1. In chpt. 9, the apostle had shown that the Jewish rites were designed to be temporary and a type of the better to come. That the offerings which were made under that old dispensation could never remove sin.
Now he is going to show that the true sacrifice had been made by which sin could now be pardoned. Paul places great importance upon the subject of the sacrifice because the Jewish religion held it of such major importance. The new Christian religion founded right in the seat of the stronghold of Judaism, Jerusalem, would also greatly emphasize the sacrifice.
Much of this chapter is repeat so we will not spend much time on it. Verse 1-4, the law was a mere shadow of good things to come, and the sacrifices which were made under it could never make those who offered them perfect. Because if they could, they would not have to continually make those offerings (v.2). Because the sacrifices had to be made continually, year after year, this brought to remembrance that those offerings did not remove sin. Paul uses this to remind them that those OT rituals were incomplete. As they had to be offered often, this was a reminder that they did not rename sin.
Then v. 4 points out why.
For the law-- this is not referring to the moral law, the ten commandments but to the mediation law. The ten commandments show that man is not perfect and that he needs a mediator. The sacrifices which had to be made only pointed to the sacrifice to be made. Besides, there was no life changing (grace), power in those mediation laws.
Next we have vv. 5-10. Because of v. 4, a body had been prepared for Christ so He could make the proper sacrifice. God had said he had no pleasure in those bulls and goats in the OT which the Judaizers regarded so highly, Ps. 40:6-8; Isa. 1:11; Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:21.
Even in the OT, the blood of bulls and goats did not please God. Only the sacrifice of the lamb of God could please him. See also Ps. 51:16, 17.
Paul is showing the Hebrews who were being influenced to return to the blood of bulls and goats that even the OT spoke of that blood not being what pleased God. Rather the thing that pleases God is what? Ps. 40:8, even though the OT law called for these rites and rituals, they were not what gave God pleasure, Heb. 10:8.
Christ came to do the Father's will and delighting in doing God's will. He gave His body as the living sacrifice which was called for by the law, Ps. 51:16, 17. We are saved to do His will and if there is no delight in doing it, we aren't his.
Which brings us back to the point (Ps. 51:16, 17; I Sam. 15:22; Hos. 6:6).
God is not interested in the outward formal observance of religion. He wants the heart broken before Him. This is the sacrifice which is pleasing to Him. This is the contrast between the OT covenant. Outward formality of rites and rituals and the new. The broken heart before God.
Bringing us to the third division, vv. 10-18.
10:10, the first law of mediation was taken away so the second could be established. Through the mediation of Christ, 'ONCE FOR ALL.'
VV. 11-12, the old Jewish religion required a daily offering, and even at times, the same sacrifice. Yet these could never remove sins. Then the apostle points to Christ with, "But this man, after he made the one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.
One of the more quoted passages at least six times.
He sat down ere and will remain there until when? V. 13 is fulfilled. V. 13 is Ps. 110:1. C. H. Spurgeon makes the best comments on this vv. 1 and 2. Hensforth-waiting. He now waits there and will wait until all his enemies are subdued.
Paul points out two reasons why:
1.) His enemies will be subdued under Him by the Father, therefore no need to ever rise up in battle.
2.) V. 14, the offering is made and those who have been set apart for Him (sanctified), are forever perfect. No need to offer again.
V. 15, he calls the Holy Ghost as his witness. The Holy Ghost wrote vv. 16-17 in the OT, Jer. 31:33, 34.
Paul in quoting this passage points out that there must be some way to accomplish this writing of this law on the heart and the separation of the sin from the sinner. This is what Christ did.
Jer. 31:33, 34, called for remission of sin. The OT system could not. ONLY the offering of Christ could secure this remission, therefore there is no need for anymore offerings, Heb. 10:18.
Bringing us to the next section, Heb. 10:19-25.
The great atonement for sin had been made. The one great offering for sin had been presented to God. It will never be repeated, nor replied for anything else. Now Paul gives us the results of this offering (compared to the old).
