Hebrews (written)

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; Hebrews 8:4

Again, the author begins with “For.” One thought builds upon the next to establish his case. He has just stated that the purpose of a priest is “to offer both gifts and sacrifices.” He then said, based on that thought, that it is “necessary that this One also have something to offer.” What he is saying concerning the Levitical priesthood is that they, in fact, had something to offer. This begins to be realized with the words, “For if He were on earth.”

The “He” is referring to Jesus. Jesus was obviously here on earth, so the author isn’t talking as if His incarnation didn’t really occur. Rather, what did occur, and which is the focus of the author’s words now, is speaking about the earthly sanctuary of the Old Covenant. He is not concerned with any other religions which also conduct priestly functions, as if “on earth” was speaking of whatever religion man conjures up. Rather, his words are directed to only that which the Lord established. Under the Old Covenant, which has been seen to be a type of that which is in heaven and which will be seen explicitly in verse 8:5, Jesus “would not be a priest.”

The earthly sanctuary was designated specifically for the priestly line of Aaron. Further, the earthly sanctuary had specific gifts and sacrifices meticulously prescribed for its service. The types of gifts and sacrifices, how to offer them, when to offer them, what to do with each and every part of them after they have been sacrificed, etc. have all been minutely detailed within the law itself. Everything necessary to fulfill the Lord’s will under the Old Covenant is provided through the words of the covenant itself. This is why the author continues with the words, “since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law.”

There were priests according to the law, and these priests offered the gifts mandated by the law. Further, they offered them according to the law. Nothing is left for another to come in and fulfill a priestly task which was lacking. Every part of the system, upon which the Levitical priesthood was established, is carefully detailed in the written words of instruction found in the law itself.

This specificity of those details goes on for pages and pages (and pages!) in the Law of Moses, covering every possible situation. The priest then could follow these procedures exactingly. If Jesus’ ministry was only an earthly ministry, it would be a false one. The Levites already handled what was prescribed in the law at the place God chose for the priestly ministry of Israel.

Life application: If Jesus’ ministry is a valid one, as it is shown to be based on the explanation of the previous chapters, and if that ministry is not of this earth, then it must be a heavenly ministry. If the earthly ministry of the Levitical priesthood dealt with earthly things, then the heavenly ministry of Christ Jesus must deal with spiritual things. The earthly things are already handled by the Old Covenant, and they were ineffective for bringing man to a restored relationship with God. As this is so, and as the ministry of Christ is able to do this, then why (why on earth!) would anyone want to go back to a law which was incapable of restoring us to God. Think it through. What is earthly is 1) temporary, 2) ineffective, and 3) annulled in Christ. Stay far away from anyone who would ask you to return to precepts of such a failed system. Stand on the grace of Jesus Christ alone for your reconciliation to God the Father.

Heavenly Father, it is with thanks and gratitude that our sacrifice came not in the sacrificial system at an earthly sanctuary, and through the blood of bulls and goats. Instead, it came through the life of the precious Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus. We look to His glorious work and know that His greater ministry is sufficient to cover all our transgressions. Glory and honor to You! Amen.

Monday, 10 December 2018

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. Hebrews 8:3

For the next several verses, the author will again demonstrate the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old using impeccable logic. What he says here, beginning with this verse, is to clarify what has just been presented. The word “For” is given to show this. He is logically presenting another sure proof of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of Aaron.

He said in verse 8:1 that in Jesus we have a High Priest “who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” In verse 8:2, he then said that He is “a Minster of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”

The significance of this is that what was found in the Old Covenant here on earth was simply a type of what was to come in Christ. That will be stated explicitly in verse 8:5. But the fact is, whether type or not, there was an earthly tabernacle (and later temple) and there was a priesthood set up for it. As a descendant of Judah, and not of Levi through Aaron, Jesus could not minister in such an earthly sanctuary (see verses 7:13, 14).

As this is so, He would have nothing to offer at the earthly altar. As it says, “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices.” It is the high priest, on behalf of the people, who make such offerings. Some are for atonement, some are for burnt offerings, some are as peace offerings, and so on.

