Month: May 2019

He Did it All

On By TimIn Atonement, Hebrews 01, Hebrews 09, JesusLeave a comment

When He had by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Heb 1:3b — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When He had by Himself purged our sins.

This sentence has a significant meaning. Most times we might just pass by it. Continuing from the previous post, we find the writer of Hebrews is giving us a brief outline of what he is going to say. Much of this will be elaborated on later in the epistle (Chapters 9 and 10.) What is offered here, is the Son is performing a multi-faceted dual role.

The first portion of that role is as Priest.

In Leviticus 1 and on, we see the role of the priest is doing the work of making an offering for sin. This priest was the one who slaughtered the offerings after laying hands on its head. Those who laid hands on the offering were the ones responsible for the party who sinned. If an individual, it was the individual, if a congregation, it was the elders. This act of laying hands on the head was an imputation or transfer from one party to another. It is still practiced today in churches when people are ordained. This is patterned for us, in like manner the sacrifice became the substitute of the sinning party. The sin guilt was transferred to the sacrifice. I would also extend, that given the practice outlined in Leviticus 16, the sin was confessed while hands were laid.

Nevertheless, It was always the priest who was present. It was the priest that performed the ceremony. It was the priest who slaughtered the sacrifice. It was the priest who went before the presence of God with the blood as an intermediary between the one who sinned and God. It was the priest who prepared and burned the offering. It was the priest who lit the fire. It was the priest who arranged the wood on the altar. It was the priest who did the work as an intermediary in the atonement.

The second portion of that role is as High Priest.

The Day of Atonement was for the entire congregation. It was a day for making atonement of all the sin of the people. It is established in Leviticus 16.

There was an inner sanctum behind the veil. Entering the presence of God was a certain death sentence.

The LORD said to Moses: Speak to Aaron your brother so that he does not come at any time into the Holy Place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark, so that he will not die, for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.

Leviticus 16:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The priest could only go in once a year. It wasn’t just any priest, but the High Priest.

He couldn’t just go in, either. There was much preparation to the ceremony. Rituals of purification, washing and changing garments.

Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and he shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and shall be girded with a linen sash, and shall be wearing the linen turban. These are holy garments. Therefore he shall wash his body in water and then put them on. He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.
Aaron shall offer his bull for the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting. Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the LORD and the other lot for the scapegoat.

Leviticus 16:3–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was the privilege of the High Priest to enter the presence of God on behalf of the entire congregation. He did it with blood, to purge sins.

The third portion of that role is as that Sin Offering.

In the case of the High Priest, his role is to select the offerings for the people. What is alluded to here is that the Son gave Himself as that offering. Blood is needed to purge sins.

Aaron shall bring the goat on which the lot of the LORD falls and offer him for a sin offering.

Leviticus 16:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sin offerings are treated a bit differently. The priest would not take a portion of the sin offering whose blood was sprinkled in the Holy Place, but it would be completely consumed in the fire on the altar.

Any sin offering where blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the holy place shall not be eaten. It shall be burned up in the fire.

Leviticus 6:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As seen previously, the offerings for specific sin always involved a laying on of hands. There was an imputation from the sinning party to the sacrifice. But this one day, this one offering was different.

Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, and bring its blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it over and in front of the mercy seat. And he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel and because of their transgressions in all their sins, and so he shall do for the tent of meeting that remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. There shall be no man in the tent of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out and has made atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

Leviticus 16:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This offering is for all the people and all their sins. It is comprehensive in scope, meaning that there isn’t a limit to it. I know folks may object, as it was for the congregation of Israel, and in that context it was comprehensive. There was nothing left out. In Israel’s calling, they were to be a light to the Gentiles, to show that salvation reaches everywhere.

He says, “It is a light thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make you a light to the nations so that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 49:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I do know that this verse of Scripture has a dual purpose and is fulfilled in the Son. It suffices to show the entire scope of the sin offering here as comprehensive, and for the benefit to the people of the whole world; Israel being a light to the nations.

This idea will also be elaborated upon in later portions of the epistle.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing.

Hebrews 9:6-8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see that the roles are clearly established. Priests do the daily ministering; the High Priest has an established role to do once for the people into the very presence of God. And not without the blood of the sin offering.

The fourth portion of that role is as that Scapegoat.

It is in this offering that sin is confessed. It is also significant that the sin is transferred and taken away forever.

