Podcast 133, Hebrews, “Pt 13 A, Ch 13”

Though Hebrews is traditionally attributed to Paul, the authorship is still controversial. I claim no scholarship in this or any other area and rely entirely upon others for historical content. I follow the KJV which begins with, “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” I am entirely responsible for my own interpretations. 

It appears, however, in Chapter 13, Timothy is involved in this chapter, either in delivering it or writing it. I shall not make a distinction.

In the final letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 13, we are given 12 injunctions as a kind of summing up. One of the overriding themes of Hebrews is to encourage the Jewish Christians to press forward and endure in the faith. 

Injunction 1

Hebrews 13:1

Let brotherly love continue.

This, of course, is at the core of Christian doctrine. What Christian cannot quote the following commandment of Christ. 

John 13:34–35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Let’s also consider what is often referred to as the Two Great Commandments. 

Matthew 22:37–40 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

There is no commandment repeated more often by Jesus than love or its variations. The Savior alone uses the word love or its variation about 60 times. As we saw above, he refers to love as “A New Commandment.” It replaces the Mosaic Law of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

Exodus 21:23–25 

And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Injunction 2

Hebrews 13: 2 

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Christians believe in angels. The word angel, singular or plural, appears approximately 290 times in the KGV of the Holy Bible. They may be referred to as heavenly messengers, servants of God, ministering spirits, archangel (Michael), heavenly beings, watcher, holy one.  Though the term “guardian angel” is not mentioned, descriptions of angels who watch over us do appear. For example.  

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Psalm 91:11–12

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Hebrews 1:14 

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

“Heirs of salvation” refer to all, Jew or Gentile, who come unto Christ, obey his laws, and endure to the end. 

Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

That, of course, reflects the concept of brotherly love and echoes the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. It also establishes the importance of Marriage and the law of chastity

Injunction 4

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Hebrews 13:4 

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. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

I suppose many of us struggle with the concept of “being content with what we have.” What we have is almost never enough. Even advertisers promote covetousness in the way they package their products. They are able to create desires that didn’t even exist before. Advertisers depend upon selling new and better products, the latest technology. There is even a term that describes a method used to force us to buy new products. It is called “designed obsolescence.” Things are made to wear out. It is implicit in another term we are all familiar with, “limited warranty.” The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” is familiar to all. We are fighting a system that we ourselves promote. It is as if Paul saw our day.  The promise, however, that “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” gives us all unlimited hope.

Injunction 5

Hebrews 13:5-6

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. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Though clearly the audience is experienced in the gospel; nevertheless, this is still first generation Christians. The audience, being Hebrews, would be steeped in the traditions of the Mosaic Law. Traditions are very hard to let go, particularly if their family and friends still hold to them. Here the Hebrews, including all Christians, are encouraged to follow the words of the apostles and prophets. In other words, “them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God,” meaning the New Testament. The end of the injunction contains profound doctrine, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever.” That is one of the most comforting scriptures. The author is talking to a group steeped in tradition and also steeped in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are being taught that the God of the New Testament is also the God of the Old Testament. Though the old law has been fulfilled in Christ, Christ himself didn’t change. He was the Jehovah of the Old Testament. 

Injunction 6

Hebrews 13:9-12 

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Animal sacrifice was done away with Christ who was the final sacrifice. He was the sacrificial lamb. Here we get an insight of the struggles the new saints are facing. Strange doctrines are creeping in. Using the Gospel of Christ as the shell some want to slip in their own philosophy. They are not content with the simpleness of the teachings of Jesus. They want mystery. They want to introduce the philosophies of man. Remember Paul’s experience on Mars Hill. 

Acts 17:18-22

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Apostasy in the church began very early. The apostles were constantly fighting against false doctrine, false teachers, ignorance, and apostasy. That was one of the major roles of the Apostles to keep out false doctrine. 

As we read the Apostles Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed, we see the struggles in the early church to define doctrine. And then fifteen hundred years after Christ, Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation which was an attempt to return back to the Bible, but even the Protestant Reformation splintered into many Christian denomination. For example, today we have over thirteen major denominations and over 45000 minor Christian denominations, meaning those with fewer numbers, 

We also have the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea, often called the ‘Father of Church History,” writing about 300 years after Christ who gives us great insight into early Church History and conflicts over doctrine.

Christ established only one church through his apostles sometime referred to in the Holy Bible as The Church of the Firstborn. 

Fortunately for Christians and all other religious denominations, we have freedom of religion in America and can choose for ourselves. We should never, ever give up that right or infringe on the rights of others to worship as they please as long as it is in the boundaries of just laws that respect the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Attacks against Christianity and the Jews in America today is reaching an appalling intensity and is being winked at by people in high places. That is a serious sign that our liberties are being chiseled away.

Podcast 132, Hebrews, “Pt 12, Ch 12”

We shall approach Hebrews 12 by dividing it into five themes.

