KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 9:11-28: The Efficacy o...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 9:11-28: The Efficacy o...: From the diary of a faithful scribbler, in the previous verses we understood that the real meaning of the tabernacle can only be understood...

The Christology of Hebrews 9:11-28: The Efficacy of Christ’s Sacrifice (Blood)

From the diary of a faithful scribbler, in the previous verses we understood that the real meaning of the tabernacle can only be understood in the light of the work Jesus accomplished when He died on the Cross. In the preceeding verses we will appreciate the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice.

1. Christ sacrifice is superior because He used His own blood and with it made sufficient offering, v.12, 25-26

-          Certainly, Levitical priests used non-comprehending and non-cooperating animal but Jesus used His own blood and with it made the one sufficient offering, v. 25-26.

-          As you can see, the decisive, definitive quality of Christ’s sacrifice is emphasized, it was once and for all and with finality it dealt with sin, v. 14, 26.

2. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because it obtained our redemption, v.11-12

-          The author exposed the reality that Levitical sacrifices in the Old Covenant were incompetent because they only concerned the external purification, v. 13; but in the following verses he turns to the High Priest of good things which are already here; the Blood of Christ and what it means to us. As we know, He (Christ) entered into the Holy of Holies by means of His own blood once for all and obtained our redemption, v.11-12. Christ died as a ransom for our redemption, v.15.

3. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because it is has potency to cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, and results in the cleansed people serving the living God, v.14.

-          Certainly, the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice is incomparable. It is has potency to cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, v. 14a. Categorically, Christ’s saving work works was on quite a different level from that of Levitical sacrifices. How? Levitical sacrifices dealt with external purification while Christ’s sacrifice dealt with sins that trouble the conscience.

-          Consequentially, those who are cleansed by Christ, they serve the living God, v. 14b. Wow!

4. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because He mediates the New Covenant so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, v.15.

 Necessity for Christ’s death

ü  It was necessary for Christ to die (there was no any other way), v. 15-16, 18

ü  For a testament/covenant to be effected and for its provisions to be in force, it demanded that blood be shed, v.18-22.

ü  Without shedding of blood , there is no remission of sin (forgiveness), v.22-23

5. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because He entered heaven itself (the true sanctuary/God’s presence) to appear for us in God’s presence, v. 24.

-          Certainly, we were not worthy to stand before God and plead our case, besides, we were here on earth.

Application

A sobering reality is this, men are destined to die and death is followed by judgment. After death man will render account to God, v.27. It is certain Christ will come back again, this time not to bear sins but to bring salvation to those are His, v.28. Now, ponder on this, when Christ returns for the second time, what will be your portion, judgment or salvation? #Kata_Kauli_Sasa

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 9:1-10: Worship in the ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 9:1-10: Worship in the ...: Part I. From the Diary of a faithful Scribbler, in the previous chapter we looked at the superiority of Christ’s Priesthood and the New...

The Christology of Hebrews 9:1-10: Worship in the Old Tabernacle

Part I.

From the Diary of a faithful Scribbler, in the previous chapter we looked at the superiority of Christ’s Priesthood and the New Covenant. Today we proceed to discourse the superiority of the New Covenant, the significance of the way of worship in the Old Covenant and the pre-eminence of Christ’s sacrifice. For better understanding of the significance of the New Covenant, let’s first understand what the tabernacle was like:

A tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that Israelites carried with them in the wilderness. It was considered to be the earthly dwelling place of God. It is first mentioned in Exodus 25 where God instructs Moses, “⁸ Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. ⁹ Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you,” (Exodus 25:8-9). Chapters 25-40 go into elaborate detail to describe the size of each component, furnishings, and design and construction materials of the tabernacle. it reaches its climactic conclusion with God's glory filling the tabernacle in chapter 40. I believe this indicates God’s absolute authority and holiness, and emphasis that people could only come to God on His terms.

I found this (http://the-tabernacle-place.com/articles), and thought it will give us a better understanding as you read Exodus 25-40. 

