wounds in Thine hands? Then He shall an­swer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends” (Zech. 13:6).<br />They will then accept Him Whom they have so long rejected!<br />COUNTERFEIT AND IMITATION<br />But until then, the Counterfeit Church is a present reality in the world today. How could Satan better promote his objectives then through a religion, remarkably genu­ine on the surface, but inwardly false? Even the conception of idols has its basis in the idea of God. With all its disfigurement, the false god is a caricature of the One True God . . . in heathenism truth and untruth, worth and worthlessness, lie, not only beside each other, but at times, in each other.<br />Viewed as a whole, this is the false way of myriads of men. Through the centuries it has ruled mankind. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22).<br />Counterfeit and imitation have always been the most difficult deception to detect. The Counterfeit Church has many formal representations in the world — all dominated and directed by Satan and his demon spirits. Paul warned the Corinthian Church of “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ . . . for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the minis­ters of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works” (II Cor. 11:13-15).<br />As the Spirit of God is incarnate in Christ, so the spirit of Satan is incarnate in the many Antichrists in the world today (I Jn. 2:18), many of them, who deny the Father and the Son (I Jn. 2:22). John presents these two forces thus: “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of anti christ, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (I Jn. 4:2-3).<br /><br /> <br /><br />The final goal of the Church always must be “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”; the end of nominal Christendom, as such, is An­tichrist. Contrary to the belief of some, the Bible unmistakably teaches that “history is not the product of history, that the Kingdom of God does not reach sovereignty through growth and ascent, but only after world­wide collapse and catastrophe.” What am I saying?<br />I’m saying, that all of this will not con­clude by the world being Christianized as some presently teach, but rather, an increas­ing enmity in the world unto the expulsion of Christianity from civilization, which will take place under the Antichrist. This is the path foretold by Biblical prophecy.<br />This means that the “kingdom now” mes­sage being proclaimed by many in the mod­ern Church is grossly unscriptural. The world will not be won to Christ by electing better men and better women to public, po­litical office. The Bible doesn’t even remotely teach such a thing.<br />As well, it is not because the world is not Christian enough that Christ has not yet come, but He has not yet come because the world is not unbelieving enough (I Tim. 4:1­3; II Tim. 3:1-4; 4:3-4; II Pet. 3:3). It is a basic principle of the Divine Government of the world that all things, the good as well as the evil, must reach ripeness (Mat. 13:29-30; Rev. 14:15, 18).<br />This not at all means that we shouldn’t evangelize, but rather the very opposite. The only way that people are going to be saved, with lives being changed, is through World Evangelism; however, this will not stop the progress of evil, but with this progress steadily increasing, even until the rise of the Antichrist. In fact, the Church has already entered the last day apostasy, which will grow increasingly worse.<br />Actually, the Bible teaches two thrusts in the spirit world, which will take place in the last days. It teaches a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which will usher millions into the Kingdom of God (Acts 2:17-21), and as well, it teaches a great “falling away from truth” (I Tim. 4:1-2; II Tim. 3:1-7; 4:3-4), both streams running at the same time, but one might say in opposite directions.<br />The forces of Satan fight persistently against God’s redemptive objectives through the Satan-endowed religions and humanis­tic-rationalistic, Christ-denying systems of the world.<br />In Satan’s religion, the heathen expresses his godliness. In fact, “religion” is the sin, namely, the sin against the First Command­ment, the replacing of God by the gods; the most powerful expression of the opposition of man against God and contradiction within himself.<br />Religion is that which is made up by man, and wholly by man, instituted by Satan, as a way to reach God, or be god, or to better one­self in some way. Because it’s not of God, it cannot be condoned in any way by God.<br />And anything that is not “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” is “religion.”<br />THE REVELATION OF CHRIST<br /><br />The whole history of Salvation is self-rev­elation of Christ, the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of mankind. Besides Him there is no other, and consequently all other claims to Deity are in the category of Satanic direction.<br />As the Church is represented by many De­nominations, so the Counterfeit Church is represented by many systems, and each sys­tem offers some kind of opiate and/or substi­tute for “Salvation by Faith.” All of the false systems follow a single design, that of deny­ing Christ as Lord and Savior. They bypass the “Way of the Cross” in favor of some hu­manly conceived substitute.<br />Satan is very intent upon promoting “re­ligions,” and it makes no difference which one it is so long as it does not demand faith in Christ.<br />The Counterfeit Church is not disturbed as long as Christ is interpreted only as “a good man,” “a great prophet,” “a fine teacher,” “a miracle worker,” or “a god among many.”<br />Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying, “All religions are equally true and equally false, and every man should remain in the one in which he was born.”<br />This notwithstanding, there is a move­ment among the leaders of the non-Chris­tian religions, in the direction of a mission-ary-evangelistic nature. Satan, disguised in<br /> <br /><br />the agents of these other religions, is mak­ing a desperate bid for the souls of men. The “tempter” (Mat. 4:3) assumes various roles and titles, but he is substantially the same, irrespective of the name by which he pre­sents himself.<br />Some well-intentioned people tell us that the various religions of the world are good, provided the adherents are sincere and fol­low the precepts laid down, but this view­point cannot be valid if Jesus Christ, and only He, is the Savior of the world (Acts 4:12; I Cor. 3:11).<br />Many people have been sincere in think­ing they were right, but later found they were wrong. The best example of this is Saul of Tarsus or Paul (Acts Chpt. 9).<br />“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).<br />THE MODERN APOSTASY<br /><br />I personally feel that the greatest thrust of the Evil One is the present effort to destroy the Spirit-filled church. And Satan has gone a long way toward accomplishing this task.<br />As I dictate these in mid-August of 2000, the non-Pentecostal world has for all practical purposes denied the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, which means there is little or nothing going on in these ranks for the Cause of Christ. While there is much reli­gious machinery, which means there is much activity, it is all, at least for all practical pur­poses, man-devised, and therefore, not Spirit directed. As a result, nothing can be accom­plished for Christ.<br />In the Pentecostal world, the situation is as bad or possibly even worse. Most of the Pentecostal Denominations at the present time, cannot even boast of 50 percent of their people professing the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Actually, according to my information, less than one-third of the people who consider themselves to be members of Assemblies of God and Church of God Churches, the two largest Pentecostal Denominations in the world, even consider themselves to be Bap­tized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues; conse­quently, in all honesty, these particular De­nominations cannot even rightly refer to themselves anymore as “Pentecostal!” Re­grettably, most of the other Pentecostal De­nominations fall into the same category.<br />It is bad enough to have the light of the Holy Spirit offered and then rejected, but to reject the Light after it has been received is worse still! And that is what most of the Pentecostal Denominations, at the least in the United States and Canada, are doing.<br />I had the occasion in 1987 (if I remember the year correctly), to preach to the General Council of the Assemblies of God for the coun­try of Mexico.<br />I preached that night on the subject “There Is A River,” actually ministering on the Holy Spirit. The Lord moved mightily that evening. Actually, I didn’t even get to finish the Message, with the Spirit of God falling in the place to such an extent, that Preachers by the hundreds started getting out of their seats, running down the aisles, and falling in the Altars, asking the Lord to refill them with the Spirit.<br />I didn’t know that this particular Denomi­nation in Mexico had been on the verge of denouncing the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. Actually, a debate had been going on for quite some time regarding this very issue. The Spirit of God brought forth this Message at the right time, and not a minute too early.<br />I do not know what the situation is in Mexico since then. I do know that what I’ve heard has not been good, at least as it re­gards that particular Denomination.<br />In fact, the two major Denominations of which I have just spoken have opted totally and completely for humanistic psychology; however, there is no way that one can accept psychology and the Gospel at the same time. One or the other must go, considering that they are opposites.<br />In fact, to opt for psychology, means that one has registered a vote of no confidence as it regards the Cross of Christ. One cannot have it both ways, especially considering that humanistic psychology is the very opposite of the Word of God. Either Jesus addressed every single problem that man has at the Cross, or He didn’t, and we need to turn to the likes of Freud, Maslow, Rodgers, etc.<br /><br /> <br /><br />However, I happen to know that the Gos­pel works, and so does any and every right-thinking Believer. There are hundreds of millions down through time who have seen their lives gloriously and wondrously changed by the power of the Cross. Beside that, not one single individual has ever been helped by humanistic psychology, but rather made worse, because it draws them away from the true help they can get only in the Lord.<br />So I’ll say again, you probably now know why Denominational Leaders do not like Jimmy Swaggart too much. But the truth is the truth, and somebody needs to stand up and say it.<br />On the other side of the coin, and I con­tinue to speak of the Pentecostals and Charismatics (I am Pentecostal), far too of­ten the Ministry is represented on Television by hucksters and flimflam men, who go un­der the guise of Preachers of the Gospel. They are “selling” miracles and promising all type of financial returns for the people’s money. In fact, for much of the Charismatic world, the message today is “money.” And that is an abomination in the Sight of God. As we’ve already stated, God readily blesses and blesses abundantly; however, He doesn’t have any­thing for sale, and as well, faith is not bar­gained out on a dollar sign. Jesus didn’t die on a Cross for us to trade in our Ford for a Cadillac. He died to set men free from their sin, but that has ceased to be the Message in most Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches.<br />Don’t misunderstand, there are some Pen­tecostal and Charismatic Preachers who are definitely preaching the Gospel, and who love the Lord with all their hearts. But sad to say, that number is small, and one might say, few and far between, at least as one looks at the whole. And how do I know that?<br />I do have some experience; and as well, how many Preachers in those particular ranks are rising up and saying the things I’ve just said? There are a few, but not many!<br />The great Message of the Cross is, that He, the Sinless One, offered Himself to take the sinner’s place, and this is the power of the Eternal Spirit; and through the shedding of His Blood, our consciences are purged from works of death and we are set free to serve the Living God.<br />The best the Israelites of old had, who were defiled by coming in contact with the dead, was recourse to the “water of separation.” That was the best that the Law had to offer.<br />But since Christ, even though we were defiled by the fact that we ourselves in our unsaved state were dead in trespasses and in sins, now, with all the past completely settled, we can go to Christ, and because of what He did for us at the Cross, we can have the past completely washed clean, not merely the ex­ternal, but the very recesses of the heart, which gives us a freedom to serve the Living God in Faith and in Power which gives a new life which those under the Old Covenant never had.<br />They were saved one might say, on credit, while we are saved in fact. All because of Jesus!<br />That and that alone, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” is the answer to a hurting, human race. The world today without God, sees only a besotted yesterday, a hurting present, and a darkened tomorrow. Only in Christ can one have the past completely blotted out, and the present made anew, which guarantees to­morrow. Only in Jesus! And through only what He did at the Cross! And only by our Faith in that Finished Work!<br />(15) “AND FOR THIS CAUSE HE IS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, THAT BY MEANS OF DEATH, FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE TRANSGRES­SIONS THAT WERE UNDER THE FIRST TESTAMENT, THEY WHICH ARE CALLED MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL INHERITANCE.”<br />The structure is:<br />1.<br />Christ is the Mediator of a Better Cov­enant.<br /><br />2.<br />“Mediator” is one who intervenes be­tween two, either to make or restore peace and friendship, to form a compact, or to ratify a Covenant.<br /><br />3.<br />Here Christ acts as a go-between or Mediator between a Holy God and sinful man.<br /><br />4.<br />By His Death on the Cross, He paid the debt, thereby removing the obstacle which is sin, which had caused an estrangement between man and God.<br /><br />5.<br />When the sinner accepts the merits of the Sacrifice of Christ, the guilt and penalty of his sin is his no more; the power of sin in<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />his life is broken; he becomes the recipient of the Divine nature, and the estrangement between himself and God, both legal and per­sonal, disappears.<br />6. Jesus became the Mediator not only in order that He might pay the penalty of sin­ners who live since the Cross, but also that He might do so for those who lived before the Cross. Sinners who were saved under the First Testament were actually saved, not by it or by any sacrifice offered under its jurisdiction, but through faith in the coming, atoning work of Christ under the New Testament (Wuest).<br />MEDIATOR<br /><br />The phrase, “And for this cause He is the Mediator of the New Testament,” refers to the reason that Christ died on the Cross. He did so that through His Death, the Eternal Spirit on the basis of a work completed, a debt paid, could purge the conscience of the sinner from dead works, in order that we might serve the Living God.<br />It is important to be clear that Christ’s sav­ing work operates on quite a different level from that of the Levitical Sacrifices. These were but external and material, and neither could cleanse or effect anything within them­selves, even as Paul repeatedly emphasizes. They were only meant to symbolize the One Who was coming, Who in fact could cleanse and effect eternal Salvation within the heart and life of the Believer, irrespective as to how defiled the Believer had previously been. Christ was concerned with sins which trouble and defile the consciences of men. So His Sacrifice was directed to the cleansing of the conscience, which takes away the guilt of man, something the sacrifices under the Old Law could never do (Heb. 10:2). This is a work that cleanses “from acts that lead to death,” where the Greek is more literally “from dead works.”<br />Paul now having introduced the thought of the death of Christ, proceeds to develop it. This death is the means of redeeming people from the plight they found themselves in as the result of their sin. This Death, at least if accepted by the believing sinner, brings the believing sinner an eternal inheritance, which is absolutely incomprehensible as it regards its eternal consequences.<br />Paul will go on to bring out the necessity for the Death of Christ, just as the death of the testator is required if a will is to come into force.<br />However, Christ is the only One Who has ever died and left a will, and then come back to life, in order to see that the will be adhered to in totality. He mediated a New Covenant so that we might receive the inheritance.<br />CHRIST THE ONLY ONE<br />There was no mere mortal who could stand in-between God and man as a Mediator, sim­ply because all men were sinners and needed mediation themselves. In other words, Mary herself, even though being the Mother of our Lord, needed a Savior just like all others do. She said so herself (Lk. 1:47). So, the idea that Mary is a co-redemptress, as proposed by John Paul II is preposterous indeed! The only way that such a mediatorship could be arrived at was for God to become man, which He did as it regards the Incarnation. Isaiah prophesied this some 800 years before Christ (Isa. 7:14).<br />And then to do so, Christ even though vir­gin born, would have to live a life perfect and free from all sin. In other words, He must be, even as Paul said, “made under the Law,” which means that He had to abide by the Law in every respect, which no human being had ever done, that is if He was to be our Substi­tute and Representative Man (Gal. 4:4). This He did, and then died on the Cross as well, in order to take the curse of the broken Law, which penalty was death, the curse inciden­tally, we should have taken.<br />As our Substitute, He did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves, and as our Repre­sentative Man He gave to us all the victory that He purchased by the shedding of His Own Precious Blood.<br />Inasmuch as He atoned for all sin, the legal rights of Satan were broken. Consequently, Christ can stand as the Mediator, and a Per­fect Mediator at that, between man and God.<br />NEW TESTAMENT<br />There has been much controversy as to whether the change from Covenant to Tes­tament, in the sense of a will, is intended in the Verses that follow. But the two are so<br /><br /> <br /><br />intimately connected that there would seem to be no reason for difficulty in understand­ing the truth presented.<br />The Old Covenant was God’s will for His people prior to the coming of Christ and was sealed by the blood of calves and goats, which Moses sprinkled upon the Book and all the people saying, “This is the blood of the Tes­tament which God hath enjoined unto you.”<br />The New Covenant is the will of our blessed Lord, whereby He decrees that all who put their trust in Him should receive part in that eternal inheritance, which He gladly shares with all Believers. By His Death this Testa­ment came into force. Apart from His death, there could be no such blessing for guilty sinners. A Testament is in effect after men are dead. His death on the Cross puts this New Covenant, or Testament, or Will, into operation, and inasmuch as it is a Covenant of pure Grace, all who believe enter into the good of it even before the day when it is to be openly confirmed with Israel and Judah, as we saw in the previous Chapter.<br />The blood of the Covenant having already been shed, there is nothing to hinder the out­flow of blessing. The sprinkling of the blood under the Old Dispensation confirmed that Covenant, and was a warning to the people that death would result for its violation; while at the same time it typified the shedding of the blood of the New Covenant Victim, which we will study in the succeeding Verses (Ironside).<br />THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE<br />OF THE OLD COVENANT<br /><br /><br />The Old Covenant was between God and man. Unfortunately, due to man’s fallen con­dition, man has broken every single covenant that he’s ever made with God. So, due to man’s inability, that Covenant was terribly broken, meaning that every single human being who lived broke the Law of God, and we speak of the Ten Commandments (Ex. Chpt. 20).<br />However, the New Covenant is altogether different. While it is true, that it is a Cov­enant made between God and man, exactly as the Old Covenant, still there is a major difference.<br />To guarantee this New Covenant, God be­came man in the form of the Lord Jesus Christ. As well, He died on the Cross to seal the Covenant, and to do so with His Own Blood, and then was resurrected from the dead.<br />Consequently, His Blood is the seal of the Covenant, meaning that it will be kept for­ever, and as well, He is both God and man, so the Covenant is dependent totally upon Him and Him Alone. It cannot fail, because He is both God and Man.<br />As long as the Believer is “in Christ,” he is a beneficiary of the Covenant, and it can­not be broken. The only thing that will take him out of the Covenant is a lack of Faith in the Covenant, which is why Paul wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. And to be sure, it applied not only to the Christian Jews of Paul’s day, some of them who were abrogating their place and position in Christ by faithlessness, but as well to all who have lived since then, and even at the present. It is not so much a question of Christ leaving man, but man leav­ing Christ. The Lord doesn’t demand much of us, only Faith, but He does demand that! If the Believer ceases to believe, he is no longer in Christ and, therefore, the Covenant is broken, but not by God, only by unbeliev­ing man (Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-31).<br />Man needs a mediator because of the Fall. Man lost his standing before God and has no ground on which to approach God. Jesus now becomes the means of approach; He is the Mediator between God and man. With sin removed, which Christ did at the Cross, man may have perfect communion with God. Man may enjoy the Love of God and be the recipi­ent of God’s Grace and forgiveness; he may now walk in the Spirit and know freedom from condemnation (Rom. 8:1).<br />Paul is showing here the necessity of Christ’s death. The Promises of God made to man and the eternal purpose God had for man could not be realized until Jesus died. In this respect, Jesus was a Testator, whose will or testament was of no effect until He died. We are the beneficiaries. We are the recipients of “the promise of eternal inheritance.”<br />It is well understood that the New Testa­ment provided benefits to man; the greatest benefit is the disposition of eternal life on the basis of the acceptance of the atoning merits of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.<br />Moses, as stated, sealed the Old Covenant with animal blood. If the New Covenant is<br /> <br /><br />better and more effective, then it must, of ne­cessity, be sealed with something of greater quality. The New Covenant has been sealed by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper by saying of the cup, “This is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Mat. 26:28).<br />Jesus settled the sin problem and did so forever. He made it possible for God legally to remit all that we have ever done, to give us eternal life and to make us new creatures, all in Christ Jesus, and all in what He did at the Cross on our behalf.<br />DEATH<br /><br />The phrase, “That by means of death,” speaks of the Crucifixion of Christ, and the only means by which man could be saved, for death was the penalty for sin (Mat. 26:28; Rom. 5:6-11; 6:10; 14:9; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:14-21; Col. 1:14-22; Heb. 2:9-15; I Pet. 2:24).<br />If it is to be noticed, it didn’t say “by means of Resurrection,” but “by means of death.”<br />In no way do we mean to belittle the Res­urrection; however, when Jesus died on the Cross thereby atoning for all sin, the Resur­rection was a given. In other words, there was no doubt that Jesus would come from the grave on the third day. If all sin is atoned, and it definitely was atoned at the Cross, past, present, and future, Satan then had no legal right to hold Christ in the death world; con­sequently, Resurrection was guaranteed.<br />In fact, it was so very much guaranteed, that God rent the Veil in the Temple imme­diately upon the Death of Christ, signifying, that the way was now open (Mat. 27:51). Had there been a single doubt that Jesus wouldn’t come from the dead, God would have never rent the Veil at that time.<br />Some may read these words and claim that His Resurrection was inevitable, simply be­cause He is God. While the latter is certainly true, the former is true only as it regards all sin being atoned.<br />The Reader must understand, that when God became man, He reduced the entire economy of Heaven down, way down, to the far lower spectrum of flesh and blood. “God is a Spirit” (Jn. 4:24). But when God be­came Man, i.e., “Jesus,” as it regards the Incarnation, all of Heaven was reduced to that lowest denominator. In other words, if Jesus had failed, Satan would have won, and that means that he would have been the king of all things, including Heaven, even as he as­pired to be (Isa. 14:13-14).<br />And then again, many claim that Christ could not have failed inasmuch as He was God. While it is definitely true that He was God, and never for a moment ceased to be God, still, to be the Last Adam (I Cor. 15:45), which He was, He had to function in the same capacity. In other words, even as it was pos­sible for the original Adam to fail, it was also possible for the Last Adam to fail. If not, He could not have been our Substitute and our Second Man (I Cor. 15:45-50).<br />But not one time did He fail, in word, thought, or deed. He was Perfect in His Life in every capacity. When He came to the end of His life, He could say without reservation, “For the prince of the world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (Jn. 14:30).<br />If it wasn’t possible for Satan to have some place in Him, Jesus would not have made such a statement.<br />But considering that His life was perfect, He could then be offered up as a Perfect Sacrifice, which God could perfectly accept, which He did, thereby that life in death aton­ing for all sin.<br />THE CROSS<br />His death was not an execution or an in­cident.<br />In other words, He did not run afoul of Roman or Jewish Law, and was thereby ex­ecuted. That may have been what they thought they were doing, but He gave His life freely, even as a Sacrifice. In fact, His life and His death, both were a Sacrifice.<br />Not having been born in sin, and not hav­ing ever sinned, death had no claim on Him whatsoever. In other words, had He not vol­untarily laid down His Life, He would not, and in fact, could not have died. This means that no one could have killed Him, nor would He have grown aged and ultimately died, as do all other human beings. Sin is the ruin­ation of the human race, and the cause of all death. He had no sin!<br />Concerning His life, He said, “No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.<br /><br /> <br /><br />I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This Commandment have I received of My Father” (Jn. 10:18).<br />So, He voluntarily laid down His life as a Sacrifice, and above all, a Sacrifice for sin, which atoned for all sin. The Cross was the reason that He came to this world, and the only reason. While everything about Him was of vast significance, and because He was God manifest in the flesh, the Cross must ever be understood as His destination.<br />While the Healings and Miracles were of vast significance, still, they would not have saved anyone. While His Words were such as no man had ever spoken, still, that alone would not have saved anyone. He had to go to the Cross, and the Cross was the reason He came.<br />Peter said, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the Precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb with­out blemish and without spot:<br />“Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />This plainly tells us, that the Cross was a planned destination by God for Christ, and was planned by the Godhead even before the disruption or overthrow of the pre-Adamite world. Consequently, we should realize and understand the vast significance of this of which we speak.<br />Neither was the Cross an incident. By that we mean just one of the many incidents in the Life and Ministry of Christ.<br />Why would we bring out such a point?<br />We do so simply because many in the Charismatic community, place little or no significance at all in the Cross of Christ, claiming it as just another incident in His Life, Ministry, Death, and Resurrection.<br />They claim that Jesus took upon Himself the nature of Satan on the Cross, actually becoming a sinner and thereby, dying as a sinner and going to Hell. And when they say “Hell,” they are speaking of the burning side of the pit.<br />They claim that Jesus went to Hell as a lost sinner, and while Satan gloated over Him, after a period of time, He (Jesus) threw off the shackles of death, and was Born-Again<br />— and of all places, Born-Again, they claim, in Hell itself. He was then resurrected, and it’s faith in Him as a “born again man” which constitutes Salvation.<br />Nothing could be farther from the Truth! There is nothing in the Bible that even re­motely substantiates such a tall tale, and a tall tale it is!<br />The Bible repeatedly states, that it was His Death, and the shedding of His Precious Blood, which affected Salvation for human­ity, and nothing else (Mat. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; 22:20; 6:53-56; Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:25; 5:9; I Cor. 10:16; 11:25, 27; Eph. 1:7; 2:13; Col. 1:14, 20; Heb. 9:12, 14, 22; 10:29; 13:12, 20; I Pet. 1:2, 19; I Jn. 1:7; 5:6, 8; Rev. 1:5; 5:9; 7:14).<br />It is by the means of His Death, that we have Salvation, and that we walk in victory as well (Rom. 8:1-2). In fact, it is the Cross alone which stands between man and eter­nal Hell. We must never forget that!<br />REDEMPTION<br /><br />The phrase, “For the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the First Tes­tament,” proclaims the fact that the Death of Christ pertained just as much for those before the Cross, as those after the Cross. Sinners, who were saved under the Old Cov­enant, were actually saved, not by it or by any Sacrifice offered under its jurisdiction, but through the atoning work of Christ un­der the New Testament (Wuest).<br />This proves as should be obvious, that there has always been only one way of Salvation, and that has been and is and ever shall be, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).<br />It is because of Christ’s Sacrifice having been such as has been described, that He is the Mediator of that new and better Covenant; it qualified Him for being so. A Sacrifice, a Death, was required for giving it validity, and the character of His Sacrifice implies a Bet­ter Covenant than the Old, even such a one as Jeremiah foretold.<br />Further, the purpose of His Death is said to be “for the Redemption of the transgres­sions that were under the First Covenant.” For in the passage of Jeremiah the defect of the First Covenant was based on the trans­gression of its conditions by man, while un­der the new one, such transgressions were to be no more remembered. But this could<br /> <br /><br />not be without Atonement for them; the whole ceremony of the Law signified this; and also that such Atonement could not be ex­cept by Death. The Death of Christ satisfied this requirement; and so the New Covenant could come in.<br />The idea of this is, the First Covenant had been broken by “transgressions”; conse­quently, unless there be redemption from these — that is, from the bondage of penalty which has resulted from these — there can be no promise and no New Covenant. In re­spect of this bondage, this penalty, the Death of Christ was a ransom — an offering to God looked at in the light of a payment in the place of debt, service, or penalty due.<br />When debt and payment are changed into the corresponding ideas of sin and punish­ment, the “ransom” gives place to the Sin-Offering, of which the principle was the acknowledgement of death deserved, and the vicarious suffering of death.<br />So far our thought has rested on the re­moval of the results of the past. The Covenant and the Promise relate to the establishment of a better Covenant, i.e., “a better future.” Death was necessary alike for both. The of­fering of Christ’s life (Mat. 20:28) was a ran­som or an offering for sin; it was also a sacri­fice inaugurating a New Covenant, which con­tained the promise of the eternal inheritance.<br />THE SIN-OFFERING<br /><br />This is what Paul was talking about when he said, “For He (God) hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21).<br />Some have taken the passage, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us,” and tried to turn it into something it doesn’t mean. In other words, they claim that Jesus literally became a sinner on the Cross, taking upon Himself the nature of Satan, and died lost like any other sinner. He then went to Hell as stated, they claim, and was Born-Again in Hell, etc. However, such a thing is not given in Scrip­ture, simply because it didn’t happen.<br />As stated, when debt and payment are changed into the corresponding ideas of sin and punishment, for sin demands punish­ment, the word “ransom” comes into play, and gives place to the Sin-Offering, which is what Jesus actually became.<br />To properly understand the term “For He hath made Him to be sin for us,” one must correlate that with, “That we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him.”<br />You and I within ourselves had no righ­teousness, and neither has any other human being who has ever lived. We had to be given the righteousness of Christ, which we ob­tained by Faith in His Finished Work. With that Righteousness comes “Life” (Jn. 10:10).<br />To get this Righteousness, we did not do anything, obtain anything, perfect anything, or commit anything, with the exception of simply having Faith in Christ. So the Righ­teousness is all of Him and none of us.<br />Likewise with the sin! Christ did not sin, did not do anything that pertained to sin, did not commit any act that was sin, but in fact received our sin, which effect is death. The fruit of righteousness is life, which we re­ceive freely from Christ, while the wages of sin is death, which Christ received from us. He was made to be a Sin-Offering which He received from us, while we were made to be a Life-Offering, which we received from Him. The life I now have, I have only because He paid my penalty, which is death.<br />THE OLD COVENANT AND<br />THE NEW COVENANT<br /><br />Sinners who were under the First Cov­enant actually were saved by Faith, looking forward to the atoning work of the Messiah upon the Cross. The types of the Old Cov­enant pointed to this act. All men, Old and New Testament, will meet together at the Cross. Only the Name and the Blood of Christ can cleanse and purify from all sin. This was the purpose of God in the New Covenant.<br />Justification and Sanctification can never be separated. When God imputes the Righ­teousness of Christ, He also imparts the prin­ciple of His Holiness; both are necessary be­fore we can enter His Presence in Heaven. Because the Blood of Jesus Christ has fully met every righteous claim of a Holy God against His people, this Blood, by its virtue and purifying effects, when applied by the Holy Spirit, has opened the new and living way to God.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The offering of the Old Testament Saints had looked forward to this event. Jesus’ death was the fulfillment of all their hopes and ex­pectations. Each time they offered a sacri­fice, it was an act of faith. They were acknowl­edging the coming Messiah by every symbolic act of the Old Covenant. Each year their sins were set aside until Jesus could come and remove them, which He did!<br />It is easy to see that the Hebrew Chris­tians would have many questions concern­ing the Old Testament Saints, very probing and provoking questions. Were their fathers, who had died under the old Levitical system, lost? Was the Plan of Redemption as revealed in the Old Testament sufficient to meet the need of that time? Or could it be that the rewards and blessings of the Old Testament were only earthly blessings?<br />It became necessary for Paul to remove any doubts these Hebrews might have. He affirms that Old Testament Believers, too, were redeemed by the Blood of Jesus. His Blood covered both the old and the new. It made good the old, and made possible the new. To know their fathers and loved ones had Sal­vation through Christ must have brought great peace to their hearts and minds. Christ also restored the originally intended nature of their fathers which had been lost in the Fall. He restored their sonship and inherit­ance — their hope!<br />THE HOLY SPIRIT<br /><br />It is amazing how the Holy Spirit under­stands the needs of man. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to reassure the Readers con­cerning the efficacy of Christ’s Sacrifice for Old Testament Times. The Saints who had lived under the First Testament were also called, that they too might receive the prom­ise of the eternal inheritance.<br />THE ETERNAL INHERITANCE<br /><br />The phrase, “They which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance,” refers to those before the Cross who had died in the faith, who were referred to as “the called.” These statements proclaim the fact that all the Old Testament Saints were just as saved as those since the Cross. However, there was a difference:<br />Even though the sins of Old Testament Saints were atoned or covered by means of the animal sacrifices, those sins were not ac­tually taken away. That could not be until Christ came and paid the sin debt, which He did at the Cross. That’s why John the Bap­tist said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />By His Death on the Cross, Jesus Christ, not only covered our sins, but washed them away as if they never existed, which means that in the sight of God, it is as if we had never sinned. It is called “Justification by Faith.” And it harks back to the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. Chpt. 15), which portrayed in simple but yet graphic detail, how that an unjust man could be justified, how that a sinful man, could be brought to the place as if he never sinned, how the guilty could be declared “not guilty!” As stated, it is all by Faith, but to be more particular, it is always and without ex­ception, Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, which is what Paul is carefully outlining in this great Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />WHAT IS THE ETERNAL INHERITANCE?<br />Does the Reader really know and under­stand the portend of this which he is reading in the Epistle to the Hebrews? Do you actu­ally realize what is being said?<br />To answer that question, it is actually im­possible for any of us to know in the entirety as to what this eternal inheritance pro­claims, simply due to the magnitude of that of which we speak. But first of all, allow me to say this:<br />Whatever this eternal inheritance is, and to what degree or magnitude it might be, it is the Holy Spirit Who gives us all of these things, making real to our hearts and lives, that which Jesus did at the Cross (Gal. 3:14).<br />Of course, the moment the believing sin­ner comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit definitely comes within His heart; however, as we’ve said quite a number of times, there is a vast difference in being “born of the Spirit” than being “Baptized with the Spirit” (Jn. 3:3-8; Acts 2:4). While Salvation prepares us for Heaven, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit prepares us for a life of service to the Lord Jesus Christ in this present world. And to be frank, without the Spirit Baptism, which is<br /> <br /><br />always accompanied by the speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7), the Believer is going to receive very little from the Lord. He will find that his efforts are almost totally in the flesh and merely ac­cording to human ingenuity. For the Spirit of God to truly work within one’s heart and life, there must be a Spirit Baptism, which, incidentally, Jesus demanded (Acts 1:4).<br />I’m not saying that the Holy Spirit doesn’t work at all in those who are not Baptized with the Spirit, but I am saying, that His activity is greatly curtailed. Among other things, the Spirit Baptism portrays a surrender on the part of the individual to the Spirit, which then allows the Spirit to function and work as He desires, at least, if we keep our faith anchored in the Cross of Christ (Rom. 8:2).<br />ETERNAL<br /><br />As well, whatever this inheritance is, it is “eternal!” This means it will never be lost, stolen, dissipated, or taken from us. And the Reader must understand, that the word “eter­nal” means never ending, and, therefore, time without end, which is actually beyond our comprehension.<br />Let the Reader also understand, that this one word proclaims volumes to us, as it re­gards God’s dealings with His children. Sa­tan will tell you, “three strikes and you’re out,” or whatever lie he can get you to be­lieve. But the Reader must understand, that God will never throw over one of His children, as long as faith is maintained in the Finished Work of Christ.<br />It took a long time for Jacob the supplanter, to be changed to Israel the prince of God (Gen. 32:28). It took a long time for Abraham and Sarah to see the fruition of their Faith as it regards the birth of Isaac (Gen. 12:1-3; Chpt. 21). It took a long time for David to ulti­mately gain the Throne of Israel (II Sam. 5:1­5). It took some time for the original Dis­ciples to come to the place of victory within their lives (Lk. 22:32). It took a long time for the Apostle Paul to come to the knowledge of Faith in the Cross (Rom. 7:24). But through Faith, they all arrived at the place of victory, even though the time was long. As stated, God will not throw you over. The only thing that can stop you is for you to quit. If you don’t quit, you can rest assured that the Holy Spirit won’t quit. So what am I saying?<br />I believe the Holy Spirit through these words is telling me to relate to you, how much that God loves you; how much that He has invested in your Salvation; how determined He is to bring you to the place of victory, which He can do, and definitely will do, if you will only heed His clarion call.<br />To be frank, this very Commentary which you hold in your hands, is a part of your solu­tion and answer. No, I’m not speaking of the book itself, but rather the teaching contained therein. It shows you that God’s way of vic­tory, is the way of the Cross, and as such, is God’s answer to your prayers and to your pe­titions regarding many things within your life.<br />INHERITANCE<br />Through our acceptance of Christ, we have been made “heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). Due to being “in Christ” everything which belongs to Him, now belongs to us as well. In fact, there is such a close relationship, that Paul said, “And hath raised us up together (Christ and all Believers), and made us sit together in heav­enly places in Christ Jesus (meaning, that all of this is in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf)” (Eph. 2:6).<br />As our Substitute, Christ took the pun­ishment which we should have taken (Isa. Chpt. 53), and as our Representative Man, He gave us the victory which He purchased at such a price (I Cor. 15:45-50).<br />This means that whatever Christ is, we are!<br />THE CROSS<br />It should be overly obvious throughout this Epistle to the Hebrews, and in fact, in all of Paul’s writings, that the Cross is the Source of all these things of which we speak. In other words, the Cross made it possible for God to give believing man all of these great blessings. I speak of Eternal Life, Grace, Peace, Power, Justification, Sanctification, Reconciliation, Gifts of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit, leading and guidance, etc., as stated, all brought about through the Per­son and Office of the Holy Spirit. But it is the Cross that made it possible for God to do all of these things.<br /><br /> <br /><br />As we’ve said over and over again, the Cross of Christ is the centrality of the Gos­pel. This means that everything in the Word of God strains irrevocably toward the Cross. Every prediction, promise, and prophecy, in some way, are pointing toward the Cross, or else something is promised because of the Cross.