1.     Theme 1 Patience (verse 1)

2.     Theme 2 Look to Jesus (verses 2-4)

3.     Theme 3 Despise not the Chastening of the Lord (verses 5-13)

4.     Theme 4 Follow Peace, Holiness, Diligence, & Chastity (verses 14-17)

5.     Theme 5 God is a Consuming Fire (Verses 18-29)

Hebrews 12:1

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,

Patience can also be substituted for endurance. Paul compares life to a race. One of the requirements for entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to endure to the end. In John’s letters to the seven churches, the refrain, “to him that overcometh” precedes all blessings. The following verses are familiar to Christians. 

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 37:34

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land...

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The overriding theme of both Old and New Testaments is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. And Jehovah is the Christ of the New Testament. At the baptism of Jesus and on the Mount of Transfiguration, The Father bears witness of his Son. At the baptism of Jesus, we have all three members of the Godhead: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Matthew records, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”   That is one of the greatest moments in the history of the World. Paul, an apostle and personal witness to the resurrected Lord, exhorts us to look to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2-4

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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Notice that twice Paul refers to Christ as one who ‘endured the cross’ and one who “endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.’ He reminds us that unlike Christ we haven’t ‘yet resisted unto blood.’ Christ shed his blood in Gethsemane where, suffering for our sins, he bled from every pore as describe by Luke the physician. Christ also shed his blood when the crown of thorns was pressed upon his head. Christ shed his blood under the lashes of a whip while carrying the cross. And Christ shed his blood on the cross at Calvary. Christ is both the author or creator of our faith and the finisher of our faith. By finisher he is referring to the final judgment where he perfects those who endured to the end. In heaven there will be faith no longer for it shall be supplanted by pure knowledge. In other words the ‘trial of our faith’ is finished.

Next Paul admonishes us to accept the chastening of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:5-13

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: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 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? 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. 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. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Notice the beautiful doctrines taught above:

·      Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.

·      He scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

·      If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons

·      God is the Father of spirits.

·      We might be partakers of his holiness.

·      Chastisement produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness. 

·      We should make our paths straight.

To partake of his holiness, we must ourselves be holy. That is why we must look unto Christ. To make our paths straight, we must follow peace, holiness, and virtue.

Hebrews 12:14-17

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 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.

Our final judge is Christ. The only way Christ will allow us into the presence of the Father is if we keep his commandments.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Grace is not guaranteed. Paul tells us that we may “fail of the grace of God.” Grace is conditional. Paul gives some of those conditions: 

·      Follow peace with all men

·      Follow holiness

·      Look diligently lest any man shall fail of grace

·      Do not allow any bitterness to trouble us

·      Do not commit fornication

·      Do not take the Lord’s name in vane

That, of course, is not a definitive list for we are told to follow every word that procedeth out of the mouth of God. But Paul is teaching the principle that we must earn grace. As James teaches, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.”

Next Paul teaches us of the differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. 

Hebrews 12:18-21

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (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: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 

In the above Paul is speaking of Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, was a sacred mountain. Only the sanctified could endure the presence if the Lord, but even the sanctified were restrained by boundaries. 

Exodus 19:10-13

And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

On Mount Sinai the Lord “descended upon it in fire.” It was like the “smoke of a furnace.” If the people even gazed upon it they would perish. 

Exodus 19:16-21

And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.

On the one hand the Children of Israel, who were under the Mosaic Law, could not even approach Mount Sinai. On the other hand, the Lord gives the saints of the New Testament,  an open invitation to come to Mount Zion. That is the great difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Podcast 131, Hebrews, “Pt 11 B, Ch 11”

In Part 11 B, we continue with Paul’s examples on faith. Let us repeat Paul’s definition of Faith.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

In the examples, Paul provides evidence of faith drawing from the great patriarchs of the past. Here we shall begin with 

Patriarch 5: Abraham.

Hebrews 11:8-19

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. 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: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 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. 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. 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. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 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. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Noah became a second Adam and his wife a second Eve. Another covenant was given to Abraham that also affected the entire earth. 

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

There is another uniqueness about the Abrahamic covenant.

Genesis 17:4-7

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

It was through the seed of Abraham that Christ would be born, and it was through the seed of Abraham that we have the Old and New Testaments. It was also through the seed of Abraham that we have the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. And it was also through the seed of Abraham that through Christ we are able to return back to the presence of God. Before Christ, the chosen people referred only to the literal seed of Abraham. After Christ the chosen people referred only to those, whether Jew or Gentile, who accepted Christ as their Savior. When Christ returns, the world will be divided between the just and the unjust. The wicked shall be destroyed and only the righteous shall survive into the Millennium.  The first destruction of the earth was by water. The second destruction of the earth will be by fire. Only the righteous seed of Abraham will survive, whether Jew or Gentile.