Beyond a tangible representation of the presence of God, the tabernacle also is intended to teach us something:

1.      The colours: White, Blue, Purple and red are prominent in the linens probably calling attention to purity, divinity and royalty of God and so on.

2.      Linen, gold and silver call our attention to the riches and the blessings of the heavenly kingdom

3.      Multiple coverings, the covering of ram skins dyed red and the covering of another durable leather over the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies

4.      The arrangement of spaces and objects.

-       The tabernacle had three areas: Courtyard, a Holy Place and the Holy of Holies

The Courtyard, (Exodus 27:9), “Make a courtyard for the tabernacle”

-       The court itself speaks of the separation between God and the sinner. This courtyard has a curtain at its entrance, v.16, and the gulf is further reinforced by the Holy Place, and one that closed off the Holy of Holies.

The objects in the Courtyard:

a.                       The altar (Ex. 38:1-7), the representation of the truth that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

b.                      The bronze laver behind, (Ex. 38:8). This reminds us that it is necessary for those who would come into God’s presence to be washed and made clean.

Objects inside the Holy Place

c.                        On the right is a table with twelve loaves of bread on it.

d.                       On the left was the lampstand where the light was never permitted to go out.

e.                        Directly in front of the worshiper was the altar of incense where incense burned day and night.

Object inside the Holy of Holies

f.                        The Ark containing the Book of the Law, along with the pot of manna and Aaron's rod.

The Christology of Hebrews 9 begins by drawing attention to the ineffectiveness of the old covenant reflected in the way the tabernacle was set up and used. He points out that the Old Covenant had been set up with regulations for worship belonging to this world in contrast to the heavenly sanctuary where Jesus ministers, v.1. The author’s principle aim is to show us the greatness of the New Covenant.  In (v.2-5), the author calls our attention to the arrangement of spaces, objects and furnishings of the tabernacle as illustrated below. In (v.6-7), he further moves to the rituals involved, his interest being on the events of the Day of Atonement. Here he brings home the inferiority of the whole Levitical priesthood by pointing the limitation attached to the priests’ ministry. ‘Ordinary’ priests could only carry out their ministry in the Holy Place (Outer Room) but only the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies only once a year and never without blood for his sins and the sins of people, (Leviticus 16). Additionally, the Holy Spirit brings our attention to the inferiority of the sacrificial offerings of the Old Covenant. They were only external regulations and could not come into grips with the real problem of man; they could not clear a worshiper's conscience, (v. 8-10).

Application

The worship regulations, rituals and limited access into the Holy of Holies indicate that ordinary men had no direct access to the presence of God but now we have the privilege of direct access to God, to His throne room through the finished work of Christ, the Perfect High Priest. Thus, the real meaning of the tabernacle can only be understood in the light of the work Jesus accomplished when He died on the Cross.

Yours faithful Scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #Drink_Water_From_Your_Own_Cistern

KACHELBELA: #Drink_Water_From_Your_Own_Cistern: Nzaku Nashipae 23 mins  ·  From the Diary of a faithful scribbler, # For_Genuine_Sexual_Satisfaction # Drink_Wate...

#Drink_Water_From_Your_Own_Cistern

Nzaku Nashipae

23 mins · 

From the Diary of a faithful scribbler,

#For_Genuine_Sexual_Satisfaction
#Drink_Water_From_Your_Own_Cistern
#Kataa_Mpango_wa_Kando

Yesterday, a friend send me a text, "What can make a married man stop loving his wife and seek comfort in another woman?" Do not have a justified answer to this question, however, I have this to say to those who are cheating on their spouses and/or are probably tempted to start.

Coming to think of it, why, what, how on earth does a honorable husband cheat on his wife? Dear woman, why do you accept to have sex with a man you know has a wife and even children? Sometimes I have heard people calling in FM station to justify why they cheat but listen, "Marriage should be honored by ALL, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

Proverbs 5 gives a stern warning against adultery. A father seeks to convince his son that genuine sexual satisfaction comes only within the context of marriage. He urges his son to intoxicate himself with the sexual satisfaction that marriage has to offer (v. 15). As you read Proverbs ch. 5, you are fascinated the way this father describes the son's wife: She is a cistern (tank/well/reservoir); a bountiful and infinite source of sexual pleasure (v.15-17). She is described as a running and an overflowing fountain with potency to satisfy her hubby. This wise father even pronounces a blessing on her (v. 18-19a).