<br />Consequently, every Believer should always look at the Cross as ground zero, so to speak. In fact, if every doctrine which we believe is not anchored fully in the Cross, then some­thing is wrong with that doctrine. If the Cross is minimized in any way in the think­ing of any Believer, then the Believer is think­ing wrong.<br />The reason I’m so adamant as it regards these things, is because I know how that Sa­tan fights the Cross. In fact, he’s not so very much interested in what you believe, or how you believe it, and no matter how religious or even spiritual it might be, providing it’s not Faith in the Cross. He knows that your source of all victory, all power, all prosper­ity, in fact, everything that comes from the Lord, is all made possible, by what Jesus did at the Cross; therefore, he fights the Cross, opposes the Cross, as he does nothing else.<br />And to be sure, he does such from inside the Church, instead of outside. In other words, he uses Preachers and so-called religious leaders more so than he does anything else.<br />With you knowing and understanding what the Cross actually means, and how this great eternal inheritance is ours because of what Jesus did there, then your Faith must be anchored supremely within this Finished Work. Even at the risk of being overly re­petitive, the Cross of Christ must ever be the object of your Faith. As we’ve already stated, this gives the Holy Spirit, Who is indispens­able to your spiritual success, latitude to work in your heart and life.<br />Please allow me to ask this question:<br /><br />Is the Cross central in the Church pres­ently? I think the answer to that is obvious. No, it isn’t! In truth, much of the modern Church anymore little knows what it actu­ally does believe. The reason for the confu­sion, the reason for being led astray, is be­cause the Cross is not central in the doctrine of the Church.<br />In most Churches, if the Cross is mentioned at all, it’s relegated simply to the initial Salva­tion experience. Thereafter, it is abandoned as being of little or no consequence. In fact, in many Charismatic circles, the Cross is openly repudiated.<br />To be frank, it’s bad enough for the Cross to be ignored, but when it’s openly opposed, this spells catastrophe for those who are un­fortunate enough to sit under such errone­ous teaching.<br />The modern Church little knows and un­derstands the part the Cross plays in our ongo­ing, everyday living before God. And actually, for me to state that the Cross plays an impor­tant part is really a misnomer. In fact, the Cross is everything. One can only find Christ through the Cross. One can only be Baptized with the Holy Spirit, according to what Jesus did at the Cross. Paul graphically spells this out in Romans, Chapters 6, 7, and 8. In fact, every­thing that Paul says is attached to the Cross.<br />The very meaning of the New Covenant is the Cross of Christ. To turn it around and say it another way, the meaning of the Cross, is the meaning of the New Covenant (I Cor. 11:23-30).<br />PROMISE<br /><br />Old Testament Saints only had the Prom­ise of the inheritance, while New Testament Saints have the foundation of the Promise; however, the entirety of the Promise of this inheritance, will not take place until the com­ing Rapture of the Church, i.e., “the Resur­rection.” Then we will be Glorified, as we are now Sanctified and Justified.<br />As well, with God, a “Promise” is iron clad. In other words, it is inviolable, i.e., “unbreakable.”<br />(16) “FOR WHERE A TESTAMENT IS, THERE MUST ALSO OF NECESSITY BE THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />Due to what Christ did at the Cross, the word “Testament” and “Covenant” here mean the same.<br /><br />2.<br />God has made a Covenant with the hu­man race through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and with the Death of His Son, the word “Covenant” is merged into the word “Tes­tament,” with all of its inherent meaning.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />3. The Death of Christ is the guarantee of this Covenant, i.e., “Testament.”<br />A TESTAMENT<br /><br />The phrase, “For where a Testament is,” presents this which Christ has accomplished through His Death.<br />The Scholars say that Paul’s argument is not easy to follow in English, because we have no single word that is the precise equivalent of the Greek “diatheke,” which is translated “Testament.” The Greek word de some­thing like an authoritative laying down of what is to be done, and is the normal word for a last will and testament. But it is also suited to Covenants God makes with people. How­ever, as we use the word “Covenant” we must understand that this Covenant is not the re­sult of a process of negotiation, which God talks things over with people and they come to a mutually acceptable arrangement. God Alone lays down the terms. The result is a Covenant characterized by the same kind of finality as we see in a Testament. And to which we have already briefly alluded, the Death of Christ merged the Covenant into a Testa­ment, which is basically the same as a “Will.”<br />DEATH<br /><br />The phrase, “There must also of neces­sity be the death of the Testator,” refers, as is obvious, to the death of Christ. His death guaranteed the veracity of the Redemption process. He paid the price that was de­manded by God, which was done at the Cross, thereby carried out through His Death. Upon this being done, the Righteousness of God was completely satisfied, making it possible for Christ to be our Substitute, because He was the Perfect Sacrifice. Consequently, our identification with Him guarantees us all that for which He died. For such a Covenant to be valid, the death of the Testator had to take place. And that it did in Christ!<br />In Verse 15 we have seen the two-fold ref­erence of the Death of Jesus, to the past and to the future. As High Priest He has offered Himself as a Sin-Offering to cleanse the con­science from dead works; the same Offering is also looked on as a ransom redeeming from the penalty of past transgressions, as it re­gards the Old Testament Saints. And, still by means of His Death, He has, as Mediator, established a New Covenant. We are re­minded at once of the words of Jesus Him­self, “This cup is the New Covenant ‘in My Blood’” (I Cor. 11:25). It is this very thought which Paul proceeds to develop: a Covenant cannot be established without death — can­not exist at all. That among Jews, Greeks, and Romans alike, covenants were confirmed by sacrifice we need not pause to prove; of this usage we have the earliest example in Genesis Chapter 15. The material point here is, that a Covenant must be established over sacrifices, and that in such a sacrifice “the death of Him that made the Covenant” must in some manner be “brought in” or assumed. There remains only the application to the particular Covenant spoken of here. If this be taken as made between God and man, even as stated, the Sacrificial Death of Jesus in man’s stead ratified the Covenant forever.<br />What makes this so peculiar as it regards Christ, He is set forth as High Priest and Sac­rifice, so He is both the Author of the Cov­enant and the Sacrifice which gives it validity.<br />THE FORCE OF THIS COVENANT<br />As would be understood, a Covenant has to be between two or more parties. In this case, it is between God and man; however, it is be­tween God and man in a very peculiar sense. Jesus being both God and Man, in other words, “very God” and “very man,” serves as both.<br />To put the Covenant into force, which al­ways requires a sacrifice in some manner, He literally became the Sacrifice, dying as Man. However, His Death even though a Sacrifice, was more than a sacrifice. It was as well a payment, which satisfied the terrible sin debt which man owed to God. The shedding of His Life’s Blood, also served as a cleansing agent, which cleanses the stains made by the sin committed. So, not only was the sin re­moved, as well the effects of sin were removed also. Sin had been the legal right by which Satan kept men in bondage, which is now removed, and the cleansing agent brought about by the Blood, serves as the Sanctifica­tion of the former sinner, which refers to being “set apart” unto God, which makes Justification possible.<br />The death of the “Testator,” in this case<br /><br /> <br /><br />Christ, put the Covenant into motion; how­ever, Christ did something which had not heretofore been done. Due to the fact that He atoned for all sin, which voided death, He was raised from the dead, thereby coming back to guarantee the force of the Covenant. This makes this Covenant or Testament different than any such legal action that has ever been previously performed, and to be sure, it defi­nitely was a legal action.<br />Due to the fact that the Covenant is all in Christ, it is a Covenant which cannot fail; there­fore, the Covenant is inexhaustible, incontest­able, inviolable, guaranteed, backed up by the Promise of God, and the act of Sacrifice re­garding Christ, and is, therefore, eternal.<br />(17) “FOR A TESTAMENT IS OF FORCE AFTER MEN ARE DEAD: OTHERWISE IT IS OF NO STRENGTH AT ALL WHILE THE TESTATOR LIVETH.”<br />The argument is:<br /><br />1.<br />There has to be a death for a will or testament to become operative.<br /><br />2.<br />While the party is alive, a will or testa­ment carries no power or validity.<br /><br />3.<br />In the case of God bequeathing Salva­tion to the lost sinner, the bequest is only operative by reason of the Death of Christ.<br /><br /><br />THE FORCE OF THE TESTAMENT<br />The phrase, “For a Testament is of force after men are dead,” presents a legal action. This tells us in no uncertain terms, that the Death of Christ on the Cross was a legal mat­ter. Satan held a legal claim upon man be­cause of sin. That legal claim was captivity.<br />God as well had a legal claim on man be­cause of sin. The sin of man is a crime against God, meaning that God’s claim comes first. When Jesus died on the Cross, He died as a Substitute Man, meaning that He was the Substitute for all of humanity, which thereby, paid the debt incurred by sin, which was owed to God. As stated, it was all a legal work. As well, by the debt being paid, Satan also lost His legal hold upon man, at least for those who will believe (Jn. 3:16).<br />Due to the fact that Jesus died, which is not open to question, the Covenant is in force. That’s why we’re told at the conclusion of the New Covenant these words:<br />“And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come.<br />And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whoso­ever will, let him take the water of life freely”<br />(Rev. 22:17).<br />THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR<br />The phrase, “Otherwise it is of no strength at all while the Testator liveth,” simply means, as in the case of any testament or will, it is not valid until the individual dies to whom the will belongs.<br />As stated, and as is obvious, Jesus died on the Cross. Whereas the New Covenant was not in force until the Cross, even though it was predicted in the Old Testament, it defi­nitely was put in force after the Death of Christ. The “strength” of this New Covenant, is in fact, the Death of Christ, which Paul reiterates over and over in these Passages. That’s what makes everything valid!<br />That’s why I keep repeating that the Cross is the centrality of the Gospel. It was not the Resurrection that made valid the Covenant, as important as the Resurrection was, but rather the Death of Christ on the Cross. We must never forget this, which means that we are to never allow the Cross to be anything but paramount in our thinking and our faith.<br />(18) “WHEREUPON NEITHER THE FIRST TESTAMENT WAS DEDICATED WITHOUT BLOOD.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />Even the Old Covenant, which was tem­porary, was dedicated with blood, which is required, if it is to be a Covenant.<br /><br />2.<br />There are many sacrifices, but if it’s not a sacrifice with blood, it is that which God cannot accept. The Cross was a sacri­fice with Blood.<br /><br />3.<br />This is the great dividing line in the Church presently, and in fact has been from the very dawn of time, as evidenced in Gen­esis Chapter 4. What kind of sacrifice will God accept?<br /><br /><br />THE OLD COVENANT<br /><br />In Verse 18 we’re told several things. They are as follows:<br />1.<br />The “First Testament” or “Old Cov­enant,” was made between God and man.<br /><br />2.<br />Man could not perform his part; there­fore, the Covenant was broken by every single<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />human being who was in its agreement.<br />3.<br />The First Covenant, due to its insuffi­ciencies, was temporary. To be frank, any­thing dependent on man is deficient.<br /><br />4.<br />Even though it was temporary, it was ratified with Blood, even though it was ani­mal blood, which was absolutely necessary, if it was in fact to be a Covenant.<br /><br />5.<br />The First Covenant was a mirror of the Second or New Covenant, but with all the deficiencies addressed in the New.<br /><br /><br />(19) “FOR WHEN MOSES HAD SPOKEN EVERY PRECEPT TO ALL THE PEOPLE ACCORDING TO THE LAW, HE TOOK THE BLOOD OF CALVES AND OF GOATS, WITH WATER, AND SCARLET WOOL, AND HYS­SOP, AND SPRINKLED BOTH THE BOOK, AND ALL THE PEOPLE,”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Moses explained the Covenant to the people.<br /><br />2.<br />The Covenant was sealed with the blood of calves and of goats.<br /><br /><br />3. The “water” represented the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />4.<br />The “scarlet wool” represented the Shed Blood of Christ.<br /><br />5.<br />The “hyssop” represented the human­ity of Christ.<br /><br />6.<br />For the Covenant to be valid, the blood of calves and goats mixed with the water, was sprinkled upon both the Book, containing the Covenant, and as well, upon the people. This had to be done, for the Covenant to be valid.<br /><br /><br />MOSES<br /><br />The phrase, “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law,” presents the Old Covenant, which in­cluded the Law and all of its precepts. It was commonly referred to as “the Law of Moses.”<br />The Book of which is here spoken, is the Book of Leviticus in our Old Testament. It would have been broken down as follows:<br />1. Laws concerning sacrifices (Lev. 1:1<br /><br />— 7:38).<br />2.<br />The Tabernacle service put into opera­tion (Lev. 8:1 — 10:20).<br /><br />3.<br />Laws concerning purity and impurity (Lev. 11:1 — 15:33).<br /><br />4.<br />The Great Day of Atonement (Lev. Chpt. 16).<br /><br /><br />5.<br />Various Laws (Lev. 17:1 — 25:55).<br /><br />6.<br />Promises and warnings (Lev., Chpt. 26).<br /><br /><br />7. Valuation and Redemption (Lev., Chpt. 27).<br />THE BLOOD OF CALVES AND GOATS<br />The phrase, “He took the blood of calves and goats,” proclaims the seal of the Cov­enant, which was “shed blood.” Even though the blood of calves and goats could not re­move sin, it did serve as a stopgap measure, thereby performing the work of Atonement. However, the Atonement was only in part one might say, in that the sin was covered and not cleansed. Nevertheless, the blood that would be shed here in the inauguration of the Law, presented the binding of its precepts, which had to be, that is if it was to be a Covenant.<br />This Passage has been one of perplexity regarding Commentators from the fact that Moses, in his account of the transactions con­nected with the ratification of the Covenant with the people (Ex. Chpt. 24), mentions only a part of the circumstances referred to here. He says nothing of the blood of calves and of goats; nothing of water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop; nothing of sprinkling the book, the Tabernacle, or the vessels of the ministry. The question has been ventured, therefore, as to where Paul obtained the knowledge of these circumstances. Since the account is not con­tained in the Old Testament, it must have been either by tradition or by direct inspiration.<br />The latter is hardly probable, since the information here given is hardly of suffi­cient importance to have required an origi­nal revelation.<br />He may have derived this information from the Jewish Targums, which in effect, were a commentary on the Old Testament. While there were things in the Targums which were incorrect, no doubt, there was much information which was correct. To be sure, the Holy Spirit would have guided the Apostle in his selection of material regarding these statements; therefore, one can be certain that what Paul said here actually happened.<br />WATER<br />The short phrase, “With water,” was no doubt done for several reasons. How many calves and goats were slaughtered we aren’t told;<br /><br /> <br /><br />however, it is very doubtful that the entirety of several millions of people were sprinkled for that was the number of Israel at that time.<br />More than likely, it only concerned those of the Tribe of Levi, and even then only those who were involved directly in Tabernacle ser­vice. Even this would have numbered sev­eral hundreds of people, necessitating the mixing of water with the blood.<br />Second, knowing that everything that per­tained to the Tabernacle and the entirety of the Old Covenant for that matter, pointed to Christ, and actually symbolized Him in some way regarding His Person, Life, Ministry, Death, and Resurrection, the water here also carried a much higher spiritual meaning than the mere necessity of mixing it with the blood of the animals in order to be sprinkled.<br />Water is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 7:37-39). As well, very soon after Jesus died, His side was pierced with a spear by one of the Roman soldiers, and the Scrip­ture says, “And forthwith came there out blood and water” (Jn. 19:34).<br />The Scripture also says, “This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, be­cause the Spirit is Truth” (I Jn. 5:6).<br />The water witnessed to His full and proper humanity (Jn. 19:34), and the blood witnessed to the nature of His atoning Death (Jn. 19:34), and the Spirit witnessed to the Deity of His Person (Mat. 27:54; Lk. 23:42-44).<br />This refers to the fact that the Believer’s sins are, therefore, fully expiated and He en­joys a perfect purification before God. That which was impure no longer exists, for the old man is crucified with and is dead with Christ; that which is raised with Christ in the spiritual sense, as born of God is perfectly pure. Only death could provide this expia­tion and purification; and the outflow of wa­ter and blood from the Redeemer’s side dem­onstrated the actuality of death. So, the “wa­ter” represented both the Holy Spirit and the Finished Work of Christ.<br />SCARLET WOOL<br /><br />The phrase, “And scarlet wool,” is symbolic of the blood which thoroughly cleanses. The brilliant whiteness of wool after thorough washing is used to illustrate purity. The Prophet Isaiah said:<br />“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scar­let, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18).<br />HYSSOP<br /><br />The phrase, “And hyssop,” presents a bushy plant, which grew between large stones, and has hairy stems and leaves, which would eas­ily soak up water or blood, and could be used to sprinkle.<br />Concerning the first Passover, directions were given by God to Moses, to take a bunch of hyssop and dip it into the blood of the lamb that was in the basin, in order to be able to apply it to the lintel and the two side posts of the front door of each house in Egypt, at least those lived in by Israelites (Ex. 12:22).<br />David in Psalms 51:7 said, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” This was a figure of speech used by David in his intercessory prayer concerning his sin, which obviously re­ferred to the application of the blood of the lamb, for it is only, Scripture says, with the shedding of blood that there can be remission of sin.<br />So, the type represented here, would be that of the humanity of Christ, which of course, was necessary, in order to serve as a Sacrifice.<br />THE APPLICATION OF THE BLOOD<br />The phrase, “And sprinkled both the Book and all the people” would pertain as stated, to the Book of Leviticus, and those of the tribe of Levi ordained for Tabernacle Service.<br />The sprinkling of the blood was the ratifi­cation of the Covenant, and symbolized the Blood of Christ which would be shed, and ap­plied by Faith to the hearts and lives of be­lieving sinners.<br />(The blood mixed with enough water would have made it possible, for the entirety of the approximate three million people to have been sprinkled; however, it is highly unlikely that this was done, inasmuch as water was scarce in the desert as well.)<br />(20) “SAYING, THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE TESTAMENT WHICH GOD HATH EN­JOINED UNTO YOU.”<br /> <br /><br />The structure is:<br />1. The blood ratified the Old Covenant.<br /><br />2.<br />God was the One Who drew the design of the Old Covenant as well as the New.<br /><br />3.<br />Because it was of God, the ritual had to be carried out with exact precision.<br /><br />4.<br />Not only was the design entirely by God, each part of the design represented the com­ing Christ, which gives it a significance of vast proportions.<br /><br /><br />THIS IS THE BLOOD<br /><br />The phrase, “Saying, ‘This is the Blood of the Testament’,” presents that which made the Old Covenant valid. As we have stated, all of this represents Christ in some way.<br />When Moses said, “This is the Blood,” even though it was only at that time the blood of animals, it represented the Son of God, and made the statement that this is the only way that man can be saved.<br />The Sacrifice of Christ, which was the of­fering of Himself by the pouring out of His Blood, and the sacrifices of other things, have always been the dividing line between the True and the false. “This is the Blood,” pro­claims totally and completely that which it would take in order for man to be redeemed. It would have to be the precious, shed Blood of the Lamb, i.e., “Christ” (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />Of course, when we speak of “The Blood,” we are at the same time speaking of “The Cross,” and at the same time speaking of “The Gospel,” and at the same time, speaking of “The Faith.” They basically all mean the same thing! When we preach the Cross, we are preaching the Blood, and when we preach the Blood, we are preaching the Cross! Surely the Reader can see the vast signifi­cance in all of this, and how important it is that our Faith be properly placed.<br />When man fell in the Garden of Eden, life was forfeited, which speaks of Life from God. In other words, the life force that came con­stantly from God to Adam, and was intended to continue to come to all who would be born thereafter, was suddenly cut off. Due to Adam’s Fall, it was cut off not only to the first man, but as well to all who would follow thereafter, because in effect, all were in Adam’s loins. So when he sinned, he sinned for all, and, likewise, when Christ purchased back this “Life” with His Own Blood, He did so for all — at least for those who will be­lieve (Jn. 3:16; I Cor. 15:45-50).<br />DESIGNED BY GOD<br />The phrase continuing, “Which God hath enjoined unto you,” presents the fact, that everything in the First Covenant, exactly as in the New Covenant, is all of God, and not at all of man. In fact, if man adds anything or subtracts anything, he has destroyed this which “God hath enjoined unto you.” This phrase is derived from Exodus 24:8.<br />Once again, Paul uses the word “enjoined,” which means that he did not regard this as strictly of the nature of a Covenant, or com­pact. While it definitely was a Covenant, it was not strictly of the nature of a Covenant. When a compact or covenant is made between two parties, one does not enjoin or command the other, it is a mutual agreement.<br />In the transactions between God and man, though called a Covenant or Testament, it is definitely not a transaction between equals, or an agreement in this capacity. It is in fact, a solemn arrangement on the part of God which He proposes to men, and which He enjoins them to embrace; which they are not indeed at liberty to disregard, but which, when embraced, is appropriately ratified by some solemn act on their part, in this case, the shedding of blood.<br />The Testator of the First Covenant was God, for it was God Who was the Source of Salvation for Believers in Old Testament Times. But God was not yet ready to come in the Person of His Son and die on the Cross for man. Therefore, He provided a substi­tute that would typically represent Him in death, a death that would make the First Tes­tament effective. This substitute was an ani­mal. The emphasis in these Verses is that everything connected with the Testament bears the mark of blood, therefore, death.<br />(21) “MOREOVER HE SPRINKLED WITH BLOOD BOTH THE TABERNACLE, AND ALL THE VESSELS OF THE MINISTRY.”<br />The structure is:<br />1. Moses sprinkled not only the Book and the people, but as well, the Tabernacle and all the Vessels of the Ministry.<br />2. God told him to do this.<br /><br /> <br /><br />3. This shows us the absolute necessity of the Blood of Christ as it regards Salvation.<br />THE BLOOD<br /><br />This particular Verse portrays the fact of the awfulness of sin, in that it has contami­nated everything on this Earth. This of course, is not to leave the impression that some par­ticular type of ritual must be engaged now as it regards cleansing, but that which God en­joined (commanded) under the Old Covenant was typical of the severity of the problem.<br />As well, in sprinkling both the Tabernacle and all the Vessels of the Ministry, we are told that every single thing that pertains to God as it regards our present Salvation has come to us, and in its entirety, by and through the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ. As well, every­thing we do for Him, once again, typified by the Tabernacle and the Vessels, must also be anchored in the “Blood of the Lamb.”<br />All of this is meant to portray theology in the sense of the significance of what is being presented here. The idea is this:<br />Not only does Salvation come through the Cross, but as well, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, all Grace, Peace, Divine Healing, finan­cial prosperity, Justification, Sanctification, Reconciliation, etc. This one Verse, plus scores of others which could be added, pro­claims the fact that the Cross is the Source of all things, at least all things that are from God.<br />Once again, the Reader must understand, that every single thing demanded by the Lord in the Old Covenant, pointed to Christ and His sacrificial work. This is the reason that it is very difficult for one to understand the New Testament, if one doesn’t understand the Old. In picture form, and symbolic form, the Old Testament portrays the entirety of the Work of Christ, in order that there be no misun­derstanding.<br />This is what made it so awful that the Jews, who were so intimately acquainted with the Old Testament, did not recognize Christ when He came, especially considering, that the entirety of the Old Covenant pointed di­rectly to Him.<br />(22) “AND ALMOST ALL THINGS ARE BY THE LAW PURGED WITH BLOOD; AND WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />“Almost all things” refers to some things in Tabernacle worship, which were ceremo­nially purged with water and fire (Num. 31:23). An example is the ashes of the red heifer, to which we have already addressed (Num. 19:2-10).<br /><br />2.<br />“Purged with blood” presents the fact that these things were ceremonially purged, which means, that the blood of calves and goats couldn’t take away sin.<br /><br />3.<br />The shedding of the blood of animals in sacrifice was symbolic of the Blood which would be shed by Christ, and which would cleanse from sin.<br /><br /><br />ALMOST ALL THINGS<br /><br />The phrase, “And almost all things,” per­tains as we have stated, to some things which were cleansed with water.<br />Concerning some things cleansed only with water, if the Holy Spirit had anything in mind here in the giving of these instruc­tions more than practical application, it would have pertained to the fact that He (the Holy Spirit), cannot properly do His work, in fact, cannot do any work at all, unless the blood has been applied to the principal ob­jects. To say it another way, the Holy Spirit, typified by the water, works exclusively from the premise of the Shed Blood of the Lamb. Therefore, the leaving of some things to be cleansed only by water could have been a portrayal of the work of the Spirit. Due to the vast significance of this, please allow us to make the following statements:<br />As we’ve said several times, every single thing done on Earth by and through the Godhead, is done exclusively by and through the Person, Office, Ministry, and Power of the Holy Spirit. However, He works on one premise alone, and that is by and through the great Sacrifice of Christ, which of course portrays the Shed Blood of the Son of God poured out on behalf of lost humanity. This means that the Sacrifice of Christ is the only means by which the sinner can be saved, and the Christian can walk in victory on a daily basis.<br />In regard to this, I think I can say without any fear of exaggeration, that the Holy Spirit demands that we as Believers exhibit faith<br /> <br /><br />at all times in the Finished Work of Christ, always understanding, that it is from this Source that everything flows from God to humanity (Rom. 8:2).<br />If in fact this is the case, and it definitely is, then where does that leave the modern Church which knows and understands this little or not at all? For me as a Believer to be what I ought to be in Christ, I have to have the work and operation of the Holy Spirit within my heart and life. That is absolutely imperative! However, just because I am bap­tized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, by no means guarantees this work. The potential is there, but it definitely isn’t automatic, as many Christians seem to believe.<br />There are millions of Christians speaking in tongues quite often, which is Scriptural and right, but are still living lives of spiri­tual failure. There are even many Christians with the Gifts of the Spirit working within their lives, and rightly so, which includes Preachers whom God is using, and because they are called of God, and they are allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through them and function according to that call. But irrespec­tive of that, untold numbers of these that we have just mentioned are living lives of spiri­tual failure. In other words, sin is dominat­ing them in some way, in some fashion!<br />Now we’ve already addressed that in pre­vious Commentary, but due to the fact that it is so important, I have felt led to mention it again. The Church doesn’t understand this, and thereby casts about trying to find a solution to the problem. And to be frank, the proposed solutions much of the time, is worthy of a Roman Circus.<br />No! It doesn’t matter who the individual might be. Preacher or otherwise, God has only one prescribed order of victory, and that is the victory of the Cross (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:1­2, 11). And if the individual doesn’t know that prescribed order, it makes no difference that he might be pastoring the largest Church in the land, or drawing the largest crowds, etc., he is still going to walk in failure.<br />The reason is, while the Holy Spirit will help the individual regarding certain things, and because it is within the boundaries of the way He works, as it regards our personal lives, if we step outside of the boundaries of the Cross, the Holy Spirit just simply will not help us and that means that we are left on our own. We’re then guaranteed to fail, and regrettably, that’s the condition of most of the modern Church world.<br />As I keep saying over and over again, the Holy Spirit works according to “The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:2). In simple terms, that Law pertains to what Christ did at the Cross on behalf of human­ity. In other words, Jesus did certain things for us through His Sacrifice of the Cross, and the Holy Spirit works within the bound­aries and the parameters of that which Christ has done. He demands that we do the same thing. And how do we do that?<br />It is all a matter of Faith, which means that we believe in what Jesus did there, un­derstanding that this is the means by which the Lord works with humanity. Faith an­chored in the Finished Work of Christ, and continued in the Finished Work of Christ, will guarantee victory for any Saint, no matter who the person might be, etc. And as stated, this is God’s only prescribed order of victory. He has no other, and simply because no other is needed.<br />PURGED WITH BLOOD<br />The phrase, “Are by the Law purged with blood,” speaks of a ceremonial purging, which is the most that the blood of bulls and goats could do. These particular sacrifices under the Old Covenant, couldn’t take away sins (Heb. 10:4).<br />However, even though the shed blood of the Old Covenant couldn’t take away sins, it definitely served as a pattern for the One Who was coming, Who definitely could take away sins, even as Paul mentions in Verse 23.<br />In looking at all of this, some may inwardly flinch at the rivers of blood which were shed, necessitating the slaughter of untold millions of animals down through the centuries. Ev­ery single day, there was a Sacrifice offered at 9 o’clock in the morning and at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. On the Sabbath, two ani­mals were offered at each Sacrifice.<br />As stated, this was done on a daily basis, actually never ending, and was in addition to the untold numbers of Sacrifices constantly<br /><br /> <br /><br />offered by the people of Israel, who came to the Tabernacle or Temple. In fact, it was a never ending work.<br />On top of all of that, tremendous num­bers of Sacrifices were offered on the Feast Days of the year, with as many as a quarter of a million Sacrifices being offered during Passover week, according to Josephus.<br />While the carnal mind may wonder at the necessity of all of this, the spiritual mind knows and understands why it was necessary. This tells us, this river of blood, how awful and bad that sin really is, how destructive it is, and at the same time how difficult it is to roll back its terrible effect of stealing, kill­ing, and destroying (Jn. 10:10).<br />If one wants to know exactly how awful, how horrible, how terrible that sin actually is, one need only look at the Sacrifice of Christ. The agony, the horror, the terrible price He had to pay, gives us the answer to our question. When we look at His Crucifix­ion, when we think of His Crucifixion, when we contemplate His Crucifixion, realizing the utter, absolute horror of it all, we can only say, “sin did this!” And we might quickly add, that this alone is the remedy for sin.<br />THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD<br /><br />The phrase, “And without shedding of blood is no remission,” proclaims the Apostle as portraying the Old Law as being symbolic of that which Christ would do, in the shed­ding of His Blood, which in fact, did cleanse from all sin (Jn. 1:29).<br />To be more specific, Paul shows here that there can be no Redemption but through the Blood of Christ; and to prefigure this, the Law could not grant any remission of sin without the blood of a victim.<br />More particular here, Paul is talking about the Shed Blood of Christ, which was an ab­solute necessity, that is if sin was to be re­mitted, i.e., “cleansed and taken away.” This means, as is overly obvious, that one cannot be saved unless one trusts in Christ and what He did at the Cross for us. While the believ­ing sinner may not understand much about this, and what little he does know has been imparted to him by the Spirit, still, it requires faith on his part in the Finished Work, in order to be saved (Jn. 3:16).<br />Satan has been very successful in pushing other things into the mix, attempting to di­lute the one way of Salvation, which is the Blood. He is very successful in this, with many Christians and even Preachers doing this, and deceived into thinking otherwise. It is never Christ plus, but always Christ and Him Crucified, as the order of Salvation.<br />SIN<br /><br />Sin is the major problem of humanity, even as it is the major problem of the Church. Unfortunately, such a statement is denied by most of the world and most of the Church. The world doesn’t recognize sin for what it is, and many in the modern Church refuse to believe that sin is their prob­lem. However, the type of sin of which is actually the problem is very subtle.<br />It’s not so much acts of sin, as it is rebel­lion against the Finished Work of Christ. In other words, Satan tries to get the Believer to shift his Faith from the Cross to other things. This is the great sin; it is rebellion against God’s Way of Salvation and victory, and in fact, God’s only way of Salvation and Victory. Of course, Satan knows when this is done, that acts of sin will then begin to appear, with the sin nature ultimately beginning to once again rule in the heart and life of the Believer.<br />But when we Believers think of sin, al­most all the time we think of acts of sin. That’s not what Paul is speaking about in his explanation of this in Romans, Chapters 6, 7, and 8. When we get to acts of sin, we have already traveled down this road of defeat quite a ways. And then when we attempt to start opposing the acts of sin, by making up our own rules and regulations, etc., we get very confused because our efforts do not bring forth any proper fruit. The trouble is we are opposing symptoms instead of the real cause.<br />The real cause is a shifting of our Faith from the Finished Work of Christ, to something else, and it doesn’t really matter what else it is.<br />Millions have their faith in a particular Preacher. Paul addressed this in I Corinthians Chapter 1. Satan doesn’t mind this at all, be­cause he knows that faith so placed will never bring about any victory. Millions of other Christians place their faith in a Denomina­tion. Satan is not bothered by that either,<br /> <br /><br />knowing that the Christian will find no help there. In fact, this list is very long, and the Evil One is very content for you to believe in these things until the day you die. He knows that you will find no victory there, and as well, that your spiritual situation will con­tinue to deteriorate.<br />When Jesus came to this world, He came to address sin. That was His purpose for com­ing. His purpose for coming was not that you may trade your Neon for a Cadillac, or you may get an increase in pay, etc. Such think­ing does tremendous violence to the Word of God.<br />Man’s problem is not physical, or else God would have sent a doctor. Man’s problem is not economic, or the Lord would have sent an economist. Man’s problem is not scien­tific, or else the Lord would have sent a scien­tist. Man’s problem is sin, so God sent a Sav­ior. All of this is so important that we must be allowed to say it again:<br />ONE WAY OF SALVATION<br /><br />It is universally true that sin never has been, never will be forgiven, except in con­nection with and in virtue of the shedding of blood, the Blood of Christ. It is on this prin­ciple that the Plan of Salvation by the Atone­ment is based, and on this that God in fact bestows pardon on men. There is not the slightest evidence that any man has ever been pardoned except through the Blood shed by Christ for the remission of sins.<br />In light of this, it remains to be demon­strated that not one single member of the human family has ever had the slightest evi­dence of pardoned sin, except through the blood of expiation. In the Divine arrange­ment there is no principle better established than this, that all sin which is forgiven is re­mitted through the Blood of the Atonement; a principle which has never been departed from hitherto, and which never will be. Con­sequently, it follows, therefore:<br />1.<br />No sinner can hope for forgiveness ex­cept through the Blood of Christ.<br /><br />2.<br />That if men are ever saved they must be willing to rely on the merits of that Blood.<br /><br />3.<br />That all men are on a level in regard to Salvation, since all are to be saved in the same way.<br /><br /><br />4. There will be one and the same song in Heaven — the song of redeeming love.<br />(23) “IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY THAT THE PATTERNS OF THINGS IN THE HEAVENS SHOULD BE PURIFIED WITH THESE; BUT THE HEAVENLY THINGS THEMSELVES WITH BETTER SACRIFICES THAN THESE.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />“The patterns of things in the Heav­ens” refers to the real which is in Heaven.<br /><br />2.<br />The Tabernacle, although designed by God, and of God, needed cleansing from the defilement it incurred by reason of its pres­ence in the midst of a sinful people.<br /><br />3.<br />This Rite was observed on the Great Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:16).<br /><br />4.<br />“These” referred to animal sacrifices. Thus, the sacrificial blood of animals was used to cleanse the Tabernacle in Israel from the defilement it contracted by reason of its position in the camp of Israel.<br /><br />5.<br />We learn from this Verse that sin is so widespread, and has had such an effect, that even the Heaven of heavens had to be cleansed, which was done by the Death of Christ.<br /><br /><br />PURIFICATION<br />The phrase, “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these,” pertains to several things:<br />1.<br />The Tabernacle and all of its sacred ves­sels, were a copy of that which was in Heaven.<br /><br />2.<br />Consequently, every single thing about the Tabernacle and its Vessels, plus the man­ner that everything was to be used, were all, and without exception, designed by God, with the understanding, that man must not, un­der any consideration, insert his thoughts or activity into the process.<br /><br />3.<br />Everything in the Tabernacle and as it pertained to the Sacred Vessels, plus the man­ner in which all of it was to be used, portrayed Christ in some manner, as it regarded His Life, Ministry, Death, Resurrection, and Exaltation.<br /><br />4.<br />All of this was a part of the Law of Moses, intended to portray to Israel the fact that Sal­vation was in the One Whom all of this rep­resented, namely Christ, and not at all in the rituals, ceremonies, or even the Sacrifices themselves.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />5.<br />Due to the fact, that man had touched these things, even though they were designed and given by God, they all were defiled and, therefore, needed purification, i.e., “cleansing.”<br /><br />6.<br />The cleansing process, could only be done in the manner prescribed by the Lord, which was by the blood of a clean animal, an animal incidentally offered in sacrifice, was to represent the Blood of Christ which would ultimately be shed.<br /><br />7.<br />In reality, the blood of the sacrificed animals did not really cleanse or purify any­thing, simply because they were insufficient to do so (Heb. 10:4), but the symbolism pointed to One Who ultimately would cleanse from all sin.<br /><br /><br />A BETTER SACRIFICE<br /><br />The phrase, “But the heavenly things themselves with better Sacrifices than these,” refers to the fact that the Shed Blood of Christ addressed itself, not only to the sins of man, but to the entirety of the revolution of Luci­fer, which began long before man was cre­ated (Isa. 14; Ezek. Chpt. 28).<br />Paul alluded to this when he said, “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven and which are on Earth; even in Him” (Eph. 1:10).<br />This passage as well, tells us that what Christ did on the Cross, addressed itself to Heaven, as well as it did the Earth. In other words, what Jesus did on the Cross, addressed the entirety of this problem of sin and rebel­lion, as invented, nurtured, and fostered by Satan himself.<br />The question at once arises as to why Heaven itself needed to be cleansed?<br />This revolution against God instituted by Lucifer, which drew away a third of the An­gels (Rev. 12:4), is of far greater magnitude than meets the eye. We only know and un­derstand, at least somewhat, the part of this revolution that affects man, with only an in­kling of that which pertained to Heaven it­self. But we do know that a revolution which would draw away a third of the angels, which instituted this war between good and evil, between God and Satan, has to be of immense magnitude. Many Bible Scholars believe that Lucifer actually ruled this Earth before man was ever created, and did so in righteousness, purity, and holiness, subject to God. But at a point in time, lifted up in himself because of his great wisdom and beauty, he led this revo­lution against God, which extended all the way to Heaven itself, as would be obvious. Some believe, and it possibly is true, that de­mon spirits, which we know that God didn’t create in this fashion, actually were subjects of Lucifer in the pre-Adamite Earth, and who threw in their lot with the Evil One, with the result being that of which we presently know and understand as “demon spirits.”