SO GREAT SALVATION
By John C. Carpenter
The letter addressed to the Hebrew-Christian congregation located in Rome was possibly
written by the apostle Paul. Our subject verses read, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have
heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience
received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken
by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4).
Paul's letter, written about 65 CE,
was addressed to Jews who had come to faith in Christ, but who were also facing tremendous persecution primarily from the Jewish church.
These Hebrew Christians were struggling with continuing their newfound faith in Christ, and were seriously consideriing turning back
to a dependence upon the works of the Old Covenant law for their righteousness and salvation.. These new Christians were also questioning
the supremacy of Christ and the gospel message, and wondering whether Jesus could really be the Messiah, whom their own scriptures
had prophesied would come.
In verse three of our subject verses, the word neglect is translated from the Greek word ameleo, which
means to be careless of, make light of, neglect, be disinterested in, or to not regard. The word great is translated from the Greek
word telikaute, which means in magnitude, so vast, so great, or so mighty. The word salvation is translated from the Greek word soteria,
which means to rescue, to make safe physically or morally, deliver, save, or saving. When Paul speaks of neglecting so great salvation,
he is referring to neglecting a rescue or deliverance that is vast, mighty, and great in magnitude. So, if this is the case, what
is this great salvation that the author instructs us all, Jew and Gentile alike, to not make light of, ignore, or neglect?
When
we read the context of the entire letter to the Hebrews, it becomes apparent that the great, vast, and mighty salvation spoken of
by Paul is none other than the salvation provided by Jesus Christ to those who have come to a saving faith in Him. So, just what is
it that makes this salvation so vast, mighty, great, and glorious in magnitude? Why is this salvation so special?
THE GLORY OF
JESUS CHRIST
Well, lots of things make it special, but the first thing that makes salvation through faith in Christ so great
is the uniqueness, supremacy and glory of the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of man, the Son of God,
the Savior of the world, the only begotten Son of God the Father almighty, as well as many more descriptions. There is no one else
like Him in all of creation. God the Father not only demands to have and retain His own glory, but He deserves to have it, and neither
will He share His glory. Through Isaiah, He prophesied, I am the LORD [Hebrew, yehovah, the self Existent or eternal, to exist, or
Jewish national name of God]: that is my name [Hebrew, shem, definite and conspicuous position, a mark or memorial of individuality,
honour, authority, or character]: and my glory [Hebrew, kabod, weight in a good sense, splendor, consciousness, or honour] will I
not give to another, neither my praise to graven images (Isaiah 42:8). The author of the letter to the Hebrews outlines extensive
testimony to and evidence of the supremacy and glory of Christ, His death and resurrection. HE IS WORTHY of His glory.
The author
of Hebrews begins his description of Jesus Christ and His ministry with these words: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir
of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his [God the Father's] glory, and the express image of
his person, and upholding all things by the word [Greek, rhema, utterance, a matter or topic spoken of; i.e., the speaking and operation
of the Holy Spirit] of his power [Greek, dunamis, explosive force, power, abundance, might, strength or mighty work], when he had
by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath
by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they (Hebrews 1:1-4).
Referring to the exclusivity and glory of Jesus, the
heavenly Father, speaking through the author of the letter, added, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will
be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And letall the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But
unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hastloved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews
1:5-9). God the Father continued, Thou, Lord [Jesus], in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are
the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt
thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said
he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? (Hebrews 1:10-13).
Then the author warned all
unbelievers and believers in Christ, How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken
by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:3-4). Salvation through faith in Christ was first
spoken about by Jesus Himself, confirmed to the apostles who heard Him speak of this salvation, and bore witness of this salvation
to the apostles and disciples of Jesus with signs, wonders, divers miracles, and gifts that were supernaturally provided through the
operation of the Holy Spirit.
We are also taught that God the Father made Christ a littler lower than the angels, crowned him
with glory and honour, and did set Him over the works of God's hands. God the Father even put all things in subjection under his [Christ's]
feet, and left nothing that is not put under him, even though we do not yet see everything put under His feet. Additionally, the Father
purposely and temporarily made Jesus a little lower than the angels for the purpose of suffering of death, crowned Him with glory
and honour, that he by the grace of God Christ should taste death for every man. For it pleased God the Father, for whom are all things,
and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain [Greek, archegos, a chief leader, author, or prince]
of their salvation [Jesus Christ] perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:7-10).
