by Rick Marin | Mar 23, 2022 | Hebrews
What does Paul tell us to imitate?
(Hebrews 13:1-25; ) Blog 20-26 Mar. 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Having made a complete atonement for every human being, Jesus ascended to heaven to begin his high priestly ministry there. This ministry is only for believers! His continual ministry there includes justification of believers, forgiveness of their sins, and purification of their good deeds. In the final phase of his priestly ministry, he seals believers, blots out their sins, and makes final purification of their good deeds. Since only believers benefit from Jesus’ heavenly ministry, Paul repeatedly urges us to maintain our faith in Jesus and to follow him in that ministry which ends with judgment in favor of those who enter by faith.
Out of Church
1. In light of a final judgment that will determine who will be part of God’s eternal kingdom, how are we to act? We are to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:28).
2. How does the book of Revelation express the same thought of how the final generation is to approach judgment day? John writes that in preparation for judgment we are to fear God, give him glory, & worship him as Creator (Rev. 14:7).
3. After stressing “faith” throughout the book of Hebrews, why does Paul now turn to stressing “works”? Paul not only knows that faith always produces good deeds, but he also knows that doing good deeds strengthens “faith” & that faith must always be informed as to what deeds are pleasing to God, else we will invent deeds of wood, hay, & stubble that will be consumed by fire, rather than be rewarded in judgment (Heb. 12:29; 1 Cor. 3:12-15).
4. When Paul in Hebrews 13 expands on the meaning of serving God acceptably, what does he first remind us to do? Paul begins by reminding us to continue to love the church brethren. This he also says in his letter to the Romans (Heb. 13:1; Rom. 12:10; Gal. 6:1-2).
5. As Paul continues to expand on the meaning of serving God acceptably, what does he remind us to do? Paul reminds us to be hospitable just as he also does in Romans (Heb. 13:1; Rom. 12:13).
6. Who does Paul say that believers should not forget? We should not forget prisoners nor those who are mistreated, but rather act towards them as if we were in their place (Heb. 13:3).
7. While living in the time of final judgment should priests or married couples live celibate lives? Paul makes no such requirement for priests nor for married couples, but only for the unmarried (Heb. 13:4).
8. Why should we be content with what we have? We should be content with what we have for God has promised never to leave nor forsake us & to supply all our needs (not all our desires) (Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:19).
In Church
9. Besides hospitality, prisoners, and the mistreated who else does Paul tell us to remember? Paul tells us to remember our pastors (Heb. 13:7).
10. What does Paul tell us to imitate? Paul tells us to imitate the faith of those who taught us the Bible, while noting how they ended up (remembering that Jesus was consistent to the end (Heb. 13:7-8).
11. When warning us about strange doctrine what example does Paul give? Paul warns us not to make dietary habits the basis of our assurance but rather to trust in God’s gift of grace – the gift of his Son (Heb. 13:9; Col. 2:16-17).
12. What other counsel concerning church leaders does Paul give in Hebrews 13? We are to obey, submit to, & pray for our church leaders for they care for our souls as those who must give account to God (Heb. 13:17-18).
13. What are we to do if a church leader is corrupt and makes unrighteous demands? We are to speak to our corrupt leaders about their wrong course, take others if they don’t reform, &, if necessary, have the church ex-communicate them (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Tim. 5:1, 19-21).
Heavenward
14. Where is the altar from which we may get food for our souls? We serve as priests of the heavenly sanctuary whose altar of sacrifice was the cross. So, the food for our souls is the body & blood of Christ (Heb. 13:10-12; John 6:53-58).
15. What does Paul mean when he writes that we should go outside the camp? There is no earthly city that is our eternal home. We must leave earthly Jerusalem, Judaism, & all its ceremonies, enduring the reproach that worldlings cast on those who invest in heaven (Heb. 13:12-14; 1 Pet. 4:1-4).
16. What are the sacrifices that please God that we are to offer on heaven’s altar? We are to offer the sacrifices of praise to God, of giving thanks to his name, of doing good, & of communicating the Gospel to others. These are the sacrifices that please God (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5).
17. What is our goal in the Christian life? Our goal in the Christian life is perfection. We work & God works to make us perfect in every good work (Heb. 13:20-21; Phil. 3:12-14).
18. With what words of exhortation does Paul end his epistle to the Hebrews? Paul ends Hebrews with a desire that grace (to be considered better than we are) may continue with all his readers (Heb. 13:25).
