Superior Word Daily Devotional on Hebrews

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:4, 21 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019


Monday, 21 January 2019


For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrews 10:4


This verse finishes summing up the need for Christ and His perfect work described in chapter 9. The statement is simple, but it carries huge significance for the ancient worshipers, and also for those around the world today – animal sacrifices are insufficient to take away sin. But this is exactly what was mandated in the Old Covenant sacrificial system, of which the Day of Atonement rituals were an integral and mandatory part. As the author says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”


The “blood of goats and bulls” was explicitly referred to in verse 9:13, and these sacrifices are that which was discussed in detail, both before and after that verse. Were these sacrifices effectual in accomplishing what they were given to do? The answer is an explicit, “No!” One might then question why they were done at all. The answer is that they were anticipatory in nature. God accepted them in anticipation of their fulfillment in Christ. Other than that, they were ineffectual and they had no ability to take away sin.


Why is this so important to understand? It is because such sacrifices went on continually even before the time of the law. They went from the time of Adam, through the time of Noah, Job, and Abraham. And then they continued under the Law of Moses right up to the time of Christ Jesus. And yes, they continue on today in parts of the world.

In various cultures or religions – Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Pagan, etc. – there are sects of individuals who perform blood sacrifices in an attempt to appease God or cleanse themselves of sin. But the Bible is perfectly clear – animal sacrifices can never take away the feelings of guilt because they cannot remove sin. They can only remind people of their sin and guilt.


The very rituals which are conducted in an attempt to cleanse nagging feelings of wrongdoing only make things worse. We know this intuitively because many cultures of the past went so far as to perform human sacrifices instead of animal sacrifices. Such rituals are recorded in the Bible and in the history of many societies.

Modern cultures have forbidden this, but the fact that they were conducted shows an understanding that animals were insufficient to purge sin. However, even these human sacrifices couldn’t cleanse. Why? Because the humans that were sacrificed were stained with their own sin. It is impossible to transfer sin-guilt to an already sin-tarnished person.

Even infant sacrifices (such as mentioned in Jeremiah 32:35) were insufficient. King David records in Psalm 51:5 that we are sinful from birth, even from conception. There is no sacrifice apart from Christ Jesus that can take away sin. But the cross of Christ can cleanse from all sin. Only the sinless God/Man could truly atone for the sins of the world. Thanks be to God for Christ Jesus!


Life application: A temple is going to be rebuilt in Jerusalem, and the blood sacrifices of the Old Covenant are going to be reinstated. This is what the Bible says is coming. However exciting it is to see this prophecy coming true, Christians should not rejoice for the Jews that it is coming. Instead, they should mourn. They have already rejected what these animal sacrifices only pointed to, the Messiah Jesus. Christians should continue to get the word out to Israel that they have missed the mark, and that what they are doing, though prophesied in advance, is only a mournful last step on their way to finally calling on Christ.


Heavenly Father, though it is exciting to see prophecy being fulfilled in Israel concerning a coming temple and the sacrifices which will be conducted there, it is also mournful. They have missed what these things were intended to point to; they have missed the final and true Sacrifice of Christ. Lord God, open their eyes to the Messiah who has come and who has provided the full, final, and forever cleansing from sin. Open their eyes to Christ Jesus. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:5, 22 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2019


Tuesday, 22 January 2019


Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,

But a body You have prepared for Me. Hebrews 10:5


The word, “Therefore,” is given to introduce an evaluation of what Christ’s coming means based on what has been presented. The author has said that the law was a mere shadow of what was coming in Christ, and that the sacrifices of the law could never make those who approach perfect (10:1). He then asked a rhetorical question based on that. If those sacrifices could have perfected those who approached, wouldn’t they have ceased being offered? (10:2). He then noted that in the sacrifices themselves, there was actually a yearly reminder of sin (10:3). And then he explicitly stated that it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins (10:4).


With these things stated, he shows that all of these points demonstrated the necessity of Christ to come, and that the Old Covenant was only given as a stepping stone on the way to the giving of the New Covenant. This will be revealed over the next few verses. For now, he goes directly to the coming of Christ by saying, “when He came into the world, He said.” This takes us back to Chapter 9 where it said that “Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands” (9:24).


He was the subject of that verse, and everything said after that, until the end of the chapter. The author now returns to the coming of Christ by quoting what is said of Him in Scripture. In other words, Christ, as anticipated in the Old Testament, is the fulfillment of the prophetic word of God. The author cites Psalm 40:6-8, a psalm written by David, and he attributes the words there to Christ. It is as if He was speaking out those words, even before His incarnation.

As this is so, then Christ is, in fact, the fulfillment of what is stated in that prophetic word. This is certain because there is no other record in the New Testament where Christ actually said this. The author takes it as an axiom that what is stated there in the Psalm is referring to Christ Jesus. Further, it cannot be said that this was David merely referring to himself. This will be seen as the citation of the verses continue. For now, and with this understanding, he then begins the citation with, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire.”


The words here are quoted in relation to Christ, and thus “You” is God. In other words, “Sacrifice and offering You (God) did not desire.” This begins to explain the purpose of the “Therefore.” The author showed (as noted above) that the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant was incapable of removing sin in man. But removing sin in man is the only way for man to be restored to God. As this is so, then it cannot be that God desired sacrifice and offering, meaning of those things mandated under the Old Covenant. And yet, He mandated them in the covenant. This again shows us that those things were only given as types and shadows of what God Himself would do in Christ Jesus. Understanding this, the author continues the citation of the psalm with, “But a body You have prepared for Me.”


The author of Hebrews uses the Greek translation of the psalm, but the Hebrew reads, “My ears you have opened.” Though that is a remarkable change from the Hebrew to the Greek, the difference is explained in the fact that hearing the command leads to obedience. In obedience, the person then submits his body to the will of God. Having ears implies having a body to which the ears are attached. In preparing a body, ears are likewise prepared. Hence, “a body You have prepared for Me,” is not a large difference from the original, and it carries the sense of the Hebrew.

It is the incarnate body of Christ Jesus which is spoken of here. Again, think of it! The author of the psalms is writing, under the covenant in which he existed, that God did not desire the very sacrifices and offerings that he participated in year after year. If this psalm were not understood to be a prophecy of Christ, the psalmist (David) would have been taken out and stoned for blasphemy! But David (meaning God speaking through him) completely dismisses the effectual nature of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, and he cites words that could only be speaking of a human – “But a body You have prepared for Me.”


The psalmist is showing, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that a HUMAN BEING would replace the Old Covenant system of sacrifices and offerings. If Israel today just stopped and considered this, as the author did two thousand years ago, then they would never reintroduce the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. They would say, “According to our own Scriptures, these have no merit.”


Life application: The statement, “He came into the world,” is one of the most profound statements that we could ever contemplate. God united with human flesh. No other event in the stream of time will ever compare to what happened at that moment. As the world turns, as the earth moves through the hugely vast solar system, and that in turn moves through an even more vast galaxy – in the midst of billions of galaxies – and all of them moving through the continuum of time and space, no other thing which has ever occurred compares to the coming Christ. Christ Jesus came – perfectly pure and holy – to redeem man. And man is the one part of creation that is said to bear God’s image. But despite this, man can also deny the very Creator whose image he bears. Imagine the immensity of that thought. And yet, even more, it is not just a few of us, but every one of us since creation, who has denied or shunned Him at one time or another. We have all put our desires above the obligation to glorify Him. Instead of releasing His sustaining hand and returning us to nothing, God sent Christ into the world to reconcile us to the Father, showing us His immense love for us in the process. But it also reveals the truth that no sacrifice, no offering, and no payment from us is acceptable to God apart from Jesus. Instead, a body was prepared, a Man came, and a life was given. Don’t be so utterly foolish as to accept less than God’s offer of Jesus Christ.


Lord Jesus, if it were up to us… if it were up to us, we would lose our salvation ten seconds after we received it by faith in Christ. But how wonderful it is to know that it’s not up to us at all! Your power to save is far greater than our inadequacy to obey. All glory, honor, majesty, and praise belongs to You alone! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:6, 23 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019


Wednesday, 23 January 2019


In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You had no pleasure. Hebrews 10:6


Burnt offerings (actually, the word holokautóma signifies not just a burnt offering, but a whole burnt offering) and sin offerings were prescribed by the law. In fact, detailed meticulous instructions were given in the law in order to properly conduct the entire rite, from selection of the animal though to its final disposal. And yet this verse says they weren’t pleasing to God. There are two reasons for this. First, they only anticipated Christ’s sacrifice. They were found pleasing only in the sense that they looked forward to Him, but of themselves, they brought no pleasure to the Lord.

And secondly, fault rested with the people because of how they presented them. This is seen, for example, in the words of the prophet Micah –

“With what shall I come before the Lord,

And bow myself before the High God?

Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,

With calves a year old?

7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

Ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:6, 7


There, the prophet asks the people a set of rhetorical questions. The questions included those things prescribed in the law to be given as offerings – in massive quantities. Then he adds in his firstborn as a potential offering. This doesn’t necessarily mean human sacrifice. He might be speaking of the dedication of a child to the Lord, like Samuel’s mother did – giving him to the service of the Lord all the days of his life. But all of these offerings, even a firstborn, were insufficient. Micah then answers –

“He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8


And so Jesus came, showing us how to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. The giving of these sacrifices, without an accompanying heart for the Lord and a proper understanding of what the sacrifices signified, defeated the purpose of giving them. One does not simply buy off God with such an offering, but he is to demonstrate true remorse for sin and a desire to act properly before Him in the future.