The author also refers to the glory of Christ who
is God's and our High Priest: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part
of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through
fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage [to the law for righteousness and salvation]. For verily he took not on him
the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:14-18). Christ became flesh,
and became our merciful and faithful high priest who reconciled us to God.
We are also taught that Christ was faithful to Him
that appointed Him, that is, God the Father, as Moses was faithful in all his house, yet Christ was counted more worthy and glorious
than even Moses (Hebrews 3:1-3).
In chapter 5, God through the author of the letter to the Hebrew Christians also described the
obedient and suffering Christ with these words: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 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 [Greek,teleioo, complete, to accomplish, consummate in character, consecrate, finish, or fulfill], he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 5:5-10). Christ was made a glorious high
priest, like Melchisedec, who learned obedience in all things of God through His suffering.
The author continues his discourse
regarding the greatness and glory of Christ and His more excellent ministries: By so much was Jesus made a surety [Greek, egguos,
a limb, pledged as if articulated, or to be a bondsman] of a better [Greek, kreitton, stronger, more noble, or best] testament [Greek,diatheke, a disposition, a contract, to dispose by assignment, or a devisory will]. And they truly were many priests, because they
were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore
he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For
such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth
not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once,
when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the
law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated [Greek, teleioo, to complete, accomplish, fulfill, or make perfect] for evermore (Hebrews
7:22-28). But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was
established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Christ was and is the Father's pledge of a more noble covenant, He suffered by reason
of death to save them that come to God by Him, and He now lives to make intercession for them. Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, was made higher than the heavens who offered up Himself once for sins, and forever made finisher and accomplisher
of a better covenant.
The author continued, But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more
perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his
own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats,
and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works [of the Jewish law] to serve
the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions
that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament
is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator [as happened with Christ] (Hebrews 9:11-16). Again, He was a high priest
of good things, by His own blood he entered once into the holy place, and obtained eternal redemption for those who believe. He sanctified
us, offered his sinless self to purge both Jewish and Gentile consciences from dead works. He became the mediator of the new testament
that by means of His death He provided redemption of the transgressions under the first testament to that all that are called might
receive the promise of eternal inheritance and life.
Moreover, Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which
are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself
often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since
the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And
as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto
them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation (Hebrews 9:24-28). Christ appeared in the holy place,
in the presence of God, to put away sin by the one-time sacrifice of Himself.
Then said he [Christ], Lo, I come to do thy will,
O God. He taketh away the first [covenant], that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:9-10). Clearly Christ was determined to do God the Father's will, and by doing
so, He took away the first and established the second and better covenant, by which we are sanctified through the offeriing of the
body of Christ.
Regarding the greatness of Christ, the author even describes Jesus as the originator and finisher of our Christian
faith. Let us look unto Jesus the author [Greek, archegos, chief leader, captain, or prince] and finisher [Greek, eleiotes, completer,
consummater, fulfiller, or finisher] of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured [Greek, hupomeno, to stay under
or behind, remain, undergo, bear trials, have fortitude, persevere, or patiently suffer] the cross, despising [Greek, kataphroneo,
to think against, or to disesteem] the shame [of guilt, public suffering, condemnation, and crucifixion], and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction [Greek, antilogia, dispute, disobedience, gainsaying,
or strife] of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Hebrews 12:2-3). The chief leader and consummater
of our salvation not only persevered through His trials, suffering, and crucifixion, He disesteemed the shame of His own guilt, condemnation,
and crucifixion, enduring the gainsaying and resistance of sinners who spoke such ill and abuse against Him.
The author's final
instruction to the Hebrew Christians is as follows: To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,
and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the
blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse [Greek, paraiteomai, to beg off, deprecate,
decline, to shun, avoid, or to reject] not him [God in heaven] that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him [Christ] that
spake on earth, much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven (Hebrews 12:23-25). Refusing the
saving ministry and magnificent life-giving substance of the words, life, and death of Christ on earth is certainly severe, disasterous,
destructive and self defeating; but even more severe than that is to turn away from God the Father who speaks to us from heaven, Without
doubt, the smartest and most reasonable response of all is to not refuse, reject, or turn away from God or Christ.