<br />When God created Adam and Eve, as well, his helpmate, giving Adam dominion over God’s creation (Ps. 8), and more particularly this refurbished Earth, this must have angered Lucifer greatly so. Consequently, he sets out to wreak havoc almost immediately, which resulted in the Fall of Adam and Eve, which as well, corrupted the entirety of the human race which was to come.<br />Therefore, when God became man, and came to this Earth to die on a Cross, which was His destination, His Death definitely was carried out in order to redeem mankind, but as well, it addressed itself to the entirety of the world of darkness, which included the to­tality of the revolution of Lucifer against God. So, the Blood of Jesus not only cleansed man from sin, but also cleansed the heavens them­selves, even the very Throne of God, which means that His Death and Resurrection, is of such magnitude as to defy all description.<br />THE WAYS OF GOD<br /><br />Even though we have already alluded to the following in previous Commentary, due to its complexity, and vast significance, please allow us to state the case of the legalities of God once again.<br />As a child, I wondered in my mind, as to why God didn’t simply kill the Devil or do with him whatever is necessary, in order to stop all of this problem! Perhaps that ques­tion might be in your mind as well.<br />In the first place, spirit beings cannot die, and Satan as well as all Angels are spirit be­ings. But of course, that begs the issue. God surely could have just simply locked Satan away, as He will ultimately do in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10-15).<br /> <br /><br />There is a reason that God has not yet locked away Satan, etc. God in His creative processes has fashioned all things according to Laws, which He has devised Himself. In other words, the entirety of this universe, and all that is therein, operates totally and com­pletely according to these Laws laid down by God at the outset of creation (Gen. 1:1). The reason for the great problems on Earth at present is because of the fact that man has broken these Laws, which has brought about untold death, suffering, and destruction (Jn. 10:10).<br />God not only made these Laws, but He as well, abides by these Laws. Consequently, the situation with Satan would have to be resolved in a legal manner, or else God would be no different than Satan himself.<br />It is somewhat the same as man presently taking the law into his own hands, thereby ignoring civil authority. If this is done, an­archy soon prevails, and the entire fabric of society is destroyed. Even as nations have to abide by laws, which they do more or less, God does the same thing, as should be obvious.<br />Without going into further detail, God would have to put down this revolution by legal means, and those legal means were and are, God becoming man, in effect, becoming the “Last Adam,” Who would purchase back what the original Adam forfeited in the Fall. He did this, by going to the Cross, which sat­isfied the righteousness of God, and thereby atoned for all sin. This did away with the legal claims of Satan upon man, simply be­cause sin is Satan’s legal right to hold man in captivity; however, when Jesus atoned for all sin, Satan has no more legal right. How­ever, there is a problem inherent in all of this.<br />OBEDIENCE TO GOD<br /><br />Looking at the situation, and understand­ing that the world, at least for the most part, is still held captive by Satan, we might ask the question as to whether the Sacrifice of Christ was effective?<br />Most definitely it was effective, and in such a way as to defy all description; however, for man to accrue to himself the benefits of all that Christ did for us on the Cross, man must believe that Jesus Christ is the answer, and in fact the only answer, and thereby accept Him as Lord and Savior. In other words, man has to shift his allegiance from Satan to Christ. Satan is the god of this present world, which means that most of humanity serves him (II Cor. 4:4). Until man avails himself of what Christ has done on the Cross, and does so by Faith, which is the only way it can be done (Eph. 2:8-9), he will remain un­der the domain of Satan. It remains for man to accept Christ to be liberated from the bondages of eternal darkness.<br />Of course, Satan fights the Cross in every way possible as it regards the world, shroud­ing man in unbelief and deception, which keeps most of humanity from accepting Christ (Mat. 7:13-14). However, the Church basically has the same problem as the world, and I speak of total and complete trust in the Cross of Christ.<br />THE CROSS OF CHRIST<br />As Satan tries to deceive the world, and I speak of the unredeemed, as it regards the Cross of Christ, he by no means stops his ef­forts of deception as it regards the Church. As he tries to get man to think he can save himself, he tries to get the Christian to think he can sanctify himself. And in one sentence, there is the great problem of mankind, both as it pertains to the unsaved and the saved.<br />As the sinner can no more save himself by his own efforts, likewise the Christian can no more sanctify himself by his personal ef­forts. Both present a hopeless task. So how does Satan go about attempting to accom­plish this task of getting the Christian into the realm of self-sanctification?<br />The Evil One first of all attacks the Cross. He does this in many ways, many of these ways are very subtle, and some very blatant.<br />His first effort is to get the Preacher to di­rect his attention to things other than the Cross. Of course, Satan doesn’t want the Gos­pel preached in any capacity, but above all, he doesn’t want the Cross preached. If he can stop the preaching of the Cross, He can pretty well dissipate everything else, for the simple reason, that the Cross is the founda­tion of the Gospel, in effect, it is the Gospel (I Cor. 1:18, 23; 2:2). And that’s what’s hap­pened the last half-century as it regards the Church. There has been so little preaching<br /><br /> <br /><br />and teaching on the Cross of Christ, until the modern Church is for all practical pur­poses, Cross illiterate, which means at the same time, it is for the most part, blind to the true things of God. And of course when the blind lead the blind, even as the Master said, both fall into the ditch.<br />So at the present, we have a Church that has set the Cross aside, opting for other things, not the least of them being humanistic psy­chology. However, in other circles, the Cross is not merely being politely ignored, it is be­ing blatantly attacked. I speak of great parts of the Charismatic Church, especially those, or at least most of those, who go under the heading of “Word of Faith,” etc.<br />Almost on a daily basis, we get e-mail from individuals all over the world, pointing out the errors of the “Faith Message.” However, every single one of these descriptions I’ve seen, basically address themselves to symp­toms. In other words, they show the wrong way that the Faith Ministry has gone, but they don’t show why it has gone in that direction. Consequently, as stated, they are merely ad­dressing themselves to symptoms.<br />The reason that the faith world, which in reality, is no faith at all, at least that which God will recognize, has gone in these erro­neous directions, which has probably caused more damage to the Church than anything else in the last 50 years, is because its teach­ing is not based on the Cross. It has ignored the Cross, making other things the object of Faith, which God will never recognize, and because it insults the great Sacrifice of Christ. Any doctrine must have as its firm founda­tion the Cross of Christ. If not, such doc­trine will become more and more off base. And that’s exactly what the so-called Faith Ministry has done.<br />While the error should be pointed out, the cause of the error above all should be pointed out. To show the error, and not show the cause or the solution, leaves the soul hang­ing in spiritual limbo.<br />Getting back to the original thought, the Believer must place his Faith in the Cross one hundred percent, as it regards anything and everything that comes from God. The Lord does not deal with the human race in any capacity, except through the Cross, and by that we speak of the Shed Blood of Christ. As well, He doesn’t deal with the Church except through the same method. It is al­ways the Cross! The Cross! The Cross!<br />The Holy Spirit lives within our hearts and lives as a Born-Again Believer, strictly because of what Christ did at the Cross on our behalf. There the great sin debt was paid, meaning that all sin was washed and cleansed, mak­ing it possible for the Holy Spirit to come in and abide permanently. However, even as we have said it in every way we know how, He, and we speak of the Spirit, will not work within our lives, unless our Faith is anchored totally and completely in the Cross of Christ. And when I say, “work within our lives,” I am speaking of Sanctification, i.e., “the Fruit of the Spirit,” etc.<br />There is no victory for the Saint outside of the Cross. There is no consecration, at least true consecration for the Saint, outside of the Cross. There is no Spiritual Growth outside of the Cross. Over and over again, this is what Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews tells us.<br />DECEPTION<br /><br />Satan’s efforts of deception are just as pow­erful within the Church as outside of the Church. It’s the age-old problem of self-de­pendency, or the dependence on anything other than the Cross of Christ. One would think that every Christian would know and understand the veracity of the Cross, but due to the fact that it’s been so little preached and taught in the last several decades, most Christians have no understanding at all as to the part the Cross plays in their everyday liv­ing before God; consequently, most Christians walk in spiritual defeat in one way or the other.<br />Even though the statement I’m about to make is strong, and to be sure, I pray that I’m wrong, but I fear that I’m right.<br />The Church is probably in worse spiritual condition presently than it has ever been since the Reformation. It’s like a blind giant that doesn’t know where it’s been, where it is, or where it’s going. In other words, it is vastly deceived.<br />But this deception of which I speak, has a greater power than just merely an erroneous direction. It is deception that goes down into the very recesses of the soul. Let me explain:<br /> <br /><br />Since the Lord began to open up to me the Revelation of the Cross in 1996, and has continued to expand that Revelation from then until now, and I trust will ever continue, I have had occasion to observe many things as it regards people who are living for God.<br />For instance, I watch Christians who are in deep trouble spiritually, with their lives about to become unraveled, with everything which they love and hold dear about to dis­integrate before their eyes, and because of sin, and they still will not avail themselves of the great Victory of the Cross.<br />One man called one of my associates the other day, a man incidentally who was and is a stranger to us, pouring out his soul to him, asking for help. He was in a “Word of Faith” Church, actually one of its Elders, if I remem­ber correctly what I was told.<br />He blurted out to my associate, “I’m a ho­mosexual, and no one knows about this but myself, and I’m seriously considering sui­cide.” He went on to say, “I’ve tried every­thing I know, but nothing helps.” He then told us how that he had begun hearing our daily program, actually aired seven days a week, over SonLife Radio. He said, “For the first time, I sense that there is something that can help me.”<br />My associate, as he spoke with him over the phone, pleaded with him to come to Fam­ily Worship Center, where he could sit under teaching that would set him free.<br />The man said, “I want to do that, but I’m afraid that I can’t.” When asked why? His answer was most revealing, and yet indica­tive of so many:<br />“My family won’t come with me!” he said.<br /><br />One would think that one in such a situa­tion of such desperation would pay any price to find help. But as stated, deception is a powerful weapon in the hands of Satan.<br />While we have many in our own Church, Family Worship Center, who have availed themselves of what the Lord has given to us as it regards the Cross, still, there are some in the Church who haven’t. Think of that!<br />There is absolutely nothing in the world more important to the Child of God than knowing God’s prescribed order of victory, which is the Cross. To have the opportunity to learn this, to know this, and understanding that it is the Holy Spirit Who is revealing this, and then not take advantage of such an op­portunity, is a tragedy of unprecedented pro­portions. No wonder that Jesus said, “For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the Children of Light” (Lk. 16:8).<br />If there were several ways of victory and abundant life, that would be different. But there is only one way, and that is the Cross, and if we miss that way, we’ve missed every­thing, for there is victory in no other!<br />THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE<br />Jesus addresses this very succinctly when He said “The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”<br />He then said, “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man seek­ing goodly pearls:<br />“Who, when he hath found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Mat. 13:44-46).<br />Is the “pearl of great price, which is the Cross” worth having?<br />In fact, it is of such value, that Jesus told us that everything else must fall by the way­side, with us doing whatever is necessary to obtain this “treasure,” i.e., “this pearl.”<br />The tragedy is, most Christians don’t rec­ognize the “treasure” or the “pearl” when they see it! And then others do recognize it, but don’t want to pay the price demanded in order for such to be obtained.<br />(24) “FOR CHRIST IS NOT ENTERED INTO THE HOLY PLACES MADE WITH HANDS, WHICH ARE THE FIGURES OF THE TRUE; BUT INTO HEAVEN ITSELF, NOW TO APPEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOR US:”<br />The exegesis is:<br />1.<br />Christ did not go into the Holy of Ho­lies of the earthly Tabernacle or Temple, which would have been useless anyway. He went into the Heavenly Holy of Holies.<br /><br />2.<br />That on the Earth, and we continue to speak of the Tabernacle or the Temple, were only figures of the True.<br /><br />3.<br />It was not earthly Priests to whom He must answer, but to God Himself, which He<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />did! It is God who had been grossly offended, and not man; consequently, it was His Righteousness which must be satisfied, and which was.<br />THE HOLY PLACES MADE WITH HANDS<br />The phrase, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands,” presents the Apostle telling these Christian Jews, of the true worth of the earthly Tabernacle by comparison to that which was Heavenly. In this explanation, Paul as well gives us the function of the earthly Tabernacle, which was meant to serve as a symbol of the “True.” Inasmuch as the “True” has come, why do we now need the symbol?<br />Verse 24 is an explanation of the statement in the previous Verse to the effect that the Heavenly things had to be purified by blood superior to animal blood, and that the Mes­siah did not enter the Holy of Holies on Earth as High Priest, for that would have done no good, but the Holy of Holies of Heaven itself. As we have stated, it was God Who had been offended, and it was, therefore, the Righ­teousness of God which must be satisfied.<br />Christ did not enter into a Holy Place made with hands, which of course was the Tabernacle, to offer repeated sacrifices, as the Priests had been doing for nearly 1,600 years, but to present Himself in the perfection of His One Great Sacrifice — so sufficing and effectual that it needs no repetition.<br />The “better sacrifices” of Verse 23, repre­sent the One Sacrifice of Christ, which is the greater Sacrifice, and which suffices for all.<br />The ground has now been laid which en­ables the Apostle to open up for us the spe­cial truth of the New Dispensation, and to show how fully Christ has superceded all the types of old.<br />We have already been presented the idea by the Apostle that Christ’s Ministry was not in a Sanctuary that is “man-made,” and here we come back to it. Not in such Sanctuaries, and we continue to speak of that made by man, even though God did design it, can the Atonement be made that really deals with sin.<br />COPIES<br /><br />The phrase, “Which are the figures of the true,” presents the fact that the earthly holy places and things are mere representations of the true and the Heavenly, which they were intended to be. The earthly antitype points to the Heavenly reality, “the true one.”<br />Unfortunately, as the Christian Jews of Paul’s day lost sight of the true meaning of the Tabernacle, likewise, many in the mod­ern Church follow down that erroneous path. As Israel attempted to make Salvation out of the Tabernacle, likewise, many modern Chris­tians attempt to make Salvation out of the Church, along with some of its ordinances, such as Water Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, etc.<br />As there was no Salvation in any of the ceremonies and rituals of the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple, likewise, there is no Salvation in anything which pertains to the Church. Salvation has always only been in Christ, even as it is in Christ presently, and more particularly, in what Christ did for us in the offering of Himself on the Cross.<br />Cannot the Reader see here, that it is not merely Jesus, but rather what Jesus did for us in His Great Sacrifice. This sets the Cross ever before us, even as it must set the Cross ever before us.<br />That’s the reason I keep saying, that if we think of Jesus apart from the Cross, we are not thinking of Him correctly. If we think of the Gospel apart from the Cross, we are not actually thinking of the Gospel correctly. If we think of victory apart from the Cross, then we are going to be sadly mistaken. It is not only Who He was, but as well, what He did! That is the “true,” and everything else is a mere “figure.” We must not under any con­sideration, get the “figure” mixed up with the “true.” And that’s our problem!<br />THE APPEARANCE IN THE<br />PRESENCE OF GOD<br /><br /><br />The phrase, “But into heaven itself, now to appear in the Presence of God for us,” pre­sents the purpose and reason for the Cross.<br />The word “now” speaks of Christ’s present Ministry in the New Testament dispensation as contrasted with the Old typical economy, and also refers to a continually present mani­festation of Himself in the Heavenly Holy of Holies.<br />The word “to appear” deserves careful treatment.<br /> <br /><br />Vincent translates, “to be manifested.” He says this word “exhibits the manifestation of Christ as something brought about as the result of a new and better economy, and dis­tinctly contemplated in the institution of that economy. Christ is made openly manifest before the Face of God.<br />“The Levitical Priests were compelled to shroud the Ark and the Shekinah with in-cense-smoke, that he might not look upon God face to face.”<br />In fact, the darkness and clouds of incense in the old Sanctuary were meant as much to veil the unworthiness of the Priest from God as the Glory of God from the Priest. Now Christ appears before God face to face with no intervening cloud. Perfect fellowship is attained by His perfect and stainless offering of Himself. All is now clear between God and man, and because of what Jesus did for us at the Cross.<br />It is “for us” that He enters into this Pres­ence and Fellowship; not that He Alone may enjoy it, but that we may enter into the rest and blessedness that He purchased for us, by the shedding of His Own Precious Blood.<br />THE THREE APPEARINGS OF CHRIST<br /><br />In Verses 24-28 of this Ninth Chapter, we have what someone has very aptly designed, “the three appearings of our Lord Jesus Christ”: He hath appeared, He doth appear, He shall appear.<br />The order, however, is somewhat differ­ent, for the Holy Spirit dwells first on His present appearing as our Intercessor, as out­lined in Verse 24, then turns our minds back to the time when He appeared to settle the sin question, as given in Verse 26, and in Verse 28, carries us forward to the glad hour when He shall appear the second time for our complete and glorious Redemption, which refers to His Second Coming.<br />To say it another way, Christ appeared to put away sin (vs. 26); He appeared to silence sin (vs. 24); and He will appear without sin (vs. 28).<br />He saves from the penalty, the power, and the presence of sin. His One Offering of Him­self once offered has made an eternal settle­ment of the question of sin, and abolished it forever.<br />Because of the fact of sin no Covenant could be made between God and men who ignored sin. Hence both Covenants were based upon Atonement — the one typically (a type), the other actually. But whereas the Blood that ratified the First Covenant was only the blood of calves and of goats, that which rati­fied the Second and gave to it its validity, was the Precious Blood of Christ. Apart from the death of a sacrificial victim, a Covenant proposing the establishment of relations be­tween God and men has no real value.<br />THE GLORIOUS THEME<br />The extent and value of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice of Himself is, therefore, the glori­ous theme of these Chapters. Three results appear:<br />1.<br />Access to God.<br /><br />2.<br />Purification of the conscience.<br /><br />3.<br />Eternal Redemption.<br /><br /><br />These provide fellowship with God in a Righteousness in which no flaw can be found, and in a Redemption possessing eternal value. All is eternal because all is Divine.<br />The worshipper has a perfected conscience. This is much more than an innocent con­science. That is unconsciousness of evil and of God’s Holiness. A perfected conscience knows God and dwells in His Presence with joy because of a consciousness of the value of the Precious Blood that cleanses from all sin.<br />FOR US<br />As Christ didn’t go to the Cross to die for Himself, for He needed no Redemption, like­wise, He did not appear in the Presence of God for Himself. He did it totally and com­pletely “for us.”<br />This means, that He has already appeared before God for me. And what did He do there?<br />His very appearance tells us that God had accepted His Sacrifice of Himself; therefore, every individual who places their trust in Christ and what He did at the Cross for us, is granted a perfect, pure, spotless righteous­ness, i.e., “the Righteousness of Christ,” which alone, God can accept. He went to the Cross “for us,” was resurrected “for us” (Rom. 4:25), and appeared in the Presence of God “for us.”<br />Let it be understood, that “His appearance in the Presence of God for us,” signified a<br /><br /> <br /><br />“Finished Work!” It was all done, meaning that there was nothing remaining. Every­thing had been accomplished. And again I emphasize, He did it all “for us,” which means that He did it for sinners.<br />Our Salvation is registered in “Heaven it­self.” And if it’s not registered in Heaven itself, but rather some particular Church, then you aren’t saved! So the question must be asked:<br />“Is your name written there, or is it merely written here?”<br />(25) “NOR YET THAT HE SHOULD OF­FER HIMSELF OFTEN, AS THE HIGH PRIEST ENTERETH INTO THE HOLY PLACE EVERY YEAR WITH BLOOD OF OTHERS;”<br />The structure is:<br />1. His one Sacrifice was sufficient.<br /><br />2.<br />The High Priests of old, having to en­ter year by year into the Holy of Holies, sig­nified that their work was insufficient.<br /><br />3.<br />It was insufficient, because it was “with blood of others,” i.e., “animal sacrifices.”<br /><br /><br />HE OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE<br /><br />The phrase, “Nor yet that He should offer Himself often,” refers to the fact that the One Sacrifice of Christ, which was the Offering of Himself on the Cross, was eternally suffi­cient for the cleansing from all sin, past, present, and future. Even as the Apostle has stated, the Death of Christ on the Cross, suf­ficed as well, for all those who were under the First Covenant. Inasmuch, as the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, and above all couldn’t address the fact of sin, it remained that the Sacrifice of Christ would perform this great act, which it did!<br />The very fact that the High Priests of old, had to go in year by year was within itself a testimony to its ineffectiveness. This Israel should have seen, but regrettably, they be­came enamored with the Ritual, just like many today are enamored with the Church.<br />The Cross work of Christ so to speak, can never be repeated, and because no repetition is required, in that it itself was totally suffi­cient. He settled the sin question perfectly when He took our place in judgment. And in this we have the great distinction between the legal sacrifices and His One Offering of Himself, when He put away sin by His Mighty Sacrifice. The Offerings of old had to be re­peated again and again because they did not possess value sufficient to settle the sin ques­tion. But His Precious Blood poured out for our Redemption was of such infinite value that it is sacrilegious even to think of adding to it in any way.<br />Having officiated at the Altar, which re­fers to the Cross, which answered the type of the Great Day of Atonement, He has now gone into the Sanctuary in Heaven in the value of His Own Blood, and by and by He will come out to bless His people as did the Priests of old, which we now refer to as the Second Coming, and which is referred to in Verse 28 of this Chapter.<br />HIS OFFERING<br /><br />The word “offer” does not refer here to Christ offering Himself on the Cross, but rather to His entrance into the Holy of Ho­lies, as well, on our behalf. He offered Him­self there in the Presence of God for us, which was a once-for-all offering, which will never again have to be repeated. The point is, be­ing once in the Heavenly Sanctuary, Christ is not compelled to renew again His presen­tation of Himself there, since, to do so, would state, that the Sacrifice of Himself was in­sufficient. His was a once-for-all entrance, based upon and given efficacy and merit by virtue of His Precious Blood, as against the annual entrance of the High Priest in Israel who came into the earthly Tabernacle by vir­tue of the blood of sacrificial animals.<br />So, what all of this means is that God ac­cepted Him. That’s a simple statement, but it carries far greater meaning than mere sur­face attention.<br />It was not so much that God accepted the Person of Christ, because that was a foregone conclusion. He had stated and rightly so, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased” (Mat. 3:17).<br />The offering of Himself this one time, re­ferred to the offering of His completed Work which had taken place at the Cross. Was it sufficient? Considering what that work had to do, would this one Sacrifice of Himself be sufficient?<br />We can understand the magnitude of the moment, when we understand the horror of<br /> <br /><br />sin, and how it had polluted the very cre­ation of God, and above all, had wrecked God’s choice creation, which was and is man. In fact, the task was gargantuan, of such mag­nitude in fact, that it is impossible for us to fully comprehend and understand all that was done. That’s the reason it’s impossible to over magnify the Cross and it’s efficacious Work. That’s also the reason, that the Holy Spirit through John the Beloved, referred to Christ some seven times as the “Lamb” in the last two Chapters of the Book of Revelation. In those two Chapters, all is light, with every stain of sin having been purged and cleansed in the entirety of the universe, and for all time. But yet, the Holy Spirit refers to Christ as the “Lamb,” that we may know and understand, that all of this was brought about, the cleans­ing of man and the cleansing of the Heavenly Tabernacle by what Christ did at the Cross.<br />As well, considering that He referred to Christ as the “Lamb” seven times, and un­derstanding that the number seven is God’s number of perfection and completion, we realize, that what Jesus did was perfect, hence it is referred to as well by the Holy Spirit, as “the everlasting Covenant” (Heb. 13:20; Rev. 21:9, 14, 22-23, 27; 22:1, 3).<br />THE BLOOD OF OTHERS<br /><br />The phrase, “As the High Priest entereth into the Holy Place every year with blood of others,” refers to the Great Day of Atonement, which took place once a year, every year. The “blood of others” refers to the blood of ani­mal sacrifices, which refers to the fact, that it was not the Blood of Christ, therefore, could not really cleanse from sin. This is a great point in which the Work of Christ differs from that of the Jewish High Priest. Christ entered there with His Own Blood. Paul is showing these Christian Jews, the tremendous differ­ence between the old Levitical order and that of Christ, and how superior was that of Christ.<br />The idea of all of this is, Christ did not enter a man-made Sanctuary . . . nor did He . . . offer Himself again and again. Paul is here concerned in this Verse to repudiate the idea that Christ might have made an offer­ing from time to time in the manner of the High Priests. It was basic to their ministry, as we’ve already stated, to offer sacrifices repeatedly, just as it was basic to Christ’s Min­istry that He did not do so.<br />THE ONE OFFERING<br />Two things call for comment:<br />1.<br />The first is the clear implication that only Christ’s Offering can put away sin. The sins of those who lived in old times were also dealt with by Christ’s One Offering. The rea­soning is if that Offering had not been suffi­cient, Christ would have had to offer Him­self “again and again.” That is to say, no other offering is in view when it is a matter of really putting sin away.<br /><br />2.<br />The other point is that when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place, he did so “with blood that is not his own.” The superi­ority of Christ’s Offering is seen in that He does not press into service some external means, like the blood of some noncooperating, noncomprehending animal. He uses His Own Blood and with it makes the one suffi­cient Offering (Morris).<br /><br /><br />(26) “FOR THEN MUST HE OFTEN HAVE SUFFERED SINCE THE FOUNDA­TION OF THE WORLD: BUT NOW ONCE IN THE END OF THE WORLD HATH HE APPEARED TO PUT AWAY SIN BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF.”<br />The composite is:<br />1.<br />If the One Offering of Christ had not been sufficient, He would have been forced to continue to offer Himself for each gen­eration of humanity.<br /><br />2.<br />He only offered Himself once, so that shows that this Sacrifice was sufficient for all time.<br /><br />3.<br />This one Offering of Himself, “put away sin,” past, present, and future, at least for all who will believe.<br /><br /><br />THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD<br />The phrase, “For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world,” presents the fact that He wasn’t functioning as did the High Priests of Israel, who yearly had to offer sacrifice.<br />Expositors say: “If His Offering of Him­self were not independent of time and valid as a single act, if it were valid only for the generation for whom it was immediately made, then in order to benefit men in the<br /><br /> <br /><br />past, He must have suffered often, indeed in each generation of the past.” But of course that didn’t happen!<br />Vincent says: “For, from the foundation of the world, sin required Atonement by Sac­rifice; and, therefore, if Christ had been a vic­tim like others, which must be offered re­peatedly, He would have had to suffer repeat­edly from the foundation of the world. If His Sacrifice, like the animal atonements, had availed for a time only, He would have been obliged to repeat His Offering whenever that time expired; and, since His Atonement was designed to be universal, it would have been necessary for Him to appear repeatedly upon Earth, and to die repeatedly from the foun­dation of the world.”<br />Inasmuch as this never happened, in that He offered Himself only once, this shows that His Sacrifice was sufficient for all time, as stated, past, present, and future, which made it vastly superior to the offering of animal sacrifices by the High Priests of Israel on a yearly basis.<br />BUT NOW ONCE<br /><br />The phrase, “But now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself,” presents the One Sacrifice of Christ as sufficient for all time.<br />The phrase, “In the end of the world,” should have been translated “in the consum­mation of the ages.” Jesus appeared on Earth to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself “when the former ages had reached their moral consummation under the old Leviti­cal economy.”<br />Expositors say: “If there was to be One Sacrifice for all generations, the occurrence of that Sacrifice itself marked the period of the consummation. It closes the periods of symbolism, expectation, and doubt.”<br />“Appeared” in the Greek is “phaneroo,” and means, “He has been manifested.” The appearance of Christ at the Cross corresponds to the appearance of the High Priest at the Brazen Altar on the Day of Atonement where the animal for sacrifice was slain. This is Christ’s first appearance. He puts away sin. His second appearance, recorded in Verse 24, is in the Holy of Holies of Heaven, where He is presently. He took care of sin at the Cross, and now He appears in the Presence of God for us who are saved, His appearance bringing Believers into the very Presence of God, which could only be done by the Sacrifice of Him­self, and our Faith in that great Sacrifice.<br />THE FINISHED WORK<br /><br />God allowed the ages to pass, and thus fully demonstrated that man is corrupt in nature and hostile in will. It was true of the world and it was true of Israel!<br />This demonstration of man’s hopeless cor­ruption magnifies, as a black background, the Grace and efficacy of Christ’s Sacrifice of Himself. He appeared to load Himself with the fullness of that corruption; to suffer its doom, which He did by becoming a Sin-Of­fering, thereby removing the corruption; this redeemed the slaves of sin from sin, as this alone could redeem the slaves of sin from sin.<br />So effectual was His Atonement that He blotted sin out of the heavens and the Earth, making so complete an end of it as to cause as if it never had existed.<br />THE CATHOLIC MASS<br /><br />This is at least one of the reasons, that the Catholic Mass is so wrong. It claims that the wine becomes the literal Blood of our Lord, and the Bread His literal Body, therefore, sac­rificing Him all over again, and doing so re­peatedly. I would hope that the Reader can see how that this is an abomination!<br />The Scriptural admonition is, “but now once,” meaning that this was sufficient for all time, and nothing must ever be done that would cast reflection on this “once-for-all Offering.” That’s the reason, that the single most important thing in the world is how we look at the Atonement of Christ. If we take from it in any way, which refers to look­ing elsewhere for Salvation and Victory, or we add to it in any manner, which refers to perverting it, then we do great injustice to the Finished Work of Christ.<br />While it’s easily understood as to how one can easily take from the Atonement, what ex­actly do we mean by perverting the Atonement?<br />One manner in which the latter is done is by Christians thinking that the Atonement is such that they can sin all they desire with no repercussions. Paul addressed that when<br /> <br /><br />he said, “shall we sin that Grace may abound?” His answer was cryptic and to the point, “God forbid!” (Rom. 6:1-2).<br />In the right and correct sense, it’s impos­sible to make more of the Atonement than we should; however, by perverting it, which many have done and continue to do, it is pos­sible to add to the Atonement that which God never intended. As stated, there is nothing more important than how we address the Atonement. In that lies all our Salvation, all our victory, and all that God has given to us. Therefore, nothing could be more important!<br />That’s the reason I shrink back when I hear some of our Charismatic friends belittle and demean the Cross, claiming that it was the greatest moment of weakness and defeat that the world ever knew. While it definitely was weakness, it was a contrived weakness, meaning that Christ would not save Himself, even though He well could have done so and easily. However, the word “defeat,” comes close to blasphemy.<br />To claim that the Cross was a defeat shows a total misunderstanding of the Atonement, which refers to a total misunderstanding of the Word of God in general. Nothing could be more serious! And to be sure, people who attend such type Churches, will not come away unaffected. In fact, many will be seriously weakened in the spiritual sense, if not in fact, losing their souls!<br />PUT AWAY SIN<br /><br />At the beginning of the Ministry of Christ, John the Baptist addressed the sin question concerning Christ, by saying of Him, “Be­hold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).<br />Please notice, that the forerunner of Christ referred to the Lord as “the Lamb of God,” insinuating the manner and the way in which the sin question would be handled. It would have to be by the Cross, which in fact had been predicted from the very beginning (Gen. 3:15).<br />Why the exact words “taketh away sin,” or as Paul used it, “to put away sin”?<br />As we’ve said quite a number of times al­ready in this Commentary, and which Paul will also address in Hebrews 10:4, the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin. The best the animal sacrifices could do, which were symbolic of the great Sacrifice to come, was to merely cover sin, meaning that in fact, the sin was still there. And it was only by the Goodness and Grace of God that this was allowed, because the payment which God demanded, and which He would pay Him­self, was staggering, even beyond belief. This portrays to us the Love of God, but it also portrays to us exactly how bad, how awful, how terrible the sin problem actually is.<br />This is the reason that all Faith must be totally and completely in Christ, which trans­lates into what He did for us at the Cross. That’s the reason the Cross is the centrality of the Gospel, and in fact, is the Gospel. That’s the reason when we say Faith, we al­ways must understand that it is Faith in what Jesus did at the Cross. If we’re talking about any other Jesus other than the Christ of the Cross, or any type of Faith that’s not anchored squarely in the Cross of Christ, then what we’re actually speaking of is “another Jesus” and “another gospel” (II Cor. 11:4), which avails nothing with God.<br />God doesn’t demand much of the human race; however, in order to be saved, He does demand that the sinner place his trust exclu­sively in Christ, and more particularly what Christ did for him at the Cross (Jn. 3:16). When it comes to the Believer, He demands that we continue to trust in what Christ has done at the Cross, understanding that every­thing we receive from God, and ever will re­ceive from God, comes exclusively through what Christ did for us by His great Sacrifice. If the Believer moves his faith to other things, and no matter how good or wonderful the other things might be, the Holy Spirit will cease all operations regarding help, and to be sure, there is no way that any Believer can make it, without the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom., Chpt. 7; 8:1-2, 11). And this is the major sin of the modern Church.<br />For several decades now, the Church has been taught to put its faith in this and that and the other, with the Cross being ignored. As a consequence, the Church is presently filled with people who aren’t saved, and for those who are saved, nevertheless, for the most part, are walking in spiritual defeat. As I would trust that all of Paul’s writings proclaim, and especially his Epistle to the Hebrews, there<br /><br /> <br /><br />is no way that the Believer can walk in vic­tory, which refers to victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, without understand­ing these things of which I say. The Cross of Christ is the central focus of all that God has done for the human race. And by that we mean this:<br />We’re not advocating putting Christ back on a Cross, or for you the Believer to strap yourself to some type of Cross. To be frank, that’s silly!<br />The true meaning of all this of which we speak, is that the Cross is a Finished Work, accomplished in the past, but with continued results, and I might quickly add, results which will never be discontinued. To use an earthly analogy, one may explain it in this fashion:<br />A WORK ACCOMPLISHED IN THE PAST WITH CONTINUED RESULTS<br />The Constitution of the United States was framed by its designers regarding this coun­try over 200 years ago. In fact, a war was fought with much blood spilled, in order to validate this Constitution. And yet, every single freedom that we Americans presently have, all prosperity, stems back, at least in a legal sense, to the Constitution of the United States. Those are our rights, and that which guarantees all of our freedoms under our form of government. It is the same identical way with the Cross.<br />The Cross of Christ is the “New Cov­enant,” in other words, that which makes the New Covenant valid. Consequently, every freedom I now own in Christ, all victory, all prosperity, all Spiritual Growth, all the work of the Holy Spirit, in fact everything, comes totally and completely, through the valida­tion of that New Covenant which is the Cross of Christ. That’s why Jesus said the follow­ing at what we refer to as the “Last Supper”:<br />“Take, eat: this is My Body, which is bro­ken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.<br />“This cup is the New Testament (New Cov­enant) in My Blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me” (I Cor. 11:24-25).<br />THE LORD’S SUPPER<br /><br />This is the one ordinance in the Church, which we are commanded to keep on a continuing basis. The Lord didn’t tell us how often we should take “the Supper.” He merely told us, it was to be a continuing pro­cess, however often it would be done. But in this we are told several things:<br />1.<br />We are to ever remember, that He gave His Body in Sacrifice, which was broken for us, and done so on the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />He then specified His Shed Blood, sym­bolized by the “cup,” which in effect ratified the Covenant.<br /><br />3.<br />He told us that this, and we speak of the Cross, “is the New Testament,” i.e., “The New Covenant.” It is ratified, as stated, “in My Blood.”<br /><br />4.<br />He used the words as it regarded the continued taking of the Supper, “as oft as ye drink it,” with Paul including the same thing as it regards the “eating of the bread” (I Cor. 11:25-26). This tells us that this is to be a continued process, and for reason:<br /><br />5.<br />Or taking of the Lord’s Supper, contin­ues to “show the Lord’s Death til He come.” This refers to the fact, that this is to be ever before us, and if we make less of the Lord’s Death than we should, we do ourselves great harm, even as the next verses in I Corinthians Chapter 11 proclaim.<br /><br /><br />As well, we should notice, that He didn’t tell us to “Show the Lord’s Resurrection til He come,” but rather “the Lord’s Death.” While of course, the Resurrection is of su­preme significance, as should be overly ob­vious; however, we are to ever understand, that it was the Cross which paid the price, and not the Resurrection.<br />6. We’re told that we must not “eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, un­worthily.” If we do so, Paul continues, “we shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of our Lord” (I Cor. 11:27).<br />What does that mean?<br />It means as He stated in I Corinthians 11:29, that we are not “properly discerning the Lord’s Body.”<br />What did He mean by that?<br />In fact, what He meant by that is the single most important thing that any Christian could ever know and understand.<br />The Holy Spirit through Paul is telling us, “to properly discern the Lord’s Body, which means to properly discern His Death on the<br /> <br /><br />Cross, we must understand that every single thing we have from God, comes exclusively to us through Christ, and what He did for us on the Cross.”