A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25

“You can determine either one’s timidity or boldness in worship by the way that person approaches God. The Hebrews were confused as they attempted to reconcile the old economy to the new. It was with that fear and trepidation that they approached the Lord thinking that they still had to go through and earthly priest. It was this reverting back that insisted upon the writing of the book of Hebrews. Just as there was a warning not to revert back into the old economy based upon the Levitical system, there is also a warning for the believer not to mix law and grace which will bring intimidation to his worship. God wants no such fear and intimidation; He wants us to come with a holy boldness because of what was accomplished by His Son.” (Hebrews: Looking Unto Jesus, by W. Max Alderman)

There was a study completed in this country among justices in courtrooms. They were asked how well they could determine a person’s remorse when they stood in front of them during a court proceeding. Most of the justices said they could tell definitely when a defendant was showing remorse. About half of the justices said: “When the defendant looks me in the eye and tells me how sorry they are, I believe they are showing remorse.” The other half of the justices said: “When the defendant cannot look me in the eye, and continues to look to the ground and tell me they are sorry, I believe they are showing remorse.” The truth of the matter is this: one cannot tell by a person’s body language whether they are truly showing remorse. Remorse is something we all (well most) can come to – but it takes time, and years before true remorse can be felt for many people.

How a believer approaches G-d in worship is dependant upon the believer – some come with boldness – others in fear and trepidation. There is no right or wrong – G-d just wants us to come to G-d with boldness of faith, and a contrite heart. It may take years to find this boldness or this contriteness – G-d just seeks a relationship with us that is based on faith, love, trust and humility.

Pastor Dave

A Study on the Book of Hebrews

Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

“This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”

Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”

And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” Hebrews 10:11-18

Several things had to happen for the Lord to be satisfied with the offering of Christ Jesus on the cross. There had to be an offering that was capable of taking away sins in a satisfactory manner. He was both the Man and the Sacrifice that was acceptable and able to do such. “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Vv. 12-14). When He sat down, He indicated by doing so that His priesthood had met all the requirements that was expected of Him. This is a very strong verse indicating one’s security as a believer. There is nothing further that is required of Christ. We have shown from our text, the completion of the work and the covenant pertaining to that work. The law will no longer be just words on a stone, but will be engraved instead on the heart. Within the covenant of Grace, when we enjoy a sensitive (and contrite) heart to the things of God, we find that the law becomes a part of us and we find ourselves performing the law out of a heart of gratitude to the one who offered Himself as a ransom for all. The offering should be an offering of delight rather than an offering of duty.” (Hebrews: Looking Unto Jesus, by W. Max Alderman)

It is because of Grace, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we believe that our sins are forgiven once, and for all time. There is no ladder that we are trying to climb on our way to achieving grace. There is no list of “good deeds” that, once we have achieved a certain number, we will receive grace and forgiveness. All that is necessary, as I have said before, is a contrite heart, a forgiving heart, a loving heart, and a believing heart. All else is achieved by Jesus. We look to the old law (the Ten Commandments and the oral traditions) as a sure guide for our lives – but trying to fulfill the law is beyond our ability. Jesus fulfills the law – believing in Jesus and seeking a relationship with him will write the law on our hearts as we seek to live into the Grace of Jesus.

Pastor Dave