Although I chose to divide them due to their length, verses 28 through 31 of Hebrews, chapter ten are a continuation of verses 26 and 27 that I commented on yesterday. Here the author continues to address those who might "go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth" and the expectation of God's judgment that is before them. He writes, "Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY" And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE. " It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Perhaps there is no other judgment more severe for the one professing faith in Christ than to be judged by God as having "trampled under foot the Son of God" or to have "insulted the Spirit of grace". Today's passage suggests that this person "deserves" a "severer punishment" than those who where put to death for setting aside the Law of Moses! We may find some solace in knowing that God often tempers what we deserve with grace. But in this case there is no indication that we should expect so. We should only be terrified.
Only God has the right to make this judgment and determine and implement the punishment for it. I have seen men point to events in the lives of other believers and name them as indicators of God's judgment in their lives. I caution against such declarations. We have not the wisdom nor insight into the ways of the Almighty to make such determinations.
What I do believe to be true and what we have seen in these last two days is that God is sovereign and retains the right to judge His people. He does so rightly and justly. The Lord has declared that vengeance is His and that He will repay. This ought to be terrifying to the one who goes on sinning willfully.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Our Hebrew passage for today is found in Chapter 10 and verses 26-27 where we read, "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE AVERSARIES." Although one could spend a considerable amount of time on these two verses, I will take but a little time to share some "short thoughts".
"Willful sinning" by a child of God is simply a wrong attitude, a misinterpretation of scripture, the result of false teaching, or perhaps the reaping of a hardened heart or the failure to confess sin. In the context of our passage, the believer ought never to think that he can sin willfully in anticipation of offering a sacrifice for that sin. The entire Book of Hebrews extols this truth; Christ died once for sin. He is seated and that work is finished. There remains no sacrifice for sin as the ultimate sacrifice has been offered and accepted; Jesus. The thought that there yet remained a sacrifice for sin would imply that His sacrifice was insufficient. Oh, that a attitude of willful sinning would be far removed from each of us.
But "if we go on sinning willfully", we should expect judgment. Judgment and discipline. I will not make the mistake of trying to proclaim the manner in which His judgment will come or just how He will discipline His child. But that He chastens and scourges His children is indisputable. We may not understand how love and judgment, grace and discipline and mercy and scourging can be perfectly accomplished or carried out in the life of a believer. But He is able to do so flawlessly.
Make no mistake, in our struggle with sin, I believe He wishes to speak to us as a loving Father to His child, accepting our confession of sin. And when necessary, He graciously works as only He can to bring us to a place of Godly sorrow that leads us to repentance and restoration. But for continued willful sinning, His judgment is sure.
"Willful sinning" by a child of God is simply a wrong attitude, a misinterpretation of scripture, the result of false teaching, or perhaps the reaping of a hardened heart or the failure to confess sin. In the context of our passage, the believer ought never to think that he can sin willfully in anticipation of offering a sacrifice for that sin. The entire Book of Hebrews extols this truth; Christ died once for sin. He is seated and that work is finished. There remains no sacrifice for sin as the ultimate sacrifice has been offered and accepted; Jesus. The thought that there yet remained a sacrifice for sin would imply that His sacrifice was insufficient. Oh, that a attitude of willful sinning would be far removed from each of us.
But "if we go on sinning willfully", we should expect judgment. Judgment and discipline. I will not make the mistake of trying to proclaim the manner in which His judgment will come or just how He will discipline His child. But that He chastens and scourges His children is indisputable. We may not understand how love and judgment, grace and discipline and mercy and scourging can be perfectly accomplished or carried out in the life of a believer. But He is able to do so flawlessly.
Make no mistake, in our struggle with sin, I believe He wishes to speak to us as a loving Father to His child, accepting our confession of sin. And when necessary, He graciously works as only He can to bring us to a place of Godly sorrow that leads us to repentance and restoration. But for continued willful sinning, His judgment is sure.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
As I resume blogging my "short thoughts" through the Book of Hebrews, today's passage will be in Hebrews 10:24-25, where the author writes, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
In his third "let us" statement, we find the Hebrew author inspired to give valuable instructions regarding life in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for members of the body of Christ to be unkind or indifferent to one another. To often believers are found to be critical of one another and have a tendency to be the "holy spirit" in each others lives. So it seems right for us to ask; how much time and energy do we spend to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works" or in "encouraging one another"? We can be thankful that some congregations have many members who are actively involved in doing so while others need our prayers.
For the body of Christ to function as God has intended, its members must endeavor to see and practice the truths spoken of in these two verses. We must be concerned about stimulating one another to love and good works and we must be those who encourage one another. We will not be able to accomplish these ministries in the energy of the flesh and will only walk in them as we walk in the Spirit.
It was true at the time of the writing and it is certainly true today. It is the habit of some to forsake the assembling together with other believers in the body of Christ. But if you noticed the context of where this famous admonition is, you see that it is not about going to church for church sake, but going to church for the sake of those who compose the Church. For His Church and those who are its members. I know there will be exceptions, but I believe this passage speaks to the truth that it will be difficult to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another if we are forsaking our assembling together.