<br />Whenever we were told to “examine our­selves,” as it regards the eating and drinking of the “bread” and the “cup” (I Cor. 11:28), it is referring to Faith that must be placed exclusively in the Cross of Christ. It is not telling us that there has to be sinless perfec­tion in our lives in order for us to take the Lord’s Supper as Believers. He is saying to us, that we must understand that all Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, Compassion, and cleans­ing for all sin, come totally and exclusively, through what Jesus did for us at the Cross, and our faith in that. In “examining our­selves” we must make doubly certain, that our Faith is properly placed in the Cross. That is properly “discerning the Lord’s Body.”<br />7.<br />If we do not properly discern the Lord’s Body, which simply refers to having Faith in that Finished Work, we literally “eat and drink damnation to ourselves.” As should be obvious, this is an extremely serious thing.<br /><br />It simply means, that if we do not prop­erly discern the Cross, for that’s what it means, then we’ve cut off ourselves from God, because it is through the Cross that God gives us all things. Now you can understand why I’m so adamant as it regards continued Faith in the Cross of Christ, and why I constantly warn you not to listen to false teachers who would pull your faith away to other things. To do such, is to literally wreck yourself, of which Paul will here have more to say.<br /><br />8.<br />Because of not properly discerning the Lord’s Body, i.e., not maintaining Faith in the Finished Work of Christ for all things, the Apostle said “For this cause (not maintaining faith in the Finished Work) many (many Christians) are weak and sickly among you (bring upon themselves unnecessary ill­nesses), and many sleep (meaning, that many Christians die prematurely)” (I Cor. 11:30).<br /><br /><br />I would hope the Reader understands the implications of these things which Paul has just given us:<br />SICKNESS AND PREMATURE DEATH<br /><br />The Believer is not to misunderstand this of which the Apostle says, as to think that there are some type of magic qualities in the Lord’s Supper, etc. He is merely telling us, although with very serious consequences, that every single thing we receive from God comes exclusively through the Sacrifice of Christ, which demands our Faith in that Finished Work. If our Faith is moved to other things, then we’re not properly discerning the Lord’s Body, i.e., “His Death on the Cross.” All heal­ing comes to us by and through the Cross. Isaiah said, “and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). Peter said the same thing, but added more information:<br />“Who His Own Self bear our sins in His Own Body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto Righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed” (I Pet. 2:24).<br />The Apostle links here all that Christ suf­fered, including the “stripes,” i.e., “the beat­ing He experienced,” as a part of the Cross experience. But what have we heard in the last few years?<br />Regarding Healing, the Child of God has been told by the faith teachers, that they must increase their faith more and more, continue to confess particular Scriptures in the Word of God as it regards healing, and then they can walk in perfect health, etc. Thankfully, we don’t hear much of that anymore, for the simple reason that it doesn’t work, because it’s not Scriptural. And why isn’t it Scriptural?<br />It’s not Scriptural, simply because the faith that was spoken of and most of the teaching that’s been given in the past several decades, has not been Faith in the Cross of Christ, but rather other things. And those other things, are as varied as the mind of man can con­template; however, it doesn’t really matter what the “other things” are, if it’s not the Cross of Christ in which our Faith is an­chored, it’s not Faith that God will recognize.<br />And then Paul said, “And many sleep,” meaning, that many Christians die prema­turely, because of not properly discerning the Lord’s Body (I Cor. 11:30).<br />Notice, that he used the word “many,” which in fact, is chilling indeed!<br />The doctor may call it something else, but the Holy Spirit here through Paul, is telling us, that if we do not properly understand the Cross of Christ, realizing and recognizing the fact, that everything we receive from God<br /><br /> <br /><br />comes exclusively from, through, and by that great Sacrifice, then the truth is, we can die prematurely. That’s how serious that this is, and to be more particular, that’s how serious the Holy Spirit is about the Cross of Christ.<br />Considering all of this, do you think that I am being overly repetitive, by addressing the Cross from every angle, and in every way that I know how? Considering how serious that it is, I think not!<br />When one considers that the modern Church knows almost nothing about the Cross of Christ, which means it’s not prop­erly discerning the Lord’s Body, which falls out to disastrous consequences, do you now realize how important these Commentaries actually are? Can you now understand why the Lord has instructed me to write them, and to do so, with a heavy emphasis on the Finished Work of Christ!<br />Considering the fact, that the modern Church is almost Cross illiterate, we must come to the conclusion that this is the rea­son for most sickness among Christians. As well, at the same time, we must come to the conclusion, that not properly discerning the Lord’s Body is the reason that many Chris­tians die prematurely. They don’t lose their souls, but their lives are cut short, and sim­ply because they do not avail themselves of all the things of which the Cross guarantees.<br />Again I emphasize, that we’re not speak­ing of some magic situation here, but rather, that everything we receive from God as Be­lievers, comes exclusively to us through the Cross of Christ, and our Faith in that great Sacrifice. If we don’t know that, and thereby place our Faith in other things, the benefits of the Cross cannot then be ours.<br />It is somewhat like an individual being physically sick, and there being a particular medicine which can bring relief and help, but yet the person will not take the medicine, whether through lack of knowledge, or un­belief, resulting in the individual getting sicker, and possibly even dying. Perhaps that’s a crude analogy, but I think it some­what explains this of which we speak.<br />THE CORRECT OBJECT OF FAITH<br />Even the most newly converted Believer, knows and understands at least somewhat, that God deals with the human race on the basis of Faith. Due to the fact that the Be­liever is now in Christ, there is a Divine na­ture within us, that helps us to understand this. I speak of this new nature within us made possible by “Regeneration,” which of course, is supplied by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:3-8).<br />Faith simply means that we believe some­thing, and in this case, we believe God, and more particularly, what the Lord did for us at the Cross.<br />Whenever the Lord began to reveal this to me, and I speak of the correct object of Faith, He took me, as I have previously stated, to Romans, Chapter 4.<br />The Holy Spirit through Paul used Abraham as the great example, and because he was the great example. It was to this Patriarch, that the Lord gave the great Doctrine of “Justifica­tion by Faith.” It is explained in simple terms:<br />“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for Righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Paul derived this from Genesis 15:6.<br />But when it says that, “Abraham believed God,” what did it mean by that?<br />It didn’t mean, that Abraham merely be­lieved that there was a God. Millions do that and aren’t saved. It rather had reference, to what God would do in order to save human­ity. Paul gave us that in the Third Chapter of Galatians.<br />He again used the same phrase, “Even as Abraham believed God (had Faith in God), and it was accounted to him for Righteous­ness” (Gal. 3:6). He then told us what all of this meant:<br />Abraham believed that God would send a Redeemer into the world, and that Redeemer would be Christ. He said:<br />“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy Seed, which is Christ” (Gal. 3:16).<br />In this particular Scripture which is some­what complicated, the Apostle is merely say­ing, that there is one Redeemer, one Savior, “which is Christ.” And then he told us how that Christ would carry forth this great task:<br />“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13).<br /> <br /><br />We are here told, that Christ would redeem humanity by and through the Cross, i.e., “on a tree.”<br />He then said, “That the Blessing of Abraham (that which God promised Abraham as it regarded Justification by Faith) might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ (what Jesus did at the Cross); that we might receive the Promise of the Spirit through Faith” (Gal. 3:14).<br />So, I think it is clearly obvious here, that the object of our Faith must always be the Cross of Christ. And that’s how Satan has been so successful in these last few decades:<br />He has steered the faith of the Church to other things, and as previously stated, he doesn’t really care what those other things might be, just so it isn’t the Cross.<br />As a Christian, the most important thing I think that you could ever learn is that the Cross affords you all blessings, and that your Faith must ever be anchored there. Then and only then, will the Holy Spirit work on your behalf, guaranteeing you all that Jesus has done for you (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />(27) “AND AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT:”<br />The exegesis is:<br /><br />1.<br />The idea of this Verse is, that if men do not accept Christ as their Savior, they will face Him as their Judge.<br /><br />2.<br />Due to the Fall, it is appointed or laid up by Divine Decree: “Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return” (Gen. 3:19).<br /><br />3.<br />As it is appointed that all men must die, with the exception of those who will go in the Rapture, it is also appointed, that all will be judged.<br /><br /><br />THE APPOINTMENT OF DEATH<br /><br />The phrase, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die,” in effect, gives us the reason for the great Sacrifice of Christ. Due to the Fall, man brought upon himself the sentence of death. He separated himself from God, Who is man’s Life Source, and that separation be­ing effected, death was and is inevitable.<br />In fact, before the Fall, man was destined to live forever, and this speaks of physical life as well as Spiritual Life; however, with Spiri­tual Life forfeited, physical life was doomed, hence all the sickness, disease, afflictions, inevitably leading to death.<br />All of this was brought on by sin, hence, necessitating the Remedy offered by Christ, in the giving of Himself in Sacrifice. Sin had doomed man, providing no way of escape, which means that he was to be separated from God forever and forever. The implications are chilling to say the least!<br />Man’s life and works on Earth end with death: what remains is the result of this life and these works, as determined by God’s “judg­ment.” Man does not return to die a second time. That some few have twice passed through death does not affect the general law. The emphatic word “once” and the special design of the Verse are explained by the words that follow in the next Verse, which we will address momentarily.<br />As well, we should note from this Verse, that death ends probation. After death is the Judgment, not a second chance to live on Earth and be saved, as some teach as it re­gards the unscriptural idea of reincarnation. As well, praying for the souls of individuals after they have died is a wasted effort. All opportunities of Salvation are on this side of the grave. There remains no more opportu­nity after death.<br />First, second, and third opportunities, etc., to accept Christ are all on this side of the grave. In other words, death ends it all as far as the possibility of accepting Christ is con­cerned, that is if He has not already been accepted. This means there is no such thing as purgatory, as our Catholic friends teach. It simply does not exist.<br />When the Believer dies, his soul and spirit instantly go to Heaven, there to await the coming Resurrection of the body (II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11).<br />When the unredeemed person dies, in­stantly their soul and spirit go to Hell, where they will remain until the Resurrection of damnation, which will take place a thousand years after the Resurrection of Life (Isa. 14:9; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 20:11-15).<br />THE JUDGMENT<br />The phrase, “But after this the Judgment,” refers to that which is inevitable, even as death is inevitable!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Looking about us, and understanding that all men must die, and because all have died (with the exception of those who will be alive at the time of the Rapture), man should un­derstand, that a judgment is coming as well.<br />Paul is speaking here of the “Great White Throne Judgment,” outlined in Revelation 20:11-15.<br />This Judgment will include all the wicked from the time of Adam to the end of the Mil­lennium. In fact, this Judgment will take place at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15).<br />The place will be as stated, “The Great White Throne” (Ps. 9:7-8). The Throne is literal and the “white” indicates absolute Righteousness and Justice of the Judgment (Ps. 45:6-7; 96:10-13; Jn. 7:24; Acts 17:31; II Tim. 4:8).<br />The Judges will be “God the Father” (Rom. 2:12-16; Heb. 12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 6:10).<br />It will also be “God the Son” (Jn. 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; II Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11).<br />God will judge by Jesus Christ. The Fa­ther will decree, the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).<br />This Judgment will not be a spiritual, in­visible, endless process, but rather a definite, literal, visible, and personal trial in God’s Court similar to a trial on Earth (Ps. 9:8; Mat. 7:2, 21; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:12-16; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:11-15).<br />At that time, the sea will give up the dead in it. This could only refer to bodies, or at least to the form of such, for souls and spir­its of the wicked dead do not remain in the sea, if in fact, that’s where the person dies. They go to Hell and await the resurrection of their bodies, where uncounted millions are at present (Isa. 14:9; Lk. 16:19-31).<br />At the time of the Judgment, Hell will dis­gorge all of the uncounted millions who are there presently. This is referred to as the “Resurrection of Damnation” (Rev. 20:11­15). At that time, the physical bodies, or at least the form thereof, will be reunited with the soul and the spirit of the unsaved. Every last one who appears at this Judgment, and we continue to speak of the “Great White Throne Judgment” will be eternally lost, and placed in the Lake of Fire forever and forever (Rev. 20:10-15).<br />We are not given the length of time in judging all the wicked, but we do know that the length of the sentence for all will be eter­nal. In other words, there will be no Purga­tory or probation or second chance after death (Isa. 66:22-24; Mat. 5:29-30; 10:28; 13:42-50; 18:9; 23:15, 33; 24:51; 25:41, 46; Mk. 9:42­48; Lk. 12:5; Heb. 6:2; 10:26-31; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:15.<br />THE BIBLICAL TEACHING<br />REGARDING JUDGMENT<br /><br /><br />Man today rejects out of hand the idea that he must one day render account for his life and its decisions. His loss of conviction con­cerning an afterlife, combined with the ero­sion of the notion of moral responsibility on the basis of popular belief of psychological and psychoanalytical theories, has contributed to the moral indifference and pragmatism of our times. In other words, the world has been so psychologized, which teaching is the very op­posite of the Word of God, that man no longer believes in a coming judgment. This is at least one of the reasons that the foray of the Church into humanistic psychology is so de­structive. It is impossible for it to be other­wise. The idea, that the Church can accept the “good points of psychology” while reject­ing the rest, or else meld psychology with the Bible, could not be more erroneous. In fact, if anyone knows the Word of God at all, one instantly knows that the two teachings and directions are totally opposite, meaning that they cannot be joined. Also, psychology has no “good points,” it entirely being from the diseased minds of men, which can produce nothing good.<br />According to psychological teaching, moral issues, insofar as they matter at all, relate only to the present moment and to the consider­ations of personal happiness. The thought that they might relate to some Divine Dimen­sion, or that all men must one day be ines­capably summoned to accept responsibility for these very moral decisions in the all-see­ing Presence of their Creator, is denied by the teaching of psychology.<br />Unfortunately for modern man it happens to be true, that man will one day answer. Judgment is inevitable and awaits us all.<br />In face of this modern tendency to dis­miss future judgment, there is the greater<br /> <br /><br />and more urgent responsibility placed upon the Church to tenaciously maintain the Bib­lical perspective. And the Biblical perspec­tive tells us, that man’s sins will be judged in Jesus Christ, by man accepting Christ and what He did for us at the Cross, or His sins will be judged by Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment, with the inevitable loss of the soul. As stated, man accepts Christ as Savior, or faces Him as Judge — whichever, man will inevitably face Christ!<br />(28) “SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY; AND UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME WITHOUT SIN UNTO SALVATION.”<br />The structure is:<br /><br />1.<br />Christ came first to suffer on man’s behalf, which He did at the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />His suffering on the Cross was done in order to pay the penalty for man’s sins.<br /><br />3.<br />As He came the first time to “bear the sins of many,” He will come the second time “without sin unto Salvation.” This refers to the Second Coming, and to the fact, that the sin question has already been addressed. He will come the second time to rule and reign!<br /><br /><br />ONE SACRIFICE<br /><br />The phrase, “So Christ was once offered,” refers to His Crucifixion, which refers to the One Sacrifice of Himself, which sufficed for all time.<br />This argument is rounded off with a ref­erence to the one death men die and the one death Christ died. There is a finality about both but very different consequences. In ef­fect, Jesus died that men might live, which refers to “Life Eternal,” but which man must accept before his death. While death is the complete and final end to life on Earth, it is not, as so many in the ancient world thought, the complete and final end. Death is more serious than that because it is followed by judgment, even as we’ve already stated. Men are accountable, and after death they will ren­der account to God.<br />This is the very purpose and reason for the Death of Christ. Man could not save himself. There was absolutely nothing he could do that would avoid the horror of eternal separation from God, which means the Lake of Fire forever and forever (Rev. 20:10-15). So, if man was to be saved, God would have to become man, and then pay the price for man’s re­demption, which was demanded by God.<br />While it is true that the price was high, so high in fact that man could not hope to pay; still, man has no argument or com­plaint, considering that God paid the price Himself. To be sure, it was paid in full, with the Apostle using the Greek adverb “hapax,” which means “once-for-all.” This means that what Christ did at the Cross will never have to be repeated, and because it atoned for all sin, past, present, and future (Jn. 1:29; I Jn. 2:2).<br />So we won’t lose sight of what the Holy Spirit is actually saying here through Paul, we must understand, that the Apostle intro­duces the finality of men dying without God and a coming judgment, as that which is in­evitable. However, this terrible “appoint­ment” was broken into by Christ, Who “was once offered to bear the sins of many.” In other words, the only thing that can thwart this terrible appointment that Paul addresses in Verse 27, is the Sacrifice of Christ, and man accepting that which Christ has done on his behalf. That’s the reason I constantly say, that the only thing that stands in-be­tween man and eternal Hell, is the Cross of Christ. That’s how important all of this is!<br />As well, it is not only that, but also, the only Source of all Blessings and Victory for the Child of God after the acceptance of Christ. In other words, the Cross of Christ is everything, which I would think would be overly obvious as the Scriptures proclaim.<br />TO BEAR THE PENALTY OF SIN<br />The phrase, “To bear the sins of many,” presents as is obvious, what Christ did at the Cross. The Cross was God’s answer to man’s sin, and in fact, is the only answer.<br />Sin-bearing is a concept found in the New Testament only here and in I Peter 2:24, but it is quite frequent in the Old Testament, where it plainly means, “bear the penalty of sin.” For example, the Israelites were con­demned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years as the penalty for their failure to go up into the land of Canaan: “For 40 years — one year for each of the 40 days you explored<br /><br /> <br /><br />the land — you will suffer for your sins” (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 18:20). Isaiah alluded to what Christ would do by saying, “He will bear their iniquities” (Isa. 53:11); “He bore the sin of many” (Isa. 53:12). So Paul is saying here that Christ took upon Himself the conse­quences of the sins of many (Mk. 10:45).<br />The idea is not that He only suffered the penalty for the sins of some in the world and not for others, but that in fact, He did suffer the penalty for the sin of the entirety of man­kind and for all time, but that only some will take advantage of this great Sacrifice. Unfortunately, even though all of humanity can be saved, at least those who are alive pres­ently and those who will be born, at least until the coming Judgment, the fact is, that most spurn the Gospel Call (Mat. 7:13-14).<br />The phrase “To bear the sins of many,” does not mean that Christ was a sinner — for that was in no sense true. The phrase here means simply, that Christ endured sufferings in His Own Person which, if they had been inflicted on us, would have been the proper punish­ment of sin. He Who was innocent inter­posed, and received on Himself what was de­scending to meet us, and consented to be treated as He would have deserved if He had been a sinner. Thus, He bore what was due to us; and this in Scripture phrase is what is meant by “bearing our iniquities.” However, that which He did bear, pertains only to death, and not going into the burning side of Hell, as some teach. The reason is this:<br />When a sinner dies, he goes to Hell, be­cause he in fact is a sinner. But the truth is, he has been a sinner all along, and refusing to accept Christ, upon physical death, he must be placed in eternal quarantine.<br />But Christ was not a sinner and, there­fore, the punishment that He bore on our behalf, was that of physical death. That paid the price. He did not go to Hell, because He was not a sinner, had never been a sinner, and would never be a sinner; therefore, to put Him in Hell as some teach, would be a breaking of the Law of God. The Law says, “the soul that sinneth it shall die,” and this means to be eternally separated from God, unless Christ is accepted. The soul of Christ never sinned; therefore, did not experience spiritual death in any fashion. This is so important, that I wish to emphasize it again:<br />“The soul that sinneth it shall die” (Ezek. 18:4, 20), but Christ never sinned, so He never experienced spiritual death. He could experience the penalty for man’s sin, which was physical death, but He at no time ever experienced spiritual death, which means separation from God.<br />Some may contend that His cry on the Cross, which was predicted in the Psalms, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Ps. 22:1; Mat. 27:46), is an indication that He was separated from God; however, that’s not true at all. The following proves my point:<br />THE EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST<br />ON THE CROSS<br /><br /><br />1.<br />Jesus being born without original sin, in fact could not have died, without God for­saking Him for a short period of time. This was the only way that He could expire, and in that, He literally breathed out His life.<br /><br />2.<br />Just before He died, He said to the thief hanging by Him on another cross, and who had accepted Him as Savior, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43). This plainly tells us, that when Jesus died, that He went to “Para­dise,” instead of the burning side of Hell, as some claim. In fact, all the righteous souls who had passed away before the Cross, due to the fact that the sin debt could not be re­moved by the blood of bulls and goats, were taken captive by Satan down into Paradise, which in fact, was next door to the burning side of Hell. Due to their faith, they were in comfort, but still were held captive by the Evil One. Jesus rescued them from this place, due to the fact, that He had cleansed them from all sin as a result of His Death on the Cross (Eph. 4:8-9). There is nothing in the Bible that says that Jesus went to the burn­ing side of Hell; but yet, the part called “Para­dise” was actually referred to as a part of Hell (Lk. 16:19-31).<br /><br />3.<br />Just before Jesus died, He said, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).<br /><br /><br />This referred to the great Sacrifice that brought about Redemption for mankind, be­ing finished. This means there remains noth­ing else to be done, which completely debunks the theory that Jesus went to Hell as a sinner,<br /> <br /><br />and was actually “born again” in Hell, etc. In fact, the Holy Spirit, functioning on the premise of the words “It is finished,” ripped apart the “Veil of the Temple in twain from the top to the bottom,” signifying that the way was now open, all brought about by the Cross (Mat. 27:51). Actually, the Holy Spirit did this even before the Resurrection of Christ, simply because it was the Cross which atoned for all sin, which guaranteed the Resurrec­tion of Christ. Had there been one sin left unatoned, Christ could not have risen from the dead, because the “wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). But due to the fact that all sin was atoned, the Resurrection, as we have pre­viously stated, was a given; therefore, the Holy Spirit could rip the Veil down, signifying that Atonement was complete and finished.<br />4. The very last words that Jesus said be­fore His Death were, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit” (Lk. 23:46). In fact, the order of events at those closing moments no doubt were:<br />“It is finished: Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit.”<br />If Jesus had been separated from the Father because of sin, He could not have commended His Spirit to the Father upon His Death. One cannot have it both ways. The truth is:<br />He was forsaken by God only for a few moments of time, in order that He could die. The moment He died, all sin was atoned, and He was instantly reinstated with the Father. Had He been forsaken by the Father any more than a few moments in order that He could die, He could not have stated that His Spirit would immediately go into the Father’s hands. To be sure, the spirit of the unsaved at death, definitely does not go into the hands of the Heavenly Father.<br />THE JESUS DIED SPIRITUALLY<br />DOCTRINE<br /><br /><br />The Reader may wonder as to why the de­tail as it regards the manner of Jesus’ Death? The reason is because of the erroneous “Jesus died spiritually doctrine.”<br />To which we have already alluded, this doctrine which is very prominent presently, claims that the Cross had nothing to do with Redemption, that being accomplished by Christ being Born-Again in Hell. They claim that the Cross was a mere incident, or one of the incidents on the road to the main event. They claim that Jesus died as a sinner, and as a sinner went to Hell, and we speak of the burning side of Hell. They also teach that demons and fallen Angels rejoiced in triumph at this time, claiming that He was defeated.<br />But after suffering the agonies of the damned for a period of time, God then said “it’s enough,” with Jesus then throwing off the shackles of sin and death, and being “born again,” just like any sinner is Born-Again. He then came out of Hell, they claim, in His Resurrection. They then claim, that people are saved by trusting in what Christ did in Hell by being “born again.”<br />Of course, there is not a shred of Scriptural evidence for such foolishness, which is actually a complete denial of the Atonement of Christ.<br />They use the Scripture, “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He (meaning Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29).<br />This is where they get the idea that Jesus was “born again,” but with Him bein0g Born-Again in Hell, being strictly of their own imagination.<br />“Firstborn” in the Greek is “prototokos,” and means “priority to all creation and sov­ereignty over all creation.”<br />In the Passage in Romans, it simply means that Christ, due to His Death on the Cross, has made it possible for sinners to be “born again.” He is the institutor or originator of such! He is shown here, and acknowledged to be, and glorified as, “The Son of God,” preeminent among those who are by adop­tion through Him sons of God.<br />Any time the word “firstborn” is used as it regards Christ, it is always referring to Him being the Creator or Founder of such, what­ever it is.<br />The “Jesus died spiritually doctrine” claims that Jesus became a sinner on the Cross, thereby taking upon Himself the nature of Satan, and thereby died and went to Hell, even as any other sinner goes to Hell. This pre­sents a complete misunderstanding of the Atonement, and is a most serious thing. The tragedy is, millions of people, in following these so-called Faith teachers, believe this lie, and a lie it is, which can have a very serious<br /><br /> <br /><br />effect on their Salvation. In other words, such direction is a serious lack of the proper dis­cernment of our Lord’s Body. The conse­quences are dire indeed! The whole of Salva­tion depends totally and completely upon one’s viewpoint of the Cross, and as well, the victory of the Child of God after being saved, is also totally dependent on one’s viewpoint of the Cross. That’s how important all of this actually is.<br />THE SECOND APPEARANCE OF CHRIST<br />The phrase, “And unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto Salvation,” refers to the Second Coming.<br />The Rapture is not in view here, neither the Church. This is Jewish, inasmuch as Paul is writing to Christian Jews.<br />The latter part of Verse 28, refers to the Second Advent of the Messiah to Israel which will begin the Millennium.<br />THE HIGH PRIEST AND CHRIST<br /><br />1.<br />The first appearance of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement was at the Brazen Altar where the sacrifice was slain. This cor­responds to the first appearance of Christ on Earth to die on the Cross.<br /><br />2.<br />The second appearance of the High Priest was in the Holy of Holies. This corre­sponds to the Messiah’s present appearance before God in Heaven now, making interces­sion for the Saints.<br /><br />3.<br />The third appearance of the High Priest was out the gate of the court surrounding the Tabernacle, to Israel, having in a sym­bolic way accomplished Salvation. This cor­responds to the appearance of Christ on Earth in the Second Advent to Israel, having actually accomplished Redemption. His re­turn will be apart from sin in that He settled the sin question the first time He came. Now He comes with Salvation for the one who puts his Faith in Him (Wuest).<br /><br /><br />The Second Coming will herald Christ not only as High Priest, but as well, as King, in­asmuch as He will then rule and reign over a restored Israel, and thereby the world. Ezekiel portrays how that Israel along with Jerusalem and the Temple will literally be built anew (Ezek., Chpts. 40-48).<br />“Lamb of God! Our souls adore Thee, while upon Thy face we gaze;<br />“There the Father’s love and glory<br />shine in all their brightest rays;<br /><br />“Thine almighty power and wisdom all creation’s works proclaim;<br />“Heaven and Earth alike confess Thee as the ever great ‘I Am’.”<br />“Lamb of God! Thy Father’s bosom ever was Thy dwelling place;<br />“His delight, in Him rejoicing, One with Him in power and grace;<br />“Oh, what wondrous love and mercy! Thou didst lay Thy glory by;<br />“And for us didst come from Heaven as the Lamb of God to die.”<br />“Lamb of God! When we behold Thee lowly in the manger laid,<br />“Wandering as a homeless stranger in the world Thy hands had made,<br />“When we see Thee in the garden in Thine agony and blood<br />“At Thy Grace we are confounded,<br />Holy, Spotless Lamb of God!”<br /><br />“When we see Thee, as the victim,<br />bound to the accursed Tree,<br /><br />“For our guilt and folly stricken, all our judgment borne by Thee,<br />“Lord, we own, with hearts adoring, Thy great love, vast, like a flood,<br />“Glory, glory everlasting be to Thee, Thou Lamb of God.”<br />“Lamb of God, Thou soon in glory will to this sad Earth return;<br />“All Thy foes shall quake before Thee, all that now despise Thee, mourn;<br />“Then Thy Saints all gathered to Thee,<br />with Thee in Thine kingdom reign;<br /><br />“Thine the praise and Thine the glory, Lamb of God, for sinners slain!”</div>Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441375506847039669.post-52970650511615854102008-02-26T11:30:00.003-06:002008-12-09T15:49:20.572-06:00Hebrews Chapter 8 of the Jimmy Swaggart Bible Commentary<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_34cSdhYVD0k/R8RrBiCVhrI/AAAAAAAAADw/nK2C2-nq3hw/s1600-h/Baboquivari+Canyon37.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171375946188818098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_34cSdhYVD0k/R8RrBiCVhrI/AAAAAAAAADw/nK2C2-nq3hw/s400/Baboquivari+Canyon37.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="justify">HEBREWS CHAPTER 8:</div><div align="justify"><br />(1) “NOW OF THE THINGS WHICH WE HAVE SPOKEN THIS IS THE SUM: WE HAVE SUCH AN HIGH PRIEST, WHO IS SET ON THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF THE MAJESTY IN THE HEAVENS;” The composition is: 1. The first phrase should have been trans­lated, “Now of the things which we have spo­ken, the following is the sum.”<br />2. We have a High Priest Who has met every requirement and supplied every need of the human race.<br />3. The very fact that He has sat down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God, proclaims the fact, that His Work is a Finished Work.<br />THE SUM<br />The phrase, “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum,” refers to what Paul will now give as it regards the meaning of all this. The two Priests having been contrasted in the prior Chapter, the two Covenants, the two Sanctuaries, the two Mediators, the two Ministers, and the Better Promises and their foundation are now set out, and the superi­ority of those founded upon the Messiah as High Priest declared (Williams). In this Chapter Paul uses several very important expressions to establish the excel­lence of Christ’s Ministry over that of the Earthly priesthood of Israel. He says: 1. Christ as High Priest “is set on the Right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens.”<br />2. Our High Priest is “a Minister of the Sanctuary, and of the True Tabernacle.”<br />3. Our High Priest “is the Mediator of a Better Covenant.”<br />4. The Covenant that He mediates is based on “Better Promises.”<br />In contrast, Paul points out that the earthly Priesthood of the Aaronic order, with its sacrifices and holy places is only “the ex­ample and shadow of heavenly things.” Christ’s Ministry as Priest is more excellent because He fulfilled all the types in Himself (Fjordbak). SUCH AN HIGH PRIEST<br />The phrase, “We have such an High Priest, Who is set on the Right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens,” is said in this manner, not merely to prove His present place and position, but rather what it all means. The points below will explain at least some of what it means: 1. The very fact that Christ is now seated in the Heavens at the Right Hand of God, proves that His Work is a Finished Work, which means that nothing will ever have to be added. This means that we are to look totally and completely to Him and more spe­cifically, what He has done, for all that we need. This is so very, very important. This means the sinner cannot save Him­self, but he can be saved by looking to Christ and what Christ did at the Cross on his be­half. That is exactly what the Lord was talk­ing about, when He told Moses to make a replica of a serpent out of copper, and to put it on a pole. He then said, that this pole was to be lifted up high for all to see. And all who had been bitten by serpents, if they would only look, they would live (Num. 21:9). Jesus in addressing the Born-Again experience, told Nicodemus the same thing, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have Eternal Life” (Jn. 3:14­15). It is the same for Christians: The Believer cannot be victorious, can­not be holy, cannot be righteous, cannot be Christlike, or in fact, receive anything from the Lord, except in one way, and that is by trusting in what Jesus did at the Cross on his behalf. The Christian can no more make himself holy, than the sinner can save him­self. When we look exclusively to the Sacri­fice of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Who works exclusively within the parameters of this great Sacrifice, can then work mightily on our behalf (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). 2. Christ is the High Priest, not by virtue of appointment or by succession as was the Aaronic Priesthood, but rather because of what He did on the Cross as it regards the Redemption of mankind. He has purchased the right to be High Priest of all humanity, due to the price He paid, which was His Shed Blood, which was shed incidentally on be­half of fallen humanity. This atoned for all sin, past, present, and future, which broke the back of Satan, and which satisfied the Righteousness of a thrice Holy God.<br />3. The very words “sat down” involve a contrast to the continued and ever incom­plete services of the Priests of old, who “stood before God” continually, in His earthly Sanc­tuary, because their work was never com­plete. The Work of Christ is total and com­plete, hence Him having “sat down.”<br /><br />4. Christ, “Who is set on the Right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heav­ens,” proclaims the fact of the most elevated position in Heaven. Again, He earned this, which means, it was not given to Him, sim­ply because He was and is the Son of God. This is the place and position of the highest honor in all the universe.<br />In fact, this is the very reason that we as Believers can approach the very Throne of God, and even do so “boldly,” that we may “obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).<br />5. Our Faith in Christ, and what He did at the Cross, places us literally “in Christ,” which also means that He “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heav­enly Places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). But we must never forget, that as He occupies this position totally and completely because of what He did at the Cross, and we’re speak­ing of the Redemption of humanity, we as well occupy this position of victory and bless­ing, totally and completely because of our Faith in what He did at the Cross on our be­half. This exalted position is not attained at all by any type of works on our part. In fact, if we attempt to present such to God, it will be instantly rejected. Paul plainly said, “So then they that are in the flesh (trying to earn their way by the self-will of works) cannot please God” (Rom. 8:8).<br />6. As well, Christ occupies this position not only because of what He has done, but as well to perform a service for all Saints, which is to continually make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).<br />7. His position is an eternal position, which further testifies to the completeness of His Work as it regards the Redemption of the human race, at least those who will be­lieve (Jn. 3:16).<br />8. Jesus Christ is portrayed here in both a Priestly and Kingly manner. He is specifi­cally called “an High Priest,” but He is seated “on the Right Hand of the Throne of the Maj­esty in the Heavens,” which also gives Him a Kingly position. Because of His Victory on the Cross, He is Lord of all things. He is Sov­ereign, with all power and authority given to Him, which speaks of a King (Mat. 28:18). As Paul said, “We have such an High Priest.”<br />9. The Jewish High Priest each year on the Great Day of Atonement, passed through the Veil, and that with a sacrifice of blood, then presented it before God. He stood be­fore the Mercy Seat with holy awe and, upon offering the blood, he immediately withdrew from God’s Presence.<br />But Christ, after He had offered His Sac­rifice to God, a Sacrifice incidentally of Him­self, He entered into the Heavenly Sanctu­ary itself, not to stand before the Throne, but to sit at God’s Right Hand, which speaks greatly so of the superiority of His Sacrifice in relationship to the animal sacrifices.<br />10. He sits at the Right Hand of the Fa­ther, because He has been invited to sit there, and because God has accepted His Perfect, spotless, pure, Righteousness, which He ef­fected by His spotless, pure Life and the keep­ing of all the Law. As well, in His Perfection, He atoned for all sin by dying on the Cross, which paid the penalty of sin, a penalty inci­dentally, demanded by God.<br />Incidentally, how can anyone claim that the penalty is too high, considering that God paid it Himself?<br />11. The fact that this Throne is “in the Heavens,” means this is where the authority resides. At the same time, it means that it does not reside in earthly, Religious Denomi­nations, or particular Churches, or Preach­ers of any nature, or any human being for that matter. So that means that the Pope is dead wrong in claiming such authority, which goes the same for any and all human beings.