Morning Message: Cut Off No More

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Cut Off No More"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In Hebrews chapters 5, 6, and 7, we read of Melchizedek the High Priest, and the King of Salem; of the order of priests that had the duty of entering the Holy of Holies once each year. We are told in Chapter 5 that Jesus was of that order of High Priests. In Chapter 6, we are told that Jesus is our “fore runner,” Who goes before us in that Priesthood.

We are further told in Hebrews 10: 20 today, that Jesus entered into the veil of the Holiest by a new and living way! He became the living veil across the Holy of Holies. In the Old Testament, the veil blocked the way for all but the High Priests, and at the Crucifixion, it was torn specifically from top to bottom. (Not bottom to top, but from the top to the bottom. [Mt. 27: 51, Mk. 15: 38, Lk. 23: 45].)

This “new and living way” was by Christ Himself. During His Passion and Death, the first thing done was to place a Crown of Thorns on His head, The soldiers then plucked out His beard, The soldiers scourged Him with 39 lashings across His back, nailed His hands and then His feet to the cross… Top to Bottom, His body was pierced, torn, and Crucified, shedding His blood from top to bottom.

This is the application of our opening verse today; Christ’s broken body being the veil through which the Holy of Holies is made accessible to US! Though He knew no sin, He was made sin for us, to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world… Because He loves us.

And if that were not enough, He makes us Kings and Priests for His Heavenly Kingdom (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, and 20:6) and for those that are/were raised from the dead in the first resurrection, they shall be Priests, and we shall reign with Him during His Millennial Reign of 1,000 years (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, and 20:6). This is love, so amazing! As the Word says, “We love Him, because He first loved us !” (1 John 4:19)

“…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." - Revelation 1:5, 6

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 10:20-39 - "Cut Off No More"

For nine and a half chapters now, the author of Hebrews has been giving has painted a clear picture of Jesus, who He is and what He has done for us.  This should encourage us to hold fast in our faith.  The author wants us to be strong in our faith and not turn back under life’s difficulties. This is what the author establishes for us in Hebrews 10:19. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God…” This introduction is a reminder of all the pictures and proofs that the author has given us so far. We can now come into the presence of God. We can now enter where others were unable to enter.

Essentially, the impossible has occurred. We have confidence to enter into God’s presence. The only reason we are able to enter with confidence is because of the blood of Jesus. His sacrifice puts us near the Father in a way that the first covenant could not. We are able to pass through the curtain that not even the priests could pass through. We have a new and living way to approach the Father. Now as we approach the Father, we do not find an impenetrable curtain standing between God and us. Rather, we find Jesus as our High Priest, and we are able to enter the curtain through him.

As you read through the first seven verses or so of this week's passage, please take note of the writers serious, but encouraging words or even commands.  “Let us . . .”  We are called to an earnest faith.  We are to be serious about truth, about obedience and spiritual disciplines, and to take the local church seriously as well.

Hebrews 10:19-39 is a passage that exhorts believers to live with confidence and endurance, based on Jesus's sacrifice, while also warning against deliberately rejecting his salvation. It begins by explaining that through Jesus, believers have a "new and living way" to enter God's presence and should draw near with a sincere heart, holding fast to their hope. It then encourages them to spur one another toward love and good works and to not forsake meeting together, especially as the end approaches. The passage concludes with a strong warning about the severe punishment for those who willfully sin and reject Christ after having received the knowledge of the truth.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

New (10:20) - In Greek, this word originally meant "newly slain," but was understood as "recent" when the epistle was written. The way is new because the covenant is new, through Jesus Christ.  It is not a way provided by the Levitical system.

Living Way (10:20) - Though it is the path of eternal life, it was not opened by Christ's sinless life; it required His death. The Hebrews were invited to embark on this way which is characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them (cf. John 14:6; Galatians 2:20). The Christian faith was known as "the Way" among the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 9:2) as well as among the Gentiles (Acts 19:23). Those receiving this epistle understood quite clearly that the writer was inviting them to become Christians - to join those who had been persecuted for their faith. True believers in their midst were even then suffering persecution, and those who had not committed themselves to the Way were asked to become targets of the same persecution.

Let Us Draw Near (10:22) - Through the New Covenant established by Jesus' sacrifice, believers can now come into God's presence with sincerity and confidence, free from the guilt of their past sins.  This is the heart of the invitation to those in the assembly who had not come to Christ. This verse describes the prerequisites for entering the presence of God:  sincerity, security, salvation, and sanctification.

True Heart (10:22) - The Greek term behind true carries the ideas of being sincere, genuine, and without ulterior motive.  The one thing these particular Hebrews lacked was genuine commitment to Christ.

Full Assurance of Faith (10:22) - Utter confidence in the promises of God.

Hearts Sprinkled (10:22) - The imagery in this verse is taken from the sacrificial ceremonies of the Old Covenant, where blood was sprinkled as a sign of cleansing, and the priests were continually washing themselves and the sacred vessels in basins of clear water.  The "washing with pure water" does not refer to Christian baptism, but to the Holy Spirit's purifying one's life by means of the Word of God (cf. Ephesians 5:25, 26; Titus 3:5).  This is purely a New Covenant picture.

Hold Fast (10:23) - A metaphor seen in many verses of the Bible is the term hold fast or holding fast, meaning “be diligent,” “cling to,” or “take a firm grasp of.”

