Faith Is Still the Key Even in Sacrifice

 A Better Sacrifice

Book of Hebrews Chapter 10

The sacrifices under the Old Testament dispensation were all shadowy representations and types of that one great sacrifice of the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, whereby "He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

We know that these sacrifices came by the Laws of Moses, and they are "types" of the truth of Jesus Christ, but we know that the sacrifice did not begin with the Laws of Moses.

It is in the Garden of Eden in the early days of Adam and Eve where the Law of Obedience to the Word of God was first given!

All the sacrifices in the Old Testament can be considered to be "types" of the Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ!

As in all things, it took "Faith" for any sacrifice to be received of God and then it must be a sacrifice true to the Word of God.

Heb 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

For instance "God says thou shalt not kill" so human sacrifice will only bring death to those who murder.

Heb 11:17  By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 

Heb 11:18  Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 

Heb 11:19  Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Abraham's "faith" was in the fact that if God took His son Isaac, then God would have to raise him from that death.

We know that God did not allow the sacrifice of Isaac and He will not allow the sacrifice of any human by those who are Christian.

All vengeance belongs to our Heavenly Father!

The only acceptable sacrifice was the sacrifice of God's Own Dear Son, Jesus!

Heb 9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

Heb 9:13  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 

Heb 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

Let us begin Chapter 10 of the Book of Hebrews:

*****Heb 10:1  For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 

Heb 10:2  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 

Heb 10:3  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 

Heb 10:4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

We should understand that there has never been a perfect man!

Every individual will fall short of what they could become if they have not learned obedience to the Word of God!

Humans are lustful and immoral and the proof of this is seen every day in this world.

All this movement called LBJQT is about lust and immorality and rejection of the Word of God!

LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. These terms are used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. 

All these things are abomination to the Lord Jesus, but God is willing to forgive even these things but just like all others so full of sin, they must repent after salvation.

God does not expect us to repent before salvation because we just do not have it in us to do so.

God says to come as you are and be saved and then the Holy Spirit will cause us to repent of our old life. 

This works the same for every sinner!

It is by the Holy Spirit who will give us the power to repent as we are "Born Again" into something new!

We can never live with God until we are "Born Again"!

If we had to the power to clean our sinful lives ourselves, then we would not need Jesus nor the Holy Spirit and many believe they have it in their own power to do this today and they are so wrong!

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

Joh 3:6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

Joh 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Even in animal sacrifices, those animals had to be pure and flawless, so why should we ever expect God to require less from humans?

1) An animal is not the same nature of a human no matter what evolution teaches.

2) An animal has not the same value of humans in the eyes of God.

3) An animal was not capable of consenting to be a sacrificed or volunteer to be substitute for that human that offered it.

There was no power in the sacrifices of the Old Testament to gain salvation and a fellowship the with God!

There is no power in our own sacrifice of ourselves because it brings our own death, and we would get not one step closer to the Lord.

It is only because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that we can have New Life!

Joh 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 

God knows we believe this when pray the sinner’s prayer!

Hos 14:2  Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. 

Rom_12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

We must be capable of consenting to the fact of our sin before God will hear us!

It is only by the Holy Spirit that comes to live within us after we are saved, that we will have the power to repent!

God had no pleasure at all in the sacrifice of animals especially when the true meaning of those things was ignored!

*****Heb 10:5  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 

Heb 10:6  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Heb 10:7  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 

The perfect sacrifice for our sin was in a Body specifically prepare by Jehovah God!

Psa 40:6  Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 

Psa 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 

Psa 40:8  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

It should be obvious, that both the Psalmist and the Holy Ghost inspired writer of the Book of Hebrews, were speaking of the Virgin Born Son of God.

Do not listen to false teachers and preachers who reject the "Virgin Birth".

The Lord Jesus had to be born of a virgin or his sacrifice would be the same as all those other sacrifices, which is worthless!

He also had to live a perfect life, so that He would be the ideal person to die for our sin!

He also had to be eternal Himself, in order to cover our sins eternally!

Remember Jesus died for all past sin from the day He hung on that Cross and all future sin since that day!

There is a reason His arms were reaching to the East and West of His body!

When God knew that no one person of earth could die for our sin, He came Himself to be the perfect sacrifice!

I am heartbroken to know that Jesus the Messiah had to die just I could be saved!

1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 

1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

1Jn 4:5  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 

1Jn 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

We must understand that God the Holy Spirit has taken the time and with patience to write down all the Word of God, just so we can come to this conclusion.

There is only One Body of Christ!

One in nature.

One in truth.

One in glory.

Jesus was mortal and natural.

Jesus is Supernatural and real.

Jesus is mystical (the Spirit of Jesus) yet magnificent in His truth.

Paul by the Holy Spirit wrote:

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 

Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Php 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 

Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

We must understand that the Lord Jesus Christ had to do the Will of God, or He too would have been a false Messiah!

The Lord Jesus Christ took away the First Covenant by fulfilling it, so He could establish the New Covenant!

Notice that verse 7 should have been in Red Letters because this is Jesus speaking, though by the Holy Spirit!

*****Heb 10:8  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 

Heb 10:9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 

Because the Lord Jesus Christ was the perfect sacrifice and the sacrifices of the Law were imperfect, then those sacrifices became useless!

This what the Scriptures above have proved.

The sacrifices of the Law were powerless to remove sin because of a lack of faith!

The removal of sin would take a perfect sacrifice!

God loves His created beings, and it is God's will that as many as will believe be saved.

1Ti 2:3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

The Lord Jesus came to do the will of His Father!

This is the same thing that our Heavenly Father expects from us, to do His will for us!