Life application: The Bible gives outward commands to be followed in the Law of Moses, but it expected the people to have an inward change which accompanied the outward rites, rituals, and commands. However, the law was such a burdensome yoke, that the people were weighed down with meeting its strict demands, and they failed to take to heart the lessons it was intended to show them. Only in the coming of Christ do the things of the law finally make sense. And at the same time, they only make sense in relation to His fulfillment of them. Who on earth would want to go back under the mandates of the law, which Christ fulfilled and set aside through His more perfect work and sacrifice? Think! And then rest in Christ alone for your justification before God.


Lord God, surely You are worthy of our full devotion. Help us to follow in Jesus’ steps and to not stray from acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly in Your glorious presence all the days of our lives. Keep us from being haughty or proud as we pursue You! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:7, 24 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019


Thursday, 24 January 2019


Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—

In the volume of the book it is written of Me—

To do Your will, O God.’” Hebrews 10:7


The quote from Psalm 40 continues in this verse. It cites verses 7 & 8, but it isn’t a direct quote. Rather, it is a combination of two separate parts of these verses. The words reflect the Greek translation of the Old Testament. First, it says, “Then I said, ‘Behold I have come.”


Verse 5 spoke of God not desiring sacrifice and offering, but instead, He prepared a body for someone. In verse 6, it repeated the thought that God had no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. Now, to show what is pleasing to God instead of those sacrifices and offerings, the declaration is made, “Behold, I have come.”


It would make no sense for David to claim that he has come in place of sacrifices and offerings. He lived under the Law of Moses, and he was required, like all others under that law, to be obedient to it – presenting the necessary sacrifices and offerings according to the law. Therefore, because this is obviously not David speaking about himself, it must then be a prophecy of the coming Messiah. To say otherwise would be to damage the intent of the words, tearing them from their intended meaning. This is surely so because the quote continues with, “In the volume of the book, it is written of Me.”


Here, the Greek word translated as, “volume of the book,” is kephalis. It is a noun used only here in the Bible, and it indicates “a small head,” and thus a knob. By implication, it is the end of the stick on which a manuscript is rolled. That corresponds directly to the Hebrew word of Psalm 40:7, megillah, meaning “a scroll.” That comes from the word galal, meaning, “to roll.” Thus, this is speaking of a rolled up scroll that David says is already written, and which refers to Someone in a prophetic sense. As noted, David is not claiming that a prophecy of his own coming was made in a scroll. Rather, he is writing the prophecy, under inspiration of the Spirit, to indicate that a scroll exists which speaks of someone who has come. The words David writes are as if it is accomplished, even though it is a future prophecy.

But what “volume of the book” is David referring to? The answer must be the books of Moses, meaning the Torah, or Pentateuch. It is the law which prescribed the sacrifices and offerings; and it is also the Law which prophesied of the coming Messiah, in numerous ways, and both explicitly and implicitly. The accomplished nature of David’s words concerning the coming Messiah in the psalm correspond to the guaranteed nature of the promise of Messiah to come in the books of Moses. When God speaks, the matter is already done in His mind. The prophetic word is simply waiting for time to catch up with it. With this understanding, the final part of the quote is given with the words, “To do Your will, O God.”

The “will” of God is speaking of something which stands in contrast to the “sacrifices and offerings” of the previous verses. Again, this cannot be speaking of David. To force him into what is being said completely destroys any valid meaning which could be drawn from his words. Therefore, and without any possible doubt at all, this is a prophecy of the Messiah to come.

Verse 5 – “He came into the world,” meaning Christ.

Verse 6 – “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You had no pleasure.”

Verse 7 – “Behold, I have come.”


The author is saying that this verse is speaking of Jesus Christ and His greater work. For a moment, however, let it be assumed that someone hasn’t made the connection to Christ Jesus. It still does not negate the fact that the psalm points to a HUMAN BEING who would come and replace the sacrificial system found in the law. This is the necessary understanding of the words. The author will continue to explain this through verse 10, but it logically follows that this HUMAN BEING must die in order to 1) fulfill the Law of Moses, and then to also 2) initiate a New Covenant through His shed blood (Jeremiah 31:31).


The incredible part of what is stated here is that the Jews, who supposedly hold to the law and the prophets, fail to see this. David saw it in the law, and he prophesied of it in the psalms. Whether he actually understood what he was writing or not, the words are recorded in the inspired Scriptures, and thus they must be true, or this is not the word of God. And so why have they rejected what is claimed to have occurred in Christ Jesus? And more, why are they, once again, preparing to return to the sacrificial system in Israel based on the Law of Moses? And even more tragically, why do people, who supposedly believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Messiah, support rebuilding of the temple, or participate in various aspects of the Law of Moses, claiming that they are binding on Christians today? The answer lies in a lack of knowledge.


The whole counsel of the word of God is not taken into consideration, and teachers who are not properly competent to teach, or who purposely desire to place others back under the bondage of the law, do so anyway.


Life application: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. As this is true – 1) No follower of Christ is bound to any precept of the Law of Moses. They are under the New Covenant. 2) Israel rejected their Messiah, who was clearly presented to them in their own writings (John 5:39), and thus their rejection of Him was a self-inflicted wound. 3) The efforts of Israel to reestablish the sacrificial system, though prophesied in the book of Daniel, is not a thing to be celebrated, but mourned over. It is a continuing rejection of Christ Jesus, and it will lead them into the tribulation period where two-thirds of Israel will be exterminated (Zechariah 13:8). 4) Pray for Israel now, that many will come to a saving knowledge of Christ before the terrible time of their judgment comes.


Lord God, Your word clearly and definitively states that a Person would come to offer Himself in fulfillment of the sacrificial system of Israel, and that in the shedding of His blood, a New Covenant would be introduced. It is not a hidden thing which occurred, but it was prophesied in advance, and then when it came about, it was meticulously documented for any who wish to verify the truth of His coming. Thank You that we don’t have a dubious, unverifiable faith in Christ Jesus, but a sure hope because of the word which foretold of Him, and which confirms that He came! Thank You for our sure and grounded hope in eternal glory because of the work of Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:8, 25 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019


Friday, 25 January 2019


Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), Hebrews 10:8


The words, “Previously saying,” are referring to what was quoted from the psalm. The author is introducing select portions of the quote in order to analyze what is said more fully and to form a logical thought to consider. From there, he cites the quote with, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them.” He has taken words from verses 5 & 6 of this chapter, and combined them to make his point understandable. There are three things which are highlighted – 1) sacrifice and offering, 2) burnt offerings, and 3) offerings for sin. These were all mandated in the Law of Moses, and yet the author, through the words of David in the psalm, shows that the Lord 1) did not desire them, nor 2) have pleasure in them. And yet, as he notes in a parenthetical thought, “which are offered according to the law.”


The repetition in this manner is usually done to solidify what has been said or to set up a contrast. In the case now presented, it is for both purposes. First, the author is ensuring that the reader understands that the sacrifices and offerings mandated under the law could not produce felicity between God and man, even though the law required them. The repetition is also used to bring about the contrast between what was then and what is now in Christ. This will be looked at more in the coming verses. The fact that these were mandated and carried out for about fifteen hundred years doesn’t mean Israel was merely “spinning her wheels.” Instead, as Paul says in Galatians 3 –

“Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:21-25

These sacrifices, which were based on the law, were meant to teach that the law could only point us to our need for Christ. The mandates of the law were actually unobtainable by us because of sin, and thus He needed to fulfill them in our place. Additionally, the sacrifices were ineffective (verse 10:4), and thus He needed to die to provide atonement for us. In other words – He shoots; He scores. All points to Jesus!


Life application: The subject of most life applications in this study of Hebrews has been devoted to the admonition to not return to the law, but to remain in the New Covenant grace given by Christ. This is because it is exactly what the author of Hebrews (and thus the Holy Spirit who inspired the author) intends for us to understand. The Law of Moses served its purpose, and then it was set aside because of the work of Christ. To return to the law is to reject the work of Christ and essentially say, “I can do better than He did.” What a slap in the face of God. He is being meticulous in teaching us to not do this vile thing. Come to Christ, trust in Christ, and rest in Christ. Put away the deeds of the law, and be pleasing to God by having faith in Christ.


Thank you, O God! When we were ever-missing the target, whether through failing to meet the demands of the law, or providing an insufficient sacrifice for having failed to meet that law, You came in and saved the day. The goal is now obtainable – faith in Jesus and His work. Now we too can shoot and score … the goal is Jesus! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:9, 26 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019


Saturday, 26 January 2019


…then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. Hebrews 10:9


Hebrews 10:9 is another key verse to remember when confronting Judaizers, those of the Hebrew Roots movement, or any others who cling to the Law of Moses. Two others to remember are –

“For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18, 19

&
“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13


Now, in Hebrew 10:9, the author once again, and in another way, says the same basic thing. He starts with a continuation of his quote of the psalm given in verses 5-7 of this chapter. The words, “then He said,” show that this is so. In the previous verse, he cited parts of verses 5 & 6. Now, he will cite select words from verse 7.

