Humanistic or Supernatural Worship?

So much in modern Christian worship caters to the potential visitors, the membership, the worship leader, and the traditions of the congregation. People know what they want and do not want in a worship service! Unfortunately, this tendency can lead to a rather humanistic 'worship' experience. Pleasing the crowd and appealing to their sensibilities seem to be paramount. All the while we can potentially forget or perhaps disregarded who the true focus of worship is. If we are not careful the church service can degenerate to a mere show focused on us and not the Lord God. Entertainment becomes the standard and not exaltation or edification. Cultural concerns tend to trump biblical mandates. The 'worship' service evolves into a humanistic presentation whose purpose, design, features, and emphasis is the satisfaction of the 'worshipper.' Though there may be incredible expressions of talent, it is still all about us. Though sanctified language is used, the focus is keenly people oriented. 

But what about God? I have concluded that spiritual, supernatural, spirit-empowered worship is indeed edifying to worshippers, but it is supremely honoring to God. God is not lost in the shuffle! Beloved, He is sought, reverence, adored, obeyed, praised, loved, and cherished deeply. Such focus is wonderfully supernatural--God is the target of such praise. Notice how this evidences itself in the Jerusalem church of the First Century in Acts chapter two. Luke writes in, Acts 2:47,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

I love the phrase "praising God!" The worship of God was certainly the central priority of this local assembly. The phrase occurs a number of times in the NT indicating the focus and concentration of the worship was towards God (Luke 2:13, 20; Acts 2:47; Acts 3:8, 9). The word “praising” means to prize and to speak of the excellence of God. In worship God is the One we seek to extol and exalt!

It was MacDonald, who insightfully observed,

Life became an anthem of praise and a psalm of thanksgiving for those who had been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love. (MacDonald, W. (1995), Believer’s Bible Commentary)

The Psalmist understood the proper focus of worship in Psalm 150 saying,

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2, Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3, Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4, Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5, Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6, Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Instead of praising people, preachers, and popes, praise the true and living God! 

The early Jerusalem Church is a healthy model for us today and churches must gather regularly for the worship of Almighty God (Acts 2:47). The Christians in the first churches understood this and concentrated the worship on praising God; corporate worship was important to them. They were people who placed a high priority on worship. I believe we should also.

New Testament worship was characterized by joy and thanksgiving because of God's gracious redemption in Christ. In fact deep joy and great gladness marked the early churches and this reality is repeated often in the historical accounts of Acts (5:41; 8:8, 39; 11:23; 12:14; 13:48, 52; 14:17; 15:3, 31; 16:34; 21:17). (Walvoord & Zuck)

 John 4:23, says that those who “worship the Father in spirit and in truth” are true worshipers. You see there is something supernatural about God-honoring worship. Consider the following observations and counsel from the Word of God. So how should we worship today?

Worship in a God-Centered Way.

This early Christian worship focused on God's saving work in Jesus Christ.

John 4:23, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

This is absolutely vital!  We cannot come together to worship the preacher, each other, the special musicians, nor the building itself.  It is right to appreciate all these things, but they are a poor focus for worship. No,  it must be Jehovah that we willingly bow our hearts to, it must be Adoni that we adore in the assembly, it must be the Most High God that we acknowledge to be exalted, elevated, and above all others!

This truth is beautifully illustrated in the 21^st  Psalm.  Though David is being honored as the victorious king and Israel’s monarch, it is the Lord Most High who is worshiped magnified and praised!  Notice these vivid statements of God-centered worship:

Psalm 21:1, The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Psalm 21:7, For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. 

Psalm 21:13, Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

Worship in a Christ Exalting Way.

Philip. 3:3, For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

In worship we should seek to left up Jesus Christ to the place of preeminence and glory that rightfully belongs to Him.  Every Christian should come to church with this goal in mind.  Christ should be recognized as truly exalted, infinitely elevated, royal in rank and honor, enlarged in majesty, renowned and ostentatiously distinguish from everything else!  Not only prominent, but preeminent!  Not merely significant, but supreme!

Not only influential, but Imperial!  Not just Formidable, but Invincible!  Our languages along with all others fail to offer enough superlatives to describe our exalted Lord Jesus Christ!

               1.  Christ is Exalted When We Acknowledge His Power and Wisdom as We Reject Mere Human Resources and Strength.  1 Cor. 1:29-31, That no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24, Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: [24] But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

  

               2.  Christ is Exalted When We Acknowledge His Sacrifice on Calvary as Complete and All Sufficient Payment for Sin and the Key to Effective Christian Living.  Galatians 6:13-15,  For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. [14] But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Simply stated, Jesus Christ is exalted when we come together to celebrate New Life in Him as the sole means of our Salvation, Sanctification, and Glorification.  We celebrate because He alone did the impossible; we rejoice in the fact that He alone is the complete Savior and Lord!  It is time to brag on Jesus when we Worship!

FOCUS ON CHRISTWhen we seek to win others to Christ, we must never think we possess any power in ourselves or lead others to believe we do through any air of superiority or lightness as we proclaim the gospel. We would do well to heed the advice of Dr. Payson, who said, "Paint Jesus Christ upon your canvas, and then hold Him up to the people; but hold Him up so that not even your little finger can be seen.

This is good advice for evangelism as well as worship. Let us make it our business to hold up Jesus Christ in our Worship and refuse to place anyone else on an equal or superior position with Him.

Worship in a Spirit Inspired Way.  Philip. 3:3, “ . . . which worship God in the spirit, . . .”  (Also Jn. 4:23-24)

Notice that our praise should be personal and living, not a dead ritual. True worship was that which occurred under the inspiration of God's Spirit as He directs the human spirit in appropriate expressions of praise.  Such spirit oriented worship is not confined to a certain time and place, but it can be rendered at any time and in any place.  

Malachi 1:11, For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.

Romans 1:9, For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Worship in a Truth Controlled Way.  John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.   