Profession of Our Faith (10:23) - A steadfast commitment to Jesus that is demonstrated through both words and actions. This involves holding fast to the confession of hope without wavering, believing in Jesus' sacrifice, and living in a way that is faithful to God. A true profession is not just a verbal statement but is also evidenced by a changed life and a commitment to good works and community.

Without Wavering (10:23) - Not following any inclination that leads back to the Old Covenant. 

Consider (10:24) - The same verb is used about Jesus in 3:1. The invitation must be responded to individually, but the response also has a corporate side.  They are members of a community of Hebrews whose initial attraction to Christ is in danger of eroding.  They have been considering a return to the Levitical system of Judaism to avoid the persecution.  Mutual encouragement to make full commitment is crucial.

Provoke (10:24) - Meaning to stir up - stimulating or inciting someone to do something.

Love and Good Works (10:24) - An example of mutual effort in the midst of persecution was to be found at Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:1-7).

Not Forsaking the Assembling (10:25) - Collective and corporate worship is a vital part of spiritual life.  The warning here is against apostasy in an eschatological context (2 Thessalonians 2:1).  The reference is to the approaching "day" (the Second Coming of Christ). 

Exhorting (10:25) - Exhortation takes the form of encouragement, comfort, warning, or strengthening.  There is an eschatological urgency to the exhortation which requires an increased activity as the coming of Christ approaches.

Sin Willfully (10:26) - Deliberate willful intention that is habitual. The sin is rejecting Christ deliberately.  

Knowledge (10:26) - The language here denotes a specific knowledge, not general spiritual knowledge.  A knowledge that is flawed in application, a lack of faith.

No More (10:26) - The apostate is beyond salvation because he has rejected the only sacrifice that can cleanse him from sin and bring him into God's presence.  To turn away from that sacrifice leaves him with no saving alternative. 

Fearful Looking (10:27) - A fearful expectation of judgment. The judgment is certain to happen, so it gives rise to fear.

Adversaries (10:27) - Actual opposition against God and toward the program of God in salvation.

Blood of the Covenant (10:29) - Christ's death ratified the New Covenant.

Cast Not Away (10:35) - Because of persecution, they were tempted to run away from their outward identification with Christ and Christians and to apostatize. 

Reward (10:35) - They are closer than ever to the eternal reward.  It is not time to turn back.

Done the Will of God (10:36) - To trust Christ fully by living daily in the will of the Father.

Just Shall Live By Faith (10:38) - The opposite of apostasy is faith.  This is a preview of the subsequent chapter.  It is faith which pleases God.  The person who draws back from the knowledge of the gospel and faith will prove his apostasy.

Draw Back to Perdition (10:39) - The writer expresses confidence that believing readers ("we") will not be counted among "those" who fall away to destruction.  Apostates will draw back from Christ, but there are some who are near to believing who can be pulled "out of the fire" (cf. Jude 23).  Perdition is commonly used in the New Testament of the everlasting punishment or judgment of unbelievers.

Morning Message: By One Offering

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "By One Offering"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In Hebrews 10, it is clearly affirmed that animal sacrifices were insufficient for clearing our guilt for sin. In the early verses of Genesis 3, the first couple was lured into sinning against God, first Eve, and then Adam. At verse 21, an animal sacrifice was made, and God made them coats of skins to cover their nakedness. They had been other-oriented, but because of sin, they became self-oriented, and self-aware. This was the fulfillment of Satan’s promise to become as God; to know good and evil.

While the animal skins covered over their nakedness, the skins could not remove the stain of sin in their hearts. They were made outwardly presentable each other, but the stain remained. They were inwardly corrupted in the heart. The proof of this came in Chapter 4 with their sons, as Cain murdered Abel. Pride and jealousy reared its head between the brothers. Abel died, and Cain fled to the east, away from God, and away from accountability.

The corruption of man worsened: Genesis 6: 5 - “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” That stain of sin had corrupted every human heart, without exception. And even the flood of Noah could not wash it away.

Nonetheless, animal blood sacrifices continued for the outward atonement of sin, but it wasn’t until the Prophets began to speak of God giving us new hearts that true hope might provide for the stain of sin to be washed and changes take place. The Jews called God unfair, but the Holy Spirit tells us in 1 John 1, that God is indeed just and fair. When we choose to be accountable to God, we find Him to be “faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (the stain!). It all happens through the blood of Jesus Christ: By faith, accountability, and by faith, forgiven, and by faith, cleansed of even the residue of that stain of sin, and by faith, the promise of our eternity with Him.

“Jesus answered (Nicodemus) and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto Thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 10:1-20 - "By One Offering"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

To help us understand the significance of what we’re looking at today, let's review again about the book Hebrews: who it was written to, and why it was written.

Hebrews is a letter written to a primarily Hebrew-Christian audience. The original recipients of this letter (sometime around the year 65 AD) had grown up in Judaism, and at some point, converted to faith in Jesus Christ.  They were well familiar with “The Law of Moses” – the old covenant system that God established with his people after he rescued them out of slavery from Egypt. We know that they were under pressure from others in their community, perhaps family or friends to return back to the Law of Moses.

The author, perhaps Paul, perhaps another writer, encourages the Hebrew believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ, then in great detail explains how the Old Covenant differs from the New Testament of Christ.  The Old Covenant, the Law of Moses, has nothing to offer them, it was only temporal.  More importantly it does not lead to salvation and eternal life. 