19. How would you summarize the Book of Hebrews? The message of the Book of Hebrews is that after having made atonement for our sins Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary to apply that atonement to those who put their faith in him.
by Rick Marin | Mar 14, 2022 | Hebrews
Who will not be shaken out of God’s kingdom?
(Daniel 7:9-14; Hebrews 12:1-29; Revelation 11:15; 14:6-7) Blog Mar. 13-19, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: As our High Priest, Jesus, by himself, atoned for our sins and rose to heaven to begin his ministry there. His continual ministry there includes justification of believers, forgiveness of sins, and purification of good deeds. In his final ministry he seals believers, blots out their sins, and makes final purification of their good deeds. Since only believers benefit from Jesus’ heavenly ministry, Paul repeatedly urges us to maintain our faith in him. The entire 11th chapter of Hebrews describes and illustrates faith. By faith believers are accounted perfect before God and true faith always produces good works.
How to Avoid Fainting
1. What comes between where we are now and our receiving the promise of perfection? Between us & future glory we have a race to run (Heb. 11:39-40; 12:1-2).
2. As Paul begins Hebrews 12 how does he say that we are to patiently maintain our faith in Jesus? Paul says that to maintain our faith we must lay aside those unnecessary activities & the sins that hinder our Christian life (Heb. 12:1).
3. Why does Paul tell us to keep our eyes on Jesus while running the Christian race? Paul points to Jesus, the Author & Finisher of our faith, as an example of how to maintain our zeal (Heb. 12:2-3).
4. What helped Jesus maintain his zeal while facing opposition and suffering? Jesus maintained his zeal by remembering his goal of future joy & by not taking seriously the opposition he received (Heb. 12:2-3).
5. Who does Paul say is to strive against sin? It is we, Christian believers, who are to run the race, to obey the Father, & to strive against sin (Heb. 12:1, 4, 9).
6. How does God work with us in our battle against sin? God works with us in our battle against sin by strengthening us with his Holy Spirit, by the example of Jesus, & by discipling us (John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Heb. 12:5-10).
7. What is the goal towards which we run and toward which God disciplines us? Our goal in the Christian life is holiness (Heb. 12:10, 14).
Making Straight Paths
8. After emphasizing our need to live a godly life where does Paul turn in Hebrews 12? Paul next turns to our need to help others live a godly life & not fall from the grace of God (Heb. 12:12-15).
9. How does Paul say that we are to help others in the Christian race? We are to help others by lifting up the weak, by keeping our own feet in the right way, by pursuing peace with everyone, & by diligently eliminating those that bitterly turn from God causing others to stumble (Heb. 12:12-16).
10. To what does Paul point as an old, superseded reason for living a godly life and encouraging others to do the same? Paul points to the fearful events of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai as an old, superseded reason for Christian living (Heb. 12:18-21).
11. What are the readers of Hebrews to look to as a reason for godly living? We are to consider God’s final judgment in heaven as a reason to live godly lives for God will examine all our actions & determine our eternal destiny at that time (Eccl. 12:13-14; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 12:22-24).
Facing a Heavenly Pre-Advent Judgment
12. Where does Paul say that we will face God in judgment? Paul says that it is in the heavenly Jerusalem that we are to appear before Christ in judgment (2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 12:22, 26).
13. Who does Paul say is present in God’s heavenly judgment? Paul says that an innumerable company of angels, God, the spirits of just men, & Jesus will be present in God’s final judgment (Heb. 12:22-24).
14. Where in the Old Testament is a similar judgment picture portrayed? In Daniel 7:9-14 a similar picture of God’s final judgment is given mentioning thousands of angels, God, record books, & Jesus which results in the reception of an unchangeable kingdom by Jesus (Dan. 7:9-14).
15. When does Revelation say that Jesus will receive an unmovable kingdom? Revelation says that Jesus will receive an unmovable kingdom when the 7th trumpet sounds, after the Islamic invasion of the world & after God’s final earthquake judgment that occurs during the 7th church (see our blogs on Revelation at <LifeResearchInternational.org>) (Rev. 6:12; 9:14; 11:15).
16. How does Paul describe the formation of God’s immovable kingdom in Hebrews? Paul says that God’s heavenly judgment shakes out all the sinners in Zion leaving only true believers in Jesus to make up God’s eternal, immovable kingdom (Heb. 12:26-28).
