Hebrews

Tuesday, 30 April 2019

…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:24

The author has been proclaiming the glory of what God has done in Christ, showing where the faithful have come to, each word building upon the next and contrasting that which was with that which now is. In the third and final verse of this continuing thought, he now says that you have come “to Jesus.”

His is the Name above every name, and that name to which all will someday bow. We have come to the Savior of the world and the bright light shining in the darkness. This great Man is the purpose and point of the faith, and without Him, there is only law leading to death and condemnation. But in Jesus, there is a better hope of glory because He is “the Mediator of the new covenant.”

The Greek reads, “the Mediator of a new covenant.” It is set in contrast to the Old Covenant. What was is exceeded by what is offered. The word “mediator” signified an arbitrator who guarantees the performance of each and every term which is stipulated in the covenant. It is he who works to bring peace between two parties in the fulfillment of the compact.

The word translated as “new” is used only here in this manner of describing this New Covenant. It is the word néos. It signifies something that was not there before. It is something recently discovered. The usual word to describe the New Covenant is kainós, new in quality. The difference is minimal, but it is one more of time rather than quality. However, the word is used elsewhere in the sense of quality as well. In the end, both terms are used to describe this covenant in the Bible, and thus it is a covenant which is both new in time and in quality.

The author then says, “and to the blood of sprinkling.” Here he introduces a new word to describe an Old Testament term into the New. He has already used another word to describe sprinkling, but this particular word is found only here and in 1 Peter 1:2. It is a part of the rites of the sacrificial system where the blood of a sacrificial animal was sprinkled in a certain way and at certain times. That is now applied to the blood of Christ, showing again that what Christ did is in fulfillment of those Old Covenant types and shadows, and it is superior to those.

In this sprinkling, the author says it “speaks better things than that of Abel.” The phrase should be rendered, “speaks better than Abel.” Here, the blood of Abel is personified, just as it was in the Genesis account –

“What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” Genesis 4:10

Christ’s blood speaks; Abel’s blood cried out. This is not referring to the blood of Abel’s sacrifice being better than the fruit of Cain’s offering. That was already explained in Chapter 11. Their offerings were accepted or not accepted based on the faith of the offering. But in the fallen world, where Abel died and His blood demanded punishment, Christ entered and shed His blood which was sprinkled for us in mercy and forgiveness. This is seen in type in the pattern set by the words of the last martyr of the Old Covenant, and the first recorded under the new –

“Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, ‘The Lord look on it, and repay!’” 2 Chronicles 24:22

“Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60

The blood of Christ speaks better than the cries of Abel’s blood, and the witness of these faithful was recorded for us for this purpose. The law demands justice; Christ offers forgiveness. The scholar Delitzsch sums up his thoughts on Hebrews 12:22-24 with these words –

“What it was to which Israel in the time of the Old Covenant drew nigh, we have now heard. Their drawing nigh was at the same time a standing afar off; the mount of the revelation might not be approached by them; the voice of God was too terrible to be borne; and yet it was only tangible material nature in which God at once manifested and concealed Himself. The true and inner communion with God had not yet been revealed: first must the Law lead to the painful consciousness that sin prevents such communion, and intensify the longing that sin may be taken out of the way. Under the New Covenant, no longer is a tangible mountain the place of a divine revelation made from afar; but heaven is thrown open, and a new super-sensuous world in which God is enthroned is opened to admit us, opened through the Mediator of the New Covenant, accessible in virtue of His atoning blood” (Delitzsch).

The scholar Bengel then provides a list of the superior nature of what is presented in these verse concerning Christ –

————————-

Hebrews 12:22. Ἀλλὰ, but) A sevenfold opposition. Let us see the several points:

I. The mountain which was touched:
Mount Zion.

II. The fire that burned:
The city of the living GOD.

III. Blackness or mist:
Ten thousands (an innumerable company) of angels and of the first-born.

IV. Darkness:
GOD, the Judge of all.

V. Tempest:
The spirits of just men made perfect.

VI. The sound of a trumpet:
Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament

VII. The voice of words:
The blood of sprinkling speaking what is very good.

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Life application: You have come to Jesus! Of all the joys we will experience in the ages to come, none will be more precious than coming to Jesus – first in faith, and then face to face. He established the New Covenant in His blood – through His death on the cross. It is the sprinkling of His blood which cleanses humanity from all sin. Abel’s blood was the first recorded to have been shed on earth and it came from a person whose sacrifice pleased God when offered. However, Abel inherited Adam’s sin nature when he was born and therefore his blood, along with all others who have died since then, was insufficient to restore fallen man. Jesus came into the world without sin and lived perfectly. Because of this, His blood was sufficient; His sacrifice could cleanse completely. Just as Moses “sprinkled” the people, the law, the tabernacle, and everything else with blood to purify those things, Jesus’ blood is said to have been “sprinkled” to bring us cleansing as well. As Peter records –