The fulfilling of the will of God is spoken of as a substitute for sacrifices.

The Divine will of God is our redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ and is perfectly fulfilled by Him!

No other sacrifice will work and there is no other way to approach God, but by His Only Begotten Son!

*****Heb 10:10  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 

The perfect sacrifice, the offering of the body of Christ, makes people holy once-and-for-all.

This work of the Lord Jesus Christ perfectly satisfied the holiness, the righteousness, and the justice of God once-for all!

When a person comes to God by the Lord Jesus Christ, the sacrifice of Christ Jesus is applied to that person and covers all that person’s sins!

Only then, can we have a complete fellowship with our Heavenly Father, all because of the work Jesus Christ did for us!

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

All the shame that comes from our sinful lives will be removed, because we can be at peace with our Creator.

Rom 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Our sin could never be removed by some earthly priest nor the sacrifices that they offered!

*****Heb 10:11  And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 

The earthly priests were never done with their work.

Our Heavenly High Priest has completed His sacrifice, by making one sacrifice that last forever!

The Lord Jesus gave His own life willingly, that we could be reconciled to His Heavenly Father!

1Pe 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 

*****Heb 10:12  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 

Heb 10:13  From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 

The fact of the matter is, that after completing the work He came to do, the Lord Jesus Christ is now at this time, sitting at the right hand of God.

He would not be in this place if His work were not finished!

He accomplished these things because He obeyed!

No matter how much we think we know about our Heavenly Father, the most important thing we can do is to obey Him no matter what He ask of us!

Remember God will never ask us to do unreasonable things!

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

How long will the Lord Jesus Christ be sitting at the throne of God?

He will sit there until God the Father has separated the goats from the sheep!

This is what is going on in our world today!

The Lord Jesus Christ has already taken away our sin and now He is in place to deliver us from sin, from the evil in this world, from disease, from corruption, from death, from evil spirits, and from Satan.

We will find none of these things in Heaven!

These things are reaching their peak today as we have seen and continue to see!

He will deliver those who love Him eternally! 

Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 

Eph 1:8  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 

Eph 1:9  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 

Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

Those old sacrifices could do none of these things!

*****Heb 10:14  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 

Heb 10:15  Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 

Heb 10:16  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 

Heb 10:17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 

Notice it is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ that has caused our sanctification!

To be sanctified is to be set apart to God!

To be sanctified is to be made holy!

To be sanctified is to be consecrated, dedicated to the service and the worship of the One True God!

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

1Co 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 

1Co 1:3  Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:2  Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

1Co 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 

1Co 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 

Amen

A Better Place to Worship

 A Better Sanctuary

Book of Hebrews Chapter 9

As we study the Book of Hebrews, we are learning that the New Covenant is far better than the Old Covenant.

The sanctuary in the Old Covenant was the Tabernacle and later on the Temple, which was built similar to the Tabernacle in design.

What was the purpose of the Tabernacle?

1) The Tabernacle provided a way for God to dwell in the midst of the nation of Israel.

Exo 25:8  And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 

This sanctuary was called the Holy of Holies and only the High Priest could enter this place and then, only once a year.

Today upon our own salvation, we become that Holy of Holies as the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts.

2) The Tabernacle provided a way for God to reveal His glory.

Exo 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 

Exo 40:35  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 

3) The Tabernacle provided a way for sinful people to approach God because it was the center of sacrificial worship.

Lev 17:11  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 

4) The Tabernacle was a reminder of the separation of our Holy God from sinful people.

5) The Tabernacle was built in anticipation of the redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

The entire Tabernacle worship system reminded the nation of Israel that a Mediator was necessary to approach God!

They had a need to learn that no one can approach God without a Mediator!

They found that God is holy, and His holiness demands moral and upright people to serve Him. 

This was the reason for the Ten Commandments!

They learned that God cares for His people and would dwell with them under certain conditions.

They learned that "blood" was important to worship this Holy God.

They should have learned that the Levitical priesthood was pointing ahead to a Mediator, who would once and for all reconcile sinful people to a Holy God!

They also should have learned that when God makes covenants, He will keep them!

That when God makes promises, He will not break them.

That when God makes an oath, He will follow through with it.

That God means what He says and also says what He means!

They should also have learned that far greater things lie ahead for those who love God and are obedient to Him!

*****Heb 9:1  Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 

Heb 9:2  For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 

We should understand that there are rules that must be observed if, we want to be acceptable to God, God being the Lord Jesus Christ!

There are some rules that must be observed if we want to have fellowship with God!

Today we understand that according to the perfect Word of God, it is only by the work of the Lord Jesus Christ that we can gain access to Heaven's Tabernacle!

The tabernacle of Moses was an earthly sanctuary or tabernacle, and it was set aside for the worship of God, but it was only an earthly sanctuary.

Heaven's sanctuary is served by the Lord Jesus Christ who provides all good things.

Jas_1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The Tabernacle of Moses was of God and was made according to the Tabernacle in Heaven.

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

There are many things that we need to understand about that Tabernacle.

The walls of white linen symbolized the righteousness and the holiness of God. 

Our Savior, the Lord Jesus, is set apart from this world!

When we look at our Savior, we must see that He dwells in "righteousness" and "holiness" and He cannot change His ways and still be God!

When we attempt to approach God, we must approach Him in "reverence" and "awe" of His "majesty" and His "power".

We must approach Him in "adoration" and in "worship".

We must approach God in thankfulness.

We must approach God with our praise of Him!

We just do not praise God as we should, and it is evident in the modern Church!

It is the Lord Just Christ that fulfilled the symbolism of those white linen walls!''

2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

There was only one entrance to this earthly Tabernacle.