17. For what reason do believers not need to fear & quake in God’s final judgment like Moses did before God’s judgment at Mount Sinai? Rather than facing God without a mediator, believers come to judgment with an Advocate who is also their Substitute & Judge & they come with their names written in the Lamb’s book of life & trusting in the blood of the Lamb (Luke 10:20; John 5:22; Heb. 7:22; 12:24; 1 John 2:1-2).
18. Who does David say will not be shaken out of God’s kingdom? David says that those who walk uprightly & trust in God’s mercy will not be shaken (Psalms 15:1-5; 16:8; 21:7).
19. What does Paul warn us not to do in light of God’s judgment? Paul warns us not to turn away from God’s call to judgment for if we refuse to enter heaven’s Most Holy Place we will be shaken out of God’s kingdom (Matt. 22:2-3; Heb. 12:25).
by Rick Marin | Mar 9, 2022 | Hebrews
What should we do to maintain faith?
(Hebrews 10:35-39; 11:1-40; 12:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10) Blog Mar. 6-12, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: As our High Priest, Jesus, by himself, atoned for our sins and rose to heaven to begin his ministry there. The first phase, corresponding to the daily ministry on earth, includes justification of believers, forgiveness of sins, and purification of good deeds. The second phase, corresponding to the yearly ministry on earth, includes sealing believers, the blotting out of sins, and the final purification of their good deeds. The Book of Hebrews calls us to enter heaven’s sanctuary by faith in Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Its Value & Meaning
1. As Paul concludes Hebrews 10, what is his central concern? Paul’s central concern is that his readers remain strong in faith until Jesus comes to our names in judgment (Heb. 10:35-39).
2. How does Paul express the value of faith as he concludes Hebrews 10? Paul says faith brings a great reward, that through it we receive the promise, that it is the way the righteous live, & that it keeps our souls safe (Heb. 10:35-39).
3. How does Paul express the idea that “faith for a moment does not give life for eternity”? Paul warns us not to cast away our faith for it is necessary that faith patiently endure if it is to receive the promise, for if you draw back from faith you will be eternally lost (Heb. 10:35-39).
4. As Paul begins Hebrews 11 what is his purpose? After showing the utter importance of faith Paul turns to defining and illustrating faith (Heb. 11:1-4).
5. What does Paul mean by the phrase: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for”? Faith makes future hopes into present realities, like for Abraham who left his home to live in tents because he believed God’s promise of a better inheritance & like Moses for who counted God’s promised reward of more value than the treasures of Egypt (Heb. 11:1, 8-10, 26).
6. What does Paul mean by the phrase: “Faith is the evidence of things not seen”? Faith makes invisible realities visible, like for Noah who was able to see rain where there had never been any (Heb. 11:1, 7).
6. What gave former believers high marks in God’s estimation? Former believers were counted perfect in God’s sight, for like Abel (& all the others mentioned here) they trusted in the perfection & blood of the Lamb of God who was their Substitute (Heb. 11:2, 4, 39; Col. 2:9-10).
7. What does Paul say is necessary in order to understand how the universe was made? The only way to understand that the universe was created out of nothing by God’s speaking is by believing what we did not see, for God’s Word says just that (Heb. 11:3, Psa. 33:6).
8. What must we believe before our faith in God can present pleasing offerings to him? We must believe that there is a God & that he loves to give good gifts to those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).
9. What happened to the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Sarah? They all died before receiving the promise of eternal life, but they died strong in faith that God’s promises to them would surely be fulfilled (Heb. 11:13-16).
Its Evidence
10. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God’s power and certainty to fulfill all his promises? Abraham essentially sacrificed his only begotten son at God’s command because he believed God could raise the dead & would fulfill the promises made concerning his son Isaac (Heb. 11:17-19).
11. What evidence do we have that a person truly believes in God? The evidence that a person has saving faith is shown by their actions: Abel offered a Lamb, Noah built an ark, Abraham left his home, Moses refused the throne of Egypt, & Israel walked between the waters of the Red Sea (Heb. 11:4, 7, 8, 24, 29; James 2:17-18).
12. On what basis did Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph pronounce blessings on their offspring? Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph blessed their children & grandchildren because they believed God’s promises made to Abraham
& his Seed (Heb. 11:20-22).
13. What gave Moses the strength to do what he did? Moses was strong in his decision to leave Egypt & lead the children of Israel to the promised land because he kept his eye on God & the reward that he had promised (Heb. 11:24-29).