Worship is the believer’s response with all that he is—mind, emotion, will, and body—to all that God is and says and does.  This response has its mystical side in subjective experience, and its practical side in objective obedience to God’s revealed truth.  It is a loving response that is balanced by the fear of the Lord, and it is a deepening response as the believer comes to know God better.  (Warren W. Wiersbe)

Thus we must worship in spirit and in truth. We must be sincere and heart-felt in adoring Him. While following the biblical commands in obedience and conformity to His will in everyday practical ways.  It is internal and external at the same time.  However, the external expressions and internal realizations are controlled by the statements of Scripture.  Worship = Revelation + Illumination + Motivation + Activation!  It is worship to adore the God who revealed Himself in Scripture; it is idolatry to worship a god of our own imaginations! Ensure that you know the God you worship and that He is the God of the Bible! Then lavish your loving obedience to Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength! Mark 12:30, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Worship in an Individual/Personal Way.

Acts 2:43, And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

                 1.  Be Personally Moved by the Awesomeness of God.

There was a reverential awe, a holy respect that came over each person and the entire church.  They were impressed with a fresh Heaven sent understanding of how awesome God really is. God was magnified in their perceptions personally and collectively! There was individual and corporate impact simultaneously. This holy awe actually amplified their respect for God especially because of the mighty wonders they had witnessed in the assembly. I would to God that we all personally worshiped each Sunday with a fresh astonishment over the awesome power of God working among us.  O that we were more alert, and awake to the electrifying presence of God in the assembly!

                  2.  Be Personally Moved to Action as a Priest of Christ.

Peter said that we are “an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5).  Each believer acted in his capacity as a priest to offer his own worship and spiritual sacrifices to God, not needing nor depending upon a separate priesthood. The early churches worship definitely did not consist in building elaborate church sanctuaries or in developing impressive ecclesiastical rituals.  They simply worshiped God and God showed up often!

When you recognize God as Creator, you will admire him. When you recognize his wisdom, you will learn from him. When you discover his strength, you will rely on him. But only when he saves you will you worship him.It's a “before and after” scenario. Before your rescue, you could easily keep God at a distance. Comfortably dismissed.  Neatly shelved.  Sure he was important, but so was your career. Your status. Your salary. He was high on your priority list, but he shared the spot with others.Then came the storm … the rage … the fight … the ripped moorings … the starless night. Despair fell like a fog; your bearings were gone. In your heart, you knew there was no exit.Turn to your career for help? Only if you want to hide from the storm … not escape it. Lean on your status for strength? A storm isn't impressed with your title. Rely on your salary for rescue? Many try … many fail.Suddenly you are left with one option: God.And when you ask … genuinely ask … he will come.And from that moment on, he is not just a deity to admire, a teacher to observe, or a master to obey. He is the Savior. The Savior to be worshiped.… A season of suffering is a small price to pay for a clear view of God.”(From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)

Personal and intimate worship begins with a biblically clear view of the awesomeness of our Savior-God! Why not trust Him as your Savior and Lord today? Forgiveness of sins, adoption into God’s family, and a brand new beginning is what God offers each of us when we acknowledge our sinfulness to Him and in repentance believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, Jesus died for our sins, he was buried, and on the third day He arose from the dead triumphant over sin, death, Hell, and the grave. He did all of this for me and you. As sinners we deserve death, but Jesus died to pay for our sins. He arose again to offer us new life, eternal life, redeemed life through faith in Him. Believe God today! Come on…worship begins when you meet the Lord Jesus Christ as your very own Savior. Trust Him now…yes, this is your opportunity to be saved. 

The Effective Pastor's Impact

Ephesians 4:11-16

Pastors are given to churches as gifts to bring the members into spiritual maturity (Vs. 11).  A pastor, with his pastoral staff, who is effective as an overseer and shepherd will certainly make this passage a reality (Eph. 4:11-16). In addition, he must be vested with the Spiritual Gifts and Maturity to lead and serve the church as Pastor.  Success in churches is often measured by attendance, money, and facilities.  This is actually rank worldliness, unvarnished shallowness, and fleshly carnality.  There is nothing truly spiritual about these matters...they are simply manmade metrics to a large degree. Some will point to a few passages in the Bible to defend their use of these measures, but the truth is any company, organization, or religious group can brag about the same type of statistics. These measures do not include anything inherently supernatural or God-wrought! Well then...what does God actually require? How can a faithful pastor gauge whether or not he is having a God-honoring impact? Notice the marks of the effective pastor according to God’s view:

     1.  The Church Will Be Spiritually Prepared and Well Trained.   Vs 12,  For the perfecting of the saints . . . .

The gift-people/leaders are to prepare God’s people for works of service.  That is the equipment of all God's people in the church for ministry.   The idea is "to prepare" or "to put right."  The thought is applied to surgery in the setting of a broken bone, to the mending of nets (Matt 4:21) and the restoration of the back-slider (Gal 6:1).  Such preparation is the work and service of the pastor. The pastor literally trains the deacons, trustees, preacher boys, Sunday School teachers, ushers, treasurers, and Children’s church workers.  Leaders are not to do all the work of the ministry; leaders are to prepare the members to minister.

Remember the old TV show Six Million Dollar Man? Think about how he was basically rendered a paralytic as a result of a space shuttle crash upon return from space.  But the doctors used high tech equipment to rebuild and reconstruct him... to make him better than ever before. This is the idea behind the pastor’s ministry of taking people who have been paralyzed and broken by sin, leading them to Christ; then with the Word of God rebuilding them and making them productive for the Lord Jesus Christ.

     2.  The Church Will Be Serving and Working Effectively.     Vs 12,  for the work of the ministry

It is here that we have often missed the implications of the body of Christ portrait, and developed congregational patterns that deny rather than express what the church is. All too often leaders are hired by a congregation to do the “work of the ministry.” The pastor is expected to teach. To evangelize. To counsel. To visit the sick. To pray with the discouraged. If the church grows in size and new members are added, it is taken as an indication that their local congregation is healthy and the minister is doing his job. If the church fails to grow or the budget is not met, the one to blame is the minister. After all, he was hired by the church to minister.

How different is this modern view from the Bible’s portrait of a living body! In a living organism, every cell contributes. The body’s health depends on each member fulfilling its special function. No one person can carry out the functions of the living organism the Scripture describes. No one person or team of paid professionals was ever intended to. The role of leaders within the church has always been to help the members of the body grow in capacity to minister; to help each individual find and use his or her spiritual gifts. The role of leaders has always been to lead all believers into a fulfilling life of service.  This is the key to effective ministry and healthy church life—good food and plenty of exercise will keep a body healthy and strong.