Galatians 3:29:

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:7 

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Galatians 3:14 

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Patriarch 6: Isaac

Hebrews 11:20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

The Abrahamic covenant continued through his son Isaac.

Genesis 17:19

Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”

And as we see, Isaac blessed Jacob and thus through the seed of Abraham the everlasting covenant continued. The unifying principle, however, is faith in Christ. 

Patriarchs 7 & 8: Jacob and Joseph

Hebrews 11:21-22

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

The sons of Joseph were Ephraim and Manassah. Both received equal portions of the patriarchal inheritance. Consequently, the twelve tribes are traditionally listed as: Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Joseph’s name is not listed, but obviously he is represented by his two sons. The tribe of Levi did not inherit land, but after the split many remained in the area of Jerusalem where the temple was. They were the priestly cast.

Patriarch 9: Moses

Hebrews 11:23-31

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. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Moses was of humble origin but was raised among Egyptian royalty. Paul emphasizes both the faith of Moses’s parents in defying the king and the faith Moses had in turning his back on his Egyptian privileges and identifying with slaves. He put service to God above the riches of Egypt. In addition, he had the faith to enter Pharaoh’s court and challenge his authority, demanding that he let the Children of Israel leave. In the story of Moses, we learn the power of faith when confronted even with a man as powerful as the Pharaoh of Egypt, whose very command could mean death. In addition, the faith of Moses gave him power over the elements.

Other Patriarchs of the House of Israel.

Hebrews 11:32-40

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: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 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. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 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; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, and David were all famous warriors who won battles against impossible odds. Samuel was a great prophet whose life was dedicated to the Lord from his youth. Paul lists examples of faith of those above and other prophets who among other things subdued kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, waxed valiant in fight, accepted being tortured rather than deliverance, endured mockings, scourgings, stoning, death, imprisonment, deprivation, torment, isolation, yet remained true. Paul mentioned one prophet being “sawn asunder.” Perhaps that is an allusion to Isaiah, who by tradition, was cut in half by the orders of the wicked king Manassah. 

Paul’s examples illustrate the power of faith to overcome any obstacle no matter how large. We must also consider that many showed their faith through suffering. In other words, they were not delivered from their trials but through their suffering were made perfect in faith. True faith is to accept the will of the Lord rather than demand our own desires, even if the will of the Lord is to claim our lives or the lives of a loved one. 

Podcast 130, Hebrews, “Pt 11 A, Ch 11”

Faith is the first principle of the gospel yet it is for some of us elusive and enigmatic.  The question always remains, ‘What is faith?’ & ‘How does one build faith?’ Paul’s one-line definition of faith is one of the best there is.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Paul introduces two concepts to help us understand faith: substance and evidence. Some synonyms for ‘substance’ are matter, material, element, compound, essence, nature, being, reality, core, heart, quintessence, content, import, value. That is important because Paul takes faith from the abstract to the concrete. Faith is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is tangible. I love the word ‘quintessence.’ Originally quintessence referred to the fifth element or fifth essence after earth, air, fire, and water. Dictionary defines quintessence as “The essential nature or a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.” Related words are embodiment, epitome, ideal, distillation, and perfection. Granted that faith, being the ideal is still a little elusive, but the concept that it is a substance, a tangible commodity means that we can recognize it when we see it. That is why Paul devotes the entire chapter to giving examples.

The second concept of faith is “evidence.” Some synonyms for evidence are proof, confirmation, verification, corroboration, substantiation, validation, authentication, documentation, sign, justification, data, facts, authority. 

However, faith is the ‘substance of things hoped for’ and the ‘evidence of things not seen.’ Hope is associated with desire, expectation, trust, promise, prospect, belief, expectation, trust and ambition.  ‘Substance’ becomes evidence, but evidence of what? —evidence of the unseen world, the invisible, the hidden, or concealed. That is the magic of his definition. Faith connects the unseen world to the seen world. It makes the insubstantial substantial. Paul presents his evidence through examples from the lives of ancient prophets and others of Biblical importance. Through his examples, Paul allows us to see faith in action. Paul makes faith an action word. If we consider faith as active and not passive, as a verb and not a noun, we better understand its meaning. In other words, it makes faith more accessible. It involves us in the process. It doesn’t merely describe something God will do for us while we sit around. It describes something that God will with us when we set things in motion. We don’t sit around thinking about faith. We are up and doing. It is action that galvanizes faith. Among other things, galvanized means to shock, to excite, to inspire, to stimulate into action.  It is through action that faith flourishes. Some refer to faith as ‘stepping into the dark.’ Faith works best in uncertainty. That connects faith with courage, fortitude, resolution, and steadfastness. 

