Letter to the Hebrews Volume 97

 All of the Hebrew/Jewish Animal Sacrifices were Inferior Part 1

Hebrews 10:1 For the Law which has a shadow of good things to come, not the very image of the things, appearing year by year with the same sacrifices, which they offer continually, they are never able to perfect those drawing near. MKJV Note: MKJV=Modern King James Version

The Hebrew/Jewish people before the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ lived under a legal system that demanded strict adherance to the Mosaic Law which included the Ten Commandments as well as all the rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament (in Judaism these books are called the Torah). The writer of Hebrews here declares that all the observances and many animal sacrifices for sin were but a shadow of the good things that were to come during the Gospel of Grace reign following the death, buriel, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ back to heaven, as it is written here in the very first verse, "For the Law which has a shadow of good things to come, not the very image of the things, appearing year by year with the same sacrifices, which they offer  continually, they are never able to perfect those drawing near." (Hebrews 10:1) (MKJV). The little English phrase 'a shadow' is translated by the Greek word skia meaning 'shade; or a shadow (literally or figuratively [darkness of error or an adumbration, that is, the act of providing vague advance indications; representing beforehand and a sketchy, imperfect or faint representation]): - shadow. In other words, God the Father knew that it would take many centuries to prepare His people the Hebrew people and the rest of the Gentile world for the era or reign of the Gospel dispensation, therefore, He knew that what they needed during that waiting period was a regimented or organized or strictly controlled set of patterns, procedures, and practices that were to be kept to the letter because there would be no grace upon or in the hearts of sinful men and women during that period of time, again as it is written for us by the Apostle Paul with these words, "So that the Law has become a trainer of us until Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But faith coming, we are no longer under a trainer." (Galatians 3:24-25) (MKJV). The Law was then for the Hebrew people and now Hebrew and Gentiles alike a trainer, a testament, or a teacher that always and at all times rendered evidence that it could not be kept by any person Hebrew or Gentile, therefore, we see that this was done by God the Father to show all humanity how deficient, debased, and depraved each and every one of us in the human family truly are and that we need something (grace) and Someone (Jesus Christ) to stand up for us (1 John 2:1) and make us acceptable to God the Father which none can do without grace and without the Dispenser of grace Christ Jesus our Lord. When the writer declares these words, 'they are never able to perfect those drawing near', he means that all of those who worshipped God under the Mosaic dispensation with all their animal sacrifices were never able to clear, clean, or cleanse the conscience of shame, that is, the painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt of their sin, but the Blood of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ can wipe away all shame and remove the guilt from our conscience when we flunk, fall, and fail in sin and weakness during our sojourn on the earth, as we are reminded by the words of the Apostle John, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10) (MKJV).

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 10:1, "That is, the whole of the Mosaic economy was a shadow; for so the word 'Law' is often used. The word 'shadow' here refers to a rough outline of anything, a mere sketch, such as a carpenter draws with a piece of chalk, or such as an artist delineates when he is about to make a picture. He sketches an outline of the object which he designs to draw, which has 'some' resemblance to it, but is not the 'very image;' for it is not yet complete. The words rendered 'the very image' refer to a painting or statue which is finished, where every part is an exact copy of the original. The 'good things to come' here refer to the future blessings which would be conferred on man by the Gospel. The idea is, that under the ancient sacrifices there was an imperfect representation; a dim outline of the blessings which the Gospel would impart to people. They were a typical representation; they were not such that it could be pretended that they would answer the purpose of the things themselves which they were to represent, and would make those who offered them perfect. Such a rude outline; such a mere sketch, or imperfect delineation, could no more answer the purpose of saving the soul than the rough sketch which an architect makes would answer the purpose of a house, or than the first outline which a painter draws would answer the purpose of a perfect and finished portrait. All that could be done by either would be to convey some distant and obscure idea of what the house or the picture might be, and this was all that was done by the Law of Moses. The sacrifices here particularly referred to were those which were offered on the great day of atonement. These were regarded as the most sacred and efficacious of all, and yet the Apostle says that the very fact that they were offered every year showed that there must be some deficiency about them, or they would have ceased to be offered. They could not free them from the stains of guilt; they could not give ease to a troubled conscience; there was in them no efficacy by which sin could be put away."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 96

 The Amazing Greatness of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice Part 5

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. KJV Note: CEV=Contemporary English Version

The writer of Hebrews now concludes his discourse of the one time offering of the Blood of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ for our sins with these words in the final verse of this Chapter 9 of Hebrews, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28) (KJV). The little English phrase 'to bear' is translated by the Greek word anapherō meaning to take up (literally or figuratively): - bear, bring, carry up, offer up. In other words, when Christ died on the Cross, then resurrected from the dead, then ascended back to heaven, He took His Blood with the sins of humanity marinated, mixed, and mingled in with His Blood offering to God the Father and placed it on The Mercy Seat in heaven, therefore, when a sinner like me or you come to Him in repentance and faith believing/trusting that His sacrafice alone is the remedy for all our sins, then we are saved, as it is written, "So you will be saved, if you honestly say, 'Jesus is Lord,' and if you believe with all your heart that God raised Him from death." (Romans 10:9) (CEV). The English phrase 'unto them that look for Him' is translated by the Greek word apekdechomai meaning to expect fully: - look (wait) for. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Church this very meaning when he said these words, "But we are citizens of heaven and are eagerly waiting for our Savior to come from there. Our Lord Jesus Christ has power over everything, and He will make these poor bodies of ours like His own glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21) (CEV). The English word 'salvation' is translated by the Greek word sōtēria meaning rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. The salvation of every sinner that turns to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sin is done in a threefold process (3), for at the very moment the 'new birth' (John 3:3-8) the sinner is saved and immediately becomes a 'new creature or creation in Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:17), however, while he or she remains down here on the earth in their house/tent/body they/we are being saved as we 'walk by faith and not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7) during whatever time we are given here on the earth to serve the Lord Jesus Christ as we pilgrim and sojourn our way home to heaven.

