HEBREWS: Lesson 14 - Jesus: The Guarantee of a Better Covenant

We completed chapter 7 with the lesson: Jesus: The Guarantee of a Better Covenant. The lesson covered verses 20-28. In these verses the author is piling up proofs that the priesthood of Jesus Christ is superior to that of Aaron.

The Jews, as you know, had put all of their stock in the Levitical priesthood, the priesthood that came through the line of Aaron and the tribe of Levi. And Jesus came as a priest of another order, the priesthood of Melchizedek (a man who predated Aaron, who was at the time of Abraham).

Jesus, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, is therefore a superior priest to all the priests of Aaron. And the point is simply to prove that Jesus is superior to everything in the old covenant, therefore proving that the new covenant is better than the old.

He is writing to Hebrews and saying, "Come to Christ." He is writing to Hebrew believers and saying, "Drop all the Jewish trappings, Jesus is sufficient. He is superior."

In this last section of chapter 7, the author presents Jesus as a superior priest in three ways:

1. SURETY OF A BETTER COVENANT (v. 22-22)

2. SAVIOR TO THE UTTERMOST (v. 23-25)

3. SEPARATE FROM SINNERS (v. 26)

In the Old Testament, the priest wore a breastplate. And on the breastplate were all the stones representing the 12 tribes. When he went into the presence of God, he carried with him, on his chest, all the tribes of Israel.

He also wore, draped over his shoulders, what the Bible calls an ephod. We don't really know what an ephod looked like, but apparently it was something that went over the shoulders. And on the ephod, on his shoulder, were also all the names of the 12 tribes.

You say, "What was the point?" The priest bore the children of Israel to God on his heart, his affections, and on his shoulder, his strength. You see, this is the indication of what the priesthood is to be. First, a heart for the people. Secondly, the strength to help them.

The Old Testament priest could have the heart for the people, but he didn't have the strength. Jesus Christ, right now, is at God's right hand, interceding for those who are in saved. On His heart are the names of all those who are saved. Unlike the priest under the Old Covenant, Jesus is not only willing, He is able.

"...Jesus has become a surety (guarantee) of a better covenant." (v. 22)

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession of them." (v. 25)

"For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners..." (v. 26)

HEBREWS: Lesson 13 & 14 - Melchizedek and The Perfect Superior Priesthood

Review from last week (10/8/17): Hebrews 7:1-10

In Chapter 7:1-10, the author began with a description of Melchizedek. He shows how Melchizedek was a "type" of Christ and how the priesthood of Melchizedek was better than the Aaronic priesthood. He presented five ways that the priesthood of Melchizedek is better than Aaron's.

First, it was a universal priesthood, and Aaron's was national.

Secondly, it was a royal priesthood. He was a priest king. Aaron's was subject to kings.

Thirdly, it was a righteousness and peace priesthood. Aaron's could not provide either righteousness or peace.

Fourth, it was a personal priesthood. It was based on Melchizedek's own character. Aaron's was based on descent and heredity and had nothing to do with character.

Fifth, it was an eternal priesthood, and Aaron's was definitely limited by time.

So in those five ways, we see that the priesthood of Melchizedek is a superior priesthood to that of Aaron.

The Jew always felt that there was nothing superior to the Aaronic priesthood, the Levitical ritual, and to the whole ceremonial law as given to Moses. All their lives, they had been taught that the Levitical system was perfect, that it was instituted by God, that it was sufficient, and that it was permanent. But the very fact that there existed another priesthood that had superiority to Aaron's proves that Aaron's priesthood was limited and the promise that David gave in Psalm 110 was that, when Messiah came, He would not be a priest like Aaron. He would be a priest like Melchizedek, which means that whatever kind of priest Melchizedek is, it must be better than Aaron.

All along God had designed to set aside Aaron's priesthood. From the very time it was initiated, it was inferior. Even before Aaron's priesthood, Melchizedek's existed, and David said, "When Messiah comes, He will be like Melchizedek," showing that Aaron's priesthood was inadequate and would one day fall by the wayside and be replaced.