The Old Covenant system was only ever meant as an example, symbol, copy, shadow, model, an illustration of God’s full plan for his people – not the real thing. The Levitical system was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins.  It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah. It was meant to show us our sinfulness, and that to be right with God, faith was necessary and a substitute sacrifice was the required payment for our sin. Jesus came as that substitute and performed the final sacrifice, the one The Law was hinting at, and as such, that old covenant is no longer necessary, and therefore it is no longer in effect. As a result, we can now draw near to God through Christ with full assurance of forgiveness! 

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Shadow (10:1) - The Greek term translated " shadow" refers to a pale reflection as contrasted with a sharp, distinct one.  The term behind "very image," on the other hand, indicates an exact and distinct replica (cf. Colossians 2:17).

Perfect (10:1) - This term is used repeatedly in Hebrew to refer to salvation.  As much as those living under the law desired to approach God, the Levitical system provided no way to enter His Holy Presence (cf. Psalms 15:1; 16:11; 24:3, 4).

Conscience of Sin (10:2) - This is the same word translated "conscience" in verse 22; 9:9; 13:18. If sin had really been overpowered by that system of sacrifices, the Old Testament believers' consciences would have been cleansed from condemning guilt (cf. v. 22).  There was not freedom of conscience under the Old Covenant.

Remembrance (10:3) - The Old Testament sacrifices not only could not remove sin, but their constant repetition was a constant reminder of that deficiency.  The promise of the New Covenant was that the sin would be removed and even God would "remember" their sins "no more" (8:12, quoting Jeremiah 31:34).

Not Possible (10:4) - The Levitical system was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins.  It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah (Galatians 3:24) in that it made the people expectant (cf. 1 Peter 1:10).  It revealed the seriousness of their sinful condition, in that even temporary covering required the death of an animal.  It revealed the reality of God's holiness and righteousness by indicating that sin had to be covered.  Finally, it revealed the necessity of full and complete forgiveness so that God could have fellowship with His people. 

Thou Wouldest Not (10:5) - God was not pleased with sacrifices given by a person who did not give them out of a sincere heart (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-25).  To sacrifice only as a ritual, without obedience, was a mockery and worse than no sacrifice at all (cf. Isaiah 1:11-18).

A Body Hast Thou Prepared for Me (10:5) - Psalm 40:6 reads, "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required."  The Greek translators regarded the Hebrew words as a figure of speech, in which a part of something signified the whole, i.e., the hollowing out of ears was part of the total work of fashioning a human body.  And ears were selected as the part to emphasize because they were symbols of obedience as the organ of the reception of God's Word and will (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22).  Christ needed a body in order to offer Himself as the final sacrifice (2:14).

First . . . Second (10:9) - The old, repetitious sacrificial system was removed to make way for the new, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who had obediently done God's will (cf. 5:8; Philippians 2:8).

Sanctified (10:10) - Sanctify means to "make holy," to be set apart from sin for God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3). When Christ fulfilled the will of God, He provided for the believer a continuing, permanent condition of holiness (Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Body (10:10) - Referring to the His atoning death, as the term blood has been used to do.

Standeth (10:11) - In 2 Chronicles 6:10, 12, Solomon sat on his throne as king, but stood at the altar when acting in a priestly role.

Footstool (10:13) - This is another reference to Psalm 110:1.  This prediction will be fulfilled when Christ returns, and all creation acknowledges His lordship by bowing at His feet (Philippians 2:10).

Perfected (10:14) - This involves a perfect standing before God in the righteousness of Christ.

Brethren (10:19) - The writer addresses his Jewish brethren with an invitation to leave behind the Levitical system and to appropriate the benefits of the New Covenant in Christ.

Boldness (10:19) - Meaning "confidence," an important emphasis in the epistle.  Because of the high priestly ministry of Christ and His finished sacrifice, the Hebrews can enter boldly into the presence of God. 

New (10:20) - In Greek, this word originally meant "newly slain," but was understood as "recent" when the epistle was written.  The way is new because the covenant is new.  It is not a way provided by the Levitical system.

Living Way (10:20) - Though it is the path of eternal life, it was not opened by Christ's sinless life; it required His death.  The Hebrews were invited to embark on this way which is characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them (cf. John 14:6; Galatians 2:20).  The Christian faith was known as "the Way" among the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 9:2) as well as among the Gentiles (Acts 19:23). Those receiving this epistle understood quite clearly that the writer was inviting them to become Christians - to join those who had been persecuted for their faith.  True believers in their midst were even then suffering persecution, and those who had not committed themselves to the Way were asked to become targets of the same persecution.

Morning Message: A Better Sacrifice

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Better Sacrifice"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As God made man in His own image, Satan’s plan is to make man as rebellious against God as he himself was, and is to this day. Satan’s first victims were Adam and his wife Eve. Judgment befell them and they were cast out of God’s beautiful garden. Genesis 5:1-5 follows with an explanation of how sin was passed down to Adam’s third son, Seth. And as it was passed down to him, it was passed down to all, because although Adam was made in God’s image, he fell into sin, and was no longer in God’s image.

Cain learned in Genesis 4 that his pride got the best of him. And after murdering his brother Able, he cried to God, “…My punishment is too great for me to bear!” and he ran from the Lord, rather than admitting his offense and taking responsibility for Able’s death, and his own jealousy because his sacrifice was insufficient for God’s required sacrifice.