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say of Hebrews 9:28, "As man dies but once, Christ was offered but once, or He suffered and died but once; and that was not on His own account, or for His own sins, 'but to bear the sins of many': not of angels but of men, and these not a few, but 'many'; which is said to magnify the grace of God, to exalt the satisfaction and righteousness of Christ, and to encourage souls to hope in Him: hence many are brought to believe in Him, and many are justified by Him, have their sins forgiven them, and are glorified; though Christ bore not the sins of all men; for as all men have not faith, all are not justified, pardoned, and saved: what He bore were 'sins'; all kind of sin, every act of sin, and all that belongs to it; its filth, guilt, and punishment, even the iniquity of all His people; which must be a prodigious weight, and that which nothing could be more nauseous: His bearing them supposes they were upon Him, though not in Him, imputed, though not inherent; that He did not sink under them; that He made an entire satisfaction for them, and bore them wholly away, both from the persons of His people, and from the sight of justice. The way in which He came to bear them was this; He became a surety for all the elect; His Father imputed to Him all their sins, and He voluntarily took them upon Himself; where justice found them, and demanded satisfaction of Him for them, and He gave it; which is an instance both of His great love, and of His great strength: and unto them that look for Him: with affection, faith and patience: shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation; this is to be understood of Christ's visible and personal appearance on earth, which will be a glorious one; He will appear in His own glory, and in His Father's glory, and in the glory of the holy angels, and in the glory of His power, to the joy of saints, and to the terror of the wicked; for every eye shall see Him: and this is said to be 'the second time'; that is, that He appears on earth, and personally; for though He often appears to His people, it is in a spiritual way; and though He appeared to Stephen and to Paul, yet not on earth, but in heaven; and this is called the second time, with reference to His first appearance in human nature at His incarnation, and after that He ascended to heaven; and as this will be the second, it will be the last: the manner in which He will appear, will be, 'without sin'; without sin itself; without any thing like it: without any infirmities, which though not sinful are the effects of sin; without sin imputed to Him, with which He appeared before; without being a sacrifice for sin; and without sin upon His people that come with Him, or He shall meet whom He shall raise, or change, and take to Himself: and the end of His appearance with respect to them, will be 'unto salvation'; the end of His first appearance was to obtain salvation for His people, and He has obtained it, and there is a comfortable application of it made unto them by the Spirit of God; but the full possession of it will be hereafter, and into this will Christ put them, when He shall appear."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 95

 The Amazing Greatness of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice Part 4

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. KJV Note: CEV=Contemporary English Version

The writer of Hebrews now wants to even more strongly show to the newly converted Hebrew Christians the special set of circumstances that manifested in Jesus Christ One time sacrifice for their sins and the sins of all human beings in contrast to the many blood sacrifices of animals that were made by the Hebrew people before His coming to earth as a Man to suffer and die for the sins of the world by making this comparison in the very next verse with these words, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) (KJV). The little English phrase 'it is appointed' is translated by the Greek word apokeimai meaning to be reserved; figuratively to await: - be appointed, (be) laid up, just as it is written in this Psalm, "What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah." (Psalms 89:48) (KJV). The Second Person of the Triune God became a Man in order to redeem mankind from their disobedience and rebellion from God that transpired when the first man Adam ate from the tree that He was commanded not to eat from (Genesis 2:17). The fact that all men/mankind lives but one life on the earth, then dies and their bodies go back to the dust of the earth from which the body of the first man (Adam) was made testifies to Jesus Christ (who became a Man) needing to die only once to make atonement for mankind's sin. Jesus Christ will not come into the earth realm again and again to suffer and die again and again for the sins of humanity, but once has He come and taken the place, the penalty, and the punishment of God's wrath poured out onto Him in my place as my substitute and in your place as your substitute if you will accept Him and come to Him alone for forgiveness of all your sin (past sins, present sins, and future sins). Jesus Christ as Man died once as a sacrifice for sin, but now He lives forevermore as the Judge of and over all humanity for sin, therefore, if you come to Him before your appointed death then will He be your Lord, Master, and Savior, but if you resist, refuse, or reject Him, then will He be your Judge when you die, as it is written, "I saw a Great White Throne with Him (Jesus) sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go. I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done. The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done. Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) (CEV). Note: "For those who may be reading this who have subscribed to the fictional, fabricated, and flawed belief in reincarnation, 'I ask you one question: 'Have you ever seen any person (who has died) walking and talking on the earth again?' Neither have you seen them planted in a forest as a tree or flying through the air as a butterfly or bird or any other creature of God. So, I say to you that you have an appointed death date that is fixed and cannot be moved up by anything that any other human being does or does not do, nor can it be moved back by anything you do or don't do (such as exercise and eating right, these things are good and keep doing them, but they will not change your appointed date and time of death). Therefore, whatever time you have remaining, I urge you to call on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved for time and eternity (Acts 2:21), no matter what your age young or old and He will make it known to you that you belong to Him before your death ever happens (1 John 5:13)."