Now, this is important, because this is proof positive from the Old Testament that God never intended the covenant with Israel to go on forever, but that it would be replaced by a different priesthood. This is what the author is trying to prove - that God has set aside Judaism and brought in a new priesthood patterned after Melchizedek's.

Remember that Melchizedek was very important, because Abraham actually paid tithes to Melchizedek. Abraham, in a sense, was acting for the whole nation of Israel. So Melchizedek is greater than Aaron, and since Jesus Christ is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, He is greater than Aaron. This is the first argument in proving to the Jews that  there is a better priest and a better covenant, and Judaism has thus been set aside.

Today's Lesson (10/15/17): Hebrews 7:11-19

The author is not finished proving that Jesus is superior to Aaron. He continues in verses 11-19 to prove that Christ is better, because David prophesied (Psalm 110:4) that Messiah would be of another order.

The key verse in this section is verse 19: "For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."

The goal of God in all that He does in behalf of man is that man might come into His presence. Drawing near to God is the goal of Christianity. This is the essence of Christianity. This is its highest experience. Access to His presence and coming into His presence with nothing between.

I think sometimes we forget this. Christians look at their Christian life at least three ways. Some look at their Christian life, and they see Jesus Christ as only a means to salvation and personal happiness. They're on a quest for security. Jesus is the essence of their happiness and their security and that's about as far as it ever goes. Other people look at their Christian life as a relationship to Jesus Christ, and they seek to know Christ better.

Both views are good, but if it stops there then they haven't yet grasped what Christianity is all about. It's not just about security and happiness. It's not just knowing Jesus Christ deeper and deeper. It is drawing near to God and becoming one with Him and letting nothing come between you and God. The fullest expression of our faith is to enter into the presence of God, into the Holy of Holies, and to sit on the throne with Him. The author is telling the Jew that this is now possible because of Calvary. Judaism has thus been set aside.

Imperfection of Aaronic Priesthood (11-14)

"If therefore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood..." (v. 11)

Perfection, as used in this verse is referring to access to God; someone in the position in which he can come before God. It is the full goal of our faith. Paul said in Ephesians 2:18: "For through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father."

In verses 12-14 the author clearly explains to his audience that Messiah was to come from another tribe, not Levi, but Judah (see Micah 5:2). It was something Moses did not talk about.

Perfection of the Superior Priesthood (15-19)

It would be a priesthood born from the power of an "endless life" rather than from a carnal or fleshly commandment. It was evident from prophecy that Jesus would rise as a different kind of priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Note: Reference Genesis 49:10 and Matthew 1:1-16 for more on the linage of Jesus.

HEBREWS: Lesson 12 - Beloved & Salvation

Beginning with 6:9, the author makes a very sensitive, encouraging transition to those Jewish believers who are "in Christ." In the preceding passage (6:1 thru 6:8) the focus was on warning the Jews who had not yet made a full commitment to Christianity.

He starts (v. 9) with "But, beloved..." This is the only time in Hebrews that the term "beloved" is used. It is a term of the richest and deepest kind of love. The author doesn't want the genuine believers, which represent the majority in the church, to be discouraged by his strong rebuke or to doubt their salvation.

In this section (6:9 to 6:12) he references the three cardinal Christian virtues: love (v. 10), hope (v. 11), and faith (v. 12) as he talks about the things that accompany genuine salvation.

LOVE

Are you growing in love? Do you love God more and more, cherishing His Word? Do you love His people, difficult as they may be at times? Plug in the marks of love from 1 Corinthians 13 (1 Corinthians 13:4ff) and ask, “Do I love my immediate family members in this way?” Do you love the lost enough to give your money and time so that they can hear the good news, that Christ came into this world to save sinners? None of these graces are automatic. You must cultivate them daily through the spiritual disciplines (Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and fellowship). These are the things that accompany genuine salvation.

The author mentions the love which they had shown toward God’s name. His name represents all that God is as revealed in His Word. It refers to His holy attributes and His ways. To love His name is to have a passion for His glory, to see God exalted to His true place of honor over every creature. Loving God and His name is the basis for all that we do in service for Him.