Faith precedes hope. In fact, faith is the substance of hope. Hope cannot come without faith.  Think of faith as the journey and hope as the destination. Or think of faith as the cause and hope as the consequence. Without faith, hope is nebulous and uncertain. Hope cannot exist without faith. Faith and hope are compound words. For example, sun plus light equals ‘sunlight.’ Take away the sun and you take away light. Take away faith and you take away hope. Just as the sun is the substance of light, faith is the substance of hope. 

Think of faith as a journey—say a journey searching for a city in the dark. Now think of hope as the glow of light you see in the distance that indicates that the city you are looking for is just over the hill. Without the journey you could not have the hope of finding the city. Without the glow of light, you can’t know where the city is. Faith brings you to hope and hope brings you to the destination which ultimately is the eternal city where God dwells. 

Let me introduce a grand paradox. There are certain other elements that faith requires. Some are patience, endurance, perseverance, courage, strength, determination, refusal to quit. Enemies to faith are fear, sloth, doubt, hesitation, indecision, apprehension, dread, and anxiety. Distraction is also a great enemy to faith. Here is the paradox: On the one hand, if those obstacles did not exist, faith would not be necessary. Faith thrives in uncertainty. Consider uncertainty as a blessing. The greater the uncertainty the greater the faith required to move forward. The greater the obstacle the stronger your faith grows as you press forward. Without the obstacles you could not develop faith. It may appear ironic, but the obstacles themselves define the faith necessary to move forward. It becomes an issue of problem solving. Uncertainty defines the problem. Faith defines the solution. Laws are involved in all challenges. Look for the law that unlocks the mystery. Once you discover the law, you may repeat the process for the same results and faith is no longer necessary. You move on to other obstacles. 

But sometimes nothing is as it seems. Fear creates illusion of failure, and logic itself becomes the obstacle. For example, what if the obstacle—say the enemy—is truly stronger than you. A small army faces a bigger army, and logic says you can’t win. That puts faith on another level. If you have right on your side, then you will have God on your side. Without God you would lose, but with God the odds turn in your favor very quickly. Paul proves that principle with his many examples. Therefore, when considering faith, we must separate what we mean. There are three levels of faith. There is faith in self. There is faith in others. And there is faith in God. Sometimes faith in self is all we need because God has already endowed us with all the gifts necessary to accomplish the task. Sometimes we must rely upon others for we cannot accomplish the task alone. Sometimes we must rely upon the Lord for he alone can help us. All three are noble endeavors. The greatest faith of all comes when we do it ourselves but give God the credit. When we reach that level we truly have hope of eternal life with God. We must never forget that God is the father of our spirits. God created us. God has given everyone special gifts. God gave us our potential. To recognize his hands in all things is the ultimate gift of Faith.

Now, with that in mind, let’s consider the examples Paul gives of Faith. I shall divide them into Patriarchs, each Patriarch expanding our understanding of faith. 

Patriarch One: The Elders

Hebrews 11:2-3

For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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.

How else except through prophets do we know that ‘worlds were framed by the word of God.’ Of course, we learn that through Genesis.  

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

It is essential that we remember that God is the creator of all things. If we believe that there is nothing that God cannot do, that he is omniscient and omnipotent, that he is our loving Father in heaven who created us—that makes faith in him much easier.

Patriarch Two: Abel

Hebrews 11:4

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.

Keeping the ordinances of God is an act of faith required for our salvation. Ordinance means “to arrange, regulate, or put in order.” Christian ordinances refer to practices such as baptism, partaking of the sacrament, laying on of hand for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Never underestimate the divine power of holy symbols. Partaking the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, for example, symbolizes the full atonement of Jesus Christ, that he gave his body and shed his blood for us, and we take the sacrament in remembrance of him. 

Patriarch Three: Enoch

Hebrews 11:5-6

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. 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.

The Biblical account of Enoch is scarce. In addition to Paul above, we have Genesis.

Genesis 5:22-24

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

In addition, we have Jude.

Jude :14-15

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Podcast 129, Hebrews, “Pt 10, Ch 10”

One of Paul’s great gifts is in explaining the law. Being a former Pharisee, he was strictly educated in the law of Moses. Paul is a transitional prophet because he lives in transitional times. The Lord has moved from the First, or Old Testament, to the Second, or New Testament. The First Testament has been fulfilled, and the sacrifice of animals has ended. The First Testament did not lead to perfection because it was administered by imperfect people on animals that had no power of forgiving sins. It was a symbol only. The entire purpose of the First Testament was to lead people to Christ who did have the power to forgive sins. In the beginning statement of Chapter 10 Paul said, 

Hebrews 10:1

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 continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

The end goal is perfection. One statement made by our Savior Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount summarizes his entire mission. Let’s turn to Matthew 5.

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

That is not an idle statement. That is why Christ came to earth to atone for our sins. Remember from our earlier reading of Paul—for perfection to come we must have two things. As stated above, first we must have the Second or New Testament. And as stated below, we must have the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Second or New Testament are inseparable. 