14. How did Jesus express the power that faith brings? Jesus said that if we have only a small amount of faith, we will be able to move mountains (Matt. 17:20).
15. As Paul moves into Hebrews 12 what does he say we should do to maintain faith? Paul says that in light of all the past heroes of faith we should put away sin from our lives & run with patience the race before us continually keeping our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12;1-2).
16. How is it that Jesus is the Author of our faith? Jesus is the Author of our faith for he wrote the Book of Life that we enter by faith, our faith comes by hearing his Word, & it is he that gives us faith (Rev. 13:18; Rom. 10:17; 12:3; Eph. 2:8).
17. How is it that Jesus is the Finisher of our faith? Jesus is the Finisher of our faith because he that began a good work will finish it for all who remain in him by faith, because he gave us pastors & teachers to perfect our faith, because by studying God’s Word we are perfected, & because the righteous continually grow in faith (Phil. 1:6; Eph. 4:9-13; 1 Thes. 3:10; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Prov. 4:18).
Its Life
18. Of what is Hebrews 11 a miniature picture? Hebrews 11 gives us a glimpse into the Book of Life where Abraham’s lies, Moses’ unbelief, & the sins of Jacob, Rahab, & Sampson are all hidden by the blood of Jesus & only their good deeds appear (Heb. 11:8, 21, 24, 31-32).
19. How do we know that true believers full of faith will not always be delivered from pain, prison, persecution, and death?Paul’s mention of torture, cruel mockings, imprisonment, & stoning tell us that the faithful await their reward in the future & may suffer in this life (Heb. 11:35-40).
20. By what means are we to keep from being wearied in the Christian race? We maintain our courage by daily spending time considering the life of Jesus, especially the closing scenes (Heb. 12:3).
by Rick Marin | Mar 2, 2022 | Hebrews
By what means can we draw near to judgment?
(Hebrews 9:24; 10:19-22; 12:18–29; Matt. 22:1-14) Blog Feb. 27 – Mar. 5, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Called of God to be our High Priest, Jesus, by himself, atoned for our sins and rose to heaven to begin his priestly ministry. There are two phases to this New Covenant, heavenly ministry corresponding to the daily and yearly ministry conducted in the sanctuary on earth. The daily, or continual, ministry includes justification of believers, forgiveness of sins, and purification of good deeds. The yearly, or final, includes the sealing of believers, the blotting out of sins, and the final purification of good deeds.
Into Heaven
1. For what purpose did Jesus enter heaven’s sanctuary? Jesus entered heaven’s sanctuary to appear in his Father’s presence for us (Heb. 9:24).
2. How many “holy places” are in heaven? Heaven, like the temple on earth, has two holy places (Heb. 9:8-9, 24).
3. What two offerings that Jesus secured on earth did he take to heaven with him? Jesus took his blood (cruel death) & his body (holy life) with him to heaven there to offer them in God’s presence for us (Heb. 8:3; 9:12; 10:5).
4. According to the Holy Ghost in which holy place must Jesus first minister in heaven? Jesus must first minister in the Holy Place of heaven’s sanctuary before concluding his ministry in the Most Holy Place (Heb. 9:8).
5. What does Jesus’ Holy Place ministry include? In heaven’s Holy Place Jesus offers his holy life (body) for our justification; he offers his cruel death (blood) for the forgiveness of our sins; & he offers his meritorious incense (life & death) for the purification of our good deeds (Heb. 9:22, 26; 10:10; Rev. 8:3).
The Judgment
6. For what end time event does Paul believe that Jesus’ sacrifice prepared the way? Jesus’ sacrifice prepares the way for God’s end time judgment (Heb. 9:26-28; 1 Pet. 4:3-6).
7. How is it that Christ’s second apartment ministry includes a work of judgment? Just as the Day of Atonement on earth was a judgment day when all God’s people were required to gather around the sanctuary by faith & as in Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast there is an examination of the guests prior to the banquet, so in heaven there is an investigative judgment prior to the marriage of the Lamb that takes place in heaven’s Most Holy Place (Mount Zion) (Lev. 16:29-30; Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 22:1-14; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 14:7).
8. In light of Jesus’ second apartment, judgment ministry what additional work besides Christ’s sacrifice does Paul present as necessary in order to pass God’s judgment? Paul sees that Jesus’ perfect life of doing God’s will (the wedding garment) is also necessary in order to pass God’s final judgment (Heb. 10:1-10; Matt. 22:11-12).