When we miss this, and put the ministry of the church onto the professional, we have lost sight of who we are. The local congregation becomes weak, unable to respond as a healthy body to the directions of its Head.

     3.  The Church Will Be Built Up Spiritually and Numerically. Vs 12,  the edifying of the body of Christ:

The first ministry of believers is to other believers.  Spiritual growth in house supercedes numerical growth through reaching out.

A son of about five years old, wanted to mow the family lawn. They had a push mower then. The kind in which the blades moved only when the wheels moved, and the wheels were moved by people power. Well, little Paul pushed and strained—and finally found an answer. He leaned on the handle, lifted the wheels off the ground, and easily moved the mower on just the back roller! How busy he looked, chugging up and down across the lawn. And how little grass he cut!

After a while, the father would explain. “Soon, Paul, you’ll grow, and then you’ll be able to make those blades turn. Then you can help a lot.” (Wiersbe)

How often in the church we concentrate on organizing spiritual five-year-olds to push better lawn mowers, and wonder why so little of God’s grass gets cut! The church is called to first be “edified” and “grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ” (v. 15). Maturing within the body, growing more and more like Jesus, is the believer’s first calling. To equip the church for service, believers must minister to one another first and then to the world.

Do not misunderstand: this focus on building one another up is not “selfish.” It is essential. Only as we grow toward maturity together can we respond fully to Jesus as He directs us to serve in the world. Only a strong and healthy body can carry out the tasks assigned to it in evangelism and missions. Our effectiveness in communicating the Gospel and the love of God to the world around us depends on our growth toward maturity. This kind of growth takes place as we—members together of one body—build each other up in love, each part doing its own ministering work (vs. 16).

     4.  The Church Will Be United and Growing in Unity (Doctrine)   Vs 13,  the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God

The ultimate goal in view is the attainment of completeness in Christ.  Paul likewise insisted on the togetherness of Christians in the church in other passages (1Thess 4:15-17). In vs. 4:3 "the unity of the Spirit" is a blessing to be pursued and guarded.  Here "unity in the faith" is a goal to be pursued and reached.  Growing in unity in “the faith” deals with doctrine the true foundation of unity, not love.  You never sacrifice doctrine for some kind of false unity. Such a realization of unity will arise from an increasing knowledge of Christ as the Son of God in corporate as well as in personal experience.

     5.  The Church Will Be Focused on Spiritual Maturity and Strength.   Vs. 13,  unto a perfect man,

Vs. 15, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

It is vital that we “grow up into Him” if we are to be a valid expression of Jesus in this world. The whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work and makes its valuable contribution (vs. 16).  This is sometimes hard to accept. We look at the world and are burdened by the need for evangelism. We look at the poor and are burdened by the need to help and bring relief. We look at the suffering and are impelled to comfort and to care. So sometimes we slip into the trap of organizing the local church to undertake one or more of these tasks. We program evangelistic efforts and buy more buses. We commit ourselves to an active church social life and great involvement.  All too often we lose sight of the fact that the first function of the body is to build itself spiritually.   Our goals must be to be a perfect mature strong man who can stand firm for Christ is a darkened world.  The first area of growth must be spiritual.

     6.  The Church Will Be Projecting a Combined Testimony to the Character of Christ as a Standard.    Vs 13,  unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

The local church as a whole is seen as "one new man" in Christ (Eph 2:15). Individualism is a mark of immaturity.  This perfection or completeness is proportionate to “the fullness of Christ” himself.  Another believer is not the standard, nor merely another church, but Christ himself is.

The “fullness of Christ” himself is the standard.  Just as Christians may be filled to the measure of “all the fullness of God" (Eph 3:19), so together we are to aspire to the full measure of perfection found in the character of Christ.  Everyone should seek moral and spiritual conformity to the image of Christ.  This is an appropriate body for a glorious Christ. (MacDonald)  

Let us project together a clear and accurate portrait of the stature and fullness of Christ’s Character.  Let us as a church assembly be conformed to His outstanding features spiritually and morally.  Just as He was Wise, Faithful, Holy, Committed, Submissive, Fervent, Compassionate, Loving, Unselfish, and Gracious so should His local churches corporately be.

     7.  The Church Will Be Stabilized by Sound Doctrine and Not Gullible.    Vs 14,  be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about                                                                                                                                         

The metaphor of maturity is carried over from vs. 13. Immaturity is avoided when we follow God’s pattern. There must be no hindrance in development among us as believers and church members.  We are to abandon childish and shallow attitudes and be our age (1 Cor. 13:11). Paul switches from one metaphor to another as he depicts the features of spiritual infants.  We cannot afford to be babes “tossed to and fro” and whirled around by every gust of fashionable false teaching. Blown here and there and feeling dizzy from the confusing effect of false doctrine. No, our goal must be to grow up!

Yes, we are to be stabilized and planted in sound doctrine which affords rock solid direction for life and practice. One of the main reasons Christians get out of sorts with the pastor is because they cannot appreciate mature wisdom and sound doctrine applied to everyday life.  Beloved, do not settle down as a mere spiritual babe– underdeveloped because of a lack of exercise in truth (Heb. 5:12). Make the choice to grow up and become a part of the stability of the church instead of being an unstable perpetual liability.

     8.  The Church Will Be Focused and Contributing in Every Subdivision.   Vs.16,  the whole body fitly joined together . . . according to the effectual working in the measure of every part . . . .

Every member involved, and making a meaningful contribution to the welfare of the church and positively impacting the community for Christ.  Each member focused on the same basic goals, priorities, and mandates.  Each member contributing according to his or her gifts and abilities effectively.  Not just busy, but accomplishing the very will of God.