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 9:27, "Or, 'since it is appointed unto men to die once only.' The object of this is to illustrate the fact that Christ died but once for sin, and that is done by showing that the most important events pertaining to man occur but once. Thus, it is with 'death.' That does not, and cannot occur many times. It is the great law of our being that people die only once, and hence, the same thing was to be expected to occur in regard to Him who made the atonement. It could not be supposed that this great law pertaining to man would be departed from in the case of Him who died to make the atonement, and that He would repeatedly undergo the pains of death. The same thing was true in regard to the 'judgment.' Man is to be judged once, and but once. The decision is to be final, and is not to be repeated. In like manner there was a fitness that the Great Redeemer should die 'but once,' and that His death should, without being repeated, determine the destiny of man. There was a remarkable 'oneness' in the great events which most affected people; and neither death, the judgment, nor the atonement could be repeated. In regard to the declaration here that 'it is appointed unto men once to die,' we may observe: (1) That death is the result of 'appointment;' Genesis 3:19. It is not the effect of chance, or haphazard. It is not a 'debt of nature.' It is not the condition to which man was subject by the laws of his creation. It is not to be accounted for by the mere principles of physiology. God could as well have made the heart to play forever as for 50 years. Death is no more the regular result of physical laws than the guillotine and the gallows are. It is in all cases the result of 'intelligent appointment,' and for 'an adequate cause.' (2) That cause, or the reason of that appointment, is sin; notes, Romans 6:23. This is the adequate cause; this explains the whole of it. Holy beings do not die. There is not the slightest proof that an angel in heaven has died, or that any perfectly holy being has ever died except the Lord Jesus. In every death, then, we have a demonstration that the race is guilty; in each case of mortality we have an affecting memento that we are individually transgressors. (3) Death occurs but 'once' in this world. It cannot be repeated if we should desire to have it repeated. Whatever truths or facts then pertain to death; whatever lessons it is calculated to convey, pertain to it as an event which is not to occur again. That which is to occur but once in an eternity of existence acquires, from that very fact, if there were no other circumstances, an immense importance. What is to be done but, 'once,' we should wish to be done well. We should make all proper preparation for it; we should regard it with singular interest. If preparation is to be made for it, we should make all which we expect 'ever' to make. A man who is to cross the ocean but 'once;' to go away from his home never to return, should make the right kind of preparation. He cannot come back to take what he has forgotten; to arrange what he has neglected; to give counsel which he has failed to do; to ask forgiveness for offences for which he has neglected to seek pardon. And so of death. A man who dies, dies but once. He cannot come back again to make preparation if he has neglected it; to repair the evils which he has caused by a wicked life; or to implore pardon for sins for which he had failed to ask forgiveness. Whatever is 'to be done' with reference to death, is to be done 'once for all' before he dies. (4) Death occurs to all. 'It is appointed unto men' - to the race. It is not an appointment for one, but for all. No one is appointed by name to die; and not an individual is designated as one who shall escape. No exception is made in favour of youth, beauty, or blood; no rank or station is exempt; no merit, no virtue, no patriotism, no talent, can purchase freedom from it. In every other sentence which goes out against people there may be 'some' hope of reprieve. Here there is none. We cannot meet an individual who is not 'under sentence of death.' It is not only the poor wretch in the dungeon doomed to the gallows who is to die, it is the rich man in his palace; the frivolous trifler in the assembly room; the friend that we embrace and love; and she whom we meet in the crowded saloon of fashion with all the graces of accomplishment and adorning. Each one of these is just as much under sentence of death as the poor wretch in the cell, and the execution on any one of them may occur before his. It is too for substantially the same cause, and is as really deserved. It is for 'sin' that all are doomed to death, and the 'fact' that we must die should be a constant remembrancer of our guilt. (5) As death is to occur to us but once, there is a cheering interest in the reflection that when it is passed it is passed 'forever.' The dying pang, the chill, the cold sweat, are not to be repeated. Death is not to approach us often - he is to be allowed to come to us but once. When we have once passed through the dark valley, we shall have the assurance that we shall never tread its gloomy way again. Once, then, let us be willing to die - since we can die 'but' once; and let us rejoice in the assurance which the Gospel furnishes, that they who die in the Lord leave the world to go where death in any form is unknown. But after this the judgment - The Apostle does not say 'how long' after death this will be, nor is it possible for us to know; Acts 1:7; compare Matthew 24:36. We may suppose, however, that there will be two periods in which there will be an act of judgment passed on those who die. (1) Immediately after death when they pass into the eternal world, when their destiny will be made known to them. This seems to be necessarily implied in the supposition that they will continue to live, and to be happy or miserable after death. This act of judgment may not be formal or public, but it will be such as to show them what must be the issues of the final day, and as the result of that interview with God, they will be made happy or miserable until the final doom shall be pronounced. (2) The more public and formal act of judgment, when the whole world will be assembled at the bar of Christ. The decision of that day will not change or reverse the former; but the trial will be of such a nature as to bring out all the deeds done on earth, and the sentence which will be pronounced will be in view of the universe, and will fix the everlasting doom. Then the body will have been raised; the affairs of the world will be wound up; the elect will all be gathered in, and the state of retribution will commence, to continue forever. The main thought of the Apostle here may be, that after death will commence a state of 'retribution' which can never change. Hence, there was a propriety that Christ should die but once. In that future world He would not die to make atonement, for there all will be fixed and final. If people, therefore, neglect to avail themselves of the benefits of the atonement here, the opportunity will be lost forever. In that changeless state which constitutes the eternal judgment no sacrifice will be again offered for sin; there will be no opportunity to embrace that Saviour who was rejected here on earth."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 94

