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| 1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: |
Taken from among men – All the Jewish priests were taken from amongst their fellows. R5472:2
Ordained for men – Set apart for their work to represent their people before God. R5472:2
Offer – Any man who does not offer is not a priest. Offer up yourself, "present your body a living sacrifice." (Rom. 12:1) CR49:4
Gifts – See Heb. 8:3
And sacrifices for sins – In this arrangement the priests were able to sympathize with the people, because they were subject to the same weaknesses, and also had need of the forgiveness of their own sins. R5472:2 5:2
Have compassion – He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities. (Heb. 4:15) F162; E128
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| 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. |
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| 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. |
For himself – The sacrifice of atonement was offered by the High Priest and represents him alone. R17:5
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| 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. |
Taketh this honor – God must call or invite. R3282:4, 5472:2; F94
Our Lord Jesus did not appoint himself High Priest. "God hath given him to be the head over the church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22, 23) R3276:5; SM141:T
No one can have a right to serve in the capacity of a priest unless he be anointed of the holy Spirit. SM600:T; R4494:4, 3951:3
He that is called – Speaking of our priesthood. R3634:4
The priestly or teaching service. R4122:4
No man takes this step of consecration unless he is called--through the proclamation of the Gospel. R5134:1, 5472:2, 4477:1, 3282:4
"No man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him." (John 6:44) R4516:3
The receipt of the holy anointing is their call to the Lord's service--a service of self-denial and suffering in the present time; a service of glory and honor hereafter. SM600:T; R4494:4
The place to ascertain what is God's call is not in our feelings but in God's own Word of revelation. R3634:4
Of God – No man can sanctify himself in the sense of causing himself to be accepted and adopted into God's family of the new creation, begotten by his Spirit. F120
The begetting of the elect class with their Head, Christ, and the honorable position to which they have been called, is "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:13) F77, F120
As was Aaron – God called Aaron to be the head priest. R5472:2
Type of Christ, Head and Body. T38; R5472:2
The anointing of the High Priest in the type represented the divine appointment to office. R5424:4
Although typified by Aaron in respect to an earthly sacrifice, Christ is really a glorified priest, not after the order of Aaron, who was never glorified, never a king; but after the order of Melchizedek R5472:3
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| 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. |
Christ – "The Anointed One." (Diaglott) R713:3, 3951:3
Glorified not himself – Greek, doxazo, honored. A194
He was called of God. OV402:T
Even Christ took not this honor upon himself. God appointed him. R5424:4
Christ and his elect Church must also be called of God. R5472:2
To be made – Christ did not glorify himself to make himself a High Priest. R5472:3
High priest – A heavenly, not earthly, High Priest. R5585:1
He that said – God honored him, saying to him in the prophecy of Psalm 2:7. R5472:3
My Son – My special Son, pointing out our Lord's superiority. R1005:3
Begotten – Greek, gennao, when used in connection with God, should always be rendered beget, or begotten. R837:1
Born. SM141:T; NS101:3
This is a quotation from the Psalms, and that it refers to our Lord's resurrection is evident from the Apostle's explanation in Acts 13:33. NS101:4
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| 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. |
He saith also – God intended another order of priests. (Psa. 110:4) R4867:6, 5472:3, 3951:5; Q692:6
Jehovah honored Jesus by inviting him to the position, and giving him all power to fill it. R3951:3, 713:3
Not only has Jesus, God's Anointed One, been chosen as the chief priest, but the "Little Flock" who follow him in sacrifice now, are called to be joint-heirs with him in the same honor. R3951:3, 713:3
A priest – There is but the one way of approaching God--through the great Advocate he has appointed. R4786:4
Melchisedec, who was a priest upon his throne, represented The Christ in glory and power. R3951:5