1.) Boldness to enter. Before Christ's offering, no matter what was brought to God there was no entering into the holiest of holies. Which symbolized the very presence of God. Now those in Christ have liberty both in speech and approach to God. Through Christ we can come boldly to the Father and speak our mind.
We take this for granted but for those trained up under Judaism, this was unthinkable. They would not even speak His name and lost the proper pronouncement.
(I have a set of books called, "The Midrash." They contain the traditional Hebrew teaching of the OT from about 444 B.C., to about the time of Christ. Something which stands out to me as I look through them is that every time the teachers use a reference to Jehovah God they say, "The Holy One, blessed be He. We cannot even identify with this kind of reverence. We are on the other extreme of irreverence.)
V. 20, the way is made for those in Christ by His blood and is the living way. The sacrifice is till alive. The old sacrifice died. This is a new way. Chiefly means here that the sacrifice was a recent thing.
The old way required the fresh blood of the sacrifice. Christ, our sacrifice is alive, therefore the way to the Father is a live way as well as it also brings life to the seeker.
The old vail had to be gone through to approach the physical which represented the real, heavenly. The vail of the flesh of Christ (body), has to be gone through to approach the real in heaven, Jn. 4:24.
Also, as the vail in the temple prevented men from seeing the glory of Jehovah God, so the vail of Christ's flesh prevented men from seeing the glory of God.
V. 21. The old Jewish house had a high priest from the tribe of Levi. The new house of God, the church, I Tim. 3:15, also has a high priest. Their access to God was though their high priest. The churches access to the Father is through our high priest. Let us add, this house is large enough for whosoever believeth on Him.
First, boldness to enter in, and he builds on this boldness with second, v. 22, let us draw near. Let's take full advantage of what is provided for us in Him. Let us draw near in the fullest of assurance of faith.
a.) That we can.
b.) That He will hear.
Under the old dispensation they had to be sprinkled and ceremonially
cleansed by water and even by blood at times.
This only cleansed the outside, v. 22. Our conscience is cleansed and our bodies washed. The reference is back to the ceremonial washing (of the hands, etc.), yet we have been cleansed by the washing of the pure water, Eph. 5:26.
First boldness, then he builds onto that. Second, draws near and now, third, v. 23. Let us hold fast our profession. Because of what Christ is and He did, let us hold fast.
We have boldness to enter, therefore let's enter and draw near to the Father through His blood. Then let's hold fast. Let's not get discouraged.
Not only was Hebrew written to prevent their return to the old Jewish system but what else was it written to counter, chp. 11 and especially 12?
The ones Paul was writing to were not only being pressured to compromise on the finished work of Christ (mediation work), but we see from chps. 11 and 12, there was physical persecution involved to force them to compromise. Were the Jews driving them out of business? Were they causing physical abuse? Were they using laws? Remember, the Jewish state was close to being self-governing, therefore the religious leaders would have been able to do about anything. They had been permitted to kill an innocent man, Christ.
The pressure is on these new Christians, probably every type of pressure we can think of, to compromise and go back. The apostle here (v. 23), is exhorting them to remain faithful and true to their profession of Christ. In Him they had turned their back upon Judaism. Now, he encourages them to remain steadfast and not bend to the pressure to return.
Of course, the application is very obvious. Christ has redeemed us from the world, flesh and the devil. All three will place tremendous pressure to return to the world. Even physical abuse in that attempt. Let us not even bend the their offers and demands to compromise.
Also, v. 23, we see the reminder that the Redeemer was faithful all the way to the cross with His profession, therefore, let us also be faithful.
He has also promised us:
1.) Free access.
2.) Help in the time of need.
3.) Eternal life.
Because of His promises to us we should and can be faithful to our profession.
V. 24. We should be so concerned about the well-being of others that we do all we can to encourage them in their stand for Christ. We should be concerned enough that we move past selfishness and our own interests and have a genuine concern for others.
These who Paul is writing to were facing tremendous pressure to compromise, as we do today. The call here is be an encouragement one to another in the trials of our faith.
