Daily Writing

Friday, 19 October 2018

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:13

In the previous verse, the author said to his audience that “you have come to need milk and not solid food.” Building on that now, he says, “For everyone who partakes only of milk…” He said that they needed milk and not solid food, and now he says that there is a consequence of partaking only in milk. As noted in the content of verse 5:12, the “milk” being referred to is instruction on how the law only points to Christ. There were, for example, feast days, sabbaths, and the like. Each was a shadow, but the substance is found in Christ. Indeed, all of the Old Testament Scriptures merely pointed to Christ as Jesus said in John 5:39, 40 –

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

What the audience of Hebrews was doing was falling back on the Law of Moses in observing the things required there (such as feast days, temple rites, or whatever) instead of simply trusting in Jesus’ fulfillment of these things. This does not mean they were not true believers, saved by Christ, but that they had reverted to the milk of the Old Testament instead of the meat of the New. The author says of this that such a one who does this “is unskilled in the word of righteousness.”

The “word of righteousness” is that of Scripture interpreted through faith. It is a reliance on Christ as the fulfillment of those types and shadows. One who fails to rely on Christ as the fulfillment of them will be unskilled in handling Scripture properly. Paul states this in Romans 1:17 –

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

And again, Paul speaks of this in Romans 9, showing that the Gentiles had progressed to the meat while the Jews had gone back to the milk –

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; ³¹ but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. ³² Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.”

It is this very same concept which the author of Hebrews is now explaining to his Hebrew audience. Instead of being adult in their theology and dining on the meat found in Christ’s fulfilled work, they had become babes once again. As he says of any such person, “for he is a babe.” Instead of seeing Christ as the Lamb, they went to the temple to sacrifice a lamb. Instead of seeing Christ as the Atonement for sins, they observed the Day of Atonement according to the law, which only pointed to Him. On and on, they had stopped maturing in Christ through faith, and they had gone back to a lesser form of food, mere milk, found in the law.

Life application: What part of the Law of Moses are you secretly holding to? Are you living solely by faith in Christ and giving to your church out of a grateful heart, or are you trying to merit God’s favor by giving tithes to your church according to the law? Are you living out your rest in Christ, or are you observing a Sabbath according to the law? The list of the law’s requirements is long and burdensome. Holding to the fulfillment of them, as is found in Christ, is a light and easy yoke. The choice is yours. Are you a babe in need of milk, or are you ready for a diet of meat and potatoes?

Lord God – let us not squander the time You have given us, even from the moment we first believed in Jesus. Instead, prompt our hearts onward to an increase in the knowledge of who You are and how You have worked in human history to restore us to You through our Lord Jesus Christ. May You be the one who is glorified as we eagerly pursue You! Amen.

Thursday, 18 October 2018

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. Hebrews 5:12

The verse begins with “For” in order to build upon the previous words which said, “…since you have become dull of hearing.” Due to their lethargy in paying heed to the things of God, they had failed to mature. And so as a rebuke of their shoddiness in attending to their theological knowledge, he says, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers…” In other words, “Because of the amount of time you have been around, you should be so familiar with the matters we have been discussing that you yourselves should have a deep enough understanding of them that you should be teaching them.” But instead, he continues, “you need someone to teach you again the first principles.”

Actually, the word, “Again,” is in the emphatic position. And so it should be connected to “you need,” not “to teach you.” Therefore, it should read, “You need, again, someone to teach you the first principles.” He is stressing the absolute dull nature of their spiritual walk. Not only were they not teachers, but they were so lacking in paying heed to the things of God, that once again they needed to be taught the very basics (first principles).

Just what these “first principles” are is debated. Some look at them as being explained in verse 6:1, speaking of the “elementary principles of Christ.” Others, however, see them as the basics of the Old Testament Scriptures which point to Christ. As his discussion so far has been of how the Old points to the New, the latter is likely the case. The same Greek term, stoicheion, is used by Paul when speaking of the Old Testament rudiments in Galatians 4:3 & 4:9, and in Colossians 2:8 & 2:20. In all of these cases, Paul shows the lesser nature of these elements (first principles) in relation to the surpassing knowledge of the work of Christ. In Galatians 4:9, he even calls them “weak and beggarly.” It is a term similar to what the author will call the Law of Moses in Hebrews 7:18.