It was made of fined twined linen and was blue, purple, and scarlet representing the robes Jesus wore at His false trial.

That door taught us that there is only one way to enter into God's presence. There are not several ways as the world would have you believe.

God has to be approached even though it is He who will first call you.

No person can live with God unless they approach God!

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who fulfilled the symbolism of this door!

Joh 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Brazen Altar"!

Mar 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 

Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Brazen Laver"!

Joh 13:8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 

Then there was the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle.

*****Heb 9:3  And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 

Heb 9:4  Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 

Heb 9:5  And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

There were distinct parts of this Sanctuary which symbolized the distinct parts in our approach to God.

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the walls and the roof.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism the veil or the curtain.

The outer veil taught us that a person cannot rush into the presence of God.

We are to never disrespect to our Holy God! This is lacking so much in most Churches today!

There is only one way into the "deeper things" of God!

There are deeper things we must know of our God than just making a sacrifice and the forgiveness of our sin.

We must worship in Spirit and Truth with this deeper knowledge of our Savior!

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

Joh 17:4  I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 

Joh 17:5  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the candlestick or the lampstand.

We all need light and illumination in order to know and to serve God!

Without the light of Christ we would remain in pitch darkness that comes by this world we live in, and we would be unable to serve the Lord or even to know Him.

2Co 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

2Co 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the Table of Shewbread.

The knowledge of our Savior is the "Bread of Life" in this world!

He is the nourishment upon which we are to feed upon.

Joh 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the Altar of Incense.

The "Altar of Incense" symbolized our prayers that have reached into Heaven.

Prayers are an especially important part of our worship!

We can have no relationship with our Savior without prayer!

Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

**There was also an inner veil to the Holy of Holies and the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of this inner veil.

This inner veil taught that fellowship and communion with God Himself is the supreme act of worship.

Christ and Christ alone is the way to have fellowship with the Almighty God!

It is much more than just a head knowledge!

Our relation to God must be up close and personal!

Do not say you are worshipping God and then, be unable to enter this inner veil!

Heb 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

*****Heb 9:7  But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 

Heb 9:8  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 

Heb 9:9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 

Heb 9:10  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 

The "Ark of the Covenant" was built like a trunk out of acacia wood and covered with gold.

The lid on top of the Ark was called the "Mercy Seat".

**It is at the "Seat of Mercy" where we meet with the Lord and not the "seat of God's wrath" whom the world will meet.

Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. 

Isa 37:16  O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. 

The Ark contained three items.

1) The broken tables of the law.

Deu 9:9  When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: 

Deu 9:10  And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. 

Deu 10:5  And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me. 

2) The golden pot of manna.

Exo 16:32  And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt. 

Exo 16:33  And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. 

Exo 16:34  As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 

3) Aaron's rod

Num 17:10  And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. 

Num 17:11  And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he. 

Notice this rod of Aaron could have been no longer than the length of the Ark of testimony which makes it a different rod than the rod of Moses.

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Ark of the Covenant"!

1Jn 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, we will not need symbolism for we will see the Lord in His perfect truth!

*****Heb 9:11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 

Heb 9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

We should also understand that even in Heaven, when we are in that Heavenly Tabernacle, we will be expected to worship God our Savior.

If you do not like to worship now, you would not like to worship in Heaven!

There will be many differences:

1) The Heavenly Sanctuary will have a "perfect" High Priest.

The High Priest of Heaven is not a man but is the Son of God!

He is perfect and He is also eternal, and He will always be the High Priest of Heaven!

Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 

Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

2) The worship in that Heavenly Sanctuary will be "spiritual" and it will be "perfect"!

In it, we will be led by the Lord Jesus, the Son of God in the very presence of God.

On earth we are imperfect beings, but in Heaven we will also be perfect.

3) The Heavenly Sanctuary and worship will have a perfect sacrifice.

There will be no animals sacrificed.

There will be no human sacrificed.

There will be no sacrifices at all!

God has already sacrificed Himself, so no other sacrifice would have any meaning.

There will no more sacrifice because there will be no more sin!

On earth, we could not escape sin, death, and condemnation, but in that Heavenly Sanctuary these things do not exist!

4) The Heavenly Sanctuary and Worship is for saved people only. The Heavenly Sanctuary is a place for those who are pure!

Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 

You see these things are the good things to come, because there is nothing good upon this earth but God!

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 

1Jn 2:29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 

Amen

We will Never Be Good Enough To Enter Heaven's Gates

 A Better Covenant

Book of Hebrews Chapter 8

By understanding the Old Covenant compared to the New Covenant we can better understand the work that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for our salvation, so we have no work to do, but to believe in the work that Jesus has done for us. 

Our faith must be based upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

We should understand that the Old Testament speaks of a Covenant of Works where humans had to do all the work, whereas the New Testament speaks of the Covenant of Grace where the Lord Jesus Christ has already completed all the work necessary for our salvation.

God did make a covenant of works with Adam.

Adam was told to obey God and he was promised eternal life for obedience, and eternal death for disobedience.

Adam failed because of disobedience and death entered the human race! Race meaning all humanity lumped into one group.

The Bible does not speak of any differences in the color of the skin as having any benefit or loss of benefits in the Word of God.

A works doctrine has no chance of pleasing God!

We cannot ever be good enough to enter into Heaven's Gates!

We cannot ever do enough “good” work to please God!

There is no such thing as "our good" having to outweigh "our bad" before God will allow us in Heaven!

We have no goodness within us to begin with!

Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; "there is none that doeth good, no, not one".

Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) "dwelleth no good thing": for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

There is no amount of goodness that can reconcile us our Heavenly Father!

