Category: Jesus

It’s Time to Take in Jesus and Put Away the Former Things

On By TimIn 1 Peter 02, Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Fruitfulness, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sanctification, SinLeave a comment

Therefore put away all wickedness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.

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

Because of all the things Peter addresses previously, we ought willfully live differently. That means putting away the former things we did by habit.

That different way of living would have us rid ourselves of wickedness in any form. We need to stop being deceptive in word and deed and live what we preach. It also means not measuring ourselves against any other coveting things we don’t have. One of the hardest to rid ourselves of is slander. We love to talk about others because we measure them against our own righteousness.

We need to live and act differently. Why?

for you have been born again, not from perishable seed, but imperishable, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.

1 Peter 1:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You’re a different person. Act like it!

As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow, if it is true that you have experienced that the Lord is good.

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

Peter has introduced his epistle with the idea of a new birth given from imperishable seed, that is by the mercies of God. In like fashion, he uses the idea of how babies mature. Babies need nourishment to grow. A baby desires the satisfying nourishment from a mother’s milk, and because of our new birth, we ought to desire the same from the Word of God. In the same way that babies grow by the nutrients in the milk made purposefully just for them, so is the sure Word of God meant for our growth.

Jesus is that Word. And He is our example in all things. By taking that in, we learn to put away those former sins.

Yet this is not for all.

It is only for those who have experienced that the Lord is Good. And He is. He has given us a new birth by His blood.

That is my hope for you. It’s not good enough to just believe that Jesus is. That doesn’t save you. It is trusting in what He’s done. He took what is due to you for sin… All of it. He died your death and rose again conquering your death. Really!

It’s because He rose again that you, too, can be born again. Just by believing all of that is true, and the mercies He extends to you are yours.

Right now, wherever you are… You can say a few words to Him. Tell Him that you believe what He’s done and that He is indeed the Ransom for you. The only One Who can conquer death is God. Know that He is God. Ask Him to save you. And then confess your sins.

It’s ABC simple. Acknowledge, Believe, Confess.

Foreordained Before Creation

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Apologetics, Church, Creation, Jesus, Last DaysLeave a comment

He was foreordained before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for you.

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

It’s important to think of it like I titled it. He was foreordained before creation. He wasn’t created or made. Just that Jesus being the Savior was set in place before the first creative act from God. Here is how it is written of in other places.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

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

Paralleling the Genesis “In the beginning God,” we have John saying “In the beginning God.” This establishes that Jesus was already existent in the beginning. It also establishes Him as God. It’s just as Peter wrote.

But if those two verses are not compelling enough, John explains it further.

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)

I love the simplicity of that sentence. Jesus is the Creator. He is not created. He was foreordained before creation. Without Him, nothing was created. He couldn’t have been created. No matter how you want to think of it.

Firstborn of every creature.

He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him.

Colossians 1:15–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We cannot see God. But Jesus is the image of Him. He is the One we can see. Paul uses the word “firstborn.” This is directly related to what Peter is saying. It was necessary for God to become part of creation to redeem it. He is born into it, as a Man… Jesus. For Him, all things were created by Him as foreordained.

Yet being firstborn is not about the order as we would think. The idea of firstborn (of every creature) is about the position, not when it happened. The order was previously established before creation.

I think the idea of being firstborn leads to some other thoughts. Especially when you consider His position as the last Adam. The first Adam wasn’t born. (I leave that for you to check out.)

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You cannot live without Him. You might think you do, but that would be incorrect. (And you cannot have eternal life without Him either.)

That is His position as the Firstborn of every creature. Note the list Paul uses, too. Those thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers speak of creatures in other realms. Remember how Peter has said things into which angels desire to look. How does the Creator become part of the creation by being born into it?

(I am not trying to purposefully be new-age-y.)

Firstborn from the dead.

He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say—whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In all things He has preeminence. He has made peace with His blood. That peace includes both heaven and earth, even though angels cannot be saved.

All of this was decided long before the spoke words “Let light be.”

It is important we understand Who He is. This has barely scratched the surface of the few Scriptures cited.

Was revealed in these last times.