HOPE

Are you growing in hope? Biblical hope is not uncertain, as when we say, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” Biblical hope is certain, but not yet realized. It is an attitude that is the opposite of discouragement and depression. The person who hopes in God is buoyed up by the promise of Jesus’ coming, and that the future will be glorious for all of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. As Paul prays (Romans 15:13): Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

While there may have been a few apostates in the church, the author is confident that the majority are saved because he has seen the evidence in their lives in their ministry to the saints. Then (6:11) he shares his desire that each of them continue with the same diligence and adds, “so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.” Full assurance of hope is tied in with diligent service, especially practical deeds of love towards fellow believers.

As John states, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14; see also 15-20).

The bedrock of Christian assurance is that God has promised eternal life to those that believe in Jesus Christ, and you know that you have trusted in Him. But, how do you know if your faith is genuine, saving faith? Since the apostates had what seemed to be many evidences of salvation and yet were not truly saved, how can you know that your faith is the real thing?

The biblical answer is, your life should reflect the reality of what God has done in your heart. As John also states in 1 John 2:3), “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” The more that you see God’s working through you, the greater will be your assurance that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

FAITH

Those who are genuinely saved will be growing in these three areas, and so they are good yardsticks to measure your life by. Are you living by faith in God’s promises in your daily life? If you are, you will know God’s promises (through Scripture memory), and you will be praying those promises back to God, claiming by faith what He has promised in His Word.

In 6:12 he says, "that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

We are to imitate those who by faith and patience inherit the promises. As Hebrews 11 makes clear, most of the Old Testament saints died in faith without realizing the promises in their lifetimes (see Hebrews 11:39). This means, as Paul puts it, that if “we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

God’s promises are fulfilled in eternity. That’s where faith comes into play. Will we trust God to keep His promises, even if in this life we are despised, rejected, and destitute? Will we endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, knowing that He will reward us far beyond any sacrifices that we make here below?

In 6:19, we see that our hope is an anchor to our soul. "This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." (NLT)

We will all have trouble in this life. Without a full assurance of hope, we will be tossed to and fro in the sea of trouble. Our hope must be certain yet unrealized. We must know that what we hope in is trustworthy and true. This is what gives our soul rest.

Next week, Nolan Helder will be teaching. He will pick up where we left off with Chapter 7. In Chapter 7 the author returns to his description of Melchizedek.

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).

HEBREWS: Lesson 10 - Maturity, Eternal Security, & Apostacy

After the author's very encouraging words in verse 6:3, the text drops abruptly into a very dark passage extending from verse 6:4 to verse 8.

Hebrews Chapter 5:11 thru Chapter 6:8 (especially 6:4-8) is a most controversial section of Scripture which has caused many believers considerable distress. For centuries Hebrews 6 has been a battleground. The crux of the issue is whether or not a born-again believer can lose his salvation.

The Bible clearly teaches that anyone who is truly born again and indwelled with the Holy Spirit is saved forever. They can never lose their salvation (see verses on Eternal Security below).

If you can spare 23 minutes and want to get a great overview of Hebrews Chapter 6 on the topic Does Hebrews 6 teach you can lose your salvation?, check out Todd Friel's animated teaching:

  Does Hebrews 6 teach you can lose your salvation? 

Todd Friel from WRETCHED

The concern of the author is with those of his unsaved Jewish readers who under stress of persecution were in danger of renouncing their professed faith in Messiah and returning to the abrogated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. These he repeatedly warns against this act, and repeatedly exhorts to go on to faith in the New Covenant through Christ Jesus. The fact that he urges them on to faith, shows that they merely made a profession and were not saved.

The question to be answered is if one's profession of faith at one time was truly a possession of faith. Did the mouth speak something other than what the heart believed? If one is truly indwelled by the Holy Spirit, then we should expect that one would be "steadfast to the end," (v. 3:14). Paul said in Philippians 1:6: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;". Based on scripture, we must assume that those who "fall away" (v. 6:6) were never saved. They might have made a profession of faith at one time (intellectually believed) but never truly trusted Christ as their Savior.