God solved this problem with His Covenant of Grace through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!

The entire world has been under the Covenant of Works which is actually a Covenant of Death since the time of Adam!

Gen 2:16  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 

Gen 2:17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof "thou shalt surely die". 

As a result of Adam's failure, God entered into a Covenant of Grace through which the problem of sin and death would be overcome forever!

God knew there would never be a perfect human!

Only God could provide the solution to this problem because it was God who made that covenant with Adam.

God made this solution because of His promises such as the one He made with Abraham.

Gal 3:17  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, "the law", which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, "that it should make the promise of none effect". 

Gal 3:18  For if the inheritance be of the law, "it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise". 

Abraham lived and died before the Law that was given to Moses which was a works covenant.

There is no life at all that can come by a works covenant because a works covenant becomes a covenant of death!

It is only by the "Gospel of Jesus Christ", that the substance of God's "Grace" is revealed!

The "Covenant of Works" could only be a "Covenant of Life," "when obedience is perfect" which is impossible for the human being!

You See, God entered into a covenant with Adam as the head of the human race and it was up to Adam to fulfill his side of the covenant, but Adam failed.

Gen 2:16  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 

Gen 2:17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

The Apostle Paul once a devout Jew realized the truth of this covenant with Adam.

Rom 7:8  But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 

Rom 7:9  For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 

Rom 7:10  And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 

Rom 7:11  "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me". 

You see, without that law being given to Adam, then there would be no death!

Gal 3:10  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them". 

Gal 3:11  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith". 

Gal 3:12  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 

Gal 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, "being made a curse for us": for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 

Gal 3:14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; "that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith". 

The penalty for disobedience to that covenant of works is stated in the term "die"!

Does God still demand perfect obedience of humans just as He did Adam?

Lev 18:5  Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: "which if a man do, he shall live in them": I am the LORD. 

Repeated in the New Testament.

Rom 10:5  For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, "That the man which doeth those things shall live by them". 

The thing that so many get confused about, is the fact that this obligation of mankind has been fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ!

God made this covenant with His Son before the human race existed!

2Th 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth": 

2Th 2:14  Whereunto he called you by our gospel, "to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ". 

2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, "which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began", 

2Ti 1:10  "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ", "who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel": 

1Pe 1:2  Elect "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father", through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 

Our all-knowing God the Father planned our "redemption" before He created the human race.

God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ would provide this "redemption" through His own "atoning" death, through the regenerating and the sealing of each believer which makes salvation according to our own faith and not by works!

Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 

Eph 1:4  "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world", that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

Eph 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 

Eph 1:7  In whom "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace"; 

Eph 1:8  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 

Eph 1:9  "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will", according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, "being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will": 

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

Eph 1:13  "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth", "the gospel of your salvation": in whom also "after that ye believed", "ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise", 

These things are not so hard to understand if we would just read the Word of God that He has given to us!

God says we must diligently study the Word of God!

Our lesson states:

*****Heb 8:1  Now of the things which we have spoken "this is the sum": We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 

Heb 8:2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 

Heb 8:3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 

Heb 8:4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

We should clearly understand that there are qualifications for any priest, pastor, bishop, Pope or anyone else who stands before God for humanity!

God had certain conditions that had to be met if there were to be the Perfect High Priest!

1) Heb 3:1  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 

Heb 3:2  Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 

2) Heb 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

3) Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

4) Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 

Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

5) Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 

6) Heb 5:5  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 

Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

7) Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 

8) Heb 6:20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

9) Heb 7:16  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 

10) Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

11) Heb 8:1  Now of the things which we have spoken "this is the sum": "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 

Heb 8:2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man".

No one, but the Lord Jesus Christ was able to meet all these qualifications!

You see this is the sum of the Book of Hebrews and the sum of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

This is the chief point of the Book of Hebrews and in fact of all the Word of God!

Jesus Christ is the Sovereign Majesty of this universe!

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of the only proper place to worship in this universe!

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of Heaven!

Jesus Christ is the One in Heaven who can also reach each saint of God here upon this earth!

Jesus Christ is not in Heaven selfishly enjoying the great wonders of His creation.

Jesus Christ is not in Heaven soaking up all His glory.

Jesus Christ is in Heaven listening to and hearing the cries of His people and ministering to their needs, just as He always has!

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is putting to end the murder of innocent babies answering prayers of the many who have prayed for this end.

It is a shame and disgrace that our own government insist on the continuation of the murder of the unborn child.

The EU is even worst in every category of sin and proud of it!

Jesus Christ is actively looking after the true sanctuary in Heaven!

This is the same place where God sits upon His throne!

Isa 41:9  Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 

Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

Isa 41:11  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who offered the ultimate sacrifice, Himself, for our sins!

Tit 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"; 

Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

Tit 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. 

Jesus Christ was not born to be the High Priest of this world!

He will be King of kings when He returns!

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of Heaven!

Our job is to lead people to Heaven to the true High Priest for only He can save!

No one upon this earth has the power to pronounce you saved, it is a God thing that only Christ Jesus can accomplish!

Heb 11:10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

If we are just looking for a sanctuary upon this earth, then we are not committed to the High Priest of Heaven!

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Minister of the New Covenant which is a Superior Covenant!

*****Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. (The theme of our lesson today)

We see that this is a covenant God was made with His Son and humanity's one part is to believe! (faith)

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who stands between humanity and the Almighty God, with the Lord Jesus Christ "the express image of God", our Mediator.

This is why it is called "Grace"!

Jesus the Messiah has negotiated this covenant with His Father without the interference of mankind and it will remain this way!

