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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Hebrews 9 The Blood In Heaven

The shed blood of Jesus was applied in the heavenly tabernacle doing an eternal work for the believer!
Hebrews 9 “The Blood In Heaven”
Hebrews 9:1  Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.  2  For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;  3  and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,  4  which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;  5  and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

The earthly sanctuary and the heavenly sanctuary are compared once again.  As we have seen through out the book of Hebrews, the comparing of the covenant of the law and the covenant of grace and truth show the superior covenant to be the Jesus Christ brought as our Lamb of God, High Priest, and heavenly sanctuary!  The earthly tabernacle has the Holy Place and the Most Holy place.  The Holy place had the lamp stand showing Jesus is the light of the world, it had the showbread on the table showing Jesus is the bread of life, and it had the golden censer which the aroma would rise to the heaven. Jesus is the sweet smelling aroma the Father is pleased with.  Then in the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant.  The mercy seat was on top of the ark.  In the ark itself was the ten commandment written on stone, Aaron rod that budded and the golden pot that had the manna God provided.  The mercy seat was above the provision of manna, the mercy seat was above the symbolic rod that budded representing the Levite Priesthood, and the mercy seat was above the ten commandments.  The heart of God has always been demonstrated with His heart of mercy even under the law.

Hebrews 9:6  Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.  7  But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;  8  the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.

The high priest of the earthly tabernacle performed daily the Holy Place , and only yearly in the Most Holy Place !  On the day of atonement at the sacrifice for sin the earthly priest first had to offer sacrifice for himself before offering for the people.  The priesthood from the law of Moses had sinful man as priest and at best could offer a temporal offering for their sin.  Don’t miss verse 8, the Holy Spirit was indicating that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was standing.  About two years after the prophetic writing of this passage the earthly tabernacle was destroyed without one brick being left upon another, just as Jesus declared.  Now that the earthly tabernacle is down the way into the heavenly tabernacle is now revealed by the fullness of Jesus' grace.

Hebrews 9:9  It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience;        10  concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

The earthly tabernacle could not bring perfection to conscience.  Man was enslaved to a sin conscience after eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil!  The practices of the priesthood under the law were imposed until the time of reformation!  When the time of reformation came the law of Moses was no longer being imposed.  There was the greater more perfect covenant found in the coming of Jesus Christ.   

Hebrews 9:11  But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12  Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption

Jesus Christ is the reformation that came!  Jesus came and ministered at the greater more perfect tabernacle not made with hands of men!  Jesus did not come with a temporal offering of blood of goats and bulls, but with His own blood.  With His own blood, Jesus entered into the heavenly sanctuary.  He went into the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption!  The earthly covenant offered only temporal solutions.  The blood that went into the heavenly sanctuary is the blood of Christ Himself.  His blood brings eternal redemption!  The reformation has come and we are not under law but under grace!

Hebrews 9:13  For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,  14  how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The blood of bulls and goats did a temporal purifying of the flesh only.  However, by the blood of Jesus a much more truth is revealed; by the eternal Spirit Jesus offered to God His blood for the purification to cleanse our conscience from dead works.  Where does a cleansed conscience come from?  The offering of the blood of Jesus in heaven itself!  Your cleansed conscience does not come from your perfect obedience; but it came from Jesus Christ perfect obedience.  Jesus did this through the eternal Spirit; this is a supernatural transaction in heaven!  The law could not purge a conscience; the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ can and does!

Hebrews 9:15  And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.  16  For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  17  For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

Not only did Jesus come with a better covenant He made way for all under law to come to better covenant.  God’s desire is for us to walk in the promise of eternal inheritance.  Eternal salvation brings us to partake in eternal inheritance.  Let this revelation hit you between the eyes.  A will of inheritance is only enforceable at the death of the testator!  Our Testator has died; you can be a partaker of the inheritance God intended.  It is God’s desire to establish you by the Word of His grace in order to make you a partaker of the inheritance of the saints.  Peter said we were begotten into a living hope!

Hebrews 9:18  Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,  20  saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.“  21  Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.  22  And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin; Christ has shed His blood and in Him alone there is repentance and remission of sin! 

Hebrews 9:23  Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24  For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;  25  not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another;  26  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.

