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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 31, 2018 21:07:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews - An Introduction, 31 July 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 Tuesday, 31 July 2018 Hebrews – an introduction. An introduction to the book of Hebrews could go on for many long pages and not speak properly of all that it encompasses. And so rather than give an introduction which will inevitably be repeated in substance throughout the entire book, three main points are to be noted. First, “Who is most likely the author of Hebrews?” No author is assigned to it, and so only an educated guess can be made. The scholar E.W. Bullinger carefully defends the author as Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. He does this by making a detailed list of the words used by Paul in his other epistles, and then making a list of the same words in Hebrews. From there, he demonstrates that the number of uses results in a perfection in numbers when Hebrews is added to Paul’s epistles. That listing can be found here – www.biblebelievers.org.au/number03.htm#41And secondly, the words of Peter, the Apostle to the Circumcision (meaning the Jews), demonstrates that this letter is most likely from Paul’s hand. Peter states – “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16 Peter’s is the Apostle to the Jews. His first letter was specifically written to a Jewish audience. As it says, “To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” The “pilgrims of the dispersion” are Jews. It logically follows that his second epistle is to the same group of people based on his words of 2 Peter 3:1 which state, “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder).” As Peter notes that Paul wrote to the same group of people, and as no other letter of Paul meets this requirement, then it is without a doubt that the letter to the Hebrews is from Paul, or that Paul’s letter to the Hebrews has been lost. Based on the numerical perfection of adding Hebrews to Paul’s other letters, it appears that this is, in fact, Paul’s fourteenth, but unsigned, letter. There would be good enough reason for it not to be signed. Paul’s very name caused (and still causes) deep-seated animosity among the Jews. Therefore, his name is not given in the actual body of the text. Even if Paul is not the author of Hebrews, the letter is purely Pauline in nature. It reflects a well-studied Jew who was fully versed in the law and the prophets, and who was able to lay out a case in a fully convincing and logical manner, just as all of his other letters are laid out. The second main point of introduction has already been touched upon - “To who is the epistle written?” First, Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 that, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” So in a real sense, the letter is, as all of Scripture, written to the people of the world. But it is specifically to the “Hebrews.” It is a letter of doctrine, coming after the church-age epistles, specifically intended for instruction of a Jewish audience. It deals with issues that are particularly essential for Jews to understand what they had missed in the coming of Christ; to correct those deficiencies; and to lead them to an understanding of the greatness of Christ – even His surpassing greatness in all ways. And that leads to the third main point of our introduction, which is, “What is the main theme of Hebrews?” Hebrews is almost like a spiritual technical manual on how to understand the superlative nature of Christ. The author meticulously details his case for Christ’s surpassing of various things or people who are held in high esteem, both in the Hebrew Scriptures and among the Hebrew people. Although there is an overlapping of some of these concepts, Christ is compared to angels (1:5); Moses – meaning the law which bears his name (3:2); the Sabbath (4:1); the high priest who ministers the Old Covenant – meaning the Aaronic Priesthood (5:1); Melchizedek who ministered as a priest before Abraham, and who was also king of Salem (6:20); the Levitical priesthood itself which falls under Aaron (7:11); the Old Covenant as opposed to the New (8:7); the earthly sanctuary of God (9:1); the ministrations and services within the sanctuary (8:6); the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant (8:12); works in order to please God in contrast to faith in Christ (Chapter 11); and finally, heroes of Israel’s past (Chapter 11). In each of these points (and so much more), Christ and His ministry are shown to be “greater than.” Each point in which a Jew could place his hope is shown to be a false hope in comparison to the surpassing greatness of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Thus, the theme of Hebrews is “Greater Than.” As noted above, this (or indeed any) introduction is insufficient to express the marvelous wonder which lies ahead in the book of Hebrews, and so the only way to discover that wonder is to enter into the book, and to study it. May you be blessed over the next 303 days as we take in the verses of this book, just like we take in each sunrise, one day at a time. Life application: If you want to grow in your walk with Christ, then stick around for the next 303 verses, first learning them, and then appropriately applying them to your life as context determines. Lord God, it is always a wonderful thing to start out on a new adventure. But let us never start out any such thing, or even any day of our lives (which really is a new adventure with each rising of the sun), without first asking You to guide us, bless us, and mold us to Your image. And so today we ask this as well. We are opening up the future – moment by moment – and we ask that You be with us and direct our steps as we go. We pray this in Jesus’ beautiful and exalted name. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 1, 2018 23:07:14 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:1, 1 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 Wednesday, 1 August 2018 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, Hebrews 1:1 Rather than opening with a greeting, or an appeal for blessing upon the reader, the epistle to the Hebrews begins with an outright statement of theological truth. Rendered in its original order, and in a literal translation, it reads, “Variously (in parts), and variously (in ways), formerly the God having spoken to the fathers in the prophets.” In this, a contrast is going to be made between what God has done, and what He will now do. This is the first half of that contrast. There is a revelation of God through the prophetic word, just as there is a revelation of God in His creation. They differ though. Creation speaks of God’s revelation in a general way (general revelation). We can know He is there, and we can deduce things about Him from creation. However, unless He specifically reveals certain things, we could never deduce them. His name is a good example of this. As His name reflects His being, we are left with a void in our understanding of many things about God without knowing His name. That is only one of a countless host of things that we could never deduce without Him revealing the information to us. However, God does reveal Himself to us in a special way (special revelation). That is through His spoken word. And so the author says that God, “at various times and in various ways spoke.” “At various times” speaks of God’s progressive revelation of Himself. He reveals what He wishes when He wishes to reveal it. There is a logical, orderly succession of revelations which are leading to a fuller and fuller understanding of who He is, what He expects, how He will fix what happened at the fall, and so on. A good example of progressive revelation is when He spoke to Moses with the words – “And God spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.’” Exodus 6:2, 3 God chose, at a particular time, and for a particular reason, to reveal His name to Moses. He also chose to conceal what He would do in the church. The Jews had no idea what was coming in Christ, and how he would establish the church. This is spoken of by Paul. He calls it a “mystery” in Ephesians 3:8-13. Elsewhere, this term “mystery” is used to explain other things that had never been previously revealed by God, but which were revealed at exactly the right moment in order to effect His purposes and to reveal His hidden knowledge to the people of the world. This was even alluded to in all the way back in Deuteronomy – “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 Several of the various ways that God spoke are noted in the Old Testament. Job hints at some of them – “For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, 16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.” Job 33:14-16 There are times when the Lord spoke directly to an individual, Moses for example. There are other times where He would speak through an individual, such as is recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:18. Further, God would increase the sophistication of His revelation based on the maturity of the audience, and even within a particular concept – going from elementary revelation of an issue to a more developed and spiritual understanding of that issue. The sacrificial system is a good example of this. At first, the people were instructed to simply obey the sacrificial laws in a prescribed manner. However, it was later revealed that sacrifices without an accompanying heart that was right before the Lord were unacceptable (e.g. see Isaiah 1:11). These are some of the various times and ways God “spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” The Greek word for “in time past” is an adverb which signifies “formerly.” We could say, “of old.” It is the way God once spoke, but no longer does. God gave revelation in these times and ways, but that way is now over. The contrasting way will be explained in the next verse. This can be fully understood in Jesus’ words about John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:13, Jesus says, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” Now, something new has come about. God spoke to the fathers through the prophets. He did it in that way in the past, and He did it at various times and in various ways. However, all things were leading to something greater. Our author will next reveal that to us. Life application: Hebrews is going to be an involved study. It will contain as much instruction as a technical manual, and it will hold as much doctrine as any in-depth work needed to obtain a doctoral dissertation (and more), but one verse at a time, and each verse in its proper context, and we will get through it all the wiser in the things of God. Let us be patient, meticulous, and willing to see this book through until the end. Lord God, what an absolute treasure Your word is. Thank You for the many levels of understanding which can be drawn out of it. A child can hear the simple message of Jesus and come to an understanding of his need for Him, and the greatest scholarly mind ever can come away astonished at the depth of information he has learned from a careful study of a particular doctrine found in it. There is abundant wealth in Your word. Thank You for the riches we receive from it! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 2, 2018 19:55:24 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:2, 2 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 Thursday, 2 August 2018 ...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2 These words are a contrast to verse 1. God once spoke in a certain way to the fathers by the prophets, but something new has come. He “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” The term, “these last days,” is literally “at the last of these days.” One must think of God’s revelation coming in one of two distinct epochs. The first is the period of the Old Covenant; the second is the period of the New Covenant. But what must be considered is that the New Covenant was not initiated until the night of Christ’s crucifixion. Thus, the period of record in the gospels is not included in the New, but in the Old. The New Covenant is given because of the shed blood of Christ, and it is a Covenant given not to the church, but to the house of Israel and the house of Judah (Jeremiah 31:31). The letter to the Hebrews is explaining this to them. It is in the last of these days that God has “spoken” to us. The word is in the aorist tense. There is a single act involved in the matter. As Cambridge says – “Are, and were, and will be are but is And all creation is one act at once.” God’s revelation is put forth, and it has come to us at various times and in various ways, but it is one word which is spoken forth from Him. We are in the stream of time; He is not. The reception of that revelation to the fathers and now to us bears one common element – God has spoken to the people of the world. He once spoke through the prophets; He now speaks through the Son. However, in the Greek, there is no article before “Son,” and the word “His” has been inserted. It more literally reads, “...spoken to us by a Son.” This doesn’t mean one of any number of sons, but the nature of how the revelation is given – “How is the revelation now given? It is given by a Son, not merely by a prophet, or through an angel.” The contrast to verse 1 is further highlighted by this statement. It is this Son, “whom He has appointed heir of all things.” Again, an aorist verb is used. It more correctly reads, “whom he appointed.” It is the Son who was appointed in the eternal counsels of God to be the means by which God would speak to the people of the world in the time of the New Covenant, and it is this Son who is appointed “heir of all things.” As soon as the Son is mentioned comes the noting of the appointment as heir. And this occurred not after God made the worlds, but before. God determined before the worlds were made that they were appointed to the Son. What we are seeing is the determining mind of God, before anything existed, concerning the order and structure of how things would be done, and how things would be determined. This is seen with the words following the appointment as heir which state, “through whom also He made the worlds.” By place the making of the worlds after the appointment of being heir, we are left with the understanding that the Son was designated heir, the worlds were then made, and they were destined to be His possession. Thus, the glory of the Son precedes creation. He was with the Father all along. John 1:1-3 is called to mind with the structure of how Hebrews 1:2 is presented – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” None of the glory of the Son is diminished in what is being said. Rather, it is being highlighted. Finally, the word translated as “worlds” is the Greek word aiōnas. It speaks of an age, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age, and of one of a series of ages stretching to infinity. Thus, this is speaking not just of the physical worlds which comprise the universe, but the span in which they exist as well. Everything associated with the creation is contained in this thought. The word “universe” closes in on the thought, but it is insufficient unless one thinks beyond the physical aspect of it to include the span of the ages in which the universe exists. Life application: The comments on Hebrews 1:2 by great scholars of the past are lengthy, detailed, and even complicated. Each approaches the words in a different manner, and each struggles to explain what is being relayed in a careful, coherent manner. Be sure to not limit yourself to one commentary on the Bible. There is an immense amount of information out there which is given to bring the student of the Bible to a fuller understanding of the marvelous workings of God. Heavenly Father, it is beyond our ability to grasp the wisdom which You display in Your creation. From the intricacy of the flowers we see, to the balance of the elements in the world which allows life, to the placement of the worlds in their heavenly orbits for proper order… Nothing is missing, everything works as it should, and beauty and glory are seen in all of it. How great You are, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 3, 2018 23:20:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:3, 3 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018 Friday, 3 August 2018 ...