When he has made an end of atonement for the Holy Place, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, then he shall bring the live goat. And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away by the hand of a designated man into the wilderness. And the goat shall bear on it all their iniquities to a desolate land, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness.

Leviticus 16:20–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For the studious, in Leviticus, we see the ordinance of sacrifice for unintentional sin. But what of the intentional?

The writer of Hebrews shows the sin offering is for sin committed in ignorance. Here is where the High Priest would lean onto the head of that goat confessing all the iniquities and all transgression in their sins. These are transferred to that sacrifice, but it isn’t killed. It’s led away, into the wilderness… To never come back. Effectively carrying away all sin.

This is the exact thing being told to us in a small number of words. “When He Himself had purged our sins.” All of the work to purge sins is accomplished in Him alone.

He sat down.

This ought to be the thing that we rejoice over most!

All the work is done. He knew it when He selected and gave Himself. He cried “Tetellisti!” (It’s finished.)

The work in the tabernacle was never done. It was a perpetual thing. The fire had to be constant, it needed fuel. Ashes needed to be carted away. There was always a priest on duty never sitting down.

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the law for the burnt offering. The burnt offering shall be on the hearth upon the altar all night until the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it. The priest shall put on his linen robe, and his linen undergarments on his body. Then he shall remove the ashes from the fire of the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. Then he shall take off his garments and put on other garments, and he shall bring the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it. It shall not go out. The priest shall feed it with wood every morning. He will arrange the burnt offering on it, and he shall burn the fat of the peace offerings on it. A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar. It shall never go out.

Leviticus 6:8–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He sat down. There is no more perpetual work.

At the right hand of the Majesty on high

This is the place of honor. The author of the epistle will go into greater detail

He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews 1:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s not that Jesus is made or created. This is stating His position of honor. His is detailed in the portions immediately following.

In this introduction to the epistle, many things are established in such few words. My hope is that as you read further, you understand what is being said in the entire epistle. It is one of my favorite books in all of the Bible.

The Exact Imprint of His Nature

On By TimIn Hebrews 01, Jesus1 Comment

He is the brightness of His glory, the express image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.

Hebrews 1:3a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is his Jesus is introduced in this epistle. Like the previous post, there is much to consider here. But as to this express image, we know that is a conveyed representation of God. Another translation puts it this way.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature

Hebrews 1:3a — The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)

If we want to know what God is like, we only need to look to Jesus. As it is communicated to us, He embodies the nature of God. (I am not saying that He isn’t God, nor that He isn’t human. Only what is being offered in the text here.)

In the same way, the writer identifies that God is, he will also identify Jesus Himself as God. That is why it is important to understand, He is the exact imprint of His nature. He couldn’t be if He were any less than God.

He upholds all things by the word of His power. The Greek rhēma is here translated to word. It conveys the idea of something spoken. Not just the words spoken, but the ideas conveyed.

The idea that all things are sustained by the word is stunning. We know in Romans 1, the apostle Paul shows us that. He also tells us that all understand this revelation.

For what may be known about God is clear to them since God has shown it to them. The invisible things about Him—His eternal power and deity—have been clearly seen since the creation of the world and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the way Jesus sustains all things by His spoken word, there is a clear revelation that is communicated. If one were to continue reading in Romans, the idea that some can deny this is a result of the suppression of truth by sin.

In like fashion, John introduces Jesus in much the same way.

All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.

John 1:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It might be tempting to connect this by the usage of word. It won’t work in that sense. These are two different Greek words. In John’s Gospel, the Greek Logos is translated as Word. Yet, it is used as another name for Jesus.

Think of it this way. Jesus upholds all things by His word. He spoke creation into existence and upholds it all in the same way. We understand this by Hebrews 1:2, “through whom He made the world.” When we consider what John offers in His Gospel as He introduces Jesus, we know the Word isn’t created. The only logical conclusion is He is eternal, existing as God before time. (John uses that personal masculine pronoun to show this Word to be a Person.) Remember, even time was created.

This Word, this Jesus, has spoken to us in the time of His ministry on Earth. Spoken to us as the exacting revelation of God Himself. He made all things and sustains all things. The creation reveals God and His nature. Jesus, too, is the spoken word of God to us. He is the revelation to us of God Himself!

He is God Himself.

Heir of All Things

On By TimIn Hebrews 01, Jesus, Last Days1 Comment

God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.

Hebrews 1:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the book of Hebrews. There is so much content that is embedded in the simple words given.

In this brief introduction, we can find some things that are worth undivided attention. Our first is God.

