Hebrews

Sunday, 5 May 2019

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29

This verse is often quoted in relation to God’s judgment on sinners who will be consumed before Him. And, it is true that this is the case. Vincent’s Word Studies explains this verse as –

“He is the God of both covenants (see Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 1:2, and notes); but though now revealed in Jesus Christ, and offering all the privileges of the new covenant (Hebrews 12:22-24), his anger burns against those who reject these privileges.”

The verse is a quote from Deuteronomy 4:24 –

“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

Understanding this, and knowing that the same God is revealed in both covenants, it doesn’t mean that this is a reference to unbelievers. Rather, the previous verse said –

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

The author there is clearly speaking of saved believers, not unbelievers. And yet, as saved believers, we must “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. The reason for this isn’t because we might lose our salvation and be cast into the fires of hell, but because we will stand before Christ Jesus and we will be judged by Him for reward and loss. This is found first in 2 Corinthians 3:11-15 –

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

And then again, in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 we read this –

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ¹¹ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.”

It is this fire which consumes which the author is here referring to. It is not one of judgment leading to condemnation, but one of judgment leading to final purification. All that which is of passing value will be burned away. What is left is what we shall be for all eternity.

Life application: In the quote from Paul, he gave two types of foundations – one built on something which can withstand fire and one which can’t. Gold, silver, and costly stones can all withstand fire and are purified from impurities when heated, but wood, hay, and straw are all easily burned up. The question for each of us then is, “What type of eternal foundation am I laying?” If we are spending our Christian lives living marginally for the Lord and entertaining the world, our deeds will be burned up. If we are living our lives for His glory and to His good ends, then what we do will be refined and found useful in our eternal home. Think now on the things of God and live for him lest your deeds be consumed, rather than purified in His refining fire.

Truly Lord, You leave the choice up to us – will we receive a thimble, a cup, a bucket, or a drum full of Your blessings when we stand before You? May our deeds be pleasing in Your sight, and may our lives not be wasted in the temporary when the eternal is our true home. Teach us to live our days rightly. Amen.

Saturday, 4 May 2019

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28

The word, “Therefore,” is given to sum up the words of verses 18-27. The author has been dealing with the kingdom which is expected for the believer and what it will be like. This is received as an inheritance the moment a person places his trust in Christ, but it is not actually received at that point in time, just as an inheritance is given to a son, but he does not receive it until a certain point in the future.

This is certain based on the author’s continued words which say, “since we are receiving a kingdom.” The verb is a present participle, and thus “are receiving” is correct. This will be realized at a future point, but which is being received as believers are brought into the New Covenant since its inception. This kingdom is one “which cannot be shaken.”

These words are in confirmation of what the author has referred to in the previous three verses and are summed up in verse 27. There it spoke of “the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” That which remains is the “kingdom which cannot be shaken.” Based on the fact that this lies ahead for the believer as a certainty, he then says, “let us have grace.”

It is argued by scholars whether this should be translated as “grace” or “thankfulness.” Both ideas fit well in the verse if so translated. The chosen translation is to be based on what is next stated, which is, “by which we may serve God acceptably.”

If thankfulness, then Jesus’ words of Luke 17 fit the idea well –

“Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17:9, 10

It is further seen in Paul’s words elsewhere, such as –

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 1 Timothy 1:12

However, the idea of having grace also fits the idea of serving God acceptably. In Romans 12, Paul speaks of the grace given to him which allowed him to serve, and then he says the same of those he is writing to by saying, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8).

One receives grace to in order to serve, and therefore he should have grace when serving. As you can see, and as stated above, the word can easily be connected to either “grace” or “thankfulness.” Either translation is acceptable.

From there, the author says we are to have this grace (or thankfulness) and to use it in a manner “by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” The word “acceptably” literally means, “well-pleasingly.” We are to serve in a well-pleasing manner in order for it to be received acceptably. And that is by giving God due reverence, meaning with circumspect behavior, and with a godly fear, meaning that we are to understand that our actions will be judged and will be either rewarded or burnt up.

We cannot presume that because we are doing good words in Jesus’ name that our conduct can be less than godly in the performance of those works. The two must be united to form a holy, acceptable offering to the Lord.

Life application: As difficult as it is to imagine, we – the fallible masses of Christendom – are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Imagine the bickering, divisiveness, petty argumentation, and out-right backstabbing that goes on in Christian circles. People fight over whether to stand or sit while praying. Congregations divide over which version of the Bible should be used. People point fingers at those who dress differently. The list goes on. And yet, despite all of this child-like behavior, we are promised a kingdom. Let us be thankful.

It is hard to imagine how it must look to the Creator when we disparage each other as we do in the name of “denominational purity.” And yet, we are promised a kingdom. Let us be thankful.

Despite ourselves – even despite ourselves – we are promised a kingdom. Let us be thankful.

And because we are promised such an unshakable kingdom, let us worship our Creator acceptably, and with reverence and godly fear. Reverence and godly fear, although often held by the entire congregation, is an individual decision. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. Then your service will be acceptable!