However, the same must be true of the heavenly tabernacle. If the earthly tabernacle is ministered to by Aaron and his sons, and since there is a heavenly tabernacle, of which the earthly tabernacle is only a type, then there must be someone to minister at that heavenly edifice, and he must have something to offer. But Aaron cannot be the minister because no such appointment has been made for him to do so. Therefore, there must be One who is given that responsibility. As has already been seen, that appointment was for Christ Jesus, and it was based on an oath given in Psalm 110. With this understanding, the author then says, “Therefore.” He is saying, “based on what has been presented, then what I say next logically follows.”

From there, he says, “it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.” If there is a heavenly edifice, and if there is a High Priest who ministers at that, then He logically must also have something to offer because “every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.”

Key to understanding this is what it says in verse 8:5. Though getting ahead in thought, if Moses said there is a “pattern” upon which the earthly things are fashioned, then the heavenly pattern is the substance of which the earthly is merely a type or shadow. As this is recorded in the writings of Moses, this must be the case. If the earthly required gifts and sacrifices, and if the earthly was fashioned after a pattern, then the heavenly must logically require both gifts and sacrifices. This then is the author’s explanation of verse 5:1 –

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.”

From there, the exact nature of those gifts and sacrifices in the heavenly tabernacle will be described, in detail, in Chapter 9.

Life application: Key to understanding what the author is saying in Hebrews is to have an understanding of what he is referring to from the Old Testament. The author is not simply making things up as he goes. Rather, he is using the law itself to show us that the things of the law were actually ineffectual types that could not actually accomplish what they were laid out to do. They were shadows awaiting their fulfillment in the substance, which is found in Christ. To not read and study the books of Moses, and the rest of the Old Testament writings, leaves the believer in Christ with a vast void in actually being able to piece together what is being relayed for our understanding. The truly sad state of many believers is that they either do not progress in theology at all, or they get their theology not from the Bible itself, but from other’s commentaries on it. That is a scary place to be. Unless you know what the Bible already says, you are taking the word of someone, who may be utterly deficient in their theology, to make the most important decisions of all.

Lord God, we look back on the work of Jesus and are fully aware of the offering He gave on our behalf – His own precious life. May we never forget the awesome and yet terrible cost of our freedom from sin and the power of the devil. All glory to the name of Jesus! Amen.

Sunday, 9 December 2018

…a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. Hebrews 8:2

Here we have words which are debated among scholars. Further, translations are just as confusing concerning the proper rendering of certain words. First, the thought in this verse is connected to the previous verse, so they should be seen together –

“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”

We see now that Christ is “a Minister.” In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the word is often used when speaking of an officiating priest. Corresponding to that, Christ is our High Priest. It is He who officiates on our behalf. Next, it says that this ministry is “of the sanctuary.” The Greek word is a plural noun. It can speak of either a place, meaning the Most Holy Place, or it can speak of the holy things of the tabernacle. In the case of the Most Holy Place, the plural is given as a majestic plural, so some translations say “the Holy of Holies.” It is a title of eminence.

It is the Most Holy Place which is being spoken of here, rather than the holy things. In the Old Testament, there was a mishkan, or tabernacle, which was then covered by the Tent of Meeting. The two are not synonymous. Christ is a minister of the tabernacle where the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place are located. And that is where the “true tabernacle” is. Again, there is a missing of the true intent. It should say, “the true Tent.” The Greek word is skéné. It signifies a tent. Translations of the Old Testament are often not consistent in the translations of these two things, and so there is a confusion when coming into New Testament terminology. Remembering that the Tent covers the Tabernacle will help one understand the symbolism. One can think of the Oval Office in the White House as the tabernacle, and the White House itself as the tent. One is inside the other.