Before looking at that, and in order to follow the line of thought properly, what was cited by the author in verse 10:8 should be remembered –

“‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them’ (which are offered according to the law).”


The Old Testament sacrifices weren’t pleasing to God, despite the fact that they were mandated by the law. They were ineffectual in restoring a right-relationship between God and man. This precipitated the need for something greater. A call was made and a voice responded, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” As it says in Isaiah 59:16 –

“He saw that there was no man,

And wondered that there was no intercessor;

Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him;

And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.”


God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, provided the salvation which the law couldn’t. In providing this work, the Old Covenant law was set aside. As the author explicitly says, “He takes away the first that He may establish the second.” The “first” is the Mosaic Law; the “second” is the New Covenant in Christ’s blood. The first was “taken away,” meaning it is annulled and obsolete (as stated in Hebrews 7:18 & 8:13).

It is to be remembered concerning what it says in Hebrews 7:12 –

“For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.”

And again in Hebrews 8:4 –

“For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;”

As can be seen, 1) there were “gifts” or sacrifices already prescribed by the law. These were superseded by the ultimate Gift of Jesus. 2) There was a change in priesthood, from Aaron to Jesus. Therefore, 3) there was a change in the law; the first was taken away in order to establish the second.


Life application: What part of annulled, obsolete, and taken away do you not understand?

Lord, help us to never fall back on that which couldn’t satisfy. Keep us from getting trapped in the legalism of the law such as dietary, tithing, or other restrictions. Instead, may we fix our eyes on Jesus – our Foundation, High Priest, Savior, and the One from whom all blessings truly flow! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:10, 27 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019


Sunday, 27 January 2019


By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

The words, “by that will,” are speaking of the will of God as cited from the psalm. Those words said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” It was God’s will that sent Christ Jesus into the world. Christ then accomplished what God willed Him to do. This “will” then begins to be explained with the words, “we have been sanctified.” It was God’s will that man would be sanctified through the coming of Christ, without which we would remain unholy and forever lost.

The verb translated as “have been sanctified” is in the perfect tense. Thus, this is not speaking of progressive sanctification, as if it were an ongoing process. Rather, it is the full and complete sanctification necessary for man to stand holy once again before God. This corresponds to Paul’s words of Romans 15:16, which speaks of the sanctification of the Gentiles –

“...that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”


The sanctification is complete, and it is fully sufficient for man – both Jew and Gentile – to be acceptable to God. Of this, Vincent’s Word Studies states, “...as having become partakers of the spirit of Christ. This is the work of the eternal spirit, whose will is the very will of God. It draws men into its own sphere, and makes them partakers of its holiness.” With this understanding, the author then explains how that state of sanctification comes about. It is “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.”


This refers back to verse 10:5 where the author cited the psalm saying, “But a body You have prepared for Me.” The body of Christ was given to replace the ineffectual sacrifices and offerings of the Old Covenant. Those were, as it said in verse 10:9, taken away (because the law was taken away) in order to establish the New Covenant through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. That is “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.” And it is, “once for all.”


The words, “once for all,” are to be taken together with the words, “we have been sanctified.” Christ’s offering was a one time for all time event which is set in contrast to the temporary offerings of the Levitical priesthood. They cleansed outwardly and temporarily; Christ cleanses inwardly and forever.


Life application: Jesus came to fulfill God’s will on behalf of fallen man; to perfect the imperfect and to restore that which had fallen. By doing God’s will, Jesus fulfilled the law which was then taken away through the introduction of the New Covenant. Through this covenant, all who call on the name of the Lord by faith have been made holy through His sacrifice, once and for all. Not once, but twice in this verse, the author proclaims eternal salvation for the believer –

1) We “have been sanctified,” and

2) This was accomplished “once for all.”


There is no need to fret over whether we need to ask Jesus more than once to save us. Nor is there any need to question whether our prayer in faith, be it recently or many years ago, has truly made us acceptable to God; it has. We also don’t need detailed knowledge of what occurred or how it happened. What is needed is to, once and for all, with the simple faith of a child, ask Jesus to forgive us and to be our Savior. Everything after that is growing in Christian maturity, but never let anyone deceive you that you need to do more. Jesus’ blood is sufficient to save even you and He is powerful enough to never let you go. As He said,

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37

Heavenly Father, Your word says that through the offering of Christ we have been sanctified. It also says that this is once for all, assuring us that when we are saved, we are saved forever. Please open the eyes of those who feel Your salvation is a temporary gift which then is up to us to hold onto. If that is true, then it was never of grace. Open their eyes to this false teaching so that they can find true rest in Your salvation, once and forever. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:11, 28 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2019


Monday, 28 January 2019


And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. Hebrews 10:11


We now have a thought repeated from verse 4 of this chapter, and yet it is given as a contrast to verse 10. In verse 4, it said that it is “not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” In verse 10 (the previous verse), it says that by God’s will “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

The contrast is seen in the first clause of this verse. In Christ, there was a one-time offering of His body for the sins of His people. However, in the Levitical priesthood, “every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices.”

1) The words, “every priest,” are a sharp contrast to the one true High Priest, Jesus Christ.”

2) The word, “stands,” is given as a contrast to what Christ did after He completed His work. He “sat down” (Hebrews 1:3) after purging the sins of the people.

3) The many sacrifices were offered (daily and repeatedly) to cover sin, but as soon as another sin occurred, another offering was necessary. The sacrifice could never purify the believer because those sacrifices could “never take away sins” (repeated from verse 10:4). This is contrasted to the one-time offering of Christ.


The reason for the contrast and the repetition is because the author is slowly and meticulously building his case for the supremacy of the work of Jesus. He will again make a contrast in the coming verse which will solidify this intent. The supremacy of what Christ did will be on full display. Before getting there though, the huge multitude of sacrifices that were made over the years from Moses to Jesus should be considered.


There were thousands upon thousands of them. Each fulfilled a particular purpose, and each was a reminder to the people that they were imperfect. The sacrifice, though intending to atone for sin, actually highlighted their need for continued atonement. How much greater then is Jesus, who truly died for the sins of the world – one Sacrifice for all time.


Life application: You might possibly be struggling with the idea of asking Jesus to save you more than once. In fact, you may have asked Him to save you many times because you fear that you didn’t do it right or that He somehow didn’t hear you. These thoughts are based on fear. But as John says –

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18


Have no fear – if Christ died once for our atonement, then you need only ask Him to save you once. Be perfected in His love which was demonstrated on the cross and you are then assured of eternal salvation. Surely His sacrifice is sufficient. Let’s pray about this.


Heavenly Father, give me a spirit of peace and assurance that my salvation is secure in the work of Jesus. Let me not be fearful that I could ever lose what You have so graciously provided for me through His cross. Today and forevermore, I will stand on the promises of Your word – I am saved, saved, saved! I am saved through the blood of Christ! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:12, 29 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019


Tuesday, 29 January 2019


But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, Hebrews 10:12

This verse repeats thoughts seen already in several verses, including 1:3, 7:27, 8:1, and 9:26 (and others possibly as well) –

“...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.” (1:3)

“...who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” (7:27)


“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,” (8:1)


“He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (9:26)


The repetition is a valuable tool to call to remembrance, and thus to solidify in the mind of the reader, these important doctrinal truths. Further, the repetition supports each step of the logical case the author makes concerning the supremacy of the work of Christ, under the New Covenant, over that of the Law of Moses. With this understanding, it now says in this verse, “But this Man.” It is speaking of Christ Jesus. That thought is given in contrast to what was just stated in the previous verse which spoke of the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. From there, in this contrasting thought, he says, “after He had offered one sacrifice for sins.” This is contrasted to the word “repeatedly.”


There were many sacrifices for sins under the Old Covenant; there is one Sacrifice of Christ under the New. Those in the Old were a different category than man, being animals; that under the New is in the same, being a Man. Those under the Old were offered by another, but which included sins even for himself; those under the New were offered by Himself – and in His sinless perfection – on behalf of others.


From there, the author adds in the word “forever.” It is a word, diénekés, found only in verses 7:3, 10:1, 10:12, and 10:14. It signifies to “bear all the way across, in an unbroken (non-stop) fashion; to persist all the way, to the (intended) end, i.e. ‘unbroken, continuous . . . perpetually, forever’ (Abbott-Smith).” (HELPS Word Studies). The meaning of the word is not in dispute, but the placement of it is. The Greek can read one of two ways –

1) But this man offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God, Douay-Rheims Bible

2) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, NKJV

Despite the possibility of being tied to either “sacrifice,” or “sat down,” in the Greek, the context clearly provides the correct meaning. It is connected to “sacrifice.” The repeated sacrifices which could never take away sin (10:4) are contrasted to the one Sacrifice that is sufficient “forever.” Further, if “forever” was tied to “sat down,” then there would be a contradiction in the Bible. The intended meaning of “sat down” is to convey the thought of accomplished work which is not to be repeated, but there are results of that work for which Christ rises from His position of sitting. One is found in Acts 7 –

“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’” Acts 7:55, 56


The work of Christ on behalf of His people means that they shall be welcomed into God’s presence because of it. As what can only be considered as the greatest of honor, Christ stood to receive His first recorded martyr, Stephen. Though His work is completed, He uses His position at the right hand of God to rise in acknowledgment of the results of that work at His will. It is a demonstration of the absolute greatness of the King of kings that He would do such for those He first died for.