When we open the Bible, the first words in Genesis we encounter are “In the beginning God.” In just those four words, simple truth is taught. That is, God is before the beginning. The beginning introduces the concept of time. Think of that as an expanse for our existence. It is also as necessary to our existence in the universe as matter and space. We all occupy space because the matter we are made of has volume and that volume doesn’t always occupy the same space. Time is that ‘expanse’ for space and matter to move.

So too, the writer of Hebrews introduces God simply as He is.

We are then told that God spoke in diverse ways through the prophets. This is saying that He used the unique way He made each prophet to communicate truth to Israelis in the past. Much of what the prophets prophesied is recorded for us. I also think that the diverse ways hint to the fact that much can still be learned from them that applies to modern-day Israel, and by our grafting in… Us, too. The writer will use some of those writings to do just that.

Our focus is then drawn to Jesus. Jesus is the One by Who God spoke to Israel. This was probably personally witnessed by some of those who would read this epistle.

Jesus is Heir to all things. That this appointment comes from God Himself. We can assume that God has wants. He wants an heir. In fact, we believers are called joint-heirs with Jesus.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:14–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

By that little word heir, as it is connected to His Son, we see a familial relationship. When we examine that relationship, connecting the idea to other truths… We know that God wants human heirs.

Yet as we were excluded from inheritance by the first man’s sin, we can be adopted back into the family of God through Jesus Christ. Remember, He has been made heir of all things. In our adoption, we become heirs also.

This is something that is astounding. Not that we are adopted or even made heirs. But that we are joint-heirs. We get to share the inheritance!

When I say share the inheritance, it’s not like what happens here on Earth, where some of it goes to this person and another portion to that person.

Think about it… What did Jesus inherit?

If you are a believer… What will you inherit with Him?

Humans inherit all things. Just as it is supposed to be.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The apostle Paul asked a series of questions to the saints in Corinth. In his first epistle to them, he touched on this idea

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things that pertain to this life?

1 Corinthians 6:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These ideas need to be kept in mind when reading this epistle. As we delve deeper into it, much will point to Jesus and the unique future bestowed upon humanity in Him, which involves an intimacy with God that few of us have even considered.

The Last Man

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love nuggets of truth hidden in plain sight. For that reason, this is one of my favorite portions of Scripture.

Death came by man. It came by one man and it spread to all men because of their own sin.

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.

Romans 5:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is also by man that came the resurrection of the dead. That is, by One Man came resurrection. He is called First Fruits. His name is Jesus.

If you read a bit further in 1 Corinthians, you will see Paul call Jesus that Last Adam. And I want you to think of that when you encounter the word man in our text above.

In other words, since death came by Adam, by Adam came also the resurrection of the dead. What Paul is saying is that Jesus Christ, being the Last Adam (or the Last Man) is the One Who fixes all that has been broken by the first man’s sin.

Jesus really is the Last Man.

Especially to Those Who Believe

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 04, Death, Hebrews 02, Reconciliation, SanctificationLeave a comment

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes, Scripture is very precise in what is being said. Many times, that precision is glossed over. This is one of those things that is passed over, and more often than not argued over.

Paul is teaching his disciple Timothy. He is explaining the reason for suffering reproach. Trusting in the living God will do that. Yet in that Paul states, God is the Savior of all men.

Wasn’t it Jesus Who died?

Let’s find out. Paul is blatantly saying Jesus is God. I love that. It’s a precise statement that might be overlooked.

But what about Savior of all men… Did God save all men?

Let’s see what Paul reveals elsewhere.

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is another place where the precision of what is real is overlooked. For now, I want to focus on reconciliation. We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. It’s a simple statement. It’s done. That is what Jesus did when He said “It is finished!” You and I, in fact, all humanity was reconciled to God.

That is, Jesus’ death conciliates mercy in the presence of God. It provides the forbearance of punishment to any in sin and such are not immediately cut off from living the moment sin is purposed in the heart. (Did you ever wonder why Daniel said Messiah would be cut off? It’s for this reason. It’s sudden.)

It is why the writer of Hebrews said Jesus tasted death for every man.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He humbled Himself, in this case, made as a man to suffer death for men. The death due for sin is sudden. It’s evident in Jesus. He died suddenly and for sin. In that way He Yates that death for every man.

He didn’t spend time in Hell serving infinite punishment or warring for your freedom. That was done already when He died. “It is finished!”

To Those Who Believe

Look back at our first text. Why would Paul differentiate Who God is from those who believe?