In our previous interaction with 1 Peter, it is clear that verse 5 states that a salvation will be revealed in the last times. That is, someday yet future. Peter is writing also, that Jesus was revealed. Peter dated it the last times. That would mean the last times has included the days of Jesus’ ministry on Earth and after, up until now, even stretching yet future when the end of salvation will be revealed wholly.

This isn’t the only time Peter has explained this. In his preaching (Acts 2) on that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to believers, Peter cites the prophets who spoke of the last days. Just as he brought them into the conversation previously in this epistle.

For YOU.

This is personal. You betcha!

Through Him you believe in God who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.

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

Nobody can believe for you. Your mom cannot believe for you, and it is conferred to you. Christianity isn’t inherited. Nor is it given when you were baptized as a baby.

Perhaps this is the first time you may have encountered this Jesus. I get that. Peter is explaining Who He is. Peter told us what the Gospel truth is.

It is the very reason He came, and all of this was planned out. He was foreordained to our Savior. That you and I can spend eternity with God. You have that choice.

Acknowledge Jesus is Who He says He is and did what He said He did. That it is for you.

Believe it and that it is for you, wholly trusting Him to save you.

Confess it to Him now. Confess you have sinned and want to be forgiven and be reconciled to Him. It doesn’t need to be fancy, flowery, or religious. You can use your own words.

Guard your Minds

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Fruitfulness, Jesus, Last Days, Redemption, Salvation, SanctificationLeave a comment

Therefore guard your minds, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children do not conduct yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as He who has called you is holy, so be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:13–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the text leading to this, Peter talks about salvation and how it came to us. It was foretold by prophets who saw it dimly, not quite understanding. They wanted to know it better. We also know that angels want to look into it. The conclusion Peter arrives at is to be warily sober as we live. Knowing that redemption is ours now, even though it will be complete at Jesus’ coming.

Think about it. The prophets of old did as God obstructed. They knew God and feared Him. Not that they were afraid, it is a very real reverence. In that, they were careful to do the things He instructed.

Reading the Old Testament, these prophets did say and do some rather memorable things at the instruction of God. They, too, were sober and circumspect to do things orderly as He directed.

Some of the things these prophets are asked to do include cooking food over fires made with dung and marrying a harlot who would return to her harlotry only to take her back again. These ideas seem outlandish.

They were for our instruction.

As Peter said, it was revealed to these prophets that they weren’t serving themselves, but us. Peter is exhorting us to know that we are serving others presently and in the future. Someone is paying attention to how we live out our Christianity. In fact, I am going to say that someone’s salvation may hinge on it. Not because we saved them, but right conduct in daily living pointed them to Jesus.

Conduct ourselves righty.

This naturally follows guarding our minds. We live new lives and not in the former old way. Peter uses the word lusts. It doesn’t necessarily connote a sexual idea. It is better understood as seeking first to the satisfaction of our own needs before we do so for others.

Formerly, we did that because we knew no other way. Now, having been enlightened, we are called to live circumspectly. He reminds us of the words of our Master, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourning.

1 Peter 1:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If we are conducting ourselves in reverence to God, we live out holiness.

We must be careful to not do the works that have nothing lasting, that is caring primarily for just our own needs. These things will be confined under judgment. We must have an outward focus, directed toward others’ needs and meeting them. These are the things that will survive judgment.

For you know that you were not redeemed from your vain way of life inherited from your fathers with perishable things, like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1 Peter 1:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Vanity is the old life of ignorance.

Before Jesus, the way to survive was to look out for numero uno. We did what was needed to survive and try to accumulate stuff. For some of us, that accumulation was enhanced by inheriting our parents’ things at their death. Either way, the practice was inherited for not knowing any better.

Our corruptible bodies would eventually expire. We all have an appointment with death. But what if we’ve worked hard to accumulate… If we couldn’t consume it all, it would be passed on to our progeny.

Without Jesus, most live this way, to accumulate and consume possessions. That is vanity.

All that energy is expended for things that perish and have no value in the next life. None of it redeems us. It cannot. It will perish. As would we without Jesus. Rich or poor, it’s the same way.

Without blemish or without spot.

He could only be perfect. He had to be God. It was only the blood of Christ that did redeem.