"Fall away" does not mean to stumble, backslide, or sin. It means to renounce the faith they once confessed. This is called apostasy. This is why the warning in Chapter 6 is so very important. The author is warning these Jews of the danger of having intellectually believed and then fallen away. The results were to be forever damned.

Eventually, one who has only intellectually believed will drift away (Hebrews 2:1), then their heart will grow hard (Hebrews 3:8), then they will become dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11), and finally they will fall away (Hebrews 6:6) and be lost forever--an apostate. The author is warning his audience to NOT let this happen!

So, can one who is truly saved lose his/her salvation? Absolutely not! So, how do you know if you are truly saved?

Ask yourself...

Is the Bible my joy and the delight of my heart? "Your words were found and I ate them. And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart: For I have been called by Your name. O Lord God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16)

Is God's Word my love which I seek to meditate in all day? "Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97)

Is God's Word sweet to my taste, sweeter even than honey?" "I have restrained my feet from every evil way. That I may keep Your word." (Psalm 119:101)

Ask yourself...

What are you longing for most earnestly and with the greatest passion in your personal walk and relationship to Christ?

Are you longing for greater intimacy? Are you longing for greater depth? Are you longing for greater power? Are you longing for greater clarity as you see His glory in the Scriptures? Are you longing to hear His voice with greater confidence as you read His Word? Are you longing to discern His will more confidently? Are you longing to walk more closely with Him in a real, living relationship, as a real person? Are you longing for His smiles of favor rather than His frowns of discipline? Do you even think in these terms? Do you go to bed with these longings? Do you wake up with these longings governing your life? Do you devote time, perhaps on the Lord’s Day, to seek His face to intensify these longings?

Ask yourself...

What are you longing for in your relationships with other people?

Do you long to represent Jesus with greater compelling forcefulness? Do you long for a greater love for people and a greater zeal for their salvation? Do you long to have greater boldness and encouragement from God in your own representation of Christ? Do you long to be a means of other people’s holiness, and purity, and power? Do you long to bring the Word of God from your encounter with the risen Christ into the lives of other people with effectiveness? Do you long for readiness to speak hope-filled words into the face of those who are dying or suffering or coming out of divorces? Do you have the aroma of Christ about you and do you long for it in conversations with others so that they say, there is an aroma about you that is different. Do you long to be able to inspire others by your own example in a life more consistent and deep and satisfying prayer

In the first slide, I showed two identical characters and asked "What is different between these two men?" Assume that both made a profession of faith at a young age. Both are regular church attenders. Both are even deacons. Both have been on foreign mission trips. The difference is that one man is saved and the other man is not saved. Sadly, there are many "pretending" Christians in churches today that are very actively involved in religious activities. Only God knows the condition of their heart.

Paul said, "Test yourselves whether you are in the faith, examine yourself." (2 Corinthians 13:5)

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).

 

Eternal Security

The Bible teaches that everyone who is born again is indwelled with the Holy Spirit and is saved forever.

"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:28)

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" (Philippians 1:6)

"They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us." (1 John 2:19)

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares: Matthew 13:24-30
Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-9

"Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men," (Isaiah 29:13 & Mark 7:6)

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16)
 

"Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." (2 Tim. 1:14)

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)

HEBREWS: Lesson 9 - Requirements for Priesthood & Spiritual Maturity

Chapter 5 is divided into three main sections:

1st - The Requirements for Priesthood (1-4)

2nd - Jesus Meets and Exceeds the Requirements (5-10)

3rd - Warning: Spiritual Maturity (11-14)

In his first two sections, the author reminds his audience of the requirements for becoming a priest. The Jews knew how special the priesthood was, especially the position of High Priest, and they had great respect for the position. The author then highlights how Christ far exceeds the qualifications to be THE Great High Priest.

