Hebrews (written)

Saturday, 16 March 2019

…concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. Hebrews 11:19

This is speaking of the subject of the past two verses, Abraham’s sacrificing of Isaac. Abraham had been given the promises of an inheritance of the land, and that it would come through Isaac. And yet, God asked Abraham to offer Isaac up as a burnt offering. How could the two be reconciled? If Isaac was offered up, there would be no descendant through Isaac to fulfill the promise that a descendant would come through him. Abraham’s faith had to be tested immensely. But it had to be a very grounded faith in the capability of God, in order for both events to be true.

He had to understand the nature of God; that He cannot lie. And he had to understand that God could do the otherwise seemingly impossible. Thus, in his mind, he concluded “that God was able to raise him up.”

It is the only reasonable explanation for the two, seemingly contradictory, thoughts. If God has promised a son of inheritance through Isaac, and God cannot lie, then a son of inheritance MUST come through Isaac. And so Abraham went forward, in faith, to offer Isaac up. He logically concluded that God would raise him up, “even from the dead.”

Abraham may have known the story of Adam. In fact, it is probable that he did. Adam was taken from the dust of the earth, fashioned into a man, the breath of life was breathed into him, and he became a living being. He may also have been aware of the life of Enoch – that he was translated without ever dying. And he certainly knew the story of the flood. Noah was still alive after the birth of Abraham. Moreover, Noah’s son Shem, who was on the ark with Noah, was alive during the entire duration of Abraham’s life. He may have personally known him and talked with him. Therefore, he was certainly aware of the fact that God could do pretty much anything, and he was aware that when God spoke, no matter how incredible the words seemed, they were to be trusted.

And so Abraham put two and two together, coming up with four. He offered his son, logically and rationally understanding that he would receive his son from the dead, “from which he also received him in a figurative sense.” The meaning of this is that Abraham really and truly offered Isaac. The knife was raised, and in his mind, the sacrifice was already complete – but for the words which called forth –

“Abraham, Abraham!”
So he said, “Here I am.”
¹² And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:11, 12

In his mind, Isaac was already dead, but he received him back as alive. The picture of the coming Christ was made, and the typology was set. In his mind, Isaac was – in fact – raised to life. The word translated as “figuratively” is parabole. It was used in Hebrews 9:9 and this is its last occurrence in the Bile. It is the same word used forty-eight times in the synoptic gospels which is translated as “parable.” The events of the Old Testament are parables of things that would be realized in reality in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The sacrifice of Isaac became a familiar analogy for the world to grasp when Christ would become the true Son of sacrifice.

Life application: Why was Abraham willing to offer his only begotten son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to the Lord? The answer depends on what you believe about the character of Abraham, about God’s sovereignty, and about the purpose of faith. During an interview I conducted of an elderly Jewish man for a college paper, the man said that what Abraham did was inexcusable, was not really what God intended, and resulted in his separation from Sarah his wife (though the Bible never claims this).

This was the stand in the synagogue he attended, and it is a view which permeates their thought to this day. This is because to believe that Abraham’s actions were as God intended then points directly to the work of God in Messiah that they have rejected. But what Abraham did was based on his obedient character, on faith in God’s promises, and on the absolute sovereignty of God. Abraham believed God and God was pleased with him because of his faith.

In the case of the account of Issac, this sound belief was that God could raise the dead. Ultimately this was proven in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. And, it will again be proven at the rapture of the church. But Abraham had no inclination of either of these occurrences. Rather, he understood that God had created, that all life is held in the hands of God, and that God has infinite ability to control His creation. Because of these things, Abraham faithfully took his son to Mt. Moriah, laid him on the altar of sacrifice, and raised his knife in preparation… But God called out.

It wasn’t until 1900 years later that the greater sacrifice, one which was not stopped, happened there on that same mount. The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus demonstrated the infinite holiness, righteousness, justice, mercy, grace, truth, and love of God for the sons of Adam.

Heavenly Father, it is hard for us to even comprehend that You didn’t spare Your own Son – and for beings such as us. Our hearts are stained with sin and wickedness, and yet You gave Christ for us! May we never fail to proclaim the glorious majesty of Your splendor. May we never fail to look to the cross in complete awe and wonder. All glory surely belongs to You alone. Amen.

Friday, 15 March 2019

…of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” Hebrews 11:18

The author now cites Scripture to support his previous statement. Taken together, the two verses read –

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called.’”