Only after His one-time and for all-time Sacrifice, does the author say that Christ “sat down at the right hand of God.” It is there that He rules with all power and authority in heaven and on earth at His command.

Life application: If you struggle with the doctrine of eternal salvation, consider this verse and be at peace. Jesus went to the cross, paid the price for your sin debt, and then He sat down. What He did is:

1) Complete

2) Never to be repeated, and

3) Eternal in significance


And Jesus didn’t just sit down on a lounge chair at the beach. Instead, He sat down “at the right hand of God.” All power, all authority, and all control belongs to Jesus. How could the Lord of all creation save you and then allow you to be lost again? It is impossible! If you have called on Jesus, you are free from all condemnation. Now go forth and live in His grace, grateful for His forever finished work.


Lord Jesus, never allow us to falter in the confident knowledge that you have eternally saved us from our sins. Help us to never fall back into sin, but if we do, strengthen us and return us to the right path. Keep our hearts, our minds, and our lives on that path which is directed to You. Glory, honor, and majesty belong to You alone! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:13, 30 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019


Wednesday, 30 January 2019


...from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. Hebrews 10:13

Here we have a term, footstool, which is drawn from Psalm 110 –

The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at My right hand,

Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Psalm 110:1

This was then used by the author in Chapter 1 –

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


However, the thought is also essentially repeated in 1 Corinthians 15, a passage which is necessary to understand what is on the author’s mind –

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For ‘He has put all things under His feet.’ But when He says ‘all things are put under Him,’ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28


The idea presented now in Hebrews is that the words, “from that time,” are speaking of the words of the previous verse which spoke of Christ’s one-time sacrifice for sins which was then followed by His sitting down at the right hand of God. He is at the position of all power and authority, and yet He has not yet subdued all of His enemies. Thus, from the time He sat down, He is “waiting.” Christ is not repeating His sacrifice. Instead, that is complete, and its effects are ongoing for any and all who will but receive Him. Further, they are on-going for Israel collectively to also receive Him. After those numbers are filled, there is still one more aspect of His waiting, which is that He will continue to wait until “His enemies are made His footstool.”


The enemies referred to are found first in Revelation 19, and include the beast and the false prophet. They will be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Those joined with them will be “killed with the sword.” This will then usher in the millennial reign of Christ. But this is not the completion of subduing His enemies. In Revelation 20, it then notes that the enemies of God will be destroyed by fire and then the devil will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. After a final judgment on all humanity is completed, Death and Hades will be cast into the lake of fire.


There is a long process ahead which will be played out in redemptive history. Until that is complete, the plan will continue. Only when “His enemies are made His footstool,” meaning being brought into complete subjugation, will the process be fully complete.


Life application: Jesus is, even now, seated at the right hand of God, meaning all authority, all power, all honor are His, and all allegiance is due Him. However, the concept of a footstool is included here to indicate the ongoing nature of bringing the world back to the original state in which it was created – with complete obedience to God and fellowship with Him. When we sit, our work is done, but when we use a footstool, total peace has been achieved. The world we see now isn’t in total peace. It continues to strive against the risen Christ. However, one day He will return and destroy all wickedness. As Matthew Henry said, “Christ's enemies shall be made his footstool; some by conversion, others by confusion; and, which way soever it be, Christ will be honoured.”


Heavenly Father, because of Christ we look forward with anticipation to that glorious day when there will be no more strife, no more anxiety, no more loss or pain or death. Instead, we will live in Your presence forevermore – perfectly content in all Your glory! May that day be soon! Thank You for the sure promises we have because of Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:14, 31 January 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019


Thursday, 31 January 2019


For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14


This verse is similar to verse 10:10. Placed side by side, the similarity and the contrast can be seen –

10 – By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

14 – For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.


Verse 10 referred to Christ’s coming to do God’s will. In that, He offered Himself, and it is through that will of God that we individually have been sanctified. Now verse 14 refers to the offering of Christ which has perfected each person, forever, of all of those people who are being sanctified, forever. In other words, it is not speaking of the individual who is sanctified, but all who are being sanctified through the one, final, and complete sacrifice of Christ. Of them, each is “perfected forever.”


This same word was used in verse 2:11 –

“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”

In verses 2:11 and 10:14, the use of the word in this way is speaking of those who are in the way of sanctification, but there is no regard to time. Whereas in verse 10, it was speaking of a time in which the individual was sanctified.

The author is using very precise words to reveal what has occurred in the one-time and for all-time sacrifice of Christ. It is His offering (a one-time event) which has perfected forever (at the moment a believer comes to Him) those who are being sanctified (meaning anyone at any time from the sacrifice forward).


Life application: This verse is another evidence for eternal salvation. As it says, “…by one offering,” meaning Jesus’ cross, “He has perfected forever,” indicating the permanence of what occurred in the believer’s life. In other words, the act of what Jesus did for the believer is completely sufficient in itself to forever perfect (and thus save) those who believe. Be confident in your salvation that it was a one-time and forever act. Yes, you will lose rewards when you slip up, but from the moment you were saved, you were saved forever.


Lord God, we can see that You have left it up to us to bear fruit or to squander the salvation which came at such a high price. And so, give our hearts the burning desire to live for You today and always. Without Your nudging, we will surely let You down. So nudge away, O great Lord! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:15, 1 February 2019


WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Friday, 1 February 2019


But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, Hebrews 10:15


The author has already cited that the Holy Spirit has spoken out utterances concerning Christ, such as in verse 3:11 and in verse 9:8. In stating that the Holy Spirit has spoken, and then in citing verses from the Old Testament, the author is showing his complete conviction that he believes that Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. This is exactly what Jesus also stated, and it is repeated by Paul and by Peter.



In the case of this verse, the author again brings in this truth by saying, “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us.” He is making the adamant statement that what he will say is from God as revealed through the third Person of the Godhead. He then says, “for after He had said before.” It is a rather perplexing phrase, which scholars have struggled to explain, but it simply needs to be kept in the context of the passage.


In verse 10:8, he said, “Previously.” This was quoting the psalm which was being applied to Christ Jesus. In verse 10:9, he said, “then He said.” This was again applying words of the psalm to Christ Jesus. Now, we have this verse, once again given by the Holy Spirit, which will cite Jeremiah 31 (which has already been cited in Chapter 8), and which is once again being applied to Christ Jesus.


What is happening is exactly what Jesus said in John 5:39 –

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

It is a thought again expressed by Jesus in John 15:26, 27 –

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

The author is showing that the things written before by the prophets, and the things which will be written after by the apostles, are inspired of God through the Holy Spirit in order to testify to the Person of Jesus Christ. With this understanding, the author will next again cite the words of Jeremiah 31 to now more fully explain what he had previously introduced. In his citation, he will follow the train of thought in Jeremiah 31 demonstrating an “after,” meaning a conclusion, from what he said “before,” meaning within the citation itself. In other words, the author is saying –

1) I cited Jeremiah 31 already (before).

2) In that citation I said, “X.”

3) And then in that citation (after X), I said “Y.”


The contents of this thought will be revealed in the coming two verses.


Life application: In this verse, the author uses the truth that all Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit to point to Christ. He pens with the certain conviction that what was said in the past via the prophets, and under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, verifies his claims about the supremacy of Christ’s work. It also verifies to the recipients (the Hebrew people) that the Old Testament itself claims that the Old Covenant would be superseded. This is a wonderful point to start with when witnessing to Jewish people.


To make claims about Christ, or the superiority of the New Testament, from the New Testament, is called “circular reasoning.” It is the same as making claims for the validity of the Bible from the Bible. Using a source to justify itself may rightly lead to rejection, unless something external confirms what is being said. In the case of the New Testament, an argument for it can be made from the Old. This is what the author has been doing and will continue to do. When you witness to others about Jesus, unless you have external information to validate what you say, they have every right to reject you. What externals are acceptable? What issues should we bring up? Some are 1) the nature of man, including sin, responsibility, etc; and 2) the composition of nature which demonstrates an intelligent Being. Further, we should also pray for 3) the participation of the Holy Spirit. (Do you pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your witness?)


These and other external verifications of the content of the Bible keep you from using circular reasoning and looking impotent. Paul used all of these when He spoke to those in the Aeropagus in Acts 17 – and so should we. His speech led to conversions and he only brought in a biblical point (the resurrection) at the very end of his speech.


Lord, you’ve given us abundant evidence for the truth of the Bible. Help us to use these evidences to support what the Bible claims. How wonderful it is to read Your word and then to see how it is supported by what we see around us! Give us wisdom to use these tools effectively in bringing many to a saving knowledge of You! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:16, 2 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019


Saturday, 2 February 2019


“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” Hebrews 10:16


The author now reaches back to his words of Chapter 8 where he cited Jeremiah 31. However, he only focuses on a select portion of that quote, and he makes some variations in it while citing it. Side by side, the variations can be noticed. (NOTE: the word “minds” is in the singular. It should be translated as “mind,” not “minds,” and so it is cited correctly below) –

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord:”



“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord:”

&

I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts;



I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their mind I will write them,”

It can be seen that though the substance of the verses is changed a bit, the intent remains the same. It also shows us that the heart and the mind carry the same general idea, and they are being taken synonymously, but that there is both a plurality (hearts) and a unity (mind).