 The Amazing Greatness of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice Part 3

Hebrews 9:25-26 Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. KJV Note: CEV=Contemporary English Version

The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ was not like the many Hebrew sacrifices for their sin in the tabernacle or later in the Hebrew/Jewish Temple, for they were required by God the Father to offer up to Him many thousands and thousands of animals to cover their many sins over many years. Jesus Christ came into the earth (born of a woman and born under the law) to give Himself a ransom (Matthew 20:28). When someone is held hostage and a ransom is paid for their release, it only needs to be paid once. In like manner, all human beings are being held hostage by sin and death (Romans 5:12), therefore, Jesus Christ came to the earth and lived a sinless life in word, thought, and deed, then He willingly allowed Himself to be killed unlawfully in order that His Blood sacrifice would be offered up to God the Father as a ransom for the sins of every human being who would and will come to Him alone for their debt of sin to be paid in full for all time and eternity, as it is written, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) (KJV). With this said, we see now the writer of Hebrews making the distinct difference between the many sacrifices under the Old Testament or Covenant verses the One time sacrifice of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ that ushered in the New Testament or Covenant with these words, "Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;" (Hebrews 9:25) (KJV). Here is what Vincent's Word Studies had to say of Hebrews 9:25, "His offering did not need repetition like the Levitical sacrifices. Offer Himself refers rather to Christ's entrance into the heavenly sanctuary and presentation of Himself before God, than to His offering on the cross. The sacrifice on the Cross is described by παθεῖν suffer, and is introduced as a distinct thought. The point is that, being once in the heavenly sanctuary, Christ was not compelled to renew often His presentation of Himself there, since, in that case, it would be necessary for Him to suffer often. Each separate offering would necessitate a corresponding suffering."

The end of the commentary above is exactly where the writer of Hebrews takes us with the very next verse with these words concerning the One time sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins, "For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26) (KJV). When the writer of Hebrews declares these words above, 'but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared', he means that when God the Father declared, determined, and decided that 'time' would come to an end, then He sent forth His Son Jesus Christ to call out sinners to Himself and make them adopted sons and daughters, as it is written by the Apostle Paul with these words, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:4-7) (KJV). The arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ into the earth realm announced the end of time/end of the world. Those who say, 'Well, it has been over 2,000 years since He came into the world and the world still remains', yes, but listen to these words written by the Apostle Peter addressing that very argument, "But first you must realize that in the last days some people won't think about anything except their own selfish desires. They will make fun of you and say, 'Didn't your Lord promise to come back? Yet the first leaders have already died, and the world hasn't changed a bit.' They will say this because they want to forget that long ago the heavens and the earth were made at God's command. The earth came out of water and was made from water. Later it was destroyed by the waters of a mighty flood. But God has commanded the present heavens and earth to remain until the day of judgment. Then they will be set on fire, and ungodly people will be destroyed. Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. The Lord isn't slow about keeping His promises, as some people think He is. In fact, God is patient, because He wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. The day of the Lord's return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are. Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live. You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that!" (2 Peter 3:3-13) (CEV).  

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say of Hebrews 9:26, "In the counsel of God, Christ was considered the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8, so that all believers before His advent were equally interested in His sacrificial death with those who have lived since His coming. Humanly speaking, the virtue of the annual atonement could not last long, and must be repeated; Christ's sacrifice is ever the same; His Life's Blood is still considered as in the act of being continually poured out. See Revelation 5:6.The conclusion of the Jewish dispensation, the Christian dispensation being that which shall continue till the end of time. To abolish the sin-offerings; i.e. to put an end to the Mosaic economy by His One offering of Himself. It is certain that, after Christ had offered Himself, the typical sin-offerings of the law ceased; and this was expressly foretold by the Prophet Daniel, Daniel 9:24. Some think that the expression should be applied to the putting away the guilt, power, and being of sin from the souls of believers." Here is what John Wesley had to say of this same Hebrews 9:26, "For then He must often have suffered from the foundation of the world - This supposes, That by suffering once He atoned for all the sins which had been committed from the foundation of the world. That He could not have atoned for them without suffering. At the consummation of the ages - The sacrifice of Christ divides the whole age or duration of the world into two parts, and extends its virtue backward and forward, from this middle point wherein they meet to abolish both the guilt and power of sin."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 93

 The Amazing Greatness of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice Part 2

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: KJV Note: CEV=Contemporary English Version

It is very true of each and every one of us human beings that we received from Adam (our great great grandfather times a very big number) a corrupt, crooked, and callous nature that cannot be accepted into the presence of Almighty God, therefore, we need Someone whose power is above that of human to first wash us and cleanse us from within and to give us a second nature from Himself that is just the opposite of the first nature. Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church @ Rome concerning this very fact, "Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. Sin was in the world before the Law came. But no record of sin was kept, because there was no Law. Yet death still had power over all who lived from the time of Adam to the time of Moses. This happened, though not everyone disobeyed a direct command from God, as Adam did. In some ways Adam is like Christ who came later. But the gift that God was kind enough to give was very different from Adam's sin. That one sin brought death to many others. Yet in an even greater way, Jesus Christ alone brought God's gift of kindness to many people. There is a lot of difference between Adam's sin and God's gift. That one sin led to punishment. But God's gift made it possible for us to be acceptable to Him, even though we have sinned many times. Death ruled like a king because Adam had sinned. But that cannot compare with what Jesus Christ has done. God has been so kind to us, and He has accepted us because of Jesus. And so we will live and rule like kings. Everyone was going to be punished because Adam sinned. But because of the good thing that Christ has done, God accepts us and gives us the gift of life. Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed Him and will make many people acceptable to God. The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God's kindness was even more powerful. Sin ruled by means of death. But God's kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life." (Romans 5:12-21) (CEV).