The blood of heaven has provision beyond compare!  The heavenly sanctuary is where Jesus brought His blood; Jesus' work at the cross produced eternal results that makes us partakers of kingdom of God .  Jesus made an appearance in the presence of God for us!  He did not have to offer for the sin of Himself!  No, it was for you and me He put away sin!

Ephesians 1:7  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Ephesians 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

The forgiveness of sins is through the blood of Jesus.  We are brought near to God by the blood of Jesus.  Don’t let the law or it’s ministry convenience you that you are far away.  Jesus' blood at the cross brought eternal results.  You are near by His blood!

Colossians 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 
20  and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Peace has been made by the blood of Jesus' cross!  You have abiding peace and living hope based on the strength of Jesus' sacrifice.

1 Peter 1:18  knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  19  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Heaven’s highest commodity bought you; the blood of Jesus did a finishing work!

Matthew 26:27  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  28  "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins

Jesus, Himself declared the truth of the new covenant; men who want to live under the law of Moses walk away from the greater covenant established by the blood of the new covenant!

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  28  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Jesus faced the judgment for sin.  Jesus bore the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin and for salvation!

Titus 2:11  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  12  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,  13  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  14  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Jesus purified for Himself His own special people!  Keep looking for the blessed hope knowing our Savior is soon to return.  We are partakers by His blood applied in heaven!

Hebrews 8 The Better Covenant

Hebrews 8 The better covenant based on a more excellent ministry, based upon better promises!

Hebrews 8 The Better Covenant
Hebrews 8:1  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,  2  a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. 3  For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.

Hebrews 8:1 brings us to the main point of the comparing and contrasting.  The earthly tabernacle was officiated by men who were born in the family of Aaron; these men were born with a sin nature and served at the earthly tabernacle.  The main point is to see that Jesus serves at the heavenly tabernacle that God Himself erected.  Jesus did His priestly work in the presence of God Himself.  It was not with the sacrifice found in the earthly ministry; it was a greater sacrifice that was superior and could do an eternal work in heaven.

Ephesians 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  5  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  6  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  7  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Jesus did His priestly duties in the heavenly sanctuary.  By grace we have now been given a seat in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus!  This is the almost to good to be true; yet it is true.  We have been brought into the throne room of grace!  God is good and He desires to show off His kindness toward us.  Oh that the people of God would have a heart to receive from His goodness.

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;  5  who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.“ 

If Jesus performed His service on earth; He would not be a priest.  The law already had priest.  The priesthood of Jesus Christ is far superior because it was the substance that the priesthood of earth was but a pattern to!

Colossians 2:16  So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,  17  which are a shadow of things to comebut the substance is of Christ.

The law of Moses was a pattern and shadow; all the food and drink ordinances and festivals and Sabbaths were pointing to Jesus.  In Jesus all those ordinances are fulfilled; it is no longer in the doing of the ordinances it is found in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 8:6  But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenantwhich was established on better promises.

Jesus obtained a more excellent ministry!  Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant!  Jesus established this covenant on better promises.  This is not a tweaking of the promises found under the law. This is not established on the performances of men; this is established on the performance on the Man Jesus Christ.  Our trust in His performance is the way to be a partaker in the more excellent ministry, of the better covenant, established on better promises.

John 1:14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. … 16  And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.  17  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  18  No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Jesus came full of grace (divine influence) and truth!  Of that very grace and truth we receive from God and there is no other way to receive from God!  The law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  Based on this passage I often call this the covenant of grace!  Jesus now shares the truth of who God is from the bosom of the Father.  We can now know God in intimacy that was never available under the law of Moses!

Hebrews 8:7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

The covenant of the law fell short.  Jesus fulfilled the law and brought in the better covenant with divine influence reigning in the life of the believer.

Matthew 5:17  "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  18  "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

Many misquote this passage to try and prove the believer is under the law of Moses.  However when we take the passage in the context of which it is written it brings clarity to the issue.  Jesus said the law was not to be destroyed true enough, but that is not all He said.  Jesus said the law will not pass away until all is fulfilled! Jesus fulfilled the law totally and completely.  Jesus has now indeed established a better covenant based on a better promises.  When the priesthood changed it was necessary for the law to change.

Galatians 4:4  But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  5  to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  6  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

Jesus came under the law of Moses and redeemed all who where under the law.  By greater covenant and better promises we now can become adopted sons.  Because you are sons you have the privilege of crying out “Abba, Father!