As we can see, so far and in particular, he has been speaking of the duties of the high priest of Israel and then those of Jesus being on a different order, that of Melchizedek. And so surely he is referring to these “first principles” as the body of Old Testament writing. This is more certain because they are fully termed by the author, “the first principles of the oracles of God.”

The term, “oracles,” is used in Acts 7:38, Romans 3:2, and 1 Peter 4:11. In the first two instances, it is referring only to the body of Old Testament Scriptures, inclusive of the law, the writings, and the prophets. In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter uses the term as a comparison to the utterances of God, but he most fully is referring to the body of Scripture known as the Old Testament, along with any prophetic revelation since then. When the author comes to the elementary principles of Christ in verse 6:1, he will be using the term in how those things are established in Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament oracles. This then seems the likely interpretation based on the next words of this verse, and how they tie into the final two verses of the chapter.

Understanding this, the author continues his rebuke of his audience with the words, “and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” The words, “and you have come,” shows a change in the audience. They were in one state and progressing well in it, and then they moved to another state and are now reduced to a lower level; there is a degeneracy in their theology. The obvious explanation is that they had been progressing in applying, to their lives, the knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures and how they pointed to Christ. However, the believing Hebrews had suddenly gone off course and started to look at the Old Testament Scriptures again as a means to an end in and of themselves. It is thus representative of Paul’s words to the Galatians, rebuking them for going back from sound theological development in Christ and turning again to the Old Testament by adhering to the Law of Moses. This is confirmed in the term, “you have come to need milk and not solid food.”

Milk is for babies, not adults. One must develop from one to the other. Once developed, it would make no sense to fall back to the lesser category. It is reflective of Paul’s words to the Corinthians –

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. ² I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; ³ for you are still carnal.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

The author is equating the first principles of the oracles of God, meaning the truths of the Old Testament in how they point to Christ, to mere milk. He is then showing that the deeper theology which is found in Christ is the true solid food which those who are mature will dine on. However, as noted above, they had regressed in their theology by once again applying Old Testament theology to their lives. They had gone from faith alone in Christ to adherence to law. The coming two verses will more fully reveal this.

Life application: The book of Hebrews, like the letters of Paul, warns against devolving in one’s theology from the supremacy of trusting in the finished work of Christ to instead going back to adherence to the Old Testament. Unfortunately, this same problem, warned against over 2000 years ago, has greatly increased in the world again today. Those who follow the Hebrew Roots Movement are doing exactly what is warned against in Hebrews. The author will continue to explain this, in great detail, in the chapters ahead.

Lord God! How blessed are we to have the full revelation of Your plan of redemption in the pages of Scripture. We have what the ancients longed for. In the coming of Jesus, the first principles of theology found in the Old Testament are fulfilled. Now, we can move onto solid food by understanding what He has done. May we pursue the beauty of the finished work of Christ all our days! And to You, we shall give all of our praise. Amen.

Wednesday, 17 October 2018

…of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. Hebrews 5:11

The author continues with the thought of the previous verse. Taken together, they read –

“…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.”

Understanding this, he begins the verse with, “of whom.” This translation leaves an unnecessary ambiguity in it. Who is “whom” referring to? Is it Jesus or Melchizedek? Rather, it should rightly be translated as, “of which.” He is not speaking specifically about either Jesus or Melchizedek, but about Jesus’ position and duties as High Priest in comparison to those of Melchizedek. As it says, “according to the order of Melchizedek.” It is of this matter that he then says, “we have much to say.”

He is speaking of himself, but he uses the plural “we” as a way of signifying that there is much to be said and much to be absorbed by his hearers. The word “we” is used in a manner inclusive of them, as if a dialogue between the author and the hearer is expected. However, he then says, “and hard to explain.” The word used is found only here in Scripture and it is rightly translated as “explain.” It is a compound word signifying, “difficult to interpret.” What he has to say about Melchizedek is not a light theological matter, but it is something that even his Hebrew audience will find complicated. This is because its complexity transcends the standard thoughts that had been gleaned about Melchizedek and how they point to Christ Jesus.

In other words, the passage concerning Melchizedek in Genesis is only three verses long, and it is seemingly placed there without any theological reason. Instead, it seems to be a short historical record only. However, David then shows that this is not the case in Psalm 110 (which the author of Hebrews has cited in verse 5:6 and 5:10). David referred to “the order of Melchizedek.” However, he didn’t explain what that meant. He simply made the reference and moved on.