Almighty and glorious Creator, help us to focus on the proper form of service to You – in whatever manner we serve – with reverence and awe. As we serve, may our words bring you glory, may our actions bring you glory, and may our very lives bring you glory as we worship you – our great and majestic God. Amen.

Friday, 3 May 2019

Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27

We now come to a verse which is highly debated over as to its meaning. The author says, “Now this, ‘Yet once more.’” That is speaking of what was just stated in the previous verse which said –

“Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”

The words “Yet once more,” signify “once more only.” There is a finality to what is being accomplished. When it is done, the results will be complete, final, and without need of further action.

Now explaining this, he says it “indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken.” The words “being shaken” are translated from a present participle and so it is obvious that this is on-going. It is not something that was simply accomplished and finalized at Christ’s first advent, but which takes us into a point in the future. From there, he explains exactly what he is referring to as meaning, “of things that are made.”

This is the clause that most commentators struggle with. Exactly what the author is referring to seems difficult to pin down, but he will explicitly say this in the next verse –

“…since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken.”

Therefore, it seems best to look at the words, “of things that are made,” as referring to anything that is not a part of this future kingdom, when it is brought to its final state. There are seven dispensations of time. In those dispensations, various things have occurred which are temporary in nature. For example, the dispensation of “government” allows the nations to govern themselves. This will be shaken out of the plan.

The dispensation of law required numerous things for Israel to do or not to do. These pointed to the work of the coming Christ, but were only intended as temporary pictures of what He would fulfill and then set aside. These will be shaken out of the Hebrew people when they put their full trust and hope in Christ. In essence, everything that is to be shaken out of the things that are made is already set to be shaken out by Christ’s first advent. However, they are actually not yet accomplished. This is akin to salvation. For those who have come to Christ, we are already saved, justified, sanctified, and glorified in God’s plans according to Paul’s words, and yet we are still here going through this fallen life in a fallen world. This idea corresponds to what the author is saying here in Hebrews.

All of this is done because of the work of Christ, but it is waiting to be realized so “that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” When that which is accomplished by Christ is fully realized in what God has set based on Christ’s work, the only thing that will be left is that which is fully acceptable and pleasing to God. We can think of it this way –

“The work is accomplished and the plan is complete, but we are just waiting for time to catch up with that completion.”

One can look to Revelation 13:8 to more fully grasp this –

“All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

There, Christ is called, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” God’s plan was already accomplished before a single thing had been created, but that plan had to be worked out in the stream of time. Eventually, Christ came and was crucified. The effects of that act were realized in God’s mind from the beginning, and yet the full effects within the stream of time are yet ahead. How do we know this is correct? Because the book is written, and it details what the final glory which lies ahead will be like. Thank God that we have a sure hope because of Christ who makes all things new!

Life application: The author tells us that what is being shaken is that which has been created. This doesn’t mean there was something wrong with the creation, but fault resulted because of our actions. For example, a house may be made of wood; there is nothing wrong with the wood, but the way it’s used may be faulty. That which is created, then, can be applied to the building blocks we assemble. That can be through materials, such as for the house, or through teachings, such as faulty doctrine in a denomination. That which is faulty will be shaken “so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” As Jesus is eternal, not created, He cannot be shaken –

“You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. world.” John 8:23

And again –

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’” John 18:36

Following our faith in Jesus to its logical conclusion where proper faith, in Him, will never be shaken –

“For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’”  Romans 10:11

Therefore, that which “cannot be shaken” includes our faith in the Rock of our salvation – faith in Jesus Christ. All other systems of religion, all other philosophies, all other attempts to stand righteous before God, all of these things will be shaken. By the very fact that they are faulty, they will be removed. Hold fast to your faith in Christ Jesus which is worth more than anything else in this fallen world, which is set to be shaken.

Lord God, You have brought us from total separation from You to complete harmony with You. And it has been accomplished – from beginning to end – by You. It is through Christ that the world has been reconciled to You. Soon, all that fails to measure up in this test of grace through faith will be removed. Help us to share this simple and yet all-important message while there is still time. And Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, 2 May 2019

…whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Hebrews 12:26

The author finishes the thought which began in the previous verse. The words, “whose voice then shook the earth,” are speaking of the revelation of God on Mount Sinai. That is recorded in Exodus 19:18 –

“Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.”

This same God, who so powerfully displayed His splendor at Sinai, “has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Here, the author is quoting from Haggai 2:6, 7 –

“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; ⁷ and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

This is speaking of the coming Messiah, the “Desire of All Nations.” This tells us that just as the Old Covenant shook the earth, so would the New. Haggai was speaking of Christ’s first advent and the shaking of the earth in a manner which would realign all things, not just in Israel, but all nations. A new order of things would come about where salvation would be offered to all, and the people who were considered God’s people would be set aside. And those who were not considered His people would be called by His name.