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 at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3 The words here speak of Christ Jesus. First, it says of Him, “who being.” The word ōn, or “being” speaks of His absolute being. It is in the present tense, speaking of the timeless nature of what will be conveyed. Christ, being now spoken about in relation to God (and in the absolute sense and in a timeless manner), is said to be “the brightness of His glory.” The word is only used here in the Bible. It bears a suffix which intensifies the word “shine.” Thus it is someone who literally blazes forth in radiance. This speaks of the eternal radiance of Christ who shines forth the refulgent glory of the Godhead. This shining glory of God breaks through all darkness. This is both literal and spiritual. In a literal demonstration of this, we have the passage of the transfiguration which gives a glimpse of His glory. In a spiritual sense, we have numerous references in the writings of the apostles, such as 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The glory of God radiates through Christ who is also described as “the express image of His person.” Again, another word unique in Scripture is used to convey the thought, charaktér. One can see where the word “character” we now use is derived from. In the Greek, it signifies an engraving, and thus an exact impression or likeness. The original word signified the tool used for engraving. Eventually, it specifically referred to “a die.” The die would be used to impress an image which then conveyed the reality behind the image. This express image is of “His person.” This is speaking of God, and uses another rare word to describe Him, hupostasis. It speaks of an entitlement to someone; that which is guaranteed under a particular agreement. The thought here being conveyed is that Christ is in entitlement to the glory of the Godhead; to convey it and reveal it in the creation. He is the link between the unseen God and His creation. He is how God reveals Himself to us. Thus, the glory of God – both His brightness and His essential being – is expressed in the Person of Jesus Christ. The Godhead is in agreement that Christ is the means by which His glory is so revealed. But there is yet more… We are next told that Jesus Christ is “upholding all things by the word of His power.” Elsewhere, Jesus is clearly shown to be the Creator (e.g. John 1:1-3 & Colossians 1:16). He is here spoken of as the Sustainer. It is a thought similar to Colossians 1:17 which says, “...in Him all things subsist” (Darby). Jesus is not only the means by which God created, but He is the means by which all things are sustained. He is how all things are upheld and how they hold together. Without Him there would be no continuance of the creation. God created by His spoken word. This is seen in Genesis 1. It is expressed also in Psalm 33:9 which says – “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” It is this same Word which continues to uphold that which was created. The word translated as “word” is rhéma. It is a spoken word made by the living voice; an utterance. Christ is the Word, and He both creates and sustains “by the word of His power.” Logically, if the universe was created by Christ, and the universe is sustained by Christ, then He is the omnipotent God. No thing, from the movement of the smallest particle, to the intense boiling heat of ten billion stars, exists or works apart from the sustaining and energetic power of Christ. But there is more… The author has brought us from God, speaking through His Son, to the understanding that His Son is both the Creator and Sustainer. But He is also our Redeemer. This is seen with the words, “when He had by Himself purged our sins.” The same God who set all things in motion, and who continues to work in the sustaining efforts of the universe, also purged our sins through His own work. It was not through something (or someone) else in creation, but Christ Himself is the agent of our purification. One must ask, “Why is this placed here in the author’s discourse on the nature of Christ?” The answer shouts back that it is God Himself, through Christ, who alone purifies, sanctifies, and makes holy. Whatever the value of man is, that value stands as the greatest reason for the creation itself. It is not merely that man is a part of creation, but that he is the point of creation. God determined to create, not because He had a need in Himself for the creation, but out of an act of love, He created in order to share His glory with His creatures. Everything that is made was with this in view. And so in order to have that sharing come about, and knowing that man would fall, God chose (even before creating, see Revelation 13:8) to accept what would come about after the fall, which is redemption through the sacrifice of Christ. It is Christ – the Creator, Sustainer, and Purifier – who then “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The “Majesty” here is God the Father. Christ is said to have “sat down” thus ceasing from His now accomplished work of purification. The position of His seating is at the Majesty’s “right hand.” This is not a literal, tangible position, but rather a position of authority and power. God doesn’t have parts, and so to express meaning for us to understand, anthropomorphic terms are used. The “right hand” is this symbolic position of power and authority within the Godhead. As Vincent’s Word Studies states, “The verb denotes a solemn, formal act; the assumption of a position of dignity and authority.” He sat down, thus resting from His labors, and with the full power, authority, and dignity of the Godhead being worked through Him. Life application: Jesus Christ is God. Nothing could be more clearly understood from a right interpretation of Scripture. God did not use a mere part or person in His creation to purify His people. Rather, He took the role upon Himself, uniting with His creation in the Person of Jesus Christ. To state that Jesus Christ is a created being is the highest blasphemy of all. It is a denial of the Son which is explained by John as antichrist – “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” 1 John 2:22, 23 If you cannot come to the confession of faith that Jesus Christ is Lord (meaning God), you will be condemned when He comes for judgment. Believe and be forgiven. Lord God, it is hard to imagine the value of man. We are only a part of Your creation, and we are the part which has brought rebellion, hatred, and death to it. And yet, You were willing to come and redeem us from our sins in the Person of Jesus. What is worth such a high cost? What is man that You take notice of Him?. Help us, Lord God, to honor You and glorify You for the high cost of Calvary’s cross, and the full redemption we have through the giving of Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 4, 2018 21:13:14 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:4, 4 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2018 Saturday, 4 August 2018 ...having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4 The author now introduces the first of many “greater thans” that will be seen, either explicitly or implicitly, in the book. This one is Christ in comparison to the angels. The word translated as “better than” is kreittón, and it signifies that which is stronger or more excellent. It is in the comparative form and so it expresses “what is better because more fully developed, i.e. in reaching the needed dominion (mastery, dominance); ‘better’ after exerting the power needed to ‘plant down God's flag of victory’” (HELPS Word Studies). This is now applied to Christ as He has “become so much better than the angels.” What seems peculiar is the abrupt nature of suddenly introducing angels here. The author was speaking of Christ, and all of a sudden He notes Christ’s superiority to angels. It is possible that the letter is written in response to a request concerning Christ’s nature, and he is simply and clearly answering each question. Or it could be that a note of introduction was given with the letter which was not included as a part of the epistle. Either way, the obvious connection to a Jewish audience is seen right here with the comparison. Angels are noted throughout the Old Testament in many prominent ways. They were considered to have great power and authority, but – without any delay – the author shows the supremacy of Christ over these greatest of heavenly beings after God Himself. Understanding this, the words, “having become so much better,” are not speaking of a development in Christ that was actually lacking. Rather, the words are tied to the thought of having “sat down” after the purification of sins mentioned in the previous verse. The exaltation of Christ was conditioned upon his having fulfilled the human aspects of His ministry. It is what is referred to in the 8th Psalm – “For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:5 The lower state of Christ’s humanity is then contrasted with His exaltation. It is not that Christ was essentially lower than the angels in His being at any point, but that His work had to be accomplished in His human state before He was known to truly be the Son of God. This is what the author is now emphasizing. In the accomplishment of this work in and among humanity, He was shown to be “better than the angels,” meaning superior. In this proof, “He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” An inheritance is something which is bestowed upon an heir. Christ claimed to be the Son of God, a title which granted Him all the rights and inheritance of the Father. In the successful completion of His task of redeeming man through the purification of sin, He showed forth His right to that inheritance, being truly the Son of God. If He were merely a man, He would have inherited sin through His father. Upon His attempt to purify sin (meaning a substitutionary atoning death), He would have died and remained dead. The wages of sin is death; having inherited sin would mean He too would remain dead. Only the sinless Son of God could go on forever without the permanent effect of death. This explains the dumbfounded question of the Jews when speaking to Jesus – “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” John 12:34 The anticipated Messiah (Christ) was expected to live forever. But Jesus, who claimed to be this Messiah, said that He would die. It made no sense to them. But they had missed the connection between His humanity and His deity. As a Son of Mary, He is fully human. As the Son of God, He is deity. In both states He was, and remains, sinless. When He died, it was not for His own sin, but for the sin of others. Thus, in His resurrection to eternal life, He “has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” No angel could ever claim to be the Son of God in the way that Christ is THE SON OF GOD. The full inheritance of the Father belongs to Him, and it is His name which is thus more excellent than theirs. This is what Paul spoke of in Philippians 2 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 Paul explained Jesus’ work, and then he cited Isaiah 45:23 where the Lord (Yehovah) stated that to Him every knee would bow. Paul directly equated Christ Jesus, upon the completion of His work, to Yehovah the Lord. Everything tied up in the name I AM THAT I AM belongs to Jesus. To understand that glorious and exalted name, this sermon is a must – Life application: Jesus Christ is the Lord (Yehovah) incarnate. No other being is superior to Him as He sits at His place within the Godhead. What Jesus have you called on? There is the true Christ, and there are antichrists. The true Christ is the One described in the Bible. He is very God of very God. To deny this is to deny Christ. To deny Christ is to be condemned. Call on Christ Jesus the Lord and be saved. All beings, even all of the heavenly host, shall bow before Him. Heavenly Father, the one inescapable truth of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ is God incarnate. Any other view is a false Jesus and a false gospel. As the Son of God, He has obtained the full inheritance granted to Him, and so we honor You by honoring Him. Praises to You, O God, for what You have done in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 5, 2018 23:14:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:5, 5 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018 Sunday, 5 August 2018 For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? Hebrews 1:5 With this unique relationship established, and which excludes anyone else (including angels), the author again turns to Scripture to confirm the analysis by asking his second question. It is based on the same main question as the first, “For to which of the angels did He ever say.” And the question’s proposal is – Son, Today I have begotten You?” The answer is obvious, “None.” Angels are a part of creation. If they were not, then they would be God. As there is only one God, they are created beings. The quote is from Psalm 2:7. The words, “You are my Son,” place “Son” in the emphatic position. It is true that angels are termed the “sons of God” in Job 1:6, but this is a collective term. Likewise, Israel is called God’s son as a collective in Exodus 