THE GLORY
OF THE MINISTRIES OF JESUS CHRIST
Another reason salvation by faith in Christ is so great and glorious is the magnificence of
the ministries of Jesus Christ; that is, the glory of what His finished works accomplished for each and every believer in Him.
First
of all, and most importantly, with His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ, through His finished works, made righteousness
and salvation possible for both Jew and Gentile. Jesus explained to the believers in Galatia, For ye are all the children of God by
faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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 3:26-28). To the saints
in Ephesus, Paul wrote, at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the
covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made
nigh [to God the Father] by the blood of Christ. For he [Christ] is our peace [with God the Father], who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained
in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body
by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby (Ephesians 2:12-16). Before the advent of Jesus Christ, new covenant salvation was not
possible, but Jesus's death on the cross broke down the middle partition that separated us from God the Father, and thereby reconciled
us to the Lord our God.
Jesus also took and endured the punishment for our sins, the punishment that we in fact deserved.. In
Isaiah 53 we learn, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the
LORD [God the Father] hath laid on him [Christ] the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:5-6), and Paul wrote the church in Corinth, Forhe hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ
became sin in our place, and we, in His place, became His righteousness because He was completely righteous and without sin.
Next,
His sacrifice of His life provided forgiveness of ours sins as well as our being reconciled to God the Father. The apostle Paul explained:Therefore being justified by faith [in Christ], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access [to
God the Father] by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-2), and you, that were
sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [us to God the Father] In the body of his
flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight (Colossians 1:21-22). As John simplified for
us, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17).
Through
His suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ also broke the power of sin and death. Christ was tempted in all ways as we are, yet
lived a sinless life. The scriptures teach us, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Yet, God the Father made Christ take upon himself our
sin so that we could take upon ourselves His righteousness: For he [God the Father] hath made him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew
no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Also, Christ and His finished works, cleansed
us of our sins. Scriptures also teach us he had by himself purged [Greek, katharismos, a washing off, ceremonial ablution, expiation
of, or cleansing] our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath
by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they (Hebrews 1:3-4).
Next, Christ obediently and willingly became living
flesh and blood so that through His death He could destroy the power of death, which is found in the devil and his evil works: Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). By the obedience of Christ, all believers in Him were judged by God to be justified and righteous. Therefore
as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all
men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be
made righteous (Romans 5:18-19).
With His resurrection, Christ completely defeated death and its' power. As Jesus told Martha,I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25). As the apostle
explained to the believers in Corinth, For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So
when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass
the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting
of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory [over death] through our Lord
Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
As we mentioned earlier, Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection was the finished work
that made sinners righteous. Although we are all sinners before God the Father, those who accept Jesus' death on the cross can and
are now judged by God the Father to be righteous. God prophesied through Isaiah these words: He [Christ] is despised and rejected of
men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity
of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a
sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare
his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made
his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yetit pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed,
he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand (Isaiah 53:3-10). Christ was not only stricken down
for our transgressions, but it was pleasing to God the Father to do so to His own Son. From the Father's viewpoint, Christ's soul
intentionally served as an offering for sin. The apostle Paul described the death of Christ in this way: For he [God the Father] hath
made him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). As
a purely undeserved and free gift of grace from God the Father, we became Christ's righteousness, while Christ became our sinfulness.
Next,
because of Jesus' sacrificial offering, and our faith in Him, we sinners can be and are adopted by God the Father as His own children.
The scriptures teach us that when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To
redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the
Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father (Galatians 4:4-6). Regarding our adoption by our heavenly Father, Paul summarizes
with these words: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Romans 8:16-17).
Now, because as God's children who have a personal relationship with Him which has been restored, we can come boldly to God through
an humble and prayerful relationship and experience God's mercy and grace. The author of the letter to the Hebrews puts in like this:Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as
we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The scriptures instruct us that Jesus Christ also came to earth to disannul or cancel our sin
with the sacrifice of Himself. We read, Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true;
but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest
entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away [Greek, athetesis, to cancel literally or figuratively, to set aside,
bring to naught, or to disannul] sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without
sin unto salvation (Hebrews 9:24-28).