Notice what we are to provoke or excite one another to. (Excite= to arouse or call into action.)
1.) Love one for another. One aspect of love here would be
a genuine concern for their well-being.
2.) To good works. Encouragement to keep on keeping on.
How can we do this?
I would suppose the best thing would be to ask the Lord to give us opportunities to do this.
V. 25. The apostle encourages Christians to gather together for worship. This is being written to the early Hebrew Christians so evidently they were neglecting this gathering together.
There could be several reason they were in neglect:
1.) The context could mean for fear of persecution.
2.) Plain old neglect of duty, which Paul had reminded them of in v. 23. Christ was faithful in His duty, let's be faithful in ours. Paul tells us that assembling together is part of our Christian duty.
3.) Maybe some just didn't see the importance of the public assembly.
4.) Maybe they didn't like the preacher or fellow-member.
For whatever the reason Paul points out that it should not be a reason. That it was their duty before God to be faithful in this area as well as the other areas of their life.
There would be several reasons here:
1.) Encouragement.
2.) Taught the word of God, so he can grow in grace.
3.) Publicly identify with Christ.
The necessity of this assembly is even more pressing as "We see the day approaching." This is an interesting statement. Remember, Paul is writing to Hebrew Christians evidently either facing persecution or suffering persecution. Therefore the WE could be restricted to the ones he is writing to before 70 A.D.
6/26/88
Of course it would apply to all people of all times. Evidently this DAY referred to was so well understood that Paul did not have to explain it. Also, it would stand to reason that if this day was not in the near future of these, he is writing to, he would have explained it more in detail.
Let's look at this from the context.
Paul is concerned about these people going back into Judaism, the rites and rituals. There was persecution involved to try to get them to return.
The early church had very close and strong ties to Judaism. In fact, it enjoyed the protection in the religious freedom which the Jews had fought for and gained under the Maccabees.
Our Lord (Matt. 24:1-34), had called for the complete destruction of Jerusalem and with this, the destruction of Judaism. At this destruction there would be the break up of the Hebrew race and nation, as the people would be scattered to the four winds, mostly over the slave block.
Hebrews was written around 64 A.D. and the signs would be evident everywhere of the coming war as the Hebrew fanatics defiled Rome, and Rome was more hostile toward Jerusalem.
As we said, Paul is giving the results (vv. 10-25), of the great sacrifice being made. Here in v. 25, one of the results will be the destruction of the OLD SYSTEM, never to be reinstalled again. As they see this day approaching, it is all the more important to gather and exhort one another.
Paul is arguing here in Hebrews why these Hebrew Christians should stick with Christianity over Judaism. In this case, he points to the coming destruction of Judaism as a reason to draw closer together with other believers around Christ and Christianity.
If they did not turn their back completely on the old Hebrew religion then the fall of the temple as predicted by our Lord, would shake their faith in Christ.
The apostle has been warning of their apostasy from Christ and Christianity to Judaism. To help protect them from this apostasy, he urges the fact that the downfall of Jerusalem is near and as they see the day of judgment approaching this ought to draw them closer to Christ and together.
The reference here is not to the second coming of Christ, but to God's judgment against the husbandmen who threw the Son out and killed him, Matt. 21:41.
Now, the application is very definite here. As we see the indications of meeting Christ either in His second coming or at death, approaching it should cause us to be more diligent and watchful.
As we see the coming judgment against sin approaching it should draw us closer together as well as closer to Him, and we should rejoice.
This is a very real application but the context of time, people as well as author calls for the DAY as the day (time), when Jerusalem was destroyed.
Christ is the covenant, Isa. 42:1-7 (6); law of the covenant, Ex. 34:28; Deut. 9:9-15; Rom. 1:31.
Verses 26-31, now we come to the fifth section. Here the apostle tells the result of turning from the truth. Again, remember who he is writing to and why.
V. 26. For is we sin willfully--- all sin is willful sin, but this is going a little farther than that. This is referring to a deliberate act. We have talked about this passage 26-31 several times so we won't spend much time on it. This willfully, deliberate act is called presumption.