It’s like Paul is saying believers have something extra that not all men have.

Reread the second text. Now, note how Paul differentiates reconciliation from salvation. He says we are saved by His life.

What Paul is concisely explaining is the double nature of atonement taught in the law (Lev 16.) There is a dead offering, one that conciliates mercy. That seated mercy provides a respite from justice, but it doesn’t remove the curse of sin and the condemnation it brings. For that, confession is needed. It is typified in Leviticus 16 by the high priest leaning on the head (think authority) of the live offering. As he does, he confesses sin for the people. That offering is then led away alive and released into the wilderness carrying all the confessed sin away.

We need the resurrected Jesus. We need that authority to Whom we can confess our sin and have it removed… Forever! That is why Paul says especially to us believers.

The death of Christ is effectual for all men. Remission of sin and eternal life are the gifts given to the believer.

This is explained succinctly by one of my mentors.

“All men are commended mercy which preserves from being destroyed immediately and that so they can be and are, led to repentance and by repentance, the forgiveness of sins and by the remission of sins, salvation everlasting. Being led does not mean they will follow.” Jeff Thomas

In Conclusion

I do love how Paul seems to say these things that he would know intimately, being very familiar with the Law of Moses. Its prophetic implications are interwoven into much of what he writes.

My hope for you, as you’ve read this far… Is that you are one of those especially saved by His life. This requires a conscious decision on your part.

Apostasy in the Last Days

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 04, Apostasy, Last DaysLeave a comment

Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When reading this, it may seem like we are not really close to the last of the last days. Read it again, and see if some things don’t seem eerie.

Some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With increasing frequency, I meet more and more people who proudly declare themselves to be ex-Christians. Saying such a thing really does demonstrate they never really were. They fell away. We also have many politicians who will extol their bonafides as to being Christian. However, the ideas these offer are far outside of reasonable Christianity.

Speaking lies in hypocrisy. The mantra of the day. Don’t judge. Be tolerant. Celebrate diversity. Often these things espoused by the culture have caveats. Don’t judge, unless it’s judging Christians. Be tolerant of all ideas except Christianity. Celebrate diversity, as long as it doesn’t include a cross.

Having their consciences seared with a hot iron. We have people clamoring for the abortion of babies after they are born. Then there is the whole mess of gender identity. I need to say no more of seared consciences.

Forbidding to marry. With increasing fervor, it is difficult to talk reasonably about marriage as one man and one woman is the way to procreate. This is what God made.

Commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. The threat of global warming is being used to curb meat consumption, especially beef. We cannot bring peanuts into schools. Gluten is verboten.

These are the ideas foisted upon us by the culture with politicians quickly passing laws to cement these ideas as if jurisprudence is the standard or morality.

What say you?

Freedom from Confinement

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 01, Freedom, Righteousness, SalvationLeave a comment

And we know that the law is not given for a righteous person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and the profane

1 Timothy 1:9a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It follows a righteous person has no need for the law. Such has not run afoul of its requirements, as righteousness is the fulfillment of the law. A believer is gifted righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work.

However, an unbeliever has no such righteousness. Such may think themselves to be right in their own estimation. That measurement would be fleeting and unsure, differing for each individual. That is why the law is given. It is a sure standard. It is to reveal depravity, not that any ought to judge or condemn.

When a person confronts that righteous standard and compares themselves to it, they will find they’ve fallen short of the mark. That itself condemns.

We don’t use it to Bible thump someone into the right behavior. It is to lead someone to Jesus. Look how Paul explains it elsewhere.

But before faith came, we were imprisoned under the law, kept for the faith which was later to be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 3:23–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Before Jesus, the law kept folks imprisoned. This is a nod to the remedies built into the law to atone for sin. The end of those ordinances is Jesus Christ. It is faith in Him that truly justifies.

Us believers no longer need the tutelage of the law. Praise God for that!

But those who do not believe still need a tutor. One that will lead them to the mercy of God sent in His Son.

It doesn’t matter how far off someone is. You can have true freedom from the imprisonment of condemnation. It’s easily obtained.

Acknowledge your own imprisonment under the law, that is your failure to keep the ordinances. It doesn’t matter how slight or severe. Missing one makes one guilty of missing all.

Believe… Put your faith in Jesus. He is the God Who came from heaven to live and die as o e of us. He did die. He rose again to give anyone who would believe, remission of sins and eternal life.

Confess that aloud, to Him. He is listening and able to hear you, wherever you may be right now.