Additionally, in Christ's multifaceted ministries, Christ not only died for us, but we
were justified by His blood, saved from the Father's wrath, reconciled to God, and saved by the offering of His life. Encouraging
the believers in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote them, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Much more then, being now justified [Greek, dikaioo, to render just or innocent, or to determine to be righteous] by
his blood [death], we shall be saved [Greek, sozo, deliver, protect, heal, preserve, cause to do well, or make whole] from wrath through
him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled [Greek, katallaso, to change mutually, to compound a difference, or to have
a relationship restored] to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:8-10).
Another
ministry of Christ is that by His death and resurrection, and our faith in Him, we are also delivered from God's coming wrath. Writing
to the church in Thessalonica, Paul likewise instructed us to wait for [the return of] his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the
dead, even Jesus, which delivered [Greek, rhuomai, to rush or draw for oneself, or to rescue] us from the wrath [Greek, orge, violent
passion, justifiable abhorrance, punishment, anger, or taking vengeance] to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Last to be mentioned,
we should also recognize that, because of Christ and His death and resurrection, the life given to us by God is not only for now,
but also for life that is eternal and forever. It is continuous and unending. John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, wrote He that believeth
on the Son hath everlasting [Greek, aionios, perpetual, forever, without end, or since the world began] life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him (John 3:36). When the indivdual comes to faith in Jesus Christ,
he or she is granted by God temporal life and everlasting life. In educating Peter, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no
man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold
more in this present time [of our current lives], and [but also] in the world to come life everlasting (Luke 18:29-30). All of the
many ministries of Jesus Christ were glorious and certainly worthy of our acknowledgement, thankfulness, and praise. This glory is
evident in what the heavely Father referred to as the new covenant.
THE GREATNESS AND GLORY OF GOD'S NEW COVENANT
Another
thing which makes the salvation through faith in Christ such a great thing is the magnificence and glory of God the Father's second,
or new covenant. God promised both the Jews and [eventually] all Gentiles a new and better covenant than the first. As Jeremiah prophesied,Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not
according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of
Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will
make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,
saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive
their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Through Ezekiel, God added, For I will take you from among
the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you,
and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and
a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezekiel 36:24-27).
Referring
to our great High Priest of the new covenant, Jesus Christ, we read, now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also
he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless,
then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with
their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant,
and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith
the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me
a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me,
from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember
no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away (Hebrews
8:6-13). This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and
in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is
no more offering for sin (Hebrews 10:16-18). Because of the weaknesses and faults of the old covenant, God found it necessary to create
a new covenant with a better mediator, Christ, established upon better promises, and written by God into the hearts and minds of those
who believe.
In his letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul referred to the exceeding glory of the new covenant, or
testament. As Paul explainied, the new covenant was so much better than the old: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think
any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter,
but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death [in the old covenant law],
written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the
glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the [new covenant life of the presence
and working of the Holy] spirit be rather glorious [Greek, doxa, very apparent, full of dignity, honourable, or worthy of praise and
worship]? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For
even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away
was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech (2
Corinthians 3:5-12). According to the holy scriptures, the first, or old, covenant was glorious, but without a doubt, God's second,
or new covenant, was even more glorious than the first. God intended it to be so.
HOW SHOULD WE ALL RESPOND TO THIS GREAT SALVATION
As
we saw, the Hebrew Christians were struggling in their newfound faith in Christ. But the author of the letter had specific advice
in his letter to these new Christians. So, what was this advice? What did he say to them in his letter? How did he encourage them?
Well, the author offered several pieces of advice, which was not only good advice for them, but is great advice for us as well. How
should we respond to such a great salvation?
First of all, we are to earnestly heed the things we have previously heard, learned,
and read about this new covenant gospel message: Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard,
lest at any time we should let them slip [Greek, pararrhueo, allow to flow by, or to carelessly pass by or miss] (Hebrews 2:1).
Also,
as partakers of the heavenly calling, [we should more seriously] consider [Greek, katanoeo, to observe fully, to behold, to discover,
or to perceive] the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:1), as well as hold fast the confidence [assurance,
confidence] and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end (Hebrews 3:6). Neither should we allow our own hearts to be hardened [become
rebellious and stubborn towards God and Christ] (Hebrews 3:8), so that we may hear God's voice (Hebrews 3:15).