The translation here leaves a question concerning the words, “of whom.” Does this mean, “in regards to whom,” meaning Isaac, or “to whom,” and thus meaning Abraham. The answer is, “To whom,” and it should be translated that way. It is referring to Abraham (it is terminology used in the same manner as in Luke 19:9). This is cleared up by the actual citation from Genesis 21:12 –

“But God said to Abraham, ‘Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.’”

God made the promise to Abraham concerning the calling of his seed through Isaac. The importance of these words concerning Isaac are realized in the meaning of the phrase “shall be called.” The word qara, or “call,” at times carries with it the sense of “to be.” When God created the light in Genesis 1, it says, “God called the light Day.” He named the light Day, and from that time on it has been this way. It is a verbal state of being – the light equates to Day.

Therefore, when God said to Abraham, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” it is stating that the existence of Abraham’s seed will be reckoned through Isaac. And yet, in the very next chapter, before Isaac had borne any children, the Lord directed Abraham to offer Isaac up as a burnt offering. Despite this lack of descendants from the one upon whom the calling was named, Abraham followed through with his instruction. It demonstrates the highest faith to have done so.

Life application: It is worth comparing the accounts of Abraham’s faithfulness as recorded in the Bible to that in the Koran. It is claimed by adherents to Islam that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, who was the child by which Abraham was tested –

“We called him: ‘O Abraham.’ ‘You have believed the dream.’ We thus reward the righteous. That was an exacting test indeed. We ransomed (Ismail) by substituting an animal sacrifice. And we preserved his history for subsequent generations. Peace be upon Abraham. We thus reward the righteous. He is one of our believing servants.” Sura 37:104-111

First, notice that the name “Ismail” is surrounded by parenthesis. This indicates that the translator chose to insert the name as no name is mentioned in the Koran. Both books, therefore, indicate that Abraham was tested; however, only the Bible records the name of the son – Isaac. Further, the Koran acknowledges elsewhere that Isaac was the son of promise; a fact agreed upon by both faiths. The Bible’s complete and thorough use of the pattern whereby the first is replaced by the second is confirmed in the Ishmael/Isaac account. Finally, the biblical account predates that of the Koran by over 2000 years and the oldest documents still in existence actually predate the Koran by over 800 years. The Bible proves itself historically, scientifically, anthropologically, and prophetically concerning the nature of God, and in a host of other ways. The Koran fails in all of these. If you are one of the religious pluralists of the world who believe “all paths lead to God,” you need to study these matters and think them through. Jesus makes absolute claims and these are absolutely exclusive in nature. Make the right choice today. Choose Jesus.

Lord, as truth is immutable, and as Your word claims to be truth, please give us understanding in it as we read it. And also, give us faith to accept it as Your inspired word. Help us not to be sidetracked by false systems of belief which can only take our eyes off of You. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Thursday, 14 March 2019

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:17

The author now returns to Abraham and his life of faith, once again saying, “By faith Abraham.” In verse 8, it was noted that he was called to move in order to receive an inheritance by faith. The author continued with that thought and included Isaac, Jacob, and Sarah in his words concerning what that meant. Now, still speaking of that same thought, he says, “when he was tested.”

God had promised him an inheritance. By faith, he went to the land which would be received by his descendants as such. But along the way came a test of his faith. This was not because the Lord needed to know the faithfulness of Abraham’s heart, but so that Abraham might know it. Further, it was then to set an example of faithful obedience for those who would read the account and be encouraged to emulate the same faithful obedience to the Lord. And also, the Lord used the account to then show types and pictures of what God would do in His own Son, Jesus. The type, Isaac, anticipated the Anti-type, Christ Jesus. And so it says that Abraham “offered up Isaac.”

The NKJV, following the KJV, misses the intent of what is said. The verb “offered up” is in the perfect tense. Abraham “had offered up.” The intent is to show that while the sacrifice was in the process of happening, Abraham had – for all intents and purposes – actually offered him up in his mind. To him, it was an accomplished fact (see James 2:21).

A promise of inheritance is no good if there is no one to inherit it! And yet, God asked Abraham to offer up the son who was to be the one through whom the promise would be received. As can be seen, the author has not changed the subject at all. He is continuing on with the thought of the promised inheritance. As it says, “and he who had received the promises.” This is speaking of Abraham. The actual promise is found in Genesis 21 –

“So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned. ⁹ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. ¹⁰ Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.’ ¹¹ And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

¹² But God said to Abraham, ‘Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.’” Genesis 21:8-12

The Lord had spoken the word that Isaac was the son of promise, and it was through him that Abraham’s seed would be called. And yet, in Genesis 22, the Lord asked Abraham to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering. Being faithfully obedient, he “offered up his only begotten son.”