Hebrews 7:11-12

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Paul explains the difference.

Hebrews 7:15-17

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Notice the emphasis on the phrases “the power of an endless life” and “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Animal Sacrifice came to an end in Christ. Animal sacrifice could neither perfect nor offer endless life. It was after the “law of carnal commandments” only.  Notice Paul’s words,

Hebrews 7:18-22

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

Only through the Melchisedec Priesthood can we ‘draw night unto God.’ Perfection does not come in this life. It can only come in the next for it is of “endless duration.” Only by living in the presence of the Father can one be “made perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect.” Christ made it very clear. 

John 14:6 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Paul further explains why the Levitical Priesthood cannot perfect us.

Hebrews 10:2-8

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 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;

Isaiah taught that same principle hundreds of years before Paul. Isaiah fully understood the mission of Jesus Christ and the necessity of his atoning sacrifice. In the very beginning of his ministry he said,

Isaiah 1:16-18

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 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.

Isaiah teaches that when Christ forgives, he will not remember our sins. 

Isaiah 43:25 

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

Jeremiah, who also knew Christ, taught the same principle. He also is speaking of the New Testament, or “New Covenant.”

Jeremiah 31:33-34

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Paul had Jeremiah in mind when he wrote, 

Hebrews 10: 9-22

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 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; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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.

Christ symbolizes the veil of the temple. Remember the image in the New Testament after Christ was crucified. 

Matthew 27:51 

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Podcast 128, Hebrews, “Pt 9, Ch 9”

The purpose of the Book of Hebrews is to teach us who Christ is and what exactly he has done for our salvation and exaltation. In the opening chapter we read,

Hebrews 1:1-5

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

In Chapter 1 above we learn that Christ is The Son of God, the heir of all things, the express image of the Father, the atoning one who purged our sins. He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. In Chapters 2-6 we learn that

·      He suffered temptation that he might be able to succor them that are tempted. 

·      He was the captain of our salvation made perfect through suffering 

·      He was the apostle and high priest of our profession3

·      Being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. 

·      He was called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 

In Chapter 7 we also learned the differences between the Levitical Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. In Chapters 8 & 9 we learn the difference between the First Testament and the Second Testament, also called the Old Testament and the New Testament.  We also learn that perfection can only come both from the Melchizedek Priesthood and the New Testament. For example, let’s review what Paul has said about perfection in the first 9 chapters:

1.     Hebrews 2:10 

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

2.     Hebrews 5:9 

“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

3.     Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection...”

4.     Hebrews 7:11 

“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood... what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec...?”

5.     Hebrews 7:19 

“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”

6.     Hebrews 9:9 

“...in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;”

Chapter 9 is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 consists of verses 1-10; Part 2 consists of verses 11-17; Part 3 consists of verses 18-23; and Part 4 consists of verses 24-28. Parts 1 & 3 address the First Testament, also referred to as the Old Testament. Parts 2 & 4 address the Second Testament, also referred to as the New Testament. There is as much difference between the First testament and the Second Testament as there is between the Levitical (also called Aaronic) Priesthood and the Melchisedec Priesthood. The Levitical Priesthood is the heart of the First Testament. The Melchisedec Priesthood is the heart of the Second or New Testament. Only through the Melchisedec Priesthood and the New Testament can we become perfect. 

Part I Hebrews 9:1-10

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 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: 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: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

Notice the limitation of the First Testament, “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience” That reminds us of Hebrews 7:11 “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood…what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec…?” Everything before Christ was symbolic of Christ but was not Christ himself. He had to be the final sacrifice. There could be no stand-in. 

In Part I we learn that the high priest alone was allowed into the Holy of Holies once a year to offer sacrifice. But being imperfect he also had to offer sacrifice for himself. It is merely symbolic. Let’s contrast Part 1 with Part 2, where Christ himself is the High Priest with no substitute. 

Part 2 Hebrews 9:11-17

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 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: 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? 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. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Notice the emphasis from the above on the following concepts: “more perfect tabernacle,” “eternal redemption for us,” purge your conscience from dead works,” “new testament,” “eternal inheritance.” Christ is “an high priest of good things to come.” The First Testament, meaning the Law of Moses and animal sacrifice, is done away in Christ because it could not bring about perfection. Christ had to offer himself as the final sacrifice. 

Let’s turn to Part 3, in which Paul continues his discussion of the Levitical Priesthood.

Part 3 Hebrews 9:18-23

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 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, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 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.

The purpose of the First Testament was to prepare the Children of Israel for the coming of Christ. But they were “patterns of things” and not the things themselves. It was necessary that “the heavenly things themselves “should have “better sacrifices than these.”

In Part 4 Paul explains the necessity of Christ himself being the only true sacrifice. 

Part 4 Hebrews 9:24-28

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: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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.