Paul is warning these Hebrew Christians against turning their backs upon the finished work of Christ and returning to Judaism. Now he is telling them the results if they do. They had received the knowledge of the truth about the redemptive work of Christ. They were saved and if they go back to the old method of approach to the Father, there is no sacrifice for sins. There is no sacrifice for presumptuous sins.
There is only judgment (fiery indignation), against the sins of presumption. Chp. 12:29, clearly presents the God of the Christians as a consuming fire.
V. 28. Paul calls the law of Moses up as a witness. Let's look at one of the laws which called for death to get an idea of what Paul is talking about.
Deut. 13:1-11, gives the law concerning turning from God to a false god. The one who attempts to get His people to turn from Him is to be put to death without mercy.
Although I think there would be a better illustration in the case of murder. Ex. 21:29, we have the owner of a mean animal. He had been warned and he didn't restrict the animal and the animal kills someone. The owner was put to death without mercy, although he could ransom his life.
Probably a better illustration would be Num. 35:16-34 where the murder was put to death, with no argument at all. Yet there had to be more than one witness. We will find these types of laws common throughout Moses' writings.
Back to Hebrews 10:28.
Paul warns them of the heresy of going back to Judaism. They go anyway. In doing so they entered into the sin of presumption.
Under the OT law of Moses, when the man who knew better murdered someone, he died under the two or three witnesses. He could not go down to the tabernacle and offer a sacrifice and avoid the results. He could not say, "I'm sorry," and escape the punishment. He had to die without mercy. It was clearly laid out under Moses. The man despised the law and he had to pay the price. He counted the blood of the old covenant as nothing. The same should apply today. If the death penalty is in effect, then no matter how many tears of repentance, death.
V. 29. Paul points out to these Hebrews who were being influenced to go back, that if they did go back, turn their back upon the blood of the new covenant. Worse than those under Moses ever did, they trade under foot the Son of God, whereas under Moses, it was only the blood of bulls and goats. They have turned their back upon the spirit of grace.
7/13/88
In fact, v. 29, gives three things which they do as they turn back to Judaism.
1. Trod under foot the Son of God.
2. Count the sanctifying blood of the covenant, unholy. The blood which sets them apart to God as God's people, they (we), were to be holy even as He is holy.
Unholy=common. The blood of Christ gives the power to live above sin. When that life is not exhibited, then we count His blood as common, same as the blood of those old bulls and goats. Remember, Paul is comparing the blood of Christ of the new covenant with the blood of the bulls and goats of the old. They could not give life above sin to the offerer, but Christ's blood does.
When His people knowingly continue on in sin, it counts His blood as common blood. The purpose of His blood was to sanctify His people. Set them apart for Himself, I Pet. 1:18-20.
3. Hath done despite unto the spirit of grace.
Reproach or even treat with contempt. The spirit of grace the Holy Spirit, gives the power to live above the power of sin. When that power is not utilized and His people knowingly remain in their sin, they are treating the spirit of God with contempt.
Let us keep in mind that Paul is comparing the old and new covenant. Under the old those who acted presumptuously and broke it were put to death. Even under the blood of bulls and goats.
Under the new, those who act presumptuously are worthy of a much worse punishment because it is the Son of God Himself who is being trodden under foot and not a bull or goat.
The context is a warning to those who have turned from Judaism and are tempted to return to it. The application is as board and inclusive as all of mankind.
Under the old, if those who despised Moses' law were worthy of death and all they had was the blood of bulls and goats and no spirit of grace to overcome sin, then how much more punishment is deserved by His people who act presumptuously, who have the sealing of the blood of Christ as well as the spirit of grace? How much worse punishment ought they be worthy?
Verses 30-31, makes it very clear that the presumptuous action is in relationship with the law of Moses as it was in Num. 35:16-34. Heb. 10:30, is a quote from Deut. 32:35, 36 as well as Ps. 50:4.