Matthew 8:3  Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4  And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.“

Jesus came preaching the law!  We do not tell people that have been healed to go and offer the sacrifice the Moses commanded!  Why?  That is not the covenant we belong to!

Matthew 12:18  "Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.  19  He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.  20 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;  21  And in His name Gentiles will trust."

Jesus came and the Father called Him the Beloved in whom His soul is well pleased.  The nature of the new covenant is not to break a bruised reed and not to snuff out a smoking flax.  This covenant is based on the Messiah healing the broken hearted and opening the eyes of the blind.  This covenant is about receiving the victory Jesus provides in justice.

Matthew 11:2  And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples  3  and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"  4  Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  5  "The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  6  "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."  7  As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?  8  "But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.  9  "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.  10  "For this is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'  11  "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  12  "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.  13  "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.  14  "And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.

Jesus is the Messiah and there is no other.  Jesus calls John the Baptist the greatest prophet of all.  However, we must not miss the truth that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist.  Why?  Greater covenant with a more excellent ministry based better promises!!  What a great God!

Hebrews 8:8  Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;  9  "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD

The covenant of all covenants and notice the covenant is made from the tribe of Judah !  The greater priesthood covenant.  Not the law but the grace found in the Lord Jesus Christ..

Hebrews 8:10  "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  11  "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  12  "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.“  13  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.

God want to be in such sweet union with every believer that His word is written upon the believers heart!  He invested His only begotten to gain covenant with you and me!  Yes, the better covenant with greater promises based upon the most excellent ministry found exclusively in Jesus Christ!

Hebrews 7 The Better Priesthood

Chapter 7 compares and contrasts between the Priest that came from Aaron called the Levitical Priesthood in scripture and the priesthood of Melchizedek that Jesus came by.

Hebrews 7:1  For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,  2  to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace,“  3  without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually

Remember the last verse of chapter 6 said that Jesus was our forerunner into the Presence of the heavenly tabernacle, after the order of Melchizedek.  Hebrews 7 sheds the most revelation of who Melchizedek is and what the Holy Spirit  desires us to know about Him.  Some have labor in much speculation (including myself in the past) trying to figure out who Melchizedek is.  I believe the speculation and traditional thoughts should all be dropped.  Leave Melchizedek in the context of the written word and there is no room for error.  Melchizedek is the priest of the Most High God!  Abraham gave a tenth to Him.  Melchizedek is the king of righteousness and the king of peace!  Without father, mother, genealogy, and having neither beginning of days nor end of life.  Made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually!  Speculations that cast doubt on these truths need to be thrown out!

Genesis 14:18  Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.  19  And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;  20  And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all.

Melchizedek brought out the bread and wine and blessed Abraham.  Jesus after the order of Melchizedek has brought out the bread and the wine to establish the covenant by which we live; Jesus declared His flesh and blood to be the blood and wine. Abraham being blessed by Melchizedek gave a tithe of all!  It is a prophetic utterance for the church.

Hebrews 7:4  Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.  5  And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;  6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

We are instructed to consider how great this man Melchizedek was.  The Holy Spirit now repeats the fact that Abraham gave him a tenth.  Now the sons of Levi received a tithe by commandment of law of Moses.  However, Melchizedek received a tithes from Abraham not having any connection to the Levi Priests.  This being the third mention of Abraham giving him tithes in this 7th chapter of Hebrews. 

Hebrews 7:7  Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.  8  Here mortal men receive tithesbut there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.  9  Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,  10  for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Under the law mortal men receives tithes; but there in the Melchizedek priesthood tithes is received by the one who still lives.  The priesthood of Levites were subservient to the Melchizedek priesthood as they were in the loins of Abraham when he gave the tithe to Melchizedek.  Please see the Melchizedek Priest lives and is receiving tithes.  If you want to honor the Priesthood of Jesus Christ you can follow the example of Abraham giving a tithe.

Jacob’s promise
Genesis 28:22  "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.“

God sends Jacob back to Bethel :
Genesis 31:13  'I am the God of Bethel , where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.'"

Jacob fulfills the promise
Genesis 35:1  Then God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.“...  7  And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.