     9.  The Church Will Be Growing, Increasing, and Ministering in Love to Each Other   Vs 16,   maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There will be no compromise as to clear biblical teaching and the fundamentals of the faith.  Then there will be a right spirit of love supervising the ministry activity ensuring that there is no one-sided testimony.  Yes,  a remarkable balance between love and truth is wonderfully achieved.  Together we make a complete living organism mutually contributing and growing in harmony.  This process depends on the fact that the various parts of the body are interrelated. The whole is continually being integrated and kept firm by each separate ligament. (Walvoord)

Certainly these are the biblical marks of and effective pastor, pastoral staff and church!  Pastoral authority extends as far as is required to accomplish his great task.  Pastors must be gifted and spiritual to accomplish these great spiritual tasks.  Talent in good, but it will not get these objectives accomplished!  We are very success-oriented as Americans, and this has led to churches putting a premium on “results.” Success in the church is often measured by attendance, money, and facilities. The church with the greatest attendance, the most money, and the nicest facilities looks the most successful. Whenever a church finds a way to increase all three, that pastor is likely to be in high demand as a speaker and consultant, regardless of whether or not the church measures up to the scriptural criteria for success. (Wiersbe)

As a result, churches often put a premium on talent over godliness, ability over maturity. This has led to disastrous consequences. The Bible makes it clear that leadership in spiritual matters is not merely a matter of talent.  It is a matter of spiritual gifts and spiritual maturity (Eph. 4:11-16).  If we put those two issues first and talent second, we will find a higher level and quality of leadership being chosen for churches.

Our modern society is in desperate need of more Christ-like believers and churches. The only thing many people will ever know about God is what they see of His radiance reflected in our daily lives and collective testimony. Our ability to represent our Lord worthily is only possible through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit in the church.

This hymn text by Thomas Chisholm is one of his more than 1,200 fine poems, many of which have been set to music and have become enduring hymns of the churches. This one, published in 1897, was his first hymn to be widely received.

                                                            O TO BE LIKE THEE!

O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer. This is my constant longing and prayer; gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee! full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind; helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

O to be like Thee lowly in spirit, holy and harmless, patient and brave; meekly enduring cruel reproaches, willing to suffer others to save.

O to be like Thee! while I am pleading, pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love; make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling; fit me for life and heaven above.

Chorus: O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art! Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Reflect on this statement: “He who does not long to know more of Christ really knows nothing of Him yet!”  (101 Hymn Stories)

My Reasons for Hope

Hebrews Six

The challenge in chapter six is for believers to press on with spiritual growth until they fully mature—“perfection” (Heb. 6:1-12). They are to leave the elementary teachings of God’s word, the “doctrine of Christ” (5:12).  While it is vital to have this spiritual foundation, the Christian must go on to full maturity (6:1-3). “Perfection” refers to maturity—spiritual adulthood—as the goal of the Christian. Sometimes this is referred to a Christlikeness or sanctification. William Newel felt that pressing on to full growth would make a great title for the book of Hebrews.

Without a solid commitment to continue to grow up in the Lord, the believer will run head on into the difficulty of spiritual stagnation (Heb. 6:4-6). The question of who is being addressed in this section must be answered. The recipients are described in some detail and this description seems to point more to believer than merely professors. For example they had been “enlightened” by the Spirit as they were instructed in the gospel. They have tasted “the heavenly gift” which means they have experienced the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ is the gift that God gave because he so loved the world (Jn. 3:16). They also share in the Holy Spirit’s ministry in their lives—“were made partakers of the Holy Ghost” (6:4). Admittedly, these descriptions could also be true of a person attending Christian meetings and only professing faith without ever having been born again.

The most difficult part of this interpretation is the clause “for it is impossible for those… to renew them again unto repentance” (Heb. 5:4, 6). However, it helps to understand that the impossibility exists as long as they are still crucifying the Son of God afresh and actively putting Him to an open shame. No one can be renewed to a fresh dedication and commitment to Christ while they are still behaving in a manner that is offensive to Christ. The impossibility evaporates if these believers humble themselves, repent of their shameful behavior and commit themselves to continue and grow in Christ.

Clearly the spiritual production of a person claiming to be Christ is what distinguishes the authentic believer from those merely claiming to be (Heb. 6:7-10). In a church’s life both groups will receive privilege and blessing from God, but the impact will be vastly different.

To avoid stagnation and apostasy the believer must chart a course of progress (Heb. 6:11-12). They should be consumed with matters of love, service, and ministry. These are the kind of things that accompany salvation and God will reward such faithful service for Christ’s sake. Their diligence does promote a full assurance of hope.

Continuation in the Christian faith is inspired by the promises of God and the eternal priesthood of Christ (6:12-20). The Christian’s assurance is based on God’s promise (6:12-15). Therefore, each believer must refuse to be spiritually lazy (Heb. 6:12), follow good models of faith and patience (6:12), and give careful consideration to Abraham’s example of trusting God’s promises (Heb. 6:13-15). Because he was assured by God’s promises to him (13-14), he endured until he received it (15). The hope of realizing the promise inheritance of God should inspire continuation and diligence in the heart of Christians.

Believers’ assurance is also based on God’s confirmation (Heb. 6:16-18).  This was much like an oath of confirmation in a court of law. Men take such ratifications readily and seriously (6:16). How much more should Christians take God’s oath of confirmation seriously (Heb. 6:17-18). God not only gave His word, but He also made use of an oath, that by both these the believer may have a double assurance. When a faithful believer trusts God, they enjoy the strong consolation that can come only by having confidence in God (6:18).

Then finally, believers’ assurance is based on God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Heb. 6:19-20). For the believer in personal jeopardy they may flee to Christ, their City of Refuge for safety and protection (6:18). For those inclined to drift away from secure moorings Christ is their Anchor of Hope in Heaven (6:19). The hope of the believer—heaven itself, their inheritance, and privileges as sons of God—is secured by Christ. With regard to access to God, the Father, Christ is their Forerunner in the presence of God for them always (Heb. 6:20). Yes, Christians’ Forerunner has entered “within the veil.” Surely every believer is to follow Him there most confidently. And Christ is their everlasting High Priest with God who in the power of a never ending life makes continual intercession for His people (6:20). It is not us who must hold on to God for security, but Him who will not let us go!

From Shadows to Substance

Hebrews Five

The priesthood of Christ in where chapter four ended informing believers of the grand privileges of Christ as High Priest. Chapter five begins with an explanation of the priest’s ministry, his qualifications, and the purpose for his work under the economy of the Law (Heb. 5:1-3). The high priest’s purpose was to intercede between God and man with tenderness and compassion as he offered gifts and sacrifices to God for sins.