The Levitical priesthood began at Mt. Sinai through Moses and ended when Christ abolished the Law of Moses on the Cross ("Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split," - Matthew 27:51). When the veil of the Temple was "torn in two from top to bottom", at that moment the Priesthood was abolished. All those who were/are "in Christ" were/are given full access to the Holy of Holies through Christ who is now seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven--the Holy Place.

God established the Levitical Priesthood (also referred to as the Aaronic Priesthood) through the three sons of Levi (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari). The Tabernacle began at Mt. Sinai in 1446 BC and it was at that time that special duties were given to each of the three lines of priests, but only the sons of Aaron could offer animal sacrifices or incense. Therefore, all of the High Priest came from descendants of Aaron.

Moses functioned as a priest on three occasions, all before the priesthood was consecrated to serve "after the order of Aaron."

1. Ex 24, when he sprinkled the book and the people at the ratification of the Law.
2. Ex 40:22f, when he set up the tabernacle, put bread on the table, burned incense on the altar of incense, and offered a burnt offering and meal offering on the altar of burnt offering.
3. Lev 8, when he anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, the priests, and offered a sin offering, a burnt offering and an ordination offering  for the consecration of the priests.
4. After that priests must be "after the order of Aaron," Heb 7:11.

Why Moses is called a priest in Psalms 99:6 may be a matter of special privilege since he functioned as HIGH priest before Aaron got his exclusive rights. It really should not surprise us. Why would he lose this power and position when he appointed Aaron? I think the answer is that he did not. Moses must have been a full priest forever, but thereafter Aaron's sons were the chosen ones.

High priests were appointed for life by Moses, but at the time of Jesus were appointed annually by the Romans. This is why we have multiple high priests at the trial of Jesus (Annas and Caiaphas). Annas was High Priest from 6-15 AD. Then from 16-30 AD Caiaphas was High Priest. In 60-63 AD, Ananias was the high priest who tried Paul in Acts 23:2.

The priesthood continued down to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when it became physically extinct, but it was rendered spiritually extinct at the death of Christ (33 AD) being replaced by the priesthood of believers in Christ. Today, every Christian is a priest and Christ is our high priest.

NOTE: When King David designed the Temple, had all the stones precut and ready for Solomon to build it without a cutting tool, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions. These 24 divisions continued down to the time of Christ (1 Chronicles 24:1-6).

Below is an extensive diagram showing the Levitical Priesthood.

After making the argument that Christ fulfills the requirements to be the One and Only Great High Priest, the author then turns to his third warning which will continue through Chapter 6. He realizes that he can't continue discussing the deep things of the spiritual life because of the dullness of hearing (vs. 5:11) which is apparent among many of those in his audience. Dullness is interpreted stupid, thick, lazy or sluggish.

In verses 12-14 the author speaks very strongly to the Jews who have yet to accept Christ fully. He tells them that "by this time" they should be mature enough to be teaching others, but instead, they have forgotten even the basics of the things of God. The time period is unknown but could have been as long as 10 years. It would be like trying to teach 6th graders who had forgotten their A-B-Cs.

He goes further using the analogy of a baby needing milk and being unable to eat solid food. These unsaved Jews were like little birds in a nest with their mouths wide open waiting to be fed by their mother. They were "unskilled in the word of righteousness".

The last verse in Chapter 5 gets us ready for the first word in Chapter 6: "Therefore...". He says in verse 5:14: "solid food belongs to those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil." 

"Reason of use" means to learn, obey, and apply. It would mean to actively study God's Word, pray, worship, serve, and fellowship. Without "exercising" all these spiritual disciplines in your life you will not be able to discern good from evil. This is the beginning of a passionate warning the author is bringing to these unsaved Jews. They are Jews who have turned from Judaism but have yet to fully commit their lives to Christ.

So far, the author has issued three warnings:

1st WARNING: Neglecting the Gospel

2nd WARNING: Drifting and Hardening of One's Heart

3rd WARNING: Lacking in Spiritual Maturity

The author will continue through chapter six addressing this third warning as he points out the great need for spiritual maturity ("let us go on unto maturity...") and exhorts the unsaved Jews against being dull of hearing and "sluggish" ("And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.")