It is the Almighty God who chose His Son for this role, and it was the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ who fulfilled His role, and is continuing to fulfill His role, as our Mediator and our High Priest.

It is easy to see that this covenant is founded upon better promises!

The Old Covenant (The Law) was a covenant of death because no one could keep all those old laws!

Those old laws could not bring about reconciliation!

The Law cannot make us holy!

The Law cannot make us acceptable to God!

The Law cannot provide a personal experience with the Almighty God!

The Law cannot teach us the love and the mercy of God!

Heb 7:19  For the law "made nothing perfect", "but the bringing in of a better hope did"; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Only Jesus Christ can make us perfect in the eyes of a Loving God!

The first covenant, the covenant of Law, was full of faults because it was a covenant of works!

*****Heb 8:7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 

Heb 8:8  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 

Heb 8:9  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 

The New Covenant eliminates the weaknesses of the Old Covenant!

If we look closely, we can see where God the Holy Spirit begins speaking. (Look for the word "I").

It is God Himself who points out the weakness of that Old Covenant!

If we cannot believe God, then how can we expect His "Mercy" or His "Grace"!

Note: If the Old Covenant  can reveal sin, but does not offer a way remove sin, then that covenant is useless!

Any Covenant that fails to meet the needs of the sinner is a Covenant of Death!

If the Old Covenant could provide a way for forgiveness, then there would have been no need for the Lord Jesus to die!

It is God who decided all these things!

These things make the Word of God gathered together in what we call the Bible the greatest book that could exist!

The New Covenant now becomes the "Good News" to the sinner because the Gospel makes a way for forgiveness because we have a "merciful" and "loving" God who wants each sinner to know this truth!

This is God's plan of salvation not man's plan!

The New Covenant is vastly different from the Old Covenant because our death is now just the doorway to eternal life!

Joh 3:14  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 

Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

Joh 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Joh 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

Joh 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

We should know that God does not regard anyone who rejects His Covenants!

God's New Covenant is in effect for the Church but not for Israel at this time though it will be after they see the wrath of God.

Remember Israel is right now blind to the Gospel!

Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 

Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 

That "unto this day" would mean the day the Apostle Paul had authored the Book of Romans, and it is still in the future, when they too will believe the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

*****Heb 8:10  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 

Heb 8:11  And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 

Heb 8:12  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 

After those days would be after the Church Age and the seven years of Tribulation which Israel will go through, but not the Church.

We must understand that the New Covenant of God is an inward power that did not exist until the Holy Spirit moved into our heart!

The heart that belongs to the Lord will then, sow righteousness into the mind of the believer!

When the blinders have been removed from Israel, they too can be "Born Again" into the family of God!

This of course is speaking of Israel as a nation and not the individual.

Every individual that hears the Gospel and the Holy Spirit cause conviction can be saved.

Salvation is a work brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit on earth!

Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 

Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

Joh 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

That New Covenant of course is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Joh 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 

Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 

Joh 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

Joh 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

None can be acceptable to God without a new heart and a new mind and again we see the importance of repentance!

Repentance may not be preached in the Church anymore, but it is still a requirement even in this time of "Grace"!

With a new heart and mind comes a desire to follow and obey God!

We will be stirred to show God the same love He has shown to us!

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

God Himself says He will God to each believer!

We that believe are God's children which means:

1) We can have fellowship with God.

2) We can pray and know our prayer will be heard.

3) We can call on God because we know of His "Mercy" and His "Grace".

4) We will have God's provision and protection.

5) We can have the power of the Holy Spirit to battle temptation and trials and have victory over them.

There is so much more that comes from a personal relationship with our Savior!

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

There is power in having a personal relationship with God!

There is no need for a human priest to make contact with Heaven!

As the Scripture says: We can boldly go into the throne room of God, we simply better be humble when we get there!

When we get to Heaven, we can know God face to face and live forever!

We can now approach God through His Son Jesus!

We can know, it is not just the nation of Israel, who still wear the blinders, that God will accept us, as He accepts all nations, all races, and all peoples, rich or poor.

As believers we can know the power of "forgiveness"!

The forgiveness of sins is the basis for all the promises of God!

God also directs each of us to be just as forgiving as He is forgiving!

The forgiveness of God is based upon the "mercy" of God!

We are not forgiven because of some law, but we are forgiven by the "Grace" of God, through the Lord Jesus Christ!

We can be saved if we believe the Lord Jesus Christ died in payment for our sins!

Jer 31:34  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

When God says He will remember our sins no more He means it!

God has removed our sin as far as the distance from the east to the west which is infinite!

Psa 103:12  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 

When God says forgiveness, then it is a perfect forgiveness, because He is perfect in all His ways!

When God replaces one covenant with another covenant, then that Old Covenant is ready to vanish away!

*****Heb 8:13  In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

God would not have made a New Covenant if He intended to keep the Old Covenant!

Does this mean we can tear out the Old Testament from the Bible?

No, all Scripture is for our learning!

2Ti_3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

It is Scripture of the Old Covenant that teaches us what is sin and that we are all guilty of sin.

It is Scripture that teaches us about faith!

Gal 3:22  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to destroy the Old Covenant, but He did come to fulfill all of the Old Covenant therefore making it useless.

Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 

Mat 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 

In fact all the Word of God will be fulfilled just as it is written!

Col 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 

Col 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 

Col 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

Praise God for making a way for us to be near to Him throughout eternity!

Amen

Jesus Christ Offers A Better Priesthood

A Better Priesthood

Book of Hebrews Chapter 7

Melchizedek is a character in the Bible we know truly little about.

The name Melchizedek (in the Old testament) has the meaning of "the righteous king".