For ever – A priest ever; a lasting-priest; not one who would drop his office in some unsatisfactory manner, nor pass away by death: but one who would fully accomplish all for which he was appointed. R4668:6; Q551:1
Our Lord entered into his priesthood individually, personally, at the time of his resurrection. Q550:5; R4668:5
This office will end with the Millennial age--there will be no need for a priest of any kind, sacrificing or reigning. Q551:1; R4668:6
Order of Melchisedec – A grand character who lived in Abraham's day. He was King and Priest at the same time. OV402:1; Q182:T
Type of Christ in the Millennial age. F72; OV387:4
Christ is not a priest after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchizedek, who was a king, and a priest at the same time--not a sacrificing priest, but a reigning priest. R5472:3, 3951:5, 713:5
If Christ was to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek, he would not be a priest after the order of Aaron. Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, an earthly priesthood, and Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. R4867:6, 3951:5, 713:5; Q692:6
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| 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
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Who – Coming back to his argument, the Apostle shows us the connection between the glorified kingly priest beyond the veil and the suffering Jesus in the flesh. R5472:3
In the days – The limited time, now forever ended. R1806:1, 5472:4
His humiliation was not an eternal humiliation, but was followed by a glorious exaltation, even to the divine nature and to the glorious body which belongs to that nature. R1806:2
From his baptism, to the culminating point in the garden of Gethsemane. R1806:3
With him, as with us, they were "few days and full of trouble." (Job 14:1) R1806:3
Of his flesh – The suffering Jesus in the flesh. R5472:3
Surely this proves that our Lord Jesus is no longer flesh. R5025:4, 1806:1
"He was made flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) "My flesh I will give." (John 6:51) "A body hast thou prepared me." (Heb. 10:5) "Though we have known Jesus Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him so no more." (2 Cor. 5:16) R1806:1
"He was put to death in the flesh, but quickened in spirit,"--in his resurrection. (1 Pet. 3:18) R5472:4
Offered up prayers – His prayers to God in Gethsemane. R5472:4; HG459:6
We cannot come too often or stay too long. R1865:3
Cryings and tears – The Gethsemane experiences the night before our Lord's crucifixion. R5403:3, 5551:5, 5472:4, 4841:4, 4437:6, 3885:6, 2773:3, 1806:3
Fearful lest in some particular he might have failed. R5871:6, 5642:5, 5403:4, 4437:6, 3886:1
Not caused by timidity in respect to the impending crucifixion, or by anything that man might do unto him; or doubt respecting the divine power or the divine faithfulness. R5472:6
The Apostle seeks to give us, as the followers of Jesus, confidence in his ability to sympathize with us in all of our troubles. R5472:4, 405:4*, 12:3*
Unto him – The Father. It would have been a mockery of prayer if Jesus was his own Heavenly Father. R2773:3
He took these human fears to his Heavenly Father, in order that his human will might be reinforced by divine grace to go forward and complete his sacrifice acceptably to God. R1806:6
Able to save him – Jesus realized that if he failed it would mean eternal death. Q363:5; R5472:6, 3367:2, 1806:5,4
He realized that he had a perfect life, unforfeited, and realized that he was about to part with it. It would be a very different matter for our Lord to lay down his life from that of any of his followers. R4804:2, 3885:6
He saw himself about to suffer according to the Law as an evil-doer, and the question naturally arose, was he entirely blameless, and would the Heavenly Judge thoroughly acquit him whom so many were disposed to condemn? R4804:4, 3367:2
From – Greek, ek; out of. R5585:6, 4804:3, 3885:6, 3367:3, 2774:3
Death – Not to save him from dying, but to save him out of death by resurrection. R5585:6, 5551:5, 3886:2; Q272:1
Typified in the Jewish High Priest when he passed under the veil with the blood. If he had not followed every instruction of the Law in the offering of his sacrifices he would have died under the veil. R5585:5, 1806:4
Was heard in that – In respect to, or concerning, that extinction. R4804:2, 4796:5, 3367:3, 2774:3
In regard to the thing which he feared. R4437:6
His prayers to the Father were not in vain. Though his words were few his chastened spirit was all the while making intercession for him with groanings that could not be uttered. (Rom. 8:26) R1806:6