Remember that God took on this humanity. In that glorious union of the Divine with human, was a man with blood. Precious blood came from a perfect life. God is imperishable, and the blood price He paid is imperishable.

That is the better way. It is the better inheritance to share with our progeny, and everyone else.

Those Who are Sanctified are All of One

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Last Days, Return of Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, SinLeave a comment

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that should come to you have inquired and searched diligently, seeking the events and time the Spirit of Christ, who was within them, signified when He foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, concerning the things which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven—things into which the angels desire to look.

1 Peter 1:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember how we discussed previously how our salvation will be revealed in the last time. This is a reference to a time yet future that will be the end of this temporal existence. But this salvation is not hidden from us or others but is continuously being received until its full revelation at the end.

The Old Testament prophets received from God the revelations of the Spirit of the Anointed One, Jesus. Though they didn’t clearly understand the mysteries hidden in the revelations they were given. That is, the grace extended to the gentile nations. Of which we benefit.

Paul also spoke of it. He called himself a steward of God over a commission given specifically to him for us gentiles.

I have been made a servant of it according to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints. To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was a truth hidden in the past.

Now, it’s almost fully revealed. What I mean is, those old-time Israeli prophets spoke of both a suffering Messiah and a triumphant Messiah. Though the prophets diligently sought to know what we know, His suffering has already been revealed to the world. It is recorded for us to read.

The glories to come are still for some future time when our salvation will be fully revealed. And that to the glory of Jesus!

We know the sufferings of the Messiah and in a similar fashion as they, we look forward to the glorious appearing and consummation of time when all is fulfilled. (The time when the New Jerusalem comes down from God.)

His triumphs and glories, though very real today and being revealed in us His saints… Are yet for a future time when He returns to Earth. When He defeats the evil that preys on humans and the world. He then takes the throne of David and rules Jerusalem and Earth. It will be as God had desired from the beginning, humanity having dominion over creation. After which Jesus will finally and gloriously put an end to the rebellion.

Those prophets knew they were serving a people yet future. Such things have resulted in your salvation. Those first-century Christians shared the testimony of the Jewish prophets who spoke of the sufferings of the Anointed One. They could show them this very same Jesus that was known among them and attested of long ago.

Why would angels want to look into these things?

Angels serve humanity. These are things also revealed by these messengers of God to men. These messengers desire to look in on. It’s salvation. The hope of glory that lives in each of us who are saints.

Considering that humans were made of the dust of the ground, with the breath of God breathed into us, we are not made in the same hierarchy as angels. We are made a little lower and intimately united with the physical reality we occupy. Humans are made of the very dust of which the earth is made.

We also have a spirit that connects to the reality that supersedes ours. Better said, it is the supernatural realm where spirits dwell. Because of sin, that reality has been veiled to us.

It’s these glorious heavenly angels who were assigned to serve the dirt creatures. It’s like that in God’s economy. The older serves the younger, the least is greatest.

That idea has been corrupted, though. When sin entered, the dirt creatures took upon themselves the desire to be like God. They fell away. And corrupted His order by serving their own selfishness. Not serving others, let alone the least.

What is this?

That the very Creator of these dusty men would humble Himself and add that very same dusty nature. He would step that low, placing Himself even under the angels.

I am thinking wholly of the first two chapters of the book of Hebrews and how eloquently it describes the suffering and then triumphant Messiah. This is how the author says it:

But someone in a certain place testified, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This speaks of how Jesus came to us as One of us, made lower than the angels. Yet at the same time, crowned with glory and honor. (Yet to be revealed in the last times and for which we patiently wait.)

It was that sin. Rebellion was taken on by creatures made of dust. That very thing would be used to defeat sin and death.

Sin earns wages paid in blood. The God of all paid His own blood to satisfy the wages of sin. Sin had no claim on Him, but death attempted to master Him.

The enemy, thinking this would be a perfect way to vanquish God, seized Him. He was crucified and died. Being perfect, death really had no claim on Him.

Yet His blood was shed.

His divine-human blood was the perfect payment for an infinite human debt. A debt He didn’t owe, but one that encumbered all of humanity was completely satisfied.