I shudder to think of where Cain is today! Nevertheless, it was a blood sacrifice that covered over the knowledge that sin brought with it. Coats of skins covered over Adam’s nakedness, and ended his embarrassment and guilt for his and Eve’s sin. That’s recorded in Genesis 3:21, and in verse 22, God’s word has come true as He declares that Adam and Eve now knew the difference between good and evil.

This was the beginning of blood sacrifices for sin. But it fell short of obliterating sin. All through the seven covenants of the Old Testament, blood sacrifices were made, bringing us to the eighth covenant were God sent Himself in human form to be the one sacrifice that actually made a difference for humanity. In the New Covenant, God simply asks men to believe on His Son, and acknowledge His atoning work on the cross. It IS that simple! Then, God restores His relationship with man by man’s choice to believe in Jesus.

Paul, Silas, and the Philippian jail after an earthquake, “Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” - Acts 16: 30, 31

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 9:15-28 - "A Better Sacrifice"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 9 is deeply connected to Jesus Christ as it emphasizes His role as the High Priest of the New Covenant. Jesus’ sacrifice is presented as superior to the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant. His blood cleanses the conscience and secures eternal redemption, contrasting sharply with the temporary and external cleansing provided by the blood of animals. Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary underscore His unique and ultimate role in God’s redemptive plan.

Why did Jesus have to die? Why did Christ’s blood have to be spilled? I mean, was there no other way to save sinners?

If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not the first. His disciples did. Matthew 16 reports that when “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things … and be killed …. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord!’” (16:21–22). Translation: “There has to be another way!”

Israel’s leaders saw Jesus’s death as proof that he was not the Messiah for which they were waiting. As he hung on the cross, Luke records that they “were sneering at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if this is the Christ of God, his Chosen One’” (Luke 23:35). “It can’t be him. Our Deliverer doesn’t die! That’s not needed.”

Paul admits the message of “Christ crucified” is “a stumbling block” to some and “foolishness” to others—a confusing and oxymoronic idea (1 Cor 1:23). “If God had a master plan of cosmic restoration, it wouldn’t include a murdered Saviour.” But it did and it does.

But why? Why did Jesus have to die? In the second half of Hebrews 9, the author addresses this question, highlighting the necessity of Christ’s death and the life-shaping difference it makes for Christ’s followers, followers like you and me.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Mediator (9:15) - A mediator is one who mediates, that is, one who acts as an intermediary to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute. There is only one Mediator between mankind and God, and that is Jesus Christ.

Death (9:15) - blood sacrifices. In some of the Old Testament biblical covenants, sacrifices were involved. Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant established by his death, which redeems sins committed under the old covenant and allows those who are called (believers) to receive the promised eternal inheritance. This new covenant replaces the first covenant, making a sacrifice that provides a permanent redemption for transgressions, unlike the temporary, symbolic sacrifices of the past.

Redemption (9:15) - When used by the New Testament writers, this word, and its related term, lutrosis, signify redemption. Redemption reflects the act of freeing, releasing, or buying back by paying a ransom price. The ransom price for humanity's sin is death. Yet, Christ paid this ransom price through His own sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18, 19) and thus freed us from the bondage of sin, to be brought back into the family of God (Galatians 3:13, 4:5).

First Testament (9:15) - Mosaic covenant or the covenant of law (Exodus 19:1-20:21). The Old Covenant was a set of “external regulations applying until the time of the new order” (Hebrews 9:10). Upon Jesus’ death and resurrection, the external regulations gave way to an internal change of heart (see Galatians 6:15). The Old Covenant was fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves” (Hebrews 10:1). “The reality . . . is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:17). The New Covenant involves a superior ministry (of Christ), is “established on better promises,” and is, in fact, “superior to the old [covenant]” (Hebrews 8:6).

They Which Are Called (9:15) - The effectual calling related to salvation, which in this context refers to Old Testament believers.

Promise of the Eternal Inheritance (9:15) - Salvation in its fullness.

Blood (9:18) - Death in verses 15, 16 is replaced by blood. The term is used to emphasize the violent aspect of His sacrificial death.

Water, Scarlet Wool, and Hyssop (9:19) - Items used at the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12:22) for sprinkling of blood, and in the ritual cleansing for lepers (Leviticus 14:4, and in the red heifer ceremony (Numbers 19:6). These elements were a part of the sprinkling of blood in the covenant ceremony described in Exodus 24:1-8, though not mentioned there.

The Book . . . the People (9:19) - The consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood is the only other occasion in the Old Testament when any persons were sprinkled with blood.

Almost All (9:22) - There were a few exceptions, Water, incense, and fire were also used to purify. Those who were too poor to bring even a small animal for sacrifice were allowed to bring fine flour instead (Leviticus 5:11).

Blood . . . Remission (9:22) - "It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul" (Leviticus 17:11). Very similar to Christ's own words (Matthew 26:28). "Shedding of blood" refers to death. Remission (meaning forgiveness is the emphatic last word in this section.

Patterns (9:23) - The earthly tabernacle and its vessels were only symbolic replicas of the true heavenly tabernacle (8:2), and they were also made unclean by the transgressions of the people (Leviticus 16:16).