An angel was sent to give him assurance of his acceptability. R4796:6, 5403:4, 4804:5, 3367:3; Q272:1
And he was strengthened and comforted. (Luke 22:39-45) R5585:6, 5551:5, 4804:5, 1807:1
He feared – The very thought of extinction would bring anguish, terror of soul. R4804:4
That unintentionally he might have made some error, might have failed to perform some portion of his consecration vow. R4428:6, 4796:5, 4804:3,4, 4707:6, 4683:5
One slight infraction of the divine law or of his covenant would have dashed the whole matter. CR149:4
Had he done everything in exact accordance with God's will? In full view of the agony it would cost, was he able to drink the bitter cup to its very dregs--endure not only the physical agony, but also the ignominy? R1806:6
Not fear of dying, but fear of remaining dead, fear that he would not be accounted of the Father worthy of that glorious resurrection which had been promised to him on condition of absolute obedience. R5551:5, 5472:6, 4804:2, 4796:5, 3886:2, 2774:3; Q272:1
Lest his death might be second death. R4796:5
The great mental conflict through which the Lord passed on our behalf. R1806:3
He received the assurance that he was well-pleasing to the Father. R4708:1
He was delivered from the fear of death. R5472:6, 3367:3
He was delivered from death by a resurrection. R3367:3
The fear on the Lord's part was not a sinful fear; it was a fear such as we are told to have, lest we fail to realize the precious promises vouchsafed to us upon conditions that are positive and unalterable. R1807:1
He never feared the Father in the sense of experiencing dread or terror. R4796:6
It was a filial fear, a fear entirely compatible with his relationship to God as a recognized Son. R1807:2
Doubtless the powers of darkness were busy in that awful hour, taking advantage of the circumstances and of his weakness and weariness to discourage his hope and to fill his mind with fears. R1806:6
Perfect loves casts out slavish, but not reverential, fear. R2986:6, 4841:4, 2289:5
If the Master feared, so should his followers. R4841:4
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| 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; |
A Son – The sufferings of Jesus, the Apostle points out, came not to him because he was a sinner, but because he was a Son and because as a Son, the Heavenly Father would prove, test, his loyalty unto death. R5472:5
His continual recognition by Jehovah as a Son was a guarantee of his perfection; and to sin at any time would have been to forfeit that relationship. R1807:2
Yet learned he – Christ never claimed to be "equal in power." E120
Thus Jesus received the great illumination which was so powerful an addition to him--just as it is a great illumination to us to see the terms and conditions of our calling--if we would reign with him. R5064:6
Obedience – Our Lord, already fully obedient to the Father under favorable conditions, learned what it meant to be obedient under most adverse conditions. E120; R5890:2, 5712:3; CR158:4; 145:3
Under the Father's guidance, he was humiliated. R5186:3
To the perfect will of God down to the lowest depths of self-abnegation. R1807:3, 2439:4
The Master's obedience to the covenant of sacrifice would bring him the life immortal, divine. But any failure would cost him his all; for his all was staked in that covenant of sacrifice. R5472:6
He was thereby prepared for his exaltation, his glorification, which he received when he had finished the work which the Father gave him to do. R4107:6, 5252:5; HG624:1
The plan of human salvation was all made dependent upon the obedience of the anointed High Priest to every jot and tittle of the Law concerning him, as shown in the typical service of the Tabernacle. R1806:4
Obedience is what we have specially to learn. God looks for obedience. CR145:3
Which he suffered – Which were written in the Book. R5421:6
The things which Jesus endured, not only were to constitute a sacrifice for human sin and to make possible human restitution through the Messianic Kingdom, but they were necessary to the Master himself. R5472:5
In the first "Holy," Jesus had to tarry and offer his incense upon the fire of trial--he must demonstrate his loyalty to God and righteousness by the things suffered as a begotten Son. T56; R5080:5
Even as the experiences of Joseph--all of his humiliation--prepared the way for him to be succored and honored by Pharaoh. R5215:2
Our High Priest is one who is full of sympathy and has had the largest kind of experience. R5585:6
The great fight of afflictions through which he passed--the subtle and deceptive temptations of the wilderness, the contradiction of sinners against himself; his poverty, loss of friends, labors, weariness, homelessness, bitter and relentless persecutions, and finally his betrayal and dying agony. R1806:5