9. When repeating the words of the New Covenant in Hebrews 10 what shows that Paul is centering in on Christ’s Most Holy Place ministry? Paul is clearly centering in on Christ’s Most Holy Place ministry for he passes over the New Covenant’s mention of forgiveness and quotes only the part about the blotting out of sins (“remember no more”) & he says that after this ministry “there is no more offering for sin” (Heb. 10:15-18; Acts 3:19-21).
10. When in Hebrews 12 Paul goes into detail about God’s final judgment to what earthly event does he compare it? Paul compares God’s final judgment in heaven to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai because it is an awesome, fearful event centering on God’s covenant Law (Heb. 12:18-27).
11. What hope do we have of passing God’s judgment? Our hope of passing God’s judgment is that we are in Christ, the Firstborn; that our names are written in heaven; & that Jesus mediates his blood in our behalf (Luke 10:20; Heb. 12:23-24).
12. What warning does Paul give in regard to God’s judgment? Paul warns us not to turn away from God’s call to judgment like those bidden to come to the marriage of the king’s son (Matt. 22:1-5; Heb. 12:25).
13. What will be the result when God’s final judgment is complete? When judgment is complete God’s kingdom will be made up & those found unworthy will be shaken out while those found in Christ by faith will be eternally secure (Heb. 12:2-29).
Into the Holiest
14. What was King David’s attitude toward God’s judgment? David understood that God’s judgment was in favor of those who believe in him & he asked God to judge him (Psa. 7:7-8; 35:23-24).
15. How does Paul in Hebrews express the idea that we should request God to examine our lives in judgment? Paul encourages his readers to enter boldly into heaven’s Most Holy Place, for there is where our hope is anchored (Heb. 6:19; 10:19).
16. In what two elements are we to trust when entering God’s final judgment? Our trust in the day of judgment should be in “the blood of Jesus”(his death) & in his “flesh” (holy life) (Heb. 10:20).
17. Who do we need to present the body and blood of Jesus in our behalf in heaven. We need a high priest (Jesus) to present our sacrifice & offering in heaven (Heb. 10:21).
18. By what means can we draw near to judgment? We draw near to judgment by faith that comes from a heart whose sins have been forgiven & from a life of growth in grace (Heb. 10:22; 1 Tim. 5:24-25).
19. How does Paul encourage us as we see judgment day approaching? Paul encourages us to hold fast our faith; to encourage one another to live godly lives; & to gather by faith to heaven’s Most Holy Place like Israel did on the Day of Atonement (Heb. 10:23-25; Lev. 16:29-30; Joel 2:15-16).
20. Seeing the supreme importance of faith in Jesus, to what does Paul next turn in Hebrews? After repeatedly emphasizing the need for belief, Paul takes a whole chapter to explain what faith is, giving numerous illustrations of the same (Heb. 11).
by Rick Marin | Feb 23, 2022 | Hebrews
What oft-repeated word indicates the theme of Hebrews 9?
(Heb. 9:1-28; 10:1-14) Blog 20-26 Feb. 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Having been called of God to be our High Priest, Jesus, one equal with the Father in glory, substance, and power, by himself atoned for our sins and rose to heaven to begin his priestly ministry. There he ministers the New Covenant whose words are written on our hearts. In it believers are indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit and provision is made for both the forgiveness and final blotting out of sins. Our participation in this covenant is maintained by continually believing in Jesus’ life, death, and ministry for us.
Similarities and Contrasts
1. In Hebrews 8 what principle did Paul establish concerning the relationship between the heavenly sanctuary and the earthly? Paul established that the earthly sanctuary & its services were a pattern of the heavenly sanctuary & its services (Heb. 8:3-5).
2. What contrast does Paul make in Hebrews 8 between the heavenly sanctuary ministry and the earthly? Paul writes that the heavenly sanctuary ministry is more excellent than the earthly for Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant (Heb. 8:6).
3. What is better about the New Covenant that was faulty in the Old? The New Covenant is based on better promises for in it Jesus promised to do all the will of God, while in the Old the people who promised were incapable of keeping their promise (Heb. 8:7-9).
4. As Paul begins Hebrews 9 why does he take half the chapter to tell us about the earthly sanctuary and its services? Paul desires to make clear that not only is the earthly tabernacle & its services a pattern of the heavenly but that its two-part temple & its daily & yearly services are figures of Christ’s two-part heavenly ministry (Heb. 9:1-12).
