Hebrews 9:1-10
In this section, the author describes the layout and function of the old tabernacle. This continues the author's thought about the superiority of the heavenly temple compared to the earthly system. The train of thought is something like: since Jesus presides over a superior system, he must also be superior over all things.
There are two phrases that catch my attention. The first is in v. 8 where the author states that the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed. The author isn't saying that there was some magic password that was necessary but that accss into the Most Holy Place had not been granted to the ordinary person - they were still dependent on the High Priest to represent them to God. The implication for me is that I now have access to the Most Holy Place through the blood of Christ - which the author will explore more fully in the next section.
The other phrase is at the end of verse 7 where it indicates that the high priest offered sacrifices for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. I'm not sure what that phrase means. It either means that the people had committed sins in ignorance and that the offering of the high priest covers even those sins or that the high priest was making an offering without knowing what the sins of the people were. Either way this is good news: either it means that the sins that I commit without even really knowing I was sinning are still covered by the blood of Christ or else it is a comparison; the high priest made offerings without even knowing what the sins of the people were but Jesus, fully knowing each one of my sins, took all that sin on himself, and all the wrath of God that went with them, when he died for me. Either way, my response is "hallelujah, what a Saviour!"
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
New and Improved...
Hebrews 8:7-13
Up to this point, the author has focused on the superior priesthood of Christ. As proof, the author emphasized that Jesus belonged to the priestly order of Mechizedek (superior to the levitical priesthood) and ministered in the heavenly sanctuary (superior to the earthly tabernacle). As part of the argument, the author made a statement that the new priesthood required a new law or new covenant. Now the author is arguing that the new covenant is superior to the old.
The author's argument is that there would be no need for a new covenant if there was nothing wrong with the old covenant. Therefore, by its very existence, the new covenant shows itself to be superior to the old covenant. The author directs the reader's attention to Jeremiah 31:31-34 to remind the reader that the new covenant was promised by God even while the old covenant was still in existence. At the end of the quote, the author declares that the new makes the old obsolete.
The features of the new covenant are quite interesting: it involves both Israel and Judah, which, at the time of Jeremiah, were two separate kingdoms. Therefore the new covenant is going to re-unite what is separated. Obviously, looking back from our position in history, the full implications are that even Gentiles are going to be brought in as part of the new covenant. The new covenant will be unconditional. Unlike the old covenant which depended on the faithful observance of the nation, the new covenant will depend solely on the faithfulness of God and the sacrifice of Christ. The new covenant will do away with the religious structures and rituals of the old. God will speak directly to people and it will not be necessary to go through a human priest or a religious ritual to approach him. He will write his laws directly on the hearts and minds of the people. They will no longer need to rely on priests for the Lord will reveal himself directly to people. The new covenant will be based on the forgiveness of sin.
I am so glad that I live in the time of the new covenant. If I lived during the time of the old covenant, I think that I would be someone who is very good at observing the rituals and traditions but my life and heart would be void of any spiritual vitality. I would miss the point of the rituals and focus on the rituals themselves. I am glad that I live in a time when the Spirit speaks directly to people and is not mediated through a priestly system. I am glad that I live in a time when Jesus is my superior high priest of a superior priestly order and has brought in a superior covenant with superior promises. I am humbled that God has chosen me to be one to whom he has revealed himself and in whom he has written his law. What a privilege and what grace!
Up to this point, the author has focused on the superior priesthood of Christ. As proof, the author emphasized that Jesus belonged to the priestly order of Mechizedek (superior to the levitical priesthood) and ministered in the heavenly sanctuary (superior to the earthly tabernacle). As part of the argument, the author made a statement that the new priesthood required a new law or new covenant. Now the author is arguing that the new covenant is superior to the old.
The author's argument is that there would be no need for a new covenant if there was nothing wrong with the old covenant. Therefore, by its very existence, the new covenant shows itself to be superior to the old covenant. The author directs the reader's attention to Jeremiah 31:31-34 to remind the reader that the new covenant was promised by God even while the old covenant was still in existence. At the end of the quote, the author declares that the new makes the old obsolete.