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| 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; |
Being made perfect – In this lesson of obedience. R1807:3
As a new creature, through trials and sufferings. D621; E120; R5472:6, 5215:2, 1807:5, 314:5
In the resurrection as a new creature. SM140:T
Made acceptable to the high station to which he was called--the divine nature. R2439:3, 314:5
Being made perfect through the painful discipline of suffering, he is now a suitable one to fill the office of High Priest, a mediator between God and men. R1807:5, 1335:3*
Perfected in some sense through a process of experience of humiliation and suffering. R1807:2; E51
Perfection of being and perfection of character are two different things. R1807:4
Jesus was not imperfect at any time in the sense of being sinful. His sufferings did not make him perfect in the sense of making him sinless. The perfecting was of another kind. R5472:5
The new nature, begotten at baptism, needed development, or perfecting; and it was for this purpose that the trials, difficulties and buffetings were permitted to come to him. R5472:6
He was not counted perfect in the sense of that established and demonstrated character which was the necessary requirement for the priestly office to which he was called. He must be proved. R1807:3
As with the Head, so it is God's design for each member of the Body. D621
Became the author – Source. E386; R1878:4
On the basis of his own victory and exaltation. R5473:1, 314:5
As our great High Priest. E386; R1878:4
As the purchaser of Adam and his race, Christ became a hope of salvation. R1251:4, 1265:4
Every exhibition and testimony of his character inspires the fullest confidence, so that obedience to him signifies progress toward perfection at every step of the way. R1808:1
Shall we not, as sons, share with him as the author of eternal salvation? R51:4*
Of eternal salvation – Because of his faithfulness he was rewarded with life on a still higher plane. SM31:2; E120
He has not only redeemed man from what was lost in Adam, but has made higher attainments possible, brought salvation near, within reach of all men. R9:6*
Unto all – He gives life to all--is Lord of all. R62:4*, 726:6*
The first salvation which this antitypical priest effects is the salvation of his Church; additionally he is the author of salvation to as many of mankind as will obey him during his Messianic reign. R5473:1,4; E120
That obey him – When brought to a full knowledge of the truth. R1259:2; E120
When the work of giving knowledge and discipline to all the race, and selecting those who, by hearty obedience, shall be commended as lovers of righteousness, worthy of life everlasting. R1251:5
His followers must demonstrate the same heart loyalty that Jesus manifested--the same willingness to do the Father's will and to sacrifice every other interest. R5473:1, 1808:1
Who take up their cross and follow him; walk in his footsteps through evil report, through good report, faithful unto death, as he was. R5473:1
The absolute perfection of our great High Priest, and the fact that he was ordained of God for this office, is the strongest possible demand and incentive for the church's obedience. R1807:6
The disobedient and wilful, who do not love the right ways of the Lord, and who have no desire to walk in them, will receive none of the benefit of his mediation. R1807:5
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| 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. |
Called of God – "Declared by God." (Diaglott) R3951:3, 713:3
An high priest – Through bitter experiences he was perfected--to mediate for us; (1) by presenting to God an acceptable sacrifice, making our salvation possible; (2) by undertaking to cleanse, purge and purify us. R1807:6
"A merciful and faithful high priest; for in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." (Heb. 2:18) R1807:5, 1335:3*, 405:1*, 12:5*
For this office he must be proved beyond all peradventure by the severest tests. R1807:3
The Heavenly Father knew through what suffering, ignominy, shame and sorrow, Jesus' beloved followers must pass. His omniscient eye foresaw the fagot, the torch, the rack, and the thousand refinements of cruelty with which Satanic ingenuity would fight the Church. R1807:5
By God's grace our Lord Jesus not only bought us by the sacrifice of his life for ours, but he became our great High Priest. R1878:4; E386
After – "According to." (Diaglott) R3951:3, 713:3
Order of Melchisedec – A King of Peace; a Priest upon his throne. T50
