HEBREWS: Lesson 11 - Redemption, Sanctification, Glorification

We have been touching on the topic of salvation in previous lessons. I believe it is an important topic for us to look at in our study of Hebrews since the author is at times talking to Jews who, although they have turned away from Judaism, have not fully accept Christ.

We started with a brief review of what we have studied in Hebrews Chapters 1 thru 6. Next, I reviewed the terms REDEMPTION, SANCTIFICATION, and GLORIFICATION. These three terms divide and define the journey of a Christian.

REDEMPTION is possible because of Christ. "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Col 1:14). The sinner who believes that Jesus died for him/her, repents of his/her sins and receives Christ as their Savior and puts their complete trust in God to do what He promised is redeemed. Those that are redeemed are eternally saved and can never be unsaved.

SANCTIFICATION is the process by which one becomes more Christ like in his/her Christian walk. It is a process not a sudden change. When one first becomes a Christian he has little knowledge of what a spiritual walk is. He must grow. The Christian grows spiritually by the word of God. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).

GLORIFICATION is the final step in our salvation. We are saved when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus then adopts us into his family. We are born again. Yet, we are still in our bodies. Any Christian knows he is not perfect ("If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - 1 John 1:8). Glorification occurs for the Christian when he/she ends up with God in Heaven with resurrected incorruptible bodies. We shall be like Jesus Christ. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)

One of the main messages of Hebrews is for the Jewish audience to make a total break with the pattern of the Old Covenant in their acknowledgement of Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of seven different covenants God made with the nation of Israel.

One of those covenants, the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 11 and following), was conditional in nature. That is, this covenant would bring either blessing or cursing depending on Israel's obedience or disobedience. Part of the Mosaic Covenant was the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the rest of the Law, which contained over 600 commands--roughly 300 positive and 300 negative.

The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is a covenant made first with the nation of Israel and, ultimately, with all mankind. In the New Covenant, God promises to forgive sin, and there will be a universal knowledge of the Lord. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. Now that we are under the New Covenant, both Jews and Gentiles can be free from the penalty of the Law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Although we are now free from the Levitical Law (moral and ceremonial), we must realize that our freedom is in Christ. We have been bought with a price. We are no longer our own. We belong to Christ. Therefore, it should be our goal to glorify Him in all we do which should originate from our love for Him.

"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:20)

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Next week we will begin with 6:9: "But, beloved...". Beloved is never used in the NT to describe unbelievers. The contrast word "but" signals a marked change in tone as the author addresses the reader as beloved rather than "...those who..." (v. 6:4). The severity of the previous warning passage is further balanced in this section by an exhortation to be diligent and an encouragement (vs. 6:9-20).