The entire thought consistently points to a time when Israel, as a group of individual people, will collectively have their mind converted to Christ. The author has said in verse 13 that Christ is waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. The author then said that this is an ongoing process, and it will lead to a time when Israel will call out to Him. At that time, they will be having the laws put into their hearts (ongoing – the verb is a present participle, active), but they will have them written on their mind (future – the verb is a future indicative, active) at some point.


Life application: It isn’t easy to grasp all that the Bible is revealing to us because the parsing of words between languages, and the use of exacting words to convey specific meaning, takes precision. Translators often miss these subtleties, and thus the intent of the Greek is actually quite different than what the translation presents. In this one verse, the NKJV, following after the KJV, misses the action of the verb, and translates a singular as a plural. This makes it extremely difficult to see what the intent of the passage is. Don’t get stuck reading a single translation and think that you are being scholarly. In fact, it is generally quite the opposite, especially with marginal translations which are chock full of translational errors.


Thank You, O God, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. In His fellowship, we can then begin to understand “the things of God” as revealed in Your word and to be able to grasp those truths more fully as we study it. And, how precious is Your word – it is sweeter than honey to our mouths! We love You Lord God, and we cherish Your word! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:17, 3 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019


Sunday, 3 February 2019


..then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17

The author has been once again loosely citing Jeremiah 31, which he already cited in Chapter 8. This is a portion of Hebrews 8:12. Placed side by side, they read –

8:12 – “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

10:17 – then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”


As can be seen, 10:17 adds in the italicized words, “then He adds.” These are inserted by the translators and are not a part of the original, but they are inserted because they are explaining the difficult words of verse 10:15, which said, “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before.”


Though disputed as to the meaning of those words, the translators here are making the logical assumption that, in the citation from Jeremiah, the Holy Spirit is witnessing to the reader of Hebrews (specifically, the Hebrew people to whom the epistle is addressed). Thus, verse 10:15 which says, “for after He had said before,” is referring to verse 10:16. The inserted words of 10:17 (“then He adds”) are then continuing the thought. Laying it out in bullets should help –

1) But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,

– “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”

2) Then He adds

– “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”


Thus the inserted words, “Then He adds,” are simply clarifying the otherwise difficult to understand words of verse 10:15. Understanding this, The entire thought is given to explain the supremacy of the work of Christ over the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices and offerings only brought a reminder of sins, but they never actually took them away. However, in the offering of the body of Christ, and with the acceptance of that in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel, then “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Life application: As a guide concerning what has been said, we can follow these thoughts to their logical conclusion (remember, the words have been speaking of Israel the people, but the words hold true for any who come to Christ) –

1) We have sinned. God is infinitely holy. Therefore, we stand condemned.

2) Deeds to gain the favor of God are insufficient because they come from what has been created. In other words, all is from Him and ultimately is His.

3) The Old Covenant sacrifices fell into the realm of things in creation and could never take away sin.

4) Jesus’ divine nature is not part of creation.

5) Jesus, being fully Man, gave Himself to pay our debt.

6) The payment, once rendered, is

a) available

b) acceptable

c) all-sufficient

d) eternal

Therefore –

God offers it; God accepts it; it is complete in scope; its effects last forever. This is why we can – with complete confidence – accept that He will never remember our “sins and lawless acts.”


Lord God, trusting in Your word is the most wonderful thing to our hearts. You have said we are forgiven by faith in Christ. Our hearts are grateful. You have said that our forgiveness means that we are saved from Your wrath. Our hearts are relieved. You have said that our salvation is eternal. Our hearts are overjoyed. Praise be to You, O God. Help us to not only trust Your word, but to keep on trusting it. We have surety of hope because of the word You have given. Hallelujah and Amen!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:18, 4 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019


Monday, 4 February 2019


Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Hebrews 10:18


The verse here, though seemingly subdued, is the culmination and high point of the entire section of the letter. It is also the last part of doctrinal instruction in the book. From here, the author will provide words of exhortation and encouragement on how to conduct one’s life based on the doctrinal nature of the items he has explained. And so to close out this section, he says, “Now where there is remission of these.” The word “remission” signifies forgiveness. The Greek word means “to send away.” In the sending away of their sins, there is pardon, release, and complete forgiveness of the sins and lawless deeds of the previous verse. The author has just said that, in the eyes of the Lord, they will be remembered no more.


As the sins are pardoned, then, obviously, “there is no longer an offering for sin.” What is being conveyed, again, is the “greater than” nature of the New Covenant over the Old. Under the Mosaic Law, sacrifices and offerings were constantly repeated. This brought back the memory of sin, and it continued to remind the people that they were sinful. However, under the New Covenant, the sins are forgiven – once and forever. There is no longer an offering for sin because there is no longer the imputation of sin. As Paul says –

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19


Instead of a system of continuous sacrifices and unceasing guilt for sin, we have one Sacrifice and a word of reconciliation. What has been realized in the New Covenant is infinitely greater than that of the Old.


Life application: First century Jews who were considering a return to the temple and its sacrifices were being told, in certain language, that this move would be completely ineffective in improving their position with God. What would be the point? Their sins were already forgiven in Christ, and where these had been forgiven, there was no longer any sacrifice for sin; their return would be a useless gesture. The same is true with the Jews who are now coming to Christ. A temple will be rebuilt, but the exhortation is to fix the mind and eyes on Christ, not to be swept back into a useless, failed system of ineffectual sacrifices which reminded of sin. Instead, they are being implored to stay the course and to be freed from the memory of sin once and forever. So too are we now, in the dispensation of Grace, not to get caught up in observing the Law of Moses, in whole or even in part. We are to trust in Christ, rest in Christ, and be fully satisfied with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Never does the Bible ask us to blindly walk through this life. Instead, God asks us to use reason and to be fully versed in His word. Using our brains doesn’t demonstrate a lack of faith. Instead, it directs our faith to the narrow path of Jesus Christ. As Proverbs 14:12 says –

“There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.”

Choosing the right way is a responsibility we all bear.


Lord – a thousand religions on a zillion websites tell us they have the answer – that they are the path to You. But Lord, Your word says there is one Way and one Door. Protect us and keep us on that Way which leads to life. Help us to keep our thoughts and our eyes on Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:19, 5 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019


Tuesday, 5 February 2019


Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19


With the doctrinal aspect of the epistle concluded, the author now begins his words of exhortation and encouragement. The words in this verse and the next few are very similar to those found in Hebrews 4:14-16. After having given so much theological instruction on the supremacy of the work of Christ, he once again restates his thoughts. In other words –

1) “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.” (4:16)

2) Here is how and why that is possible (intervening chapters and verses)

3) “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.” (10:19)


The word, “Therefore,” sums up every chief and supporting thought to be found which explains what is now stated. The statement was made, the case justifying it was presented, and now the case is restated to complete the thought as a close to the presentation.


The Hebrews (and any Gentile who has placed His faith in Christ as well) have been given the information necessary to understand why they, who once were forbidden to go beyond a certain point in the sanctuary under pain of death (Numbers 3:38, etc), were now not only allowed to enter the Holy Places (the word in Greek is in the plural, and it signifies the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place), but rather to have boldness in doing so.


The word “boldness” is one which indicates “freedom of speech,” and thus, “confidence.” There is no holding back, but that which is desired is to be freely obtained. As this is a word referring especially to “boldness in speech,” the idea that one gets is not a literal entering into the Holy Places, but a confident appeal to God who is in the Holy Places, as if we literally enter and speak to the Lord, just as Moses did – face to face (see Exodus 33:11). And, just as the priests of Israel presented the incense daily before the veil, which would then waft through the veil and into the presence of the Lord, so our prayers go through the veil (which is Christ). The symbolism shows that our prayers, because of Christ Jesus, are being transmitted directly to God through Him, and this is because it is “by the blood of Jesus.”


The term is more rightly translated as, “in the blood of Jesus.” We do not carry the blood of Christ into the Most Holy Place, but – like the symbolism of the high priest of Israel – the High Priest Jesus presented the blood, and all who come to Christ are symbolically presented with Him. This is explained, for example, in Ephesians 2 & 3 –

“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:18

“...in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Ephesians 3:12


The Body has been offered, the Sacrifice has been made, and the blood has been accepted; atonement is realized for those who – by faith – come to God through Christ. We are covered by the blood, and thus we are “in” the blood that has been offered.


Life application: The over-arching theme of the book of Hebrews is “greater than.” Jesus is greater than the angels. Jesus is greater than Moses. Jesus is greater than Aaron, etc. An underlying theme, however, is “boldness.” The word, in one form or another, is used multiple times in the book as a reminder that believers are completely safe, completely secure, and can be completely at rest in what Jesus has done for us. And this did not come about, nor does it come about, by our efforts under the law. It came about solely by Christ’s efforts in fulfillment of the law and in the establishment of the New Covenant in His blood. It is all about JESUS!