We are also warned
that we should be frightened and alarmed at the prospect of neglecting or abandoning the rest from the works of the law that God has
made available to us: Let us therefore fear [Greek, phobeo, to be frightened, alarmed, to be in awe of, or to revere], lest, a promise
being left us of entering into his rest [from works of the Jewish law], any of you should seem to come short of it [continuing in
the rest God has provided through Christ]. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not
profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world (Hebrews 4:1-3).
We
should also make conscientious, earnest, diligent effort to cease from our own works of the law for righteousnes [trying to earn our
salvation], as God rested from His works, and enter into the rest from those works God has provided through Christ: For he that is
entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour [Greek, spoudazo, to use speed,
to make effort, to be prompt or earnest, be diligent, or endeavour] therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the
same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is
there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him [Christ] with whom
we have to do (Hebrews 4:10-13). We should also take note here that the rest from the works of the law that we are to enter into are
provided by none other than the true Word of God, Jesus Christ, who is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart. In this context, the Word of God is not referring to the bible or holy scriptures, as many suppose, but to Christ, our
great High Priest, who has provided our only means of rest from our own works at righteousness through the keeping of the Jewish law.
We are advised, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [Greek,krateo, to use strength, or to seize upon or retain] our profession (Hebrews 4:14). These scriptures instruct us to seize upon and
retain with strength and determination our acknowledgement of our own High Priest, Jesus Christ, and the works free salvation He has
provided for us.
Next, the author of the letter to the Hebrews warned these new Christian converts the danger of coming to faith
in Christ, and then deciding to leave that faith. He warned, it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted
of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world
to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
put him to an open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6). As a result of them considering apostasizing from their newly found Christianity, the author
offered this advice: Therefore leaving the principles [Greek, arche, commencement, chief in importance and rank, in the beginning,
or first estate or rules] of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection [Greek, teleiotes, the state of mental or moral
completeness and maturity in Christ]; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the
doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1-2). The author
was exhorting the Hebrew Christians to get past the beginnings of their newly found faith, and go on to spiritual and moral maturity
and completeness in Christ.
Because of their impatience in waiting for the things God had promised then, the author of the letter
also wanted the new Christians to patiently endure in their newfound Christian faith and God's promises. He added, For when God made
promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he [God the Father] sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless
thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured [Greek, makrothumeo, to be long spirited, bear
long, or endure patiently], he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:13-15). The author of the letter wanted the new Christians to patiently
endure waiting for the fulfillment of the promises that they had received from the Father in heaven; because, as with God's promises
to Abraham, it was none other than God the Father, Himself who made such promises regarding their new faith. After patiently waiting
upon God to fulfill His promises, we [and these new Christians as well] shall surely obtain them in God's time. As the author added,Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath (Hebrews
6:17).
The next exhortation the author gave to the new Hebrew Christians was that they should not only be bold in their efforts
to enter into the presence of God the Father, but enter into the presence of God with a full and unwavering assurance of faith: Having
therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood [death] of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated
for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near [Greek, proserchomai, approach
or come near, visit, or worship] with a true heart in full assurance [entire confidence] of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from
an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast [keep in memory, or retain] the profession [acknowledgment]of our faith without wavering [standing firm]; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Hebrews 10:19-23).
The author quickly added
these instructional and encouraging words: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye
have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that
shall come will come, and will not tarry (Hebrews 10:35-37). The author of the letter exhorted the new Christians, because of their
impatience, to be confident and patient in God's fulfillment of His promises because God's timing in fulfilling His promises is never
delayed. In other words, He is always faithful, and will in His own timing, bring to pass what He said.
The author then quickly
offered one more pointed piece of advice, and hope - we are not of them who draw back [Greek, hupostole, to shrink back, be timid,
or commit apostasy] unto perdition [Greek, apoleia, ruin, spiritual loss, receive damnation, experience destruction, or be wasted];
but of them that [continue with faith in patience to continue to] believe to the saving of the soul (Hebrews 10:39).
The author
added that these new Hebrew Christians should continue to walk in faith with God and Christ, because to have faith is pleasing to
God the Father. The author gave this warning: without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Those who have faith and who diligently seek
Him will eventually be rewarded. Faith pleases God and, in His time and according to His will, He shall reward our faithfulness.