If it is not your habit, don't allow it to become yours. If it is your habit, seek His help to break it. Determine to assemble together with brothers and sisters in Christ. Make that your habit. And take the time to consider how you might stimulate a brother or sister in Christ to love and good deeds. Consider how you might encourage a brother or sister in Christ today and another tomorrow. Let each of us be quick to encourage one another.
In this life there is really no end in sight to this admonition to assemble together, to stimulate one another to love and good works and to encourage one another. May we never think that our need to be a giver or receiver of these ministries in the body will lessen as we grow in Christ. On the contrary, as we "see the day drawing near", we are to assemble together, stimulate one another to love and good deeds and encourage one another, "all the more". Surely we can "see the day drawing near". As you consider the importance of these matters in your life and in the lives of those who you fellowship with, remember these three words; "all the more".
In his third "let us" statement, we find the Hebrew author inspired to give valuable instructions regarding life in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for members of the body of Christ to be unkind or indifferent to one another. To often believers are found to be critical of one another and have a tendency to be the "holy spirit" in each others lives. So it seems right for us to ask; how much time and energy do we spend to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works" or in "encouraging one another"? We can be thankful that some congregations have many members who are actively involved in doing so while others need our prayers.
For the body of Christ to function as God has intended, its members must endeavor to see and practice the truths spoken of in these two verses. We must be concerned about stimulating one another to love and good works and we must be those who encourage one another. We will not be able to accomplish these ministries in the energy of the flesh and will only walk in them as we walk in the Spirit.
It was true at the time of the writing and it is certainly true today. It is the habit of some to forsake the assembling together with other believers in the body of Christ. But if you noticed the context of where this famous admonition is, you see that it is not about going to church for church sake, but going to church for the sake of those who compose the Church. For His Church and those who are its members. I know there will be exceptions, but I believe this passage speaks to the truth that it will be difficult to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another if we are forsaking our assembling together.
If it is not your habit, don't allow it to become yours. If it is your habit, seek His help to break it. Determine to assemble together with brothers and sisters in Christ. Make that your habit. And take the time to consider how you might stimulate a brother or sister in Christ to love and good deeds. Consider how you might encourage a brother or sister in Christ today and another tomorrow. Let each of us be quick to encourage one another.
In this life there is really no end in sight to this admonition to assemble together, to stimulate one another to love and good works and to encourage one another. May we never think that our need to be a giver or receiver of these ministries in the body will lessen as we grow in Christ. On the contrary, as we "see the day drawing near", we are to assemble together, stimulate one another to love and good deeds and encourage one another, "all the more". Surely we can "see the day drawing near". As you consider the importance of these matters in your life and in the lives of those who you fellowship with, remember these three words; "all the more".
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 10:23, the author continues with another "let us" statement when he is inspired to write, "Let us hold fast the confession of hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful". This verse will be the basis for today's short thoughts. As the Hebrew believers were, so are we challenged with these words written so many years ago. We are called to believe and trust Him. In our confession of hope, He calls us to hold fast to it without wavering. The passage seems to acknowledge our tendency, in the weakness of the flesh, to waiver. But we are admonished towards steadfastness. The key? To remain mindful of His faithfulness.
Perhaps there is nothing that gives the believer hope and sustains that hope more than the faithfulness of God. Without question and without exception, God is faithful! He has promised us etemallife. We have it. He promised to send the Helper. He sent Him. He promised to build His church. He is building it. He promised that He would prepare a place for us. This special place awaits us. He promised to come again and receive us unto Himself. That day draws nearer each hour. He promised that there will come a day when we will be with Him and "so shall we ever be with the Lord". Oh, what a hope is ours!
In our "conviction of things not seen", let us hold fast our confession of hope. The hope that we have in Christ and the summary of all truth that is found in Him. May He be our reason for steadfastness of faith.
Perhaps there is nothing that gives the believer hope and sustains that hope more than the faithfulness of God. Without question and without exception, God is faithful! He has promised us etemallife. We have it. He promised to send the Helper. He sent Him. He promised to build His church. He is building it. He promised that He would prepare a place for us. This special place awaits us. He promised to come again and receive us unto Himself. That day draws nearer each hour. He promised that there will come a day when we will be with Him and "so shall we ever be with the Lord". Oh, what a hope is ours!
In our "conviction of things not seen", let us hold fast our confession of hope. The hope that we have in Christ and the summary of all truth that is found in Him. May He be our reason for steadfastness of faith.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 10:19-22, we read, "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
My short thoughts for today could be summarized by the short chorus, "Only by the blood of the Lamb." Or as the great hymn truthfully proclaims, "No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus".
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we may enter the holy place by the precious blood of Jesus, but for reasons I will not attempt to name, I fear we are often neglectful of His gracious invitation. When did you last enter this place? How long has it been since you last journeyed to "the throne of grace"? He bids us come and has given us His word that we will "find grace to help in time of need". Is today not that time? Will tomorrow some how be void of our need for His helpful grace? Oh, don't worry if you go there often. We cannot exhaust the grace that is found at this place. Only be concerned that you not become a stranger there by staying away too long and making only infrequent visits.