Podcast 127, Hebrews, “Pt 8, Ch 8”

Of the 12 chapters in the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 9 speak of High Priests, Chapter 7 being the pivotal chapter. Chapter 8 opens with the following declaration. 

Hebrews 8:1-3

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; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 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 Holy Priesthood is the power to act in God’s Name—and that name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Remember his words to Peter, 

Matthew 16:15-19

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Those keys are priesthood keys. That power is priesthood power, and as we learned from Hebrews 7, it is called the Melchisedec Priesthood. Paul said of Christ, 

Hebrews 7:21-24

(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

It is the everlasting nature of the atonement of Christ, an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, that should always be at the forefront of our minds.  Paul distinguishes between Christ as high priest and man as high priest, speaking of the Aaronic Priesthood. 

Hebrews 8:4-5

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 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 high priests of the Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood were but “the example and shadow of heavenly things.” Only Christ, the High Priest, sits “on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”

Christ gives us a more excellent way.

Hebrews 8:6

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.

When Christ came to the earth, he fulfilled the covenant of Moses; therefore, it was fulfilled and replaced with a new and everlasting covenant of a higher order. 

Hebrews 8:7-10

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 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: 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. 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: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

It is helpful here to review the Sermon on the Mount for it reveals the essence of that new covenant. For sake of economy, I shall just include the unsurpassing Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:3-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

That is a long way from ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ And as anyone can tell you who strives to live those laws, they are not always easy. I remember a delightful old comic strip called ‘Wilberforce.’ The father, red-faced and on fire with anger, was chasing his son. His wife said something to the effect, ‘Give him another chance.” The father answers, “What if he doesn’t do it again?” He, of course, represented the natural man whose righteous indignation often turns into revenge. 

Christ is trying to perfect us. Christ never sinned. We cannot reach that standard. That is why Christ gave us the law of mercy. Christ achieved perfection by the things he suffered, and he commanded us, 

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Of course, that is not possible in this life; however, if we strive to keep the commandments and endure to the end in this life, Christ, through his atoning sacrifice, can make us perfect through the resurrection in the next life.

Christ promises the faithful.

Hebrews 8:11-13

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Podcast 126, Hebrews, “Pt 7, Ch 7”

It is difficult to find a more profound explanation of the priesthood than in Hebrews Chapter 7. Clearly there are two priesthoods, a lessor priesthood and a greater priesthood. The lessor priesthood is the Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood. The greater priesthood is the Melchisedec Priesthood. Priesthood is the power to act in God’s name. To have that Priesthood one must be ordained of God “as was Aaron.” Paul teaches the dramatic difference between the two. 

First, he teaches of the higher or Melchisedec Priesthood.

Hebrews 7:1-4

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

We first read of Abraham meeting Melchizedek in Genesis 14.

Genesis 14:18-20

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

In the stories of Jews and Christians, has there ever been a more important meeting, King David adds further insight. 

Psalm 110:4

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 

So far we learn that Melchisedec is King of Salem, Priest of the Most Hight God, & King of Righteousness. We also learn that Melchisedec was greater than Abraham for Melchisedec blessed Abraham and Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec. Melchisedec has Christ like qualities, but he is not Christ. Paul said, “but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” Melchisedec is a High Priest to Christ, and as David teaches, Christ will be a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. In fact, the longevity of that priesthood is a primary theme of Hebrews 7. 

Hebrews 7:3 “But made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually”; 7:17 “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”; 7: 24 “Because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood”; 7:27 “who is consecrated for evermore.”

It is the Melchisedec Priesthood, however, that is “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.”  And David teaches us that Christ is a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Paul echoes the words of David.

Hebrews 7:22-28

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

In other words, Christ is the power of the priesthood. He continueth forever. He is able to save all that come unto him, Christ gives his priesthood to man. For example, it was Christ who gave that priesthood to Melchizedek and it was Melchizedek who gave that priesthood to Abraham for Abraham receives all the oaths and covenants or all the promises. Christ also gave that priesthood to Peter and the Apostles. It is through that same Priesthood that bind the oaths and covenants of God. The Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood did not have that power, but the Melchizedek Priesthood did for it is everlasting.

Hebrews 7:18-21

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

To understand what those oaths and covenants are, let’s return to the Old Testament. 

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

In other words, if we are to be blessed thorough the Melchizedek Priesthood, we must be of the seed of Abraham, not by birthright only as were the House of Jacob but by righteousness through obedience to the laws of Christ. who is the embodiment of the everlasting priesthood. Anyone who comes unto Christ via his Holy Priesthood, may inherit the blessings of Christ. The scope of the blessing to Abraham and his seed, including the Gentiles who become his adopted seed, is difficult to comprehend.

Genesis 13:14-16

And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

Genesis 15:5

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, 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.