Better Sacrifices (9:23) - Christ's superior sacrifice is a major theme in 9:13-10:18. The many sacrifices of the Levitical system were to be superseded by better sacrifices that would be represented in the one, all-inclusive, perfect sacrifice of Christ.

Figures (9:24) - The earthly "holy places" in the tabernacle were only types of the heavenly abode of God.

The Judgment (9:27) - A general term encompassing the judgment of all people, believers and unbelievers.

Second Time (9:28) - On the Day of Atonement, the people eagerly waited for the high priest to come back out of the Holy of Holies. When he appeared, they knew that the sacrifice on their behalf had been accepted by God. In the same way, when Christ appears at His Second Coming, it will be confirmation that the Father has been fully satisfied with the Son's sacrifice on behalf of believers. At that point salvation will be consummated.

Without Sin (9:28) - The phrase testifies to the completed work of Christ in removing sins by His sacrifice at His First Coming. No such burden will be upon Him in His Second Coming.

Morning Message: No More Shadows

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "No More Shadows"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Picking up at the last verse of 8, “…the old is ready to vanish away,” chapter 9 begins with a reality check. It is a most remarkable verse, and the Holy Spirit is directing His remarks to the Jews, specifically those who had become believers, but also to every Jew who reads this Epistle.

It is a reminder of what still lingers today; Jewish believers wanted to meld the old traditions of Judaism into the new realities of Jesus worship. Today, they call themselves Messianic Jews. Yes, they recognize that Jesus fulfilled the Old Laws and was indeed the Messiah, but not quite coming to the realities that Paul wrote about in Colossians, that the ordinances of the Law were dead, and nailed upon the Cross of Jesus. They were a shadow of things to come.

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians speaks also of the Old Laws being dead in 5:17 - “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

Literally, in modern vernacular, the old things have died; Look! All things have become new! Even more meaningful, when we are “in Christ” as Believers, we are to let those shadows of promise become awash in His light, and disappear, seeing the face of God in the face of Jesus Christ, the true light of the world! We know that light dispels the darkness, and shadows disappear. We are no longer looking through a glass darkly, we see Him clearly!

Shadows only give us a two-dimensional shape of objects. The new reality is in 3-D human form, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God-with-us! It is important to know that whether your background is Jew or Gentile, heathen or skeptic, agnostic, or atheist, if you find yourself in Christ, you are a Christian. No longer are you a Messianic anything, You are a Christian.

To see a shadow, we must look down at the ground, or at a wall. Look UP to see Christ, as we wait for Him! 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 9:1-15 - "No More Shadows"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The central theme of Hebrews 9 is the supremacy of Jesus Christ’s high priestly ministry and the New Covenant, established through His own blood. The author systematically contrasts the earthly Tabernacle, its repetitive rituals, and its temporary animal sacrifices with Christ’s entry into the true, heavenly sanctuary and His one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice. This comparison demonstrates that the Old Covenant was merely a shadow, a temporary and symbolic system, which has now been fulfilled and replaced by the superior, eternal reality brought by Christ.

The writer begins this section by taking us on a tour of the tabernacle. The author gives a brief description of the tabernacle, to which some fifty chapters in the Old Testament are devoted, including the tabernacle service (cf. Exodus 25-40). Remember that the writer concluded with the thought that the first covenant was obsolete because it was man-made, the articles in the temple symbolized something greater to come, it was inaccessible to the people, it was temporal and was an external ministry.

Next the writer shows us how and why the heavenly sanctuary is far superior to the earthly tabernacle.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sanctuary (9:2) - This is the Holy Place, the first room of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:33).

Candlestick (9:2) - The writer tells us that inside the earthly tabernacle was the candlestick or lampstand. Jesus is the true light of the world (John 8:12) and those who are in his family are also to lights (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-15).

Table of Shewbread (9:2) - Each Sabbath the priest would remove the old loaves and put fresh loaves on the table. The old loaves were eaten by the priests, and these loaves were called “the bread of presence.” Only the priests could eat the bread, and it could only be eaten within the tabernacle. Jesus called himself the "Bread of Life" who is given to the whole world (John 6). This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:50-51)

Holiest of All (9:3) - This is the Most Holy Place where the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat dwelt - the place of Atonement (Exodus 26:33, 34).

Golden Censer (9:4) - This is best understood as the gold altar of incense. (See Exodus 30:1-10; 40:5, 26, 27). Though it was outside the Holy Place (Exodus 30:6), the writer of Hebrews pictures the golden altar inside the Most Holy Place because uppermost in his mind is its role in the liturgy of the Day of Atonement.  On that day, the high priest brought incense from that altar into the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:12, 13).  The altar of golden incense marked the boundary of the Holy of Holies as well as the curtain.  The high priest went beyond the altar of incense only once a year.

Ark of the Covenant (9:4) - Finally, the most important piece was the ark of the covenant. On the top of the ark of the covenant were the cherubim of glory covering the mercy seat. This was considered the throne of God where God met with his people (Exodus 25:10-22; Psalm 80:1; 99:1). On the day of atonement the high priest sprinkled blood upon this mercy seat. It is an interesting visualization when we remember that the two tablets of stone, the Law, was inside the ark of the covenant. Therefore, the law was covered by the mercy seat, which on the day of atonement, was covered by blood. Jesus is the atonement for our sins, the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2). Everything in the earthly tabernacle was simply a symbol for a future, greater reality found in Jesus.