So, "by the blood of Jesus", enter the holy place. The giver of grace desires to give grace to His children. Grace upon grace!
My short thoughts for today could be summarized by the short chorus, "Only by the blood of the Lamb." Or as the great hymn truthfully proclaims, "No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus".
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we may enter the holy place by the precious blood of Jesus, but for reasons I will not attempt to name, I fear we are often neglectful of His gracious invitation. When did you last enter this place? How long has it been since you last journeyed to "the throne of grace"? He bids us come and has given us His word that we will "find grace to help in time of need". Is today not that time? Will tomorrow some how be void of our need for His helpful grace? Oh, don't worry if you go there often. We cannot exhaust the grace that is found at this place. Only be concerned that you not become a stranger there by staying away too long and making only infrequent visits.
So, "by the blood of Jesus", enter the holy place. The giver of grace desires to give grace to His children. Grace upon grace!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 10:14-18 where we read, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND UPON THEIR MIND WILL I WRITE THEM," He then says, "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin."
There is much to say about the content of these verses but in my "short thoughts" format, I will attempt to keep my comments brief. If you find yourself amongst the blessed; those who have been set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit; a recipient of God's lavished grace; praise God that you have been perfected for all time! This truth testifies to His effectual work and the rest that we find in Christ.
Consider our sins and lawless deeds. I could not begin to count the number that would have my name alongside them as their owner. Simply put, since my entrance into this world, sins and lawless deeds have been mine in abundance. Believer in Christ, I am not suggesting that I dwell on mine or that you dwell on yours. But do glory in what He has done on our behalf. He has purposed to remember them no more! This is not the result of a God who has grown old and forgetful. It is the result of a God who has given His Son to be our sin bearer. In Christ, we find hope that God has purposed to remember our sins and lawless deeds no more!
In Romans 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul wrote of the blessedness of forgiveness. Quoting from Psalm 32, the apostle wrote, "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." The efficacy of Christ's offering for sin is etched in the forgiveness that is found in Him. As many as my sins and lawless deeds have been, I am forgiven in Christ. Yes, I am a blessed man! Hear what the scripture says believers in Christ. Know the completeness of your forgiveness. "Where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin." It is finished! He is seated! Believer, you are forgiven!
There is much to say about the content of these verses but in my "short thoughts" format, I will attempt to keep my comments brief. If you find yourself amongst the blessed; those who have been set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit; a recipient of God's lavished grace; praise God that you have been perfected for all time! This truth testifies to His effectual work and the rest that we find in Christ.
Consider our sins and lawless deeds. I could not begin to count the number that would have my name alongside them as their owner. Simply put, since my entrance into this world, sins and lawless deeds have been mine in abundance. Believer in Christ, I am not suggesting that I dwell on mine or that you dwell on yours. But do glory in what He has done on our behalf. He has purposed to remember them no more! This is not the result of a God who has grown old and forgetful. It is the result of a God who has given His Son to be our sin bearer. In Christ, we find hope that God has purposed to remember our sins and lawless deeds no more!
In Romans 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul wrote of the blessedness of forgiveness. Quoting from Psalm 32, the apostle wrote, "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." The efficacy of Christ's offering for sin is etched in the forgiveness that is found in Him. As many as my sins and lawless deeds have been, I am forgiven in Christ. Yes, I am a blessed man! Hear what the scripture says believers in Christ. Know the completeness of your forgiveness. "Where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin." It is finished! He is seated! Believer, you are forgiven!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 10:10-13, we read, "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET." These four verses will be the basis for today's short thoughts.
It may seem repetitive but its repetitiveness is based on its importance. It is reflective of God's desire to impart the truth firmly in our hearts and minds. ONCE FOR ALL declares the scriptures! Do not doubt nor minimize this truth of Christ. As the author is inspired to write, by Christ and Christ alone are we sanctified.
There was no "sitting down" for the priests who offered gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. There could be no declaration proceeding from their mouths, saying, "It is finished!" No, quite the opposite, they stood daily ministering and offering the same sacrifices "time after time". The "same sacrifices" they offered could not take away sin. But they rightly pointed to and anticipated the one sacrifice that would do so for all time. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself. In Him we find our sins have been taken away!
It may seem repetitive but its repetitiveness is based on its importance. It is reflective of God's desire to impart the truth firmly in our hearts and minds. ONCE FOR ALL declares the scriptures! Do not doubt nor minimize this truth of Christ. As the author is inspired to write, by Christ and Christ alone are we sanctified.
There was no "sitting down" for the priests who offered gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. There could be no declaration proceeding from their mouths, saying, "It is finished!" No, quite the opposite, they stood daily ministering and offering the same sacrifices "time after time". The "same sacrifices" they offered could not take away sin. But they rightly pointed to and anticipated the one sacrifice that would do so for all time. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself. In Him we find our sins have been taken away!
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