Melchizedek, the same person, but spelled differently (in the New Testament) has the meaning "priest of the Most-High God".

He claimed to be the king of Salem when he went forth to meet Abraham.

Remember Abraham had gone forth to save Lot who had been kidnapped by King Chedorlaomer and his band of kings.

He met Abraham in the "valley of kings" and brought to him and his men "bread and wine" and blessed Abraham and his men and Abraham paid this royal priest a tenth of the spoils of that war.

Gen 14:18  And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 

Gen 14:19  And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 

Gen 14:20  And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. 

The Bible in the Book of Psalms, but especially this Book of Hebrews, tells us the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, would be a Priest after the order of this man Melchizedek.

Psa 110:1  The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 

Psa 110:2  The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 

Psa 110:3  Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. 

Psa 110:4  The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 

Psa 110:5  The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 

Psa 110:6  He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 

Psa 110:7  He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. 

Notice this Melchizedek would have a priesthood higher than that of the priesthood of Aaron!

Notice also, that this Melchizedek is recognized as higher than Abraham who was the "friend of God".

He brought bread and wine which reminds us of the Lord's Supper.

Melchizedek is not mentioned again in the in the Old Testament until about one thousand years later when David who would be king writes about the coming Messiah here in this Book of Psalms.

David understood by the Holy Spirit, that the Messiah would be both High Priest and King of Jerusalem, King of all kings.

After another thousand years we, have the writer of the Book of Hebrews again by the Holy Spirit referring to this Melchizedek.

For this to happen, then the Levitical priesthood would be abolished with the coming of the Messiah.

The Lord Jesus, the Messiah, whose work brings Him to be Prophet, Priest, and King and we desperately need Him in each of those functions because of the terrible ignorance that results from sin, we need someone to teach us, and it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Author of our salvation!

This is where we pick up this great prophecy in Chapter 7 of the Book of Hebrews.

*****Heb 6:20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:1  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 

We might ask ourselves, "what is so important with Jesus Christ being High Priest after the order of Melchizedek"?

The real importance of this passage is prophecy that will be fulfilled and is partially fulfilled right now.

Our Lord Jesus has not failed to accomplish what He has set out to do, He is just much more patient than we are!

2Pe_3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

If we look back to the 110th Psalm, we see King David writing a song celebrating the complete victory of the Messiah over the entire power of evil.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the true Messiah, will hold every office of God, including that of High Priest and King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the right hand of God, the right hand of Power and will remain there until it is time to be our Redeemer.

Act 2:32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 

Act 2:33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 

Act 2:34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 

Act 2:35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 

Act 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

The Apostles clearly understood, and this is the message they have given to us, a message of "Victory".

The Apostle John wrote:

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

Rev 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

We must understand that the Lord Jesus will remain at the right hand of God until the purposes of God have been fulfilled in this age, the Church Age!

He is still our High Priest and our Advocate and our soon coming King!

We should utterly understand what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches!

The Lord Jesus will remain at the right hand of the Throne in Heaven only until His enemies have been made the footstool for His feet!

This is not a prophecy of the world turning toward the Church, this is a prophecy that says our Heavenly Father will make the enemies the footstool of our Lord Jesus.

When might we ask? 

We know the Lord Jesus will not deal with His enemies during this time of "Grace" or it would not be Grace!

We also know there will be a time of great vengeance from the Lord!

But when Apostacy has reached its peak throughout the world.

When the political world has caused lawlessness and the manifestation of the man of sin.

2Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

2Th 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 

It amazes me that we have more government and yet we have more lawlessness, and it has always been this way! 

Politicians never learn because it threatens their job and their means to get rich!

No doubt the King of kings will one day rule his world from Jerusalem!

Abraham recognized the importance of all these things!

*****Heb 7:2  To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 

Heb 7:3  Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 

The Bible describes the typology of Melchizedek.

Abraham saw the King of Righteousness.

Abraham saw the King of Peace and they were in the same person.

So, in the Lord Jesus Christ, righteousness and peace will be joined together!

So, it will also be in all those who believe in Him!

It is a fact, that there can be no peace until there is a world of righteousness!

Psa 85:10  Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 

Psa 85:11  Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

Abraham saw the Priest of the Most-High God who was also King!

The Bible does not say that Abraham was the only one who worshipped God during this era, but he certainly would have shown great joy in meeting someone else who did worship the Most-High God as did he.

We already know that Jehovah is never without those who love Him.

What did He teach Elijah?

1Ki 19:18  Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

We also know that "Job" may have lived at near the same time of Abraham.

The importance of Abraham ties into the importance of Israel as a nation!

Notice that this Melchizedek showed up unexpectedly.

We are shown nothing about his life except that he worshipped the Most-God, and this is the most important thing that can be said about any of us who love the Lord Jesus.

There is nothing about his life, his birth, his death, or his descent and all these things can be said about Jehovah.

He just simply arrives just as Jehovah appeared to Abraham and Moses.

He brings bread and wine the ingredients of the Lord's Supper.

He blessed Abraham and then vanished just as quickly as He came.

Abraham considered this Melchizedek to be a great man.

*****Heb 7:6  But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 

Heb 7:7  And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 

This Melchizedek was greater than Abraham because Abraham paid tithes to him.

Abraham realized his greatness and we should realize the greatness of our Savior and Our God who is the Most-High God!

Abraham understood how great where the blessings of this Priest who was also King of Peace.

What do we learn from these things?

1) We do not have to approach God through some priest or an earthly priesthood such as a Pope or any other such person.

2) We know there is a much greater priesthood than earthly priests.

3) To show us earthy religion and earthly priests are inadequate to represent man before God.