5. What oft-repeated word in the last half of Hebrews 9 indicates the theme being emphasized there? The last half of Hebrews 9 repeats the word “blood” ten times, showing that this is Paul’s emphasis there (Heb. 9:12-26).
6. What two other words does Paul use interchangeably with “blood”? Paul uses “death” & “sacrifice” to refer to blood (Heb. 9:9, 15-16).
Sacrificial Blood
7. What does Paul contrast with the blood of Christ? Paul contrasts the blood of bulls & goats with the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:12).
8. What can the blood of Christ do that the blood of animals could not do? The blood of Christ can purify one’s conscience from dead works (Heb. 9:14).
9. What does Paul mean when he says that where a covenant is made there must be the death of the covenant-maker? Like in the covenant God made with Abraham death (represented by divided animals) is the option that one chooses if unfaithful to his covenant promise (Gen. 15:17-18; Jer. 34:18; Heb. 9:16-17).
10. According to Hebrews 9:18-22, at what great event was blood also used to purify? Blood was used to dedicate the people, the book. & all the sanctuary articles at the inauguration of the Sinai Covenant & at the inauguration of Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Ex. 24:6-8; Heb. 9:18-22).
11. As Paul closes chapter 9 of Hebrews, what special function does he assign to blood? Paul shows that in the sanctuary service blood was used for the forgiveness (transferal) of sins (Heb. 9:22-28).
12. How often must Christ’s sacrifice be repeated for the forgiveness of our sins? The one blood sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary was sufficient for the sins of every human being & that blood sacrifice Jesus continually presents in heaven for the forgiveness of the sins confessed to him (Heb. 9:28; 10:11-13).
13. What does the blood of Christ accomplish when applied to our sins? The blood of Christ, like that of animals under the Old Covenant, accomplishes the transfer of the guilt of our sins from us to the sanctuary and to its high priest (Lev. 4:5-6; 6:25-26, 30; 10:17-18).
14. Will the sanctuary and high priest forever bear the guilt of our sins? No. In the Old Covenant there was an annual Day of Atonement during which the confessed sins of God’s people were transferred by blood from the sanctuary & high priest to the scapegoat that was led into the wilderness to die. So in the New Covenant the guilt of the confessed sins of God’s people is transferred by blood to Satan the originator of sin who bears the guilt of their sins into the lake of fire (Lev. 16:20-22).
A Perfect Offering
15. If “death” and “blood” are connected to “sacrifice” then to what must “offering” refer? “Offering” must refer to “life” & “body” (1 Cor. 10:16; 11:27; Heb. 8:3; 9:9).
16. In what chapter of Hebrews does Paul introduce the idea of “body” in reference to Christ’s life? Besides pointing to Christ’s humanity in Hebrews 2, Paul introduces “body” in reference to Christ’s life in Hebrews10 (Heb. 10:5-10).
17. What word does Paul also use to refer to “body”? Paul at times uses the word “flesh” to refer to body & life (Mark 14:22; Heb. 5:7-9; 10:20).
18. Why was it necessary that Jesus take a body? Jesus had to become human in order to live a perfect, substitutionary, human life in our place so that we might be justified before God (Psa. 40:6-8; 1 Cor. 10:17; Heb. 2:10-13; 5:7-9; 10:5-10).
19. According to Hebrews 10:14 what did Jesus accomplish by living a perfect, human life on earth? Jesus won a perfection for every believer in him by living a perfect, human life on earth (2 Cor. 5;21; Heb. 10:14).
20. What do the two elements used in celebrating the New Covenant teach us about what is required for our salvation? The bread & the wine teach us that we not only need Christ’s death but that we also need his substitutionary life in order to be saved (Mark 14:22-24; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:24-25; Heb. 8:3).
by Rick Marin | Feb 16, 2022 | Hebrews
How do we enter into the New Covenant?
(Hebrews 7:11-19; 8:1-12; Jer. 31;31-34; Eze. 36:26-27) Blog Feb. 13-19, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Jesus is equal with the Father in glory, substance, and power. By himself he atoned for our sins and rose to heaven to begin a high priestly ministry there. As surety of the covenant he ministers there, he became the sacrifice and offering that priests are required to offer to God in behalf of their sinful brethren. By continually looking to Jesus in faith, his sacrifice and ministry are effective for us.