Glorious God Almighty, when we were weak and without hope in this world, You sent Christ Jesus to do what we could never do – to obtain that which was out of reach, and to provide that which could not be granted in any other way. He has loosed the chains of bondage, and He has led us to Your glorious presence once again. All hail what You have done through Jesus Christ our Lord. All hail the Name above every name. All hail JESUS! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:20, 6 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019


Wednesday, 6 February 2019


…by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, Hebrews 10:20

The verse is connected to the previous one. Together, they read –

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,”


The words here, “a new and living way,” are incorrect. There never was a way for us to enter. Only the priests could do so in an earthly sanctuary, and theirs was only prefiguring the true access. Now there is “a way, new and living.” There is one way and only one way to enter, and that is through Christ.


With this understanding, and with the small, but major correction, it is seen that, “by a way, new and living,” is speaking of entering the Holiest. Only the priests could enter into the holy places, and only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, only once a year on the Day of Atonement, and only with blood. But that was not into heaven. It was only a type and shadow of what Christ would do. Now, because of Christ, those who believe in Him may boldly enter covered in His blood. Which is the “way, new and living.”


Shed blood signifies death, and yet, the verse here says the way is “living.” This is because His shed blood not only fulfilled the Old Covenant, but it established the New Covenant –

“Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’”

Thus, it is a way “which He consecrated for us.” It is the death of Christ Jesus which allows us full and unfettered access to God once again. The same word, translated here as “consecrated,” was translated in verse 9:18 as “dedicated.” These are its only two uses in Scripture. The word signifies, “advancing to a new sphere (dimension) of reality.” It is Christ who makes this possible for us, and it is “through the veil, that is His flesh.”


Here the symbolism of the veil which stood between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the Sanctuary is explicitly said to prefigure Christ Jesus. Understanding this, it makes this veil, or paroket, an amazing study. It is well worth the time to watch this video from the Superior Word, to discover what is being pictured in it in relation to the coming Christ –




One can see in this the humanity and the deity of Christ. The veil, His body, is what allows access into God’s presence. As the veil concealed the glory of God behind it, so Christ’s humanity concealed that same glory. This is evident from the account of the Transfiguration. In the rending of the veil, meaning His body, access to the glory of God is obtained.

Life application: For a short explanation of the symbolism of the veil, we can look at two accounts of it in Scripture –

“You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim. 32 You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver. 33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps. Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat upon the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy. 35 You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side.” Exodus 26:31-33


And another time the curtain is mentioned –

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,” Matthew 27:50, 51


The curtain of the temple restricted access to the Most Holy place. Just as the curtain was torn open when Christ died, so access to the throne of God was restored to fallen man through the body of Jesus. We need look for no other explanation. The Bible tells us the wonderful story. Trust that access has been granted, and also be sure that it is only through Christ that access is so granted.


Lord God, thank You for the restored access to Your glory which was lost so long ago when we turned away from You in Eden. Now -- through Christ – a way, living and new, has been opened up for those who will simply accept it. Christ’s body was torn so that we can come to You again. What a marvelous wonder You have accomplished for Your people. Thank You for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:21, 7 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019


Thursday, 7 February 2019


...and having a High Priest over the house of God, Hebrews 10:21


Here the author builds upon what he has been saying. We can boldly enter the Holy Places because of the blood of Jesus (10:19). This is in “a new and living way which He consecrated for us” (10:20). And that is “through the veil” (10:20) which is His flesh. He now adds to that with, “and having a High Priest.” The Greek does not read “High Priest.” Instead, it uses the word megas, or “great.” Thus, He is the “Great Priest.” It is true that He is the High Priest, however, the author purposefully uses this term (also used in Hebrews 4:14 with a different connecting word).


This then is most probably referring to the prophecy of the Great Priest from Zechariah 6, and it seems that this is a purposeful connection to that verse by the author. In that passage, it says –

“‘“Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12 Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying:

“Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!

From His place He shall branch out,

And He shall build the temple of the Lord;

13 Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord.

He shall bear the glory,

And shall sit and rule on His throne;

So He shall be a priest on His throne,

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’” Zechariah 6:11-13


In verse 11 of that passage, Joshua is called ha’kohen ha’gadol – “the priest, the great.” There is prophesied in that passage a uniting of the offices of King and High Priest. This is realized in Christ Jesus, and this seems to be what the author has on his mind. Christ is not just “a high priest,” but He is the “Great Priest.” It is He who (as Zechariah prophesies) “shall build the temple of the Lord.” In the Bible, and in both Testaments, the term “house of God,” is frequently used to speak of the temple of the Lord. It is this same term which is now used by the author to reveal the authority with which Christ rules. He is “a Great Priest over the house of God.”


A description of Jesus as the Great High Priest is described in glorious detail in Revelation 1 –

“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” Revelation 1:12-16


The symbolism is rich in this account as it shouts out Christ’s glory – both His humanity and His divinity. The lampstands were used in the temple for illumination. That He is “like the Son of Man” indicates His humanity. The garment reaching down to His feet reflects His status as our High Priest. The golden band replaces the woven band of the earthly high priest and reveals His deity and also the eternality of the office. The snow-like head and hair indicate His absolute purity and divine glory. The eyes like a flame of fire are what read into our very thoughts and minds. The feet like fine brass represent his permanence and authority to judge. His voice like the sound of many waters reveals his deity and authority to proclaim God’s word. The seven stars in His hand speak of His sovereign authority over the angels of the churches. The sharp two-edged sword reflects the authority of His words and their ability to “judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart;” and His countenance like the sun shining in its strength is indicative of the glory of God which shone in the sanctuary as seen in the Old Testament.


Life application: The risen Christ, Jesus, is our Great Priest! Although much of the Old Testament symbolism concerning priestly matters is not used by Paul (in earlier epistles) during the Gentile-led church age, that is because the Gentiles had less need to understand those roles which the Hebrews would be fully aware of. However, even Paul’s words show that Christ fulfills all of the priestly roles for us, in this dispensation, as the high priest of Israel did for the people of Israel under the Old Covenant. There is one atoning Sacrifice, there is one Mediator between God and man, etc. And those things are handled by Jesus in His death, burial, resurrection, and continued mediation. If you wonder if your prayers to God actually make it to His ears, don’t worry. If you are in Christ, they do. He is, even now, tending to your needs before the Father.


Lord God, it is so wonderful to know that we do not have the need for an earthly priest to minister for us before You. Rather, we have Jesus, the Great Priest of the New Covenant who fills every role necessary to bring us to You once again, and to mediate for us in Your presence. We have absolute surety in Christ that our needs before You are met perfectly. Hallelujah and Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:22, 8 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019


Friday, 8 February 2019


...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22


The words, “let us draw near,” are connected to the “boldness to enter the Holiest” of verse 20. The author is imploring his audience to draw near to God (who resides in the Most Holy Place, symbolic of heaven itself). It is reminiscent of the words of Hebrews 7:19, where the author speaks of “the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Believers have that hope, and they are to have boldness in that hope. James spoke in this manner as well –

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).


In the surety of our hope, and in displaying boldness in it, we are to “draw near with a true heart.” The author has already used the word translated as “true” twice in relation to the true tabernacle (meaning typical of Christ where God resides), and the true Holy Places (speaking of heaven). He now uses it one more time in the book in relation to the heart of the believer. The word “emphasizes the integrity of what is true, down to its inner make-up (reality, ‘true inside and out’)” HELPS Word Studies. Vincent’s Word Studies goes further by saying, “The phrase means more than in sincerity. Sincerity is included, but with it all that enters into a right attitude toward God as revealed in our Great High Priest, - gladness, freedom, enthusiasm, bold appropriation of all the privileges of sonship.”


With such a true heart, the author notes that we are to draw near “in full assurance of faith.” The words are similar to verse 6:11, which spoke of the believers, “full assurance of hope until the end.” The faith is in the truth of what is presented, and it is the very basis for any proper relationship with God. That then leads to the full assurance of hope. When one possesses the full assurance of faith, their full assurance of hope will be rightly grounded and directed. And in this, the author then speaks of “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.”


Here the author speaks of the internal, spiritual aspect of man in his relation to Christ. The heart is that which relates to “the affective center of our being” (HELPS Word Studies). Though the heart is spoken of more than eight hundred times in the Bible, it never speaks of the physical organ itself, but it is used figuratively in relation to the mind, will, intention, and inner being of man. Thus, having them “sprinkled from an evil conscience,” looks to the cleansing power of the blood of Christ as it cleanses man from his moral impurity while purifying his mind. This symbolic cleansing is referred to by David in the 51st Psalm –

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7


The purging with hyssop was a purification by the sprinkling of a blood mixture. David wasn’t referring to being externally cleansed, but internally. This is made clear in his words later in the psalm which say, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). This is the purification referred to now by the author of Hebrews.