Not Without Blood (9:7) - This is the first of many references to the blood of sacrifice.  The term is especially central to 9:1-10:18 where it identifies the deaths of Old Testament sacrifices and of Christ (cf. vv. 12:14).  The shedding of blood in and of itself is an insufficient sacrifice.  Christ had not only to shed His blood, but to dies.  Hebrews 10:10 indicates that He gave His body as the sacrificial offering.  Without His death, His blood had no saving value.

A Figure (9:9) - Figure or Symbolic. The Greek words is parabole, from which the English word parable is derived.  The Levitical system was a parable, an object lesson, about what was to come in Christ. 

Conscience (9:9) - This term refers to salvation.  The sacrifices of the Old Testament did not remove the offerers' guilty conscience or provide them with full forgiveness for their sins (cf. 10:1-4).  It was only "symbolic" of something else that would - namely Christ.  The conscience is a divinely given warning device that reacts to sin and produces accusation and guild that cannot be relieved apart from the work of Christ.  At the time of salvation, it is quieted from its convicting ravings, but it is not deactivated.  Rather, it continues its work, warning the believer about sin.  Believers should seek a clear conscience. 

Carnal Ordinances (9:10) - The Levitical ordinances regulated the visible actions without changing the inner man (10:4).

Reformation (9:10) - The Greek term means "restoring what is out of line."  All things are set straight in Christ.  The reformation is the New Covenant and its application.

Good Things to Come (9:11) - The reference appears to be the "eternal redemption" (v. 12).  

Goats and Calves (9:12) - Only one of each was sacrificed on the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16:5-10).  The plural here represents the numbers sacrificed as the Day of Atonement was observed year after year.

By His Own Blood (9:12) - A better translation would be "through His own blood."  The same phrase is used in 13:12.  Nothing is said which would indicate that Christ carried His actual physical blood with Him into the heavenly sanctuary.  The sacrificer was also the sacrifice. 

Eternal Redemption (9:12) - This word for redemption is found only here and in Luke 1:68; 2:38.  Its original use was for the release of slaves by payment of ransom.

Ashes of a Heifer (9:13) - It is said that, in the history of Israel, only six red heifers were killed and their ashes used.  One heifer's ashes would suffice for centuries since only a minute amount of the ash was required.

Unclean (9:13) - The Greek term is literally "common" or "profane."  Not that it was ceremonially unclean, but that it was not sanctified or set apart to God.  The word was used in Jesus' discourse on what defiles a person (cf. Matthew 15:11, 18, 20; Mark 7:15, 18, 20, 23), in the Jews' complaint that Paul had defiled the temple by bringing Gentiles into it (Acts 21:28), and in reference to the meats that Peter had been invited to eat (Acts 10:15).  According to the mosaic regulation, the red heifer's ashes were to be placed "outside the camp" and used in a ceremony for symbolic purifying from sin (Numbers 19:9; cr. 13:11-13). 

How Much More (9:14) - Superior to the cleansing capability of the ashes of an animal is the cleansing power of the sacrifice of Christ.

The Blood of Christ (9:14) - This is an expression that refers not simply to the fluid, but the whole atoning sacrificial work of Christ in His death.  Blood is used as a substitute word for death.

Offered Himself (9:14) - Christ came of His own volition with a full understanding of the necessity and consequences of His sacrifice.

Dead Works (9:14) - The works are dead because the unregenerate are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), their works are worthless and unproductive (Galatians 2:16; 5:19-21), and they end in death (Romans 6:23).

To Serve the Living God (9:14) - Salvation is not an end in itself.  The believer has been freed from sin to serve God, saved to serve (cf. Romans 6:16-18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).  The contrast between dead works and the living God (cf. 3:12; 10:31; 12:22) is basic.

Morning Message: A Better Covenant

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Better Covenant"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The scribe of Hebrews takes a break in Chapter 8, reiterating and summarizing what the Holy Spirit has told him thus far. Not only do we read a summary, but we also get to see what and why the Lord had planned things out the way He did. This is a keen look at the workings of the mind of God! Following Him is often a challenge to someone not used to His ways. Expect to be surprised!

God’s foreknowledge is unending; He knows all of Satan’s tricks, and His remedies are thorough. He does not overlook us when it looks like Satan is having a heyday. If Satan throws up a roadblock, Jehovah sees to it that His will is not thwarted by the devil’s attempts to undo all His good works.

In Exodus 15:23-25, the bitterness of the waters of Marah made the waters undrinkable, a simple tree, thrown into the bitterness made them sweet. And interesting, the waters of Marah were directly on the path of God’s leading. Thirst and bitterness can be quenched and made sweet when we find Christ’s cross in the midst of our difficulties. When the Hebrews left Egypt, the wilderness of the Sinai wore them down, and time and again, they complained that Moses had led them to their own end, but God had a plan each time. He always does.

This is the lesson we all must learn: When our chosen path is somehow blocked, see if Christ and the Cross is somewhere in the mix. Look for evidence of Satan fighting against our Creator, hindering His works, and our faith. Check your own heart too, is it Jesus you have been following. Be cautious; the desires of your heart are not necessarily the path you want to follow.