Proverbs 5:15 "Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. 16. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? 17. Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.
18. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love. 20. For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?"

The cistern represents the son's wife, while the water symbolizes the sexual satisfaction she is capable of providing.The wife is more than capable of quenching the young man's thirst, making it unnecessary to seek water from any other source.

Now, people who cheat on their spouses think that they'll never be caught but what they don't know is that their ways are the full view of the LORD, and He examines all their paths. They are ensnared by their evil deeds, the cords of the sins hold them fast and for their folly and lack of discipline they will die, v. 21-23.

Ni hayo tu kwa sasa.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 8: Jesus’s Priesthood i...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 8: Jesus’s Priesthood i...: From the diary of a faithful scribbler, we now have a glimpse of the supremacy of Jesus. He is superior to prophets; angels; Moses, Melchiz...

The Christology of Hebrews 8: Jesus’s Priesthood is superior and the Benefits are Enormous

From the diary of a faithful scribbler, we now have a glimpse of the supremacy of Jesus. He is superior to prophets; angels; Moses, Melchizedek and Levitical priests. In this chapter the author moves from his discourse of the priesthood of Jesus after the order of Melchizedek to emphasize that Christ’s priesthood ministry far surpasses that of the Levitical priests. Remember, one of Satan’s aims is to diminish the supremacy and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ but as we grow in grace and the knowledge of God, we are able to stand against his wiles. 

The author begins the Christology of Hebrews 8 by stating the principle point “We have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens” (8:1); having accomplished His work of purification of sins (1:3).

Jesus Priesthood is Superior Because:

1.      He serves from a position of finished work and of authority, v. 1a.

-          The right hand of the throne is a place of honor, power, and exaltation and it is the dwelling place of God.

-          The sitting posture points to the finished work, John 19:28-30. From the cross Jesus cried, “It is finished!”

2.      He serves in a true tabernacle set up by the LORD Himself, v. 2.

-          In Ex. 25:1-8, God asked Israelites for specified offerings to build Him a dwelling place according to His specifications and furnishings. “… Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them,” v. According to  Rev 21:3, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

-          The true tabernacle is the reality and very presence of God in heaven. “Sanctuary” refers to the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle.

3.      He offered a superior sacrifice, Himself, v. 3. In Ch. 5:1, we see that the high priests offered both gifts and sacrifices. Thus it was necessary for this high priest (Jesus) to have something to offer. In CH.7:27, Jesus offered Himself once for all.

4.      The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to that of other Levitical priests, Ch. 8:4-6a. Christ’s priesthood is the central message of Hebrews, upon which our confidence rests. His priesthood is the reason: We should have confidence that He can deal with us mercifully and faithfully, (Ch. 2:17); hold fast to our faith (4:14); have assurance that Jesus is able to meaningfully empathize with us, (Ch. 4:15); approach God’s throne room with confidence, (Ch. 4: 16); have assurance that He is able to completely save those who come to God through Him and truly meet their needs, (Ch. 7:25-26).

5.      He represents a superior covenant, established on better promises, v. 6b. The author here tells us that the reason for replacing the old covenant was that it was not adequate, it was weak and unable to bring men to God, (Rom 7:10).

The Superiority of the New Covenant, (Ch. 8:8-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34)

1.      It originates with God, Heb. 8:8. It’s God who lays down the terms.

2.      It’s not just new and/or enhanced, v.9. There is something substantially different about this New Covenant:

a.       New Covenant consists of conversion from within, not regulation through external law, v. 9b. The Israelites were unable to remain faithful. The weakness was not in the Old covenant itself but man. So, in this new covenant God Himself would write His law in the minds and hearts, v. 10.

b.      The New Covenant also consists of a close relationship with God, v.10.

c.       The New Covenant consists of a greater personal and intimate knowledge of God, v. 11. Knowledge of God will no longer be confined to the lucky few.

d.      The New Covenant consists of a true, complete forgiveness and cleansing from sin, different and better than the mere “covering over” of sin in the Old Covenant, v. 12. Sin has been completely and finally dealt with.