V. 30-31, also falls under Rom. 2:1-5, especially, as well as all of Rom. 2. Because of the patience of God in "hopes" of repentance on the part of those acting presumptuously, those of Heb. 10:16-23. Those who have taken his covenant in their mouth won't abide by it, v. 16. Because God hasn't acted immediately against the sin of presumption, they think He has forgotten about it, v. 21. The promise is in v. 22. It is to tear those into pieces of His people who have taken this attitude.
The results of turning from the covenant law of God is far worse under the new covenant of Christ than it was under the old covenant of the blood of the sacrifice of animals. Those who ignore the covenant law of God under Christ deserve a much sorer punishment than those who turned from the covenant law under Moses.
My Bible gives Isa. 33:14 as a cross reference for Heb. 10:31, which is a good cross reference.
I believe Heb. 10:26-31 teaches that not only are the blessings far greater under the new covenant of Christ but also the responsibility is far greater when that responsibility is ignored. The curse deserved is far worse also. When God's people fail to be faithful in every area of their life as they know they should be, then they deserve whatever might come into their lives.
I know folks get tired of my saying this, but so called Bible teachers who even suggest that His people are no longer required to live by the standards established by His covenant-law, only vengeance, recompense, judgment and "fearful things" lie in store for His covenant people.
The context is turning their back upon the finished work of Christ for the old rites and rituals of Judaism. Paul warns them of the vengeance and wrath of God against them if they go back.
We might mention that God is about ready here at this time period that Paul is writing to, to release His vengeance and judgment against Judaism. V. 25, he points out that they could see this day of vengeance quickly approaching. Here he could easily be carrying on the warning to these Hebrew Christians. "As you go back into Judaism, you will receive the same vengeance and wrath of God as they are about to receive. You had better get away from it."
For us here, as we see the judgment of God moving upon the
lawbreaker (God's law), we had better separate ourselves from
them and to Him.
The application is all to clear. When a child of God goes back to the old sins which the grace of God freed him from, how much more does he deserve anything which might come into his life.
VV. 32-39, is the closing section of this chapter. Here he exhorts them to faithfulness and perseverance. He follows this exhortation to faith and patience with the greatest faith chapter in the Scripture, Heb. 11.
But=Rather than reap the warning of vv. 30-31, He urges them ahead with vv. 32-39.
V. 32. Indicates that when these Hebrews first became Christians they were persecuted for their faith and they endured a great fight of affliction.
(Combat or struggle), of the former days, right after they were saved.
They had remained faithful in the face of tremendous odds in the past after they were first saved. Now Paul reminds them of this as they are being influenced to give up their faithfulness to the gospel.
As I study these NT books, I am finding a consistent theme. That is the tremendous pressure which existed on this early church to compromise. The pressure was not to violate the moral law of Moses (God), as it is today. The extreme pressure and even death, was over the temple and sacrifice.
There were two things which absolutely created havoc in the early church.
1.) The doctrine of the resurrection of Christ and His ascension to the throne of David over God's people. The seating of the resurrected Christ at the right hand of power on high.
2.) The doctrine of the end of the Jewish method of approach to the Father. The end of the physical temple. This doctrine which placed the work of Christ in the place of the temple sacrifice according to the mosaic law was considered heresy, Acts 24:14, 15; 6:12-14.
It was not the death of Christ for sinners which caused the problem. It was His resurrection as Lord of all that created the problem.
There was never a hint of Christ doing away with the ten commandments, which Moses gave. The problem was the doing away with the sacrificial, meditation laws and priesthood which all pointed to Christ. It was the temple laws which were done away with and this doctrine caused the persecution of the early church.
The charge against Christ, the apostles and the new church was never over breaking the ten commandments or doing away with them. The doctrine which caused hostility (even death), was that Christ did away with the physical temple replacing it with His body, the true temple, Mk. 14:58; Jn. 2:19; Acts 6:13, 14.
(*See A.M. Message, 7/24/88)
Heb. 10:33, now Paul reminds them of what they had gone through in the past. Partly--only part of what they went through was, what did they go through? Grazing stock.