<br />THE CROSS<br />The point I have already attempted to make innumerable times in this Volume, and in fact will continue to do so, is that Christ occupies this exalted position, not because of Who He is, nearly as much as because of What He has done, and we speak of the Cross. This must ever be paramount in the heart and life of the Believer. This must be the thinking of our minds, our spirits, and in fact, all that we are. It is impossible for one to make too much of the Cross. Actually, the Cross is the very centrality of the Gospel. As it regards the statement we’ve just made, this means that the Cross of Christ is not merely a Doctrine, but in reality is the very Foundation of the Church, which means, that all Doctrine flows from this Foundation. Consequently, if one misunderstands the Cross, or interprets it wrongly, or registers unbelief in any capacity as it regards the great Sacrifice of Christ, every single thing that he or she believes in some way, will be skewed. In fact, that’s the very reason that the mod­ern Church is in the mess that it’s in pres­ently, if you will pardon the crudeness of my expression. The modern Church has attempted to shift the center of gravity as it regards the great Plan of God to other things. Some have tried to make the Holy Spirit the center of grav­ity, which means that He will have nothing to do with such an effort, which leaves the individuals functioning not according to His leading and power, but rather according to the leading and power of “spirits.” And that’s exactly what is happening presently. Others have attempted to shift the center of gravity to the Church, and I speak of Reli­gious Denominations, etc. Others have tried to shift it to Ordinances of the Church, such as “the Lord’s Supper,” or “Water Baptism,” etc. Others have tried to shift the center of gravity to works of all nature, etc. In fact, if the center of Scriptural gravity is placed anywhere other than the Cross of Christ, irrespective of wherever else it might be, it is going to bring ruin and disaster. Everything we have is in the great Sacrifice of Christ. If we forget that for one moment, we not only deceive ourselves, but we also start down a road of spiritual destruction. It cannot be any other way! UNBELIEF<br />In 1996 when the Lord began to give me this Revelation of the Cross, with the greater thrust given in 1997, and which I might quickly add was given after some five years of intercessory prayer, to be frank, my whole world changed. I now had the answer for which I had so long sought. I now knew what Paul was saying when he gave the following great Truth: “The Law (the Sacrifice of Christ was ac­tually a legal work) of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of Life (while all life flows from Christ, and because of what He did at the Cross, it is the Holy Spirit Who makes all of this real to us) in Christ Jesus (refers to the Holy Spirit giv­ing the glory to the Son of God for the great Work carried out at the Cross which makes everything possible) hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Now I know what it means to “walk after the Spirit,” and as well, by the Grace of God, I now know how to “walk after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). My reason for not knowing before was Scriptural ignorance. In other words, even though I knew very well the part the Cross played as it regarded our initial Salvation ex­perience, I had no knowledge whatsoever of the part that it plays in our Sanctification. And furthermore, I didn’t know anyone who did know. As I’ve said over and over again, there has been so little teaching on the Cross of Christ in the last several decades, that the modern Church is almost Cross illiterate. It’s bad enough to have a lack of understanding regarding anything in the Bible, but if we have a misunderstanding concerning the Cross, we are in effect, committing spiritual suicide. At the outset, and I speak of the time the Lord began to give me this Revelation back in 1996, I believed that the reason for all of these problems in the Church was basically due to just simply not knowing, as it had been with me. However, I have changed my thought somewhat since that particular time. I personally believe there is far more unbe­lief involved than anything else. HOW COULD ANYONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN REGISTER UNBELIEF IN THE CROSS? While it is definitely true that the far greater majority of the modern Church little knows or understands the veracity of the Cross, still, most of the reason for this Scriptural igno­rance, I have now come to believe, is because of unbelief. Listen to what the Prophet Hosea said: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowl­edge.” Now read carefully what He said next: “Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hos. 4:6). The idea is, Israel not only did not have the knowledge of God, which means they did not know the things they should have known, all of this was because they did not want or desire the Knowledge of God. To be ignorant is one thing; however, to be ignorant because that’s the way one wants to be, is something else altogether. And that’s the state of the far greater majority of the modern Church. It is not only true that they have no knowledge of the Cross, the added Truth is, most don’t want the knowledge. This means they are ignorant of this knowledge, simply because they want to be ignorant of this knowledge. I realize this is a very serious indictment, but sadly I believe it to be true. THE WAYS OF THE WORLD AND THE WAYS OF GOD<br />Due to the Fall, man has no good in him. This means he is totally depraved, which re­fers to being spiritually dead. Consequently, he cannot produce any type of Righteousness in any form. If man is to have Righteousness, it remains for God to supply that Righteous­ness, which He has done through Christ Jesus, and what Christ did at the Cross. But this is where the great problem resides. The world claims it can save itself by its own machinations, and regrettably, the Church does pretty much the same. And what do we mean by that? When it comes to the world and their claims, that’s fairly understandable by all Be­lievers; however, when it comes to the Church, it gets to be a little more difficult to understand. To sum it up, the Believer, no matter that he is Spirit-filled and possibly even has Gifts of the Spirit, still, there’s absolutely nothing he can do himself, which means by his own strength and ability, etc., that will draw him closer to God, or will effect anything with God whatsoever. He can only receive from God, and that goes for anything, by exhibiting simple Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, which then gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to do all of these great and wonderful things, which Jesus paid for at the Cross. But re­grettably, most in the modern Church don’t want to go that way. THE EFFORTS OF THE FLESH<br />Paul used the word “flesh,” over and over again. He was referring to the very best that man can do by his own strength, ability, and efforts, which means he doesn’t have the help of the Holy Spirit. I think I can say without any fear of exag­geration, that every single Christian who has ever lived, has tried in one way or the other, to effect spirituality by efforts of the flesh, or as Paul put it, “walking after the flesh” (Rom. 8:1). The sadness is, all the time this is being done, and I speak of walking after the flesh, most all Believers think they are “walking after the Spirit.” Let me give you an example: Were I to ask most Christians as to how they know they are right with God, and to give details, most would answer, I think, ac­cording to the following: They would refer to their faithfulness to Church, their giving of money to the Work of the Lord, their prayer life, their witnessing to souls, or their involvement in the Church in whatever type of activities it might provide. In other words, their thinking would go to works or personal efforts. While these things mentioned might very well be very good in their place, the Truth is, they do not earn us anything with God what­soever. If we think we are right with God, or whatever terminology we would like to use, as it regards all of these things, then we are totally misunderstanding the great Plan of God for the human race. But that’s where the greater majority of the modern Church finds itself. That’s sad, but true! Every Believer is what he is in Christ, is close to God, and receives things from the Lord, solely and completely on the basis of the great Sacrifice of Christ, and his Faith in that. That and that alone provides access to God, things from God, and our way with God! The Truth is, we as Believers, rather enjoy depending on these things I’ve mentioned, and many I haven’t mentioned, simply because it gives us a feeling of superiority. It’s some­thing we’ve done, and we love our fair works of the flesh. As Abraham loved Ishmael, we love our works of religion in the same ca­pacity. And as Abraham was loathe to send Ishmael and his Mother away, we are loathe to part with our own efforts of the flesh also. Ishmael was a result of the ingenuity, plan­ning, and efforts of both Abraham and Sarah. To say that this was all to no avail, and worse yet, that it was actually very detrimental and harmful, is very difficult for even Abraham to grasp. But the fact remains, and as stated, that “they who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom. 8:8). Please notice, that it didn’t say “cannot please the Lord some of the time,” but just flat out “cannot please the Lord.” There’s only one thing that pleases God: Faith totally and completely placed in Christ and what He did at the Cross on our behalf pleases God, and that alone. Paul said, “By Faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” The Apostle then told us what it was that pleased God. He said, “But without Faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:5-6). And remember, when we speak of “Faith,” always and without exception, we are speak­ing of Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ. FAITH?<br />The terrible Truth is, most of the Leader­ship of the modern Church, and I think I ex­aggerate not by the use of the word “most,” simply do not believe that the Cross is the answer to all the sinful aberrations of man. They just simply do not believe this to be the case. And that’s why I said that I’ve come to the conclusion, that the problem is unbe­lief more than anything else. Having been in the Ministry now not too much short of one half century, and having seen literally hundreds of thousands brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ under this Ministry, and tens of thousands Baptized with the Holy Spirit, I think I have at least some knowledge of this of which I speak. From experience, and from what I now know about the Cross, I know that most Preachers are not truly preaching victory to their con­gregations, simply because they don’t know God’s prescribed order of victory. They pro­pose many and varied things, many which may be good in their own right, but none which will bring victory in the daily walk to the Child of God. And what do we mean by victory? We’re actually speaking of “walking after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). Every Believer in the world is either “walking after the Spirit,” or “walking after the flesh.” And if the Believer doesn’t understand the Cross as it refers to our Sanctification experience, then of neces­sity, the only place else to be is “after the flesh.” Whenever Believers have problems of some nature, and I speak of failure of some sort, most pastors don’t have the foggiest idea as to what to tell these people. Deep down in their hearts, they know that what they are telling them, whatever that might be, doesn’t work. I realize that’s a flat out statement, but I know it to be true. Anything other than the Cross simply doesn’t work! And yet, the far, far greater majority of Preachers, even knowing that what they’re doing is not working, will not bother to read these Truths laid out in these Commentar­ies, even though it would be given to them. Some few will, most won’t! Why? The reasons are many and varied. With many, it must come from their particular Denomination or circle, or they simply won’t accept it, no matter how true it is. With others, if they don’t like the messenger, they reject the message. With others it’s self-will and pride. Many preachers are loathe to ad­mit that they are teaching something wrong, and that somebody else might have more light than they do on the subject. But then with most, I am led to believe that it is sheer unbelief. They just simply do not believe that what Jesus did at the Cross avails for the needs of humanity. But in respect to this, we must remember the following: The Holy Spirit through Paul strongly says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God” (Heb. 3:12). And remember, when the word “unbelief” is used, it is pointedly speaking of unbelief in the Sacrifice of Christ. In other words, they began to doubt the veracity of the Cross. When Paul mentions “Faith,” without exception, he’s always speaking of Faith in the Cross of Christ. When he mentions “unbelief,” he is doing the same thing. The facts are, if Preachers believe in the Cross, they are going to want to learn every­thing they can about the Cross, and they are going to preach the Cross to their people. It is pure and simple! If they don’t believe it, they have little regard for learning anything about it, and they won’t preach it to their people; consequently, the door remains shut as it regards anything of the Lord. That’s primarily the reason that we can­not have true Revival, until we have a Refor­mation. The thinking of people must be re­formed, and I speak of being reformed as it regards the Finished Work of Christ. (2) “A MINISTER OF THE SANCTUARY, AND OF THE TRUE TABERNACLE, WHICH THE LORD PITCHED, AND NOT MAN.” The exegesis is:<br />1. Christ, being the Mediator between God and men, represents believing man to God.<br />2. The Tabernacle and Temple on Earth were temporary, while the True Tabernacle in Heaven is eternal.<br />3. This building is of the Lord and not man, which refers to the great Plan of God for the human race.<br />CHRIST, THE PERFECT MINISTER The phrase, “A Minister of the Sanctuary,” tells us what Christ is now doing. “Minister” in the Greek is “leitourgos,” and means “belonging to the people.” It was used of a person in the service of the State who held public office. Here as Paul uses the word, it speaks both of Priestly service to God, and of service to man (Wuest). “Sanctuary” in the Greek is “ton hagion,” and means “holy places, the Heavenly Sanctuary.” This phrase is strange but yet beautiful. It speaks of Christ in His capacity as a Servant, which is striking, as it immediately follows the reference to His High Place in Heaven. As a Servant, what does He do?<br />He is there to serve all Believers, and does so by making intercession for us, and does so constantly (Heb. 7:25). This gives us an exceedingly blessed Truth: The Lord Jesus Christ is not only glorified, exalted, and dignified as our High Priest, He is also our Minister in the Sanctuary. Under the Old Covenant everything centered around the High Priest’s Ministry in the Tabernacle. When the Priest failed, the people had no other approach to God. Everything centers around our High Priest under the New Covenant also, but our High Priest can never fail His people. He has “a more excellent Ministry” in the True Taber­nacle the Lord has prepared, instead of the one prepared by Moses. </div><div align="justify">RELATIONSHIP<br />The problem of establishing a dwelling place with man is of supreme importance to God. The communion of God and man was broken by the terrible tragedy of the Fall that took place in the Garden of Eden. The rela­tionship and fellowship between God and man were interrupted. There came a day when sin intervened, disrupting that peace­ful and sweet fellowship Adam had known with God. Since that time God has sought to reestablish a relationship with man and reconcile man to Himself. Sin will always have the effect of separat­ing man from God. Sin in fact, would have separated man from God eternally unless a remedy could be found to avert its effect and penalty. Man chose to disobey God, and it was necessary for man to suffer the disastrous re­sults of his disobedience. But thanks be unto the Lord, God has provided a perfect remedy for sin by the Perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. From the time of the Fall in Genesis to the New Jerusalem scene in the Book of Rev­elation we find the God of all patience solv­ing the problem of making a new dwelling place with man. It was not and is not an easy task, for, unless God brought man up to His Holiness and Righteousness, how could a Holy God dwell with sinners? God’s answer to the whole question may be expressed in these words: “. . . The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I Jn. 1:7). The answer is found in the Cross of Christ, and the answer is found alone in the Cross of Christ. The Cross is the an­swer of the infinite wisdom of God on behalf of man. It is God’s answer to sin, and God’s response to man’s lost estate. However, the Cross does more than save the sinner. It gives him peace and hope (Col. 1:19-20). The Cross was God’s Way of removing the barrier that stood between man and God. By the Cross men are brought back into fellowship with God. And let it be under­stood, that Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross is the only way that men can be brought back into fellowship. There is no other way (II Cor. 5:18-19, 21). </div><div align="justify">RESTORED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD<br />The Cross of Christ gives meaning to God’s universe and to His dealings with man. The Cross furnishes a basis of restored fellowship with God on a higher and permanent basis. Through the Cross and the Blood of Jesus, God has satisfied every demand of His Holi­ness. The Preaching of the Cross and the Crucified Saviour are the wisdom and power of God (I Cor. 1:18, 23-25). The centrality of the Cross was vital to both the Old and New Testaments. It was vital be­cause the Cross became a basis for God’s deal­ing with men who lived in Old Testament times before the Sacrifice of Calvary. They were saved then by looking forward to that coming time when Jesus would die on the Cross, which was typified by every single Sac­rifice offered. God established Blood Sacri­fices and ceremonies as types of the work that would be fulfilled in Christ. In fact, Christ and His Cross are in type the Old Testament Tabernacle with its ceremonies and Sacrifices. Actually, even before Christ came He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, for He is the eternal Sacrifice for sin. He is the only Sacrifice that brings the sinner into fellowship with God (I Pet. 1:18-20). The death of Jesus was more than just an event that took place 2,000 years ago; it was the purpose of God from eternity. Jesus’ death shows God’s infinite wisdom and love in bringing men back into relationship, fel­lowship, and reconciliation with Himself. Before Golgotha, the Cross was in the mind of God, which means that the death of Jesus was in the purpose of God. The Tabernacle of old, speaks of Him in its every shade of color, the minutest thread, the smallest tent stake, in every ceremony, ritual, or vessel. As stated, all men were saved before the Cross by looking forward to that event, of which all of these things were types and symbols, and especially the Sacrifices. Men are saved presently, by simply looking back to what Jesus did and exhibiting Faith in that Finished Work (Eph. 2:8-9). But it must always be remembered: The Cross is the centrality of the Gospel, the centrality of all that God is doing and has done for man, the centrality of the great Plan of God. If we misunderstand that, then we misunderstand the Gospel, which will bring upon ourselves great difficulties and problems. </div><div align="justify">WHY IS INTERCESSION BY CHRIST NOW NECESSARY ON BEHALF OF THE SAINTS? It is necessary simply because Christians unfortunately, still sin. We don’t have to sin, we shouldn’t sin, and in fact, the Word of God emphatically tells us not to sin (I Jn. 2:1), but then it says, “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: “And He is the Propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (I Jn. 2:1-2). The moment a Believer sins, he is in­structed to immediately “confess his sins to the Lord, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9). The Presence of Christ at the Right Hand of the Father, automatically guarantees that such will be carried out, for the very Presence of Christ is our intercession. As previously stated in other commentary, Christ does not have to do something at this time. It has al­ready been done. His very Presence guaran­tees all that we need, and provides all inter­cession. In fact, if He had to do anything else, that would mean that His Work was unfin­ished, which of course is erroneous. The great Work of Christ at the Cross is a “Finished Work,” hence, Him being “sat down on the Right Hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3). </div><div align="justify">WHAT IS THE MOST OFT COMMITTED SIN AMONG CHRISTIANS?<br />The answer will come as a surprise to most. First of all, it’s not particular acts of sin as we would think, that being more than anything else, a result of “the sin.” The most oft committed sin among Chris­tians is the sin of placing our Faith and confidence in something else other than the Cross. In fact, that is the sin that opens the door to all type of acts of sin. The only way the Christian can be safe, and remain safe, which means to have perpetual and constant victory, is for the Christian to keep his Faith in the Cross of Christ, understanding that it was there that all victory was won, which then gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to work within our hearts and lives, bringing about the Christlikeness which is His purpose (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). If I remember correctly, I have already stated the following in this Commentary; how­ever, due to its great significance, and to stir your pure minds, please allow me to deal with it again. Years ago in reading behind a particular English Preacher, incidentally, long since with the Lord, he said something which startled me. I knew he was right, because the Spirit bore witness with my spirit; however, I actu­ally didn’t understand what he said, even though I knew it was right and as well, ex­tremely important. He said, “Christians need to repent of their good just as much as they need to repent of their bad!” Now all of us can well understand the ne­cessity of repentance as it regards acts which we know are sinful and wicked; however, re­penting of our good as well, is not so easily understood. What did he mean? Since the Lord has opened up to me the meaning of the Cross, it becomes very obvi­ous as to what he was saying. When he spoke of repenting of the “good,” he was meaning repenting of these good things which we do, and our dependence on them, whatever they might be, to make us holy and righteous before God. In other words, if we are depending on anything, no matter how good it may seem to us, other than the Cross of Christ, we are committing sin, and a grievous sin at that. Let me em­phasize again, the things which we are do­ing, may be very, very good in their own right, and I speak of things such as faithful Church attendance, the giving of money to the Work of the Lord, prayer, fasting, witnessing to souls, etc.; however, those things should be a result of our walk with God, and never as a cause of our walk with God. God will not honor Faith placed in these things, but only Faith placed in the Cross of Christ. As I said some pages back, were you to ask most Believers as to what constituted their close walk with God, most would immedi­ately begin to enumerate things I’ve just men­tioned. But the Truth is, none of that draws us closer to God, such being accomplished only by our Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. Does the Reader understand what I’m saying? Let me show you how this erroneous way is engrained in our hearts and lives. A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE<br />One of my close associates the other day was telling how that his six-year-old son re­sponded to the following question: “Joseph, what do you think it means to be ‘in Christ’?” Now please remember, this little fellow is only six years old. He immediately began to enumerate the good things he was doing, and the bad things he wasn’t doing. Unfortunately, that was not only the response of this child, but is the re­sponse of most of Christendom as well! Again I state, the most oft repeated sin in Christendom is the sin of placing our Faith in the wrong object. </div><div align="justify">WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BELIEVERS PLACE THEIR FAITH IN THINGS OTHER THAN THE CROSS?<br />The Believer has then placed himself in serious jeopardy. Let the following be un­derstood: Every single thing that we receive from God is done by and through the Purpose, Office, Ministry, and Person of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it doesn’t really matter that you are saved, thereby a new creation in Christ Jesus, Baptized with the Holy Spirit, with some of you even having Gifts of the Spirit operative within your lives, which means you are being used of God; still, if your Faith is not in the Cross of Christ, irrespective of the things mentioned, you will still walk in spiri­tual failure. And it doesn’t really matter who you are, whether the Pastor of the largest Church in the world, or someone who just got saved yesterday. Faith in the Cross of Christ is the only means of victory in the heart and life of the Believer (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). Unfortunately, many Spirit-filled Believers, and I speak of those who believe in the Bap­tism with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, believe that victory is automatic within their lives. Noth­ing could be further from the Truth. In fact, there are millions of Christians who are truly Spirit-filled, but are not walking in victory at all. What is wrong?<br />The mere fact of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, although extremely important, does not really guarantee a victorious walk before God. To be sure, the potential is there, and greatly so, but the work of the Spirit is never automatic. Were it automatic, no Spirit-filled Believer would ever fail, and all would be instantly mature; however, we know that none of that is correct, so what is the problem? </div><div align="justify">ALL THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IS PREDICATED ON THE CROSS<br />Even though the Holy Spirit did great and mighty things in Old Testament Times, His perpetual abiding in the hearts and lives of Believers awaited the Cross (Jn. 14:17). Due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin, the sin debt still attached itself to all of humanity in Old Tes­tament Times, even the great champions of Faith. As well, due to this, when the Saints of Old Testament Times died, they did not go to Heaven, but rather were taken captive by Satan down into Paradise (Lk. Chpt. 16). To be sure, Satan couldn’t get them over into the burning side of the Pit, that place being separated from Paradise by a great gulf; still, the Evil One no doubt, hoped to ultimately do exactly that. When Jesus died on the Cross, thereby sat­isfying the terrible sin debt owed by man to God, He then went down into Paradise and rescued these captives, for that’s exactly what they were (Eph. 4:8-10), and then took them with Him to Heaven. Now when Saints die (since the Cross), they instantly go to be with Christ (Phil. 1:23). This means that every single thing that the Holy Spirit does within the heart and life of the Believer, is predicated on what Christ did at the Cross. In response to the Words of Christ, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink,” John said, “But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that be­lieve on Him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified” (Jn. 7:37-39). Of course we now know that the Holy Spirit has been given, and because Jesus has been glorified. But let the Reader understand, that Jesus being glorified, was all as a result of the Cross and His Resurrection. It refers to the fact that God accepted the Sacrifice, which was actually the Shed Blood of Christ. When the believing sinner exhibits Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross, the Holy Spirit can then perfect the work of Re­generation within his heart, and actually come in to abide forever. It is called the “born again” experience (Jn. 3:3). To which we’ve already addressed our­selves, the Believer should then ask the Lord to baptize him with the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has promised that He will do (Lk. 11:13). The Baptism with the Holy Spirit signi­fies a surrender of the Believer to God as it regards the Will of God. As we’ve also stated, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is always accompanied by the speaking with other Tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utter­ance (Acts 2:4). After this experience, which is always sub­sequent to Salvation, the Believer is to ever understand, that he must continue his Faith in the Cross of Christ, which is always de­manded by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2). If the Believer does this, and continues to do this, which then gives latitude to the Spirit to work, to be sure, He will do great and mighty things within the heart and life of the Believer. He doesn’t demand much of us, but He definitely does demand that we un­derstand that everything we have from the Lord always and without exception, comes through the great Sacrifice of Christ. He will function on that basis and that basis alone! Thereby, when Christians move their Faith from the Cross of Christ to something else the Holy Spirit simply will not work, because to do so would literally be breaking the Law of God, which He will never do (Rom. 8:2). And again to be sure, when we place our Faith in anything other than the Cross, we defi­nitely break the Law of God as well, which means that God is very displeased with us (Rom. 8:8). </div><div align="justify">THE TRUE TABERNACLE<br />The phrase, “And of the True Tabernacle,” actually refers to the true dwelling place of God. Paul uses the term “True Tabernacle,” be­cause the Christian Jews would have known exactly that of which he spoke. Their minds would have gone to the Tabernacle con­structed by Moses in the wilderness, where God dwelt between the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim. That of necessity, was a tempo­rary dwelling place for God among men, which should have been obvious, awaiting the time when Jesus would go to the Cross, thereby making it possible for God to liter­ally dwell in the hearts and lives of all Be­lievers, which He now does. Let not the Reader think that by Paul us­ing the term “True Tabernacle” that he is actually speaking of some type of building. While there no doubt are many buildings in Heaven, this is not what Paul means here. In fact, the word “true” in this case, does not mean that which is false or counterfeit, but rather refers in contrast to that which is a mere copy or representation of the heavenly, which in fact was the Tabernacle of Moses. The genuine is in Heaven, hence Paul using the word “true.” Actually, John in his vision of the New Jerusalem said, “And I saw no Temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it” (Rev. 21:22). As well, after all vestige of sin has been removed from the universe, and Satan and all his cohorts have been locked away in the Lake of Fire, where they will remain forever and forever, and there is no more disobedi­ence to God, John tells us that the New Jerusa­lem is going to come down from God out of Heaven, and dwell with men. He said: “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev. 21:3). The idea is this: Before the Cross, God was with men; since the Cross, God is in men; in that coming glad day, He will be both with men and in men. </div><div align="justify">THE PLAN OF GOD<br />The phrase, “Which the Lord pitched, and not man,” refers to the fact that Moses pitched the earthly Tabernacle, but God formed the True Tabernacle. And yet, even the one pitched by Moses, was done so under the strict guidelines of the Lord, actually with every single feature about the Tabernacle designed totally and com­pletely by the Lord, and not by Moses, or any other man. But yet, it was imperfect and, therefore, temporary. </div><div align="justify">WHY WAS THE TABERNACLE OF OLD IMPERFECT?<br />It was very obvious as to its imperfection, by the very fact that the Priests who offici­ated within its confines, never were able to finish their work. Due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, they had to keep offering more and more sacrifices. This within itself, plus all the other accoutrements of the Tabernacle and the Temple as well, which would come about 500 years after the Tabernacle, were all tempo­rary. In fact, and even as we’ve already stated, every single thing about the Tabernacle and Temple portrayed Christ in some way, signi­fying that He Alone could truly cleanse from all sin (Jn. 1:29). These very words, “Which the Lord pitched, and not man,” presents a glaring reminder, that man is unable, even believing man, to effect anything within his heart and life that pertains to God. Everything that man receives from God is of God totally and completely, which means it’s not of man at all, which means that it can only be received by Faith. The moment we attempt to earn something from God, or to secure such by merit, we for­feit the Grace of God, which leaves us in a serious predicament as should be obvious. Everything and without fail that God gives to man as it regards Salvation, or anything else, is all of God in totality, and not at all of man (Gal. 2:21). And the manner and the way that God gives all these things to men is through the Cross of Christ, i.e., “the great Sacrifice of Christ.” God cannot look at man in any way except through the Shed Blood of Christ, and man cannot approach God in any manner except through the Shed Blood of Christ. So, if anyone holds anything up other than the Cross, as a way of Salvation, or a way of Victory, or a way of acceptance with God, such a way is obviously false. And it’s a way as well, which the Judgment of God must ulti­mately fall upon. That’s why the present position of the mod­ern Church is so precarious. The Church probably knows and understands less about the Cross presently than it ever has in its his­tory, or at least since the Reformation. That’s quite a statement, but I believe it to be true. Satan has been very successful in the last few decades, at shifting the object of Faith from the Cross to other things. In fact, I personally believe that the so-called modern Faith message has been the greatest vehicle at moving Faith from the Cross, although it has not been the only means. Modernistic psychology has cut a wide swath as well! However, the undergirding factor in all of this is unbelief — and I speak of unbelief as it regards the Cross. The Church has de­parted from the Cross, primarily because of unbelief. It simply doesn’t believe that what Jesus did there, is the answer to the ills of the world. While it may pay lip service to the great Sacrifice of Christ, its direction proves that its Faith is placed in other things. For the Church to have the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit once again, it must and without fail, come back to the Cross of Christ. There is no other way! (Phil. 3:18-19). (3) “FOR EVERY HIGH PRIEST IS OR­DAINED TO OFFER GIFTS AND SACRI­FICES: WHEREFORE IT IS OF NECESSITY THAT THIS MAN HAVE SOMEWHAT ALSO TO OFFER.” The exegesis is:<br />1. The purpose of the High Priest is to offer Gifts and Sacrifices.<br />2. Christ offered Himself, which was the one Perfect Sacrifice, which constituted all Gifts, which met all the needs of man.<br />3. His One Gift is far superior to the many gifts and sacrifices of the Priests of old. The very fact of their plurality states that they were insufficient. The very fact of the One Sacrifice of Christ, states that it was and is all-sufficient.<br />PRIESTS OF OLD </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “For every High Priest is or­dained to offer gifts and sacrifices,” portrayed these men as the mediators between God and men. As stated, the very fact that they had to continue to offer sacrifices, states the in­effectiveness of the old system. Due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins, but actually only serve as a stopgap measure, it was obvious that something else was required. As is blatantly and overly obvious in this Epistle to the Hebrews, Paul keeps placing the Priesthood of Christ over against the old Levitical order. He does, so that the Chris­tian Jews, and all others for that matter, might see the overwhelming supremacy of Christ. In fact, the Priesthood of Christ was so overwhelming, which the Holy Spirit helped Paul to adequately portray, that it was and is impossible for anyone, at least if they will be honest, not to see the vast difference. And yet I’m afraid, the problem continues! While the modern Church is not trying to go back to the Levitical system, as some of the Christian Jews of old, and for the simple reason that it no longer exists; still, the de­fection is just as serious. As Satan ever sought to diminish Christ in the eyes of those to whom Paul addressed, he still seeks to do the same presently. As a result, millions put the Church in the place of Christ. Or a De­nomination! Or their own good works! In fact, in the latter half of the Twentieth Cen­tury, millions placed Faith itself on a pedes­tal. Some may wonder as to how such could be done? If it’s not Faith in the Cross, which keeps Christ supreme, and the Faith of which I speak definitely wasn’t in the Cross, then it becomes sin. Anything that puts Christ in an inferior position, even as the Catholics do the Church and Mary, it becomes a gross sin. Satan doesn’t care how much we worship, or how religious we might be, if Christ is not properly addressed. In fact, he will help us to be very religious and to worship accordingly, providing it’s in the wrong direction. And to sum it up, we must note the following: If the Christ we serve is not the Crucified One, with all emphasis placed upon His great Sacrifice, understanding that all Salvation and all Blessings, come from His great Finished Work, then the Christ we are serving is la­beled by Paul as “another Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4). The Truth is, and as stated, millions serve their Church, attempting to equate the Church and Christ as one and the same. They aren’t! </div><div align="justify">TO PROVE THE POINT<br />I personally believe that the Revelation which the Lord began to give me in 1996 was meant to be far more than for me alone. I believe, and firmly so, that He intends for this Message to be heralded to the entirety of the Church, and I speak of the Church world­wide. To be sure, the Message which we pro­claim is not by any means new; actually, it is the very foundation of the Faith, but a foun­dation, from which the modern Church has sorely drifted. The Lord is giving us the means to propa­gate this Message on a nationwide, and even a worldwide basis. It should be clearly un­derstood, that He has done this, and is doing this, for purpose. He means for the Church to come back to the Cross. But the Church has a problem in all of this. If the Message doesn’t come from its own source, i.e., “its Denomination or circle of fellowship,” will it accept the Message? The Truth is, most won’t; however, the searching heart, of which there definitely are some, will hear, believe, and receive. Where does that leave the others?<br />When light is rejected, light is then with­drawn, which means that the apostasy deep­ens. Jesus addressed this by saying: “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seek­ing rest, and findeth none. “Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. “Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than him­self, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Mat. 12:43-45). </div><div align="justify">THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST<br />The phrase, “Wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer,” speaks of the offering of Himself. We now see in Christ a High Priest Who through His Own inherent right has taken a place which no Levitical Priest could ever take. Instead of merely being permitted to enter once a year into the Holy of Holies, and that only for a few moments, not daring to sit down in the Presence of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, as the ascended Man, has entered into the Heavenly Sanctuary and is seated there on the Right Hand of the Throne of the Maj­esty in the Heavens. There He ministers in the Holiest in that glorious Tabernacle of which the earthly tent was but a type. How important it is for us to realize that we are represented before God by a Man in the glory, for though we no longer know Christ after the flesh, yet He has gone up to Heaven as the Representative Man to appear in the Presence of God on our behalf. The earthly High Priest of old was ap­pointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. By gifts we understand to be those offerings which were the expression of the grateful, adoring hearts of the people of Israel. The Sacrifices, on the other hand, had to do di­rectly with making expiation for sin. Our Lord did the latter when He offered up Himself on the Cross. But now that He is ministering in the Heavenly Sanctuary, it is of course necessary that He have something to offer. He presents before God our prayers and praises. Our heartfelt worship ascends to the Father by Him, and because of what He did at the Cross which makes it possible for us to approach God, which we do, by evi­dencing Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ. </div><div align="justify">PERFECTION<br />We may often be discouraged as we real­ize something of the imperfections even of our highest and best efforts to glorify God. Like William Cowper, we may exclaim: “Sin twines itself about my thoughts, “And slides into my prayers.” But it is blessed to know that nothing reaches God that is not perfect. Our Great High Priest takes out of our prayers and praises everything that is unholy or of the flesh, everything that is contrary to the na­ture of the God we adore. Then to what is left, He adds His Own infinite perfections and thus presents all to the Father on our behalf. Oh how I sense the Presence of God, even as I dictate these words. How so imperfect we are, but yet, how Perfect He is. And be­cause He is Perfect, He somehow takes our imperfections, and places them in His Per­fection, with nothing left that is not perfect. How so much we must look to Him! How so much we must understand, as the Priests of old, took a Censer into the Holy Place, filled with perfume placed over blazing coals from the Brazen Altar, which was a type of Calvary, filling the air in that place with a beautiful fragrance, all typical of our prayers and praises; likewise, when Christ finishes with our humble efforts, that which remains comes up into the nostrils of God as a sweet and adoring fragrance. The example of the Priests of old tells us that God cannot accept any prayer, petition, or praises, unless it comes by the way of the Cross. In fact, when “Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He commanded them not, there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD” (Lev. 10:1-2). The fire that these two Priests took and placed in their Censers was not fire from the Brazen Altar, but some other ignition alto­gether, which God could never accept. The Brazen Altar stood for the Cross, was symbolic of the Cross. This means that these Priests could not approach Him by any means other than the Cross of Christ, for that’s what it all meant. Should that not be a powerful lesson for us presently? </div><div align="justify">THE CROSS, AND THE HIGH PRIESTLY ROLE OF CHRIST<br />Christ is High Priest, and will be so for­ever, because of what He did at the Cross on our behalf. This means that we must come to Him, and do so at all times, with the understanding that such is made possible totally and completely by His great Sacri­fice of Himself. Only with that understand­ing, and our Faith lodged in that Finished Work, can He take our prayers and praises and thereby turn them into a holy fragrance before God the Father. But the sadness is, most Christians little understand this of which we say, thereby approaching God on the basis of things other than the Sacrifice of Christ, which God can never honor. Let us never forget, that there is only one thing which pleases God, and that is His only Son, and the great Sacrifice He made of Him­self on the Cross. That alone pleases Him; that alone satisfies Him; that alone gives Him pleasure! Consequently, when we place our Faith in Christ regarding His Finished Work, always understanding that this is the basis by which we can approach God, and in fact, the only basis by which we can approach God, this and this alone pleases God (Mat. 3:17). (4) “FOR IF HE WERE ON EARTH, HE SHOULD NOT BE A PRIEST, SEEING THAT THERE ARE PRIESTS THAT OFFER GIFTS ACCORDING TO THE LAW:” The structure is: 1. Christ could not be a Priest on Earth after the Levitical order, inasmuch as that order was after the Law.<br />2. The Priesthood of Christ of necessity must transcend the Law, because it must be superior, which the Law could never do.<br />3. In fact, even though His Priesthood was made possible on Earth by His Sacrifice, its administration is carried forth in Heaven, even before the Throne of God.