Next,
the author encourages the Hebrew Christians [and us] to be willing to underego mistreatment, suffering, and persecution, as did Christ,
valuing our eternal reward rather than seeking the temporal pleasures of the world: By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused
to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction [Greek, sugkakooucheo, to be maltreated with another,
or endure persecution together] with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming [Greek, hegeomai,
to deem or consider, to think, or to judge in favor of] the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he
had respect [Greek, apoblepo, to intently regard] unto the recompence of the reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). Suffering as Christ suffered
brings tremendous rewards.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews added these special instructions and encouragement: Wherefore
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who
for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Hebrews 12:1-3).See that ye refuse [Greek, paraiteomai, to beg off, to deprecate, decline, or shun, avoid, to make excuse, or reject] not him that
speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that
speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only,
but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made,
that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby
we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:25-28). Although written to the new Hebrew Christians, we, also,
must not refuse, decline, shun, or avoid He who speaks from heaven - we must gracefully and responsibly serve the God of heaven with
reverence and godly fear.
Last, the author of our letter again encouraged the Hebrews to face and endure their challenges, criticism,
persecution, and rejection by others, as Christ had also faced and humbly suffered: Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the
people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing [Greek, phero,
to carry, endure, or uphold] his reproach [Greek, oneidismos, to defame, rejection of, disapproval, to be disappointed in, or to revile].
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise [Greek, aiinesis,
the act of praising, or to offer a thank offering] to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name [Greek,onoma, authority, or character] (Hebrews 13:12-15).
SALVATION BY FAITH, NOT BY WORKS
This great, magnificent, and glorious
salvation God the Father makes available unto us is also mighty because it is based upon our faith in Christ rather than our own works
of righteousness. Look what the scriptures say about this.
Paul wrote the church in Ephesus, God, who is rich in mercy, for his
great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew
the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works [to be performed after our salvation], which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:4-10).
Paul
also wrote to believers in Rome, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [Greek, hilaserion, an expiatory place or thing,
an atoning victim, or a mercy seat] through faith in his blood [death], to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that
are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier
of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore
we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also: (Romans 3:23-29). The sinner is justified by God's grace through faith in Christ, not by his works of the
law. Through this faith, God is now God of both the Jews and Gentiles alike, and to the believers in Galatia, a man is not justified
by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the
faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (Galatians 2:16).
To
Titus, Paul also added these instructitons: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts
and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour
toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace,
we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7). It is God's grace that results in our salvation and eternal
life.
As the author of the letter to the Hebrews asked, How shall we escape [judgment and damnation], if we are careless of,
make light of, neglect, are disinterested in, or do not regard so great a salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the
Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4). Throughout the scriptures, the answer is clear
– we shall not escape. Speaking to His own disciples, Christ was very clear about this: he [Christ] appeared unto the eleven as they
sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after
he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:14-16), These are simple istructions - believe and be baptized
into the body of Christ, and you shall saved.
Again, by Paul, we are appropriately reminded, if thou shalt confess with thy mouth
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on
him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that
call upon him (Romans 10:9-12). This new covenant salvation based upon faith in Christ is not just a better salvation – it is a great
salvation. When we confess, believe, and call upon Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. God forbid that in any way and at any time we
would neglect such a great salvation. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of
the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator [Greek, mesites, a go between, an internunciator,
a reconciler, intercessor] of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under
the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must
also of necessity be the death of the testator”
(Hebrews 9:13-16).
"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may
know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the
light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and
let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together;I the LORD have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd Strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall
the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?"
(Isaiah 45:5-9).
“Much more then, being now justified
by his blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God
by the death of his
Son, much more,
being reconciled, we shall be saved by
his life”
(Romans 5:9-10).
“But what things
were gain to me,
those I counted loss
for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I
count all things but loss for the
excellency
of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom
I have suffered
the loss of all
things, and do
count them but
dung, that I may
win Christ,And be found in
him, not having
mine own righteousness, which
is of the law, but
that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness
which
is of God by faith"
(Philippians 3:7-9)
“And they entered
into a covenant to
seek the LORD
God of their fathers with all their heart
and with all
their soul"
(2 Chronicles
15:12)