Next week we will begin Chapter 6 and also revisit our discussion on sanctification and holiness.

Jesus said to His Father, "Sanctify them by Your truth. your word is truth." (John 17:17)

HEBREWS: Lesson 8 - Tabernacle, Temples, & High Priest

Today we completed the last three verses of chapter 4 (14-16) which introduces the topic Jesus is Better Than The High Priest.

So far the author has made the argument that Jesus is better than angels, Jesus is better than Moses, and now, the author begins the argument that Jesus is better than the high priest.

The focus of our lessons for the next few weeks will be on chapter 4:14 thru chapter 10:18 where the author will be showing his audience how Jesus is better than the high priest and also better than the sacrifices made by the priests.

I started today by looking at the background of the Tabernacle, the Temples, and the high priest.

TABERNACLE: 

The tabernacle was the portable earthly dwelling place of God from the Exodus through the conquering of the land of Canaan. It was designed and build according to the specifications given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai. You can read about the specifics in Exodus:

Exodus 25: Materials needed: Ark, the table for 12 showbread, the menorah.
Exodus 26: The tabernacle, the bars, partitions.
Exodus 27: The copper altar, the enclosure, oil.
Exodus 28: Vestments for the priests.
Exodus 29: Consecration of priests and altar.
Exodus 30: Incense altar, washstand, anointing oil, incense.

One of the key elements placed in the Tabernacle, within the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holiest), was the Ark of The Covenant.

 Pillar of Cloud by day... Pillar of Fire by night...

Nehemiah 9:12. "By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take."

Nehemiah 9:19. "So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels."

ARK OF THE COVENANT

There were three items placed inside of the ark that represented some of the most embarrassing and disgraceful events in the history of the Israelites.

First, the pot of manna:

“This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Take an omer [portion for one man] of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.’” (Exodus 16:32)

God had provided this bread-like food for the Israelites when they grumbled during the wanderings in the desert. It was bread from heaven! He continued to provide the food daily and faithfully, but the people were not one bit thankful. They complained and wanted something else. The pot of manna was an uncomfortable reminder that despite what God had provided for them, the Israelites had rejected God’s provision.

Second, Aaron’s staff that had budded: 

The people, out of jealousy, rebelled against Aaron as their high priest. To resolve the dispute, God commanded the people to take 12 sticks written with the names of the leader of each tribe and place them before the ark overnight. The next day, Aaron’s rod from the house of Levi had budded with blossoms and almonds. God confirmed his choice of Aaron’s household as the priestly line.

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.’” (Numbers 17:10)

The staff reminded the Israelites that on more than one occasion, they had rejected God’s authority.

Third, the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments:

God had chosen the Israelites as His special people. For the Israelites to qualify for that distinction, God had demanded one thing. They must obey His Law, the Ten Commandments. This was a conditional agreement:

“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5-6)

The Israelites had said heartily, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do,” in response to God’s covenant (Exodus 19:8). But how did they fare in fulfilling their end of the contract? Miserably. It was impossible for them to keep the Ten Commandments perfectly. Over and over again, they violated God’s holy Law, and God made it clear to them the consequences of their sin by sending plagues, natural hazards and foreign armies upon them. The stone tablets in the ark were a reminder that the Israelites had rejected God’s right standard of living.

These three articles were preserved in the ark throughout Israel’s history as an unpleasant symbol of man’s sins and shortcomings, a reminder of how they rejected God’s provision, authority and right standard of living. It pointed to man as a helpless sinner.

It may have been uncomfortable to think that God’s splendor was so close to the three articles associated with man’s sinfulness. But this is where God’s provision comes in. When God looked down from His presence above the ark, He did not see the reminders of sin. They were covered by a necessary object — the atonement cover.

The Ark of the Covenant led the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan until it was captured by the Philistines when the Israelites were defeated. After much misery and death came upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:19-21), because of the ark, it was returned to David. In 1001 BC, David brought the ark to Jerusalem and placed "inside the tent David had pitched for it." (2 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 15:1; 2 Chronicles 1:4-6).