However, this is not the end but just the beginning, for from that point forward those two natures are at war with one another for dominance or control in our every day lives as pilgrims and sojourners on the earth, therefore, we need this same Someone to be our powerful intercessor (a negotiator who acts as a link between parties) with God the Father and to also be our advocate in the presence of God the Father for us when we sin, as the Apostle John declared with these words, "My children, I am writing this so that you won't sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and He will speak (be our advocate) to the Father for us. Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people. When we obey God, we are sure that we know Him. But if we claim to know Him and don't obey Him, we are lying and the truth isn't in our hearts. We truly love God only when we obey Him as we should, and then we know that we belong to Him. If we say we are His, we must follow the example of Christ." (1 John 2:1-6) (CEV). These truths are why we now find the writer of Hebrews declaring these words to the then Hebrew converts to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:" (Hebrews 9:24) (KJV). The English phrase 'the holy places' is translated by the Greek word hagion meaning a sacred thing (that is, spot): - holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary. The English phrase 'made with hands' is translated by the Greek word cheiropoiētos meaning manufactured, that is, of human construction. The English phrase 'which are the figures' is translated by the Greek word antitupon meaning corresponding ('antitype'), that is, a representative, counterpart. Here is what Vincent's Word Studies has to say of this, "Under the Old Covenant, the bloodshedding was symbolical: the death of the institutor was by proxy. In the ratification of the New Covenant, Christ Himself was the covenant-victim, and a real cleansing power attaches to His Blood as the offering of His Eternal Spirit."

The True Tabernacle was then and is now located in Heaven where the Throne of God the Father actually resides (as we declared in the last study/commentary Volume 92), however, God the Father gave to Moses a model or an example of the True to construct down here on the earth for the Hebrew people to worship Him in, for it was a mere counterpart or type of the real, but it was necessary according to the will and command of Almighty God. Then came our Lord Jesus Christ who is the True Tabernacle, that is, His Mystical Body is now where every redeemed sinner worships God and gives Him alone all glory and our Lord Jesus Christ is in Heaven at the Right Hand of God the Father constantly advocating and interceeding for everyone of us who have come to Him at the Cross on Calvary because we are continually accused by our enemy the devil until his ultimate and final demise comes to pass as it is written for us by the Apostle John with these words, "Then I heard a voice from heaven shout, 'Our God has shown His saving power, and His kingdom has come! God's own Chosen One has shown His authority. Satan accused our people in the presence of God day and night. Now he has been thrown out!" (Revelation 12:10) (CEV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say of Hebrews 9:24, "He is not gone into the holy of holies of the tabernacle or temple, as the Jewish high priest does once in the year with the blood of the victim, to sprinkle it before the mercy-seat there; but into heaven itself, which He has thus opened to all believers, having made the propitiatory offering by which both He and those whom He represents are entitled to enter and enjoy eternal blessedness. And hence we may consider that Christ, appearing in His crucified body before the throne, is a real offering of Himself to the Divine justice in behalf of man; and that there He continues in the constant act of being offered, so that every penitent and believer, coming unto God through Him, find Him their ever ready and available sacrifice, officiating as the High Priest of mankind in the presence of God."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 92

 The Amazing Greatness of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice Part 1

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. KJV Note: CEV=Contemporary English Version

Everything on the earth that God the Father commanded Moses to build and construct, that is, the tabernacle and later on the Hebrew Temple were patterns or examples of what was in heaven where God the Father was continually worshipped by the holy angels, arc angels, and seraphim with complete obedience and reverence, as it is written here with these words from the Book of Revelation written by the Apostle John, "Right then the Spirit took control of me, and there in heaven I saw a throne and someone sitting on it. The one who was sitting there sparkled like precious stones of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Twenty-four other thrones were in a circle around that throne. And on each of these thrones there was an elder dressed in white clothes and wearing a gold crown. Flashes of lightning and roars of thunder came out from the throne in the center of the circle. Seven torches, which are the seven spirits of God, were burning in front of the throne. Also in front of the throne was something that looked like a glass sea, clear as crystal. Around the throne in the center were four living creatures covered front and back with eyes. The first creature was like a lion, the second one was like a bull, the third one had the face of a human, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings, and their bodies were covered with eyes. Day and night they never stopped singing, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, the all-powerful God, who was and is and is coming!' The living creatures kept praising, honoring, and thanking the one who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne and said, 'Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and by your decision they are and were created.'" (Revelation 4:2-11) (CEV).

Therefore, having documented the absolute greatness of the worship of God the Father taking place in heaven, we now find the writer of Hebrews documenting for us the absolute necessity of the earthly pattern of the heavenly worship of God requiring and calling for and demanding that every single earthly item used in the Hebrew worship of Almighty God be sprinkled with the blood of the sin offerings from the people, including even the building itself, as it is written for us by the author of Hebrews with these very next words in verse 23, "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these." (Hebrews 9:23) (KJV). The English word 'patterns' is translated by the Greek word hupodeigma meaning an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively specimen, adumbration, that is, a sketchy, imperfect or faint representation): - example, pattern. The little English phrase 'should be purified' is translated by the Greek word katharizō meaning to cleanse (literally or figuratively): - (make) clean, purge, purify. All of those things used in the tabernacle and latter on the Hebrew/Jewish Temple were patterns or trace representations of the things in heaven, as we remember just a little while back in this same epistle when the writer of Hebrews wrote these words, "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." (Hebrews 8:5) (KJV). All of these things used in the worship service of God needed to be cleansed just as the people needed cleansing, as it is written and documented by Moses with these words, "Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness." (Leviticus 16:16) (KJV).