The author of Hebrews now says that what David was referring to implied a concept which is quite complicated, and it will require careful explanation. However, there is a problem. The careful explanation of the deeper theology involved in the statement about Melchizedek will be difficult to explain to his audience because, as he says, “you have become dull of hearing.”

Here he introduces a word which will only be used one more time, in verse 6:12. It signifies “blunt,” “dull,” “lazy,” “spiritually sluggish,” etc. His audience should be able to grasp the more complicated doctrines of the faith, but they instead wallowed in shallow theology and were not ready for being introduced to concepts which required study and contemplation. For this reason, he will now divert away from the subject of Melchizedek, only reintroducing him in verse 6:20.

Life application: What importance is complicated theology to you? Are you content with simply knowing the basics of the faith? When you go to work, are you interested in only knowing the basics of your job, or do you seek out knowing everything associated with what you do? What about your favorite hobby or passion? Suppose you enjoy sports? Do you want to know more than just the basics, or are you content to just sit and watch the events of the game happen, without really knowing why they are happening? The level of interest in everything we do shows us how important each thing is to us. If your knowledge of theology is minimal, it is probably because you consider the subject less important than other things. And yet, it is the most important subject that we could ever touch upon. But sound theology is also hard work. Are you willing to put forth the effort and grow in your understanding of the things of God? With every new understanding of this matter, you show God that knowing Him is important to you.

O God! How absolutely amazing is the story of Jesus! When we contemplate what You have done on our behalf through Him, how can we do anything but praise Your glory? We’re free from sin, death, and condemnation through Him. And even more, we’re called Your sons and His brothers. How unworthy we are of this highest honor. Praise be to You. Amen.

Tuesday, 16 October 2018

…called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” Hebrews 5:10

This verse completes the thought of the previous two verses. The words, “called of God,” signify being “addressed.” The Greek word, from which they are translated, is a unique compound word signifying “towards” and “to speak in an assembly.” In other words, “to be called by name.” Thus, Jesus is “addressed by God as High Priest.” What has happened here is that the quote of the psalm from verse 5:6 is being restated by adding the word “High” to “Priest.” Putting the verses side by side will show this –

“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;

&
…called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”

The importance of the Melchizedek connection isn’t explained by the author here and it really doesn’t come until Chapter 7. Instead, the author will spend the rest of Chapter 5, and all of Chapter 6, addressing the surety of the hope which believers possess because of the work accomplished by Jesus, who is here designated as High Priest. The entire section may, at first, seem like an odd diversion away from this thought, but it isn’t. Instead, he will demonstrate the immutability of God’s promises which hinge on the fact that Christ Jesus is a suitable, competent, and eternal High Priest. In verse 6:20, Melchizedek will be reintroduced and, starting in verse 7:1, the significance of his office will then begin to be explained.

By having introduced Melchizedek here though, the author brings to mind the eternality of his priesthood as stated in the Psalms. The importance of this eternal priesthood is to assure the wary believer that if the priesthood is eternal, then so is the salvation – the two go hand in hand. Remember who is being addressed in the original letter – first century Jews who were considering going back to the temple rituals.

These rituals contained continual sacrifices of animals performed by priests who would grow old and die. Even the temple itself was a temporary structure requiring maintenance and which had, at the time of this letter, already been destroyed once. The only thing eternal about the temple rituals was the Object of the worship and petition – God. However, everything else was temporary and identified with a temporary covering. In other words, sacrifices were ongoing and the Day of Atonement came around each year. If it was an eternal atonement, it would have been a one-time event.

This is the importance of Jesus’ priesthood being an eternal priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. When chapter 7 arrives, it will become much clearer. Until then, it needs to be understood that salvation – because of Jesus’ learning, obedience, and suffering – is eternal.

Life application: Everything about Jesus’ work is sufficient for all time. He lived one life under the law to fulfill the law. The law is fulfilled in Him forever. He died on the cross of Calvary as a one-time, final, and fully-sufficient atoning sacrifice for all people. He is appointed High Priest once and forever to minister for the people and to God. And so on. Nothing is deficient in the work of Christ. In Him, we have an absolute assurance that everything needed to keep us secure before God has been realized.

One time for all eternity Christ came and suffered on our behalf.
His life in exchange for ours – what an awesome trade!
Now we have comfort from His rod and His staff.
And in this life our salvation is eternally made.
Glory to You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah, and Amen!