1.) Public scorn and ridicule for their faith, no doubt the Jewish leaders publicly ridiculed them for their turning from the Jewish religion to Christ.
a. They were reproached for Christ's sake--probably as being
weak and sissies. Maybe even as being fanatics. The term today
is "character assassination." Very common against those
today who stand for the authority of God's word.
b. They were afflicted. Not only afflicted with words but evidently
physically afflicted. Again publicly (gazing-stock).
2.) Not only were they made a party to this public shame, but they identified with others who were thus treated. (Become companions--) Maybe they provided money or support in some way to those who were being persecuted for their faith in Christ, contrary to the Hebrew rites and ceremonies. In publicly identifying with these others, they themselves risk their own safety.
V. 34, Paul points out that they were companions with him as he was going through his distress at the hands of the Jews. Rome never came after Paul. The only reason he ended up in problems was through the instigation of the Jews who did not like his doctrine. Paul taught that a person (Gentile, esp.), did not have to become a Jewish proselyte through the temple, ordinances to approach the Father.
Even while Paul was bound in prison, they identified with him. Not only did they treat Paul kindly while he was in prison, they showed kindness to others also who were in prison for their faith.
Spoiling=plunder---it was (and today also), not uncommon for Christians to have their property plundered because of their faith. These Christians, when their property had been confiscated because of their faith (remember the two points. 1.) Resurrection from the dead to his throne on high, as Lord of ALL. 2.) Did away with all need of the temple), yielded even with joy. Only the power of the gospel can do this for a person.
Then Paul points out why they so willingly gave up even their earthly possessions for the cause of Christ (even through confiscation).--
"Knowing in yourselves---"
They believed our Lord's words of Matt. 6.
1.) They had in heaven a better substance than what they had on earth.
2.) Heavenly riches were enduring. They could not be confiscated by the anti-Christ crowd.
I think this is quite a practical application for us today. We can each identify with each one of these things which these Hebrew Christians had gone through. Probably the most striking is that they faced the confiscation of their physical property with joy and gladness. I know very few who even tithe with joy and gladness, let alone have it confiscated by the ungodly. What if we are 'called on' to have our property confiscated for the cause of Christ's authority by the anti-Christ crowd?
Yet, these are some of the things these new Christians had endured in Jerusalem as they were redeemed from the old Hebrew religion.
Look at what these new Christians had overcome in their zeal as new converts. Things which we don't even know about, yet now they are being influenced to give it all up and go back. Paul reminds them of this and encourages them not to give up on their profession. Remember, the context is not going back into ungodliness, but going back into the old rites, rituals of Judaism.
Let me bring this passage in Heb. 10, up to date. V. 37 in its context was fulfilled in 70 A.D. Even though it was fulfilled I believe it is still going to be fulfilled.
I do not at all have the time in this series in Hebrews to pursue this much other than a very quick overview. As we see the Soviet Union becoming more of THE WORLD POWER and as we know of its actions against the church, the passage I want us to look at becomes more and more practical.
You all know by now that I agree with C. H. S., when he said he did not think that the sun would go down on history with defeat at the church. I am totally convinced that grace will win over everything the world, flesh and the devil can conjure up against the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ezek. 38, 39, is our passage. I will only give a very few high points at this time. Again, this is not new with me and this was the accepted teaching of this passage up until probably 1900 or so.
First, let me establish something. Ezek. 36:4, the mountains of Israel is the place where God's people dwell. It can be any spot on earth in the deepest of death valley or in the "perfect climate" of Hawaii. It is not a location, it is a PERSON, the person of Christ, Heb. 12:18-23.
Also, Ezek. 34:1-10 is referring to Jn. 9 and the religious leaders of the Jews. V. 11 (all the rest of Ezek.), Israel is the church, Ezek. 34:11 is Jn. chp. 10, with Ezek. 34:25 the covenant of Peace, Jesus.
Therefore all of those whom that covenant is made with are those in Christ. He is the covenant. We have mentioned this many times, Isa. 42:6.