The features of the new covenant are quite interesting: it involves both Israel and Judah, which, at the time of Jeremiah, were two separate kingdoms. Therefore the new covenant is going to re-unite what is separated. Obviously, looking back from our position in history, the full implications are that even Gentiles are going to be brought in as part of the new covenant. The new covenant will be unconditional. Unlike the old covenant which depended on the faithful observance of the nation, the new covenant will depend solely on the faithfulness of God and the sacrifice of Christ. The new covenant will do away with the religious structures and rituals of the old. God will speak directly to people and it will not be necessary to go through a human priest or a religious ritual to approach him. He will write his laws directly on the hearts and minds of the people. They will no longer need to rely on priests for the Lord will reveal himself directly to people. The new covenant will be based on the forgiveness of sin.
I am so glad that I live in the time of the new covenant. If I lived during the time of the old covenant, I think that I would be someone who is very good at observing the rituals and traditions but my life and heart would be void of any spiritual vitality. I would miss the point of the rituals and focus on the rituals themselves. I am glad that I live in a time when the Spirit speaks directly to people and is not mediated through a priestly system. I am glad that I live in a time when Jesus is my superior high priest of a superior priestly order and has brought in a superior covenant with superior promises. I am humbled that God has chosen me to be one to whom he has revealed himself and in whom he has written his law. What a privilege and what grace!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Superior Ministry, Superior Covenant, Superior Promises
Hebrews 8:3-6
The key words in this section are: priest, offerings, gifts, covenant, ministry, promises. The author contrasts the earthly high priests and their ministry to Jesus and his ministry. The author also contrasts the old covenant and its promises to the new covenant and its promises. The author's argument is: The ministry of Jesus is superior to the ministry of the earthly priests because the place where Jesus ministers is superior to the place where the earthly priests minister. The author's proof of the supremacy of the heavenly "temple" is that the earthly sanctuary is a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary.
The author then turns to the covenants: the new covenant is superior to the old covenant because the promises upon which the new covenant is built are superior to the promises upon which the old covenant is built. The author is going to argue for the superiority of the new covenant in the next section.
I am struck by how the author glosses over the sacrifice of Christ at this point. It is referred to in verse 3 saying that because all priests were appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices then Jesus also had to have something to offer. The author does not say anything else about it until chapter 10. I would think the author would want to get to the sacrifice quickly because it, at least by my Western way of thinking, proves the supremacy of Christ completely; the sacrifice he offers is superior to the sacrifices of the priest. However, I think in the Hebrew way of thinking, the author has to first prove that Jesus was a priest who was qualified and authourized to make offerings. I just learned at our CS Lewis Christian Thought Series with Dr. Flint that the Jewish rabbis and legal experts were most concerned with the covenants and legal sections of the Bible. In this light, it makes complete sense for the author to lay a foundation from the covenant and the law to show the qualifications and supremacy of Christ.
I am also struck by the author's boldness. In our Canadian tolerance, I am very careful about how I speak about and to other people's belief systems. I am still convinced that there is a place for respect and gentleness. However, the author reminds me that there is also a place for boldness and courage. I must not shrink from the truth. If Christ's ministry is superior and the promises of Christ are superior, I must not be afraid to show them to be superior. Spirit, help me to be bold and courageous. Help me to keep truth and love in its rightful balance. I tend towards one extreme or the other: loveless truth or truthless love. Keep me centered.
The key words in this section are: priest, offerings, gifts, covenant, ministry, promises. The author contrasts the earthly high priests and their ministry to Jesus and his ministry. The author also contrasts the old covenant and its promises to the new covenant and its promises. The author's argument is: The ministry of Jesus is superior to the ministry of the earthly priests because the place where Jesus ministers is superior to the place where the earthly priests minister. The author's proof of the supremacy of the heavenly "temple" is that the earthly sanctuary is a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary.
The author then turns to the covenants: the new covenant is superior to the old covenant because the promises upon which the new covenant is built are superior to the promises upon which the old covenant is built. The author is going to argue for the superiority of the new covenant in the next section.
I am struck by how the author glosses over the sacrifice of Christ at this point. It is referred to in verse 3 saying that because all priests were appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices then Jesus also had to have something to offer. The author does not say anything else about it until chapter 10. I would think the author would want to get to the sacrifice quickly because it, at least by my Western way of thinking, proves the supremacy of Christ completely; the sacrifice he offers is superior to the sacrifices of the priest. However, I think in the Hebrew way of thinking, the author has to first prove that Jesus was a priest who was qualified and authourized to make offerings. I just learned at our CS Lewis Christian Thought Series with Dr. Flint that the Jewish rabbis and legal experts were most concerned with the covenants and legal sections of the Bible. In this light, it makes complete sense for the author to lay a foundation from the covenant and the law to show the qualifications and supremacy of Christ.