Accordingly, the priest had to be a man himself (Heb. 5:1) appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God. Again a High-Priest was chosen and placed by God into the priestly ministry (Ex. 28; Num. 16:1–40; 1 Sam. 16:1–3).  The priest was to officiate and minister to men in things that involve man’s relation to God. He belonged to a special order of men who served as intermediaries. The high priest was called to his office by the Lord God Himself. 

Just as the Aaronic priests were qualified to fill that office, so it is true of Jesus Christ who being God became a man and was called and appointed directly by God to the office of High Priest (5:4-6). Hebrews 3:1-3 informs that Christ was faithful to God who appointed Him as High Priest. He came to do the will of God observed Newell.

Through exercise of the priest’s ministry and the obedience he learned through suffering, Jesus Christ was perfected to serve as God’s unique High Priest. In fact Christ belongs to the everlasting priesthood of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:7-10). The Lord Jesus was made “perfect” as God’s appointed priest. “And being made perfect” (5:9) is a curious phrase and does not refer to Christ’s personal character or morality because the Lord Jesus was entirely faultless. The word “perfect” fundamentally refers to “the bringing of a person or thing to the goal fixed by God. The word speaks here of Messiah having reached the end which was contemplated in His divinely appointed discipline for the priesthood. This consummation was reached in His substitutionary death on the Cross” (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament). Newell observed, “Christ’s moral and spiritual perfection only emphasize this word concerning the end of the prescribed path of humiliation and suffering culminating at the Cross…[the] word reached its peak there.”

The mention of Melchisedec is also informative. The king-priest Melchisedec was an early and excellent representation of the person and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. This fact enables the Lord Jesus to be “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him,” (Heb. 5:9) because he is “a priest after the order of Melchisedec” that is, his priesthood is eternal. The writer of Hebrews desired to ponder further this subject of Christ’s eternal priesthood and the natural implications, but the recipients are unable to receive it as yet. Their immaturity warranted a measured chastening first.

Clearly these believers had been taught and should be teaching others, but instead of growing forward they grew backwards and required remedial training again (Heb. 5:11-13). The writer so desired for them to be mature and skilled in the “word of righteousness.” Being skillful is the ability to grasp and apply the meaning of Scripture to daily decisions and actions. Skill suggests experience in living out the truth and the capacity to distinguish truth from error. Obviously, the word “unskillful” (5:13) carries the opposite meaning.

Again God prominently values mature and growing believers in Christ. The term “full age” (Heb. 5:14) is contrasted with verse 13. The focus is on the “babe” in Christ who is “unskillful” in the “word of righteousness” and still subsists on a diet of “milk.” But, “full age” refers to believers who are perfect or maturing and able to partake of “strong meat” (solid spiritual food). Such ‘adult’ or ‘full-grown’ believers, “by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). That is the habitual use and vigorous exercise of their perceptive faculties (spiritual senses) results in the ability to discriminate between good and evil teaching. By adhering to the insight they receive from the Bible, these believers are able to form spiritual judgments—differentiate critically—and save themselves from moral and doctrinal dangers. Such believers would readily recognize the superiority of Christ’s message, priesthood, sacrifice, and purpose and decidedly cling to Him in faith. They can distinguish between shadows and substance, symbols and significance. 

The Danger of Stagnation

God calls His people to diligently progress in spiritual growth to full maturity—“Let us go on unto perfection” (Heb. 6:1). William Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse) describes perfection as “the process of the Holy Spirit within the believer will conform him to the image of Christ in faith, holiness, love, and knowledge….” God desires for Christians to develop their spiritual senses with the Word, discern good and evil, and become fully assured of their heavenly hope in Christ.  God will grow believers, but they must cooperate with His divine purposes. To do so will require diligent exercise of faith and a tenacious persistence, but the result is inheriting the promises of God (6:12-20).  

The writer of Hebrews has explored the most encouraging ministry of the Christian’s Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16).  His service to the believer is certainly enough to promote continuous spiritual progress (5:9, 10). But there is the possibility that some believers will not advance in their faith (5:11-14), and some may even draw back from the full commitment of continuing with Christ (6:4-8). The purpose of this writing is to explore this very real possibility.  

THE CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

Progression in the faith is God’s desire for each believer, but stagnation is when the Christian’s life plateaus far short of maturity. Hebrews 5:11-6:12 addresses this important issue of spiritual stagnation, sluggish Christian growth, and even apostasy.  Instead of diligently pursuing full and fruitful adulthood in Christ (6:10-12) some were slothful and lazy regarding the life of faith. As a result, these plateaued believers were grossly immature.

Hebrews 5:11-13, insightfully shows their level of juvenility. Accordingly spiritual childishness is an inability to listen to the Word and apply it to life (5:11). There is also little or no ability to instruct from the Word and share it with others (5:12a). Immaturity is also marked by an inability to appreciate any teachings beyond the foundational truths (5:12b-13).  Finally, juvenility results in an inability to use the Word of righteousness for decision making (5:13). Obviously a condition of stagnation is sheer spiritual bankruptcy.

STAGNATION CAN RESULT IN APOSTASY

What can be expected for not progressing to Christian adulthood? Hebrews 6:4-6 holds the answers to what a lazy approach to spiritual matters will produce. This passage confronted the condition of spiritual stagnation, but it remains one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to interpret. Never-the-less it shows that a person who is spiritually stagnant can expect several negative developments. Backsliding, little or no zeal for Christ, vulnerability to error, shaming the Name of Christ, feelings of insecurity, vast theological confusion, and very little spiritual fruit are just some of the plagues of spiritual irresponsibility.

Because they fail to recognize the priesthood and intercessory ministry of Jesus Christ, they likely are frustrated with Him and blame Him for some perceived inadequacy in Christianity.  They suffer from an unjustified diminishing confidence in Christ. It is no stretch of the imagination to say that some may have become frustrated with Christ and the faith life. The persecutions they endured dishearten some and a few others were embittered by the chastening of the Lord. Thus their form of stagnation was heavily seasoned with the pains of confessing Christ in a hostile climate. Of course these developments only exacerbated the problem.