God may close a door. Satan may close a door. This is not a time to play, “Let’s Make A Deal,” choosing Door #3! This is time to humble yourself, and ask the Lord to show you the way.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” - Psalm 32:8

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 8:1-13 - "A Better Covenant"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The New Testament tells us that Jesus is our intercessor, our mediator, our Savior and King. But only the book of Hebrews tells us that he is our priest. This unique concept is the central message of Hebrews, the main idea from which the others flow. Priesthood is the purpose for which Jesus was made human (2:17); his priesthood is the reason we should hold fast to our faith (4:14); and the proof that the old covenant has been set aside (7:12).

Hebrews 8 transitions from Christ's superior priesthood (Chapter 7) to His superior ministry within a superior covenant. It functions as the central hinge of the book's argument, establishing the theological basis for why the New Covenant in Christ's blood renders the Old Covenant system obsolete. The author uses a lengthy quote from Jeremiah 31 as the definitive scriptural proof that God Himself had always planned to replace the first covenant with a new, better, and final one, marked by internal transformation and complete forgiveness.

Jesus guarantees a better covenant, a better relationship with God. And because he lives forever at God’s right hand, “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (7:25). The old covenant priests could not save anyone, but Jesus is fully effective at what they could only picture. Jesus does it not by adding himself to the old covenant, but by fulfilling the old so thoroughly that the old becomes unnecessary. He supersedes the old covenant, replacing it with a better covenant (7:22).

When we have Jesus, we do not need the old covenant. The practices commanded in the Old Covenant (circumcision, various rituals, sabbaths and festivals) have no spiritual merit for the Christian. All we need is Jesus.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Sum (8:1) - The sum is the main point.  Here the writer arrived at his central message.  The fact is that "we have" a superior high priest, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of all that was foreshadowed in the Old Testament.

Minister (8:2) - This is the same word used of the angels in 1:7. In Jeremiah 33:21, it was used of the priests.  

Sanctuary (8:2) - The holiest place where God dwelt (cf. Exodus 15:17; 25:8; 26:23, 24; 1 Chronicles 22:17). 

True Tabernacle (8:2) - The definition is given in the phrase, "which the Lord erected, and not man," as well as in 9:11, 24 (cf. v. 5).  It refers to the heavenly dwelling place of God.

Not be a Priest (8:4) - Jesus was not qualified to be a Levitical priest because He was not of the tribe of Levi.  Because of its use of the present tense, this verse indicates that the Levitical system was still in operation at the time of writing, indicating it was before the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70.

Example and Shadow (8:5) - The quote is from Exodus 25:40. This does not mean that there are actual buildings in heaven which were copied in the tabernacle, but rather that the heavenly realities were adequately symbolized and represented in the earthly tabernacle model.

Mediator (8:6) - The word describes a go-between or an arbitrator, in this case between man and God.

Better Covenant . . . Better Promises (8:6) - This covenant is identified as the New Covenant in verses 8, 13; 9:15.

Mind . . . Hearts (8:10) - By its nature, the covenant of law was primarily external, but the New Covenant is internal (cf. Ezekiel 36:26, 27).

Ready to Vanish (8:13) - Soon after the Book of Hebrews was written, the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and its Levitical worship ended.

Morning Message: Faithful High Priest

Bobservations Column

Titled - "Faithful High Priest"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As the scribe of Hebrews continues, we are reminded that his identity does not have to be assigned to any Epistle. 2 Timothy 3: 16 tells us that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Peter 1: 20 says, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  The inspired word of God is identified clearly as the source of these verses. We take it somewhat for granted, because “by two or three witnesses, a thing is established."  As these two verses follow the standard of proof, what might more than a dozen cross references do for our belief that The Word written, or verbally shared, is inspired by God the Holy Spirit? While the Word is breathed into us, a dozen references should take our breath away!

2 Samuel 23: 2 quotes King David’s final words: “The Spirit of the Lord (spoke) by me, and His Word was in my tongue.”  This is a most interesting verse from the end of King David’s life. Not only was God’s Word spoken to David, but it was in his own tongue, to be clearly understood.

Verse 3 continues, “The God of Israel said, ‘The Rock of Israel (spoke) to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.’”

King David has said the Spirit of Jehovah (Lord) spoke to him; The Rock of Israel (spoke) to him saying, “And He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.”

The Rock of Israel became the Rock of Offense as Israel rejected Jesus. One day their eyes and ears shall be opened, and on that clear, shining morning, Israel shall know Him, just as we do. But in this passage in this verse from 2 Samuel, as Jehovah spoke, of the Rock of Israel, it is the Father speaking of the Son, as given by the Holy Spirit, the unified work of the Holy Trinity.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” - Genesis 2:7

[2 Sam 23:2; Mat 21:42; Mat 22:31,32,43; Mat 26:54,56; Mar 12:24,36; John 10:35; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Rom 3:2; Rom 15:4; Gal 3:8; Heb 3:7; Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:19-21]

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 7:13-28 - "Faithful High Priest"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 7 portrays Jesus as "Our Great High Priest" in the order of Melchizedek, a superior and eternal priest who offers a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice of himself, rather than the Levitical priests under the Law of Moses.