“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1, 2

As you can see, Peter ties in a great deal with the sprinkling of Jesus’ blood. Without it, none of the other things mentioned could have occurred. But because of His sacrifice, we are sanctified through the work of the Spirit. Without Jesus’ death, no other good thing would be possible. And by His resurrection, we are assured of eternal life! What a wonderful Lord!

Lord God, it is hard for us to imagine just what Jesus went through on our behalf. The cross with its terrors is simply beyond our comprehension, and He went there willingly. May we never forget what You have done for us through the giving of Christ Jesus our Lord. Surely great praise belongs to You alone! Amen.

Monday, 29 April 2019

…to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, Hebrews 12:23

The author continues with the words of the previous verse concerning where believers have arrived when they come to God in Christ. As noted in the previous verse, there should be a comma after “to an innumerable company,” and then it should read with the word “angels” being connected to the first clause in this verse. Thus, it would say, “to a festal assembly of angels.” From there, it would continue with, “and church of the firstborn…” Though this is debated, and translations vary, this appears to be more in line with the intent of the passage.

In this construction, it would then show that both the angelic assembly and the church of the firstborn are gathered in one assembly, both meeting for a common purpose. The word translated as “general (festal) assembly” is only found here in Scripture. It signifies a general gathering to celebrate, or commemorate, an event. It is akin to the Feasts of the Lord found under the Old Covenant. There is one gathering of all people to come into the presence of God and rejoice in the works of God in Christ, and to hail the Lamb Slain, and the Risen Savior.

The words, “the firstborn who are registered in heaven,” connects believers to Christ who is called the Firstborn on several occasions in the New Testament, including Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15 & 18, Hebrews 1:6; and Revelation 1:5. In being united to Him, we share in His status, having moved from Adam to Christ. The thought goes back to Esau (Edom) who bartered away his status as the firstborn under his father Isaac, and which then transferred to Jacob (Israel). That looked forward to Christ’s attainment of that status when Adam lost his right to it, a concept described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. For all, Jew and Gentile, who come to Christ, they are included in the spiritual heritage of Israel.

Next, the author says, “to God the Judge of all.” The Greek, more correctly, reads “to a Judge, who is God of all.” This is reflected in several translations, such as the Christian Standard Bible –

“…to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect.” CSB

This would then be in line with Daniel 7:9-14, where God sits as Judge over all humanity, and who then brings forth His Son as a testimony to that judgment. As Vincent’s Word Studies states it, “God of all his first-born, of those whom he chastens, of all who are in filial relations with him under both covenants, and who, therefore, need not fear to draw near to him as judge.”

The author finishes this verse with, “to the spirits of just men made perfect.” The words, “just men made perfect,” are based on the Greek word, teleioó. It signifies reaching the final stage after working through an entire process. It shows that only in the coming of Christ were all of the saints of old perfected. Man has gone through dispensations of time while God has slowly unveiled His redemptive plan. Christ is the focal point of all dispensations, and those who were prior to His coming did not receive the promise in those times. Instead, “God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:40).

Life application: Because of Jesus, we now have a restored relationship with the Creator Himself…we have come to God. And God, being judge of all men has the authority to save or destroy. In the case of those who follow Jesus, we are made perfect by His work. The pardon is given, the penalty removed, the transfer is made! How can one read this verse and not be excited enough to jump and shout! Praise be to God for what He has done through Christ on our behalf. Praise be to Jesus who has redeemed God’s people! Hallelujah and Amen!

Yes Lord! You have, through the precious Gift of Jesus, brought us to Yourself. As Your word says, “judgment begins at the house of the Lord,” but in the case of Your redeemed, it will be a judgment unto eternal life. How can we do anything but praise You! In the most awesome and glorious name of Jesus we pray! Amen.

Sunday, 28 April 2019

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, Hebrews 12:22

The author now says, “But.” This is to contrast what has been said. He has been speaking of God’s revelation of Himself to the people while upon Mount Sinai. The people were told to not come near the mountain lest they die. They were told that whoever who did come near was not to even be touched, but was to be stoned or shot with arrows, signifying being completely rejected by the congregation. There was fire, tempest, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words which terrified the people, and which brought fear and trembling to Moses. All of that is now contrasted with the word, “But.”