The first need here is to define the problem of apostasy—“fall away” (Heb. 6:4, 6). The writer would like to address the subject of Jesus the High Priest of the order of Melchisedec (6:20). However, he is unable to do so because of the mental and spiritual dullness of these infantile believers. In addition some had fallen away and there was the possibility that others may follow. To “fall away” (v. 6) means to commit apostasy in some degree. Newell said, “The inner meaning of the word translated “fallen away” in Hebrews 6:6 is that of a secret departure from God.” He continued by adding, “it is not a falling into sin that is meant, but a falling away from God, from Christ, from salvation, a renouncing of truth.”

In the strictest sense apostasy is a rejection or repudiation of a previously held belief or confidence in the Christian Faith. Apostasy in the broader sense encompasses various degrees of departures from faith ranging from instances of ‘unbelief’ (Heb. 3:12, 13) all the way down to ‘reprobation’ (2Tim. 3:6-8). It could include a refusal to trust the Lord for a specific matter as well as full rejection of Christianity and actively trying to dismantle it. The spectrum would include both grossly backslidden and theologically confused believers who cast off their confidence in Christ. Obviously full apostasy and reprobation refers to unbelievers. Apostasy does not result in the loss of eternal life; salvation is based on faith and trust in Christ’s work (Heb. 5:9; 7:24-28; 9:12; 10:14; See also Heb. 6:13–20; see also John 5:24; 10:26–30; Rom. 8:28–39). But, defection from the Faith, apostasy, and the withdrawal of one’s Christian profession (Heb. 3:6, 14; 10:23-25, 35-39) is the issue at hand.

The assertion that such a failure is not possible for a real believer is an unbiblical dogmatic idea designed to accommodate a theological system. It is born of theological tidiness and convenience, not the truth. Walvoord and Zuck (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) observed that Paul spoke of a certain Hymenaeus and Philetus who claimed that the resurrection has already taken place, and in doing so they destroyed the faith of some genuine believers (2 Tim. 2:17-18). Paul was being a solid realist who took assaults against the faith very seriously. Some of these Jewish believers were on the verge of giving up their confidence in Christ and the NT teachings about Him. Thus the writer was constantly challenging them to commit to Christ, keep the faith, and continue to walk with Christ confidently (Heb. 3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:9; 10:35; 13:9; Jn. 8:31; Acts 13:43; 14:22).

Secondly the weight of an act of apostasy must be discerned along with the meaning of two key phrases in this warning passage. It is “impossible” for the enlightened to be renewed unto “repentance” while they are still disregarding Christ’s finished work and present ministry as High Priest (6:4, 6). Verses four through six must describe true believers. To “renew them again unto repentance” (v. 6:6) refers to a fresh commitment to Christ and the Christian Faith. This is not another salvation experience, but a full rededication of oneself to Christ. Restoration is possible if they repent, but it remains impossible as long as they doubt the value of Calvary and the intercession of Christ as High Priest.

There may have been mere professing Christians who had decided to reject Christ and Christianity fully. In any congregation of any substantial sizes there is the possibility of unsaved individuals lurking in the ranks. These may have been encouraging others to do the same; this is apostasy in its fullest sense (Heb. 3:12).  Pressing on to spiritual maturity; however, requires living by faith in Christ the great High Priest who is with the Father in Heaven, and not turning back to the ABCs of faith (6:1-3).

THE IMPACT OF APOSTASY

This is serious because such sinful actions actually denounce Christ. These people “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh” (Heb. 6:6). They are constantly putting Christ “to an open shame.”  They brought shame to the name of Christ every time they worshipped through the temple system after having made a profession of faith in Christ.  Temple worship was very visible, public, and open, therefore any participation in this worship form was openly discrediting and denouncing Christianity.

This relates ominously to modern Christians who turn to the gurus or celebrity figures for answers to help with life’s challenges, but seldom considers Christ.  Believers will look to sociologists, psychologists, Hollywood figures, talk show hosts, horoscopes, the politically elite, the government, and the hyper educated for resources and answers. The same could be said for believers who place their confidence in a church, denomination, or religious distinction while they blatantly ignore Christ. The difficulty here is these same Christians seldom look to the all sufficient Christ and a life of faith.  They shame Christ when they ignore Him while becoming enamored with human idols and by actually taking godless counsel from mere people. If they have a great High Priest making intercession for them in the very presence of God, if they have available to them grace and mercy to help in time of need, then why act as though they do not!

The Scriptures regularly warns against the possibility of apostasy as an actual and genuine danger. Logically, only real believers can apostatize, unbelievers cannot. These warnings are for genuine Christians today who are in the same danger of falling away from an open and healthy profession of Christ as Savior, Lord, and High Priest. In many respects it is not full scale apostasy that most will commit.  Instead it is a more insidious form where believers incrementally and increasingly stop professing Christ in more and more areas of their experiences. Eventually there is little or no obvious claim Christ has on their lives. Perhaps for social or professional expediency they do this. Maybe some deny Christ for reasons along the lines of political correctness. No doubt, some disassociate themselves from Christ in order to accommodate a highly secularized culture. Others are very quiet about faith in Christ because they embrace the modern social values of ‘tolerance’ and pluralism.  Others are simply ashamed of Christ and faith in Him. Some have been all but commanded to never mention their faith in Christ especially stifling any evangelistic zeal. So to avoid professional repercussions they comply. Such ‘Christians’ have been effectively neutralized by their lack of progress, confession, commitment, courage, and faith. Stagnation and apostasy are extremely serious matters in this light.

If a person is diligent and persistent about growth in Christlikeness then these qualities will advance them a great distance down the highway of fulfilling God’s will. However, if they are lazy and slow to learn then this would debilitate much of their potential. It is far better to heed the writer of Hebrews, “Let us go on unto perfection” (Heb. 6:1). 

The Perfect Sacrifice

Many believers reflect on the death of the Lord Jesus several times during the course of a week for numerous reasons. Others perhaps think about Him offering up Himself to God weekly during church services or when it is mentioned in a sermon. No doubt there are people who consider Christ’s redemptive sacrificial death once or twice a year during the religious holidays. Then finally, there are many who never give Christ’s sacrifice a second thought.