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)

I can scarcely comprehend that. Even as I write this stuff. It’s above my pay-grade. Yet I know it is true.

There is more.

This Son of God is now (also) a Man. (I am writing it like that for lack of a better way to understand. The Son of God took on humanity. The divine and human United in One. I italicized the One to emphasize not only this but the Unity of Father-Son-Spirit.)

He has wrested the rights to dominion over the creation as God had intended at creation. Men will master it. In this case, One Perfect Man.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of One.

Hebrews 2:10–11a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Things into which angels desire to look.

Now is the time to recall why One is emphasized earlier.

God becomes the Author of salvation by that suffering. The suffering that came by submission to His own creation.

It could only be done with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

Blood that only exists in our temporal physical reality. Angels don’t have blood. Blood cannot be shed for them. That is why those fallen spirits tremble at the name of Jesus. Their destiny is sure and there is no hope for them.

Angels were made higher than humans. The Creator made Himself human. He placed Himself lower than them. He died, rose again. Setting humans higher than angels. (Do you not know you are going to judge angels?)

Just as Jesus partook of the nature of humanity, taking it wholly upon Himself… He invites us dirt-creatures to partake of the divine nature. It starts at our salvation when He comes to live in us.

Those who are sanctified are all of One.

We celebrate that every single time that we come to the Lord’s Table. As we hold in our hands the broken bread and the wine, these represent His human body broken for us and His human-yet-divine bloodshed from it. We are to take that inside of us. It’s a typification of what is yet to be revealed. We partake of the divine nature.

But to partake, one needs to be like Him. We all need to humble ourselves.

1. Acknowledge in our minds that the things written about Him are really real.

2. Believe that what He says is really real. That He rose again. That is for us. Trusting in it like you would trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it.

3. Confess the truth out loud with our mouths. And the. Confess our sins to Him asking Him to remove them completely.

That’s the first step to partaking in the divine nature. You are then given new hope through the resurrection.

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 First Coming of the Lord

On By TimIn Jesus, Mark 11;, Triumphal EntryLeave a comment

When they drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”

They went their way and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street. And they untied it. Some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing untying the colt?” They answered just as Jesus had commanded. And they let them go. They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments on it. And He sat upon it. Many spread their garments on the street. And others cut down branches off the trees and scattered them on the street. Those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Mark 11:1–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Listen! I Stand at the Door and Knock.

On By TimIn Jesus, Last Days, Prophecy, Return of Jesus, Revelation 03, Seven Letters to Seven Churches1 Comment

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I cannot help but to see how urgent and insistent this declaration is.

Our church gives doctrinal studies for those who want to go a bit deeper into basic doctrine. I love to attend because I always learn something new. I have come to understand that anyone can open the Bible and teach, and I can learn from them. I like that about the Holy Spirit. Enough on that.

We were taking an overview of the epistles Jesus wrote to the seven churches in His Revelation to John. Here is one part of what I learned.

Of the letters to the churches, there can be a loose grouping of them applied. It is done using the simple closing phrase in all epistles. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In each epistle, promises are given to the overcomer. Their placement becomes conspicuous. In the first three epistles, these promises are a postscript to the letter, coming after the close. The latter four, the promises to the overcomer are included in the epistle.

It is believed by some that these messages to the churches encompass the character of the entire age of the church of Jesus Christ, from its foundation to its end. The message to Thyatira represents the character of the medieval church. In a more specific way, it would be the Roman church. A further delineating factor to pay attention to comes in the middle epistle, to the church at Thyatira. Thyatira conveys the meaning of continuing sacrifice.

But I have a few things against you: You permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, but she did not repent. Look! I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

Revelation 2:20–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I want to point out the words great tribulation. Those who don’t repent of idolatry will be judged. These words of Jesus are not to be taken lightly. Perhaps it is to draw our attention to the end of the age. We still have the vestiges of the medieval church age with us. Simply for that reason, the words great tribulation are important.

We move to the next epistle. Just as the message to Thyatira is representative of the character of the Roman medieval church, the epistle to Sardis represents the reformation age. Sardis conveys a meaning of an escaping remnant.

