Hebrews (written)

Saturday, 1 December 2018

…by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22

The words here reflect a sentiment similar to Hebrews 1:4 –

“having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

The author is slowly and meticulously showing the superiority of the various aspects and ministries of Christ in comparison to those of other entities. Here, he says, “by so much more Jesus has become the surety of a better covenant.” This is based on the words which show He was made a priest by oath. Thus His priesthood is vastly superior to that of Aaron. He has also now further defined the “better hope” of verse 4:19, calling it a “better covenant.”

There was a hope in the Old Covenant which was found in Leviticus 18:5, which said concerning its precepts, “if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” That hope was indeed found in the Mosaic covenant, but it was one which was unattainable by fallen man. The only actual hope that it displayed was in Christ to come. Only He could “do” the things of the law. In the doing of them, He fulfilled it. This is the better hope which is found now in the “better covenant.”

The word “covenant” is the Greek word diathéké. It is introduced now, and it will be used 9 times in chapters 8 and 9. It signifies, “a set-agreement having complete terms determined by the initiating party, which also are fully affirmed by the one entering the agreement” (HELPS Word Studies). The author has, as he has repeatedly done in Hebrews, introduced a word or concept which he will then expand on as he continues with his instruction.

The word translated as “surety” is an adjective found only here in the Bible, egguos. It signifies “under good security,” and thus it is a guarantee. Jesus is that guarantee. Meyer’s NT Commentary states of this, “For Christ, the Son of God, had become man in order to proclaim this covenant upon earth, had sealed it by His sufferings and death, and had been mightily accredited by His resurrection from the dead as a Founder of the Covenant who had been sent by God.” This is correct, and it is expanded on with the thoughts of Albert Barnes. He states, “He is the pledge that we shall be saved. He becomes responsible, so to speak, to law and justice, that no injury shall be done by our salvation, though we are sinners.”

The word says that Jesus Himself is our surety. It is an absolute statement of the doctrine of eternal salvation (once saved always saved). If we put our trust in Christ as stated in Romans 10:9, 10, we are – at that moment – sealed with the Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 1:13, 14. That is an eternal guarantee. But it is based on what Jesus has accomplished. Our faith in Him is that of a surety because the Holy Spirit has sealed us. It is not based on what we have done, but it is only by faith in what He has done. If our salvation is to fail, it means that Jesus, not us, has failed. Such is an impossibility.

As a point of doctrine, and of surety of what is stated here, it should be noted that over the past two verses the author has shown that the priesthood of the New Covenant was made with an oath. This was something which was lacking under the Old Covenant. This oath was actually recorded in the times of the Old Covenant in the Psalms – through the hand of David. In ways such as this, the Bible confirms itself and all of its contents.

Historically, the Bible is a reliable reference for what has occurred. Archaeologically, no evidence has ever been found to refute a claim made in its pages. Rather, archaeology – again and again – supports the biblical record. Philosophically, what can be determined about the nature of God from the created order is fully supported by what the Bible records. Internally, it reaches back and forth, confirming itself in various ways. Nothing is left unanswered when properly researched.

Because of these and so many other assurances, when we see in Jeremiah that a New Covenant is promised and that it will be an eternal one, we don’t need to second guess what is being alluded to. Instead, we simply need to see what the Bible declares about it. This is the purpose of the epistles, including Hebrews. And Hebrews, again and again, demonstrates several truths: 1) Jesus is “greater than” each point or person to whom He is compared in the Old Covenant; 2) Jesus is the focal point of both adoration and worship, to the glory of God the Father; and 3) what is proclaimed in the New Covenant sets aside the Old Covenant in its entirety.

Life application: If you are bound in a legalistic environment which attempts to mingle the unattainable requirements of the Old Covenant with the New, or if you are in a sect or group which exalts any name above “Jesus” as Lord, or if you believe that you can lose your salvation after being saved by Jesus, then you have failed to receive the simplicity and grace of Jesus Christ – the “surety of a better covenant.” Come to Christ, rest in Christ, and do not be led astray by false doctrines which would steal your joy in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord Jesus, we bow to you in adoration. You are majestic in splendor and beautiful in holiness. To You we give thanks, praise, and exaltation! Fill us with Your Spirit and lead us in paths of righteousness as we grow in Christian maturity. In Your perfect name we pray! Amen.