To ponder His sacrifice recalling His suffering undoubtedly moves one at the very core. Such serious mediations give birth to the most profound gratitude. This automatically ignites a sense of obligation to live for the Christ who died for all. One can never repay Him for His sacrifice; to even attempt to do so would deeply insult a gracious God. At the same time one should never take His Cross for granted. Certainly it is a truly healthy exercise to meditate on the significance of Calvary.

The consideration in this essay is the perfection of His sacrifice. It fulfilled and completed all that Aaron’s priesthood and the tabernacle anticipated under the old covenant and thoroughly satisfied the Father’s will regarding the full atonement for sin and the sanctification of believers. Now believers enjoy complete access to God through the “new and living way” offered at Calvary’s altar.

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR HEAVEN

William Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse) noted that the focus is on Christ as high priest and not as Redeemer and so the emphasis is on cleansing the conscience of dead works to serve the living God (9:14). In Hebrews 9:10-15, one can see how the value of Christ’s sacrifice was presented in Heaven, it secured eternal redemption for sinners, and it cleanses the conscience to prepare believers for service to God.  The Lord Jesus’ sacrifice also dedicated and initiated the New Testament affording an eternal inheritance to believers.

Again it is obvious in Hebrews 9:22-28, that Christ’s sacrifice facilitated the dedication of the New Testament. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice literally provided purification for sin in Heaven itself, and it afforded Christ access into the presence of God on behalf of Christians. Newell observed that cleansing was required in Heaven because, “the record of man’s sin existed in Heaven. But when the great Sin-Bearer entered…into Heaven…sin had been put away from God’s sight through the value and power of the infinite sacrifice of Himself.” It was the sacrifice of Christ Himself once and for all that actually put away the sins of many and no more sacrifices are necessary. This perfect Sacrifice satisfied Heaven’s holiness and justice!

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR SINS

Hebrews 10:1-4, tells of the inadequacies of OT sacrifices under the law. These only foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ; those annual offerings could not cleanse the conscience they could only remind Israel of their sinfulness. The words “make …. perfect” (10:1) means “to bring to a state of completeness.” The ceremonial law could not actually save the believer. Its work was always short of completeness. To “make… perfect” does not mean sinless perfection, but that definitive removal of guilt that makes free access to God possible for worshipers trusting in the sufficiency of the Cross. Animal sacrifices were entirely unable to take away sins, but Christ’s was totally able to.

This sacrifice is why God the Word became a human being. Hebrews 10:5-10, reports that the body and incarnation of Christ enabled Him to satisfy the Father’s will as the perfect sacrifice. His offering enabled Him to replace the old sacrificial system with the actual execution of God’s will—the sanctification of sinners once and for ever. The perfection of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not for show or charming. Humanly speaking, His death was a brutal execution. Divinely speaking, Calvary was a sacrifice for sin, an offering that satisfied God’s justice and at the same time expressed His passionate love and mercy for all. Everyone would certainly be destroyed if God were only just and not also merciful (see Rom. 3:21–25). Though the perfect death of Jesus was pleasing to God, it was still unpleasant and terrifying. Yet, He willingly, freely, and completely gave Himself to this Cross without any reluctance or hesitation.

Then in contrast to the OT priests and the voluminous offerings, Christ offered one sacrifice that actually dealt with sin and perfected salvation for believers (Hebrews 10:11-18). Thus Calvary affords believers the New Covenant promises of the indwelling Spirit of truth, the complete forgiveness of sins, and it stands as the final sacrifice forever.

Accordingly Christians have been “perfected” and are being “sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). They are set apart for God—“them that are sanctified” (see 10:29). The “sanctified” are all true believers having been set apart to God from the world. The blood of Jesus Christ secures their sanctification (being both purified and related directly to God for His work (see Eph. 2:11–22)).  

Christians are also set apart before God. They have been “perfected” in a twofold sense. First, they have a perfect standing before God the Father in all the acceptability of His beloved Son. Thus their status in God’s presence is “perfect” (Heb. 11:40; 12:23). They approach God with the full approval secured through Christ’s Cross (Heb. 10:19-22). Secondly, they possess a perfect conscience regarding the guilt and penalty of sin. They are confident that the price has been paid in full and that God will not demand payment a second time. Christ’s offering is the perfect sacrifice for sin.

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE TO ACCESS GOD

Because of Christ’s sacrifice and priesthood believers can enter directly into God’s Presence freely (Hebrews 10:19-25). Note what Newell (pg. 344) said, “It is into the presence of God, as God, that believers are invited to come with boldness.” This is the phenomenal entrance into God’s throne room Christ’s blood secured!

This access and His high priestly ministry afford confidence to approach an all holy God. In fact all believers are priests who may boldly enter into the Heavenly Holy of Holies! Christ’s death (Matt. 27:51) gave believers the needed access and route to God. The priesthood of Christ affords every believer the assurance of thorough cleansing. It likewise stirs them to be steadfast in professing Christ, to motivate others to love and service, and to be faithful to Christ and His church in anticipation of His return. Christ’s Cross motivates the believer to holiness, love, service, faithfulness, sacrificial labors, and hope in a coming Lord. 

“Let us draw near” (10:22) then. Access to His Majesty is the believer’s blood-bought privilege. How wonderful beyond all words that they are invited to have audience, not with this world’s celebrities, but with the Sovereign of the universe! Their approach should be with utter sincerity having a genuine heart for God. They are to draw near with total confidence in the promises of God convinced they will have a gracious reception into His presence. Rejoice in the fresh and revitalizing realities of the New Covenant!

So the Sacrifice of Christ purged sin, and dedicated the New Testament while fulfilling the Old.  The New Covenant provides eternal redemption, thorough forgiveness of sin, and the anticipation of Christ’s return with full salvation. Believers have no need of any other religious system or supplements to Christ’s service in order to have a clear—guilt free— conscience with God.

The Sacrifice of Christ took away sin forever and sanctified every believer—this is the very will of God. Now believers enjoy a status before God that can only be described as “perfect.” They may confidently approach God through the blood of Christ knowing they are fully accepted!  