God is the God of the house of God.  Jacob fulfilled his promise to tithe by coming back to Bethel by the direction of God.  Bring your tithe into the house of God that is where it honors the covenant of Melchizedek.  Again a prophetic utterance for when God would establish His church.

Hebrews 7:11  Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?  12  For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.

A greater priesthood is established after the order of Melchizedek!  By the power of the oath of God Himself this priesthood is established with Jesus being the eternal High Priest.  With the changing of the priesthood it is necessary there is also a changing of the law!

Hebrews 7:13  For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.  14  For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah , of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.  15  And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest  16  who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.  17  For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

Jesus is from the tribe of Judah ; Moses and law spoke nothing of this priesthood.  It was hidden in Abraham’s meeting Melchizedek.  Psalm 110 prophetically spoke of the Son being made priest after the order of Melchizedek.  Jesus did not come according to the law of the fleshly commandment; Jesus came according to the power of an endless life!  Under the law the priest had temporary results; Jesus brings eternal results.

Hebrews 7:18  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

When Jesus came after the order of Melchizedek there was and is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and not it not being profitable to one in its grip!  The could not and does not bring perfection; there is with Jesus the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.  The law and grace can not be mixed!  We are brought near to God through Jesus.  People who teach we are far off are not trusting under the Melchizedek priesthood.

Hebrews 7:20  And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath  21  (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek'"),  22  by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

God swore by an oath by the very strength of who He is that Jesus became priest after the order of  Melchizedek and not from the Levitical priesthood.  By the will of God much more Jesus has become the surety of a better covenant!

Hebrews 7:23  Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.  24  But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  25  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Upon the strength of this new covenant Jesus save to the uttermost!  This is the unchangeable priesthood that brings eternal results.  Jesus always lives to make intercession for those who have come to God through faith in Him.

Hebrews 7:26  For such a High Priest was fitting for uswho is holyharmlessundefiledseparate from sinnersand has become higher than the heavens;  27  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.

The KJV says such a High Priest became us.  Jesus as our High Priest looks good on us!  Like a lady who comes in with a new dress; down south they would say, that dress becomes you!  Our High Priest is fitting for us!  He is holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners.  However, He looks good on the believer!  It is time for tradition to be thrown out and the believer to see Jesus our High Priest has set us free from sin!.  Jesus died for sin once for all when He offered Himself upon the cross!

Hebrews 7:28  For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Which priesthood shall we trust in?  The law with priests with weaknesses and sins reminder, or trust in the Priest who was appointed by the word of oath by God!  This is the one who has been perfected forever; this is the Priesthood of our complete and total deliverance.

Hebrews chapter 6 God's Oath" God brings immutable truth!

Hebrews chapter 6 God's Oath" God brings immutable truth!
Hebrews Chapter 6 “God’s Oath”

Hebrews 6:1  Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,  2  of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  3  And this we will do if God permits.

Last lesson we covered these first few verses with chapter 5. The word of maturity is the word of righteousness and how Christ indeed rules with the scepter of righteousness.  The righteousness that is from God is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ!

Hebrews 6:4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightenedand have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,  5  and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,  6  if they fall away, to renew them again to repentancesince they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

The most precious thing we possess is our confession of faith in Jesus our Messiah.  This falling away is not a mere sinfully act in the life of the believer.  It is an abandonment of faith in Jesus the Messiah.  Notice it is only those who have been partakers of the Holy Spirit, they have tasted the heavenly gift and the word of God that can fall away.  This is a forfeit of the rights and privileges found in the covenant of grace.

2 Peter 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.  20  For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.  21  For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.  22  But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.“ 

Notice the Holy Spirit's careful wording here in the book of  Peter while speaking of the act of falling away.  It is more than getting entangled in the pollutants of the world; it is being entangled and overcome; it is a departure from faith in the Messiah.  It would have been better to have not known the way of righteousness.  Sober, but the warning is clear.

Hebrews 6:7  For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;  8  but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.  9  Butbeloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.  10  For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  11  And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,  12  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The thorns and briars will be burned!  I love the “but” of verse 9.  Beloved we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation.  I have often said  I believe in eternal security found exclusively in Jesus Christ; however I do not accept the mantra of  once saved always saved.  There is a continuing in the faith; Jesus called it enduring to the end.  It not about continuing in good works; it is about keeping the object of your faith exclusively in Jesus Christ the Messiah!