Instead of this revelation of Himself at Mount Sinai, the author says, “you have come to Mount Zion.” In this, the mountain represents the government. At Sinai, the government of the Law of Moses was given. At Mount Zion, the government of the New Covenant was given. The contrast is law verses grace. In one, there was fear. In the other, there is fellowship. In one, there is the burning leading to death. In the other, there is a burning for purification (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15). These, and all other things, are set in contrast to one another. It demonstrates the infinite superiority of the New Covenant over the Old.

The author continues with, “and to the city of the living God.” Not only is Mount Sinai representative of government, but it is a government which issues from a city. Mount Sinai was a type of government – meaning the law – that issued from the Lord, through Moses, and which the people were kept separate from. There was the Sovereign ruling from afar, in blackness and tempest, and which sent forth fear and death. Mount Zion is also a city, a place where people dwell, and in which the people participate – even in “the living God.” As He has sealed His people and given them life, so life issues forth from Him eternally.

Though He is and always has been “the living God,” to the people under the law, He was the God of death, because through the law comes the knowledge of sin, and through sin comes death. Therefore, He was completely separate from the people in this regard. However, for those who come to Mount Zion, they are not under law, but are under grace (Romans 6:14, 15). Therefore, they are not having sin imputed to them (2 Corinthians 5:19). The contrast is set between what was in Moses, and what is now in Christ.

Next, the author says, “the heavenly Jerusalem.” This is an important addition because in Galatians 4 the earthly Jerusalem is equated directly to Mount Sinai.

“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. ²³ But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, ²⁴ which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— ²⁵ for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— ²⁶ but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:22-26

The earthly is but a mere shadow of the heavenly. Whereas the earthly was under the law and in bondage, the heavenly is founded upon GRACE and it is where there is freedom.

From there, the author finishes the verse with, “to an innumerable company of angels.” The Hebrew reads murias. It specifically means “ten thousand,” but it is given to represent an indefinite number which is too large to count.

The Greek is highly debated, but due to the structure of the verses, it is likely that the comma should go after the word “company.” Thus, it would read, “to an innumerable company, of angels…” (connected to the next verse). To get a full view of this would take reading many commentaries of great commentators of the past. Suffice it to says that unlike Mount Sinai where the Lord sat alone upon the Mountain issuing forth directives through Moses, here, there are innumerable “messengers,” as the Greek word translated as “angels” means. There is nothing dark and shadowy, but only the light of the radiance of God which illuminates the city, and in which the word of God goes forth like water to a dry and barren land to quench the eternal thirst of God’s people.

Life application: Paul says in Romans –

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

The law – even from the day it was given – was a reminder of death and the impossibility of pleasing God by observing it, simply because no one can fully live by it. And so death reigned from the time that the law was introduced. Again, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:6, “…who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

The “letter” is the law and it brought forth death, but the Spirit – given by Christ – gives life. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The glory of what is found in Christ, and which lies ahead for His redeemed, is truly a surpassing glory. It is a glory that we simply cannot even imagine at this time. How wonderful it will be!

Lord, what a wonderful and precious assurance You have given us through the Person of Jesus. Now, because of Him, we can have everlasting fellowship with You without fear. Instead, only eternal joy awaits us as we join the heavenly choir in singing praises to You! Help us to keep our eyes on this wonderful promise that we might not falter in the present. Amen!

Saturday, 27 April 2019

And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”) Hebrews 12:21

The author now turns to the state of Moses at the giving of the law, citing something not recorded anywhere in Scripture. Speaking of the giving of the law, he says, “And so terrifying was the sight.”

This tells us that it is speaking of the display of the Lord on the mountain which has been referred to since verse 18. It is not a reference to any other time. From there, he quotes Moses, saying, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”

It is these words which are in question. There is no such quote to be found. This leaves several possibilities. One is that he is citing a non-biblical tradition among the Jews, of which there are such commentaries in existence. Another is that the author is making the claim under divine inspiration. Stephen speaks of things in Acts 7 which are not recorded elsewhere. A third option is that the author is tying the account of Exodus 3 in with that of Exodus 19:6. There it said, “And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.”

That would be a logical connection. He was afraid at the burning bush, and so how much more afraid would he be while facing a far greater demonstration of the Lord’s glory, covering an entire mountain! One final suggestion is that this is speaking of his words in Deuteronomy 9:19. After receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses went down the mountain to find the people worshiping the golden calf. At that time, Deuteronomy records, “For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the Lord was angry with you, to destroy you.”