Stand On The Promise of Rest

Hebrews Four

The subject of the believer’s rest continues from chapter three and receives far greater treatment here in chapter four. God desires for Christians to understand that He still graciously offers rest to His people (Heb. 4:1-6, 9). Too many believers are uncertain about eternity and their spiritual welfare because they do not realize what they have in Jesus Christ. Too many are not even aware of the promise of rest through the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, they are working real hard to earn their way into God’s acceptance and favor. Typically these lives are laced with anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty. They are haunted by their failures and frustrated with their lack of power to live up to their expectations. They cannot progress to maturity in this state…. This is what life is like when we live oblivious of the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord.

Newell stated concerning Hebrews 4:1 that, “this verse indeed apply first of all, to those who may have sorely neglected God’s promises and providences.” The “rest” believers should enter relates to the completed work of Christ at Calvary, the present work of Christ at the Throne of Grace in Heaven, and the future Kingdom Age when we believer’s will enjoy the eschatological inheritance God promised His authentic children. The writer desires for them and us to enter into this promised rest. God’s redemptive work is so comprehensive and substantial that God’s people can take refuge in it. Instead of being racked with anxiety over our eternal welfare, we can be filled with peace and assure in the Lord’s promised rest. He further admonishes us to fear the possibility of coming up short of God’s promised rest and encourages us to take full advantage of the good news of rest by exercising faith in this promise (4:2, 3). Newell said, “Do not try to become worthy by any works, or change of your “character,” but just believe.” He further said, “…we rest where God rests, in the shed blood of Christ! The spiritual rest arises from accepting God’s announcement of Christ’s finished work on our behalf.” These believers were to bear in mind that God’s rest was still available to them. In addition, it is prudent to respond to God in faith now instead of continuing unresponsively towards God’s Word (4:6). We do not enjoy the luxury of doubting God’s promise without falling prey to the consequences of such unbelief!

The writer was encouraging them (and us by application) to by faith take God’s offer—let us labor to enter His rest (Heb. 4:7-11). The lessons from Israel’s experience evidenced how God had been patient with Israel’s slow respond to His offers of rest (4:7, 8). He justifiably expected an immediate response to His offer of rest emphasizing “today” (4:7). They, like so many today, were reluctant and unbelieving regarding the Promise of Rest. Christians; therefore, must likewise diligently put forth every effort to enter into His rest to avoid falling in unbelief (Heb. 4:11). We must cease from our labors to earn God’s favor and chose to rest in the Lord’s work on our behalf! Beloved, we must believe the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord God through faith in Jesus Christ. Newell noted, “…this “universal earnestness” is a great secret of progress, and the great guardian against the sad condition of the Hebrew believers”—immaturity and inexperience in the word of righteousness. We can only mature and progress in our faith as we really believe biblical beliefs—taking to heart what God stated. Through Jesus Christ our sins are paid for and are forgiven, through Christ we have an Advocate and High Priest with the Father in Heaven, and through Christ we have a Millennial Kingdom hope. This is the Promise of Rest to God’s people!

These early Christians were also challenged to trust God’s Word to reveal unbelief and detect genuine faith in their hearts (Heb. 4:12-13). Human beings are not equipped to discern our own spiritual condition or status purely on our own. We need help with this, and the Lord provides His Word. Like these First Century Hebrew Believers, we must bring our hearts before the Lord and His Word for thorough examination and holy scrutiny. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23, 24). This is why we read the Word daily and why we get in on as many Bible messages we can. It is to expose our deceitful hearts to God’s perspective and scrutiny. Newell, referring to the writer, adds “He warns us again and again of the treachery of the human heart. “Let us take heed,” as we are exhorted in Hebrews—for eternity is at stake!” Clearly the living Word can pierce deeply and expose completely the thoughts and motives of our heart (4:12). It will reveal whether we are resting in the finish work of Christ, or if we remain anxious about eternity—yet in unbelief. God’s Word can afford calm assurance to the soul that truly and deeply trust it throughout the multiple challenges of life as well. In addition God will help us understand the condition of our hearts (4:13). There is absolutely nothing hid from His all-knowing gaze.

Once again Christians are counseled to rely on the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest, who effectively resisted temptation and provides help for His people as we need it. Our attitudes as believers should be shaped by the truth that Jesus Christ is the God-Man. He is fully informed and aware of the human plight by firsthand experience. There is no situation where He is unable to sympathize with the human struggle and predicament. Also Jesus Christ is enthroned in Heaven at the right hand of the Father who occupies the throne. This highlights His sovereignty and dignity; He is positioned and postured to care for and respond to the people of God. He can do something definitive about our situation! The Father’s throne is “the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) pointing to his benevolence. Often we need grace to help us and sometimes we need mercy because of some failure or trace of doubt in our souls. God does indeed forgive and restore! Jesus, the High Priest, is the focal point in the text; it is His grand presence that permits believers to appear in God’s presence so boldly. God is ministering mercy and grace to believers as we turn to Him for help in our time of need. Christ’s priestly ministry assures believers God will met our every need in the hour of temptation. Newell observed, “Every believer is received according to the full, finished work of Christ!” Why not rest in the finished work and present work of our great high Priest?

Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, demands two fitting responses from Christians: first to hold firmly to our profession of faith in Christ (Heb. 4:14). “Profession” here refers to ‘confession’ like in the substance of the Christian faith. Newell observed the Christian’s confession is “First, that Jesus is the Son of God; second, that as the Son of God He is our Great High Priest; and third, that He has put away, at the Cross, all our sins forever; and fourth, that, raised from the dead, He passed through the Heavens.” This same Jesus ever lives making intercession for us before the Father in heaven. It is entirely safe to rest in the Lord Jesus. Lastly, in the light of Jesus as our Great High Priest, we Christians must come boldly to “the Throne of Grace” for the help we need. We too often turn to everyone else and every other thing…and when we find these great ideas do not work then finally we turn to the Lord as a last resort. What is wrong with the Lord Jesus that we do not choose Him first? Though the trials and challenges of bold Christian living are great, Christ the believer’s great High Priest, is greater! He will provide the assistance we need as we need it. Trust Him for it! Beloved, we can rest in Him with the greatest assurance. Stand on this Promise of Rest.