The implication of a New Covenant, v. 13

Now that the New Covenant has been installed, the Old Covenant is thereby superseded. The perfect has come in Christ. This will further be discoursed in the next chapter.

Application

Two years ago, I convinced my boss to take a WIBA and EL insurance policy with a certain insurance provider. As I signed the documents, I got curious about a certain clause, I asked the insurer for clarity of which he explained but somehow I was skeptical. Fast forward, months later, we had a claim and I forwarded it to the insurer who declined to take up the matter apparently because of that clause. Soon, I informed my boss and he advised me to terminate the cover with immediate effect.  For those who are new to insurance or may already have insurance policy in hand, you agree with me, it is important to know and understand the benefits/terms in order to ensure the policy meets your needs and your legitimate claims are sorted. Many Christians are ignorant of the great benefits that they enjoy in Jesus Christ. It is time to know what the New Covenant means for you.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Christology of Hebrews 7: Jesus Greater Than Melch...

KACHELBELA: Christology of Hebrews 7: Jesus Greater Than Melch...: From the diary of scribbler, you remember that Jesus, as our High Priest was introduced in (Hebrews 2:17). The author went further to disco...

Christology of Hebrews 7: Jesus Greater Than Melchizedek

From the diary of scribbler, you remember that Jesus, as our High Priest was introduced in (Hebrews 2:17). The author went further to discourse His priesthood in (Ch. 4:14-5:10) but paused a bit to exhort and warn the Hebrew church against falling away. He wants them to understand Melchizedek so that they can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ as a superior High Priest.

Meet Melchizedek, (Genesis 14:18-20)

Google showed me that Melchizedek is only mentioned twice in the OT contrary to my expectation of someone regarded as the high priest of the Most High God in the OT times, (Gen. 14; Ps. 110:4). Abram had just returned from plundering Kedorlaomer and kings allied with him bringing back his relative Lot who had been taken captive, (Gen 14; Heb. 7:1); he met up with Melchizedek (king of righteousness) king of Salem and the priest of Most High God. He brought bread and wine and blessed Abram. Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything,” (Gen 14:19-20). Here is a sneak peek into this high priest of the Most High God, Melchizedek:

1. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 7:1),
2. Melchizedek means king of righteousness, (Heb 7:2).
3. He was king of Salem (king of peace), (Heb 7:1; Gen. 14:18).
4. Priest of the Most High God, (Gen. 14:18).
5. He blessed Abram, (Gen 14:19). “And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater,” (Heb. 7:7).
6. He was great. Even the patriarch “Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!” (Heb 7:4; Gen 14:20). “Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises,” (Heb 7:3-6).
7. He remains a priest forever, (Heb. 7:3).

The changing priesthood and the change of the place of Moses’ Law, Heb 7:11-19

Ø  First, the scripture confirm that Levitical priesthood and the law never made anything perfect, Heb 7:11, 18-19.

Ø  Second, for when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also, v.12. By now you know that Jesus could not be a priest according to the Mosaic Law because He is from the wrong tribe-Judah not Aaron, (Heb 7:13-14). Therefore, if He is our High Priest, it must be under another law, (Heb 7:15-17; Ps. 110:4),

Ø  Third, Jesus’ priesthood is not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but upon basis of the power of an indestructible life, v. 16. “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek,” Psalm 110:4; Heb 7:17.

Similarities between Jesus and Melchizedek

1. Like Melchizedek, Jesus is both king and priest in one person.
2. Jesus is the king of righteousness, 1 John 2:1
3. He is the king of peace, Eph 2:14-18; Rom 5:1; Isa 9:6
4. His priesthood is eternal, Heb 7:11, 24.
5. As our High Priest, He is worthy not just of a tithe, but of all that we are and have

The superiority of our High Priest, Jesus Christ

1. Jesus was made High Priest by the direct oath of God, 7:20-21.
2. Jesus Himself is the guarantee of a better covenant, v. v. 22. He is the surety.