From there, the author continues with, “and our bodies washed with pure water.” This is the external aspect of the body. As the inner hearts of men are to be purified to draw near in sincerity, the external body is to be washed in symbolic agreement with that inner change. The Greek, however, reads in a specific manner –

our (plural)

hearts (plural)

our (singular)

body (singular)


There are many people; there is one body. The church is one, but Israel collectively is one as well. The Jews and Gentiles who have been brought into the church are cleansed, but the nation of Israel has not yet been so purified and cleansed. This then is referring to Israel, the people, as was prophesied in Ezekiel 36:25 –

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”


There was a time prophesied by Ezekiel in which Israel as a collective people would be brought from among the nations and brought back into their own land. In that time, the Lord promises that He would cleanse them. That time is yet ahead, but it is surely coming. They have been brought back, and they are once again in the land being prepared for their cleansing. The pure water then is the word as referenced in Ephesians 5 –

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Jew and Gentile are one body in Christ, but Israel as a collective whole is not yet purified in this manner. This will occur at some point. It is this that the author is referring to here. Individual Jews are to be purified, and the body as a whole is to be cleansed.


Life application: There is one gospel, there is one church (though made up of many “churches”), and there is one way to be brought into that church. It is through the blood of Christ and the cleansing which He provides. Israel (the people) is a part of what God is doing, and He has not rejected them. The truth of this matter continues to be seen in the particular words chosen by the author of Hebrews in order to reveal this.


Yes Lord! Through You we have full assurance of properly directed faith. Through You our hearts are sprinkled, thus cleansing us from a guilty conscience. And through Your word our body is made holy – washed with pure water. Because of You, we stand acceptable to God the Father. What else can we do but shout! Hallelujah and Amen!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:23, 9 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019


Saturday, 9 February 2019


Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

The author has already twice implored his readers to hold fast. In verse 3:6, he said –

“...whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”

And then once again the same Greek word is used in verse 3:14 –

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”


This is now the last time he will use it, and the last time it is used in Scripture. He urges his audience to “hold fast the confession of our hope.” In this then is the second of the three standard attributes which the author speaks of. In verse 10:22, the author wrote of “faith.” In this verse, he writes of “hope,” and in the next verse he will speak of “love.” The “confession of hope” is the surety of the promise of God as it applies to the life of the believer. We can have faith that God is merciful, but do we have hope that His mercy will be applied to those who believe in Christ? Such is the point of the author’s admonition.


The audience is exhorted to hold fast to that which has been promised, and they are admonished to do so “without wavering.” The word is found only here in Scripture, aklinés. It signifies “unbent,” and thus resolute and firm. There was to be only the mental assurance that what is promised will be delivered.


The lesson of Israel in the wilderness comes to mind. The people certainly knew that the Lord promised them entrance into Canaan, but they did not have faith that He would be with them in the process, and their hope was thus not grounded. Instead, it wavered. In this, they turned their hearts away from the Lord and back to Egypt. And in response, the Lord sentenced them to die in the wilderness. They failed to realize that “He who promised is faithful.”


Believers have been presented with the truth that Christ has gone before His people, through the veil, and into the Holy Places. Further, He is even now ministering as High Priest before God in order to mediate on our behalf. And so, to ensure that the reader doesn’t waver, he reminds them now that He is, in fact, faithful. Because He is, then why should His people do anything but hold fast to the hope they confess?


The lesson of Israel, being spared throughout the ages, and still remaining as a people now, demonstrates that God keeps His covenant even when His people falter and fail. As we have this demonstration of past (and continued) performance, and as we have the message of Christ revealed to us through the apostles, then there should be no wavering in our hope at all.


Life application: As a society progresses from honoring hard work to one which is entitlement-based, the very moral character of that society changes. Instead of being productive and tending to one’s own needs, the people begin to expect things they did not personally earn. Eventually, they take what is not theirs from those who have earned it. This is the direction that much of the industrialized world has been going, and in many cases, it has already arrived.

The moral fabric of many Christian denominations has followed this change and has become a social gospel rather than one based on a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Another result of this move is that people in churches allow personal faith, and the surety of their hope, to become entitlement-based as well. Church attendance moves from focusing on the glory of God to discovering what God can do for the congregant. Pastors no longer preach on personal responsibility or Christian values, but instead preach that we should “expect a blessing” or “expect a miracle” in our lives.


People no longer come to the table in gratitude, but rather in expectation. When they arrive, they claim rather than proclaim; instead of “I proclaim the name of Jesus,” it becomes “I claim in the name of Jesus.” Ideally, holding fast to the hope we confess should include honoring the One in whom our hope rests, not demanding from Him.


If we really believe God exists and that He is sovereign, then our faith will remain strong in crisis as well as in prosperity. When we expect a reward for our faith, then our faith is misdirected – the reward was received when Jesus saved us. Everything else which comes after that must be taken in its proper context. Jesus is ever-faithful – our sins are forgiven, our resurrection is assured, and our eternity is settled. Let us remember to praise Him for His faithfulness.

Thank you, Sovereign Lord, for the perfect Gift of our Lord Jesus. Give us willing hearts to hold fast to the hope we confess in Him. Keep us from willful presumption, and rather, give us hearts that petition You in humility. Glory and honor belong to You! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:24, 10 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019


Sunday, 10 February 2019


And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, Hebrews 10:24


The author now states a third “let us” admonition. One has followed on the heels of the other. The first two were “let us draw near with a true heart” and “let us hold fast the confession of our hope.” Each of these was stated directly after it was noted that we have “a High Priest over the house of God.” Now, the author admonishes his audience to also “let us consider one another.”


The word gives the sense of thinking from top to bottom, and thus to perceive clearly. The intent is that we are to consider one another’s spiritual state through a constant and careful evaluation of where that person is at any given time. Paul expresses the thought beautifully in Philippians 2:3, 4 –

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”


With this attitude, the believer in Christ is to really care about the well-being of the individual “in order to stir up love and good works.” The word translated as “stir up” is paroxusmos. It is only seen one other time in Scripture, in Acts 15:39, where Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp dispute that they separated. It signifies “a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they ‘must’ respond” (HELPS Word Studies). Unlike the case between Paul and Barnabas, here, it is a positive provocation. It is a stirring up of love and good works in the one who is the object of attention.


Life application: Taking the three “let us” statements as a continued thought, we should consider that if Israel had confidence in drawing near to God with a true heart because they had a temple among them in Jerusalem, and if that temple gave them an ability to hold fast to the confession of their hope because they had a high priest who could minister to their spiritual needs, then how much more should we have greater confidence in the security which comes from Jesus.


Because of the believer in Christ’s more perfect hope, how much more should we consider others and strive to stir up in them love and good works! Love is easier to measure from our perspective, but unfortunately “deeds” are not. Because of this, dubious standards of “deeds” are set up by churches and individuals. If you don’t meet their criteria, then they claim you “can’t be saved” or “you’re not a good Christian.” Probably the best thing to do is not worry about the specific deeds that people expect and instead give the Lord credit for all that occurs in your life. Should you break a leg, remember to thank the Lord for the time to rest. Should you find a $20.00 bill on the ground, give the Lord thanks for the bounty. Should you be seen helping an old lady across the road, give Jesus the credit for giving you the heart to do it.


No matter what you do, do it with the notion that the Lord is the one who gets the credit. In addition to this, not only should we be living the thankful life, but we should make every attempt to be both an example to others and to remind them to live likewise. In all you do, do it unto the Lord!


Lord God, You have blessed us so abundantly. Thank You for all that comes from Your open hand of grace. And so, give us willing hearts to live faithful Christian lives – doing deeds of righteousness in Your name and to Your glory. And Lord, help us to spur others on to the same fruitful life we have asked for ourselves. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:25, 11 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019


Monday, 11 February 2019


...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25


The author continues his exhortations to his audience. Before looking at his words, remember that the specific audience consists of Hebrews. However, the truths found in the epistle often include truths which pass over to all believers at any given time. The work of Christ is one – for Jew and for Gentile. The church is one, whether made up of Jew or Gentile or both. Understanding this, he builds on what was just said with the words, “let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”


How will this come about unless believers are around one another? With this thought in mind, he continues with, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” The word translated as “assembling” is not the usual word for a called out assembly (ecclesia), but is rather one used only one other time, by Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 2:1 – episunagógé. It signifies “a specific (act) ‘grouping together’ that fulfills (builds on) the specific purpose of the gathering together” (HELPS Word Studies). In it can be seen the basis of the word “synagogue.”


Scholars are divided on the exact intent of the word; but rather than meaning “assembly,” as in the church body itself, it more probably means the “assembling,” signifying the gathering together of the people for the set purposes of worshiping God, and exhorting one another (as was stated explicitly in the previous verse). The reason for the specific wording, then, is to make a distinction between a synagogue where attendance was mandatory, regardless of what occurred while there, and simply gathering together for a set purpose, regardless as to the location. One could, in modern times, think of a person attending online as being a part of an assembly, even if not in the specific place. They are online in order to worship God, and they can – through the chat rooms – exhort one another at the same time.

The author then says, “as is the manner of some.” It is evident that some thought they could “go it alone,” and that being an island in their faith was acceptable. He reveals to them that this is not so. Whatever their reason for failing to gather, the author implies that their reasoning does not bear up under scrutiny. But rather, it is an excuse without any true basis when compared to the call to assemble.