The covenant with Abraham is not an earthly covenant only. As we read in Genesis 13: “For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.” That is not an idle promise. It is an eternal covenant. In Genesis we read

Genesis 17:7

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

The Promised Land then covers not only real estate on earth but also real estate in heaven; otherwise, it would not be everlasting. The Levitical Priesthood does not contain that oath or covenant or promise. Only through the Melchizedek Priesthood can it be obtained. 

Another thing that separates the Aaronic Priesthood from the Melchizedek Priesthood is the difference in law. Law, the greatest gift of God, is often overlooked causing some to erroneously see God as arbitrary. God is a God of law and order, or he would not be God. Every blessing, every miracle, every prophecy, every ordinance, every commandment, every covenant—in fact everything that God does, he does according to law. It simplifies things for us. Obey the law and you get the predicated blessings. Disobey the law and you get the predicated cursings. There is one law of the Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood and a higher law for the Melchizedek Priesthood. Let’s see what Paul says of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Hebrews 7:5-10

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

We learn in the above that the Melchisedec Priesthood was first, the Aaronic Priesthood second. The Melchisedec Priesthood is greater, the Aaronic Priesthood is lessor. This is emphasized by Paul.

Hebrews 7:11-14

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

Podcast 125, Hebrews, “Pt 6, Ch 6”

Paul sets an incredibly high standard for us to follow:

Hebrews 6:1-2

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 

In the above Paul establishes the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel.

·      Repentance from our sins

·      Faith in Christ

·      Baptism

·      Laying on of hand for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

·      The Resurrection from the Dead

·      The Eternal Judgment

Those are essential to salvation. Without them we cannot enter the presence of God, but they are the foundation of our worship.  To Paul tThe first principles and ordinances are where we begin. They are not where we end. Paul admonishes us to “go on unto perfection.”

Christ said, 

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

That appears to be an impossible task; however, through Christ it can be done. Paul added, 

Hebrews 6:3

And this will we do, if God permit.

Christ alone is the key. Paul called Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.”

Hebrews 12:2

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.

We must be made perfect or we cannot enter the presence of the Father and the Son.

6 LINDA

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

David, who his whole life, wanted to build a temple to God, said,

Psalm 24:3-4

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Isaiah added,

Isaiah 35:8-10

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Paul sets the standard of judgment.

Hebrews 6:4-8

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

Paul is not talking of those who fall into sin and repent. Remember Paul put repentance first on the list. He is talking about those who have had the gift of the Holy Ghost and then turned their backs on the church and fight against it. Those are the ones “which beareth thorns and briers.”  I suspect Paul is alluding to those who once belonged to the Church of Christ and then turned against it and began persecuting the Christians who remained faithful. 

Paul then turns his attention to the faithful members of the church.

Hebrews 6:9-11

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Paul is encouraging the saints to endure to the end. Hope, considered one of the three theological virtues, refers to hope in eternal life.  Hope is the central theme in Hebrews 6 as you shall see in the following: 

Hebrews 6:12-19

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

First, Paul admonishes us not to be slothful. As every Christian knows, Sloth is one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Lust, Evy, Gluttony, Wrath, & Sloth. The opposing virtues are Humility, Charity, Chastity, Gratitude, Temperance, Patience, & Diligence. Paul is urging us to diligence through faith and patience and endurance. That is how we inherit the promises. What are the promises? He of course is talking about the Abrahamic Covenant and one of the greatest promises is eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Those who keep their covenants, those who patiently endure shall be “heirs of promise.” Notice the preeminence of hope, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, but sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” To go through the veil in the temple symbolizes entering into the Holy of Holies or the presence of God. The temple is preeminent in the writings of both Isaiah and John the Revelator. 

As with Isaiah and John, Christ is also the center in the writings of Paul.  

Hebrews 6:20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

12 RON

In the Holy Bible the High Priest, a descendant of Aaron, was the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. In Hebrews 5, Paul described his role “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” That of course was symbolic of Christ. 

In the King James Translation, the Book of Hebrews has 11 chapters. Books, or chapters, in the New Testament are often referred to as epistles. Those are all terms used in translation. It is probably closer to the original if we read the entire Book of Hebrews as one long epistle. The chapters are tied together by internal parallelism. It is my opinion that the books were not written over a long period of time with years in between, but were written as a whole in a relative brief time. The authors or prophets and apostles clearly had the beginning, middle, and end in mind before they wrote their book, The evidence is in the text. They are so tightly written. Just as a small example, let’s take the first six chapters of Hebrews and tie them to Hebrews 6:20 above. Notice how the previous chapters bring the theme of Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek, into focus. Paul wants us to keep Christ as the focus of Hebrews.  

Linda and I shall read them alternately.

Hebrews 1:1-5

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Hebrews 2:17-18

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 

Podcast 124, Hebrews, “Pt 5, Ch 5”

Hebrews Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4 prepare us for Hebrews Chapter 5. Christ is the central theme of Hebrews. Paul wants us to know who Christ is and why he is necessary for our salvation.