-          Synonyms used for covenant include: agreement, bond, contract etc. According to Merriam Webster, “Covenant is a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.” In a biblical basis, dictionary.com defines covenant as “The agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.” The Old Covenant that God had established with His people required strict obedience to the Mosaic Law.  The Law required that Israel perform daily sacrifices in order to atone for sin. Under the New Covenant, we are given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift, our responsibility is to exercise faith in Jesus because He fulfilled the Law on our behalf and brought an end to the Law’s sacrifices through His own sacrificial death. Therefore, the covenant under which we meet with God through Jesus is not something we have negotiated with Him.

3. Jesus lives forever; He has a permanent priesthood, v. 24.
4. He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, v. 25.
5. He truly meets our needs, v. 26a.
6. He is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens, v. 26b-27.  

-      Unlike the other high priests, He did not need to offer sacrifices first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. His sacrifice was sufficient for all and final.

7. Jesus is better qualified to be a High Priest than any other person, v. 28. He is not only worth of our tithes but our total allegiance, obedience, worship and all that we are and have.

Application

Only through Christ the eternal Son of God, and our perfect High Priest has the perfect royal priesthood been accomplished. He is the only one able to save us completely and truly meet our needs. In (Heb 2:17), remember we mentioned that He had to become human in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and make an atonement for the sins of the people. In (ch. 4:14-17), His priesthood meant that we can hold firmly the faith we profess; He can empathize with us and we can approach the throne room of God with confidence. In addition, (1 Peter 2:9-10) says that, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood….”  Under the New Covenant, there is no longer a priest who must come from a particular ancestry. Christ, our high priest, has made us royal priesthood. Here on earth, our role as priests is to minister with authority; draw men to Him and to lead them to worship Him. Indeed, as Christians, we have the privilege of being a royal priesthood.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Helmet_Saves_Lives

KACHELBELA: Helmet_Saves_Lives: From the diary of a faithful scribbler, #Mind_Your_Head! #Helmet_Keeps_Away_Your_Hell_Mate #Helmet_Saves_Lives Dear Diary, Am certai...

Helmet_Saves_Lives

From the diary of a faithful scribbler,
#Mind_Your_Head!
#Helmet_Keeps_Away_Your_Hell_Mate
#Helmet_Saves_Lives

Dear Diary,
Am certain many of us have journeyed on a bike without a helmet, are there legal penalties? Now, on Saturday at around 8pm I left Umoja for Donholm on a motor bike. As we entered the Outering superhighway, there was a heavy traffic and as usual, the rider manoeuvred off the road but not too far, we were stuck! Two men were standing where we stopped, one of them stretched his hand and clasped my left arm, in a huff and with a husky voice he said, “Madam, vaa helmet!” meanwhile the rider reached to his customer helmet and before he could hand it to me I looked at him with a smirk and said, “Aaaiii, iko na kunguni sitaki!” the two gentlemen asked me, “Nini cha muhimu, Kunguni au maisha yako!” Before I could change my mind the rider got an open way and sped off. Now, as we approached Naivas Eastgate, this guy was riding using one hand and with the other he was gesticulating and telling me how the super highway “Itamaliza watu ikiisha!” At this time, am thinking to myself, should anything happen, is my head safe? Bedbug or life, which is worth protecting?

Dictionary.com defines helmet as “Any of various forms of protective head covering worn by soldiers, fire fighters, divers, cyclists, etc.” It is a protective or defensive gear which is vital for survival, protecting the brain which is the headquarters for the rest of the body. Apostle Paul urges believers to take the helmet of salvation. (Eph 6:17) says, “And take the helmet of salvation….”  The helmet of salvation safeguards your mind from every mental assault of the devil. The word helmet as I checked in my Greek Bible is a compound word perkephalia. Peri means around, and kephale is head. Thus perkephalaia signifies a protective gear that fits very tightly around the head.