<br />CHRIST, NO EARTHLY PRIEST! The phrase, “For if He were on Earth, He should not be a Priest,” refers to the fact that He was not of the Levitical Order, and due to His Sacrifice of Himself, no more earthly Priests are now needed. In fact, the very idea of a Priest presently, is in effect saying that what Christ did on the Cross is not sufficient and needs something added, which is an in­sult of the worst sort toward God. If one is to notice, the name “Priest” is never once given to Ministers of the Gospel in the New Testament. They are called Min­isters, Ambassadors, Pastors, Bishops, Over­seers, etc., but never “Priests.” Nor should they be so called in the Church. In fact, the name “Priest” as applied to Christian Ministers, has been derived from the Catholic Church. They hold that the Priest does offer as a Sacrifice the real Body and Blood of Christ in the Mass, and holding this, the name “Priest” is given to the Minister who does it consistently. It is not indeed right or Scriptural — for the whole doctrine on which it is based is absurd and false — but because of that doctrine they have the order of Priests. Thank God, due to what Christ did at the Cross, the order or office of “Priest” is no longer necessary. In fact, it is not only no longer necessary, it is abominable to hold to such, seeing that Christ Alone is Priest, and because no other is needed. The only manner in which it could be held that an earthly Priest is necessary, is the idea that the Sacrifice of Christ was insufficient. And in essence, this is exactly what the Catho­lic Church does. But in a strict sense of the word, when we place anything ahead of Christ, whether intentional or otherwise, in other words, placing Faith in something other than Christ, or equating things with Christ such as the Church, etc., we are in effect doing the same identical thing as the Catholics. The great sin of the Church is “not holding the Head” (Col. 2:19). Christ is the “Head” of the Church, and is so by virtue of what He did at the Cross on our behalf. The idea is, if we’re not under­standing Christ in that capacity, and I speak of “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” as be­ing the basis and foundation of all Doctrine, then we aren’t properly “holding the Head!” </div><div align="justify">THE LAW<br />The phrase, “Seeing that there are Priests that offer gifts according to the Law,” tells us several things: 1. Christ, as stated, was not of the Leviti­cal Order, so could not be a Priest on Earth.<br />2. The Law was temporary; therefore, it could not furnish a perfect Priesthood.<br />3. The very fact that it had to offer con­tinued sacrifices, proved its imperfection.<br />4. The One Sacrifice of Christ, which was the offering of Himself on the Cross, satis­fied all the types of the Old Covenant and abolished all its offerings for sin. Conse­quently, they are no longer needed!<br />5. If Christ came back to Earth, which He will soon do, He will not again offer a Sacri­fice for sin. Even though He will continue to serve as High Priest, and in fact will do so<br />forever, His High Priesthood is based totally and entirely on His One Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross, which will never again have to be repeated. In fact, animal sacrifices will once again be offered in the coming King­dom Age; however, they will not be for sin but rather as a memorial of what was typi­fied before the First Coming of Christ. Such sacrifices were never to take away sins and they will never do so in the future; but it is inter­esting to note that such a program will be carried on in the presence of all coming gen­erations throughout eternity, to demonstrate to all what Christ had to go through in or­der that man might be saved (Ezek. 43:18­27; 45:13-25; 46:11-15). (5) “WHO SERVE UNTO THE EXAMPLE AND SHADOW OF HEAVENLY THINGS, AS MOSES WAS ADMONISHED OF GOD WHEN HE WAS ABOUT TO MAKE THE TABERNACLE: FOR, SEE, SAITH HE, THAT THOU MAKE ALL THINGS AC­CORDING TO THE PATTERN SHEWED TO THEE IN THE MOUNT.” The composition is: 1. All the Old Testament rituals and cer­emonies were but examples and shadows of the reality which can be found only in Christ.<br />2. All that which God gave to Moses, as grand and glorious as it was, were only rep­licas of the real, which were in Heaven.<br />3. Consequently, Moses was dogmatically instructed that he was not to deviate from the pattern given by God.<br />TYPES AND SHADOWS<br />The phrase, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” refers to a suggestive replica, which in fact, had no sub­stance within itself. It had no independent existence. These things were merely proof of the fact that there was reality back of it all. This means that the earthly Priests served in a Sanctuary which they valued highly; however, they were to never forget, that all of this was a mere copy and shadow of what was in Heaven. While the Old Covenant was but a shadow of heavenly things, Christ is the eternal substance! When we study the Jewish ritual of the Mosaic Law, and read these words as given by Paul as it concerns “examples” and “shadows,” we are not to think in our minds that Heaven is a place of sacrifices, with Altars, Tables, and Arks, etc. None of that exists in Heaven. It all has its meaning in Christ! He is the Sacrifice; He is the Brazen Altar; He is the Bra­zen Laver; He is the Table of Shewbread; He is the Golden Lampstand; He is the Altar of In­cense; He is the Ark of the Covenant; He is the Mercy Seat. In fact, He is the Taber­nacle, even as He is the Temple. As well, He is every nail, every cord, every peg, the gold, the silver, the precious stones, the Veil, the foundation stones, the walls, the roof, the pillars. He is everything! Actually, it is to Him to Whom the Cherubim point and praise! It is Christ! It is the Lord Christ! It is the Lord Jesus Christ! He is the “King of kings and Lord of lords!” When one day we pass through the portals of that place called “Glory,” and we look upon His Face, we will then see the Sacrifice, the Tabernacle, and the Temple! We will see the Intercession, for He is the Intercession. We will see Eternal Life, for He is Eternal Life! Oh, Saint of God, why would you want to trade Him, the Creator of all the ages, for mere “examples” and “shadows”? </div><div align="justify">THE TABERNACLE<br />The phrase, “As Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tab­ernacle,” proclaims the fact that this was but a poor replica of the reality Who is Christ. Again we emphasize, that John said as it regards his vision of the New Jerusalem, “And I saw no Temple therein, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it” (Rev. 21:22). </div><div align="justify">THE PATTERN<br />The phrase, “For, see, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the Mount,” means that this pattern was not to be deviated from in the slightest. It also means, that all of this was all of God and none of man, which refers to the fact, that Salvation is all of God and none of man. This was why God was so particular in regard to all its details. There was no room for human ingenuity or for Moses’ own thoughts. All must be as ordered of God, for He Alone knew the Son and the work He was to accomplish. The allusion here is to a pattern such as an architect or sculptor uses; a drawing or figure made in wood or clay, after which the work is to be modeled. The idea is, that some such drawing or model was exhibited to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, so that he might have an exact idea of the Tabernacle which was to be made. In fact, a similar drawing or model of the Temple was given to David which he would give to Solomon, who would in fact construct the Temple (I Chron. 28:11-12). However, we are not to suppose that there was, in the case of the pattern shown to Moses, any miniature model of wood or stone actu­ally created and exhibited; but that the form of the Tabernacle was exhibited to Moses, possibly in a vision, or it was so vividly im­pressed on his mind that he would have a distinct view of the edifice which was to be constructed. </div><div align="justify">A TYPE OR SYMBOL </div><div align="justify">A type in the Old Testament is a person or thing in the Bible which God designed to rep­resent or prefigure some person, thing, or event that would appear in the future. Actu­ally in some way all of these things prefig­ured Christ. It is also interesting to note the use of sym­bols throughout the Bible; for instance, the use of numbers represents certain Truths. The number “seven” is used to signify Divine Perfection in contrast to human imperfec­tion, which is represented by “six.” (Six falls short of seven by one; man has fallen short of God’s glory.) There were seven men in the Bible who lived to be over 900 years of age. We also find seven “Blessed’s” in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:3; 14:13; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). The number “seven” is used often in the Book of Revelation. It is as if God has placed His signature upon the Book. There are seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:13­20), seven stars (Rev. 1:16, 20), seven Let­ters to the Churches in Asia (Rev. Chpts. 2­3), seven spirits (sevenfold Spirit of the Lord) (Rev. 4:5), seven seals (Rev. Chpt. 5), seven Angels appearing before the Throne (Rev. Chpt. 8), seven trumpets (Rev. Chpt. 8), seven thunders (Rev. Chpt. 10), and seven vials of judgment (Rev. Chpt. 15).<br />An interesting study may be made also of the number “eight.” This is the number of new beginnings, or of Resurrection. Jesus arose from the dead on the eighth day (the first day of the week). As well, eight persons were saved from the flood in the Ark. Noah was the eighth man after Adam, and as such, was a fitting person for God to use in the new beginning after the waters of the flood subsided. There are eight cases recorded in the Bible of persons being restored to life (I Ki. 17:17­24; II Ki. 4:8-37; 13:20-21; Mk. Chpt. 5; Lk. 7:11-18; Jn. Chpt. 11; Acts 9:36-43; 20:7-12). There is an abundance of types and sym­bols in the Old Testament and even some in the New. However, one of the most precious types of all concerns the High priestly Min­istry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is easy to see why the Lord cautioned Moses to follow the pattern he had been given. Each detail had to be exact, just as God had given it. There is a practical appli­cation of this for every Christian. We should exercise the utmost care and diligence to ascertain the revealed Mind of God. We should seek that which He requires from us in our worship and service to Him. It was not Moses who drew up the blueprint for the Tabernacle. Moses did not draw plans or submit them to the people for their ap­proval. It was not left to Moses or to Israel to decide; God gave the pattern. And the pattern to be sure, was given in every detail carefully — the color of the cur­tains, the type of tent pins to use, the number of boards, the size and shape of the articles of furniture — nothing was left to the imagi­nation of man. This was to be God’s dwell­ing place, it had to please Him and meet all His requirements. As stated, this shows us that Salvation and Victory are all of God and none of man. Con­sequently, to have what He has promised and in fact, has given, we must follow His instruc­tions very carefully and never try to insert additions or glosses of our own. </div><div align="justify">JESUS IS NOW THE PATTERN<br />Whereas the Tabernacle and Temple in Old Testament Times were then the pattern, Christ is now our Pattern and our Example; we only need to follow in His steps. He is high, He is holy, He is undefiled, and He is unstained. As Christians we must follow His example very carefully, even as He left for us in His Word. When construction is begun on a building, the builder must be very careful to follow the plans. If he deviates from the blue­prints, somewhere later he will find himself in trouble. The plan must be followed if the goal of completion is to be reached. The Word of God provides the only set of blueprints that will bring us to maturity and perfection. In other words, the pattern is found in the Word of God. This means that the Bible is our Book of instructions. In it we see Jesus, our Pattern. In it the Voice of the Holy Spirit speaks to us and directs our paths. The Spirit becomes our Teacher to show us the Way of Christ. God has a pattern, a design for our lives. Whenever we veer from this plan, God will discipline us so that we might follow through to completion His Will. To be frank, we do not like the school of discipline; sometimes we even despise it. It seems easier to walk in our own ways, but we soon find out, that the only way in which our lives will fit together perfectly is in God’s Perfect Plan. </div><div align="justify">GRACE AND LAW<br />The Holy Spirit plainly told us through Paul, “Ye are not under the Law, but under Grace” (Rom. 6:14). So what am I saying? In a sense, the Law was the pattern in Old Testament Times, which was much more in­volved, much more complicated, and which demanded an exact performance of man, which man in fact, in no way could do. In the New Testament, the pattern is Christ, Who Alone provides Grace. So, how do we follow this pattern according to New Testament guidelines? As difficult as the pattern of Law was, simple is the pattern of Christ Who gives Grace. That which was extremely compli­cated, has become extremely simple and easy. In this Book of Hebrews, Paul is actually speaking of the “victorious, overcoming, Christian life.” Salvation and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit have already come to these Saints. If they can in fact walk in over­coming victory, the idea of forsaking Christ in favor of Judaism will be totally and com­pletely forgotten. It is the same presently: If the Believer can understand God’s pre­scribed order of Victory, and follow it minutely, which is actually His Pattern, results will be guaranteed. So what is the Believer to do? As stated, the Pattern is very simple: EVERYTHING COMES THROUGH THE CROSS<br />This is step number one. The Believer, even as we’ve already stated in past commen­tary, is to understand that every single thing he needs, the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, are all found, and in totality, in what Christ did at the Cross. The Believer must settle that in his mind that this, the Cross, is the Source of all Blessings (Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14). </div><div align="justify">OUR FAITH<br />The second step is that we place our Faith in the Cross of Christ, and leave our Faith in the Cross of Christ. God’s means of dealing with the human race is through the vehicle of Faith; however, it is to always be under­stood, and without exception, that it is to ever be Faith in the Cross of Christ. It was there that Jesus paid it all, and it is there in which we must place our Faith (Eph. Chpt. 1). </div><div align="justify">THE HOLY SPIRIT<br />The third and final step to all of this is, the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit. He Alone can guarantee all the benefits of the Cross. And considering, again as we’ve al­ready stated, that He works exclusively within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ, it remains only that we exhibit Faith in that Finished Work (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). The Holy Spirit doesn’t demand much of us; however, He does demand this of which I have said (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). As stated, this pattern of Grace is very, very simple, actually leaving no room for excuse on our part. So that being the case, why is it so diffi­cult for Believers to follow this pattern? I suppose it’s the same reason that Israel had such a difficult time following the pat­tern of the Law. Even though that was much more difficult than the pattern of Grace, still, the problem is the same. And what is that problem? It’s the problem of taking God’s blueprint which He has laid down, and then changing it to something else which we think we want or desire. While we always do it in a very re­ligious manner, and even load it down with Scriptures, still, the end result is, that we have changed God’s pattern, which He can never condone. To be sure, in such a case, we will always reap the bitter fruit of such action. If we go God’s Way, we reap very positive re­sults; otherwise, the picture is not pretty! (6) “BUT NOW HATH HE OBTAINED A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY, BY HOW MUCH ALSO HE IS THE MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT, WHICH WAS ESTAB­LISHED UPON BETTER PROMISES.” The composition is: 1. This is a pivot Scripture in the Book of Hebrews.<br />2. The Priesthood of Christ is far supe­rior to the Priesthood of Aaron.<br />3. The Covenant under Christ is far bet­ter than the Aaronic Covenant.<br />4. The New Covenant is established on better Promises.<br />A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “But now hath He obtained a more excellent Ministry,” closes the first ma­jor argument. The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to prove the following proposition: The New Testament in Jesus’ Blood is su­perior and takes the place of the First Testa­ment in animal blood. Paul has proved this to be true on the basis of pure logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Using the logical argument that a supe­rior workman turns out a superior prod­uct, he has shown that Messiah, the Founder of the New Testament is better than the founders of the First Testament, who were the Prophets, Angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron. Therefore, the Testament He brought in is superior to and takes the place of theirs (Wuest). The words “more excellent Ministry” re­fer primarily to the more excellent Ministry which Christ has than that of the Aaronic Priests, which he has amply proved. “Ministry” in the Greek is “Leitourgia,” and means “service.”<br />The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin, but the one Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, has taken away every sin, past, present, and future, at least for those who will believe (Jn. 3:16). Consequently, the guilt of sin is removed, which it never was under the Old Covenant, and as well, the terrible sin debt has been paid also, which it never was under the Old Covenant. Reconcilia­tion between man and God is now afforded, which it was not under the Old Covenant, which means that Justification by Faith as was promised to Abraham, is now a fact. And then, the culmination of all this is the new dimension of the Holy Spirit afforded by the Finished Work of Christ, which among other things, guarantees the Baptism with the Spirit, as well as His abiding forever in the hearts and lives of Believers, which could not at all be done under the Old Covenant (Jn. 14:16-17). The Covenant of old depended upon man’s ability to carry out its requirements. God in effect said, “If you will do thus and so, I will do certain things.” Thus, the promise of bless­ing rested upon man’s ability to claim that Blessing on the ground of his obedience to the Law. The trouble was, no man ever could obtain the Promises on that basis. And so our Lord Jesus took upon Himself the curse of the broken Law, was made a curse for us, became the great Sin-Offering, and now has become the Mediator of a Better Cov­enant, in which all the Promises on God’s part and man receives every blessing as pure Grace. </div><div align="justify">A BETTER COVENANT<br />The phrase, “By how much also He is the Mediator of a Better Covenant,” proclaims the fact that Christ officiates between God and man according to the arrangements of the New Covenant. “Better Covenant” denotes a disposition, arrangement, or ordering of things; and, in the Scriptures, it is employed to describe the arrangement which God has made to secure the maintenance of His worship on Earth, and the Salvation of men. This is a Better Covenant in many ways, inasmuch as it relates mainly to the heart; to the pardon of sin; to a spiritual, and holy life. The former related more to external rites and observances, and was destined to vanish away. </div><div align="justify">THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF COVENANT<br />The notion of a Covenant is unfamiliar to­day. But the concept of Covenant is utterly basic to our understanding of Scripture. In Old Testament Times this complex con­cept was the foundation of social order and social relations, and it was particularly the foun­dation for an understanding of humanity’s re­lationship with God. </div><div align="justify">THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT<br />The concept of Covenant is not found ex­clusively in the Bible. Other cultures in early Biblical times used the Covenant concept as a basis for a wide range of interpersonal and social relationships. Between one nation and another, a Covenant was a treaty (Gen. 14:13; 31:44-55). Among individuals, a Covenant expressed a pledge of friendship (I Sam. 18:3; 20:8; 23:18) or served as a business contract. When a ruler and his subjects were the parties to a Covenant, such a Covenant served as a na­tional constitution and spelled out the respon­sibilities of the ruler and the ruled (II Sam. 3:21; 5:3; I Chron. 11:3). It should not be surprising that in a world in which Covenant was such a fundamental idea, God would se­lect the concept of Covenant to clarify the relationship that He sought to establish with His people. A Biblical Covenant is a clear statement of God’s purposes and intentions expressed in terms that bind God by solemn oath to perform what He has promised. </div><div align="justify">OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS<br />The nature of the Biblical Covenant as a statement of God’s intentions is seen in each of the four major Covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, Mosaic, New). In each of these Cov­enants, God states what He will do. In three of the four, the purposes announced will be accomplished at history’s end. Consequently, one might say these are eschatological (Endtime Covenants). In the other Covenant (the Mosaic, or Law Covenant), God’s purpose is essentially con­ditional. He states the Blessings He will give when the people of Israel obey and the disas­ters that will come when they disobey. The nature of the Biblical Covenant as something in which God binds Himself by solemn oath is seen in the rituals followed in making the Covenants. In Old Testament times a Covenant was “cut,” perhaps referring to the fact that the most binding Covenants were enacted in a ceremony that involved the offering of a sacrifice. Genesis, Chapter 15 describes how God followed this cultural form, passing between the halves of Sacrifi­cial animals as Abraham lay in a deep sleep. In this way God bound Himself to keep the Promises made to Abraham. </div><div align="justify">PROMISE<br />The Mosaic Covenant followed another binding pattern, that of a treaty made be­tween a ruler and his subjects. The written Law served as the Constitution of the nation thus formed. The use of these culturally binding forms to express relationship into which God en­tered with human beings provided a founda­tion for the Believer in that God has made a full commitment to His Word. He bound Himself to Israel by solemn oaths. The nature of the Biblical Covenant as promised is stressed in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul (Rom. 4:13-17; Gal. 3:15­18). The Promises that God makes are not dependent on human reaction to them: He will do what He has promised. We see something of this sense of binding commitment in Israel’s response to the Gibeonites, who had tricked them into a po­litical Covenant (“treaty”). Despite the de­ceit of the Gibeonites, the Covenant once made was not set aside, and the people of Is­rael kept their promise to help when the Gibeonites were attacked (Josh. Chpt. 10). Throughout history, Israel’s own repeated sins often brought God’s discipline on the nation. But even the sternest warnings were tempered with restatements of the Promises that one day God would act to fulfill the Cov­enant Promises given to Abraham and the Patriarchs. This pattern in sacred history cannot be explained if the Biblical Covenants are conditioned on human behavior. As Paul writes in Romans after reviewing Israel’s history of unfaithfulness: “As far as election is concerned, they (Is­rael) are loved on account of the Patriarchs, for God’s Gifts and His Call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:28-29). Of course, this speaks of the nation as a whole, which will one day be brought back; however, as it regards individuals, not meet­ing God’s conditions, they were eternally lost. In fact, the condition has always been Faith, whether under Old Testament direc­tives or the New. Admittedly, the results of Faith presently, are far more pronounced, due to the great Work of Christ; neverthe­less, God has always demanded Faith, and still demands Faith. The absence of Faith can for­feit the Promises. </div><div align="justify">THE NEW TESTAMENT COVENANT </div><div align="justify">The Greek word for “Covenant” is “diatheke.” It is used over 270 times in the Greek trans­lation of the Old Testament called the “Septuagint.” It is the Greek word for the Hebrew “brit.” Although “diatheke” occurs only 33 times in the New Testament, many other Passages base arguments on different aspects of the Covenant that God established with Abraham and his descendants (Rom. Chpt. 5; Gal. Chpt. 3). One cluster of New Testament uses of “diatheke” is connected with the Lord’s Supper. Other uses are found in Paul’s Epistles and especially in the Book of Hebrews, which we are now studying. From early times the Greeks used “diatheke” in the sense of a will. In contrast to the Greek word “syntheke,” which spelled out terms of a partnership, a “diatheke” per­mitted an individual to dispose of posses­sions any way that person chose. The deci­sion, once expressed in a will, could not be annulled by another party. But the will be­came effective only after the person making it died. Paul, in Hebrews 9:13-20, builds on this aspect of the Old Testament Covenants. He points out that the Old Covenants were con­firmed with blood. Jesus’ death instituted a New Covenant — a Covenant that serves as Jesus’ Own unbreakable will, “The promised eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15).<br />Paul also speaks in Hebrews of the Abrahamic Covenant as an oath. This is un­derstood to be a legally binding guarantee. As Paul said, “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath” (Heb. 6:17). This, combined with Paul’s insistence that “Promise” sums up the essential aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant, gives us strong evidence that the Bible regards a Covenant as a state­ment of God’s purposes and intentions, ex­pressed in terms that bind God, by solemn oath, to perform what He has promised. </div><div align="justify">THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT<br />Presumably before God revealed Himself to Abraham, he was a pagan, a worshiper of Nanna, the moon-god, in the city of Ur. God told him: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you” (Gen. 12:1). God gave Abraham Promises that were later formally confirmed, with Him working in line with the human custom of making a binding Cov­enant (Gen. 15:1-21). Still later, Abraham was given a sign of that Covenant (Circum­cision) and was told that all his male offspring must as well be circumcised (Gen. 17:1-22). The Call of Abraham is one of Scripture’s theological turning points. Prior to that time, God dealt with the human race as a whole. From that point on, God’s Plan was carried out through the family of Abraham. Through that family, God gave His Biblical Revelation to humanity, and from that family the Sav­iour of all has come. The Covenant Passages in Genesis show a typical interplay between human beings and God as Sovereign Lord. God announces His purposes, which no action of man can thwart. Abraham responds to God’s Revelation with Faith and obedience. Thus, Abraham personally experienced the Blessings that God promised. CIRCUMCISION<br />The interplay is implicit in Circumcision: “Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people,” God announces. “He has bro­ken My Covenant” (Gen. 17:14). The failure of an individual to respond with Faith and with obedience to the stipu­lations in God’s Covenant removed that Cov­enant-breaking individual from an experience of Covenant Blessings. But the failure of an individual or an entire generation of Israel­ites did nothing to alter God’s commitment to do what He had announced. Human dis­obedience affects human participation in a Covenant but does not release God from His Covenant oath, at least on a general basis, even though that particular individual might drop out. What are the provisions of that initial, Abrahamic Covenant? These are the Prom­ises given to Abraham, most of which will be fulfilled only at history’s end: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:2-3). When Abraham arrived in Canaan, God reappeared and added one other clause of Promise, “To your offspring I will give this land” (Gen. 12:7), later confirmed by a Covenant oath (Gen. 15:7-21). The conviction that God spoke to the fore­father Abraham, and that Israel inherited the Covenant Promises through Isaac and Jacob is basic to the Old Testament account. It was also basic to the sense of special identity that has preserved Israel as a separate and dis­tinct race to this day, awaiting the coming fulfillment of the Covenant, which delay has been caused by Israel; nevertheless, it will ultimately be fulfilled, even though great numbers of generations of Israelites and un­told millions of the past and present, will not be a part of the Covenant, and because of unbelief (Heb. 3:11-12). </div><div align="justify">THE MOSAIC (LAW) COVENANT </div><div align="justify">Moses led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness on their way to the land that God had promised to Abraham so many cen­turies before. But from the beginning, the Israelites proved almost impossible for Moses to manage (Ex., Chpts. 15-17). It was while they were at Sinai that God, the Divine Ruler, established a Constitution for the nation-to-be. That Constitution, the Mosaic Law, follows the pattern of the treaties of the ancient Middle East. The features of such documents are: 1. Preamble: Author identified and His titles given (Ex. 20:1).<br />2. Historical Prologue: The recounting of the deeds of the ruler on behalf of his people (Ex. 19:4-5).<br />3. Stipulations: Principles that govern relationships between the parties (Ex. 20:2­7; 21:1-23:19).<br />4. Blessings and cursings: Announce­ment of results of keeping and of breaking Covenant conditions (Ex. 23:20-33).<br />5. Oath: Promise given by the people as they accept the Covenant (Ex. 24:1-8). The Book of Deuteronomy also seems to follow the structure provided by such a treaty.<br />The Law Covenant is detailed. It regu­lates the personal, social, and civil life of Is­rael, and spells out religious obligations. There are a number of things about the Law Covenant that are important for us to understand: GOD<br />Like The other Biblical Covenants, the Mosaic includes an announcement by God of what He intends to do. As such, Law is an unconditional Covenant. </div><div align="justify">OBEDIENCE<br />Unlike the other Biblical Covenants, the Mosaic Law had a particular focus. The other Covenants announce what God will do at history’s end. This Covenant announces how God will respond during history during each generation of Israelites, his response being based on their obedience to the Law. What God intends to do is to bless those generations that keep His Covenant and to discipline severely those generations that failed to do so. </div><div align="justify">PERSONAL<br />Unlike the other Biblical Covenants, the Mosaic Covenant was to be confirmed (re­newed) by the people. And by that we mean the following: Each generation had to commit itself to live by the Law given on Sinai (Ex. Chpt. 24; Deut. Chpt. 29; Josh. Chpt. 24). Each new generation had to choose whom it would serve. And even today in the Jewish tradition a twelve-year-old makes his personal choice. When he becomes “bar mitzvah” a “son of the Commandment,” he accepts responsibility to live in accord with the stipulations laid down in the ancient Mosaic code. TEMPORAL </div><div align="justify">Unlike the other Biblical Covenants, that of the Law was never intended to be perma­nent. Paul argues that Law is not even im­plied in the Abrahamic Covenant, which is different in nature from the Covenant of Law. It was introduced some 430 years after Abraham’s time. It is a performance code and not a gift offered and confirmed by promise. It neither replaces nor modifies the initial Promise (Gal. 3:15-25). And the Old Testa­ment itself contains God’s announcement that there was to come a day when a New Covenant would replace the Covenant of the Mosaic Law. “‘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’” (Jer. 31:31-32). The Mosaic Covenant has been replaced to­day by the New Covenant and is the only Bib­lical Covenant that is not currently in force. </div><div align="justify">THE DAVIDIC COVENANT </div><div align="justify">David was Israel’s model king. Under David the tiny land expanded some ten times and became a powerful state and came to occupy most, but not all, of the land that God had promised to Israel under the Abrahamic Covenant. As II Samuel Chapter 7 reports, the Prophet Nathan came to David with a Promise from the Lord: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever” (II Sam. 7:16). This was a commitment made by Israel’s sovereign Lord, Whose words are trustworthy (II Sam. 7:28). David and the Prophets who followed Nathan viewed this Promise as a Covenant. The Psalmist cel­ebrates both Abrahamic and Davidic Cov­enants: “He remembers His Covenant for­ever, the word He commanded, for a thou­sand generations, the Covenant He made with Abraham, the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Is­rael as an everlasting Covenant: “‘To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit’” (Ps. 105:8-11); and “‘I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithful­ness in Heaven itself.’ You said, ‘I have made a Covenant with My chosen one, I’ve sworn to David My servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations’” (Ps. 89:2-4). Because of this Covenant Promise, the Jew­ish people of Jesus’ day believed firmly that the Messiah was to be a Davidic ruler who would establish the long-promised kingdom. In fact, the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are important to authenticate not only His claim to be truly human but also His descent from David and thus His right to the Promised Throne of the Eternal Kingdom. </div><div align="justify">THE NEW COVENANT FORETOLD </div><div align="justify">The Promise of a New Covenant to replace the Mosaic Covenant was made at a critical point in Israel’s history. The Prophet Jeremiah transmitted God’s Promise during a time of national disaster. It was about 1450 B.C. that God’s people received the Mosaic Law. But Israel consis­tently disobeyed and, therefore, experienced the promised disciplines. Finally the North­ern Kingdom, Israel, established at the breakup of David and Solomon’s unified land around 931 B.C., was defeated by the Assyrians; the people were deported in 722 B.C. The Southern Kingdom, Judah, survived. But despite sputtering revivals under a few Godly kings, these people too drifted into idolatry, immorality, and injustice. Jeremiah followed up generations of prophetic warn­ing by announcing that the foretold judgment was to fall on his own generation. Jeremiah’s words came true. Judah was devastated, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and a final group of people were carried captive to Babylon (586 B.C.). For the first time since the conquest of the Promised Land (1400 B.C.), God’s people were torn from the land, the place associated with God’s Covenant Promises. One ques­tion must have dominated the thoughts of the frightened captives: Had Israel’s sin at last caused God to withdraw the Promises made to Abraham and David? </div><div align="justify">THE ANSWERS AS GIVEN BY THE PROPHET JEREMIAH<br />Jeremiah said: 1. The exile had initiated a “time of trouble for Jacob.” 2. “He will be saved out of it” (Jer. 30:7). However, it should be noted, that this Pas­sage just quoted as well has to do with the coming Great Tribulation when Israel will undergo extreme persecution, actually com­ing close to total destruction. But back to the original meaning, the people who had broken God’s Covenant would be punished, but afterward they would be restored. This is God’s Promise: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness. I will build you up again” (Jer. 31:3-4). Jerusalem would be rebuilt by another generation, and the land would be Israel’s as God had promised (Jer. Chpts. 30-33). “‘Only if the heavens above can be mea­sured and the foundations of the earth be­low be searched out will I reject all the de­scendants of Israel because of all they have done,’ declares the LORD” (Jer. 31:37). Nestled among these words of comfort is this unique and unexpected announcement: “The time is coming when I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel” (Jer. 31:31). The Law, relying not on promise but on human performance, had been shown to be unable to produce Righteousness. Now God will replace it with a more effective ap­proach. Like the other Promised Covenants, this Covenant states boldly and clearly what God would do: “I will put My Law in their minds and write it 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,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and I will re­member their sins no more” (Jer. 31:33-34). </div><div align="justify">THE NEW COVENANT INSTITUTED<br />The New Covenant, though prophesied by Jeremiah about 600 years before Christ, was not actually made at that time. The Cov­enant was made, and confirmed, at the Cross. At the Last Supper, the night before the Crucifixion, Jesus explained the symbolism of the Communion Cup. He said: “This is the Blood of the (New) Covenant, which is poured out for many for the for­giveness of sins” (Mat. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; Lk. 22:20; I Cor. 11:25). Just as the other Cov­enants were oath-confirmed, so the New Cov­enant would be made by a Covenant-initiat­ing Sacrifice. But this time the Offerer and the Sacrifice were One, and the Blood that sealed God’s commitment was that of His Own Son. The New Covenant has now been made and confirmed. The Promise of forgiveness is assured. Although only at the Resurrec­tion will we realize the full meaning of what Jesus has done, we can today experience the promised forgiveness and transformation made available in the New Covenant. </div><div align="justify">THE DIFFERENCE<br />The difference between the Old and New is striking. The Old Covenant knew a Law that was carved in cold stone. The New Covenant takes the Righteousness that was expressed in Law and supernaturally infuses that Righ­teousness into the very character of the Be­liever. Thus, Hebrews quotes the Old Testa­ment foreview as something that is now, through Christ, our own: “I will put My Laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds . . . their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Heb. 10:16-17). There is none of the Law’s cold “do this and live” in the New Covenant. Instead we meet again the great “I will” of God, Who promises that He Himself will transform us from within. Paul carefully explains that all of God’s Promises are appropriated by Faith. Today, to us who, like Abraham, are “fully persuaded that God had (has) power to do what He promises” (Rom. 4:21) comes the promised Salvation, and with it comes forgiveness and inner transformation. Such are the benefits of Covenant relationship with the Lord. </div><div align="justify">HUMAN RESPONSE TO COVENANT </div><div align="justify">In Romans, Chapter 4 and Galatians, Chap­ter 3, Paul argues that the essence of Covenant is Promise. What can we do to respond to the Promise of God? We can do only one thing. We are to be­lieve the Promise and consider God’s Word trustworthy. We are to consider God’s Word so trustworthy that we step out to act on what He says. It was this Faith that saved Abraham, long before either Circumcision or Law were in­troduced. It is Faith alone — Faith in Jesus, and more particularly, Faith in what Jesus did for us on the Cross, the seal of God’s New Covenant — that saves us today, and in fact has been the manner of salvation for all time. But what is the relationship of Faith to obligations under the Old Covenant, such as Circumcision and Israel’s obligation to keep the Mosaic Law? What is the relation­ship of Faith today in keeping Jesus’ Com­mandments? Scripture argues that it is the nature of true Faith to express itself in action. Those Israelites who heard and believed God’s Covenant Promises to Abraham obeyed and were circumcised. Those who loved God in the age of Law followed the Law’s com­mands willingly; and when they sinned, they offered the required Sacrifices. Under the New Covenant, we who trust Jesus also find our Faith expressing itself in similar loving obedience to Christ, through obedience to Scripture and the Spirit. We are to place our Trust and our Faith totally and completely, in what Jesus did for us at the Cross, which enables the Holy Spirit to properly help us, and because He functions totally and completely within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ, which will then give us the victory and overcoming life. Faith enables human beings to appropri­ate God’s Promises and experience their ben­efits personally; however, we must always un­derstand, that when we use the word “Faith,” or possibly I should say, when Paul uses the word “Faith,” he is speaking, and without exception, of Faith in the great Sacrifice of Christ, which makes all things possible. But whether or not we believe in God’s Promises, in no way negates the Promises, even though a lack of Faith will definitely ne­gate them on our part; irrespective, the Cov­enant Promises stand for those who will be­lieve them. God will always accomplish his purposes in history and in all who believe. God’s Way has always been Faith. He has never deviated from that particular manner. But again, when we say “Faith,” always and without exception, we’re speaking of Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. It has always been this way, even under Law. The Sacrifices under the Old Testament economy could not really save anything, or atone for sin in any manner, in the sense of removing sin. However, Faith in Who the Sacrifices represented, namely the Lord Jesus Christ, Who was to come at a particular given time, and Who would give His Life as a ran­som for many, actually constituted the Sal­vation process of that time. From the day that man fell in the Garden of Eden, it has always been Faith in Christ, and more par­ticularly the giving of Himself in Sacrifice, which constituted Salvation. Admittedly, the benefits of Salvation under the New Covenant are far more pronounced than under the Old, and because the Cross is now a fact. Before the Cross, men looked forward to a Prophetic Jesus. Now, men look backward to a histori­cal Jesus. (We are indebted to Lawrence O. Richards for much of the material on Covenants.) </div><div align="justify">BETTER PROMISES<br />The phrase, “Which was established upon Better Promises,” presents the New Covenant which is explicitly based on the cleansing and forgiveness of all sins, which the Old Cov­enant could not actually do. The Old Cov­enant of Law was a Covenant of types and shad­ows and was abolished when the realities of those shadows appeared: 1. The First Covenant was given by Moses; the Second by Jesus Christ (Mat. 26:28; Jn. 1:17; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 9:15).<br />2. The first is “the Law of Moses”; the other “the Law of Christ” (Acts 13:39; Gal. 6:2).<br />3. The first is “the law of sin”; the other is “the Law of Righteousness” (Rom. 7:7­25; 8:1-4; 9:31).<br />4. The first is the “Law of the flesh”; the other is “the Law of the Spirit” (Rom. 7:5-6; 8:1-4; Gal. 5:16-26).<br />5. The first is “not of Faith”; the other is “the Law of Faith” (Rom. 3:27; Gal. 3:12).<br />6. The Old Covenant brought death, be­cause that’s all it could bring, while the New Covenant brings life (Rom. 8:1-4; II Cor. 3:6­18; Gal. 3:21; Heb. 9:15; 10:1-18).<br />7. The First Covenant demanded Righ­teousness, which man could not supply; the New Covenant gives Righteousness, actually the Righteousness of Christ to all who will simply believe (Lk. 10:28; Rom. 8:1-4; Gal. 3:1-29; 5:1-26).<br />8. The First Covenant was powerless to save from sin; the New Covenant saves to the uttermost (Heb. 7:11-28; 8:7-13; 9:9­28; 10:1-18).<br />9. The First Covenant had continuing Sac­rifices; the New Covenant which is based on better Promises, had only one Sacrifice, the Sacrifice of Christ which is eternally suffi­cient (Rom. 6:6-13; Heb. 9:9-14; 10:14).<br />10. The First Covenant had a sinful media­tor, the High Priest (Gal. 3:19); the New Cov­enant has a sinless Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ (I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:26; I Pet. 2:22).<br />11. The First Covenant was ratified by animal blood, which was woefully insufficient (Ex. 29:1-8; Heb. 9:16-22); the New Cov­enant is ratified by the Blood of Christ, which is totally sufficient (Mat. 26:28).<br />12. The First Covenant was based on per­formance, to which no one could subscribe; the New Covenant is based on Grace (Jn. 1:17; Rom. 3:24-31; Gal. 3:10-12; Eph. 2:8-9).<br />13. The First Covenant could not redeem, while the New Covenant can (Rom. 8:1-4; Gal. 3:10-14; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 7:25).