But, the idea of both earth and heaven shaking certainly has a future application in the second advent of Christ as well. What began in His first advent will be fully realized in His second. Further, Israel will again be called His people when the time prophesied in Scripture comes about. A fuller explanation of what is meant in this verse will come in the verses ahead.

Life application: At the receiving the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, it said, “the whole mountain quaked greatly.” This same sentiment is also recorded in the Psalms, giving more insight into the awesome display –

“O God, when You went out before Your people,
When You marched through the wilderness, Selah
⁸ The earth shook;
The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.” Psalm 68:7, 8

Imagine how awesome it was to stand and receive the Law at Sinai. Given the glory that was revealed then, it should be understood that Scripture testifies that what occurs for us in receiving the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord is even more awesome. What Israel received by sight, we receive by faith. And it is faith which is reckoned to us for righteousness under the New Covenant. Let us live by faith, and let us endeavor to hold fast to that faith no matter what difficulties lie ahead of us. We have a sure word, and the absolute hope of glory in what that word reveals – JESUS.

Lord God, when You shake the world, only that which is unshakable will remain. May our faith be strong and never shaken, and may we be a testimony to Your glory until Christ comes for us. And someday, the nations of the earth will endure the trial of Your purification before His second coming. May those who are wise realize what is happening and call out to You in faith. When the time of shaking comes, give Your people wisdom. Amen.

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, Hebrews 12:25

Here we have an exhortation which is tied directly to verse 12:19. There it said –

“…and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.”

The same word translated as “begged” there is now used twice in this verse and it is translated as “refuse.” The word signifies “to deprecate” or “to shun.” Those who were at Sinai begged for the voice to no longer speak to them, and they continued to do so implicitly throughout the entire time of the law, ignoring it, shunning it, and actively despising it. Now the author says, “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks.”

The word of God is given, it has revealed Christ, and we are not to refuse it. It must be remembered at this point that the book is written to the Hebrews. They had refused the word, and they continued to refuse the word. In the end times, they are now – through this epistle – being implored to not refuse this word. However, using the term “we” is not inappropriate.

The word is given to the whole world. It is given to believers and unbelievers, but in particular, the book of Hebrews is directed to the Hebrew people. However, it contains truths which are for all. As it is specifically to the Hebrews though, the next words make complete sense, “For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth.”

A contrast is made to the previous words, “Him who speaks.” This is obviously referring to the One in heaven because He is being set in contrast to “Him who spoke on earth.” It takes the reader all the way back to the beginning of the epistle –

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1, 2

Therefore, the phrase, “Him who spoke on earth,” signifies the Law of Moses. First, it was spoken by God at Mount Sinai, a physical location. But afterward, it was spoken by God through Moses. In both, they refused Him who spoke on earth. Though the law is from God, it was transmitted in an earthly way, where the people could receive the word and act upon it as such. And yet, having this law received in this way, it availed them nothing.

They received judgment and punishment as is recorded from the incident of the golden calf, all the way through until the final words of the Old Testament. In this, “they did not escape.” Understanding this, the author then says, “much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.”

This is speaking of Christ Jesus. He is the Man from heaven, and He is the Man who ascended again to heaven. His word established the New Covenant, and it is this which is to be received and acted upon.

The words, “turn away,” are a present participle and should say “turning away.” The thought is turning away from the New Covenant and back to Judaism, in whatever form – Torah observance, Talmud obedience, etc. The Hebrew people, in particular, are being addressed. But the truths extend to any who hear the Man from heaven and turn away from His voice.

The premise here is similar to that which has already been presented in Hebrews 2, where the same word, translated as “escape,” is used –

“For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, ⁴ God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:2-4

Life application: In the Bible, there seems to always be a sober reminder amidst the excitement. The last three verses have spoken of the heavenly Jerusalem, of joy in the future, and of the promise of being eternally with Jesus. However, this verse now reminds the Hebrew reader (and by extension all others) that this is not automatic. You may have been to a funeral at some point where the words, “He is in a better place now,” are spoken. It seems everyone in the box is “going to heaven” and everyone in the audience is a believer – but this isn’t so. Rather, we need to accept and not refuse God’s good purposes for us. Those who refused to obey after seeing the display at Mount Sinai “did not escape” and their bodies died in the wilderness. As Paul says elsewhere –

“…for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.” Romans 2:13

Life with Christ also involves a commitment. If someone spends his entire life sitting in church listening to the message and never accepting Christ’s pardon, then all that time was wasted. As it says, those who heard the Law of Moses and rejected it did not escape. As this is so, “much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.” Let us think better thoughts though. You have heard the word of Christ, you have understood His mission, and certainly you won’t reject His offer. Be wise and understanding now, while you have breath, to follow the One who loves you so very much.

Thank You Lord for the offer, thank you for the promises, and thank you for our salvation through receiving what Christ Jesus has done! We know it is by Your great and powerful arm that we have been redeemed, and so we will follow where You lead all of our days. Glory to You, O God. Amen.