4) To show that God has provided a much better priesthood.

5) To teach us that there is now the perfect and an eternal priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ!

What does this mean to the believer?

*****Heb 7:23  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 

Heb 7:24  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 

Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ is eternal because He is God!

Jesus Christ lives forever.

Jesus Christ has an endless life.

Jesus Christ is the perfect and eternal Priest who lives forever and willing to share His life with us!

Jesus Christ makes us acceptable to the Most-High God because He is the Most-High God!

It is because of all these things that Jesus Christ is able and also willing to save us if we have faith in His work and repent of our old lifestyle!

The Lord Jesus Christ offers to us a complete and a perfect salvation!

He has a perfect forgiveness!

He has the perfect power to accomplish these things!

The Lord Jesus Christ lives to make intercession for those who love Him!

In Jesus Christ we see the perfect "love of God", but also the perfect "justice" of God!

It is in the Lord Jesus Christ that we see God's willingness to provide a means of salvation for all those under the curse of Adam

The Lord Jesus Christ the perfect "God-Man" now stands before the throne of God having born the "Justice" and the "Judgment of God" for all those who failed because of sin, but still willing to believe and accept the truth of God!

The Lord Jesus has saved us to the uttermost!

He has saved us from sin, death, and condemnation!

Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 

He has saved us to live with God forever!

Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

He saves us to be the citizens of the New Heaven and the New Earth.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

You know, if we step back and look at our world today, we could say we are on the verge of this happening.

He saves us to rule and reign with Him throughout eternity.

1Co 6:2  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 

1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 

Luk 12:42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 

Luk 12:43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 

Luk 12:44  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 

Luk 22:28  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 

Luk 22:29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 

You cannot be any of these things unless you come to God by the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no other way nor other means to get to God's New Heaven!

******Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest who lived a perfect life!

There is no other who meets these qualifications in any religion!

When we think, we can get to Heaven by the work of some imperfect man we have ignored the Word of God that says this is impossible.

Only God makes salvation possible for sinful men and sinful women and sinful children!

Jesus Christ is Holy, set apart and separated to God!

He is separated from sin and from all evil, and from all immoral, wicked, and lawless behavior, the things we see prevalent in our world today.

Jesus Christ is harmless! Meaning not evil, free from guile, deception, envy, and malice against anyone, but the very things that we see in all our world today.

Jesus Christ is undefiled! He is unstained by sin as is the New Heaven. As will be the New Earth. As will be the New Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ is separate from sinners. He is different from sinners. Jesus Christ has never sinned.

Jesus Christ has never yielded to temptation!

Jesus Christ is "Higher than the Heavens!

Jesus Christ raised Himself from the dead never to die again!

Jesus Christ went back to Heaven in a bodily form.

Jesus Christ alone is exalted to the right hand of God as the Supreme Lord of all His creation!

1Pe 3:22  Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 

*****Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 

It is only Jesus Christ who could offer the perfect sacrifice for our sin, which was Himself.

The High Priest of the Jews could only offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people once a year and then only after they had offered a sacrifice for their own sin.

The regular priests offered sins daily for those who came to confess their sin.

That one day the High Priests offered was the "Day of Atonement".

I can honestly tell you that my "Day of Atonement" was the day I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior because It is He who offered the perfect sacrifice for my sin!

Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

Rev 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

*****Heb 7:28  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. 

Jesus Christ is the High Priest with a perfect appointment.

No mere man can say this or if they do, they are deceiving themselves and all those who follow them!

It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can fulfill the Word of God because He is the Word of God in the flesh.

Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

Joh 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God. 

Joh 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

Joh 1:5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the One sent down from Heaven for the purpose of saving created man.

You see if you believe there is a God and there is just One, then you have better believe this God has a plan to save His greatest creation, the human, and this plan is centered around the Lord Jesus Christ.

God, Jehovah, sent His own Son to perfect us and to give us eternal life and the glorious privilege to live with Him throughout eternity!

Sounds impossible but it is Biblical Truth!

Amen

Our Hope Must be in the Lord Jesus Christ

A Better Hope

Book of Hebrews Chapter 6

What is hope? Hope is a desire for something that is good along with some expectation of obtaining it.

We should understand that our hope as Christians, Christian is being like Jesus Christ as the example He has given to us, our hope is in the promises of God.

The Bible is our proof that God never breaks His promises.

We can have hope in the promises of God with our confidence, that what God has done in the past God will do in the future, because God says He does not ever change His character.

In the Old Testament:

Mal 3:6  "For I am the LORD, I change not"; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

In the New Testament:

Jas 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning".

Heb 13:8  "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever".

The Lord Jesus Christ is the God of Hope!

Rom 15:13  Now "the God of hope" fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

As Christians, our hope lies in the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ whom we know is the "express image of God", like God in every way.

Luk 24:46  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 

Luk 24:47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

Luk 24:48  And ye are witnesses of these things. 

Luk 24:49  And, behold, "I send the promise of my Father upon you": 

We have assurance of hope:

1) Because of what was done through the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

2) Because the Lord Jesus Christ sent the Comforter to live within us.

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

We should ask ourselves, "how can we not have hope in the promises of God"?

*****Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

The full assurance of "hope" lies in our future glory as we will be like the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 

1Jn 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 

The full assurance of "faith" lies in the fact that we have been pardoned!

Isa 55:6  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 

Isa 55:7  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, "for he will abundantly pardon". 

We see that "repentance" is necessary to receive a pardon!

Repentance is:

A complete change of mind.

A complete change of direction.

A complete knowledge of our true purpose.

Along with true sense of our own guilt and sinfulness!

It is in our best interest that we be diligent to love the Lord till the very end!