<br />14. The First Covenant was too weak to overcome sin; the New Covenant gives vic­tory over sin (Rom. 6:1-23; 8:1-4; Eph. 2:8­9; I Jn. 5:1-18).<br />WAS ANYTHING OF THE OLD COVENANT BROUGHT OVER INTO THE NEW? </div><div align="justify">First of all, Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Covenant in totality, and that speaks of all Ceremonial Laws along with Rituals, which includes the Sacrifices, etc., and as well all the Commandments. The Scripture plainly says, “Having abolished in His flesh (the Cru­cifixion) the enmity (the law of bondage and death), even the law of commandments con­tained in ordinances. Blotting out (making void) the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross . . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body (or reality of those things were mere shad­ows) is of Christ” (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14-17). So the idea is, every single thing of the Old Law was fulfilled in Christ and done away; however, nine of the ten Commandments were actually reestablished in the New Cov­enant. Let’s see what the Scriptures say: We will place the Old Commandments on the left, which are all found in Exodus Chapter 20, and then immediately following where this is found in the New Testament: 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me: (Rom. 5:8; I Cor. Chpt. 13; I Jn. 3:1­4:21).<br />2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image: (Acts Chpt. 15; Rom. 2:22; I Cor. 5:10; 6:9-11; 8:1-10; 10:7, 19-28; II Cor. 6:16; Eph. 5:5; I Jn. 5:21).<br />3. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: (Acts 26:11; Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:8; Titus Chpt. 3).<br />4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy: This is not commanded in the New Covenant, of which we will say more mo­mentarily.<br />5. Honor thy father and thy mother: (Eph. 6:2-3; Col. 3:20; II Tim. 3:2).<br />6. Thou shalt not kill: (Rom. 13:9; I Pet. 4:15; I Jn. 3:15).<br />7. Thou shalt not commit adultery: (Rom. 2:22; 13:9; I Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19­21; Heb. 13:4; etc.).<br />8. Thou shalt not steal: (Rom. 2:21; 13:9; Eph. 4:28).<br />9. Thou shalt not bear false witness: (Rom. 13:9).<br />10. Thou shalt not covet: (Rom. 13:9; I Cor. 5:10-11; 6:9-11; etc.).<br />WHY WAS THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT, “REMEMBER THE SABBATH” LEFT OUT OF THE NEW COVENANT? </div><div align="justify">The Old Testament command to “remem­ber the Sabbath,” is not found anywhere in the New Covenant. If the Holy Spirit had wanted it to be a part of the New Covenant it was in His power to command that it be so, even as it was in the Old Covenant. But since the Spirit of God, Who gave the Word, did not require the fourth Commandment to be a part of the New Covenant, and since the New Covenant teaches that men are to be persuaded in their own minds as to what day they want to observe, it is folly to prac­tice that which the Lord does not demand. As well, the old Jewish Sabbath was a par­ticular “sign” and “token” of the Old Cov­enant between God and Israel (Ex. 16:23; 20:8; 31:13-18; Deut. 5:2-3; 29:13-15; I Chron. 16:17; II Chron. 5:10; Ezek. 20:12-20). The Old Covenant was one between God and the nation of Israel and it never was be­tween God and the Gentiles who were not a part of Israel. </div><div align="justify">HOW DO CHRISTIANS PRESENTLY KEEP THE SABBATH? </div><div align="justify">Under the Old Covenant, keeping the Sab­bath, along with Circumcision, were the standards of obedience to that Covenant. When Christ came, of which both the Sab­bath and Circumcision were types, follow­ing Him is now the same thing as keeping the Sabbath and engaging in Circumcision. The “Sabbath” represented the “rest” which Believers now have in Christ. In fact, the Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest. Sunday now is a day of worship, or at least it is referred to as such. This was not really the case with the Sabbath of old, it being entirely a day of rest. As such, it was meant to symbolize something, and that something was the “rest” which all find in Christ, once He is accepted as Saviour and Lord. In fact, there is no “rest” outside of Christ. Circumcision, on the other hand, is a type of the Cross. When the little baby boy was circumcised at eight days old, blood was shed, and separation was effected. This typifies the Blood that was shed by Christ at the Cross, which separates believing man from his sins, and which alone can separate believing man from his sins. Inasmuch as Christ has now come, for an individual to attempt to continue to keep the Sabbath, which, incidentally is Satur­day, or to circumcise their little baby boys, at least for any reason other than health rea­sons, is, in effect, a statement saying that Christ did not finish the work, and this sym­bolism needs to continue. In other words, such would be a gross insult to Christ. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">THE CROSS OF CHRIST<br />Christ is the Source of all things, and the Cross is the means by which all things come to us. The Law was meant to be temporal. It was meant in its every circumstance to point to Christ, and in every capacity. So, when Christ came, He fulfilled the Law in every respect, both in the keeping of its pre­cepts, and doing so perfectly, and also in sat­isfying its just claims upon man, because all men had broken the Law. On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus, Paul said, “has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one who hangs on a tree” (Gal. 3:13). That means that Christ satisfied the de­mands of the broken Law, and did so in ev­ery respect. It also means that the Sacrifi­cial System is no more; the Levitical Priest­hood is no more; all the rituals and ceremo­nies, which include the Sabbath and Circum­cision, are all done away with. They are no more! The Cross answered every single ques­tion, met every demand, and satisfied the Righteousness of God in every respect. In effect, when Christians presently try to keep the old Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, they are denying the Cross, which, in effect, means they are denying Christ. Nothing could be more serious than that! It’s cer­tainly not wrong to go to Church on a Sat­urday, or any other day; however, when that becomes an object of faith, even as it does with many, pure and simple, those engaged in such are committing sin by carrying out these things. While the world has ever been trying to invent another god, the Church, sadly and regrettably, has ever been trying to invent another sacrifice. Paul also said: “But this Man, after He had offered one Sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; “From henceforth expecting till His en­emies be made His footstool. “For by one Offering He has perfected for­ever them who are sanctified” (Heb. 10:12-14). This plainly tells us that the Cross is the basis of our Sanctification, and not the keep­ing of some ritual, such as the Sabbath, etc. </div><div align="justify">THE OBJECT OF FAITH<br />In all of this, it is Satan’s desire, in fact, his strong demand, that the Christian switch his Faith from Christ and the Cross to some­thing else. And, to be sure, the Evil One doesn’t really too much care what the some­thing else actually is. He doesn’t care how religious it is, or anything else, just so the object of faith is something other than the Cross. In fact, probably one could say, with­out fear of contradiction, that this is the great sin of the Church – the making of some­thing other than the Cross of Christ the ob­ject of their faith. We could go into detail as to why the Early Church didn’t keep the old Jewish Sabbath, which they most certainly did not. We could talk about how Sunday replaced Saturday. But the main reason for all of this is that which we have discussed. It is that Jesus satisfied all of that in His Life, living, and, above all, His Sacrificial, Atoning, Mediato­rial Death on the Cross of Calvary. As stated, Believers presently keep the Sabbath, which is the only way it can be kept, by placing their Faith exclusively in Christ and what He did at the Cross, all on our behalf, which affords a “rest for the people of God.” Also, as stated, this is what the old Jewish Sab­bath was all about. It was meant to serve as a Type of One Who was to come, and that One was, and is, the Lord Jesus Christ. One cannot truly find spiritual rest in keeping a particular day. It can only be found in Christ. So, this is the real reason that the early Christians gathered for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:17; 16:1-2; Heb. 10:25). It was to honor Christ and what He did for us at the Cross.<br />IF NINE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE IN THE NEW COVENANT, AND THEY DEFINITELY ARE, DOESN’T THIS PUT CHRISTIANS BACK INTO THE MODE OF LAW-KEEPING?<br />No! That is if it’s addressed correctly. Before we state how this should be addressed, please allow the following comments con­cerning Law. In fact, the Christian’s greatest problem is law. There are two reasons for that: 1. First of all, there is something in Chris­tians, even in the best of us, whomever that might be, which likes law. I speak of rules and regulations of any kind. Somehow, the attempt to keep these types of things make us feel holy or righteous, etc.<br />To prove my point, as I’ve already men­tioned in this Volume, if most Christians were to be asked as to what it means to be “in Christ,” or to be “close to God,” etc., most would think of the things they do, such as faithful Church attendance, etc. That brings us to the next point.<br />2. The doing of spiritual things makes Christians think that such constitutes “walk­ing after the Spirit,” etc. The Truth is, if we do these things, and depend on that to draw us closer to God, we’ve just entered into Law, whether we realize it or not. And that’s the second point; we engage in law, and we don’t even really know that it is law. While it’s not the Law of Moses, but rather laws we have devised ourselves, or others have devised, it is still law in the eyes of God, which negates the help of the Holy Spirit.<br />While it is true that nine of the Ten Com­mandments were brought over into the New Covenant, and while it is also true that such are incumbent upon all Believers, in order to address it correctly, we must understand the following: Even though we are under the New Cov­enant which is based on much better prom­ises, still, if we try to keep these Command­ments as we would normally think of doing such, we will not succeed. We must under­stand that these are moral Commandments, and as such, they cannot change. If it was wrong to steal 3,000 years ago, it’s wrong to steal presently. So most definitely, these Commandments, as stated, are incumbent upon all Believers. The following is the way it should be done: JESUS 1. Jesus has already kept all of these Com­mandments. He kept them in totality and in perfection. As well, He did it all on our behalf, simply because we could not do it for ourselves.<br />2. We as Believers are “in Christ,” and that means that the position of law-keeping has been awarded us, simply because of what Christ did on our behalf. In other words, God looks at me as a keeper of the law in every respect, and because of what Jesus has done on my behalf, and my Faith in that.<br />3. As a Believer, I am to understand that all that I have in Christ was made possible by what Jesus did on the Cross.<br />4. Understanding that, my Faith is to rest exclusively in the Finished Work of Christ.<br />5. When this is done, the Holy Spirit will then help the Believer be exactly what he should be. As we’ve said repeatedly, we must have the help of the Holy Spirit. He Alone can bring about in our lives what is needed. As well, He works exclusively within the pa­rameters of the great Sacrifice of Christ, meaning that He demands that we exhibit Faith at all times in the Cross of Christ.<br />6. As a Believer, I have a position in Christ, awarded to me because of what Christ did at the Cross on my behalf, and my Faith in that Finished Work.<br />7. Understanding all of this, I do not worry about keeping any type of Law whatsoever. In fact, even though the Law is very much alive, because of my being in Christ, I am “dead to the Law” (Rom. 7:4). As a Believer, it has no effect on me, because Christ has already kept it in totality, and as well, has suffered its penalty, all on my behalf. Consequently, my Faith in Christ and what He did for me at the Cross, which gives me the help and power of the Holy Spirit, will cause me to live the life I ought to live with all of the Commandments being kept, plus anything else that’s needed. As stated, it’s all done by the Spirit (Rom. 8:11).<br />8. Whenever the Believer starts trying to keep Commandments or to obey rules and regu­lations of some nature, he at that moment takes himself out from trust in the Cross, which as well stops the help of the Holy Spirit, which then demands failure. Actually, the entirety of the Seventh Chapter of Romans portrays Paul, although saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit, attempting to live the life he ought to live, but not being able to do so. He was trying to do it without Faith in the Cross, which denied the help of the Holy Spirit, which left him in a perilous situ­ation, even as it does all Believers who fol­low that course (Rom. Chpt. 7). However, it must be understood, that Paul at that time didn’t know and understand God’s prescribed order of victory, and neither did anyone else in the world of that day; however, the Holy Spirit explained to the Apostle what the Cross actually means to Believers, which Paul gave us in Romans, Chapters 6 and 8. 9. What do we mean by the “Law” not being dead? As stated, Believers are dead to the Law, but the Law itself is not dead, meaning that it is very active. However, it being active has no effect on me whatsoever, as long as I un­derstand that Christ has already satisfied its demands, and that my being in Him guar­antees me all that He is, which refers to to­tal victory. Consequently, the Law has no effect on such a person. However, if the Believer ever attempts to try to keep law, whether it’s a law of his own making, or whatever, he will find out very quickly that the law is very much alive. The first thing that happens is this: </div><div align="justify">REBELLION<br />A. The very idea of the Believer switching his Faith from Christ and what Christ did for us at the Cross, to something else, automati­cally constitutes sin. In fact, the Christian trusting in anything other than the Cross, constitutes the highest form of rebellion. When this happens, the Believer has just put himself under law, simply because there’s no other place to go if one moves his Faith to other things. And please understand, Satan is very subtle in all of this. The “other things” to where we move our Faith, are generally very spiritual things, which makes us think that everything is as it should be; however, to be sure, if it’s Faith in anything other than the Cross, of necessity, and no matter what those things might be, it all must come un­der the Judgment of God. B. The greatest struggle for the Believer is to keep his Faith anchored in the Cross of Christ. The temptation is ever strong for it to be moved elsewhere. And to be sure, Sa­tan does his best work inside the Church. This means that fellow Christians will oftentimes attempt to lure you away, but to do so, is re­bellion against God, which puts the Believer under Law, and which can only bring spiri­tual catastrophe. And regrettably, because of not knowing and understanding the great Truth of the Cross, that’s where most Believ­ers presently are — under Law! And it should be quickly said, if the Believer doesn’t under­stand the Cross, and almost none do, there there’s no place else to go but law. (7) “FOR IF THAT FIRST COVENANT HAD BEEN FAULTLESS, THEN SHOULD NO PLACE HAVE BEEN SOUGHT FOR THE SECOND.” The exposition is: 1. The First Covenant served its purpose, which was to point to the coming Messiah.<br />2. It could not properly atone for sin, therefore, it was faulty.<br />3. Jesus Christ in His Substitutionary Atonement was and is the answer to lost hu­manity, and in fact, was ever planned by the Godhead to be the answer (I Pet. 1:18-20).<br />THE FIRST COVENANT<br />The phrase, “For if that first Covenant had been faultless,” proclaims the fact that the First Covenant definitely was not faultless. In fact, it was faulty in every manner of its operation: 1. The Priests were human, therefore, faulty. Christ, while becoming human, was also God and, therefore, Perfect.<br />2. The sacrifices of animal blood could not take away sin. The Sacrifice of Christ took away all sin.<br />3. The animal sacrifices had to continue to be offered, whereas the Sacrifice of Christ was only once, and because that was all that was necessary.<br />4. The High Priests of the old system could only bring people to God dimly. By contrast, Jesus opened up the way in totality for humanity to come into the very Holy of Holies (Heb. 4:16). 5. The High Priesthood of the old system was ever changing, because of the mortality of the Priests, while Christ ever liveth (Heb. 7:25). Had that First Covenant been perfect, it would never have been set to one side and a New Covenant brought in. But because of its imperfection on account of the weakness and frailty of the flesh, God had declared long before the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world that a New Covenant was to be consummated with Israel and Judah. </div><div align="justify">A FAULTY COVENANT?<br />Let not the Reader think that Paul is claiming that the First Covenant was faulty as it regarded the design of the Lord. In fact, the Lord has never made anything faulty of imperfect. For what it was designed to do, it was perfect in that respect; however, the idea of this is, that it was not designed to take away sin, or to provide a foundation of Grace on which the believing sinner could stand, and thereby be justified by Faith. The First Covenant did exactly what the Lord designed it to do, and did so admira­bly! It was actually only meant to be a pre­paratory Covenant, and that it was in detail, ever pointing a finger at the Second Cov­enant which was to come. </div><div align="justify">THE SECOND COVENANT<br />The phrase, “Then should no place have been sought for the Second,” proclaims the necessity of the New Covenant. The New Covenant, or as Paul refers to it here as the “Second,” was ever in the Mind of God from the very beginning (I Pet. 1:18-20). In essence, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle is saying, that it should be obvious that the First Covenant was inadequate, and in more ways than one. The idea is, how in the world could these Christian Jews, who had in fact, “tasted of the Heavenly Gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,” even remotely consider forsaking the “Second” for the “First”? (8) “FOR FINDING FAULT WITH THEM, HE SAITH, BEHOLD, THE DAYS COME, SAITH THE LORD, WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH:” The exegesis is: 1. The pronoun “them” refers to the fact that God is speaking here of the Israelites, and not the Covenant itself. The true cause of fail­ure lay in the character of the people, not in the Law, which was holy, righteous, and good.<br />2. Paul quotes from Jeremiah 31:31-34.<br />3. The New Covenant was with the Houses of both Israel and Judah, and that because of the Promises.<br />FAULT </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “For finding fault with them,” presents a subtle delicacy of language in the insensible shifting from the Covenant to the people. As we’ve already stated, the fault wasn’t actually in the Covenant per se as we would think of such. It was faulty in the sense that it could not take away sin; however, it was never designed in the first place to take away sin. Actually, it could not function in this capacity, due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats is woefully insufficient. Going back to the phrase, “Finding fault with them,” the First Covenant was actually designed to glaringly portray the fault of the people. It was somewhat like a poultice which pulls corruption to the surface. The fact of the corruption is not the fault of the poultice. The medicine only drew to the surface what was already there; and so it was with the Law. It drew to the surface what was already in the hearts of people, and we speak of the ugliness of sin. However, it had no power to cleanse from sin or to destroy the power of sin. So it was faulty in that respect, but not according to the design of God, but only because it was designed in that fashion. While a pickup truck can definitely haul some things, it definitely cannot haul the giant load that a dump truck can haul. It was not designed to do that; likewise, the Law wasn’t designed by God to redeem hu­manity. But what it was designed to do, it carried out and functioned perfectly. </div><div align="justify">THE DAY IS COMING </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,” now presents Paul quoting from Jeremiah 31:31-34. It is an astute move. He puts the Jewish recipients of this Letter in the place where they will have to accept the New Testament and the Testimony of their own Prophet to the effect that God would bring in a New Testament, or, if they reject the New Testament, they will be forced to reject their own Prophet. Thus does Paul build his argu­ment upon the Old Testament Scriptures, even as he was very oft to do — the very Word of God his Readers professed to believe (Wuest). </div><div align="justify">A NEW COVENANT<br />The phrase, “When I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah,” proclaims the North­ern Kingdom which was Israel, and the South­ern Kingdom, which was Judah. Israel broke apart and was divided during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. The North­ern Kingdom consisted of some nine Tribes, and called itself Israel, while the Southern Kingdom consisted of Judah, which was the largest Tribe of all, and Benjamin, as well as Levi. Also, Simeon had its inheritance within the borders of Judah, so would re­main with the Southern Kingdom. This was the beginning of 260 years of di­vision and strife between the two nations of Israel. Wars, bloodshed, and intrigue became the program of a once united and Godly people. God’s plan for a united nation being a bless­ing to all other nations of the Earth had now come to a definite standstill and both King­doms faced ruin and dispersion among the Gentiles, which would ultimately come to pass for both Kingdoms. </div><div align="justify">ISRAEL, THE CHOSEN CHANNEL </div><div align="justify">It is important to note that the New Tes­tament is actually not Christianity. This means that the Book of Hebrews is not an argument the purpose of which is to prove that Christianity is superior to Judaism as seen in its Founder, the Lord Jesus Christ. The First Testament (Old Covenant) was a Covenant made with Israel. The New Testa­ment (New Covenant) is also a Covenant made with Israel. In fact, God made no Covenants with the Gentiles. Israel is the chosen chan­nel through which He brings Salvation to the human race. The First Testament consisted of a sys­tem of Sacrifices, symbolic in their import. The New Testament is as well, a Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus at the Cross, actual in its charac­ter, and efficacious (effective) in its merits. The First Testament, one might say, be­gan at Genesis 3:21, and ended at the Cross. The New Testament began at the Cross and is an everlasting one (Heb. 13:20). Christianity refers to the Mystical Body of Christ of which He is the Head. This Body is composed of all who are saved from Pen­tecost to the Rapture. The New Testament actually made Christianity possible. The Saints of the Church Age are saved through the Blood of the Sacrifice which was offered under the New Testament. This is the relationship between the New Testament and Christianity (Wuest). It was intended by God that Israel would be the recipient of the New Covenant and thereby, be a channel through which the en­tirety of the Gentile world could be saved, at least those who would believe, which would actually be a fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12:1-3). Sadly and regrettably, Israel rejected the Covenant and thereby destroyed themselves; however, this in no way negated the Covenant. The door remains open to all, both Jews and Gentiles. Due to the fact that most of the Jews have rejected the Covenant, the Church thereby is made up almost altogether of Gentiles. The idea is, Israel’s rejection of the Cov­enant in no way destroyed the Covenant, even though it did delay the total advent of the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus proclaimed in Matthew, Chapter 24. Nevertheless, there will come an hour, when Israel will accept the Covenant in totality, and that hour is not so far off. Then Israel will no longer be divided, thereby one again, and will serve the pur­pose for which God originally intended. This will be in the coming Kingdom Age. </div><div align="justify">NEW<br />The word “New,” as in “New Covenant,” establishes the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures, for on that one word occurring once (Jer. 31:31) is based the whole of the argument of this Chapter. God said He would do it some 600 years before Christ, and that’s exactly what He did!<br />(9) “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, SAITH THE LORD.” The structure is:<br />1. The New Covenant is far different from the Old Covenant in nature and contents.<br />2. To “take them by the hand” refers to the immaturity of the people.<br />3. Israel refused to obey the Covenant made by God.<br />4. Because of disobedience, even willful disobedience, the Lord allowed them to be made captives of heathen nations.<br />THE NEW COVENANT TOTALLY UNLIKE THE OLD<br />The phrase, “Not according to the Cov­enant that I made with their fathers,” refers to the Law of Moses, which was given some 50 days after they were delivered from Egypt. The word “Covenant” as used here, means “to place between two.” Thus, a Covenant is something placed between two, an ar­rangement between two parties. Paul uses the same word in Hebrews 9:16­20 where the meaning of the word is that of a testament in the sense of a last will or tes­tament, the legal instrument by which some­thing is bequeathed to someone. Thus, the words “Covenant” or “Testament” refer in this Epistle to one thing, the Act of God providing for the Salvation of the believing sinner through the Blood Atonement offered on Calvary’s Cross by the Lord Jesus. It is a Covenant in the sense that it is an agreement on God’s part that He will give Salvation to the sinner who will receive it by Faith in the High Priest He has appointed. It is a Last Will or Testament in the sense that God bequeaths Salvation to the sinner who will receive it on the terms of the will, Faith in the Blood of Jesus. Christ, the Divine Tes­tator, dies to make the will effective (Wuest). The First Covenant pointed constantly to the New Covenant, which could bring about this great Salvation, which in fact, it (the First Covenant) could not bring about. A MINOR The phrase, “In the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt,” speaks to the immaturity of Israel; consequently, she was treated as a minor. Paul addressed this very thing when he said, “Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; “But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father” (Gal. 4:1-2). As a result, God put the nation under laws and regulations. If Israel behaved itself, it was rewarded, and if it misbehaved, it was punished. Israel was taught by object les­sons as one would teach a child; for instance, the Tabernacle, Priesthood, Offerings, the gorgeous vestments of the High Priest, etc. Under this Covenant, the Believer and Is­rael were declared righteous (Gal. 3:6), that is, if they properly exhibited Faith in Whom the Sacrifices represented, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ. Men have always been saved the same way, and that’s by Faith. Long before the Law, God gave to Abraham the Covenant of Faith (Gen. 15:6). This and this alone was the way of Salvation. However, Israel inverted the process, mak­ing Faith subservient to the Law, instead of the Law subservient to Faith. In other words, they tried to make Salvation out of keeping the Law, which they could not do to begin with; nevertheless, there were some in Israel who evidenced Faith in God, just as the Lord had told Abraham that man must do, and were definitely saved. But regrettably, that number was few! But again we state, under the Old Cov­enant, even for those who evidenced true Faith, the Believer was treated by the Lord as a child, and for many reasons. The Old Cov­enant was very limited in what it could do, which especially centered up in the fact, that even though the Holy Spirit could definitely help all Israelites who evidenced Faith, He could not dwell in them, as He would do after the Cross (Jn. 14:17). The Holy Spirit could not come in to abide forever in Believers before the Cross, because the sin debt had not yet been paid, and was, therefore, still attached to each individual, and would not be paid until the Cross. The blood of bulls and goats simply could not take away this debt (Heb. 10:4). Due to that fact, only so much progres­sion could be made, hence the immaturity of Israel under the Old Covenant. </div><div align="justify">THE DISOBEDIENCE OF ISRAEL<br />The phrase, “Because they continued not in My Covenant,” presents the obvious, Is­rael abandoning the Ways of the Lord. When Israel failed to be true to the Cov­enant, God’s solicitude and concern for His chosen people gave place to one of righteous indignation, which attitude culminated with the captivities. How serious was Israel’s de­fection is seen in the words that Delitzsch quotes from Schelling: “The Law appears to be the mere ideal of a religious constitution, as far as Israel was concerned. The Jews for the most part, con­ducted themselves as if it never existed. In practice, they were almost throughout poly­theists (worshippers of many gods). The sub­stance of their national feeling was formed by heathendom: the accidents only (going to the right way by accident) by Revelation. From the queen of Heaven down to the abominations of the Phoenicians, and even Cybele, the Jews passed through every grade of paganism.” Delitzsch adds, “In fact, there is no pe­riod in the history of Israel before the cap­tivity, in which more or less idolatry was not united with the worship of Jehovah, ex­cept the time of David and the first years of Solomon, during which times the influence of Samuel still continued to be felt. And when by the captivity into Babylon, idol-worship was completely eradicated from the people, as far at least as regards that part of Israel which returned, it is well-known that a hypocritical letter-worship (they worshiped the letter of the Law, instead of God Who gave it) got the mastery over them, which was morally very little better.” </div><div align="justify">CONTINUE<br />“Continue” in the Greek is “emmeno,” and means, “to persevere, to hold fast, to be true to, abide by.” Jesus said the very same thing in His day to those Jews who believed on Him: “If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My Disciples indeed” (Jn. 8:31). As should be obvious, this one word “con­tinue” shoots down the fallacious theory of “unconditional eternal security.” The idea is, it’s not the one who begins the race, but the one who ends the race. While the Lord will never throw anyone over because of fail­ure, they will in effect throw themselves over, if they fail to continue in the Word of God, which in effect, means to keep believing. In fact, the entirety of this Book of Hebrews deals with this very thing. Paul is writing to Christian Jews, which of course refers to Jews who had accepted Christ as their Lord and their Saviour, but were now very seriously considering abandoning Christ, and going back into ritual worship. The Apostle, on which we have already com­mented, told them that if they did this thing, continuing to repudiate Christ, it would be impossible to “renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to them­selves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6). Actually, there is no way that one can read the Bible, which includes the history of the Jews, as well as the New Covenant to the Church, and honestly continue to believe in the doctrine of unconditional eternal secu­rity. The evidence is so overwhelming oth­erwise, even as we are studying here, that it is irrefutable. The Reader should always re­member the following: If a Biblical Doctrine is correct, it will al­ways fall out to the betterment of one’s char­acter. Otherwise, it will fall out to the detri­ment of one’s character. The doctrine of un­conditional eternal security in no way betters the character of any individual, but in fact, does the very opposite. There are untold mil­lions at present, who claim Salvation, whose lives are ungodly, and actually getting more ungodly by each passing day, with these indi­viduals making no effort to have the situa­tion changed, because they believe the lie of “unconditional eternal security.” As should be obvious, the character of such a person defi­nitely is not improving, with this doctrine at least being partially to blame. <br />Now that doesn’t mean that everyone who believes in unconditional eternal security falls into such a category, but it does definitely pertain to most, I think! </div><div align="justify">REJECTION<br />The phrase, “I regarded them not, saith the Lord,” refers to the fact of Israel rejecting God’s Covenant, so God rejected them. God would reject them as His people, and give new laws better adapted to save men. Instead of regarding and treating them as His friends, which He longingly desired to do, because of their rejection of His Covenant, He would have no alternative but to punish them for their offenses, and visit them with calamities. From this, we also learn that God guides everything as it regards His children. And let not the modern Believer think that just because we’re living in the age of Grace, that the principle of obedience and disobedience no longer holds true. The Truth is, God has always blessed for obedience, and has always rejected Believers in some fashion, because of disobedience. It cannot be otherwise! And what do we exactly mean by “bless­ing” or “rejection”? Blessing covers every aspect of individual needs, be they physical, material, financial, domestical, but above all spiritual. Rejection means that God withholds these blessings. However, we must understand, that “bless­ing” does not mean that one is exempt from all difficulties and problems. The Scripture plainly says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Ps. 34:19). Using Paul as an example, as is known, he suffered severe persecution; however, such defi­nitely was not allowed by God because of fail­ing on Paul’s part or disobedience in any man­ner, but rather for other reasons altogether. </div><div align="justify">REASONS?<br />Some Christians have the idea that the Blessings of God refer to a lot of money and no problems. While that certainly may be the case at times, it is not the case most of the time. The greatest blessings of all are Spiritual Blessings, which refers to the Holy Spirit drawing one closer to God. Nothing could be greater than that! But there’s some­thing else we need to look at, continuing to use Paul as an example. As stated, it should be obvious that Paul did not suffer the extreme persecution which he in fact did suffer, because of sin in his life or disobedience of any nature. Knowing that nothing can happen to a Believer but that the Lord causes it or allows it, we know that the Lord allowed the persecution that came Paul’s way. Why? I think Paul himself answered the ques­tion when he said, “Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buf­fet me,” and then he says again, “lest I should be exalted above measure” (II Cor. 12:7). Pride is a great problem in all of us, even in the great Paul. Perhaps there are other ways of the Lord combating this problem in some of us, but I think that in most of us, it requires this, at least in some measure, which the Lord allowed regarding Paul. Such per­secution keeps an individual humble, keeps them praying, and keeps them trusting God. That being the case, what I’m about to say, although seldom said, yet I believe to be true. </div><div align="justify">BLESSINGS? </div><div align="justify">If in fact, nothing can happen to a Be­liever but that the Lord causes it or allows it, which we know to be true, and if in fact such similar problems come upon us and not because of sin or disobedience, then we must conclude these things as well as “Blessings.” The idea is, anything that will keep us trust­ing the Lord, or will draw us closer to God, can only be construed as Blessing. I realize it’s difficult for us to think of such as “Bless­ings,” but they definitely are! Even if we have sinned or disobeyed the Lord, with the problem continuing long enough that it would require chastisement from the Lord, even acute chastisement, that as well, can be construed as none other than Blessing, and of course, I speak of chastise­ment. No sin or disobedience could ever be looked at as Blessing in any capacity; how­ever, the chastisement from the Lord which brings us back to God, or one might say, back to the right way, is definitely a Blessing. Israel’s situation was somewhat different. The Lord had chastised them in many and var­ied ways, all to no avail. So their rejection of His Covenant was not a momentary lapse, but rather a wholesale turnabout. In other words, they in effect told the Lord that they no longer desired Him, that they rather desired to wor­ship idols. That is when God rejected them. It must be understood, that God will not re­ject any individual until that individual rejects Him. In fact, that’s exactly what was happen­ing to some of the Christian Jews of Paul’s day. They were on the verge of rejecting Christ, and which some of them had already done so. (10) “FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAITH THE LORD; I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MIND, AND WRITE THEM IN THEIR HEARTS: I WILL BE TO THEM A GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE TO ME A PEOPLE:” The composition is:<br />1. The Covenant mentioned here is the “New Covenant.”<br />2. “After those days,” refers to the time of the Old Covenant.<br />3. Whereas the Old Covenant dealt with externals, the New Covenant deals with the mind and the heart, which is the only man­ner in which a person can actually be changed.<br />4. Only in this fashion can there be a proper relationship.<br />THE NEW COVENANT<br />The phrase, “For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel,” refers as stated, to the “New Covenant,” under which we presently live, and in fact, which will last forever (Heb. 13:20). The Lord’s Supper which presents the em­blems of the New Covenant was definitely made with the House of Israel, because it was to these people that the promises were given. But as stated, the religious leaders of Israel rejected the Covenant and rejected the Giver of the Covenant, actually crucifying Him. They were so Biblically confused, that they thought by crucifying Him, such would prove to the people of Israel that He was an im­poster; however, they only succeeded in rati­fying the Covenant, which the Crucifixion was meant to do. It was predestined that Christ would go to the Cross, that being the way that the Justice of God would be satisfied and man thereby re­deemed, with all of this planned from before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20); nevertheless, God definitely did not coerce the religious leaders of Israel into doing this ter­rible thing, that being by their own volition. Of course, God knowing all things, past, present, and future, knew what they would do. But again, I emphasize that even though it definitely was predestined that Christ would go to the Cross, it was not predestined that Israel would be the ones to put Him there. They did that of their own volition. CHRISTIANS<br />Every evidence is, that God had always in­tended for the Gospel to go to the entirety of the world, which of course refers to both Jews and Gentiles. He plainly said this through the Revelation given to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). And He intended for Israel to be the leading people in World Evangelism. In Truth, even though the nation of Israel re­jected Christ as a whole, it definitely was Jew­ish Apostles and Preachers who helped found the Church, with Christ at its head. As well, the Lord looks at all Believers now, both Jews and Gentiles, as Spiritual Israel. Paul said: “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: “Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” He then said, “The children of the Prom­ise are counted for the seed,” which refers to all Born-Again Believers, Jews or Gentiles, who have accepted the Lord by Faith, ex­actly as did Abraham (Rom. 9:6-8). The Apostle then said, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Rom. 2:28-29). AFTER THE OLD COVENANT<br />The phrase, “After those days, saith the Lord,” refers to the Old Covenant having run NOTES<br />its course, which it did at the time of the Cross, with the New Covenant taking its place. At the time that Jeremiah uttered these words (Jer. 31:31-34), the Holy Spirit turned the eyes of the Prophet from the present con­ditions, to the future, but at that time did not locate it with any precision. The re­peated “saith” or “declares the Lord,” keeps before the Reader the Truth that a Divine and not a human act is in mind. At the time the Prophet uttered these words, Judah was in sad shape indeed! The nation was on the very brink of disaster, but despite that fact, would not heed the words of the Prophet, and if anything, they increased their rebellion against God. The Prophet, knowing what was coming, was destitute of spirit. Where will this leave the Work of God? What about the Promises of the coming Messiah? In this terrible time, which in fact did end with total destruction of Judah, with the Temple being totally and completely razed to the ground, with most of the people led away into captivity, the Lord would strike a note of prophetic tones in the heart of Jeremiah, pro­claiming the coming of a glad day. In other words, He was telling the Prophet, that this which He has planned, and we speak of the coming of the Messiah, would not be hin­dered by the terrible state of Judah. </div><div align="justify">THE NEW COVENANT<br />The phrase, “I will put My Laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts,” pro­claims in abbreviated detail, the glorious fact of what the New Covenant would do. Three Blessings are contained in this Bet­ter Covenant. They are: 1. Sanctification, which is proclaimed in this Verse: This is done by the Holy Spirit, and can only be done by the Holy Spirit. As a result of the Cross which paid the terrible sin debt, man could now be “Justified by Faith” in practice, as he had been previously in theory. Due to this legal work being car­ried out in the heart and life of all Believers, and because of the great Work of the Cross, the Holy Spirit could now come into the heart and life of the Believer to abide forever, which He couldn’t do before the Cross (Jn. 14:17).<br />2. The Knowledge of God, as proclaimed in Verse 11: Once again, this can only come about<br />by the Work of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. I think it can be said without fear of con­tradiction or exaggeration, that the weakest Saint at present, has a greater knowledge of God, even than the Prophets of old as it re­gards the Old Testament. In fact, I think that Jesus addressed this when He said, “Ver­ily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he” (Mat. 11:11). What did Jesus mean by the word “greater”? He wasn’t meaning greater in the realm of character or even Godliness. He meant greater in the realm of privileges, due to the New Covenant, which John the Baptist or no other Old Testament Saint were privileged to have. While it is true that the Holy Spirit helped them in those times, and while it’s true that God used many of them greatly, even in a far greater way than most New Testament Saints, but as far as their actual knowledge of God was concerned, which demanded relationship, they actually couldn’t have such to the de­gree as New Testament Saints, due to the fact that the Holy Spirit abides within us presently, and does so on a continual basis. That is the basic difference. 