Romans 11:19  You will say then, "Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.“  20  Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.  21  For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.  22  Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off

You stand by faith; consider the goodness and severity of God.  On those who fell severity; but toward you goodness, if you continue in His goodness.  Otherwise you also will be cut off.  The danger of walking in sin is the hardness of the heart; hardness of heart can give birth to walking away from the faith by which we stand. 

Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,  12  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

God remembers and is mindful every labor of love which you have shown toward His name.  Cling to the love of Jesus!  Show diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end; yes, it is an eternal security!  Heed the warning do not become sluggish but imitate those who those who through faith and patience inherit the promises!  Fellowship with those who are in pursuit of relationship with God. 

Colossians 1:21  And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  22  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight;  23  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul , became a minister.

Jesus indeed presents us holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.  However there is an “if” there and we must not ignore the fullness of the truth presented.  We must continue in the faith!  If the object of your faith remains in Jesus Christ the Messiah you will not be moved away from the hope of the gospel.

Hebrews 6:13  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,  14  saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.“  15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.  16  For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.  17  Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,

God swore an oath by Himself!  Based upon the strength of who God is He speaks a word of promise.  Let their be an end to the dispute in your own heart; God wants to convince you His promises are true and can not be muted!  Think about the depth of the goodness of this truth, God made a determination to convince you His word is truth!  He is God and could have said here is truth, take it or leave it!  His goodness says he wants “to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, and confirmed it by an oath.”  Are you in covenant with God?  He wants to show you the strength of His word and the immutability of it.

Immutable: Not subject or susceptible to change!

2 Corinthians 1:20  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Hebrews 6:18  that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

There are two immutable truths that the object of your faith can always rest in!  The first is it is impossible for God to lie!  Let it bring you strong consolation; let His truth be your hope and assurance.

Hebrews 6:19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,  20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesushaving become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

The second immutable truth is Jesus Christ is your forerunner!  Jesus tore the veil of separation between God and man!  Jesus made every provision as your forerunner.  Who is this God/ Man that humbled Himself to be our forerunner?  This immutable truth is almost to good to be true.  But only almost because it is immutable truth.   Jesus made provision as our High Priest and now we are expected in the throne room of grace.  

Hebrews 5 the Author of eternal salvation brings God's righteousness to the believer!

Hebrews 5 the Author of eternal salvation brings God's righteousness to the believer!
Hebrews Chapter 5 “The Author of Eternal Salvation”

Hebrews 5:1  For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.  2  He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.

In Hebrews chapter 3 we begin a comparison between the household of the law and the house of grace.  The comparison is continued to the end of Hebrews.  In these opening verses of chapter 5 we look at the high priest from the law.  Using animal sacrifice they offered sacrifice for sin not only for the people but also for themselves.  The high priest under the law were born with a sin nature just like every other man!  These high priest had compassion on those who were ignorant and going astray since he shared in the same weakness.  The order was for the high priest to offer sacrifice for his own sin and then for the sin of the people!

Hebrews 5:4  And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.  5  So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.“

The sons of Aaron were where the high priest which the scriptures call the “Levitical priest hood.  Chosen by God for this service and likewise Jesus was chosen by the Father for this priesthood.

Psalm 2:7  "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

Here prophetically speaks of the Father calling His Son!  Jesus is indeed the only begotten of the Father.

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus is the One and there is no other one!  The object of your faith must be in the only begotten!

Hebrews 5:6  As He also says in another place: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek";

Psalm 110:4  The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."


Moses household had the Levite priesthood; we have the Melchizedek priesthood!  Jesus is the High Priest that lives forever!
Hebrews 5:7  who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,  8  though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Have you ever imagined what this prayer meeting between Jesus and the Father looked like?  The Holy Spirit opened the windows of a most private moment between Jesus and the Father.  Jesus prayed vehemently and with tears He cried out to the Father to save Him from the moment of death!

Luke 22:41  And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed,  42  saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.“  43  Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  44  And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke describes this prayer between Jesus and the Father.  This was no wimpy little prayer.  Jesus was pouring out His heart to His Father asking if it would be possible to not partake of this baptism of suffering!  After agony Jesus agreed with the will of the Father!  Nevertheless not my will but Your will be done.  There is a little secret not revealed in the Hebrews 5 or in Luke 22. 