You see there is going to be "an end"!

There will be "an end" to our hope once our salvation has been fulfilled.

If we are "diligent" in living for Christ, He will be just as diligent to make sure we get to our new home in Heaven!

When we have one foot in the Church and the other foot in the World will never have that assurance that comes by the "Grace of God"!

To be slothful, is to be a lazy Christian!

To be slothful, is a danger to every Christian, the answer to being slothful is being "diligent"!

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We need to be "diligent" to study the Word of God.

We need to be "diligent" to pray.

We need to be "diligent" to be a witness for Jesus Christ!

We need to be “diligent” in our love for our Savior!

2Pe 3:14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 

2Pe 3:15  And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation

To be with Christ Jesus is to be more alive than we could think was possible!

*****Heb 6:13  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 

Heb 6:14  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 

Heb 6:15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 

It seems like it has been every week lately that we learn of another of our brothers and sisters who have gone on Home ahead of us to be with the Lord.

We sometimes mourn when we should be rejoicing because we have that same yearning to be with them.

You see when our bodies reach death's door, it is at this time that we see the true meaning of life, because we will have inherited the promises of God!

Those who have gone before us are not dead, they are alive, and more alive than they could have been here upon this earth!

They are now living the perfect life.

Probably the greatest example of this truth on this earth, is Abraham.

God made a sure promise of a son to Abraham, a child through which a great nation of people would be born.

All Abraham had to do was believe what God had said to him, go to where God said to go, and live as God said to live!

Abraham did as God instructed and him even though his faith was not perfect, God fulfilled His promise with Isaac even though Sarah and Abraham were far beyond childbearing years.

This was not the true promise that God intended:

Rom 4:13  For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 

Rom 4:14  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 

Rom 4:15  Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 

Rom 4:16  Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 

Rom 4:17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 

The promise God was making was that from the lineage of Abraham would come the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ!

The land promised to Abraham was the area called Palestine, but the spiritual application is the true Promised Land which is the New Heaven!

The important thing is the Abraham believed the promises of God and therefore inherited the promises of God.

There has certainly been a nation of people who believe and follow God just as did Abraham.

Today they are called Christians, because they are trying to be more like Jesus Christ than of being like Abraham.

Abraham endured many things in his lifetime because being a true follower of God may be easy, but the world will do its best to make it hard!

Many characters in the Bible are our examples of true Christians, but there are also many examples who we see in the Church today.

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 

Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 

Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 

Why did God go to so much trouble to teach us these things?

He wanted a people who are not full of doubt!

*****Heb 6:16  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 

Heb 6:17  Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 

God knows that our world would grow so evil and wicked that it would be hard for some to trust Him!

We see these things happening before our very eyes today!

As we have seen over the history of the world and even in simple agreements people will swear by an "oath".

Many times that oath will be upon the name of some person not involved.

Some swear on their mother's name, some even on a child's name, and some on the name of some great person in history.

We should understand that an oath in a religious manner, is lawful under the Gospel or this writer would never have mentioned it and the Holy Spirit would not have allowed it in this fashion.

An oath in reality, is in the fact that God is listening, and that oath is to Him as a witness.

In the Bible, an oath is also called a vow.

God is profoundly serious about vows and oaths:

Deu_23:21  When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

Deu_23:22  But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

Ecc_5:4  When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecc_5:5  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Sadly, vows are not of great concern to most today and our government has never been able to keep them! 

Just ask the Native Americans but not just to them.

If you want to hear many vows, just wait until our next election and you will hear so many it will make you sick and most of them have no intention of keeping them.

Divorces happen over broken vows!

Peace is obtained and broken over vows!

Many a sinner have made vows to our Savior and so many of us fail to keep them.

In all of them, we can be sure God is listening!

Here we see that God has made certain vows and He always keeps His promises, His vows, His oaths, and all the Word of God!

2Ti 1:12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

It is impossible for God to break His vows and His promises!

1Th 5:24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

God cannot change and still be God!

Mal 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not;

It is impossible for God not to be God!

*****Heb 6:18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 

Heb 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 

Heb 6:20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

With so many suicides happening today, we can conclude the we humans cannot live without hope!

Without hope, most people find no reason to live!

When we indoctrinate our young people at an early age and they find that out, they see the world for what it is and it removes their hope.

When false churches teach their lies and people find them to be liars, some will give up believing there is no hope.

It is only the true God and His Word that can give us the hope we need to stay faithful till the very end!

Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

When we have hope in our salvation, we have no fear of death and leave that in the hands of God, who is the giver and the taker of life!

God will fulfill all His promises and He does not need anyone to help Him!

My hope in God is my refuge, my shelter, and my protection from danger, from distress, and from my enemies!

God gives us the picture of a mighty ship caught in a terrible storm desperately seeking a safe harbor to drop its anchor.

Believers flee from the storms of this world to God.

Believers flee for the distress of sin and shame in this world, to God.

Believers flee from the most dangerous enemy of this world (Satan) to God.

Because God is our safe harbor, God is our only hope in the Promised Land of Heaven!

My anchor is both sure and steadfast.

My anchor cannot slip.

My anchor cannot break.

My anchor, the Lord Jesus Christ will hold me no matter what!

Because my anchor is buried within the veil of the Holy of Holies upon the immovable throne of God!

My anchor is caught upon the Throne of my King, King Jesus, the right hand of God!

It is my Lord Jesus who opened that veil to receive me, and I will forever be with my Lord!

Col 1:3  We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 

Col 1:4  Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 

Col 1:5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 

Col 1:6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

My hope is in the promises of my Savior and My God and, they are sure!

Amen