I am also struck by the author's boldness. In our Canadian tolerance, I am very careful about how I speak about and to other people's belief systems. I am still convinced that there is a place for respect and gentleness. However, the author reminds me that there is also a place for boldness and courage. I must not shrink from the truth. If Christ's ministry is superior and the promises of Christ are superior, I must not be afraid to show them to be superior. Spirit, help me to be bold and courageous. Help me to keep truth and love in its rightful balance. I tend towards one extreme or the other: loveless truth or truthless love. Keep me centered.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The True Tabernacle
Hebrews 8:1-2
The author states his main point: "we have such (referring back to the superior priestly order of Melchizedek) a high priest, who sat down forever (indicating that he is no longer offering sacrifices because his one sacrifice was enough for all people - if they accept it on their behalf - for all time. This means that his sacrifice is superior to the sacrifices offered in the old, levitical order) at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (indicating the superior position of Christ as compared to the position of the earthly, levitical priests. Jesus has authourity and favour), and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being (making this tabernacle with its accompanying law or covenant, priestly order, and high priest superior to the the one made by human hands with its accompanying law, priestly order and high priests)."
What an amazing picture of Jesus! He is our priest. I no longer have to go through human mediators to get to God. I now have direct access to the Holy of Holies through Jesus. He mediates my access to the Father. His sacrifice has made it possible for me to be forgiven of all my sins for all time. His sacrifice demands that God, in his justice, not hold my sin against me, if I ask for forgiveness, because he has already held it against Christ. What a Saviour! What a new deal, or covenant, I have through Christ! This moves me to worship. What an amazing God who would pour out all the judgment I deserve on his Son so that I could become his son. What an amazing deal that Christ would give his life for me - his perfect, full, pure life - and take mine in return - my wavering, broken, sinful life. My heart cannot contain it. My mind cannot fathom it. I am so unworthy of it. What an amazing priest!
The author states his main point: "we have such (referring back to the superior priestly order of Melchizedek) a high priest, who sat down forever (indicating that he is no longer offering sacrifices because his one sacrifice was enough for all people - if they accept it on their behalf - for all time. This means that his sacrifice is superior to the sacrifices offered in the old, levitical order) at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (indicating the superior position of Christ as compared to the position of the earthly, levitical priests. Jesus has authourity and favour), and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being (making this tabernacle with its accompanying law or covenant, priestly order, and high priest superior to the the one made by human hands with its accompanying law, priestly order and high priests)."
What an amazing picture of Jesus! He is our priest. I no longer have to go through human mediators to get to God. I now have direct access to the Holy of Holies through Jesus. He mediates my access to the Father. His sacrifice has made it possible for me to be forgiven of all my sins for all time. His sacrifice demands that God, in his justice, not hold my sin against me, if I ask for forgiveness, because he has already held it against Christ. What a Saviour! What a new deal, or covenant, I have through Christ! This moves me to worship. What an amazing God who would pour out all the judgment I deserve on his Son so that I could become his son. What an amazing deal that Christ would give his life for me - his perfect, full, pure life - and take mine in return - my wavering, broken, sinful life. My heart cannot contain it. My mind cannot fathom it. I am so unworthy of it. What an amazing priest!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Perfect Priest
Hebrews 7:26-28
The author contrasts Jesus, the priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, with the priests under the Levitical system. The priests in the levitical order had to offer sacrifices continually, first to cover their own sins and then for the sins of the people. Jesus, as the great high priest, offered only one sacrifice when he offered himself as the perfect, eternal sacrifice on sinners' behalf. This supports the author's point that Jesus is the High Priest that we need; that in his perfection, holiness, blamelessness, purity, etc. he truly provides the way for us to be reconciled to God. This makes Jesus not only superior to the levitical priests and the Jewish temple rituals but it makes him perfect.
Again, I am reminded that my hope is built on nothing besides Jesus and that is all I need for hope, salvation, reconciliation and justification. By grace alone through faith alone.