So what is my point? Take the helmet of salvation means that your mind is regenerated, (Romans 12:1-2). Two things! One, to save your life, the helmet of salvation is a must have. You receive it as a gift from God. Two, If your salvation is not worn tightly around your mind like a helmet, the enemy will come to chop off you head, and you will be doomed forever, (John 10:10). Three, as a Christian it is of paramount importance to have the impenetrable assurance of salvation. Dear friend, as you prepare for Satan’s bouts, make sure your head is buckled with the helmet of salvation.

#Siendi_Bila_Helmet

Yours faithful scribbler
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 5:11-6:20: Exhortation ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 5:11-6:20: Exhortation ...: From the diary of a faithful scribbler, b efore plunging into further intricate topic about Christ, the author makes it clear that the spir...

The Christology of Hebrews 5:11-6:20: Exhortation to Maturity and Warning Against Falling Away!

From the diary of a faithful scribbler, before plunging into further intricate topic about Christ, the author makes it clear that the spiritual condition of his audience made it hard to explain to them more intricate topics. Their ears were dull, (5:11), that is, they were not interested in God’s word, v. 1b. Earlier, we mentioned that drifting away from God is not a sudden thing rather it is a gradual process. It involves becoming dull/disinterested in God’s word. “By this time you ought to be teachers…,” v. 12. They should have matured but instead they had become retard Christians; unskilled in the word of righteousness, v. 12-14.

Marks of a mature Christian

1.      They have an ability to discern between good and evil, v.14. “… by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, (v.14. KJV).

o   They’ve tasted that the LORD is gracious; good, (1 Peter 2:3; Ps 34:8).

o   Their ears can hear what the Spirit says to the church; and live, (Rev 2:7); Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” (Isaiah 55:3).

o   Their eyes are opened to see and understand the wondrous things in God’s law, (Psalm 119:18; Eph 1:18).

o   They have a sense of feeling/sensitivity, (Phil 4:18-19 AMP).

o   They know that they’re a pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing, (2 Cor 2:15; Songs of Songs 1:3).

2.      They’re not content with elementary teachings, they move on to maturity, (6:1).

3.      They have steadfast faith in Jesus, (6:1-11).

o   They do not let discouragement set in and cause them to backslide.

Essential nature of maturity, (6:1-3)

1. As we have seen, spiritual condition matters a lot. If you are to mature in Christ, it is necessary to be interested in God’s word, (Ch. 5:11).
2. You must be intentional to move beyond the elementary teachings into maturity, (Ch. 6:1). “Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment,” (v.1b-2). The author wants these Christians to proceed from safe common grounds to maturity as God enables them, v. 3. Certainly, the above basics are the foundation upon which you must build upon, reaching to maturity (go on to perfection) in Christ, (6:1).

Danger and the tragic consequences of falling away, (6:4-8)

-          The impossibility of repentance for those who have fallen away after receiving blessing from God, v.4.

-          Four things here, a person may: have been enlightened, (v. 4); have tasted the heavenly gift; have tasted the good word of the Lord, (v. 5); and may have tasted the powers of the age to come, (v. 5). If this person falls away from Christ and the above goodness, consequently, it is tantamount to crucifying Jesus all over again, v. 4-6. Certainly, if you depart from Jesus, there is no hope! The Hebrew church had experienced God’s blessing of salvation, but seemingly, they were tempted to slip back to Judaism, to do that would be crucifying Christ again.

-          The tragic consequences, v.7-8):

§  Rejection

§  Impending curse

§  Ultimately, eternal judgment-burning.

Be encouraged:

1. There is certainty of better things that have to do with salvation, (v. 9).
2. God hasn’t forgotten about you! (v. 10). “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love….”
3. Be diligent in faith, hope and patience, (v.11-12).
4. Do not lose sight of the certainty of God’s promises, (v.13-18). God’s promises are reliable
5. Ultimately, we will enter into God’s glory, (v. 19-20).

Yours faithfully,

NzakuNashipae