Moses’ fear of what he saw on the mountain was then transferred to an understanding of the holiness of God in relation to the conduct of the people. He fully perceived the danger of violating one of the commandments they had been given. In seeing the conduct of Aaron and the others, his fear of the splendor of the Lord moved him to fear and trembling for the people.

The word translated as “afraid,” is ekphobos. It signifies “wholly frightened” or “out of one’s wits.” The only other time it is used is in Mark 9:6, describing the state of Peter during the transfiguration. It is a subtle note of the glory of Christ in relation to the Lord on Mount Sinai. Both events brought such a deep fear on those who beheld the sight, that it brought about a reaction of absolute terror.

Life application: After the people’s rejection of the Lord, and in the making of the golden calf, Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! ³² Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” Exodus 32:31, 32

This revealed the greatness of Moses in the sight of the Lord and the people of Israel. In this, he foreshadows the true Intermediary to come – Jesus our Lord.

Remember, once a person is saved, they can never lose their salvation, but continued sin demonstrates a disregard for the great work of the cross – something we all have done. Were it not for Jesus interceding on our behalf, we would be utterly consumed by God. But Jesus stands as our Advocate, and in Him we are secure from that which would otherwise utterly condemn us.

Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? To You alone we give thanks and praise for the Person and work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we praise You, through Him we ask for forgiveness, and through Him we petition You. And in His name we pray today! Amen.

Friday, 26 April 2019

(For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.” Hebrews 12:20

The author now continues with his description of what occurred at Mount Sinai at the giving of the Old Covenant. Here he says while speaking of the people of Israel, “For they could not endure what was commanded.” This means that what was commanded them was so terrifying that they couldn’t bear it. The thought conveyed to them simply overwhelmed them.

The Lord was to descend on the mountain, making the entire mountain holy. How could such a thing be? How holy must the Lord be that the entire mountain would then be set apart from them! And this was after they had consecrated themselves. Even after that, they were still not to come near the mountain. And even more, this mandate included animals. As it says, “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.”

The account in Exodus speaks of both man and beast being forbidden from coming near the mountain. The author here is focusing on the beasts because, unlike man, they are simply unreasoning animals. To have them killed may sound unnecessary or even vindictive, but this is not the case. The holiness of God is something that is referred to throughout Scripture. The fallen nature of creation is also mentioned explicitly by Paul in Romans 8. Even animals with no sense of reason were to be killed if they violated this precept.

Secondly, if an animal were to be allowed to live after touching the mountain of the Lord, it could then be turned itself into an idol by the people who saw it. In essence, “Holy Cow! This is a holy cow because it was sanctified by the Lord atop the holy mountain.” If you don’t believe this is possible, take a peek at the millions of relics, or beasts, adored and worshiped by countless false religions.

With this understanding, the reason it was to be stoned or shot was to keep a distance between the offender and the executioners. The animal (or person) was, from the moment it touched the mountain, considered devoted to the Lord through destruction. To touch such a thing so devoted would then mean the one who touched it was also so devoted. And so to maintain a separation from it, the animal (or person) was to be killed from a distance.

The purpose of this was to instill in the minds of the people an absolute sense of the holiness of God. The word translated as “touches” is rather rare, being found only in Colossians 2:21, Hebrews 11:28, and here. It gives the sense of touching something which then affects the object. The mountain was sacred and holy. Touching it was, therefore, not permitted.

Another reason for this prohibition, which is only implied, but it stands as a correct interpretation, is that the Lord had accepted Moses (who would go to the mountain) and that he was the people’s chosen representative to the Lord. This is indicated in verse 9 of the chapter, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever” (Exodus 19:9).

Life application: Everything in creation fell at the fall. All things are corruptible and in need of the restoration promised in Scripture. Paul indicates this in Romans 8 –

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:20, 21

As you can see, the taint of Adam’s sin has affected everything, but all things will be restored in due time. As Jesus says in Revelation, “Behold, I make all things new.” We have a great hope which will come about in due time. Don’t let the temporary, fallen, and often vile nature of the world around you steal your joy. Keep looking ahead to that which is promised, and which is also absolutely guaranteed, because of the work of the Lord Jesus. Good things are ahead.

O God! Thank You for the promise of restoration and renewal spoken of in Your word. Thank You that backaches, eye problems, sadness, and even death will be wiped away forever. And above all, thank You for Jesus who made the bridge to You possible. We bow at His glorious feet and hail, “Worthy is the Lamb!” Hallelujah and Amen.