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say of Hebrews 9:23, "The tabernacle and all its utensils, services, etc., must be purified by these, viz.: The blood of calves and goats, and the sprinkling of the blood and water with the bunch of hyssop bound about with scarlet wool. These are called patterns, exemplars, earthly things, which were the representatives of heavenly things. And there is no doubt that every thing in the tabernacle, its parts, divisions, utensils, ministry, etc., as appointed by God, were representations of celestial matters; but how far and in what way we cannot now see. Purification implies, not only cleansing from defilement, but also dedication or consecration. All the utensils employed in the tabernacle service were thus purified though incapable of any moral pollution. But the heavenly things themselves - Some think this means heaven itself, which, by receiving the sacrificed Body of Christ, which appears in the presence of God for us, may be said to be purified, i.e., set apart for the reception of the souls of those who have found redemption in His Blood. Others think the Body of Christ is intended, which is the tabernacle in which His Divinity dwelt; and that this might be said to be purified by its own sacrifice, as He is said, John 17:19, to sanctify Himself; that is, to consecrate Himself unto God as a sin-offering for the redemption of man. Others suppose the Church is intended, which He is to present to the Father without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. As the entrance to the holy of holies must be made by the sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifice, and as that holy of holies represented heaven, the Apostle's meaning seems to be that there was and could be no entrance to the holiest but through His Blood; and therefore, when by a more perfect tabernacle, Hebrews 9:11-12, He passed into the heavens, not with the blood of bulls and goats, but by His own Blood, He thus purified or laid open the entrance to the holiest, by a more valuable sacrifice than those required to open the entrance of the holy of holies. It was necessary, therefore, for God had appointed it so, that the tabernacle and its parts, etc., which were patterns of things in the heavens, should be consecrated and entered with such sacrifices as have already been mentioned; but the heaven of heavens into which Jesus entered, and whither He will bring all His faithful followers, must be propitiated, consecrated, and entered, by the infinitely better sacrifice of His Own Body and Blood."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 91

 The Necessary Death of the Mediator of the New Testament Part 4

Hebrews 9:21-22 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. KJV

In the very next verse here, the writer of Hebrews is merely documenting for us what we learned earlier regarding the applying of the blood of the animal sacrifices to every single person and thing that would be used in the service and worship of God the Father, even the very building (the tabernacle) itself needed to be sprinkled with the same blood as the Hebrew people were in like manner sprinkled with, as it is written with these words, "Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry." (Hebrews 9:21) (KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say of Hebrews 9:21, "Not at the same time that he sprinkled the book and the people, for then there was no tabernacle; but afterwards, at the time that it was set up, when it was anointed with oil, Exodus 40:9 and though no mention is there made of blood, yet Josephus, in agreement with the Apostle, asserts that the tabernacle, and its vessels, were not only anointed with oil, but sprinkled with the blood of bulls and goats, as well as the garments of Aaron, and his sons: the tabernacle was typical of the Church, in which God dwells, being purified and cleansed by the Blood of Christ; and this shows, that there is no coming into the presence of God, the place where He dwells, without blood."

Most of humanity live under a dark cloud of thinking themselves and some others they may be close to in family relations or friendships or others they admire from afar off to be a cut above or better people or moreover good people. This is the human fallacy, fantasy, and fairytale that keep sinful people from comming to the realization about themselves and others which plainly stated is that we are all born into the human family with an evil and wicked heart/inner man/inner woman that can never be changed, listen once again to the Word of God, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:10-20) (KJV). This dear people is the condition of every inner baby boy and inner baby girl born into this world of woe in every corner of this globe we reside upon called the earth. Listen to this quote that I hope I am remembering correctly from the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, "Human goodness is the worst form of badness when it is a substitution for the new birth."

I reiterate this because of what Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought about in order for our connection to God the Father to be restored and that being the death of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Without His Blood being shed for the sins of the world (John 1:29) then every human being would receive what we deserve being eternal seperation from God, however, this does not occur for every born wicked sinner who is born again (John 3:3-8) and now trust Jesus Christ only. We now find the witer of Hebrews declaring the reality of the Old Testament where the shedding of the blood of animals was a necessity in order for the Hebrew people's sin to be forgiven, as it is written here, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22) (KJV). Likewise, the shedding of the Blood of Jesus Christ (that is His earthly death on the Cross) was a necessity in order for any sinful human being to be forgiven of their sin today and forevermore. God the Father killed His only begotten Son in order to reconcile humanity back to Himself, therefore, no person on the earth is right with God unless they have been to the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ and have His Blood applied to them as their atonement for all their sins. The English word 'remission; is translated by the Greek word aphesis meaning (as used here) (figuratively) pardon: - forgiveness. In other words, whoever thinks themselves to be a 'good' person that has not had their sin covered under and by the Blood of the Lamb/Blood of Jesus Christ will be a 'good' person in hell and then the lake of fire because their name will not be written in the Book of life (Revelation 20:10-15). Therefore, I beg of anyone reading this out of curiosity, chance, or circumstance to examine yourself against the (10) ten commandments and discover your true self and that will lead you to see that you have broken all of them and are not 'good' according to God and that you need someone to save you from your sin, His Name is Jesus and when you call on Him you will be saved, as it is written, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21) (KJV).