In the case of Melchizedek as a type nothing is shown respecting sacrifice. He was not a sacrificing priest, but a blessing priest, empowered by his kingly office to give his priestly blessing. SM139:3
Jesus in the flesh, in providing the ransom-price, would have had no life for himself that he might become the King of Glory, unless God had begotten, quickened and raised him to the higher, spirit nature. R5226:6
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| 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. |
Hard to be uttered – There are many deep truths of God's plan difficult to express; and impossible to be understood by those who have not a clear understanding of and implicit faith in the foundation principles. R679:5*, 179:1*
Dull of hearing – Such a condition is a dangerous one, especially in this evil day when the sophistries and snares of the Adversary are more subtle. R679:5*
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| 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. |
When for the time – For the time spent. R3622:2, 1568:2, 1549:1
For the time you have been in the truth. F257
In which you have had these privileges. R1894:4
After being a long while in the school of Christ. R4207:6
Ye – Making no distinction of sex. R1549:1
Ought to be teachers – Paul is criticizing some who had for quite a time been Christians and who had been granted large opportunities for growth in grace and knowledge. SM177:2; R1894:4, 1549:1, 865:4
A reproof to some who, considering the length of time they have been in Christ, should have been strong in the faith, in doctrine, in spiritual life, and should be qualified to teach others. R5688:3, 2052:3, 1568:2
God wishes all of his people to be qualified for telling forth his truth to others as they have opportunity. R5313:1, 4968:4, 1524:2; F257
All the members of the new creation, should become skillful in their Father's Word to the extent that they will be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason for the hope that is in them. (1 Pet. 3:15)" F257[F257]
Those who would give proper instructions to others must be qualified to teach. The Lord has placed the various members in the Body of Christ "as it hath pleased him." (1 Cor. 12:18) R5689:4, 4122:4, 1524:2
All the spirit-begotten are members of the Royal Priesthood, and ought to be teachers--if the time of persecution comes again, let all continue to preach. R992:6
Teachers in the various denominations, while not devoid of good intentions as respects the babe in Christ, lack the knowledge they should inculcate--are babes in spiritual matters themselves. R2967:1; D577
Failure of teachers in the systems to discriminate between who are Spirit begotten and who are not, is starving, stunting and poisoning the true "babes" under their care. D577
Suck givers. R229:6; Q842:5
Ye have need – In consequence of a lack of zeal for the Lord and a spirit of worldliness. F257
The majority of Christian people of today, just as in the Apostle's day, have this need. R5327:1, 230:1
We are sometimes surprised at others, and ourselves, that we have gained so little victory in character building and appreciation in the principles which should govern amongst the Lord's anointed. R4207:6
Teach you again – They had gotten entangled with vain philosophies, and their spirituality was at a low ebb. Conditions are very similar today. SM178:T
The ecclesiastical systems are not sufficiently developed in knowledge and grace to assimilate the strong and important doctrines. Q842:5
We ought to go from grace to grace, from knowledge to knowledge. R4628:6, 3622:2, 2052:4, 1568:2, 974:6, 229:6
First principles – The milk. R229:6
Rudiments. R2967:1
Foundation doctrines. R3622:1, 1568:1, 865:4, 679:5*
Mentioned in chapter 6:1,2. R2052:3, 23:5*
Redemption through the precious blood of Christ, and his remission of sins through faith in his blood, is the only solid foundation on which our faith can rest. R679:6
Many of the Lord's people do not know what justification by faith means, nor understand what consecration or sanctification, means. R5313:1
Many professing Christians have never intelligently received the first principles. R865:4
Too many Christians are content with simply diluted first principles of the doctrine of Christ. R5938:2
Those whose minds are on an earthly plane and cannot appreciate simple matters, are not in the condition to be inducted into the deeper things of God. R2422:5
Those who have been for some time drinking from the fountain of truth, and feeding at the table of the Lord, where the food is pure, unadulterated, nourishing, should be fully established in the first principles. R5689:5