The author contrasts Jesus, the priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, with the priests under the Levitical system. The priests in the levitical order had to offer sacrifices continually, first to cover their own sins and then for the sins of the people. Jesus, as the great high priest, offered only one sacrifice when he offered himself as the perfect, eternal sacrifice on sinners' behalf. This supports the author's point that Jesus is the High Priest that we need; that in his perfection, holiness, blamelessness, purity, etc. he truly provides the way for us to be reconciled to God. This makes Jesus not only superior to the levitical priests and the Jewish temple rituals but it makes him perfect.
Again, I am reminded that my hope is built on nothing besides Jesus and that is all I need for hope, salvation, reconciliation and justification. By grace alone through faith alone.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Eternal Priesthood
Hebrews 7:20-25
The author is continuing his sermon on Psalm 110:4, exploring the Melchizedek priestly order that Jesus has become high priest in. The author now focuses on the oath that God made to this priestly line, and to the Messiah in particular, and the new covenant that Jesus brings in as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek. This goes back to the author's main point: the supremacy of Christ and of the new covenant.
He argues his point by contrasting the Melchizedek priestly order with the Levitical order: First, God has guaranteed that the Melchizedek order would be eternal, and that the Messiah would be the eternal high priest, by an oath; he has never made that guarantee to the Levitical order. Therefore, the priesthood of Jesus rests securely on God's promise and oath and is therefore superior to the Levitical priesthood. Second, the Levitical priests were mortal and therefore there were a lot of them; Jesus' priesthood is eternal because Jesus lives forever. Therefore, the priesthood of Jesus is superior because it lasts forever. This means that the covenant that we have under the priesthood of Christ is also superior in that it rests on God's oath, lasts as long as Jesus is high priest (forever!) and, therefore, we are offered a complete salvation (contrasted to the "partial" salvation available under the law).
My salvation rests in Christ's ability to intercede on my behalf. Because he is always alive, he is always able to point to his blood that was the payment for all my sins. When I ask for forgiveness, Christ, as high priest, takes that request to his Father, pointing to his shed blood which demands that God forgive my sin because Jesus has already paid for it and it would be unjust for God to demand two payments. What an incredible plan God has brought! What a great salvation has been purchased on my behalf! There is no reason to fear that God's mercy will ever run out because my forgiveness depends as much on his justice as it does his mercy. Jesus sacrifice completely and forever satisfies the justice of God and I am saved for all time in all areas of my life. Thank-you for saving me! What can I say?
The author is continuing his sermon on Psalm 110:4, exploring the Melchizedek priestly order that Jesus has become high priest in. The author now focuses on the oath that God made to this priestly line, and to the Messiah in particular, and the new covenant that Jesus brings in as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek. This goes back to the author's main point: the supremacy of Christ and of the new covenant.
He argues his point by contrasting the Melchizedek priestly order with the Levitical order: First, God has guaranteed that the Melchizedek order would be eternal, and that the Messiah would be the eternal high priest, by an oath; he has never made that guarantee to the Levitical order. Therefore, the priesthood of Jesus rests securely on God's promise and oath and is therefore superior to the Levitical priesthood. Second, the Levitical priests were mortal and therefore there were a lot of them; Jesus' priesthood is eternal because Jesus lives forever. Therefore, the priesthood of Jesus is superior because it lasts forever. This means that the covenant that we have under the priesthood of Christ is also superior in that it rests on God's oath, lasts as long as Jesus is high priest (forever!) and, therefore, we are offered a complete salvation (contrasted to the "partial" salvation available under the law).
My salvation rests in Christ's ability to intercede on my behalf. Because he is always alive, he is always able to point to his blood that was the payment for all my sins. When I ask for forgiveness, Christ, as high priest, takes that request to his Father, pointing to his shed blood which demands that God forgive my sin because Jesus has already paid for it and it would be unjust for God to demand two payments. What an incredible plan God has brought! What a great salvation has been purchased on my behalf! There is no reason to fear that God's mercy will ever run out because my forgiveness depends as much on his justice as it does his mercy. Jesus sacrifice completely and forever satisfies the justice of God and I am saved for all time in all areas of my life. Thank-you for saving me! What can I say?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