Monday, 15 October 2018

And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, Hebrews 5:9

The words, “And having been perfected,” hearken back to verse 2:10 –

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

As noted there, this idea of making perfect does not carry the idea of being made “better,” as if there was a lack in Christ. Rather, it speaks of bringing to completion, or meeting, the goal. Christ suffered, was crucified, and died with the intent of bringing God’s plan of salvation to fruition. In His passion, man sees the very heart of God, and then is asked to willingly respond to that glorious offering. The work of Christ makes Him fully and completely suited to bring those many sons to glory.

There was no moral lack in Him, but rather there was a necessity to complete the work set before Him. As fully God, He lacks nothing; but as fully Man, He grew, learned, developed, and matured in every way that other men do. He, unlike Adam though, was fully obedient to the Father and He was found with no fault in His person. Adam was tainted by his own sin and all who follow after him have received his fallen state. However, Jesus inherited none of Adam’s sin nature – having been born of a virgin and of God.

Therefore, His test as a Man was no different than the life of Adam. By passing the test and never sinning, He prevailed and assumed the right to be the sin-bearer on behalf of all men who, by faith, move from the line of Adam to the line of Christ. His perfection was not lacking at His birth or anytime in His development, but rather “made perfect” is alluding to the state which continued to exist from His birth even to His death.

As an example, think of a tree waiting to be used as lumber. The wood always exists in the tree, but it is complete and ready when it reaches the determined size. Jesus’ perfection of person was never lacking, but his test was complete when He had reached His goal for satisfaction of the law; He was “made perfect” at His crucifixion. As Meyer’s NT Commentary states, He was “formally and manifestly accredited by God as such.” By satisfactorily meeting all that was predetermined for Him by the Father, He prevailed over sin and death. Now all who obey Him can obtain eternal salvation through Him. We move from Adam to Jesus, never to be condemned again. This is evidenced in the words, “He became the author of eternal salvation.” Though getting ahead in the epistle, this thought is reflected in the words of verse 7:25 –

“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,”

This salvation is one of whom Christ is the Author (as is also noted in Hebrews 12:2). It is He who gave the terms of the Old Covenant to Israel. It is He who fulfilled those same words, thus annulling it in those who come to Him, and it is He who authored the terms of the New Covenant. Christ Jesus authored every step of the process in the plan in order to bring about “eternal salvation” for those who trust in Him.

To be saved “to the uttermost” is equivalent to “eternal salvation.” This term is explained by John Gill with the words, “…it was resolved upon from eternity, and contrived in it; it was secured in the everlasting covenant, in which not only a Saviour was provided, but blessings both of grace and glory: and it is to eternity; and stands distinguished from a temporal salvation, and is opposed to eternal damnation; it is the salvation of the soul, which is immortal; and it takes in both grace and glory, which are of a durable nature; and the continuance of it is owing to the abiding and lasting virtue of Christ’s person, blood, and righteousness.” Vincent’s Word Studies agrees by saying of this phrase that it is “a salvation of which all the conditions, attainments, privileges, and rewards transcend the conditions and limitations of time.”

What Christ Jesus has done is thus eternal in every aspect, and it is made available “to all who obey Him.” This idea follows immediately upon what was said in verse 5:8. As it says there, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” As Christ was obedient, now He offers this eternal salvation to all who obey Him. The way to become obedient is not through works, but it is through faith in His works. That was the point of Christ’s suffering. The words of John 6:29 explain what obedience to Him means –

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Jesus wasn’t saying, “OK, now I will fulfill the law in order to show you what works you need to do to also fulfill the law.” Rather, the gospel shows that He has fulfilled it. He has offered something new, and we are to trust in what He has done, and to rest in His accomplished works. This is obedience to Christ.

Life application: Jesus did not come to be the author of temporal or temporary salvation. Nor did He come to offer eternal insecurity to His people. Rather, He came to procure eternal salvation for them, guaranteeing them the promise of eternal life through His fully sufficient and fully effectual work. Do not believe anyone who says you can “lose your salvation” by failing to do this or that. If you have believed in the One whom God has sent, meaning Christ Jesus, you are saved. Read Romans 10:9, 10, and then ask yourself if you have done what it says there. If so, you are saved – once and forever.

Lord God, how absolutely glorious is Your promise of eternal salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus! Now, by faith in Him and His work, we are eternally secure and free from condemnation. All glory, honor, and majesty belong to You, O God! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.