What is seen in the Old is a representation of what was coining in Christ. It pictures His two natures; humanity and deity. The tabernacle was hidden from sight, enclosed in the tent. Christ’s deity was hidden, enclosed in His humanity. At times, such as in Numbers 14, the radiance of His deity would shine forth –

“And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tent of meeting unto all the children of Israel.” Numbers 14:10 (ERV)

This is akin to the glory of the Lord radiating out from Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. And so what we are seeing here is the ministry of Christ, in the heavenly realms. He is the minister within the Godhead (His deity) which is in His Tent (meaning His glorified body) “which the Lord erected, and not man.” Though Christ’s humanity came through Man, what He now ministers in is glorified and not an earthly body. This is what is also promised to those who follow after Him as is noted by Paul –

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

There, Paul uses the term skénos, a tent. Our house shall be a tent which is, like Jesus, not made with hands, but is provided for by God. It will be an eternal dwelling where we can fellowship with God, because of Christ, forever.

All of this symbolism is derived from shadows and pictures in the Old Testament concerning what was coming in Christ in the New. We can only speculate on the nature of the meeting which took place in the Most Holy Place between Moses and the Lord when he went in to receive the law. However, we can know certain things. In Exodus 25, the Lord told Moses –

“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” Exodus 25:22

Then, in Numbers 7 we read –

“And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spake unto him.” Numbers 7:89 (ERV)

Also in Exodus, we read this –

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34, 35 (ERV)

God really did manifest Himself between the cherubim which overshadowed the ark. There He spoke with Moses directly. Later, His presence really was manifest in the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle – so much so that Moses could not enter the tent at all. God’s presence was manifest at only a small point above the ark, and yet His glory radiated so much that it made Moses’ face shine, and it also actually overwhelmed the priests who ministered in the temple in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 8:10, 11). Imagine the glory which radiates from the heavenly tabernacle where Christ Jesus now ministers on our behalf.

Life application: Understanding theology properly is hard work. It is mentally tiring at times, but it is necessary to understand what is being said. Very particular words are used in books like Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. They are words which are often mistranslated. They are also left unread and unstudied by many people, and so we then have misunderstandings of what is going on in the New when explanations about Christ are given. But those explanations, as we see, bear directly on what we will also be like when we receive our glorified bodies. Too often, people run ahead with their notions about our future state, and they miss the finer points which are actually discussed in type and shadow in the Old Testament. Be studious, pay attention to even the hard books of Scripture, and your doctrine will be far better off because of it.

How absolutely awesome You are, O God of eternity! We truly praise You for Jesus – He alone is able to stand and minister in Your glorious presence, interceding for us. On our own, we would simply perish at the sight of Your Majesty. Surely, You are worthy of praise for the giving of Christ Jesus so that we could have Your glory revealed to us through Him, while He ministers to You for us! Hallelujah and Amen.

Saturday, 8 December 2018

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Hebrews 8:1

Chapter 8 now brings in the main point which has been, and which continues to be, discussed. As the author says, “of the things we are saying.” He continues to speak about the matter at hand, but he is giving the main point of the discussion so that the words he continues to relay will be more fully grasped. This main point is that “We have such a High Priest.”

All of the things which have been relayed about the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of Aaron are found in Jesus. In Chapter 7, point after point in regards to this was made. But those points were not merely hypothetical ruminations. Rather, they were points which actually are realized in the priesthood of Christ Jesus. The matter has been presented, it has been proven, and what has been said is considered as settled, even if more detail is forthcoming.

It is these types of considerations which are realized in this chief point. But his words do not end with the fact that Christ is such a High Priest. Instead, he continues with an explanation of that fact by saying, “who is seated.” Being an aorist verb, it is better translated as, “who sat down.” The author has referred to Psalm 110:1 twice so far in his thoughts (in verse 1:3 and in verse 1:13). The words of the psalm said,

“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”

In verse 1:3, he even spoke of it as an accomplished act with the words about Christ Jesus which said He “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” That thought has been explained and fully substantiated, and it is now realized as an indisputable truth concerning Him – He has sat down. But what is the significance of this act? It is explained by considering the actions of the priests under the Mosaic Covenant.

The majority of the furnishings and equipment mentioned in the construction of the tabernacle/temple are recorded in the book of Exodus. Nowhere was a chair authorized. This is true in both the tabernacle and later in the temple in Jerusalem. This is because the work of the priests was never finished. And this was true of all the priests, including the high priest. This continued on daily, and there was a tremendous amount of work to be accomplished as people came to sacrifice, again and again, for their sins. The high priest also conducted his ongoing duties as well. There is no time that the Law of Moses ever implied that the work would finally be finished and the rituals would cease. Rather, that could only come about through introduction of a New Covenant.