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

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

The admonition for this church is to watch. If it truly represents the character of the church of the reformation age, those churches exist contemporary with us. The admonition to them also reveals something yet future. Just as the previous epistle hinted toward great tribulation, this one hints to Jesus coming back as a thief. These will be surprised when He comes.

The next epistle is that to Philadelphia. In representing the character of the church, this is one of the great evangelistic soul-winning-missionary-minded churches. Philadelphia conveys the meaning of brotherly love.

Because you have kept My word of patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the entire world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 3:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The admonition to this church includes the idea of wholly being rescued from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the whole world. This temptation is a test of those who dwell on Earth. These that are kept from this hour are most likely not on Earth. If not, such would necessarily be included in the whole world and would still be dwelling on Earth.

So far, Jesus tells those who don’t repent will have to go through great tribulation. With increased urgency we are told to watch so as we are not surprised. By keeping His word of patience we are kept from the test of those who dwell on Earth.

Look, I am coming quickly. Hold firmly what you have, so that no one may take your crown.

Revelation 3:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is an urgency that is increasing and becoming more specific. Time is closing in fast. He is coming quickly.

When we encounter the last epistle to Laodicea, this is the characterization of the church in the last days. Laodicea conveys a meaning of the people judging, or the people are in charge. (That says much about modern churches. Many do surveys to determine how to best meet people’s felt needs. That’s another discussion.)

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If this is the last age of the church, it would also follow that the urgency would increase. That is exactly what we see. Instead, He’s not coming quickly, or as a surprise. He’s right there at the door… Knocking!

There isn’t much time. But you can still open the door to Him.

Harmonizing the Tribulation of Those Days

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Prophecy, Rapture, Redemption, Return of JesusLeave a comment

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 24:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“But in those days, after that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken.’
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the harmony of these presentations of the special briefing that Jesus gave His disciples at the end of the age, there are similarities that can be harmonized. All three are describing a time of great tumult, with signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the heavens being shaken. We also see Jesus coming in the clouds.

To understand the coming in the clouds, we must delve into the old testament. We find over the many mentions of clouds associated with God it came in the form of divine intervention for His people. During the exodus, God led the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day. When the cloud descended on the tent of meeting, it signified the presence of God. God coming in the clouds is a powerful and symbolic way to demonstrate divine intervention, divine judgment, or divine provision for the preservation of His people.

In this ‘sign’ we see ALL three. There is also another truth in the harmony that isn’t discussed. That is, Jesus is referring to Himself as God. If one understands the trial with the high priest, Jesus was asked if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. In His reply, He affirmed the questions the priest asked and claimed He is God. This is understood when we know the identity of Who comes in the clouds. Jesus said it would be Him by the title He chose for Himself. This title is also a direct reference to all of this.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The differences are also important. Let’s poke at some of these.

The first is the introductory phrase to this time. In the Matthew and Mark account, the audiences’ attention is drawn toward the period after these distresses. More things would happen on Earth and in the heavens, and then the Son of Man would appear. The elect would be gathered, and a kingdom established (The latter part is inferred.) Both accounts seem to give a contemporaneous account of events.

Now note how Luke explains it, paying special attention to where he wants the audiences’ attention drawn. From the outset, Luke is asking his reader to understand the time before these events occur. This is clearly understood by this phrase “of what is coming on the inhabited earth.” Luke describes the same events that will happen, not contemporaneously.

Then we encounter the last sentence. “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Luke is a gentile writing to gentiles. He is admonishing them to pay attention to when these things begin to happen. We also have the use of a unique word, ‘redemption.’

Matthew and Mark are drawing attention to the time of God’s intervention, judgment, and preservation of His people. Perhaps it could be redemption. Yet they did not use the word. I think it is because the attention of the reader is being drawn to two different events. Luke is drawing attention to redemption that occurs before the harmonized disasters that are described.

Considering redemption and the way the word is used in the New Testament, we can readily see the references of the majority of forms in the graphic. There are two other uses, one reference meaning ransom/release is cited in Hebrews 11:35 (Red.) The other is referencing an event and is the one word from Luke 21:28 we are discussing, ‘Redemption.’