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 9:22, "It is a general custom to purify everything by blood. This rule was not universal, for some things were purified by fire and water, Numbers 31:22-23, and some by water only; Numbers 31:24; Leviticus 16:26, Leviticus 16:28. But the exceptions to the general rule were few. Almost everything in the tabernacle and temple service, was consecrated or purified by blood. Remission or forgiveness of sins. That is, though some things were purified by fire and water, yet when the matter pertained to the forgiveness of sins, it was 'universally' true that no sins were pardoned except by the shedding of blood. Some impurities might be removed by water and fire, but the stain of 'sin' could be removed only by blood. This declaration referred in its primary meaning, to the Jewish rites, and the sense is, that under that dispensation it was universally true that in order to the forgiveness of sin blood must be shed. But it contains a truth of higher order and importance still. 'It is universally true that sin never has been, and never will be forgiven, except in connection with, and in virtue of the shedding of blood.' It is on this principle that the plan of salvation by the atonement is based, and on this that God in fact bestows pardon upon people. There is not the slightest evidence that any man has ever been pardoned except through the blood shed for the remission of sins. The infidel who rejects the atonement has no evidence that his sins are pardoned; the man who lives in the neglect of the gospel, though he has abundant evidence that he is a sinner, furnishes none that his sins are forgiven; and the Mussulman and the pagan can point to no proof that their sins are blotted out. It remains to be demonstrated that one single member of the human family has ever had the slightest evidence of pardoned sin, except through the blood of expiation. In the divine arrangement there is no principle better established than this, that all sin which is forgiven is remitted through the blood of the atonement; a principle which has never been departed from hitherto, and which never will be. It follows, therefore: (1) That no sinner can hope for forgiveness except through the blood of Christ; (2) That if people are ever saved they must be willing to rely on the merits of that blood; (3) That all people are on a level in regard to salvation, since all are to be saved in the same way; and, (4) That there will be one and the same song in heaven - the song of redeeming love."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 90

 The Necessary Death of the Mediator of the New Testament Part 3

Hebrews 9:18-20 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. KJV

As we declared in the last study, the necessity of blood to be spilled, splattered, and shed for the covering of human beings sin before a Holy God is of the utmost priority in the halls of heaven and it is needed in order for a covenant between God and humanity to be received by Him, remembered by Him, and ratified by Him. Therefore, we now find the writer of Hebrews making this analogy with the first covenant between Jehovah God and the Hebrew people with these words, "Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:18) (KJV). If the first testament or covenant required blood sacrifices, then surely the second testament/covenant would require the same. The English word 'dedicated'  used here in verse 18 is translated by the Greek word egkainizō meaning to renew, that is, inaugurate: - consecrate, dedicate. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say of Hebrews 9:18, "The Old Testament strictly and formally began on that day of inauguration. 'Where the disposition, or arrangement, is ratified by the blood of another, namely, of animals, which cannot make a covenant, much less make a testament, it is not strictly a testament, where it is ratified by the death of him that makes the arrangement, it is strictly, Greek 'diathece,' Hebrew 'berith,' taken in a wider sense, a testament' [Bengel]; thus, in Hebrews 9:18, referring to the old dispensation, we may translate, 'the first (covenant)': or better, retain 'the first (testament),' not that the old dispensation, regarded by itself, is a testament, but it is so when regarded as the typical representative of the new, which is strictly a Testament."

Now the writer gives the word picture of the very nature of the ratification of the old covenant with these words, "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." (Hebrews 9:19-20) (KJV). This was the process by which the Lord God had given to Moses to confirm the covenant between Himself and the Hebrew people. Why the blood of calves and of goats? Why use hyssop and scarlet wool? Simple answer, because God commanded Moses to use them. There is no power in calves blood or goats blood or hyssop or scarlet wool, but there is power in the Word of God and whatever He thereby commands immediately it is transformed into power because of His Divine decree. The English word 'precept' in verse 19 is translated by the Greek word entolē which means injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription: - commandment, precept. The Scripture reference from the Old Testament (which the writer of Hebrews declares here in verse 19 and 20) was written by Moses with these words, "And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." (Exodus 24:7-8) (KJV). The mixing of the blood and water (Hebrews 9:19) is thought by many Biblical scholars over the centuries to have been done to thin out the blood, so that it would be easier to sprinkle on the people who came forward, however, the mixing of blood and water naturally occurs within the human body and I believe that it had and has a supernatural purpose, remember what the Apostle John documented for us with these words, "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." (John 19:34) (KJV). This same Apostle John also wrote these words concerning blood and water, "This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these Three are One. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:6-12) (KJV).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 9:19-20, "All men by sin had become guilty before God, had forfeited their inheritance, their liberties, and their very lives, into the hands of divine justice; but God, being willing to show the greatness of His mercy, proclaimed a covenant of grace, and ordered it to be typically administered under the Old Testament, but not without the blood and life of the creature; and God accepted the blood of bulls and goats, as typifying the Blood of Christ; and by these means the covenant of grace was ratified under the former dispensation. The method taken by Moses, according to the direction he had received from God, is here particularly related (1.) Moses spoke every precept to all the people, according to the law, Hebrews 9:19. He published to them the tenour of the covenant, the duties required, the rewards promised to those who did their duty, and the punishment threatened against the transgressors, and he called for their consent to the terms of the covenant; and this in an express manner. (2.) Then he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and applied this blood by sprinkling it. This blood and water signified the blood and water that came out of our Saviour's pierced side, for justification and sanctification, and also shadowed forth the two sacraments of the New Testament, baptism and the Lord's supper, with scarlet wool, signifying the righteousness of Christ with which we must be clothed, the hyssop signifying that faith by which we must apply all. Now with these Moses sprinkled, [1.] The book of the law and covenant, to show that the covenant of grace is confirmed by the Blood of Christ and made effectual to our good. [2.] The people, intimating that the shedding of the Blood of Christ will be no advantage to us if it be not applied to us. And the sprinkling of both the book and the people signified the mutual consent of both parties, God and man, and their mutual engagements to each other in this covenant through Christ, Moses at the same time using these words, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. This blood, typifying the Blood of Christ, is the ratification of the covenant of grace to all true believers. [3.] He sprinkled the tabernacle and all the utensils of it, intimating that all the sacrifices offered up and services performed there were accepted only through the Blood of Christ, which procures the remission of that iniquity that cleaves to our holy things, which could not have been remitted but by that Atoning Blood."
 