As a general thing there is not sufficient care on the part of the babes in Christ about seeking the pure milk of the Word; and many of the adults are too careless about setting the impure milk before them. R3622:2, 1568:2
Oracles of God – Doctrines. R4628:6
The doctrine of Christ. R5938:2, 5688:3, 1894:4, 23:5*
The doctrines (teachings) of Christ. R4207:6, 679:5*
Have need of milk – Simple truths--the foundation doctrines: The original perfection of man in God's image, the fall, the death penalty, tRhe redemption of Adam and the race represented in him, the actual deliverance in God's due time. R3621:6, 3622:2, 1567:6, 1568:2
Not the diluted and adulterated kind being fed to groups of babes and tares. D575-577
"Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby," and become strong. (1 Peter 2:2) R4817:6, 5327:1, 3621:6, 1567:6, 118:5*, 23:5*; E238
As human babes would be choked or have their digestion ruined by the stronger kinds of food, spiritual babes have need of the simpler truths, to grow and develop character and appreciate the divine plan. R5326:2, 3622:2, 1568:2, 118:5*, 23:5*
Few Christians have even used the milk of God's Word, and grown thereby to the use and appreciation of the "strong meat" of present truth. R5801:4, 1644:1
Amongst true Christians, few have gone beyond the infantile stage of development. SM108:1; NS507:1
Not yet able to assimilate "strong meat." R5688:3
A teacher must be wise and give only the kind, and quantity, that will nourish. R5146:3
It is not improbable that an occasional cup of milk is good even for grown folks. R23:5*
Strong meat – Present truth. R5801:4, 1644:1
Advanced truth. R566:3
Deeper truths. R3622:2, 1568:2
Our Lord's presence and the harvest work now in progress. R1496:5
Many forget when telling God's glorious plan that their hearers are comparatively ignorant of it--one must teach them again the rudiments. R5146:3
The Word of the Lord is adapted to the varied necessities of all grades of Christians. R118:5*
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| 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. |
That useth milk – Only. R3622:2, 1568:2, 229:6
The first principles of the doctrine of Christ. R4968:4, 229:6
The true children of God, still fettered in the sects are merest babes, fed on skimmed milk, never on strong meat. R730:5
Spiritism, Swedenborgianism, Christian Science, Theosophy, etc., have great power to delude many, because few are "weaned from the milk." (Isa. 28:9) R1644:1, 5801:4, 2669:2
Unskilful – In the use of God's Word and ignorant of his doctrines. R730:5
Have not the fullness of joy which would be theirs if they progressed in grace and knowledge to the full stature of a man in Christ. R5938:2
We are not to live continually on the milk diet, "but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4) R3622:2, 1568:2
The thousands who shall fall for every one able to stand in the evil day, is not out of proportion to the large number of unskillful babes, compared to the few who have grown up into him in all things. R862:6
A babe – One begotten of the spirit of God is at first only a babe. R4968:4
"Babes in Christ." (1 Cor. 3:1) R5938:2, 5688:3, 1358:2
Nominal Christians. R2890:5, 5901:4
Liable to be carried about by every windy doctrine. R862:6
Among those who are real Christians, few are "weaned from the milk." (Isa. 28:9) Few Christians in the nominal church are mentally or spiritually out of their swaddling clothes. R5801:4, 1644:1, 230:1; C143; SM108:1; NS507:1
The spiritual babe that does not grow will never reach manhood's estate. He will never be a King and Priest. R5327:1
There are some now living--consecrated to God, and accepted, but not in the light of present truth. R5134:4
Some who have immature conceptions of God and his plan, who lack spiritual development. R5688:3
We should not confound these "babes" with the class referred to as babes by Jesus, unto whom he says God reveals his plans. There is a sense in which we always should be babes--in meekness and simplicity. R230:1
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| 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. |
Strong meat – Of present truth. R5801:4, 1644:1
The deeper things of the divine plan. R5941:3, 5688:3, 5327:4, 5088:4
"Meat in due season." (Matt. 24:45) R806:2, 2810:5
More and richer food is now necessary, to strengthen the Church for the peculiar conditions and testings of this day, and more has been supplied. R5689:3
The "Tabernacle" study is strong meat even for those who have had their senses exercised, and requires thorough mastication. R346:4