4:22. However, at no time is an angel called, “The Son of God.” A distinction is being made in the use of the singular. But Christ is termed a Son, not merely by calling, but because He is begotten of the Father. It was on a particular day, “Today,” that Christ was acknowledged as such. As noted in the previous verse, it was “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” With His earthly mission complete, the truth of the Sonship was validated. Israel had rejected their king; God had confirmed His Son. With this unique relationship established, and which excludes anyone else (including angels), the author again turns to Scripture to confirm the analysis by asking his second question. It is based on the same main question as the first, “For to which of the angels did He ever say:” And the question’s proposal is – “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son.” The answer is again, “None.” The quote is derived from 2 Samuel 7:14 (and repeated in 1 Chronicles 17:13 & 22:10), as it is contained in the Greek translation (the Septuagint). Initially, these words were applied to Solomon, but the nature of them led the Jewish nation to understand that they were, like the words of the 2nd Psalm, to be taken in a messianic tone. The words speak of a father in relation to a natural son who issues from him. Solomon was born of David, a king. Likewise, Christ is born from this same line of promise. Each king that issued from David might have been the Messiah, however, only one would be able to claim that role through an eternal, indestructible life. Only Christ meets that qualification. And yet further, Christ is born of the King of the universe. Thus the idea is extended not only to Christ’s messiahship over the Davidic throne, but to the kingship of Christ over all of Creation, including the angels. It should be noted that both verses used for this line of argumentation have literal, human, fulfillments of them. And so it is easy for some to dismiss these arguments in favor of them speaking of Christ as unreasonably applied to Him. However, the expectation of these passages was, and even today is, that of a messianic fulfillment of them among the Jewish people. This was, like countless other passages of Scripture, the intended use of them all along. There are literal fulfillments of passages in people found in the Old Testament, and then there are the intended reasons for including those passages in Scripture, which is a greater fulfillment in Messiah. This is what is the case with these. Life application: If you are reading Scripture and come across a passage which seems difficult to understand why God would even bother placing it in the Bible, it is a good clue to you that He is trying to get you to see a pattern, parallel, or picture of Christ in it. In the end, all Scripture given to Israel was for the purpose of them seeing their coming Messiah (John 5:39). Lord God, it’s hard to understand how people can read the pages of the Old Testament and not see Christ Jesus on every page, and indeed in every word. You have carefully, meticulously, and methodically placed passages in Your word to show Him to us in a thousand varied ways. Studying the Bible from this perspective reveals Him again, and again, and again. Thank You for the sure faith we possess. It is grounded in thousands of years of carefully laid out types and pictures! Hallelujah for this! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 6, 2018 23:05:58 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:6, 6 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2018 Monday, 6 August 2018 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Hebrews 1:6 The words of this verse are incorrectly translated by some versions by saying something like, “And again, when he brings in the first-begotten into the world...” In the Greek, the word “brings” is tied to “again.” It is not a supplementary statement to the previous verse. Rather it is a new thought referring to a new point in time. In the previous verse, it spoke of Christ’s first advent (Today I have begotten You). That was when He “by Himself purged our sins” (verse 3). Now it is speaking of a second event. “But when He again brings the firstborn into the world,” speaks of that event. The Firstborn is Christ. He is termed this several times in the New Testament, such as Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15, 18, and Revelation 1:5. The words, “He again brings” Him “into the world,” is a grammatical tool where the “event is conceived as occurring at an indefinite time in the future, but is viewed as complete” (Vincent’s Word Studies). There is a time which is set, and which God spoke of as accomplished, though it is yet future. It is where the cited Scripture would apply directly to Christ’s second coming. It is stated by the author as, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Here he does not cite the Hebrew version of the Scriptures, but the Greek translation of it. It is cited in Deuteronomy 32:43 and again substantially in Psalm 96:7. The Greek translation of the Old Testament is what the author consistently uses for his Old Testament citations. It is true that the angels of God had recognized Christ’s works after they were completed. 1 Timothy 3:16 says that He was “seen by angels.” However, the culmination of Christ’s great redemptive work lies yet ahead at His second coming. It is a time when the fulfillment of this Scripture will be then realized. It should be noted that in citing Psalm 96:7, it is another of the countless references to the deity of Christ. There, it is applied to the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament. In Hebrews, it is applied directly to Jesus. It is an implicit reference, then, to Christ being the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old. Such is the reason for the inclusion of this. It demonstrates, unequivocally, that Jesus is “greater than” the angels. Life application: As the angels were created by God, and as the angels will worship Jesus, it is rather obvious that Jesus is God. The particular wording of this verse, and many others, further solidifies this point. If you have called out to Jesus, but not as Lord (meaning God), you have called out to a false Jesus. Jesus is God. This is the message which is seen time and again as we wind our way through Scripture. Lord God Almighty! Great and glorious are You. You have set the earth in its place as the center of Your attention. And You have placed the earth here as a dwelling for man. Everything is set with this in mind. And then, after the focus of Your attention – we humans – rebelled, You were still willing to send Christ Jesus to redeem us. What is the value of man? If You sent Jesus to bring us back to You, we must have great value. Help us to recognize this, and live lives worthy of that state. To Your glory we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 7, 2018 23:18:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:7, 7 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018 Tuesday, 7 August 2018 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” Hebrews 1:7 Our author here once again paints a contrast between angels and the Son. In this, he begins with, “And of the angels He says.” The words are to be contrasted with what will be said in the next verse, “But to the Son He says.” This second set of contrasts is given to show that not just an isolated thought about the superiority of the Son was pulled out of Scripture, but that it is a consistent theme which can be found and relied upon. Further, the contrast is that of the many (angels) to that of One (the Son). And again, the term “angels” signifies messengers who go at another’s bidding. The term “Son” signifies one who is of the inheritance and who thus has authority to send. Understanding this, he now turns to Psalm 104:4 – Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. The NKJV, cited here, appears to not capture the intent of what is being relayed. The word for “angels,” in both Hebrew and Greek, signifies a messenger. And so the author is showing that angels are messengers. And again, the word for “spirits,” in both Hebrew and Greek, has the dual meaning of “winds.” Young’s Literal Translation more closely follows the intent of the psalm – “Making His messengers -- the winds, His ministers -- the flaming fire.” This verse in Hebrews is not speaking of the creation of angels as spirit-beings, but the employment of angels as directed beings, likened to the forces of wind and fire. This is what is on his mind here. And those messengers come in the form of wind and fire. This follows through with the thought of what occurs several times in Scripture, such as with Elijah in 1 Kings 19 – “Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11, 12 The Lord created the winds as a resistless force. It cannot be grasped with the hand, and yet it can cause a variety of effects, from cooling the skin to tearing apart the mountains. Likewise, fire is a part of creation which God directs as a consuming weapon of destruction. Further, the winds are an invisible force, whereas fire is a visible one. And so there is a contrast to show that God is in control of both that which can be seen, and that which cannot be seen. And as another reason for considering this, lightning is known from the Old Testament to be considered the “fire of God,” such as in Job 1:16. Therefore, like the storm which issues forth both wind and fire from God, the angels are likened to the wind and fire of the storm, being directed by God. Whichever way one looks at them, they are created, they are directed by another, and they accomplish the purposes of God for Him. In contrast to this will be the next verse. Life application: At times, it is hard to determine if a word which has two meanings – such as the Hebrew ruakh which means both “spirit” and “wind” – is speaking of one or the other. And so, these differences normally come down to looking at the rest of Scripture to find out what is on the author’s mind. If a suitable analogy can be made, then the translation which carries that analogy should be used. If not, then it is up to translator’s preference as to which meaning he assigns. In the end, the only way to evaluate these things then is to know the rest of Scripture. Be sure to read your Bible daily. The more you do, the more you will be able to call to mind the many thoughts which surround individual concepts. Read your Bible. Gracious and merciful God, Your word says that You send forth Your angels for various purposes. At times, they are sent out for destruction, and at times they are sent out as ministering spirits for Your people. We would pray that You would watch over us in mercy, send Your angels to care for us, and to form a wall of protection around us from the entities of evil which are also there, working to bring us harm. Thank You, O God, for hearing our prayer and responding according to Your wisdom and care of us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 8, 2018 22:17:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:8, 8 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 Wednesday, 8 August 2018 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. Hebrews 1:8 The contrast between the angels of 1:7 and the Son in 1:8 is now made. This is evidenced in the words “But to the Son He says.” God was speaking of (or to – the preposition in both verses can mean either) the angels in verse 7, describing their purposes as directed by Him. However now, in a citation from Psalm 45:6, 7 and concerning His Son, He says, “Your throne, O God.” The author connects the contents of the psalm to that of the coming Messiah. If this were not the standard interpretation of this, he could not have reasonably cited it to a Hebrew audience without his words being completely rejected. But in using them, it is understood that Jewish audiences anticipated that they were to be fulfilled in Messiah. The throne of God, under the rule of Messiah, is what is spoken of here. As the Son is the Messiah, He has inherited the right to the throne of God itself. Thus God is proclaiming that Messiah is God, and the throne of Messiah “is forever and ever.” The Greek of these words is “unto the ages of ages.” The Greek aión signifies “an age,” or a “cycle of time.” The superlative form used here signifies “for all ages of time,” and thus unto eternity. The rule of Messiah, who is God, shall be eternal. Unlike the angels who are simply messengers which are directed to effect God’s purposes at any given time and for set reasons, the rule of Messiah is from the heavenly throne, and it is for all time and for all governance. That is seen in the next words where the author speaks of, “A scepter of righteousness.” The scepter is the ruling instrument of a throne. It is what signifies the authority, and when pointed at a messenger, he is directed to conduct the affairs given to him. The Son bears the scepter, and He wields it in righteousness. However, the words in Greek read “THE scepter,” not “A scepter.” As Charles Ellicott says, “Righteousness itself (so to speak, the very ideal of righteous government) bears sway in Thy kingdom.” It is “The scepter of righteousness” which the author then describes as, “The scepter of Your kingdom.” The kingdom of Messiah is the kingdom of God; He is the Lord (Yehovah). Of Him, and of His authority, Isaiah says – The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. Messiah’s righteousness being “the belt of His loins” means that He is girded with it. He is wrapped and enveloped in righteousness. It is in this state that He exercises His rule. The angels, though great and powerful, have nothing on Messiah. The contrast is made, it is clear, and it is undeniable. Though this is so, the author of Hebrews will continue with words of His splendor in the verses ahead. Life application: People in today’s world use Jesus as an example of whatever pitiful cause they are pursuing. If it is to argue against the death penalty, they have a verse – pulled out of context – to justify their unrighteous stand. If it is to promote socialism, the same is the case. These people will find out (because they failed to accept the Bible as written during their lives) how mistaken they were about the righteousness of Christ Jesus. He will not allow any such unrighteous behavior, nor does He condone it now. Pay heed to the word, and be advised that it describes the unchanging Christ. Heavenly Father, we need to know when people misuse Scripture for their own perverse purposes. It has become as common as seeing birds fly in the sky, and it shows a total disregard for Your glory and Your righteousness. Give us wisdom in how to refute such abuses, and to set the record straight about the intent of Your word. This we pray that You will always be properly exalted as shown in the Bible. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 9, 2018 20:49:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:9, 9 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018 aThursday, 9 August 2018 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Hebrews 1:9 The words of this verse are found in Psalm 45:7 – “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Two things bear on the first words of the verse, as cited in Hebrews. First, the previous verse said, “A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Thus, it is inferred from those words that Christ Jesus has “loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.” Secondly, the descriptions prophesied of Christ Jesus throughout the Old Testament bear witness to this same fact as well (e.g. see Isaiah 32:1 and Jeremiah 23:5). Therefore, the author knowing these things, and having known the fully righteous work of Christ under the law, next says, “Therefore.” It is because of His faithfulness to righteousness and His hatred of lawlessness, that the author says, “God, Your God, has anointed You.” The anointing spoken of here is the anointing of a king, as the term Messiah, or “Anointed One,” relays. The word “Christ” in the Greek carries the same meaning. Because of Christ’s upholding of perfect righteousness, never failing under the Law of Moses, Christ was resurrected to eternal life. He has prevailed over death. In that, God anointed Him to His eternal kingship. In this is seen the Son’s divine glory in His exaltation. In confirmation of the excellence of the anointing, it then says, “With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Thus far, Christ Jesus has been seen compared and contrasted to the angels. This is what is being referred to here. The angels are heavenly beings who attended to Christ during His earthly ministry, for example. But this verse must also surely refer to men as well. Any and all who are companions of the Lord, and who have served God faithfully, stand in comparison to Christ. And yet, Christ has been elevated above them all – angel and man. He stands above them in a Father/Son relationship with God. All of creation, including all creatures in creation, are subjected to the rule and authority of Christ Jesus. Life application: Offshoot cults and aberrant sects of Christianity will always attempt to diminish the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses claim Jesus is a created being. Mormons state that Jesus was a man who became a god. Hebrews Roots adherents claim that we are obligated to follow the Law of Moses, implying that Christ’s work in fulfillment of it was insufficient to save us, and implying that we need to save ourselves apart from Him. On and on it goes. Jesus Christ is God, and to Jesus Christ belongs all of our praise, honor, and glory – to the glory of God the Father. Lord God, help us to never diminish the glory of what You have done through Jesus Christ by lessening His glory. Your word says that all should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. If we fail to honor Christ Jesus, we fail to honor You. May this never be! Give us wisdom to always be glorifying of You through our glorying in, and glorifying of, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 10, 2018 22:56:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:10, 10 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018 Friday, 10 August 2018 And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. Hebrews 1:10 The words of this verse are tied directly back to verse 8 which began with, “But to the Son He says.” From there, the remaining substance of verses 8 & 9 was applied to the Son of God, Jesus. The connecting Greek word kai, or “and,” continues that same thought then. The words are still directed to the Son. They continue to be given to show the superiority of the Son over the angels (verse 7 & 8), but they also continue to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is, in fact, God. The words are taken from Psalm 102. This verse consists of Psalm 102:25, and the coming two verses in Hebrews will continue to follow the verses of the psalm. With the addition of “Like a cloak” in verse 12, they are almost a word for word quote from the Greek translation of the psalm. In Psalm 102:24, the psalmist’s words speak directly to God, and the words to Him then continue to the end of the psalm. It is without a doubt that the thoughts being now ascribed to Jesus, the Son of God, are intended to show that He is the means by which God accomplished the things now stated. To use them in some type of literary fashion, without this being the intent, would be to rob God of His glory. But in understanding that Jesus is the second member of the Godhead, it exalts God. And so, with this understanding, the author begins the quote with, “You, Lord.” The word kurios, or “Lord,” can have a variety of significations. However, in the case of this citation, it is speaking of LORD (Yehovah of the Old Testament). This is based on the fact that “God” of Psalm 102:24 is called LORD eight times prior to His being called “my God.” The psalmist spoke to the LORD, and then He acknowledges that the LORD is his God. The author of Hebrews accepts this, applies it to Jesus, and then goes on to say, “in the beginning.” This is speaking of the beginning referenced in Genesis 1:1. If the Son was there at the beginning, then He was there prior to that beginning. As there is, and can be, only one God (there can only be one Necessary Being), then the Son is God. It is He who “laid the foundation of the earth.” These words demonstrate the creative hand of the Son. It confirms He is the God of Genesis 1:1, and the same God spoken of in John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-18, and etc. There can only be one Creator. All others are contingent beings, and no contingent being can create. To understand this, and the other First Principles of logic concerning the Creator, you can refer to this sermon: The author continues his quote, which is being applied to the Son, with “And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Again, this is a direct thought from Genesis 1:1 where it is God who created the heavens and the earth. It is further seen, as noted already, that this God is the LORD (Yehovah) and that Jesus Christ is thus the incarnation of Yehovah. As already alluded to, for one to ascribe these creative efforts to a created being would be the epitome of blasphemy. It would be to rob God of His glory. But in understanding that God has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ in these ways, it exalts God. As seen in a previous verse, when one exalts the Son, they are exalting the Father. There is no jealousy within the Godhead, but a complementing of one another because of the very nature of the Godhead. Life application: If you are following these commentaries, and are still in denial that Jesus Christ is the One being spoken of in the Psalm, and thus the LORD God (Yehovah), you are basing your denial on a presupposition. You have two options: drop your presupposition, accept Christ Jesus as LORD, receiving Him as such unto salvation, or you will be condemned for believing in a false Christ. Be wise, be discerning, and call on Jesus, who is God. Glorious God, what an amazing story the Bible tells! You were willing to step out of the eternal realm in order to redeem us. You did all that was necessary, You accomplished the work by Your own hand, and then You simply ask us to believe that what You have done through Christ Jesus is sufficient. Turn our hearts to accepting the truth of Jesus, and save us from our fallen state. We believe! We receive! Thank You, O God, for what You have done. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 12, 2018 21:57:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:11, 11 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2018 Saturday, 11 August 2018 They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Hebrews 1:11 The words here are found in Psalm 102:26 – They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; It has already been seen in just the few previous verses that the Son was there at the beginning, thus meaning he was there before the beginning in an eternal, timeless state. It has also been seen that the Son is the Creator. Additionally, it was seen in verse 3 that He is the Sustainer of the created order. Now, the eternality of the Son is highlighted with the words, “They will perish.” This is speaking of the heavens specifically, which are mentioned in the preceding verse. The events spoken of were prophesied by Isaiah – “All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, And the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down As the leaf falls from the vine, And as fruit falling from a fig tree.” Isaiah 34:4 Isaiah continues to speak of such things in Isaiah 51:6. Peter speaks of these things in 2 Peter 3:12, and Revelation 21:1 says that they will surely come to pass as well – “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” The author of Hebrews thus demonstrates that the Son is above and outside of His creation. As noted, he is specifically referring to the heavens here, but the heavens are tied to the earth in the other cited passages. If the first heaven and the first earth are to pass away, and if He was connected to them as a created being, He would not endure. And yet He will. The author then confirms the psalm by saying that unlike Him, these things “will all grow old like a garment.” The heavens are described like a garment which, even if carefully cared for, will eventually decay, become moth-eaten, fray, break down in the weaving, etc. When this occurs, the garment needs to be replaced. This symbolism will continue on into the next verse. But so will the contrast of the Son. Everything created has potential to decay and be replaced; the Son is eternal, and has no potential to be replaced. As angels are a part of the creation (the continued subject which is being contrasted to the Son), and as the Son is the Creator, the angels – like all of creation – are dependent on the Son for their continued existence. Life application: When we worship Jesus Christ, we are not worshiping a mere man. We are worshiping the Man who came from God. He united with His creation to redeem us; He did not leave behind His deity and simply become His creation in the process. He is and will always remain God in His divine nature. Glorious God, the mystery of the Trinity is one which is rather difficult for us to grasp. If we talk about it long enough, we will always fall into error concerning the matter. And yet, it is what Your word teaches, in both testaments and quite clearly. Help us to accept the tenet because it is what Your word teaches, but help us to be careful in our attempts to explain it. In the end, what Your word teaches will be understood more fully in the ages to come. For now, we praise You – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 12, 2018 21:59:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:12, 12 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2018 Sunday, 12 August 2018 Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” Hebrews 1:12 This continues the quote found in Psalm 102, specifically verses 26 & 27 – “Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. 27 But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.” The “cloak” referred to here is found only in 1 Corinthians 11:15 and in this verse. It signifies “that which is thrown around,” and thus it is a covering like a mantle or cloak as an outer garment. The “heavens” of verse 10 are said to be destined to perish, wearing out like a garment. Because of this, the Son will literally roll them up (as the Greek signifies), and in so doing, they will be changed. In the Old Testament, the heavens are described like an expanse which is spread out. One can think of how a tent or a scroll of parchment is rolled out. This is the thought which is now being referred to, but in reverse. As they were once rolled out, they will be rolled up, and a new expanse will be revealed in their place. This will be the new heavens and the new earth that Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 3. With this in mind, we are then given a contrast in the Son. The thing which seems so enduring, and even permanent – meaning the heavens – is destined to wear out and be replaced. But of the Son, it says, “You are the same.” The heavens change; the Son remains unchanged in the process. The amazing event of the changing of the heavens will not affect the Son. They are created matter and are thus in time. But the Son is eternal. Because of this, the author – repeating the psalm – then says, “And Your years will not fail.” The meaning is that they will never end. Though the current heavens and earth are temporary and will come to an end, the Son is unaffected by this. Because He was prior to creation, He is outside of His creation. When the order is changed, He will continue unaffected by that change; He is immutable. There can be no doubt as to the nature of the Son. The attributes and properties which are ascribed to the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim) of the Old Testament are now referring to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in the New. Even a child can understand what is being said here if presented with the evidence. Jesus Christ is the Lord God. Life application: There should be no doubt in one’s mind concerning the deity of Jesus. If there is, it is based on presuppositions which have been taught into that person’s mind. If one comes to the Bible and simply take its words at face value, no other conclusion can be arrived at than that Jesus is the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim). Lord God Almighty! It is You who created all things. You were there before they came into existence, and by the breath of Your mouth – by Your spoken Word – all things exist. As the world wears out, and as the heavens wear away, they will be rolled up and replaced. But You, O God, remain unchanged. We serve absolute greatness when we serve You. How great Thou art, O God! Hallelujah and Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 13, 2018 22:57:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:13, 13 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018 Monday, 13 August 2018 But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Hebrews 1:13 The author has been carefully contrasting the Person of Jesus Christ to the nature, being, and authority of angels. He just showed that God, through Christ, created. That reveals that He was there before the creation. He also showed that when the heavens grow old and are rolled up like a garment for replacement, He will be there to accomplish that task. That again reveals that He is