As directed, Abraham followed the instructions of the Lord precisely. In doing so, the typology of the coming Christ was set. The Father would offer the Son, substitution for man’s sins would be effected, and life through Messiah was made possible. The land of inheritance, meaning reentry into God’s paradise, was realized. Canaan is a land which was (and continues to be) only typical of something greater. Abraham didn’t know these things, but God did – even knowing that Abraham would be willing to do them.

Life application: Most people have heard of the account of Abraham and Isaac. It was “by faith” that Abraham was willing to offer up his son – the son of promise. In this verse, the NIV incorrectly states – “his one and only son.” Abraham had another son before Isaac named Ishmael. This error is repeated in the NIV in John 3:16 when the same terminology is used of Jesus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” In fact, God claimed Israel as a son long before the advent of Jesus – “Thus says the Lord: ‘Israel is My son, My firstborn’” (Exodus 4:22).

This is an important point in understanding redemptive history and divine election. In both Isaac and Jesus, they were the “only begotten” sons of promise, not the claimed “firstborn” sons, and thus we have the resulting concept of divine election. For a list of other “replacement seconds” of note in the Bible, one can refer to this link: http://www.wonderful1.com/page17.html.

In addition to the second replacing the first, there is another wonderful parallel of Abraham/Isaac and God the Father/God the Son. Abraham had his son Isaac carry the wood on his back up the hill just as the Jesus carried the cross up to Calvary. The father was to perform the sacrifice, just as the Father allowed the great, final sacrifice. Both occurred in the same location as is indicated in Genesis 22:14, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for the sacrifice.” and this is what happened in Christ – the Lamb of God was sacrificed for the sins of the whole world in the same place about 1900 years later. Truly, on the mountain of the Lord, God provided. Thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord. To watch the sermon, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlFD9BEoO3c

Lord, thank you for the wonderful truths which are plainly evident through a study of Your word. Just as the first man, Adam, brought condemnation on all men, so faith in the second Man, Jesus, brings salvation to all who call on Him. Your word is perfect in all it teaches us. Thank You for the treasures it contains! Amen.

Wednesday, 13 March 2019

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

The author now begins a new thought concerning Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with, “But now.” It is a contrasting thought to what he just said about the fact that if they wished to, they could have returned to the country from which they had come out. Rather than that though, “they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.”

Instead of an inheritance in an earthly country, their hearts, minds, and future affections are set on what God has promised for man, not on what man currently has, or can, possess. Earlier in Hebrews, the author spoke of entering God’s promised rest. This was to be, in type, Canaan. However, it is seen that Canaan was only typical of a spiritual reality. In Hebrews 4:3, speaking to his audience who are in various places (and who continue on in various times since the letter was written), it says, “For we who have believed do enter that rest.”

What was thought to be the obtaining of God’s rest through entrance into Canaan is actually the entering of God’s rest through belief in God’s Son. By faith in Messiah, one enters into God’s promised rest. This is what is again being relayed here. Canaan, the promised inheritance for Abraham’s descendants, is only given in type and shadow of the “heavenly country.”

As these men lived in faith of something they did not possess, and as that thing which was promised was only typical of heaven, then the promise must stand for any who look forward to God’s promises by faith as well. And so it is. This will be made explicit in the final verse of the chapter. For now though, and because of their faith in this promise, the author says, “Therefore.”

It is based on these things, which have been spoken of, that he says, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” The word signifies being surnamed. The patrimony of God rests upon the individual, without any hint of shame or embarrassment by Him, because of their faith in Him and His promises. This is why God said to Moses of them in Exodus 3:6, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This is so clear in God’s mind that “He has prepared a city for them.”

There is no doubt that this is speaking of the restored paradise where God will dwell with man. It is known as “the New Jerusalem” in the book of Revelation. These men of God looked back on the story of their first father, Adam, having understood that he –

1) was created (Hebrew11:3),
2) fell and was cursed along with the earth (as is implied in the need for an offering as seen in Hebrews 11:4), and
3) was assured of the promise of restoration at some point (as is implied in the translation of Enoch in Hebrews 11:5).