A knowledge of Earth's Great Jubilee and all other precious and rich food from the storehouse which our Lord is now serving (Luke 12:37) is nourishing "strong meat" not especially intended for "babes in Christ." B196
The International Sunday School lessons, in the use of the "milk of the word" (greatly diluted with the traditions of men), take away all appetite for the "strong meat" of more advanced truth. C143
Deeper truths are for those who, nourished by the pure milk, have grown and developed considerable firmness and strength of Christian character. R3622:2, 1568:2
God's Word is a great storehouse of food for pilgrims on the shining pathway; not only milk for babes, and strong meat for those more developed; but food adapted to different seasons and conditions. A24; R5689:2, 974:6
Seek to grow in grace and knowledge out of childhood's weakness into manhood's strength as rapidly as possible, being developed as we feed upon God's Word. R974:6; E238; NS507:1
Beginners who have not long known Christ, who are new in respect to the truths of God's plan, are not to be choked with strong meat. These may be fed upon the simpler truths, which they can assimilate. R5688:3, 806:2, 23:5*
Some who have been longer in the way, in talking with the newly consecrated unwisely begin to tell them the truths regarding immortality, trinity, etc., before they are able to digest them. R5388:3
For those who are only beginners in the good way, there is plenty of food in God's Word of the more easily digestible sort. R5688:3, 1496:5
But as he goes on, he should feed upon the strong meat of God's Word. R4968:4, 5688:6, 4817:6
Some may need faith or patience or perseverance, etc. As each comes to a considerable development in knowledge and experience, he should be able to determine which features are necessary to supply his deficiencies. R5326:3
The Apostle uses a well-known physical truth to illustrate an important spiritual truth. R5326:2
Are of full age – Fuller development. E238; A24; B196; R4817:6
The developed man in Christ. R5801:4, 5388:3, 1644:1
Mature in Christian attainment. R5688:3
The full stature of a man in Christ. (Eph. 4:13) R1906:3, 5938:2
This "solid food" is for adults. R3622:2, 1568:2
It is when grown to this full age and size of manhood in Christ that the bed is found too short--that a man cannot stretch himself on it. (Isa. 28:20) R229:6
By reason of use – In connection with Scriptural subjects. R2669:2
Senses exercised – Possessing faculties habitually exercised. R3622:2, 1568:2
Not merely the mind, but the heart also. R5326:6
It is well to urge the newly interested one to read and prove for himself, and not endeavor to explain too much through conversation. R5689:1
By systematic study, with Studies in the Scriptures and the Bible, taking up the plan step by step, proving every statement by the Word of God. R5688:6
To discern and appreciate the meat now in "due season." (Matt. 24:45) B196; R1496:5, 806:2
There are various degrees of development in the Church of Christ; and some have been accepted from the world in these latter days to take the places of some who have through unfaithfulness lost their crowns. R5689:3
Such as had their eyes anointed with the eyesalve of truth. (Rev. 3:18) R834:4
Their faculties exercised by practice. R653:5, 3622:2, 1568:2
Evolutionists are not thoroughly furnished in a knowledge of the Scriptures and have not reasoned out the matter. R2835:3, 2767:2
Some people of today have not their sense sufficiently exercised by reason of use. They charge the Almighty with something that no human being would even think of doing--eternal torture. R5326:5, 863:4
Very largely nominal Christians avoid thought of religious subjects, and especially avoid reasoning; they thus violate the divine arrangement and are to be esteemed, at very best, only babes in Christ. R2890:5
To discern – To distinguish. R653:4
Discriminate. R3622:2, 1568:2
Adults may exercise discretion as to which foods would be expedient for their use--which would be palatable, which would be productive of the best results--that they may choose wisely. R5326:2
Good and evil – What is true, right, profitable; what is comprehended in the glorious high calling of the Church, and what is included in full consecration to Christ. R5689:4
We should be able to discern clearly between truth and error on every important point. R5689:6, 653:5
A childish mind might misinterpret Scripture, or combine texts so as to arrive at erroneous conclusions. But a mature mind would see that such putting together of Scriptures would do harm. R5326:3
Calvin, instead of getting good out of the doctrine of election, brought out of it a very evil doctrine. R5326:3
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