3. The removal of the sin debt as men­tioned in Verse 12: While sins were definitely forgiven in Old Testament Times, the sin debt which man owed to God was not removed, because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins. This within itself carries a wealth of meaning, which we will address more fully in commentary on Hebrews 10:4. ALL MADE POSSIBLE BY THE CROSS Everything we have in the New Covenant was made possible by the great Sacrifice of Christ. This means, that the very meaning of the New Covenant is the meaning of the Cross, in other words, what the Cross pro­vided for us. That’s the reason we refer to it as the centrality of the Gospel. The Cross is really not a doctrine. It is rather the foundation on which all Doctrine is built, that is if it’s correct Doctrine. Any­thing that’s incorrect or we might say, unscriptural, is that which doesn’t have the Cross as its foundation. Everything that man needed, man within himself was helpless to supply. So if man was to have these things, and we speak of Justification by Faith, and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, among other things too nu­merous to mention, God would have to pro­vide it for man, which He did at the Cross. Now what we’ve said is very important. Due to the fact that the Cross was in the Mind of God from before the foundation of the world (I Pet. 1:18-20), we know the Cross was the only way this thing could be done, or at least the best way. The Cross tells us how bad the situation with man actually was, and at the same time, how good that God is. Salvation for the sinner comes exclusively through what Christ did at the Cross, and victory for the Saint comes in the same way. Most Christians understand the first part, but they don’t understand the latter. As a re­sult, most Christians live in defeat of one kind or the other. To approach a great subject in a very ab­breviated way, the way to perpetual victory in the Lord, is according to the following: 1. The Believer must ever understand that all things in totality come through the Cross of Christ. This is the Source of all blessings, all help, all strength, and all power (I Cor. 1:18, 23; 2:2).<br />2. Understanding that, the Believer is to constantly exhibit Faith in that Finished Work. This is very, very important. So im­portant that I must say it again:<br />The Saint of God must ever have the Cross of Christ as the object of his Faith (Gal. 6:14).<br />3. When this is done, and continues to be done, the Holy Spirit Who resides in the heart and life of the Saint, will then use His mighty power to guarantee for the Saint all the ben­efits of the Cross (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). The Holy Spirit will not work outside of the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ; consequently, to have His help, which we absolutely must have, He demands that we ever have Faith in the Cross of Christ (Rom. 8:1-2, 11).<br />RELATIONSHIP<br />The phrase, “And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people,” refers to relationship under the New Covenant that was not possible under the Old Covenant. As repeatedly stated, all of this was and is made possible by the Cross of Christ, and one’s Faith in the Cross. This last phrase of Verse 10 is very similar to the old way which said, “I will take you as My Own people, and I will be your God” (Ex. 6:7). So, what is the Holy Spirit through Paul saying differently here in Verse 10, than He said in Exodus? The idea pertains to Revelation. “I will be your God” acquires fuller meaning with every further Revelation of the Character of God. The Life, Death, Resurrection, Ascen­sion, and Exaltation of Jesus mean that God has acted decisively to save a people. The God Who saves people in Christ is the God of His Redeemed in a new and definitive way. When people have been saved at the awful cost of Calvary, they are the people of God in a way never before known, as should be ob­vious, and should be understood. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “VICTORY” AS IT PERTAINS TO THE CHILD OF GOD? </div><div align="justify">To answer that question, we would have to go back to the phrase, “I will put My Laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” We know as Believers under the New Cov­enant, that we are “dead to the law by the body (Crucifixion) of Christ” (Rom. 7:4). So, what was Paul talking about regarding the “Law” in Verse 10, which is actually the moral Law that’s found in Exodus Chapter 20? To cut straight through to the chase, Jesus has already perfectly kept the Law, as well as taking its terrible penalty, all on our behalf, which fulfills Romans 7:4, as it regards us being “dead to the Law.” It means that it doesn’t have a claim on us anymore, because all claims were satisfied in Christ. However, at the same time, it is in our mind and heart to keep the moral Law, in fact, now more than ever. But it’s how that we keep it which decides whether we walk in victory or not. Every single Christian in the world has vic­tory, because Christ has victory, and we are in Christ; however, all Christians are not walking in victory, even though they do have victory. That may seem like a play on words, but please believe me it’s not! So the great ques­tion, if I have victory, why is it that I’m not walking in victory? Again let’s cut to the chase: <br />Even though every single Christian has vic­tory, if their Faith is not anchored squarely in the Cross of Christ, understanding that this is the Source of all blessing and victory, then they cannot walk in victory. It’s just that simple! And when we speak of having Faith in the Cross of Christ, this refers to far more than giving a mere nod toward the Cross. One must understand that the Cross of Christ is as we have stated, the very central­ity of the Gospel. In other words, the Holy Spirit has to reveal the great significance of the Cross to each Believer, which He most definitely will do, if the individual exhibits proper Faith in that direction. Again we state, while “walking after the Spirit,” is the way to victory, one’s Faith in the Cross is the victory. The Believer must never allow himself to be maneuvered by Satan into believing that his victory is in not doing certain wrong things. If that is the case, his Faith will be on himself instead of on Christ, which will only make a bad matter worse. My victory is in the Cross of Christ, irrespective of what else might happen. And to be sure, if my Faith remains in the Cross as it should, the lapses and fail­ures will be less and less, and ultimately, “sin will not have dominion over me” (Rom. 6:14). (11) “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.” The structure is:<br />1. Under the New Covenant, the Word of God is far more easily understood.<br />2. The Passage is not meaning that Teach­ers are not needed, but rather not needed in the capacity as under the Old Covenant.<br />3. The Priesthood and the Scribes were the privileged few under the Old Law, with there being no such distinctions under the New Cov­enant. The Word of God is now open to all.<br />KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD<br />The phrase, “And they shall not teach ev­ery man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord,” refers to the constant need of such which prevailed un­der the Old Covenant. Under the Old Cov­enant, none but the educated Scribe could understand the details of the Law. The elabo­rate ritual made it impossible for the private individual to know whether a ram or a pigeon was the appropriate sacrifice for his sin, etc. In fact, a Priest had to be consulted. Under the New Covenant intermediates are abolished. Due to the advent of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and lives of all Believers under the New Covenant, and especially con­sidering the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher actually abides within the heart and life of every Believer. As well, considering the present prolifera­tion of the Word of God, which was not at all accessible under the Old Covenant, except to a privileged few, there is no excuse pres­ently for any Believer not knowing and un­derstanding the Word of God. And yet, so few Believers take advantage of this greatest opportunity afforded mankind. However, let not the Reader think that this Passage means that God-called Teachers aren’t necessary. Such would be a contra­diction of the Word of God (Eph. 4:11). The idea is, that Teachers are not needed pres­ently near the degree they were needed un­der the Old Covenant. </div><div align="justify">THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES ALL EQUAL </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “For all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest,” presents the fact that the Holy Spirit will teach the Word to any and every convert, just as much as He does one who is an Apostle, etc. That was not so under the Old Covenant! Once again this does not negate the value of Teachers of the Word, but only infers that the Holy Spirit is available to all Believers. In fact, one of the greatest works of the Holy Spirit is to help Believers, whomever they might be, to understand the Word (Ps. 119:102, 105, 108; I Cor. 2:9-10). Again, I emphasize the fallacy of every Believer not taking advantage of learning the Word of God, which is the greatest educa­tion one could ever have, and as well, the only Lamp and Light in the world today. </div><div align="justify">COMING KINGDOM AGE </div><div align="justify">The total and absolute fulfillment of these Passages, at least as it pertains to Israel, will take place only in the coming Millennium. Under the New Testament, Israel in the Mil­lennium, its individual members cleansed in the fountain filled with blood through the sovereign Grace of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit Who will both sanctify and teach the individual (Zech. 12:10-13:6), will have no need of any intermediate between the indi­vidual Believer and God. At that time, and for many and varied reasons, the tremendous restrictions Israel experienced under the Old Covenant, will be no more. Equipped with the great Teacher, the Holy Spirit, all, from the least to the greatest among them, shall have a personal, direct relationship to God. While there will be Priests offering Sacri­fices at that time, yet the people will be on a level with the Priests of Israel so far as their understanding of God and His Word is con­cerned. This knowledge of God will be with­out any distinction of age or station in life. As well, the Reader should understand, that Sacrifices then offered, which they defi­nitely shall be (Ezek., Chpts. 40-47), will be carried out only as a memorial. They will not be meant to take away sin, and in fact, never could take away sin. (12) “FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I RE­MEMBER NO MORE.” The exegesis is:<br />1. Due to the Cross, the Mercy of God is far more available under the New Covenant than it was under the Old.<br />2. The Cross made it possible for all sin to be taken away, thereby remembered no more.<br />3. As should be obvious, all of this, plus everything which comes from God, is made possible by the Cross.<br />MERCY<br />The phrase, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,” proclaims unlimited Mercy, but it’s predicated on two things: 1. The Cross made it possible for the Mercy of God to be extended to man in a greater way than ever. In fact, God is no more merciful now than He was under the Old Covenant. The idea is, the Cross made it possible for Mercy to be tendered in unlimited quantities. It is the same with the Grace of God. All are made possible by the Cross. The Believer must understand this, which is really the bedrock of his Faith. To any de­gree that this is not understood, and I speak of the Cross being the Source of all things from God, to that degree the Believer will suffer loss. 2. Mercy is extended only to those who ex­hibit Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. In fact, it cannot be extended to those who con­tinue in rebellion against God, especially those who deny the Finished Work of Christ. God has always required Faith, and there will never be a time that He doesn’t require Faith; how­ever, the Faith which He requires, is always and without exception, Faith in the great Sac­rifice of Christ, which was carried out at great price, and which makes all things possible. </div><div align="justify">ALL SINS TAKEN AWAY<br />The phrase, “And their sins and their in­iquities will I remember no more,” refers to the fact, that due to the Cross, such no longer exists. As it refers to the Old Covenant, and due to the fact that the Sacrifice of animals could not actually take away sins (Heb. 10:4), the sin debt still hung over the heads of men. This refers to man’s crimes against God. While unredeemed man doesn’t under­stand that he’s constantly sinning against God, i.e., “committing crimes against God,” this nevertheless is what is happening. God’s Standard of Righteousness was and is the Ten Commandments. Man is constantly break­ing those Commandments, which is the cause of all the problems in the world. And whether man realizes it or not, these crimes are di­rected against God, because it’s God’s Stan­dard as the Creator which has been broken, and in fact, is constantly being broken. The penalty for that is death (Rom. 6:23). And the type of death of which this speaks is spiri­tual death, which happened to Adam and Eve upon their failure in the Garden of Eden. Due to the fact that every human being who would ever live, was in effect in Adam’s loins, this one act by Adam doomed the human race. When a baby is born into the world, it is born in original sin, actually made that way by the failure of the first parent. In this fallen, depraved condition, it can do nothing but come short of the Glory of God. As we’ve previously stated, unredeemed man might conclude that such a condition is not his fault, that is if he thinks about it at all. If he goes far enough in his thinking, he might also conclude that God is not fair in punishing him for something over which he had no control, that is if he believes there is a God. Whatever the conclusions, unre­deemed man being spiritually dead, it is im­possible for him to have any correct thoughts about God or what God does, etc. First of all, God is not unfair in anything He has ever done. In fact, God is love. And by that statement, we mean that He is far more than merely having love, but in fact, is love. Actually, if one wants to know Who God is, and What God is, and How God is, one need only look at Jesus Christ Who was the Per­fect replica of the Father. When Philip said to Christ, “Lord, show us the Father . . . Jesus said unto him, ‘Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father’” (Jn. 14:8-9). So, even though Satan has been very suc­cessful at painting God as some type of venge­ful monster, the Truth is, He is the very op­posite. It is Satan who is the monster. </div><div align="justify">THE CROSS, GOD’S SOLUTION TO MAN’S DILEMMA<br />While it is true that man would be eter­nally lost because of his fallen condition, the further Truth is, that God has done some­thing about the situation. In fact, what He has done is of such moment, such power, such magnitude, that it literally defies de­scription. I speak of God becoming man, and then dying on a Cross in order to redeem man, thereby paying a price that is absolutely incomprehensible as it regards the thinking of humanity. The Scripture tells us, that God’s condem­nation against man is not about his fallen condition, over which in fact he had no con­trol, but rather because of his rejection of God’s solution to the dilemma, “Christ and Him Crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). Jesus said, and speaking of the Holy Spirit, “And when He is come, He will reprove (con­vict) the world of sin, and of Righteousness, and of judgment.” He then said, “Of sin, because they be­lieve not on Me” (Jn. 16:8-9). So we know from this, that the accusa­tion against unredeemed man at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) will not so much be the fact that he is a sinner, but that he has rejected God’s solution to his problem. In other words, he has rejected Jesus Christ, and more particular, has rejected what Christ did for him in order that he might be saved as it refers to the Cross. The great price that Jesus paid at the Cross, which was the giving of Himself in the shedding of His Own Life’s Blood, completely takes away all “sins” and “iniquities,” at least for all who will believe (Jn. 3:16). </div><div align="justify">HOW DID THE DEATH OF CHRIST TAKE IT ALL AWAY? </div><div align="justify">When Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, they forfeited the Life of God. Due to their rebellion, which in effect means they threw in their lot with Satan, the archenemy of God, this terrible crime which actually threatened the entire Creation, placed a bar­rier between God and man. That barrier is sin, which is the cause of all of man’s prob­lems. Now, man who is a physical being, an intellectual being, and a spiritual being, is deprived of the most important part of his being, his spiritual side. God had filled that part before the Fall, which constantly infused man with the Life of God, which in effect, was Eternal Life. With the Life of God now gone, man is spiritually dead, which will ul­timately bring on death of every nature, in­cluding physical death. Considering the magnitude of this crime, which as stated, threatened the entire Cre­ation of God, and which has filled this world with unimaginable sorrow, death, dying, sick­ness, and heartache, man was and is helpless within himself to assuage this terrible di­lemma in which he now finds himself. Once again let us emphasize the fact, that if one wants to know how horrible this crime actually was and is, one need only look at all the sorrow and heartache that fills the world today. This which Adam did has killed every single human being who has ever lived, with the exception of Enoch and Elijah, and those who are alive today, but we are dying. Therefore, if the whole thing was to be sal­vaged, God would have to do it Himself, which means that all Salvation, all Redemption, all and in its entirety, originated with God, and, therefore, comes from God. In other words, man has had absolutely nothing to do with Redemption, as man can have nothing to do with Redemption. So, the moment that man attempts to insert anything into God’s Plan, it destroys that which must be exclusively of the Spirit. And that’s the great crime of the Church! Far too often, it seeks to add some­thing to the Finished Work of Christ, or take away from that Work, or to ignore it altogether, substituting its own brand, which is always abominable in the eyes of God. Polluted man cannot furnish true righteousness in any case. When God came to this world, the Cross was His intended destination. The Cross is that which had to be, at least if man was to be redeemed. The most ignominious and horrifying death, which Crucifixion in those days was, was that which God demanded, and because of the magnitude of the crime. How­ever, there was a catch to all of this: In God becoming man, in which the Holy Spirit through Paul referred to Him as the “Last Adam” (I Cor. 15:45), He would have to face all the powers of darkness, not as God, but rather as a man, “The Man Christ Jesus.” If He failed even one time, then man would be eternally lost. I realize that many Preach­ers claim that Christ could not have sinned; however, for Him to be the Last Adam, which He definitely was, and which was demanded, He definitely had to be subject to failure (I Cor. 15:45). But He didn’t fail! Not in anything! Not at any time! Not in any capacity! He had to go to the Cross as a Perfect Sac­rifice, which means there could be no im­perfection about Him, and certainly there must be no sin of any nature. Consequently, when He died, actually giving Himself, which means that His Death was a Sacrifice and not at all an execution, etc., it was a Perfect Sac­rifice which God could and did accept. In fact, the pouring out of His Life’s Blood was absolutely required, simply because the life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev. 17:11). That’s why Paul said, “But now in Christ Jesus ye (Gentiles) who sometimes were far off are made nigh (can come to God) by the Blood of Christ.” The Apostle then said, “And that He might reconcile both (Jews and Gentiles) unto God in one body by the Cross, having slain the en­mity thereby (tore down the barrier created by sin between God and man)” (Eph. 2:13-16). When we see the Cross, we see the Love of God as nothing else could express that Love. But we also see something else: We see the horror of man’s fallen condi­tion, actually how fallen he really is. Actu­ally, that’s one of the reasons why the world rejects the Cross. It as nothing else shows the world for what it actually is. </div><div align="justify">THE GREAT SIN OF THE CHURCH </div><div align="justify">This is at least one of the reasons that the foray of the Church into humanistic psychol­ogy is a sin and crime against God of unprec­edented proportions. This perfidious act says several things: 1. It is a vote of no confidence as it regards the Cross. In other words, the part of the Church which has embraced humanistic psy­chology, which includes almost all, is in ef­fect saying, that the Cross is not sufficient for the ills, aberrations, perversions, and sins of man; consequently, we must turn, they say, to psychology.<br />2. To cover their tracks, many claim that psychology is a science exactly as medicine. However, psychology is not a science, and in no stretch of the imagination can be con­cluded as such. In fact, it is a religion, the religion of humanism. As such, it not only holds no answers for man, but it actually makes a bad matter worse.<br />3. Anyone who knows anything at all about psychology, and at the same time knows some­thing about the Bible, knows that the two are opposites. Their directions are totally different, with their teachings being totally contradictory. In other words, it is not pos­sible for a Christian to embrace the Bible and psychology at the same time. As stated, how can such be done, if these two directions are opposites?<br />This is at least one of the reasons that the Leadership of most so-called Pentecostal Denominations hate Jimmy Swaggart. At least two of these Denominations, the two NOTES<br />largest, the Assemblies of God and the Church of God, have totally embraced this humanis­tic philosophy, which means, that they have forsaken the Cross. Let me emphasize again, the Words of Christ, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat. 6:24). This statement as given by our Lord is crys­tal clear. If one embraces humanistic psychol­ogy which opposes everything the Bible teaches, that simply means that he hates the Cross. The main reason for all of this is the for­saking of the way of the Spirit. </div><div align="justify">THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT<br />The Way of the Spirit is the way of the Word of God. As we’ve already stated, Salvation in its totality is all of God and not at all of man. This means that man’s problems, whether the Salvation of the lost, or victory for the Saint, can only come about, by the way of the Spirit. That is the Way of the Cross (Rom. 8:1-2, 11). That alone is the answer for hu­manity, and to be sure, that alone suffices for the ills of humanity. The Cross is the answer for every unsaved human being in the world. It’s the answer for every alcoholic, every drug addict, every gambler, everyone who is in bondage to immorality of any stripe, to the thief, the liar, the cheat, the pervert, etc. Not only is the Cross of Christ the an­swer, it is the only answer, which means there is no other answer. That is the Way of the Spirit (Rom. Chpt. 8). So, when Churches attempt to use the music of the world to attract young people, most definitely they will attract young people, but it won’t be to God. Please let the Reader take careful note of the following. </div><div align="justify">THE SPIRIT OF GOD OR THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD<br />There is no way that the Church can use the spirit of the world, and thereby attract people to Christ. Such thinking pure and simple is of Satan. But that’s exactly what much of the Church is attempting to do. The sad Truth is, the Church has never been in worse spiritual condition than it is presently, since the time of the Reforma­tion. For the most part, it has left the way of the Spirit, and has embraced the ways of the world. Most of the modern Church tells the En­tertainer that they can keep playing in the night clubs, and still be a Christian. As stated, they attempt to attract the youth with the spirit of the world, and they attempt to solve the problems of man with humanistic psychology. Consequently, the Church in its promotion of psychological twelve-step pro­grams, now has such programs for the alco­holics, gamblers, homosexuals, and perver­sions of every nature. They are referred to as “rehabilitation programs,” when in fact, this word is not even found in the Bible. </div><div align="justify">DELIVERANCE </div><div align="justify">The Spirit of God, through what Jesus did at the Cross, doesn’t rehabilitate anyone. He delivers them (Gal. 1:4). In fact, the entirety of mankind was delivered some 2,000 years ago through the Price that Jesus paid on the Cross. That’s the reason that He said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, be­cause He hath anointed Me to . . . preach deliverance to the captives” (Lk. 4:18-19). That deliverance, and in fact, all true de­liverance, comes simply by the individual understanding that Jesus paid it all at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work, gives us the help of the Holy Spirit, which then guarantees the benefits of the Cross, which is freedom from the dominion of all sin (Rom. 6:14). That is the answer for hu­manity, and the only answer for humanity. That’s the reason that Paul said: “For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the Power of God” (I Cor. 1:18). The Holy Spirit through him then said, “For after that (after God made foolish the wisdom of the world by the Cross) in the wis­dom of God the world by wisdom knew not God (cannot find God in this manner, which shoots down the efforts of most Churches), it pleased God by the foolishness of preach­ing (preaching the Cross) to save (deliver) them that believe” (I Cor. 1:21). The Apostle then said, “We preach Christ Crucified,” which means, that it’s not enough to merely preach Christ, the Message must be “Christ Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23). Considering all this, the Apostle then said, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him Cru­cified” (I Cor. 2:2). I would ask the Reader, does any of that sound like humanistic psychology? In fact, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle in this First Chapter of I Corinthians, completely denigrates the wisdom of this world, as be­ing incapable of affecting man in a positive sense whatsoever, of which is humanistic psychology (I Cor. 1:19). As I’ve already stated several times in this Volume, I believe the Lord has told me that the Cross is the dividing line between the True Church and the apostate Church. Ac­tually, it has always been the dividing line, but is going to be more pronounced now than ever, and made so by the Holy Spirit. The idea is this: Concerning the Reformation, Martin Luther said, “As one viewed the Cross, so they viewed the Reformation.” It is the same presently. As one presently views the Cross, so such a one will come down either on the side of the True Church or the apostate Church. The crowd will not be large in the True Church, as it has never been large in this ca­pacity. But as Joshua of old, I want to say it loud and clear: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). Paul said:<br />“For the Law of Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). This means that the Holy Spirit works exclusively through and by what Jesus did at the Cross, hence the Apostle saying “in Christ Jesus.” John 3:16 tells us that the Cross is the only answer for the unredeemed. Paul tells us here that the only answer for the Christian is as well, the Cross! (13) “IN THAT HE SAITH, A NEW COV­ENANT, HE HATH MADE THE FIRST OLD. NOW THAT WHICH DECAYETH AND WAXETH OLD IS READY TO VAN­ISH AWAY.” The structure is: 1. God gave the Word to the Prophet Jeremiah, that a New Covenant was coming.<br />2. This prediction clearly proclaims the fact that the First Covenant is coming to an end, which it did at the Cross.<br />3. The Old Covenant would serve its pur­pose, which it did, and then “vanish away.”<br />A NEW COVENANT<br />The phrase, “In that he saith, a New Cov­enant” is derived from Jeremiah 31:31. There were two great differences in the first or “Old” Covenant and the second or “New” Covenant. Those two differences are “the Cross” and “the Holy Spirit.” The Cross did away with all of the animal sacrifices as well as the Levitical Priesthood, which of course, did away with the Temple and all forms of ceremonial or ritualistic worship. In fact, all of those things were symbols of what Christ would actually do at the Cross. While the Holy Spirit was definitely present in the Old Covenant, and did work mightily; still, He was limited in what He could actually do, simply because He could not come into the hearts and lives of Believ­ers to abide permanently, due to the fact that the sin debt still hung over the heads of men, even the stalwarts of the Faith. The blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin, hence the continuing problem. But once the Cross was a fact, which atoned for all sin, thereby taking it away, the Holy Spirit could now come into the hearts and lives of Believers to abide forever (Jn. 14:16). Due to the fact that the Holy Spirit could not abide permanently within the hearts and lives of Believers under the Old Covenant, they were unable to properly live up to the conditions which God required. In other words, irrespective of the fact that they greatly loved the Lord, without the help of the Holy Spirit there was no way they could properly function. But now with the Holy Spirit, and the fact that He resides within our hearts and lives permanently, meaning that we are actually Temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16), there is no excuse for us not properly following the Lord. </div><div align="justify">THE HOLY SPIRIT OR THE SPIRIT OF THIS WORLD<br />To briefly address the latter first, we know that the Spirit of this world is fostered by “the god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4), who is Satan. Paul also said, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Cor. 2:12). As is plainly said here, the Spirit of God is given unto us, that we might recognize the spirit of the world and not be led thereby. So, we learn from these Passages, that the Saint of God can be led by either the Holy Spirit or the spirit of this world. Of course, if the Saint is led by the spirit of this world, it won’t be long until there will be spiritual wreckage. And that’s the condition of much of the Church presently. It is being led by the spirit of this world instead of the Holy Spirit. Much of the Church world doesn’t even believe in the Holy Spirit as it refers to the mighty Baptism (Acts 1:4; 2:4). Of conse­quence, they are led by the spirit of this world, because they cannot be led any other way. So let me make a strong statement here: If the Preacher or Church doesn’t believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, there is no way they can have the leading of the Spirit. So, all people who attend such Churches are basically serving God in name only. The Truth is, most of those Churches and Denominations have only embraced the philosophy of Chris­tianity. That means it is a Christianity with­out Christ, and more particularly, the Christ of the Cross, which leaves it as nothing but mere humanism. They are left with a mere ethic, which is actually no more than the an­cient Law of Moses, with the ethic possibly stat­ing the right way, but offering no power to do the things required. So what am I saying? I’m saying that it’s impossible to know Christ without the Holy Spirit, and if one is properly led by the Spirit, one will be led not only to Christ, but the “Crucified Christ” (I Cor. 1:23). Second, as it regards the Churches and Denominations which claim to believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, as we’ve al­ready stated, most of these Churches whether claiming to be Pentecostal or Charismatic, either ignore the Holy Spirit, or else preach “another Jesus” (II Cor. 11:4). In other words, there are precious few of these particular Churches that are truly led by the Spirit. There are a few, but not many! As well, it is my belief, that if Preachers are going to truly follow the Lord, they’re going to have to separate themselves from most religious Denominations, at least those in the United States and Canada. Most of these Denominations are led by the spirit of the world, and not by the Spirit of God. That’s a blunt statement, but regrettably and sadly, I know it to be true. As we’ve repeatedly stated, there is no way that any Christian can follow humanistic psy­chology, and at the same time be led by the Holy Spirit. The two directions are diametri­cally opposed to each other. But the road of humanistic psychology, which is a denial of the Cross, is a road well traveled by most of the modern Denominations. If any Believer truly desires to be led by the Spirit, which one must be if one is to truly know and follow the Lord, one will find that every single time, the Spirit will lead directly to the Cross of Christ. It is within the parameters of the great Sacrifice of Christ, i.e., “the Cross,” in which the Holy Spirit works (Rom. 8:1-2). So I feel like it is proper to say the following: If one is truly led by the Spirit, one will be led unalterably to the Lord Jesus Christ, and more particularly, to the Christ of the Cross (Jn. 16:7-15). WORSHIP The barometer of any Church or any Be­liever for that matter, is “worship,” and more particularly, the manner in which one wor­ships. All worship is not of God. Untold millions of Catholics as well as millions of Protestants attend Church each and every week, going through rituals and ceremonies which they conclude to be wor­ship, but which isn’t. As well, millions of Pentecostals and Charismatics do the same thing, but in a dif­ferent way. Praise is what we do, while worship is what we are. While all praise is worship, all wor­ship isn’t praise, at least that is vocal. The latter means that our whole being should be one of worship of God, which incorporates everything we do, everything we think, and everything we are. The whole of the life should be worship. Consequently, anything in our lives that cannot be placed in that category, as should be obvious, is very much wrong. All praise and worship must be generated from the spirit of the individual, over which the Holy Spirit controls (Jn. 4:23-24). I personally believe, that it’s virtually im­possible for the Saint to truly worship the Lord, unless the Saint has been Baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4), especially consid­ering all the light that has been given on this subject. In fact, without the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, one is left with little more than form and ceremony, which is no wor­ship at all, at least of God! As well, one can be Baptized with the Holy Spirit, actually speaking in Tongues very of­ten, and still not be led by the Spirit. In fact, that is the awful condition of most modern Charismatics and Pentecostals. To cut to the chase, they are little led by the Spirit, be­cause they haven’t placed their Faith totally and completely in the Cross of Christ, but something else altogether. </div><div align="justify">MUSIC<br />One of the greatest barometers of praise and worship is music. If one is to notice, the largest Book in the Bible is the Book of Psalms, which is, as is obvious, a Book of Songs. These were songs given to David and other writers of the Psalms, which are given over to Praise and Worship of the Lord. Con­sidering that this is the largest Book in the Bible, the very fact of such, should say some­thing to us. It tells us two things: 1. The value that God places on praise and worship.<br />2. How much music and singing consti­tute the barometer of our spirituality. I re­alize that is quite a statement, but I know it to be true. If the Spirit of God is allowed to have His way in our music and singing, He will pretty well be able to have His way in everything else also. At least this much will be true, the people concerned will definitely want and desire the Will of God in all things. Some Churches have the mistaken idea, that a particular style of music constitutes Spirit-led music and singing, i.e., “praise and worship.” In other words, if the music is fast, some constitute that as worship, while with others, if it’s slow, they constitute such as worship. None of that really has anything to do with anything. While style definitely does matter, as the Holy Spirit to be sure, has a particular style by which He functions, a mere copying of the style will not guarantee the flow of the Spirit. And to be sure, Churches that adopt Contemporary Christian Music, which by definition refers to similarity with that of the world, most definitely aren’t being led by the Spirit. But regrettably, that characterizes most of the Church world, which lets us know where they are spiritually. Then others attempt to have what they consider to be correct as far as their regu­lar Services are concerned, but promote the music of the world as it regards the young people in their Churches. They claim that this draws the young people. While it cer­tainly might draw young people, it definitely doesn’t draw them to the Lord. And if we’re not to draw them to the Lord, what is our purpose? As we’ve already stated, the Spirit of God doesn’t use anything that the world has in His Work. To be sure, if anything of this world, and I speak of the spirit of the world, is mixed by man into the Work of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will have none of that effort. How foolish and even stupid can we be, thinking we can pull so-called Christian rock groups, who do their very best to ape the rock­ers of the world, into our Churches, think­ing that by using these methods we are “win­ning the youth.” A short time ago I was told of a particular Church in our city of Baton Rouge which claims to be Spirit-filled, but which employs rock groups in its youth services, rock groups incidentally, which perform in night clubs during the week, and occasionally in Churches on the weekends. To say that such is an abomination is an understatement, in fact, a gross understatement! Actually, I don’t know if there’s anything in any vocabulary that could properly express the utter, absolute stupidity of such action. Is such a Church led by the Spirit? I think the answer to that ought to be obvious. Ir­respective of their claims, such a Church knows nothing about the Lord, is not preach­ing Christ, but rather another Christ, fostered by another spirit, which presents another gospel (II Cor. 11:4). But I’m afraid, that this which I’ve just stated is more so the norm than not. All these Churches are doing is pushing young people a little closer to Hell. The other day someone sent me a copy of an article that was in a so-called Christian Magazine, promoting a particular Church in California, which had set up a pseudo-night­club for its young people. They “serve drinks over the bar,” which although nonalcoholic, were designed to ape the real thing. Oh yes, they also had a dance floor, etc. As well, this particular Church claims to be Spirit-filled and thereby Spirit-led. To be sure, they are spirit-led, but it’s not by the Holy Spirit, but rather by “spirits.” Once again, this which I’ve just described is far too often the norm. The young people who attend such Churches will not be led to the Lord, but rather the very opposite. Virtually all of them will conclude with wasted lives, wrecked and destroyed, simply because the spiritual leadership of such Churches are leading them wrong. Let the Reader understand, that what we’re talking about here, plays out either into lives gloriously blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ, or totally wrecked and destroyed. There is no in-between. Now again, I think you can see why most of the Churches hate Jimmy Swaggart. I re­gret that; however, my business is not to please people, but rather to please God. And if I am to please Him, I must tell the Truth! For this very reason, most of the Preach­ers in the world have attempted to demon­ize this Evangelist. Most people think it’s because of something that happened many years ago; however, that was only an excuse. While there are certainly exceptions, the majority of the Church world doesn’t like what I preach; consequently, they are afraid of any influence I might have, so they do all they can to wreck and destroy that influence. The Church presently is in the same shape of Israel of old, with the Scripture saying, “And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion to­ward them, because they were as sheep not having a Shepherd: and He began to teach them many things” (Mk. 6:34). This means that the loss of millions of souls, as it regards the youth in our Churches, as well as the wreckage of their lives, can be laid at the feet of the modern, religious lead­ership of our time. In other words, the Preachers are to blame! </div><div align="justify">THE FIRST HAS BEEN MADE OLD </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “He hath made the first old,” means that the Old Covenant was designed by God to have a particular lifespan. That lifespan ended at the Cross, with the New Covenant brought in. By the very fact, that the Holy Spirit through Jeremiah used the word “new,” He has permanently antiquated the First Covenant. Considering that Jeremiah uttered this Prophecy some 600 years before Christ, gave the people and its religious leaders ample time to properly discern and understand what God was doing. But when the time came that the First Covenant was to be set aside, Israel did not let go easily. Even Christian Jews did not easily let go, which among other things, necessitated the writing of this very Epistle to the Hebrews. </div><div align="justify">TO VANISH AWAY </div><div align="justify">The phrase, “Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away,” speaks of the time in which Paul lived. In fact, in the Mind of God, the ancient Law of Moses had already vanished away. Jesus ful­filled all of it with His Coming, His Life, and Ministry, and above all, His Death on the Cross, along with His Resurrection, Ascension, and Exaltation (Rom. 4:24-25; Eph. 2:6). Actu­ally, it started vanishing away long before the Cross, even during the time of Jeremiah. During his day, the Temple in Jerusalem was totally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, with Israel being taken into captivity. They remained some 70 years in Babylonian captivity, with the latter part of that time be­ing under the Medes and the Persians, who had defeated Babylon. During this time, they had no Temple and no Sacrifices. Upon coming back to Israel at the end of the 70 year dispersion, they eventually re­built their Temple; however, there was no Ark of the Covenant placed in the Holy of Holies, that having been lost. So, even though Sac­rifices could now be carried out once again, the High Priest could not go into the Holy of Holies once a year, on the Great Day of Atone­ment, to offer up blood on the Mercy Seat, because such didn’t exist. This was the same with Herod’s Temple, during the time of Christ. However, by that time, the whole of Judiastic worship, had become so corrupted, that it little resembled anymore the original Law of Moses. As stated, Jesus fulfilled all of the Levitical Law by His Life and Death; con­sequently, soon after the writing of this Let­ter to the Hebrews by Paul, the Temple at Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Roman Tenth Legion under Titus, and with it the Ministry of the Old Covenant perished forever. </div><div align="justify">THE TWO COVENANTS<br />These two Covenants, the Old and the New, were made with Israel. A Covenant, as already explained, is a principle of relation­ship between man on the Earth and God. Such is Israel’s glory as an earthly people. The First Covenant was established with them at Sinai; the Second was established with Christ, which they rejected. So this means, that the Gospel is a Cov­enant, a Revelation of the Salvation of God. The Church enjoys all the fullness of the New Covenant, and much more. The foundation of her Blessings are based upon the founda­tion of the New Covenant. As well, all of this will be fulfilled with Israel in the coming Millennium, when she shall then accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. “Free from the Law! Oh, happy condition!<br />“Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; “Cursed by the Law and bruised by the Fall,<br />“Christ hath redeemed us once for all.” </div></div></div></div></div>Lector Bíblicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14185118781619444932noreply@blogger.com4