Hebrews, Chapter 5, is divided into three distinct parts

Part I is comprised of verses 1-4. It forms a chiasm, or single unit much like a paragraph. It follows the parallel pattern of ABBA. Paul refers to the role of High Priest of the tribe of Levi who offered sacrifices for the Children of Israel. It is a type of Christ, and the role of High Priest was to remind the Children of Israel that Jesus Christ would offer himself as the ultimate sacrifice. However, unlike Christ, the surrogate High Priest is not perfect. For example, Paul said, “for that he himself is compassed with infirmity.” For that reason, the surrogate High Priest “ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” In other words, he is a substitute High Priest. The true High Priest, as Paul teaches, is Christ who never sinned. For example, the animal being sacrificed had to be without blemish for the lamb also was a symbol of Christ. Being sinless, Christ, unlike the surrogate High Priest, did not have to offer sacrifice for his own sins. It was for us alone that he died. He alone among all mankind is without blemish.

A         For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

 B         Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

 B         And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

 A         And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

In Part I Paul teaches us that a priesthood holder must be called of God, as was Aaron. For example, listen as I read verses 1 & 4 together as if they were connected or juxtaposed:

“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”

See how they fit together as hand in glove. It is as if Paul meant us to read those two verses together, yet they are interrupted by verses 2 & 3 which are also natural companions. 

“Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.  And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.”

 In ancient Israel the priesthood was held by the tribe of Levi. One cannot ordain himself to the priesthood. The priesthood is the authority to act for God and therefore must be called of God.

Part II is comprised of verses 5-10. It follows the same Chiastic pattern: ABBA. 

A.        So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

 B         Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

 B         Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

 A         Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

 Again, listen as I read verses 5, 6, & 10 together. Notice how natural it sounds, “

“So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”

Does that not also echo verse 4 of the first chiasm, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”

Just as man must be called of Christ to be a high priest to act in his name. Christ had to be called of the Father to act in the Father’s name.  In Hebrews 1 we are told.

Hebrews 1:1-5

 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

It was necessary for Christ, the creator of the earth, to come to earth and set the example for us, 

Hebrews 2:17-18

 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Paul makes it clear that the Priesthood is a heavenly calling. 

Hebrews 3:1 

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

What sets Christ apart is that he is the only High Priest who remained sinless; therefore, he alone could atone with his own blood for our sins. The High Priests who presided in the temple had to choose animals that were without spot or blemish. Both High Priest and animal were symbolic of Christ. Christ alone is our High Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” In other words, he will always be our God, our Christ, our Savior, and our Redeemer forever. He never loses that title. 

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Even Christ, the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering. Probably the bulk of our prayers is to plead with the Lord to help us or our family and friends to avoid suffering. Sickness, accident, disease, entropy, and death are the common lot of mankind, and we all suffer. Christ gives meaning to suffering. Suffering is polarizing. Some turn away from God because of their suffering; some turn toward God because of their suffering. Some become defiant and blame God for our suffering. Some become humble and obedient and turn suffering into greater faith, trusting God. The words of Paul above have given many comfort, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” 

The suffering of Christ contributed to his perfection. The challenge to each of us is, how do we turn our suffering into our perfection? Does it bring us closer to Christ, or does it drive us away from Christ? That is one of the greatest challenges of mankind, how we handle suffering. “Thy will be done” is not an easy law to live. On the one hand, self inflicted suffering is a fool’s errand and has no redeeming value; on the other hand, suffering is the lot of all mankind.  That is the reason Christ became our savior. In Gethsemane Christ was suffering such agony that he asked the Father that the cup be removed, yet immediately Christ said, “Thy will be done.” God the Father did not remove the cup. He allowed his only Begotten Son to Suffer that he may become the savior of all of his other children. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, Christ is the only Savior of the World. 

It was only through his perfection that he had the power to redeem us and deliver us from our suffering. Most of us know only two well that suffering is not always relieved through prayer, faith, technology, medicine, doctors, hospitals etc. In my own personal life, I had two daughters who were healed of cancer. I attribute their healing to the powers of prayer, the powers of modern medicine, technology, to the skills of good doctors and of the access to modern hospitals. In addition to that, of course, is the powers of the human body to heal itself, but most of all I attribute it to the power of God our creator who gave us those things. 

On the other hand, I lost my wife of 35 years and the mother of six daughters to cancer a mere three weeks after she was diagnosed. She had our prayers. She had modern medicine, technology, doctors and hospitals and strong faith, yet she was taken.  

And we must all face the fact that at one time or another, though the scale is nothing compared to the suffering Christ endured for us, God, our Father, may not remove the cup from us. My two daughters lived through cancer. My wife died of cancer. Blessed be the name of God. Someday it will all be clear but perhaps not in this life.