Hebrews 12:2  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

After the agony Jesus faced the cross with joy!  You are the joy that was set before Him.  He was able to handle the shame and suffering because He seen you as a great prize to be had by God, if He would but suffer!  The Father revealed to Jesus the many sons that would come to glory.  That was the joy set before Him.  Jesus did not remain in the agony, He came to the place of  the joy set before Him.  It was the strength He needed to endure the cross!

Hebrews 5:9  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,  10  called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek,“  11  of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Jesus became the author of eternal salvation!  Praise the Lord salvation has been brought down to man by the One perfect Jesus Christ!  The quality of the salvation is eternal salvation!

1 Peter 2:21  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  22  "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;  24  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

Our great example suffered for us!  We now follow His example of entrusting ourselves to our heavenly Father! Jesus - Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness!   Old testament priest only rolled sin back.  Jesus bore the sins of the world and God the Father was appeased, completely appeased.  Jesus did a finishing work on the cross of Calvary !

Hebrews 5:12  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.  13  For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.  14  But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Notice the solid food belonging to the mature, is the word of righteousness!  How righteousness comes exclusively by faith in Jesus Christ is the only righteousness God offers.  Every other form of righteousness falls short of God holy standard.  When you come to exclusively trust in Jesus Christ and the cross, you have come to the place to discern both the good and the evil.  Hebrews chapter 1 declared that Jesus rules with the scepter of righteousness.

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

The just shall live by faith; there is not another way to walk to please God!

John 15:4  "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  5  "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  6  "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  7  "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

The word of righteousness brings the believer to abide in Jesus Christ!  Jesus taught it first!  We abide in Christ and He abides in us!  He is the vine and we are the branches to the vine!  Abiding in Him makes us fruitful; abiding in Him makes every desire be fulfilled!  God calls His children to abide in Jesus!  Paul said to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus laid hold of us!  Intimacy of relationship with Jesus!

Romans 3:21  But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,  22  even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;  23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  24  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,  25  whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,  26  to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The word of righteousness can not be ignored if we want to mature out of the sandbox of Christianity!  Righteousness is exclusively found by faith in Jesus Christ.  Heaven’s court of justice freely justifies by divine influence all who put the object of their faith exclusively in Jesus!  It is a just and righteous act of God to justify the one who has faith in Jesus!  It comes by faith in Jesus, it is nurtured by faith in Jesus, and it is completed by faith in Jesus!

1 John 2:12  I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.  13  I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.  14  I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginningI have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.  15  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16  For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world.  17  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The word of righteousness keeps reminding the children of the faith their sins are forgiven.  The word of righteousness to the young men causes them to love the word and overcome the enemy.  The father’s of the faith continue in knowing God in intimacy!  However, the children must know the path to maturity is in knowing God!  When you love the Father you long to do His will!  The greater the revelation of His love toward you the more you love what God loves and abhor what He abhors!  Maturity leaves one longing to do the will of the Father!

Hebrews 6:1  Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,  2  of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  3  And this we will do if God permits.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES

v     1. Repentance From Dead Works: Luke 24:46-47, Matthew 4:17, Acts 3:19, Luke 18:10-14, and Hebrews 9:14.
v      2. Faith Towards God: Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 11:1,6, Acts 14:27, Acts 20:21, Acts 26:17-18, John 5:24.
v      3. The Doctrine of Baptisms: Into Christ Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 4:14, 1 John 5:1 Into water 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 8:35-37, and the Holy Spirit baptism Mark 1:8, Acts 2:32-33,38.
v      4. The Laying On of Hands: James 5:14-15, Acts 5:12, 6:3-6, 13:3-4, 19:11-12, 1Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6
v      5. The Resurrection of the Dead and The Eternal Judgment: John 5:24-29, 12:38-31, Romans 2:5, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 1 Peter 4:17-18, 2 Peter 3:7, 1 John 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58


Indeed the elementary principles of the word of God need to be founded and established.  However we must ever be mindful we have been called to the word of righteousness!

Luke 10:17  Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."  18  And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  19  "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20  "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

I am so thankful the demons have to flee at the name of Jesus!  However I am even more grateful that my name is written in the lambs book of life.  Only Jesus can provide God’s righteousness!  This is the word of righteousness God calls us to preach!  Jesus is indeed the author of eternal salvation!