Each of these was understood from the early Genesis account, but they are lined up in the words of the author in a manner which reveals these truths in Hebrews. These men knew the story of these beginnings, they grasped the meaning behind them, and they looked forward in anticipation of seeing the plan come to its fruition. Thus, they walked as strangers and sojourners, awaiting the fulfillment of the promises. A city is prepared for them, and it is available to any and all who will come by faith.

Life application: This verse tells us that our faith in, and anticipation of, a greater home – a better country than the one in which we live – is also a point which truly pleases God. When we put all of our time in the pleasures of this world even after God has promised something so much greater, we show a lack of faith in His promises. Look ahead to what God has planned and have faith that what is ahead is infinitely more wonderful than the temporary pleasures of this world.

Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful promises of a greater life to come. These are found in the same word which tells us of Jesus making access to that life possible. We believe in Jesus, but surely we are limited in our ability to see beyond our current circumstances, and so give our souls a fresh filling of Your Spirit of promise so that we can rejoice, without fear or trepidation, in the promises of the life yet to come. Amen!

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. Hebrews 11:15

This continues to speak of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as Sarah – “And they.” The author now makes an obvious point concerning their status as sojourners, strangers, and pilgrims by saying, “if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out.”

It was Abraham who had been called, and so the words also speak of the choice of both Isaac and Jacob – being of the same stock of Abraham – and pursuing a course that Abraham also could have pursued, as if an inherited right. The land from which Abraham was called was Ur of the Chaldeans. If these men found their status as strangers highly unappealing, they could have simply headed back to where Abraham came from. As it says, “they would have had opportunity to return.”

It was certainly a much less arduous thing to head back to Ur than it would have been to continue as strangers, bearing with that state all of the difficulties which arise as strangers, but they were looking beyond their current state to a promise which extended beyond their personal, temporary, but difficult situations. Instead, they looked to the promise which lay beyond their own years of pilgrimage.

Even more than four hundred years later, the same opportunity could have existed for the people of Israel, after having entered into and subdued Canaan. Joshua 24 leaves the possibility open for them. First, they were provided the history –

“Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods. ³ Then I took your father Abraham from the other side of the River, led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. ⁴ To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau.” Joshua 24:2-4

Later in the chapter, Joshua tells them that the home and station of Abraham was still open to them, but that his hope was not found in that ancestral inheritance –

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

The obvious connection that the author of Hebrews is making is that of a life of living by faith in Christ as opposed to a return to a life of deeds under the law. He has spoken of this continuously throughout the epistle, and he is showing that those of past times chose the promise found in Messiah over the circumstances in which they existed in whichever dispensation they lived. From the beginning, and through each dispensation before Christ, people of faith anticipated the coming of the promise found in Messiah. Now, how much more should the people of God continue to live in faithful anticipation of the promises found in the Messiah who has come!

Life application: Have you ever noticed how immigrants who can’t speak a word of the native language, and who even come with nothing but the shirt on their back, often establish a business, drive around in better cars than their neighbors, and send their children to private schools – all within a short time?

Wang Chung could arrive from China, spend a few months in anxiety and sadness, and return home to a safer existence, but something inside of him is stronger than the bonds he cut when he left home. The opportunity to return is there, but the motivation for a better life in a new land is stronger than the desire to look back.

Such should be the case with every believer in Jesus. We have been called out of the world of sin and death and into His kingdom of righteousness. Instead of wallowing in the past and looking back to the previous life of whatever bound us, we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Those who had the most to gain often make the best converts. When someone leaves behind a life of drugs, alcoholism, or some other major sin, they tend to rise far above those around them who have become complacent in their salvation. They have their eyes on a better life in this world and eternal rewards in the next.

If you feel your Christian walk is floundering, look back to where you were before you met Christ. If there isn’t a time that is striking and memorable, look at those whose lives were changed and emulate their positive steps. Just as the foreigner excels and receives reward based on his hard work and dedication, so the Christian will excel and receive a greater reward based on his devotion to Christ. Don’t think of the country you left with a desire to return, but look to Jesus and His glory.

Lord, keep us from looking back now that our hands are on the plow. Instead, give us the heart’s desire to work towards the rewards of the eternal life that we already possess in Christ, and to revel in the blessing that comes from a faithful walk with You. May our lives be a pleasing sacrifice all our days – to Your honor alone. Amen.