In contrast, Jesus performed His duty (His sacrifice), presented His blood, and sat down. The work is eternally finished! Not only did Jesus sit down, but He did it at “the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.” Though He actively makes intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), that is an act which is based on His finished work. Christ is not performing necessary rituals in order to effect atonement for His believers. Those things have been accomplished. Now, He does the things for us which are made possible through His completed work of atonement.

Life application: Because it is said that Jesus sat down at the “right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,” some will say this indicates a separation between the Father and the Son, thus denying the Trinity. But, the “right hand” is not a physical position; it is the position of all authority. This is seen, for example, in Exodus 15:6 –

“Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.”

Being at the right hand of God means that Jesus is the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth. The Godhead is three Persons in one Essence. Christ is a member of that Godhead. We are to accept the Trinity as a fundamental truth concerning the nature of God.

Jesus sat down! His work is complete and never to be repeated. Our Lord will never again face the agony of the cross, and we need never again fear that our failings will separate us from God. In Christ Jesus, we are eternally secure. His blood has taken our guilt away! Hallelujah and Amen!

Friday, 7 December 2018

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

This is the final verse of Chapter 7. Before completing the chapter, the author provides another contrast between those high priests under the law and Jesus, the High Priest of the New Covenant. The previous verses showed other clear contrasts between the two as well. They were imperfect; He is perfect. They required a sacrifice for their own sins; He required no sacrifice, but instead became the perfect sacrifice. And further, His sacrifices was “once for all.”

Now, the author finishes this thought with another such contrast. The law, meaning the Law of Moses, “appoints as high priests men who have weakness.” Although this may be referring to physical limitations, such as frailty or the ability to get sick and die, it is more certainly referring to their sin-nature and their inability to withstand temptation. In contrast, in Jesus, there is an oath rather than the mandate of the law. This oath “came after the law.” In other words, it sets-aside the law entirely. This has already been stated, but the author is ensuring that we fully understand it. The Law of Moses is set aside by the entrance of the New Covenant.

This New Covenant appoints Jesus who “has been perfected forever.” As was noted before, this doesn’t mean Jesus went from a position of imperfection to one of perfection. Instead, He was and is the perfect, sinless, Son of God. What is perfected forever is our understanding of His perfection. Until Jesus died on the cross and was then raised to life, no one could have imagined His nature. He was thought to be merely a man who could be destroyed at the cross. But the very implement of His death became the point which confirms His perfection. By defeating the cross and being raised to life through the resurrection, all who realize the significance of what occurred can comprehend His perfection and eternality.

In this verse, the law is contrasted to the oath. The succession of high priests – coming, accomplishing their temporary duties, and then dying to be replaced by another – is contrasted to the Son who is forever. There is also the notion of the law coming, and then the oath coming afterward. As the oath came after the giving of the law, it means that the law must have an end. But as the oath speaks of “forever,” then the duties of the new High Priest are connected to His eternality. He is eternal, and His duties are forever.

Life application: It is Jesus who established the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28) in His own blood; it is Jesus who died on the cross, shedding that blood and satisfying the wrath of God; it is Jesus who was raised to eternal life; and it is Jesus who, even now, is at the right hand of the Father working on our behalf as we fall short of the law which He fulfilled. What perverse attitude would have someone go back to the Law of Moses and say, “Gee, I need to do the things of this law in order to be right before God”? He has already done those things! All one does with this attitude is to reject what Christ has done. It is a cosmic slap in God’s face. Stand on the grace of God which is found in Jesus Christ, and do not be led astray by false teachers who reintroduce an obsolete, annulled law.

Great are Your works, O Christ! Thank You for accomplishing that which no man has ever been able to do. In Your great mercy, You saved us from the debt we owe and from the curse of the law! No power of hell and no trick of the devil can ever steal us from Your magnificent salvation. All glory to You! Amen.