Friday, 30 November 2018

…(for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek’”), Hebrews 7:21

This verse is a parenthetical thought between verses 20 and 22, but all three are one complete sentence. The author, in the previous verse, just said that Christ was made a priest with an oath. This verse now explains that by using the same quote from Psalm 110 which has been cited several times already. First, he begins the parenthetical thought by saying, “for they have become priests without an oath.” This is speaking of those of the Levitical priesthood. As noted in the previous commentary, including the verses from Scripture which supported this thought, Aaron was selected by God and told that this would be his position (Exodus 28:1-3). Further, the Levites then were selected by God in place of the firstborn of Israel to minister under Aaron and his sons (Numbers 3:11-13).

The Lord made the decision, and He appointed the men to fill the positions. There was no oath involved in the process. However, the author continues with, “but He with an oath.” This is speaking of Christ Jesus. His priesthood wasn’t a mere appointment at a certain moment in time, but rather it was promised by God and in advance. And more, it was promised with an oath. When did this happen? It was promised “by Him who said to Him.” This is speaking of the Lord (YHVH) in his discussion with the Lord (Adonai – meaning Yehovah, who is Jesus) who are named in Psalm 110:1. Later in verse 4 of the psalm, the Lord (YHVH) is spoken of again. This is what the author now cites –

“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek’”),

It is this verse which comprises the oath. It was recorded by David in the Psalms many hundreds of years in advance of the coming of Christ. “The Lord has sworn” is the oath. “And will not relent” is given as an absolute surety of the oath. The Lord will never change His mind concerning this matter. “You are a priest forever” is the substance of the oath. “According to the order of Melchizedek” explains the nature of the priesthood. No such oath was promised to Aaron. Therefore, the oath is another sure proof of the supremacy of the priesthood of Christ over that of Aaron.

In this then, the author reminds us that it was with an oath that Jesus was made “a priest forever.” As God simply is, then anything He says must be. There can be no untruthfulness or change in God or in God’s word. The oath then is for our benefit – so that in our moments of weakness or doubt we can turn to God’s word and be absolutely reassured of His guarantee. The Levitical priests, meaning the line of Aaron, didn’t receive an oath from God. Rather they were given a directive to conduct their work faithfully. Should they fail in their duties, there were consequences for their failure, such as is recorded in Leviticus –

“And he shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the Testimony, lest he die.” Leviticus 16:13

This Levitical system then, by its very nature, had to be temporary. In Jeremiah 31:31, God promised a New Covenant to the people and with the covenant came the oath of a new priesthood. This priesthood, by its very nature, cannot ever end.

Life application: Jesus Christ has become the eternal Mediator of an eternal covenant. Because this is so, then the salvation of those for whom He mediates must also be eternal. Can you see these logical connections? If so, then you should have no fear when you fail as a Christian. No sin is too overwhelming for God to withhold His forgiveness, and there is nothing in all of creation that can separate you from the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a past sin, cast that burden on Jesus – your “priest forever.” Allow Him to reassure you of the great and unlimited grace of God.

Lord God, thank You for opening the truths of Your word to us. It follows a logical and orderly sequence, and it leads us to the assurance of Your great love, grace, and mercy. And it shows us of the supremacy of the New Covenant over the Old. What we have in Jesus is eternal, and it is based on an oath from You that it will never change. Glory to You through Jesus… our Priest forever! Amen.

Thursday, 29 November 2018

And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath… Hebrews 7:20

Although it is getting ahead in thought, to understand what the author is saying in this verse, it must be understood what the thought is being contrasted to. That will be revealed in the next verse, but in order to properly identify what that is, a history lesson concerning the Levitical priesthood is necessary.

In Israel, Aaron was appointed as high priest apart from any oath. He was selected by God and told that this would be his position. This is recorded in Exodus 28 –

“Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ² And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. ³ So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.” Exodus 28:1-3 

Later, the Levites were selected by God in place of the firstborn of Israel to minister under Aaron and his sons. This is recorded in Numbers 3 –

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ¹²‘Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, ¹³ because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.’” Numbers 3:11-13

This appointment of Levi was the Lord’s will. He simply decided this was how it was to be, and He made the appointment. On the other hand, Jesus’ priesthood came about in a different way. The author states as much by saying, “And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath.” In other words, He was given an oath assuring His priesthood would be established. Both of these thoughts will be further explained in the coming verse.