outside and above the creation. As angels are created beings, and thus a part of the creation, Christ is “greater than” these creatures. He now contrasts them to the authority of Christ by beginning with, “But to which of the angels has He ever said.” “He” in this verse is speaking of God. The question will be a rhetorical one. It is a question based on a statement which had been made to the Son. It is an appeal to Psalm 110, the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. It is specifically the first verse of that Psalm – The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Jesus Himself used these words as a point of theology when speaking to the Pharisees of Israel, and which clearly point to the divine nature of the individual being spoken about in the Psalm – While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” Matthew 22:41-45 The point which Jesus was making is somewhat lost in the translation. The word “Lord” in this verse is translated from two different words in the Hebrew. The first is the divine name Yehovah (YHVH). The second use is from the word Adonai, meaning “My Lord” when one is speaking to Yehovah. Jesus’ question asks then, “How is it that David calls Him “My Lord,” (meaning “Yehovah”)? David was prophesying, and the words were then recorded in Scripture. How can Yehovah be His own Son? It is with the understanding that Christ Jesus (the Son) is Yehovah that the author of Hebrews asks His question. To which of the angels has He ever said the words which follow that opening statement in the psalm. First, it was directed to Yehovah, and Yehovah is not a created angel. Secondly, the statement says, “Sit at My right hand.” The words take us right back to verse 3 where the author said that “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” God had “through” the Son, purged our sins. After accomplishing this, Christ Jesus was granted the position of full authority and power of God, meaning the right hand. And not only was He granted that position, but He possesses it in a state of completion of work. To “sit down” means that the work (meaning the purging of sins) is accomplished. It is as clear of a statement of eternal salvation as one can get. If our sins are purged, then we are purged of our sins. The work is accomplished, fully and completely. From there, Yehovah says for Christ to sit “Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The work on behalf of the people of God is complete, but the enemies of God continue to wage their war. The Messiah sits at the position of authority and power until the time they are vanquished. This includes the time when He shall rule among His people during the millennium (the thousand year reign of Christ mentioned six times in Revelation 20:4-7). After that time, a new order of things will come about as described in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28, and further detailed in Revelation 21 & 22. It must be understood again that the “right hand” is not a literal position, but a position which signifies authority and power. God is Spirit. He has no parts. The mind must be cleared of thoughts of the Son sitting next to the Father in a literal sense. Christ has purged our sins, He reigns now with all authority and power, and He will continue to do so until all enemies are vanquished, the last enemy being death (1 Corinthians 15:26 & Revelation 20:14). Only then will things will take on a new aspect. The question has been asked, “To which of the angels has He ever said these things?” The answer is, “To none of them.” Christ is “greater than” the angels. Life application: Again as in previous verses, Christ Jesus is shown to be the Lord God (Yehovah). When we acknowledge and worship the Son, we are giving glory to the Father. When we fail to give glory to the Son, we fail to give glory to the Father. Imagine those cults and aberrant sects who continuously pretend to glorify God while ignoring the Son. They have missed the key element of what God has done in the world for our salvation. Although it sounds pious to pray to Yehovah (YHVH) and make a pretense about a relationship with Him in this way, it is dishonoring of God to do so when Jesus is not included as the focal point of our worship of Yehovah. Lord God, thank You so very much for granting us the glorious privilege of seeing You in the Person of Jesus. In Him, we have everything we need to understand You personally, intimately, and fully. Without Him, we are left with a void in our understanding of who You are and the glory You have accomplished for us. Thank You for our beloved Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Thank You, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 14, 2018 20:38:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 1:14, 14 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 Tuesday, 14 August 2018 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 The question here, speaking of the angels, is actually tied directly to verse 7. In that verse, two words were used which are now repeated in this verse – 1:7 –And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” 1:14 – Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Further, the Greek word in verse 7 for “angel” (aggelos) is a noun which signifies a messenger. The Greek word in verse 14 for “sent forth” (apostelló) is a verb signifying the sending forth of a messenger. Everything about the wording chosen by the author is given in contrast to Christ who directs the angels, as opposed to the angels who are so directed. Further, it is Christ who brought about salvation through the purging of sin (verse 3), but it is the angels who minister (to Him) for those who will inherit salvation. The construction of the verse in most English translations gives the sense that the service is “to” man. This is not the intent of the words. The service is “to God” as they are continually (the verb is a present participle, indicating on-going action) sent forth for those who will inherit salvation. As the service is “to God,” meaning the Son (as is noted in verse 7), then it is showing their subordinate position to Christ Jesus. Again, the supremacy of the authority and power of Christ is on full display in these words. Understanding the structure now, we can see that the word “all” is an absolute term. Christ is elevated above every angel, and all are in subjection to Him. Every one of them is directed according to His will. Theirs is a function of service. The Greek word is leitourgikos, and it is only found here in the Bible. However, it is used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament concerning those who served in the temple. It signified a “divinely-authorized (service) referring to sacred ministering that performs what is acceptable to the all-holy God” (HELPS Word Studies). It is where our modern term “liturgy” comes from. These heavenly beings perform a service to God, just as the human ministers performed to Him in His earthly dwelling. As these beings are serving God and “for those who will inherit salvation,” we see that their duties are based on the now-complete redemptive work which Christ accomplished in His purging of our sins. It is He who secured our salvation; it is they who serve Him for the salvation we will inherit. The highlight is on Christ Jesus, and our Savior’s greatness in this regard will continue to be brought to light as we move into Chapter 2. Life application: As was noted in the explanation of verse 3, it is not merely that man is a part of creation, but that he is the point of creation. Jesus created, He sustains His creation, and He died for His creatures to redeem them. He now sends forth angels according to His will for those who will inherit that salvation. When we consider this, it makes the work of Jesus Christ all the more amazing. Let us consider the love which is displayed in the workings of God in Christ, and let us be humble before Him, ever grateful for the marvel and the magnificence of what He has done. Lord God, precious heavenly Father, from the breath of Your spoken word, all of creation came into existence. You possess all things, and You control all things. And yet, You still sent Jesus to redeem us when it is we who turned from You. For the endless ages to come, we will surely never be able to grasp the depth of the love You have for Your redeemed. To do what You have done is simply beyond comprehension. And so, dwell in our thanks and our praises. Be pleased, O God, to receive eternal thanks and praise from Your people. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 15, 2018 23:47:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:1, 15 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Wednesday, 15 August 2018 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1 With the thoughts of Chapter 1 complete, the author now introduces a connecting link to what is coming. This is evidenced by the word “Therefore.” It looks back, expecting the reader to contemplate what has been said. Chapter 1 dealt clearly and precisely with the deity of Christ Jesus and His superiority over the heavenly host of angels. It further spoke about how the message of God was transmitted in the past, but how it is transmitted now (meaning through the Son of God). The revelation of the Son is far superior to the revelation received through the prophets. This is what we are to consider, and this is what will then look forward to what lies ahead as the author continues. Before he does though, he says – based on the contents of Chapter 1 – that “we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard.” The words, “the more earnest heed,” signify “abundantly.” We are to hold our minds completely on “the things we have heard.” Because Jesus Christ is God, and because He is superior even to the angels who speak with great authority – even with the authority that comes from Him – we must pay heed to the words concerning Christ. He has come, He has been revealed for who He truly is, and He has ushered in a New Covenant in His blood. The author will spend much of the book of Hebrews explaining the superiority of this New Covenant over the Old. He will explain what it means to fall back under the Old to the individual. This is all being prepared by him by first laying out the nature and authority of Christ Jesus. What He has said, or what has been relayed concerning Him, bears a dignity which far surpasses any revelation prior to His coming, and it is to be regarded especially worthy of our full attention. If this full attention isn’t given, something else is bound to occur. As the author says, “lest we drift away.” The word translated here as “drift away” is used only this once in the Bible, and there is a great deal of conjecture as to its true intent. It comes from two words which signify “close beside” and “to flow.” And so no matter what mental image is given, the idea is that something is near, and it moves away from being near. A ring can slip off a finger and be lost. A boat can be improperly moored and float out to sea because of the movement of the tide. Thus, the author is signifying that if we do not pay heed to the message of Christ, we will slip away from God’s mooring in Christ to an open ocean. We will be theologically tossed about on the waves of bad doctrine, and eventually, we will be wrecked on the shores of heresy. Thus, there is this strong warning and contrast to giving the more earnest heed. Giving heed means security, pleasing God, and life. Drifting away will lead to uncertainty, displeasing God, and death. Life application: The book of Hebrews reveals Christ. He is God. To not give heed to this (such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses) is to deny God. The book reveals that the New Covenant supersedes the Old. To fall back on the Old (such as Judaizers and Hebrew Roots movement adherents do) is to reject the completed work of Christ. On an on it will go. There is a sound anchor in Christ; there is drifting away to bad doctrine and heresy by not holding to the truth of Christ. Be wise, be faithful to God, and cling to Jesus alone. Gracious heavenly Father, give us wisdom to refute those who teach that which is false concerning Your expectations for mankind. We are called “haters” and “unloving” for proclaiming what Your word proclaims. When that happens, we want to retreat. But in the end, all we need to do is to simply say, “This is God’s words; take it up with Him.” Our obedience to You is not hating. Rather, it is the most loving thing we can do. We are proclaiming the only path to salvation. How could that be wrong! No indeed. It is a mark of true love. Help us then to be faithful to Your word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 16, 2018 22:23:37 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:2, 16 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018 Thursday, 16 August 2018 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, Hebrews 2:2 The word “For” is given to make a contrast between the word spoken by angels to that which comes through the Son. It is an argument from the lesser to the greater. It next says, “if the word spoken through angels.” Scholars generally argue that this is speaking of the Law of Moses as having been given through the mediation of angels (meaning heavenly beings). The way Bibles are translated, Stephen seems to allude to this in Acts 7:53. Likewise, Paul also seems to allude to it in Galatians 3:19. In this, it is argued that the Lord communicated the law through angels (meaning heavenly beings) to Moses. However, there is nothing to suggest this. Rather, the law was spoken by the Lord directly to the people (Exodus 20:1), or he spoke out the law face to face with Moses (Exodus 33:11 & Numbers 12:8). From Moses, it was conveyed directly, or along with Aaron, to the people. The word “angel” simply means “messenger.” In the case of the Law of Moses, it is Moses and Aaron who conveyed the words of the Lord to the people. They acted as the angels, or messengers, of the Lord. Later during the time of the law, it is seen that angels, such as Gabriel and Michael, also spoke out words to certain people though. Further, prophets and seers continued to receive the word, passing it along to the people. The point of what is being said here is that “the word,” meaning the law, was “spoken through angels.” The Lord spoke, and His chosen messengers – be it Moses and Aaron, the prophets, or heavenly angels – relayed His word to the people. And this word “proved steadfast.” Despite being conveyed to the people through a secondary source, it remained the word of the Lord, and it was considered inviolable. It was set, established, and firm. As Albert Barnes says, “It did not yield to circumstances.” If a violation of the law occurred, there was either a punishment to be meted out, a sacrifice to be made, or a covering