TEMPLES:

First Temple: Built from 967 BC to 960 BC by King Solomon (1 Kings 6:37-38). This beautiful new Temple was built to replace the Tabernacle. The ark was moved into the new temple. The Tabernacle of Moses was stored in the new temple and is last mentioned in 2 Chronicles 5:5. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, totally destroyed the first temple in 587 BC. At that time the Ark of the Covenant was lost.

Second Temple: Built by Zerubbabel, the leader of the tribe of Judah, with the help of Joshua from 541-515 BC (Ezra 1:2; Haggai 2:1-9). It was much smaller than Solomon's magnificent temple and did not have the Ark of the Covenant. The Most Holy Place was an empty room.

During the period of the second temple the High Priesthood was corrupted. Many high priest died on the day that they entered the Most Holy Place because of their sin. This is where the tradition began that the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a scarlet rope tied to his ankle and bells around his waist. The priests outside the Holy of Holies would listen for the bells jingling to know that the high priest had fallen to the ground dead. They would then drag his body out with the rope.

The High Priesthood during the second temple period was so corrupt that during the 420 year span of the second temple there were 300 high priests. In comparison, during the 410 year span of the first temple there were only 18 high priests.

Zerubbabel's second temple was later completely restored by Herod the Great in 30 BC. It was totally destroyed by Roman Emperor Titus in 70 AD. Jesus had predicted this in Matthew 24:1-2; Luke 21:20.

The Muslims control the Temple Mount area and in the late 7th century they build the Dome of the Rock in the exact location of Solomon's and Herod's Temple. The Jews believe that their Messiah can not return until the third temple is build. The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has as its ultimate goal to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah -- the Temple Mount -- in Jerusalem. The plans are drawn and everything is ready, down to the smallest detail. All that is left is for the Jews to reclaim the 36 acres of land occupied and controlled by the Muslims.

THE HIGH PRIEST:

The High Priest was the supreme religious leader of the Israelites. It was a position only available to those in the line of Aaron (brother of Moses) of the Levite tribe (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 18:7).

He had to be without physical defects and holy in his conduct. “They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the Lord’s food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.” (Leviticus 21:6)

He had to oversee the responsibilities of all the subordinate priests (2 Chronicles 19:11). The high priest was the only priest that could wear the Urim and the Thummin (engraved dice-like stones used to determine truth or falsity (Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8). People would go to the high priest in order to know the will of God (Numbers 27:21).

He had to make a sin offering for the sins of the whole congregation and for himself (Leviticus 4:3-21). When the high priest died, all those confined to the cities of refuge for accidentally causing the death of another person were granted freedom (Numbers 35:28).

The most important duty of the high priest was to conduct the service on the Day of Atonement once a year. He entered the Most Holy Place behind the veil and stood before God. He made a sacrifice for himself and for the people. He then sprinkled blood on the mercy seat -- God's "throne" (Leviticus 16:14-15). He made atonement for himself and the people for all their sins during the year just ended (Exodus 30:10).

CHRIST IS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST:

Christ made one final offering for all sin (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10, 12).

Christ entered God's presence on our behalf and secured "eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12).

Today, there are no priest between man and God. Those who are in Christ can "...come boldly to the throne of grace..." (4:16)

All forms of earthly priesthoods have been nullified. All worship or pretended connection with God by men calling themselves priests (Judaistic, Catholic, or pagan) is sinful. Earthly priesthood is an open defiance of the finished work of Jesus Christ!

Paul wrote: "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)

The Most Holy of Holies is available to those who are in Christ. "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." (4:14)

Jesus passed through to the third heaven and into the presence of Almighty God! That is now the place of the Most Holy of Holies.

It all began when Jesus Christ died on the Cross at Calvary.

"Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split" (Matthew 27:51

Next week we will begin Chapter 5. Be sure to read the entire chapter and look up the meaning of sanctification and how it relates to holiness. Also, how does sanctification and holiness apply to our lives as believers?