Life application: Having an understanding of the Old Testament helps us to more fully understand what is being relayed in the New Testament. If one only reads the New, they will have the information they need, but they may not have the answer as to “why” things are the way they are. We might be told by a mechanic that the motor is now fixed and ready to be used again. If we are content with that, we will get in the car and drive away satisfied. However, if we want to know why the thing stopped working, we will want to review what the underlying cause of the breakdown was, through an explanation of how the motor works, what keeps it running properly, and how to avoid future breakdowns. In understanding the results which are revealed in the New, but without knowing all of the mechanics of the Old, we can have future breakdowns in our theology when someone comes along and gives bad information on what the results “really” mean. Without the foundation, we can be led astray by cheating car mechanics (if such people actually exist!). The same is true with theology and with those who would misdirect our understanding of a matter, by incorrectly explaining how we got to the result which is revealed in the New. In other words, it is the wise and prudent Christian who will be studied in both the Old and the New Testaments.

Great are Your ways O Lord and greatly are You to be praised! We lift our hands to You in praise for the glorious work of Jesus which was accomplished on our behalf. Instead of death, we receive life. Instead of fear, we can worship with joy! How precious You are O God! Thank You for what You have done through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

…for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19

The word “for” once again builds on the continuing thought. The previous verse said, “the former commandment” was annulled “because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” That was a clear and precise statement. The law was ineffectual in accomplishing what it was purposed to do, and thus the law was annulled through the coming of Christ who alone could fulfill it. The reason for the ineffectual nature of the law was the inherent defect of sin in man. As the author now states, “for the law made nothing perfect.”

Fallen man (all men born from Adam are fallen) is imperfect. The law was given to restore man to a right relationship with God. However, that never came about. If it did, man would have stopped dying. As it says in Leviticus 18:5 –

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.”

Those under the law were promised that they would live if they did the things of the law. None under the law lived… until the coming of Christ. Why did Christ live? Because He was and is perfect. The law did not perfect Him; He fulfilled the law. This is why the author next says, “on the other hand.” This is in contrast to the words of the previous verse. Lining the two up side by side shows this –

7:18 – “…on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment.”

7:19 – “…on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope.”

That “better hope” is “the change of the law” referred to in verse 7:12 which comes with another priest according to the order of Melchizedek as stated in 7:15, 16. It is through this “better hope” that “we draw near to God.” This better hope is founded on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He died in fulfillment of the law. In His death and burial, He carried away the sins of the people. And in His resurrection, He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him and what He has done.

Stated again, the entire thought is that the law was set aside because it lacked the power necessary to make a man righteous before God. The imperfection of the temple worshipers remained after each and every visit to the temple. But perfection and holiness is what God demands of us –

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” Leviticus 19:2

Because the law could not produce this in fallen man, by fallen man, he could not draw near to God. Nothing unholy can enter into the presence of the holy God. In this, it is seen that the law could never make man righteous, but instead could only show him how utterly sinful he is in the presence of God. Something more was needed to bring us near to Him… something perfect in and of itself. This is the purpose of the incarnation.

In and by His perfection Jesus prevailed over the law. Now, through faith in Him alone we stand righteous and holy in God’s presence. This isn’t because the righteousness is inherent in ourselves, but because Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. Paul explains this transaction in Galatians 3:10-14 –

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” ¹¹ But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.’ ¹² Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’

¹³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ¹⁴ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Life application: Take time to ponder the wonderful love of God towards us in Christ Jesus! When we were powerless to help ourselves, Christ stepped in and carried our burdens and failings. He became a curse for us so that we could be redeemed from the curse of the law. Now think again on that. If the law brings a curse, why would anyone want to be back under that law? What perverse attitude would say to God, “Thanks for trying, but I will do it on my own?” Only condemnation awaits such a perverse soul.

O God! Surely we have a “better hope” than the ancient worshipers. Their hope looked forward to the Messiah and they only saw darkly what was coming – through shadows and figures. But our hope looks back on His glorious work, accomplished on our behalf and forward to the day we are glorified in Him. How marvelous are your wondrous ways O God! Amen.

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, Hebrews 7:18

The word “For” is used again by the author of Hebrews to continue building his case concerning the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over that of Aaron. Now, to show this as in indisputable truth, he reveals that not only is it superior, but it fully replaces the very commandment which established the Levitical priesthood. The words are, “For on the one hand there is the annulling of the former commandment.” He is referring to the Law of Moses. This is the “commandment” which established the priesthood. This is derived from verse 12 where he stated, “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.”