over of the sin would be required on the Day of Atonement. When any portion of the law was broken, the entire law was broken (James 2:10). Jesus said as much concerning the law – “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18 Understanding this, the author then notes that “every transgression and disobedience received a just reward.” The word translated as “transgression” is a compound word which signifies “an overstepping.” It signifies a willful disregard of the law of God which defies His set drawn-lines. In this, one could think of the violation of a specific command concerning something forbidden – “You shall not.” The word translated as “disobedience” is also a compound word in the Greek. It signifies that which rises up from a negative attitude, such as one who refuses to properly pay heed to what is said. In this, one could think of the violation of a general command concerning something expected – “You shall.” In such violations of the law, for the offender, there was a “just reward.” The idea of this is that a repayment of a price due was to be expected. It is a compensation which corresponds to a set standard. One can think of a reward for living in faith, or for punishment when failing to meet a set standard. God is the Source, He sets the standard, and rewards or punishments are set based on that. The Law of Moses was a set standard, and though it was spoken indirectly to the people (apart from the Ten Commandments), it was expected to be adhered to. The “from a lesser to a greater” will be seen in the coming verses. Life application: The Law of Moses had its expectations. To show the severity of violating its standards, examples of punishment for infractions are given. For example, the first recorded Sabbath-breaker was taken out and stoned. Likewise, a person was stoned for speaking blasphemy. This was what was expected. The explicitly named penalty for numerous laws was given. If the law was this great, and yet something greater is found in the word of the Son, how carefully then should we pay heed to the message which comes from Him, or those who proclaim Him! Lord God, where can salvation be found apart from Jesus Christ? The answer is given right in Your word. It is not attainable. All salvation in history was looking by faith to the coming Messiah, or it is looking back on the Messiah who has come. Only by faith in Him is man restored to You. Help us not to put our trust in deeds of our own doing, but to faithfully trust in the full and final work of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 17, 2018 23:02:33 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:3, 17 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018 Friday, 17 August 2018 ...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, Hebrews 2:3 The previous verse noted the steadfast nature of the word which was “spoken through angels.” If there was a transgression of it, or disobedience toward it, there was to be a just reward for the violation. That now leads to an obvious question. If that is so with the word spoken through angels (meaning messengers), then “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord?” It is a rhetorical question which expresses denial. Q: “How shall we escape?” A: “Indeed, we shall not escape.” In other words, the author has been carefully showing the supremacy of the Son over the angels. This consumed much of the body of Chapter 1. It was made perfectly evident that the Son is the Lord God. And so if the angels transmitted a word which was to be carefully adhered to, and if that word was violated, one could expect to receive a just penalty, how much more just would the penalty be for neglecting the salvation offered by the Lord? The difference between “word” of verse 2:2 and “salvation” of this verse shows the strong contrast. The angels spoke a word; the Son offers salvation. The word expects obedience or punishment will result; the Son offers salvation or condemnation will result. It is one thing to sin against God by violating His law. It is an action which leads to separation from God. If no remedy for that sin is provided, then there would naturally be a continued separation from Him. However, the law provided atonement for sin, and so a recovery of the relationship was possible. However, in the coming of Christ, a rejection of Him leaves no possible recovery. He is the full and final remedy which the law only pointed to. That will be explained as the book of Hebrews continues. To neglect the only remedy to the disease which infects us means to be wholly consumed by it. From there, the salvation is noted by the author with the words, “which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord.” It seems like a peculiar way of speaking at first, but it is the “beginning” of it by the Lord which is being emphasized. The Greek literally reads, “seeing that it, having at the first been spoken.” The Lord began to speak the message (John was only a herald of Christ who would present the gospel), and that message was then carried on by the apostles. That is noted with the words, “and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” The apostles confirmed the word which was at first spoken by the Lord. They became His witnesses to that which they heard and saw. From there, they carried the message out to others, explaining what had occurred, and showing how it was the fulfillment of everything that had been anticipated in the Scriptures. It is this verse which some use to dispel the idea that Paul is the author of Hebrews. He states in Galatians 1:12 that he received his instruction directly from Jesus Christ by revelation. He also notes elsewhere that he had personally seen the risen Christ. As this is so, and as the author includes himself in this verse with the word “us,” then how could the author be Paul? However, Paul heard the message in Acts 7 at the stoning of Stephen. He certainly heard it by other Jews as he had them arrested. The gospel was, in fact, confirmed to him by those who “at the first began” to speak it. This verse doesn’t deny his other claims of having been instructed by the Lord. Instead, it simply says that the Lord began to speak the message, and then that message was confirmed by the apostles who continued to speak it out. His later reception of doctrine directly from the Lord in no way negates the fact that he first heard the gospel from other apostles and disciples, such as Stephen. In fact, as an apostle, his words are now being used in the letter to confirm that same word to others who must then make their own decision concerning Jesus Christ. The argument that it cannot be Paul who is writing the epistle breaks down when the words he pens are properly considered. Whether he wrote it or not is unknown, but this verse cannot be used as a confirmation that he didn’t write it. It should be noted that it is a rare thing in Hebrews for Jesus to be termed “the Lord.” Normally, he is spoken of as “the Son,” or He is spoken of by the position which He is said to fill (such as High Priest). However, in order to make it absolutely certain that “the Son” is “the Lord,” the particular designation is made here. It thus provides a special dignity to the salvation spoken of. As He is the Lord, in rejecting Him, where else could one go? The answer is obvious. There is nowhere else one can go. Salvation is limited to that which is offered through Jesus Christ alone. Life application: The message of Jesus Christ is an exclusive message. In the modern world, that is deemed as a politically incorrect thought. People don’t want limitations of any kind set on them. However, man is responsible to God, not the other way around. If God has determined that salvation is through Christ alone, then that is the way it is. Be fixed and firm in your presentation of the Gospel. When difficult questions arise which you don’t have the answer to, you still must be firm about those things you do have the answer to. Never waffle in your stand that Jesus Christ alone is the way to being reconciled to God. Heavenly Father, we are not all theologians with answers to the deeper questions of the faith, but we are all accountable for the basic truths which come with the faith, such as Jesus Christ being the only way to salvation. Even if we can’t answer all of the questions that are presented to us, we can be fixed and firm in what we do know. May we never water down the gospel which says that salvation is only found by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Give us the fortitude to stand on this basic message, because it is the only hope for mankind. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 18, 2018 21:46:04 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:4, 18 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018 Saturday, 18 August 2018 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2:4 These words continue the question began in verse 2. All taken together, they read – “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” The words, “God also bearing witness,” are speaking about the “salvation” in verse 2, meaning the gospel message. The author’s claim is confirmed by the words of Mark 16:20 – “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” As can be seen both in Hebrews and in Mark, God confirmed the message of salvation found in Jesus with “signs.” A “sign” is something (usually miraculous) which is particularly given to confirm or authentic something else. As HELPS Word Studies notes, a sign “then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one giving it. Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what authenticates the Lord and His eternal purpose, especially by doing what mere man cannot replicate or take credit for.” God is also said to have borne witness through “wonders.” A wonder is an extraordinary event with a supernatural effect being left upon any who witness it. A portent from heaven would be a wonder. God further bore witness through “various miracles.” The word “miracle” as used here signifies power which comes through God’s ability. In using God’s ability to perform or accomplish something, the result is something that could not otherwise have been accomplished by the individual. Along with these, God confirmed the gospel message of salvation through Christ Jesus by “gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek signifies “distributions.” God distributed the effective working of the Holy Spirit according to His chosen purpose. Some spoke in tongues, some performed healings, and so on. God did this in order to confirm that Jesus, whom these individuals proclaimed, was and is the Messiah. And all of this was “according to His own will.” The workings of God mentioned in this verse were all at His sovereign discretion. There are times when the apostles could not heal (see Philippines 2:25-30; 1 Timothy 5:23; & 2 Timothy 4:20, for example). There are times when tongues are inappropriate (see 1 Corinthians 14:27-30). The signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit which came to the apostles were for particular reasons, at particular times, and always to confirm God’s word concerning the saving message of Christ Jesus. This is in contrast to how the “word spoken through angels” was received and confirmed. The lesson here is that if there was a punishment for infractions of the law, how much more can we expect that God will more severely deal with a rejection of the gospel! Trifling with the message of Jesus Christ, mishandling the word which speaks of Him, and using false signs, miracles, and demonstrations of “gifts” of the Spirit are instances deserving of the highest degree of censure from Him. Life application: The word has been confirmed. The Bible is written, and it speaks of those things which came to pass in order to reveal the truth of Jesus. There is no longer a need for signs, miracles, wonders, and distributions of the Holy Spirit in the manner that came during the apostolic age, nor should they be expected. If someone is sick, we should pray for them, but we should never arrogantly “claim” healing. It is God who decides, according to His wisdom to hear and respond. The gifts we now possess are on a different level than during the apostolic age, and they are to be used to the glory of God. Be wise concerning false teachers, false healers, and false miracle workers. Stick to the word which reveals all we need to know to have faith in the Son. Heavenly Father, You have confirmed Your word to the people of the world through the apostles You sent forth after Jesus’ ministry. Now, we are asked to live by faith in that same word which has been written as a testimony of His authority. Help us to not follow after false teachers who claim the miraculous. We have Your word, and it is sufficient. Thank You for the surety we possess because of it! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 20, 2018 1:14:26 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:5, 19 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018 Sunday, 19 August 2018 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. Hebrews 2:5 The word “For” here is given as an explanatory marker. The author has shown that the salvation provided by Jesus, and which pertains to men, is much greater than the “word spoken through angels.” What had previously been enacted was temporary, but the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus (the Son) is forever. Thus, His rule is also forever (as is explicitly stated in verse 1:8). In this new order or things, verse 1:14 said that the angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” With this understanding, he continues with, “He has not put the world to come.” A similar phrase is seen in Hebrews 6:5. Some translations actually make it the same by saying “the world to come.” Others more rightly translate it as, “the ages to come.” The reason is that two different words are used. Here, in verse 2:5, it is speaking of the inhabited world. There, it is speaking of the ages of time reaching into the future. The author says that the “world” to come, meaning the inhabited earth, is that “of which we speak.” He is conveying his thoughts while using the plural to include his audience. He is ensuring that all are on the same page concerning the issue at hand. It is this world to come which “He has not put … in subjection to angels.” This returns to the thought of verse 1:14 (as noted above). The idea here is that he first cited verse 1:14. Then he showed the supremacy of what Christ brought about in His work related to salvation, being greater than that of which the angels spoke out; and then he has said that the world to come, which is based on His work of salvation, will not be in subjection to angels. Instead, it will be in subjection to Him, and the angels will minister to man on His behalf. This “world to come” certainly speaks of the millennium. The author is speaking to a Jewish audience about what has been promised to them in their own Scriptures. The distinction to be made is between the current arrangement and that which will be realized in Christ’s second coming. This must speak of the time of the millennium, because in verse 2:8, he will note that all things will be in subjection to Him. The same idea is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:24-27. This includes death itself. However, death is not said to be cast into the lake of fire until after the millennium. Therefore, the “world to come” is referring to the millennium, and it then extends beyond that when death is finally gone forever. Life application: It is hard to imagine how replacement theologians can ignore a literal millennial period of reign by Messiah, but they do. However, the author of Hebrews is addressing a Jewish audience who were (and who are) expecting a dispensation where Messiah will rule on earth. They expect this because this is what their Scriptures proclaim, and it is what the author of Hebrews clearly indicates is coming. Don’t be misled into accepting the idea that the church has replaced Israel. The Bible never proclaims this, in either testament. Lord God, it is a remarkable day which lies ahead when Christ Jesus will rule for a thousand years among Israel. They shall be the head of the nations, and the promises to them will all be fulfilled in the most remarkable way. We must be close! Israel is back in her land, the church is quickly falling away from sound doctrine, and the world is about to receive its just due for its perverse conduct. As You have spoken, so it is coming to pass. Thank You that we have full assurance of our faith because of the prophetic word! Praises to You, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 20, 2018 23:41:14 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:6, 20 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2018 Monday, 20 August 2018 But one testified in a certain place, saying: What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? Hebrews 2:6 The author is still speaking of the contrast between the authority of angels and that of the Son. In order to show the supremacy of the Son, he now refers to the 8th Psalm. In this though, he uses an unusual literary technique by saying, “But one testified in a certain place, saying.” The word “testified” gives the sense of an earnest testimony which thoroughly bears witness to something. The word “certain place,” is better translated as “somewhere.” The Greek word is pou. It is the genitive case of an indefinite pronoun pos. It is wholly indefinite. The question raised then is, “Why would the author not simply say, “In the psalms,” or something more definite. It is the same term he uses in Hebrews 4:4 – “For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’” Charles Ellicott gives a sound reason for the wording by saying, “As a rule, the words of Scripture are in this Epistle quoted as God’s own utterances; and though the nature of the quotation (which is an address to God) made this impossible here, the writer seems to gladly avoid the mention of the human prophet, perhaps as distracting the thought from the divine prophecy.” The author (most probably Paul) is writing to a Hebrew audience. In order to ensure that the citation is carefully handled as the word of God, though spoken through a prophet (who is speaking to God), he defers to this literary technique. It then makes sure that his use of the quote is still rightly considered as from a divine source (thus “testified” is being applied to God’s testimony because it is recorded in His word). He then next cites the intended words, beginning with Psalm 8:4 which says, “What is man that You are mindful of him.” David is speaking to the Lord (Yehovah). He is in awe of the magnificence of the creation which is so splendid and glorious. And yet, God with all of creation to tend to and to rejoice in, still takes notice of man. It seemed almost incomprehensible to David that God would even consider man at all, much less dwell among him (meaning among Israel in the sanctuary) and reveal His thoughts to him (meaning through prophets). This is especially so because man had rebelled against God, and he continued to do so every chance he could get. David was overwhelmed with the idea that God could direct His attention to man considering all of this. The author continues to cite David’s words of Psalm 8:4 with the words, “Or the son of man that You take care of him?” The term “son of man” is still speaking of man – the ongoing issue of one man to the next. God created Adam, and the details of Genesis 1 & 2 show that man had special value to, and a purposeful relationship with, God . However, Adam turned from God. How could He still then be mindful of him after that? And more, Adam’s sons continued to rebel, even getting worse and worse. Each time God would intervene and call man back to Himself in a new way, directing the steps of humanity as if there was a greater purpose for him. The Greek word for “take care” is one which indicates divine visitation. It isn’t just that the Lord throws him food to eat and walks away, but that He inspects him, visits him, and ensures that he will be OK. David pondered the matter, realizing that there must be more to man than his simply being an animal that could be slaughtered for food or put in a zoo to be gazed at. Instead, there is a quality of man that actually makes him important to God in a most profound way. The author will continue citing the psalm, directing our attention to the one Man who is the point and purpose of God’s attention to man. Life application: When we are told to go out into the world in order to spread the gospel, it is because man (all men, from every tribe and nation) have value to God. It is man who devalues himself through his vile conduct and senseless rejection of God. But if man can be turned from that, there is a great and eternal purpose for him in God’s economy. Let us look at our fellow humans with eyes that match those of the Lord, wanting all to be saved and to eternally fellowship with Him. Lord God, the gospel is a message intended for all men of every color, culture, and condition. It is not a message which is forced on others, insisting they submit to Your rule. Instead, it is a message of love, calling out that we willingly return to You. This is the greatness of the gospel. You have allowed us to return willingly and to be reconciled to You, even though You have done all that is necessary to make it happen. What a wonderful offer of peace and reconciliation! Thank You for this display of love. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 21, 2018 23:27:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:7, 21 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018 Tuesday, 21 August 2018 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7 The author continues with his quote of Psalm 8. The words here are from the Greek translation of Psalm 8:5. The quote begins by saying, “You have made him a little lower than the angels.” The word translated as “a little” signifies “short” or “a few.” In this, it is speaking in a sense of quantity or measure. The idea is as Vincent’s Word Studies translates the sentence – “Thou didst for some little time make him lower than the angels.” The translation could go either way – speaking of time, or speaking of position – however, the author is using the words of the psalmist and applying them to Christ Jesus, and contrasting Him to the angels. Therefore, the reasonable thought is that Christ came into the stream of humanity in the form of a bondservant (see Philippians 2:5-11). During His first advent, He was thus “for some little time” made lower than the angels. He subjected Himself to the economy which was “spoken through angels” (Hebrews 2:2). Thus, Christ subjected Himself to a position inferior to them in a legal sense, being bound by the Law of Moses and the words of the prophets. As a short note of clarification, the Hebrew of these words in Psalm 8 literally reads, “And lower You have made him than God.” David placed man lower than “God/gods” The word is elohim. It signifies something like “other(s) who are ‘over there.’” It can speak of God, angels, or even human judges. What David was actually referring to isn’t completely sure, but the translators of the Greek Scriptures state “angels,” and the author of Hebrews agrees with this in the New Testament. In this, the assumption is that David was using the term elohim as an ellipses for “the angels of God.” This is likely because no definite article is placed in front of elohim by David. Having said this, the context of the psalm must be considered. David wrote about the glory of man (as noted in the previous verse of Hebrews). He wondered that God was even mindful of him and that He tended so carefully to him. When David said, “You have made him a little lower than the angels,” he was referring to the state of man in the order of ranking. God is supreme. From there, the host of angels were considered as a higher order than man, having access to His throne, and wielding great power and authority. Man, as an earthly creature, would be considered as “a little lower than the angels.” But David (and the author of Hebrews) continues with, “You have crowned him with glory and honor.” It is impossible to tell exactly what David was thinking, and so we can only speculate that he is referring to man in general. However, he may also have been looking in anticipation to the coming Messiah. Either way, the author of Hebrews leaves no doubt as to the true intent of the Spirit-inspired writings. It is the Messiah who is being referred to in the future/prophetic sense. As for David’s immediate context, we can speculate, without causing any damage to the intent of David, that he was speaking of man in general. Despite being “a little lower than the angels,” man has been crowned with “glory and honor.” He has been given authority over the realm in which he exists, and it is apparent that he is the highest form of life that walks upon the earth. This thought is explained by the continued words of the verse. They say, “And set him over the works of Your hands.” They are words taken from Psalm 8:6, and it is to be noted that some manuscripts, and thus many modern Bibles, omit the final words of this clause. Whether they were inappropriately dropped out of the citation, or whether they were inappropriately added in at a later date is a subject of debate. However, the overall intent will not be lost, because the next verse in both the Psalm and in Hebrews will complement the words. Under the assumption that the words do, in fact, belong in the verse, David has noted that man has been set over the works of God’s hands, meaning the earth on which we live. This authority was given at the creation of man (Genesis 2:20), and it was restated after the flood of Noah (Genesis 9:1-3). David understood this, and wrote about man in this position, lower than the angels, but with authority over the works of God’s hands. The author of Hebrews, and quite possibly David as well, looked to these words in an even greater context though. The author is applying them to Christ, having first been subjected to the economy which was administered by angels, and who then was crowned with glory and honor. He prevailed over (and died in fulfillment of) the Law of Moses. From there, and in the fullest intent of the passage, Christ was placed “over the works of” God’s hands. He was granted the full authority, power, and position that rightfully belonged to Him, and which He temporarily set aside. He reclaimed that authority through His completed work. This is the intent of the passage, as the coming verses will continue to reveal. Whatever David was actually thinking as he wrote out the Psalm, the Holy Spirit who directed him had the intent of it being a prophetic passage which looked forward to Christ Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the words (see John 5:39). Life application: We cannot get inside the head of David, or other Old Testament writers, and be dogmatic about what they were thinking at times. However, when an Old Testament passage is cited by a New Testament writer, and it is then applied to the Person of Jesus Christ, we can know – with 100% surety – that either the primary or the secondary (or both) intent of the original was to point to the coming Messiah. The truth is revealed in how the New Testament, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies these verses. We don’t need to argue dogmatically over what is unknown. All we need to do is stand confidently in what is known. Lord God, there are difficult passages in the Old Testament which we can debate as to their actual original meaning, but when they are applied to Christ Jesus in the New Testament, all doubt as to the prophetic meaning is cleared up. We have a sure word that the Old pointed to the New, and that Christ is the fulfillment of what was spoken so long ago. Thank You for the absolute assurance we have in the full, final, and finished work of Christ our Lord! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 22, 2018 23:17:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:8, 22 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018 Wednesday, 22 August 2018 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. Hebrews 2:8 The author now finishes his Old Testament citation with words from Psalm 8:6 – “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.” This is, like Psalm102, written by David. Here as before, David may simply have been thinking of the state of man in general. He has been given authority over the earth, and all things in the earth are in subjection to him. The reason this is probably what was on David’s mind is because of what he continues to say in the psalm – “All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.” Psalm 8:7-8 David stood in awe of the fact that the Lord had given man – disobedient man – the authority over such a marvelous part of His creation. However, as already seen in the previous verses, there is an immediate context, and there is a future context. Whether David was also thinking of the Messiah to come or not, the Spirit spoke through David with this intent. And the author of Hebrews clearly presents his citation as such. Jesus came under the authority of the Law of Moses, but He prevailed over it (Colossians 1:15). In this, all authority and power were given to Him. In one sense then, God “put all things under his feet.” After citing this, the author then says what that means in the context of Messiah. David intended his words to mean all creatures of the earth, however, the Spirit looked to a greater fulfillment in Christ Jesus. The author shows this by saying, “For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him.” It is revealed that the actual intent of the psalm is that “all” is in the complete sense. Everything, without exception, is put in subjection to Jesus Christ. This includes man, the heavenly powers, etc. Everything that exists in creation has been put in subjection to Christ by God. However, the author next contrasts the current state of things concerning the authority of Christ, and what is actual in regards to that authority at this time by saying, “But now we do not yet see all things put under him.” As of now, that ideal which is proclaimed has not yet been become reality. Though God has granted full authority to Christ, with all things put under Him, that has not yet been fully realized in its totality. Man continues to rebel against Him. The devil and his demons continue to fight against Him. Death, though conquered in Christ, still has power over man. Someday, the devil, death, and Hades will be cast into the Lake of Fire, but that has not yet occurred. It is 100% assured that these things will come to pass, but they have not yet come to pass. Life application: We need to be able to differentiate between things that are potential and things that are actual. Likewise, we need to understand the idea vs. the reality concerning Christ’s authority. Though something is stated as an accomplished fact, it does not mean that it has actually been realized yet. The reason this is important is because we are still living in a fallen world where bad things continue to occur. If we inappropriately apply verses which actually only apply to the future to our theology concerning the current state of things, we will have an unbalanced view of the world in which we live. In this, when bad things do occur, our faith can easily be shaken. This is the problem with the doctrine of some. They take ideals which are not actualized, and they apply them in a careless manner to our current world. In this, they set themselves up for a certain fall concerning their walk with the Lord. Jesus tells us that in this world we will have tribulation. Paul’s writings continue to confirm that. This is what we are to expect until Christ comes for us. Lord God Almighty, You have granted Christ full authority over all things, but all things are not yet in subjection to Him. Help us to see the difference between the two, and to not make unfounded assumptions or conclusions in our present walk. We are bound to have troubles, trials, and tribulations because the devil is still actively working out his evil schemes. Help us to live by faith, and to understand that the better life You have promised is yet ahead. Until then, may our faith not falter in times of difficulty. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 23, 2018 22:54:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:9, 23 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018 Thursday, 23 August 2018 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 The order of this verse in most Bibles doesn’t follow the Greek. There is an emphasis that is thus lacking. A few translations get it right though, such as the YLT – “and him who was made some little less than messengers we see -- Jesus -- because of the suffering of the death, with glory and honour having been crowned, that by the grace of God for every one he might taste of death.” The thought of verse 2:7 is repeated here. There it said, “You have made him a little lower than the angels.” As noted, this is speaking of the time-frame of being born under the law; a law ministered by angels (messengers). He was placed in this position under the law and the purpose of that was “for the suffering of death.” Christ came to live out the law, perfectly fulfilling its every precept. As Leviticus 18:5 says – “You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” No person had, or has, met the standards of the law, and thus no man can “live by them.” With the giving of the law, all stood condemned before God, except for His gracious offering of a Day of Atonement which temporarily – year by year – covered over their sins. This will be explained as Hebrews continues. However, Christ was initially capable of taking away sin fully and forever because He was born without original sin. Being born under the law meant that if He could also live out the law perfectly, He would be qualified to do so. The gospels bear out that He was both born and lived without sin, and was thus capable and qualified. That left only one remaining element. Was He willing to do so? The gospels bear witness that He was – “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17, 18 Christ’s suffering of death was for the sin of the world. This is the doctrine of substitution, a doctrine given under the Law of Moses. The life of a perfect, pure, and innocent animal could be substituted in the place of the sinner. Each of these animals only looked forward to Christ. Their deaths were anticipatory of the final Sacrifice of Christ Jesus (see Hebrews 10:4). Christ came in fulfillment of these types and shadows, gave His life to take away sin, and then rose again because He had no sin of His own. In His completed work, validated by the resurrection, He was “crowned with glory and honor.” This is the return of Christ to the position He had left. He was exalted to the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33), meaning the position of all power and authority. The message of the Bible is that only God can take away sin. That message is fulfilled in Christ, who is God, coming for a little while and placing Himself under His perfect standard. In fulfilling that, He (meaning the Man Jesus who is also God) took away our sin. In this, it was “by the grace of God.” Grace is unmerited favor. We did not deserve what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. He destroyed the whole world by flood, consigning all but eight people on earth to their fate. Though He promised to never destroy the world by flood again, He was (and is) under no obligation to save a single person from their inevitable doom. And yet He, through Jesus, did just that. Jesus is the grace of God spoken of here. It is He who “might taste death for everyone.” This does not say that He did taste death for everyone, but that He might do so. These words clearly show the folly of the Calvinist doctrine of “limited atonement.” The Greek words huper pantos signify “on behalf of the whole (everyone).” The scope of Christ’s substitutionary death is unlimited. No person is excepted from what He has done. He has potentially died for all. But there is still the issue of free will. There are those who will accept what God has done in Christ, and there are those who will reject it. There are also those who simply never heard the gospel and who are left unsaved. All are potentially saved by Christ, but not all actually are. Though His atonement is unlimited in scope, it is limited in actuality. In essence, “God chose everyone in Christ, but not everyone will choose God’s offering of Christ.” The argument that asks, “What about the person who has never heard of Jesus?” is an invalid argument. They neither deserve God’s grace (grace is unmerited favor), nor do they deserve His mercy. Christ tasted death for everyone, but it is up to those who hear the saving message of Christ to receive it, and it is up to those who have received it to tell others about it. Christ “tasted” death, as if He drank its bitterness from a cup. We can be freed from this because of the work of Christ. We can instead drink from the Fount of life, Christ. In this, we are given the guarantee of eternal life. If He has tasted death for His elect, then they can never die (be spiritually separated from the Father) again. This then touches on the folly of the Arminian doctrine of salvation. Their claim is that a person who is saved can then lose that salvation. That is also seen to be false. Christ’s work restores life, once and forever, to the person who comes to Jesus. Life application: Jesus did not die for some, but for all. The choice is up to each who hears as to whether they will receive Him or not. The responsibility is up to each who receives Him to continue telling others about what He has done. Further, Jesus did not come to grant us eternal insecurity. Rather, we have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, and we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Doctrine actually matters. Don’t be swayed by those who teach erroneous messages which deny the full, final, and finished work of Jesus Christ. When you call on Christ, you are saved – once and forever. Lord God, You have granted people the right to choose the gift of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice or to reject it. Let us be wise and accept the gift. And Lord God, for those who have received Jesus, the deal is done. The salvation He provides is not one of eternal insecurity. Instead, we are saved forever by the Author of eternal salvation. Thank You for the surety we possess in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 24, 2018 23:14:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 2:10, 24 August 2018
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018 Friday, 24 August 2018 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10 The word “For” is based on the previous verse which spoke of Christ’s “suffering of death.” The Hebrew audience is being instructed more perfectly on the nature of God. As Jews, they expected a conquering king. This theme, based on the exploits and history of David, was their ideal for the coming Messiah. But before the crown came the cross. Continuing, the author says, “it was fitting for Him.” This is speaking of God. To Him, there is a rightness, an order, and a propriety in the way in which Messiah was brought from suffering to glory. It is, by the very nature of God, the way that it should be. Before the world was created, the plan was set in motion. Thus, it is an eternal design which reflects God’s eternal mind. Understanding this, the author next explains that it is God “for whom are all things.” Vincent’s Word Studies explains this by saying, “For whom, that is, for whose sake all things exist. God is the final cause of all things.” Everything that exists does so because it finds its ultimate reason in Him. As God created the world for man to dwell on it, then man’s existence must have a reason which is for God. It is to God that man’s existence is to be directed. Further, the author continues that it is God “by whom are all things.” This is the creative effort of God. He is the One who accomplished the act of creation. There was nothing; and by God’s wisdom, order, and power, all things came into existence and exist as they now are. In these two thoughts – “for whom” and “by whom” – we find that God is the initiator and the final reason for creation. As man’s existence is to be directed to Him (the reason for his existence), then the cross (Christ’s “suffering of death”) is how God has determined that it should most gloriously come about. It was through the cross that he has brought “many sons to glory.” The idea here is one of a superlative abundance. It is God’s design that the cross of Christ would be the cherished way that man would understand His love and draw many to Him through it. These words are again a stab directly at the heart of the Calvinist idea of predestination and election. God did not merely choose some for salvation and disregard the rest (limited atonement). Rather, He sent Christ to the cross so that the entire body of humanity would have a chance to hear the message and willingly respond to it. Unlike Islam which teaches submission through force – which is practically the idea of Calvinistic predestination (irresistible grace which results in limited atonement) because man is supposedly converted apart from his will – the message of the Gospel is one of voluntary yielding to God through His glorious display of love. There is no sinner so lost that God cannot show mercy upon him. There is no people group so void of morality that they cannot hear of what God did in Christ and be converted. There is no color, race, creed, or ethnicity which is walled off from God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith. It is by God Himself, through Christ Jesus, that this comes about. He is, as it says, “the captain of their salvation.” The word “captain” comes from the Greek archégos. It is not a captain in the modern sense, meaning a junior officer. Rather, it signifies the author of something. He is the first in a long procession of others who will follow. Jesus Christ is the founder and the leader of the salvation which leads man back to God, the reason for their very existence. It is this Jesus who it says, was “made perfect through sufferings.” The idea of being “made perfect” is tied directly to the words of verse 7 where it says, “You have crowned him with glory and honor.” This making perfect does not carry the idea of being made “better,” as if there was a lack in Christ. Rather, it speaks of bringing to completion, or meeting, the goal. Christ suffered, was crucified, and died with the intent of bringing God’s plan of salvation to fruition. In His passion, man sees the very heart of God, and willingly responds to that glorious offering. The work of Christ makes Him fully and completely suited to bring those many sons to glory. This then explains the constant theme of Paul’s writings – “no works.” If a person does something to merit God’s favor, then God is not glorified through their salvation. However, if God does all the work necessary, and in such a way that the sinner understands this – full and complete forgiveness through the work of another – then God will receive all of the glory. Again, the reason for man’s existence is to find his end in God. If we feel we have found our end in God through our merit, then we have not found our end in God. The perfecting of Christ through suffering means that in His sufferings He is fully qualified to bring man back to God. There was no lack or deficiency in Him. Rather, He was fully complete before His suffering, but we were not. He has made a perfected way of salvation through His work. Life application: All hail the name of Jesus. Lord God, when it says You have brought many sons to glory, it doesn’t mean by advanced selection. Nor does it mean by forced submission. Instead, we have seen the perfecting work of the Author of our salvation – Jesus Christ – and we have seen the deficiency in ourselves. He has filled up what is lacking in us. We come before You as poor beggars, and You have offered us eternal glory in Your presence because of the work of our Lord. All hail the name above all names! We give glory to You, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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