Ezek. 38, Gog and Magog would be the Soviet Union, the anti-Christ forces of our day, even the end time.
This force is going to move against the end-time Israel, the church, the seed of Abraham by faith. This is a world-wide movement. Wherever the people of God are found God and Magog will move against them "with rigger."
This anti-Christ crowd will move against the redeemed, Ezek. 38:8. (Maybe the Soviets, maybe a later world power).
38:11. Their goal is to move against who they think to be a helpless people. Notice, this church at Linden isn't an armed camp, we are to be depending on God for our protection.
v. 12. Their goal is to take over everything.
V. 16, we see God is the one who brings God and Magog against His people. Why? That he might be sanctified in God. How? By utterly destroying God and Magog and all of his bands.
Verse 17-23.
Aids, unchecked will probably destroy 1/3 of the world population.
Of course, we don't hear much about that.
Going on to Ezek. 39, notice v. 10, what is the great weapon of Communism? Not guns, but book and publications. What should be (and will be), done with those books? (Burned) They win the minds of men.
How does this passage fit? I really cannot say at this time. All I do know for sure that the Israel spoken of in Ezek. 38-39 is the church (39:22-29).
V. 29, it seems that God's face is hid right now from His people as His people are trampled underfoot.
Chp. 40 on, we have already seen this is the new temple under Christ and Christianity.
So how does this tie in with Heb. 10:32-37?
As we see Gog and Magog, the anti-Christ crowd gathering strength through lies and deceit, let's remember Ezek. 38:18-23. We may not be living in this final day of God's wrath against the anti-Christ crowd but it will come one day.
Really, as I look around at the attempts to merge all nations under Marxism, I can rejoice because I know that God will not tolerate it forever. Ps. 2, is still in effect. The Jews of Christ's day hated that Ps. as does the anti-Christ crowd of our day.
As I see both Bush and what's his name, both doing the same thing and the people unconcerned about it, I know it is all in God's plan. He will deal with the Bush crowd. He will deal with Dekaus crowd. He will deal with the Gorbachev crowd. He will deal with all men who rebel against Him, including His people who deny His authority with their words as well as their actions.
Why should I lose my confidence? Heb. 11, will cover this much more as Paul pursues this idea.
Why should I be discouraged? God is still on the throne. Just be patient. Do right. Win all we can to the Lord. Teach everyone His law-word. Live for Christ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Apply His every word to every activity. Claim everything for Him and leave the results up to Him. 10:37, For yet a little while, and he that shall come (in judgment and wrath against God and Magog), will come, and will not terry.
(Will pursue, "The just shall live by faith, next time).
Let's live by faith and He will take care of the Soviet Union as well as the traders of this nation and the indifferent Christians.
7/24/88 A.M.
Of course, the application is exceptionally clear. How many new covenants have we seen who set the world on fire for God then "grow weary in well-doing?"
How many times has it happened to us?
After Paul has reminded them of their past, he warns them not to go back with vv. 35-39. Verse 35-36 are two of my favorite passages.
V. 35. Cast not away therefore your confidence--- or boldness.
They had been very bold in their stand for Christ over the old Masonic rituals. Paul exhorts them not to lay aside that old boldness. He encourages them not to become discouraged in the midst of their tribulations.
If they will not lose their confidence in the face of the tremendous pressure they will receive a great reward from God Himself.
V. 36. Here we have a great call for patience in the face of their temptation to compromise and return to their old ways of approaching, trials and tribulations. The call is that no matter how much pressure the Judaizers place on them to return to the temple, they are to patiently hold up and not give up in their profession in Christ. The will of God here is that they don't go back.
The promise here is of a great recompense (payment), of reward, and the application for our day is quite apparent as the pressure would mount from anti-Christ, socialist system against Christianity, we are not to cast away our confidence in His word. Patiently continue following His word and He will be faithful.