Its Priest
1. What great change did Paul establish in Hebrews 7? In Hebrews 7 Paul established a change in the heaven appointed priesthood from Levi to Melchizedek, from Aaron to Jesus (Heb. 7:11, 15, 28).
2. Since God ordained a new, non-Levitical priesthood what other change was necessary? Since God changed the priesthood the ceremonial Law of Moses also had to be set aside (Heb. 7:12).
3. What other new idea does Paul introduce in Hebrews 7:22? Paul writes that Jesus was made a surety of a better covenant (Heb. 7:22).
4. Before going into detail about the new or better covenant what summary of Hebrews 1-7 does Paul give? Paul summarizes the previous chapters by saying that Jesus is a perfect high priest who ministers in God’s true temple in heaven (Heb. 8:1-2).
5. What added proof does Paul give that the services in the earthy sanctuary were a type of Christ’s ministry in heaven? Paul states that since the earthy ministry included gifts & sacrifices it is necessary for Jesus to have gifts & sacrifices to offer in heaven. Then he states that the earthly services act as an example & shadow of Christ’s heavenly ministry for Moses was told to make the earthly according to the heavenly pattern (Heb. 8:3-5).
6. Why does Paul say that Jesus’ ministry is more excellent than the earthly ministry? Jesus’ ministry is more excellent because he is the mediator of a better covenant (Heb. 8:6).
Its Promises
7. What did God promise in the Sinai (Old) covenant? God promised to be the deliverer & Partner of his people, making them his peculiar treasure (Ex. 6:5-7; 19:5).
8. What did the children of Israel promise in the Sinai (Old) covenant? The children of Israel promised to do everything God commanded in his Law (Ex. 19:8; 24:7).
9. What were the words of the Sinai (Old) covenant? The words of the Sinai covenant were the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:28; Deut. 4:13).
10. Why does Paul say that there needed to be a second covenant? There needed to be a second covenant because the one made at Mount Sinai was faulty (Heb. 8:7).
11. What was the matter with the covenant made at Mount Sinai? The problem with the covenant made at Mount Sinai was the people because they didn’t keep their promise (Jer. 31:32; Heb. 8:8-9).
12. Why didn’t the children of Israel keep their covenant promise? Israel didn’t keep their covenant promise because their hearts were sinful making them incapable of keeping it on their own (Deut. 5:29).
13. After Israel demonstrated their inability to keep their promise, who stepped into their place and promised to fulfill all the will of God as recorded in the covenant? Jesus, the true Israelite, promised to fulfill all the will of God as expressed in the Ten Commandments (Psa. 40:6-8; Dan. 9:24; Heb. 10:5-10).
14. What are the words of the new covenant? The words of the New Covenant are the same as those of the Old for God does not change, only the administrator of the covenant changed (Mal. 3:6; 2 Cor. 3:6-11; James 1:17).
15. Who was the mediator of the Old Covenant? Apparently, Moses was both the administrator & the mediator of the Old Covenant (while the Spirit is the administrator & Jesus the mediator of the New) (Ex. 32:31-32; John 7:19; Acts 3:22; 7:35-37; 2 Cor. 3:6-11; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 8:5; 9:19-21).
16. Why is the New Covenant better than the Old? The New Covenant is better because the promises were better, for they were Jesus’ promises to fulfill all the will of God which he did, for in his humanity he was without sin in nature & in deed: a spotless lamb (Heb. 8:6; Luke 1:35; John 8:29).
Its Provisions
17. How do we enter into the New Covenant? Since Jesus is the human side of the New Covenant then we must enter him through faith in order to be in the New Covenant (Rom.4:16; Gal. 3:14-16, 22, 29; Heb. 4:3; 6:12).
18. What assistance does the New Covenant promise for living a godly life? The New Covenant promises that the Ten Commandments will be written in our hearts, that God will be our Partner, & that we will be given the Holy Spirit to guide, enable, & inspire us in living godly lives (Jer. 31:33-34; Eze. 36:26-27; Heb. 8:10-11).
19. What two-phase work of grace does the New Covenant provide for Christians who continue to be sinners by nature? The New Covenant provides both the forgiveness of sins & the blotting out of sins for those in it (Jer. 18:23; 31:34; Heb. 8:12).
20. When will those who remain in the New Covenant no longer need the forgiveness of sins? God’s people will no longer need the forgiveness of sins after they are glorified for in the Spirit’s work of glorification their sinful natures are remove (Rom. 8:17-21).