The idea of a priest, in the biblical sense, is not something we see or experience in our daily lives. But this idea of Jesus as our Great High Priest is essential in understanding his sacrifice on our behalf. Hebrews 5:7-9 says:

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

The job of the priest, before the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, was to intercede on behalf of the people with God. The priests made atonement for the sins of the people by sacrificing a lamb, symbolically placing the people’s sin upon a lamb. The problem with this system is that it could never totally satisfy the wrath of God because they were temporary and repetitive.  They were only a shadow not realistic. The Old Covenant sacrifices were largely external rituals that could not transform the inner person. While they provided a means for ceremonial cleansing, they did not address the deeper issue of the human heart. The prophet Jeremiah highlighted this limitation, foretelling a new covenant where God's law would be written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34).  This internal transformation was something the Old Covenant could not achieve, as it focused on outward compliance rather than inward change. The Earthly priests were also imperfect people themselves, so they had to also make atonement for their own sin.

The priesthood of Jesus, while comparable to an earthly priest, was different because:

Jesus priesthood was better because He was made High Priest in an oath,  "(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)" (Hebrews 7:21), whereas the Levites were priests because of their lineage (Hebrews 7:11–22).

Jesus' sacrifice was better because He lives forever, allowing Him to continually make intercession for His people, but the Levitical priests' ministry ended when they died and had to be replaced (Hebrews 7:23–25).

Jesus' sacrifice was better because He was sinless and did not have to atone for His own sins, unlike the Levitical priests, who first had to offer sacrifices for their own sins (Hebrews 7:26–27).

Jesus’ priesthood was final. His priesthood was final because the sacrifice that he made on behalf of us was perfect. It was final because the sacrifice he made on our behalf didn’t stay dead. It was final because the sacrifice that he made on our behalf was himself. He, the eternal lamb of God, sacrificed himself, rose from the grave, and then sat down at the right hand of the Father continuing to intercede for us, his followers.

Understanding the self-sacrifice of Jesus, our Great High Priest, should give us a greater love and affection for Jesus, because his self-sacrifice was the greatest act of love ever displayed. We had nothing to offer Jesus except our broken selves. We didn’t deserve his life, we deserved death in the form of eternal separation from. But thanks be to God, Jesus, our Great High Priest has done everything necessary to save us from our sin. We couldn’t earn salvation, we don’t deserve salvation, but have salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Another (7:13, 15) - In both cases, the term is "another of a different kind" (heteros), emphasizing the contrast with the Levitical priesthood.

Sprang (7:14) - "Sprang" means "rose" - that is, like the sun.  As the light of the world, Christ rose up out of Judah, but He was not actually descended genetically from Judah, for He was miraculously conceived by God in Mary's Womb.

Carnal (fleshly) Commandment: (7:16) -The law dealt only with the temporal existence of Israel.  The forgiveness which could be obtained even on the Da of Atonement was temporary.  those who ministered as priest under the law were mortals receiving their office by heredity.  the Levitical system was dominated by matters of physical existence and transitory ceremonialism.

Power of an Endless Life (7:16) - Because He is the eternal second person of the Godhead, Christ's priesthood cannot end. He obtained His priesthood, not by virtue of the law, but by virtue of His deity.

Disannulling (7:18) - The law was weak in that it could not save or bring about inward change in a person (cf. Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:9).

The Law Made Nothing Perfect (7:19) - The law saved no one (cf. Romans 3:19, 20); rather, it cursed everyone (cf. Galatians 3:10-13).

A Better Hope (7:19) - This hope rests in Christ Himself, whose redemptive work has accomplished our salvation (Romans 5:1,2).

Draw Nigh (Near) unto God (7:19) - This is the key phrase in this passage.  Drawing near to God is the essence of Christianity as compared with the Levitical system, which kept people outside His presence.  As believer-priests, we are all to draw near to God - that is a characteristic of priesthood.

Oath (7:20, 21) - God's promises are unchangeable, sealed with an oath (cf. :17).  The Melchizedeken priesthood of Christ is confirmed with God's oath in Psalm 110:4.  God's mind on this matter will not change ("relent," v. 21).

Surety (7:22) - This is the only use of the Greek term in the NT and could also be translated "guarantor."  Jesus Himself guarantees the success of His New Covenant of salvation.

A Better Testament (Covenant) (7:22) - The New Covenant (8:8, 13; 9:15).  The first mention of covenant in this epistle is coupled with one of the key themes of the book ("better," cf. verse 19.  This covenant will be more fully discussed in chapter 8.

Many (7:23) - It is claimed that there were eighty-four high priests who served from Aaron until the destruction of the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70.  The lesser priests' numbers were much larger.

Uttermost (7:25) - Virtually the same concept was expressed in perfection (v. 11) and make perfect (v. 19).  The Greek term is used only here and in Luke 13:11 (the woman's body could not be straightened completely).

Intercession (7:25) - The word means "to intercede on behalf of another."  It was used to refer to bringing a petition to a king on behalf of someone.  The writer makes it clear that only Christ is the intercessor (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5).

Daily (7:27) - Whenever the Levitical high priest sinned, he was required to offer sacrifices for himself (leviticuls4:3).  Whenever the people sinned, he also had to offer a sacrifice for them (Leviticus 4:13).  These were daily occasions.  Then, annually, on the Day of Atonement, he had again to offer sacrifices for himself and for the people (Leviticus 16:6, 11, 15), Christ had no sin and needed no sacrifice for Himself.  And only one sacrifice (by Him) was needed- one time only, for all people, for all time.

Once (7:27) - This is a key emphasis in Hebrews.  The sacrificial work of Christ never needed to be repeated, unlike the Old Testament priestly sacrifices.

Word of the Oath (7:28) - God confirmed Christ as High Priest. God's word is eternal!