V. 37. This is a much misused verse of our day. As I studied toward this verse I knew what I thought it was teaching and that didn't line up with what I have been taught or what I have taught. I checked it out to see if I had missed the context as we worked toward it. We will view it in the terms of the context. Although the application is as broad as all Christianity.
Let us review for the "umteenth" time the context. The issue is not over the moral law, ten commandments. The situation is not as it was at Corinth, where the church was mostly Gentiles saved out of a life of ungodliness.
1.) The situation is a group of people trained up in the ten commandments. No doubt, very moral people according to the law because we don't have a sermon here against immorality or ungodliness as we think of it. Therefore, vv. 35 & 36 is not speaking of returning to worldliness, although it applies.
2.) The call for patience is to patiently hold to their profession that the finished work of Christ is their only method of approach to the Father, and not the laws of the temple.
3.) The ones who are persecuting them are not the Roman, although the civil leaders did. They are not the heathen, ungodly crowd. The ones persecuting them are the religious leaders. The rulers of the Jews. The leaders of the temple. The Sanhedrin and councils. The GOOD MORAL PEOPLE. The persecution by these rulers was to get them to renounce the finished work of Christ and return to the temple. As well as to get them to renounce the Lord's authority over them.
4.) Remember v. 25, the day approaching. The day of judgment against the Hebrew nation which murdered the Lord, the King of glory, Acts 7:52. As we have already mentioned, Matt. 21:41 spoke of this judgment. So did our Lord in Matt. 23:34-24:1.
Heb. 10:37, in this context then is speaking of the Lord coming in judgment against the leaders and rulers of the Hebrew nation. He promised them He would return to judge them, Matt. 26:64.
Our Lord told His disciples they could see the signs of this coming judgment, Lk. 21:28.
What is Paul telling these Hebrew Christians in this passage? "Yes, I know the rulers and leaders have been hard on you since you left the temple for the better temple, Christ. You ave endured a great deal in the past, don't give up now. Christ is going to judge those wicked fellows who put Him to death. Hang on just a little longer and the temple will be destroyed as well as those who are troubling you. They will be cut off. They will be killed when He comes in judgment. He will not tarry but will be right on time. Even thought it seems He will never do it, He promised to do it within this generation, Matt. 23:34-39; 4:34, even that Paul is writing to.
Now, of course the application is for us today. The little aggravation we may go through today is no reason for us to give up. We will meet our Redeemer one day soon, either in death or in His return.
7/24/88
V. 38. Is the quote from Habakkuk 2:3-4. You will notice the usage here in Heb. 10:38, is almost identical to Habakkuk's usage.
Hab. 1:2-4. how long Lord are you going to let the anti-Christ crowd triumph? How long Lord are you going to allow the wicked to prosper? How long Lord are you going to allow them to get away with serving their false gods?
How long O Lord, how long? Again, the application is apparent.
The Lord's answer is that He has His appointed time, it will come to pass and won't be late. Our job is to hang fast on our profession and keep on doing right.
These who Paul is writing to would be able to easily identify with this, as they also faced heavy persecution from the ones who claimed to be the people of God. (As did Habakkuk.)
My soul shall--- The past good which a saved person might have done does not bring the continued pleasure of God the Father if he is in sin. It only brings wrath and displeasure from the Father.
Also, I think a warning here is to the coming judgment against Judaism. If they go back to it, they also will face God's wrath against it. If they join with those slated for destruction, they also will be destroyed. The same today. If God's people join with those under the wrath of God, they will join in the destruction also.
Finally, v. 39. We who are true Christians do not belong to the class of people who turn back. Paul does not say they had turned back. Rather he is establishing the principle that those who are saved will "hold on" to their profession to the end. This would correspond to I John 2:19.
Conclusion to vv. 36-39. Our Redeemer will make it all right one day. He will free the oppressed from the oppressor. He will wipe away all tears. He will relieve the suffering for each one of us, it will be but a brief time until He does because our life is as a vapor.
Therefore, let us be patient and true to our profession for we have an exceeding great reward ahead for those who do hold fast to their profession.
7/27/88 P.M.