He then gives a contrast. Instead of forsaking the assembly, they were directed to gather together for the purpose of “exhorting one another.” The words “one another” are inserted, but they are implied in the intent. The exhortation (or better, encouragement) is a two-way street. Some need to be built up at one time, others require it at other times. Those who forsake the assembly probably need it more than those who do not.


Finally, the author encourages this gathering together “so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” For the first-century Jews, there was great persecution lying ahead. This was spoken to them plainly by Jesus, and it was understood that the temple would be destroyed and the people would be scattered (along with all the other horrors spoken of by the Lord).


But this also applies to those Jews who will come to realize that Christ is the Messiah after the rapture of the church. As noted in previous commentaries, Hebrews is logically placed after Paul’s Gentile-led church age epistles as an indication that the words are actually more relevant to the Jews of the end times than at any other time. They will need to assemble and continue exhorting one another as the Day of Christ’s second coming draws near.


Life application: This is the most specific verse in the Bible telling believers (the truths here apply to all in intent) to not fail to assemble with other believers. All other verses merely imply attendance in some way or another. In other words, Jesus speaks of taking matters “to the church” in Matthew 18:17. Paul mentions the duties of elders and deacons in his epistles. To the Colossians, he says, “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16). This implies people are assembling, and that their gathering is regularly set. Jesus tells John, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea” (Revelation 1:11). Again, this implies that these churches would receive and hear the words of the letter while meeting. The implied evidences are many and there’s no excuse for failing to meet. The age-old excuse that “The church is filled with hypocrites” is:

– True.

– A feeble excuse.

– Implies that the person stating this lives hypocrite-free the rest of his life, but such is not the case; everyone is guilty of hypocrisy.

People who find an excuse to not assemble with others don’t have problems with the church, but problems with themselves. Be sure to not forsake the gathering together with other believers for the worship of God, for gaining knowledge of the word, for personal edification, for encouragement of self and others, and for prayers which are lifted up to God.


Lord God, You’ve ordained that believers in Christ Jesus meet together as a congregation. You wouldn’t have done so unless it was honoring to You and beneficial to us. Therefore, give us the wisdom, the desire, and the ability to regularly meet and raise holy hands to Your honor and glory! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:26, 12 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019


Tuesday, 12 February 2019


For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26


Paul now begins this verse with “For.” He is making a continued addition to what he has already presented. Throughout the chapter, he has been speaking about the sacrifice of Christ. He began with the thought that the temple sacrifices were only a shadow of what is coming in Christ (verse 1). He then said that because of this they could never take away sin (verse 4). He when on to explain that the same writings which mandated those sacrifices also stated that One would come to replace them, and that in His coming, the second (covenant) would replace the first (verses 5-9).


In verse 10, he then said that “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” After this, he again noted that the sacrifices of the Old Covenant could “never take away sins” (verse 11). In verse 18, explaining the scope of Christ’s sacrifice, he then said, “Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” After stating these truths, he then entered into exhortations for a proper walk with Christ, and to do so “much the more as you see the Day approaching” (verse 25).


It is this context which “For” is now introduced. From it, he makes an obvious statement by saying, “if we sin willfully.” The word is a new one in the Bible, and it is found only here and in 1 Peter 5:2. It signifies “voluntarily.” It is an act of free will. He then next says, “after we have received the knowledge of the truth.” It is a word used frequently by Paul and which indicates “knowledge of a particular point.”


It is speaking about the knowledge of Christ’s fulfillment of the pictures, types, and shadows of the Old; that He alone can take away sin. And what is the result of a rejection of such knowledge? The author says, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” Well, of course not! And, what is the willful sin? It is to reject Jesus.


The author is speaking to the Hebrew people about what Christ has done. If they reject Him, there is nothing that can atone for their sin. The temple was still standing at the time of the letter. Another temple is prophesied to be coming someday as well. The sacrifices which are conducted there cannot take away sin. To go back to them then is to reject Christ Jesus’ offering and it is willful sin. As He replaced those sacrifices, there is no longer a sacrifice which can be found suitable.


This verse is not speaking of individual sin after being saved. It is speaking of those of Israel who determine to return to the temple, to its sacrifices, and to works which could never save in the first place. The author has already said (as noted above) that “where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.”


Paul had said in 2 Corinthians 5:19 that for those in Christ, “that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

Similarly, John says in 1 John 2:12 –

“I write to you, little children,

Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.”


On an individual level, accepting Christ’s workplaces all of a person’s sins – past, present, and future – in the past tense. Paul says that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). He also says that “sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13). That is the truth of individual salvation after coming to Christ, and it is not what the author of Hebrews is speaking of in this verse.


The coming verses will continue to substantiate this. Israel has only one avenue to forgiveness. They have been given this knowledge, and they have rejected it for the most part. Some have been saved, but for any who sin by willingly rejecting Christ Jesus, then they have no other sacrifice for forgiveness. The true Day of Atonement has come in Christ. Their annual offering is without merit and it is pointless. This verse is speaking of a willful rejection of Jesus Christ by those who have not been saved by Christ, not a willful sin after being saved by Christ. Because one who is in Christ is not imputed sin.


Life application: Context clears up confusion. Understand the context; don’t be confused!


Lord God, the salvation of man is found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The temple sacrifices, which are prophesied to be coming again to Israel, are a rejection of the only offering for sin that You accept. We pray that they will see this and turn from those earthly rituals to the Heavenly Man who has fulfilled them all already. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:27, 13 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019


Wednesday, 13 February 2019


...but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:27

As noted in the previous verse, the thought being presented speaks of a willful rejection of Jesus Christ by those who are then not saved by Christ, not a willful sin after being saved by Christ. For those of Israel who hear the word, fail to accept it, and draw back to temple worship instead of going forward to Christ, there is only “a certain fearful expectation of judgment.”


The word, “fearful,” is used for the first of three times here. All will be in Hebrews. It is the Greek word phoberos, and it signifies “fearful” or “terrifying,” thus prompting someone to withdraw. One can see the root of the word “phobia” there. Instead of coming near to God through Christ (Hebrews 7:19), there will be a recoiling away from Him as judgment looms.


The word translated as “judgment” is ekdokhé. It signifies a sentence coming out from a judge which is then passed on to the one who is judged; thus, getting what one deserves. This is exactly what can be expected for the one who rejects Christ’s sacrifice. The point of Christ’s cross is that He has received the judgment of God for man’s sin in Himself. If that is accepted, then the expectation of judgment is behind. For those who expect atonement from an animal which only looked forward to Christ, their judgment remains.


In such judgment then there can only be expected “fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” The mental picture takes the reader back as far as Numbers where the people failed to trust in the Lord. In Numbers 11, at a place called Taberah (which means Burning), the fire of the Lord came out and burned some in the camp. Again, at the time of Korah’s rebellion, fire came out from the Lord and consumed two hundred and fifty offenders who failed to believe the word of the Lord concerning the leadership of Moses and Aaron.


Such incidents were given to Israel to show them the consequences of unbelief. The fire is a demonstration of the Lord’s punishment, and that is to be the expectation of anyone who rejects the Lord’s offer of mercy and forgiveness which the Old Testament continuously pointed to.


Life application: To apply this verse to believers would be wholly inappropriate. It is being addressed 1) in judgment; 2) in expectation of the Lake of Fire (of which the Old Testament types foreshadowed); and 3) to the enemies of God. But the Bible says those who believe in Christ are safe from these things through the blood of Christ. Christian judgment is not for destruction, but for the granting or loss of rewards. Remember to always think through the purpose and intent of passages – what is being addressed and under what circumstances.


Thank You Lord that through the cross of Jesus we can be reconciled to You, and in that reconciliation, You are not counting men's sins against them. Instead of the fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire, we look forward to a judgment based on our lives as Christians. May we be found worthy of reward and not loss on that day! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:28, 14 February 2019

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019


Thursday, 14 February 2019


Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Hebrews 10:28

Here, the author cites a combination of Deuteronomy 13 and Deuteronomy 17 –

“...you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him. Deuteronomy 13:8

&

“Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.” Deuteronomy 17:6


In rejecting the law, there was to be no mercy; but for capital punishment, there were to be two or three witnesses. In this, the author is citing the law itself for one who rejects that law. As the Law of Moses actually anticipated the coming of Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15), and as recognized prophets under the law prophesied of a New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31), then for the person who is determined to reject the New Covenant and the Prophet who was prophesied by Moses to come, how much more serious is the matter concerning him! If such a person wants to remain under the Old, he has actually rejected Moses’ law and the punishment for such an act is already written within that law.

But, the punishment under the law is a temporal punishment. The punishment for rejecting the New Covenant then must be more severe than even that. The author will continue to explain this in the verses ahead.


Life application: As the Law of Moses could not bring about salvation, and as the Law of Moses – and prophets under that law – prophesied of a coming New Covenant, if man is to be saved, it has to come through this New Covenant. To reject what Christ has done, and to go back under the Law of Moses, is a self-condemning act. Be sure to pursue Christ and only Christ. Come to the cross, be reconciled to God, and enter into the surety of the salvation of your soul.


Lord, we are without excuse as to what choice we make in regards to the message of peace and reconciliation which is found in Christ Jesus. Likewise, those who haven’t heard of it stand condemned already and will face an unpleasant eternity. Therefore, turn our hearts to the need and priority of spreading Your glorious gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.