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 89

 The Necessary Death of the Mediator of the New Testament Part 2

Hebrews 8:16-17 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. KJV

From the very beginning of the first man's disobedience to God the Father in the Garden of Eden, when he transgressed against the precept and principle of God given to him in the Garden, God then used animal skin to cover the nakedness of the man (Adam) and his wife (Eve) from the shame of their nakedness. This meant that God the Father slew, that is, killed intentionally and with premeditation an animal in order to cover their nakedness they for the first time felt between the two of them and also to cover their sin against Him for the first time opening up within them a different inner man and inner woman that was now corrupt and sinful, read Genesis Chapter 3. Adam and Eve subsequently passed on this evil corrupt nature to all their human descendants right down to all of us human beings who are alive today. We learned from the last study/commentary that like the slaying of animals and the shedding of their blood unto death was required by the Hebrew people to serve as an offering to God to expiate, that is, to make up for, compensate or make reparation for wrongdoing or causing offence, so did Jesus Christ sacrificial death at Calvary serve as a one time offering to God the Father for the sins of the whole world, meaning that every sinner who would come to Him by faith would be forgiven for all time and eternity for their sins and transgressions against God the Father, therefore, Christ death was necessary to seal, stamp, and secure the New Covenant or New Testament between God and all humanity belonging to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. So, now we find the writer of Hebrews making this very next statement to the new Hebrew converts to Christ and to we converts now and of every generation and era, "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9:16-17) (KJV). The English word 'testament' used here by the writer is translated by the Greek word diathēkē meaning properly a disposition, that is, (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): - covenant, testament. The English word 'testator' is translated by the Greek word diatithemai meaning (figuratively) dispose (by assignment, compact or bequest): - appoint, make, testator; the person who makes a will. In this unique case, the contract is made between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and all of us who belong to Him by virtue of the new birth (John 3:3-8) as His adopted sons and daughters are heirs, as it is written by the Apostle Paul with these words, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17) (KJV).

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say of Hebrews 9:16-17, "The covenant of grace, as administered under the Gospel dispensation, is a testament or will. The Jews have adopted the Greek word, here used, into their language, and pronounce it דייתיקי, and by it understand a dying man's last will and testament (d). Some of them make it to be of Hebrew derivation; as if it was said, דא תהי למיקם, 'this shall be to confirm' (e), or this shall be stable and firm; though others own it to be the same with this Greek word διαθηκη (f). The covenant of grace, is properly a covenant to Christ, and a testament or will to His people: it is His and their Father's will, concerning giving them both grace and glory; it consists of many gifts and legacies; in it Christ is made heir of all things, and His people are made joint heirs with Him; they are given to Him as His portion; and they have all things pertaining to life and godliness bequeathed to them, even all spiritual blessings; the witnesses of it are Father, Son, and Spirit; and the seals of it are the Blood of Christ, and the grace of the Spirit; and this is registered in the Scriptures by holy men as notaries; and is unalterable and immutable: and this being made, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator; who is Christ; He has various parts in this will or testament; He is the surety and Mediator of it; and He is the executor of it; what is given in it, is first given to Him, in order to be given to others; all things are put into His hands, and He has a power to give them to as many as the Father has given Him; and here He is called the 'testator': Christ, as God, has an equal right to dispose of the inheritance, both of grace and glory; and as Mediator, nothing is given without his consent; and whatever is given, is given with a view to his 'death', and comes through it, and by virtue of it: hence there is a 'necessity' of that, and that on the account of the divine perfections; particularly for the declaration of God's righteousness, or by reason of His justice; and also because of His purposes and decrees, which have fixed it, and of His promises, which are yea and amen in Christ, and are ratified by His Blood, called therefore the Blood of the Covenant; and likewise on account of the engagements of Christ to suffer and die; as well as for the accomplishment of Scripture prophecies concerning it; and moreover, on account of the blessings which were to come to the saints through it, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, peace and reconciliation, adoption and eternal life. The necessity of Christ's death is here urged, from the nature and force of a testament or will, among men, which does not take place, and cannot be executed, till a man is dead. Otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth; no claim can be made by the legatees for the part they have in it, nor can any disposition be made by the executor of it; not that hereby is suggested, that the testament or will of God was uncertain and precarious till the death of Christ, and subject to change and alteration as men's wills are till they die; nor that the inheritance could not be enjoyed by the Old Testament saints; for it is certain, it was entered upon by them before the death of Christ; but the sense is, that there was a necessity of it, that the saints right unto it, upon the foot of justice, might be evident by it."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…