The priesthood is that of Aaron. In changing that to the priesthood of Christ Jesus, the law is changed. But now he further clarifies that. Not only is it “changed,” the law itself is “annulled.” The second supersedes and entirely replaces the first. Therefore, in the coming of Christ’s priesthood, the law which established the priesthood of Aaron is annulled. The word annulled means “declared invalid.” The covenant known as the Law of Moses is made null and void through the establishment of the New Covenant. This is what Paul proclaimed all the way back in the book of Romans. There he said, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). For those who have come to Christ, the law is completed for them in Him and it is annulled. Righteousness comes through Christ’s fulfillment of it, not through continued observance of it.

The author then explains the failing of the Law of Moses in regards to fallen man with the words, “because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” The word translated as “weakness” refers to someone who is sick, and thus without vigor or strength. The word translated as “unprofitableness” simply means “useless.” The law lacked the strength to accomplish its intended purpose, which was to reconcile man to God. Because of this, it was useless. Something that cannot accomplish what it is made for is discarded. A cup with a hole in it is thrown away. A computer without a processor is a pointless piece of junk. Anything which is defective because it cannot accomplish its main purpose is replaced. Such is the case with the Law of Moses. The main thing the law could actually do for fallen man was to show him how sinful he was in the eyes of God. Paul explains that in Romans as well –

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, ²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20, 21

In annulling the former commandment, Christ brought in a new one. But the way He did this was by fulfilling the law. The law must stand until it is fulfilled. But once it is fulfilled, it is then replaced. Paul again explains this in Romans –

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3, 4

As far as the “annulling of the former command,” it is important to understand that this means “in its entirety.” Throughout the years, people have attempted to divide the law into that which is still pertinent and that which isn’t by naming parts of it the “moral law” and other parts of it the “ceremonial law.” However, no such distinction is made in Scripture. Rather, the Old Covenant law is annulled in its entirety.

This doesn’t mean that there isn’t overlap in what was mandated in the Old and that which is expected in the New. Many of the Old Covenant laws are incorporated into the New as binding precepts, such as not murdering. If the supposed “moral law” of the Old was still in effect, then the Sabbath, which is clearly spoken of as fulfilled in Christ, and not required to be observed, would still be a requirement. All Christians would be home doing nothing on Saturdays. However, the Sabbath is not mentioned as a requirement in the New Covenant, and is therefore set aside. It’s that simple. As it was one of the Ten Commandments, then this clearly demonstrates that the entire law of Moses was annulled irrespective of a “moral” or “ceremonial” distinction.

Understanding this, does this mean the former regulation was defective or having some type of error? Not at all! As Paul says, “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12).

The law fulfilled one purpose in that it demonstrated that no one could be justified by observing it because no one could keep it perfectly. Only Jesus was able to meet its strict requirements, which He did. Thus, He fulfilled it on our behalf. As He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

Paul then explains this in Galatians with the words, “Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.” Galatians 3:21

The law could not bring fallen man to righteousness, not because there was a defect in the law, but because there is a defect in man. Christ, in whom there was no sin (no defect), was able to fulfill the law. In its fulfillment, He annulled the law. For those who are in Christ, He is the end of the law for righteousness. Now, God is no longer imputing sin to those who are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19). For those who are not in Christ, sin – because of the law – is still being imputed. The choice is ours. We can come to Christ and His fulfillment of the law, or we can attempt to be righteous apart from Christ by observance of the law. Choose wisely.

Life application: The words of Hebrews 7:18 are explicit and they are prescriptive. Jesus fulfilled what we couldn’t, and for those who accept that premise, the law is annulled for them. They move to a new and better covenant. However, the law is not abolished for those who do not come to Christ. If one chooses to reject Christ, it remains binding on them; they must fulfill it perfectly or be eternally lost. What a sad state of affairs Christianity is in today. The Hebrew Roots movement has brought many to a state of rejecting the finished work of Christ and reimposing precepts of a law which could never save fallen man. They have set aside grace, and they have brought on themselves condemnation. Run, don’t walk, from this terrible theology.

Jesus, how grateful we are… You alone could meet the strict demands of the law which otherwise only bring death. And You have given us the choice – we can accept Your fulfillment of it on our behalf, or we can attempt (and fail) to meet its mandates on our own. We choose You, O Christ! We choose life! To Your honor and glory alone! Amen.