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Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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| 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, |
Therefore – In chapter 6-10 St. Paul points out the danger of falling back and away after we have become Christians. R5818:2
Leaving – Being "weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." (Isa. 28:9) C143
There should come a time in the experience of every healthy growing child of God, when he should be able to leave the foundation doctrines. R1568:1
Having them firmly established and settled in mind. R3622:1, 1568:1, 567:3
Not in the sense of abandoning them, but of allowing them to stand as tried and proved foundation stones. R679:6*
We should not have to learn all of these things over and over again. R2052:3
It is a mistake to suppose that God's will is accomplished in the mere preaching of the first principles of the doctrines of Christ. NS658:1
The principles – The foundation doctrines. R1568:1
The first principles. R2052:3*, 566:3, 217:2, 118:5*, 23:5*, 21:5*; SM6:1; NS658:1
Elementary principles--milk. R679:6*, 23:5*
Must be known to all who belong to "God's secret order." SM6:1
Doctrine of Christ – Those doctrines by Jesus and his mouthpieces, the apostles. R5137:2
Teachings of the Bible. R5052:6
Relating to the Church and the world, and God's blessing for each; to sin and its forgiveness; the terms, and basis and hope of that forgiveness, and everlasting life obtained through resurrection. R5137:2
The doctrines are only a means to an end, and not the end itself. R2052:4
Let us go on – Advance--building on the foundation which no one can do until they have accepted and obeyed the first principles. R23:5*
Grow in grace and knowledge. R3622:2, 2052:4, 1568:1, 780:1, 23:6*, 21:5*; C143
In full confidence in the foundation, we may proceed with our building. R679:6*, 1568:1, 567:4
For this we are pressing along, forgetting the things that are behind. R3306:1
With the wonderful Bibles now at our command and with helps for Bible study, what manner of Christians ought we to be--in faith, love, obedience and courage! SM178:T
A gradual change. The babe cannot be expected to grow up to manhood instantly. R118:5*
We would think a child either very stupid or careless in his studies to remain several years learning the multiplication table, how to add, subtract and divide. He ought to leave the first principles and go on. R2052:4, 679:6*
Not forget the first principles or consider them errors or something to be despised, but remember and use them and add the higher branches. R2052:5
Unto perfection – A thing not of the past but of the future. R3306:1
Go on growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. R3622:2, 1568:1; SM6:1
Cultivate our characters and endeavor to grow more like our Lord. R2052:4
Work out our own salvation as New Creatures. R567:6
Going on to complete the building of our faith. R679:6*
We need to be nourished, strengthened, developed to perfection, to the condition of manhood. Full consecration is a mere beginning of the matter and not the end of it. NS658:2
The perfection which will be attained only in the resurrection. SM574:1
If we go no further than the first principles, we will never reach perfection. R567:4
Not laying again – Not halting to tear up, or to try a different foundation. R680:1*
Not needing to dig them up and lay them over again. R3622:1, 1568:1
If a man, after laying a foundation for a building, should always be digging it up and turning it over and trying to fit the stones in some other way, how soon would the building be completed? R567:4
The foundation – A broader foundation, surely, than most Christians build upon. R137:5*
Not to be forever laying the foundation of Christian character. R566:6
There must come a time, and that before we begin to build, when we feel sure that the foundation is good and properly laid. R567:4
Of repentance – By repentance. R566:6
From dead works – All works are dead if without faith. R2052:3
Faith toward God – Faith in the plan of God for redemption. R566:6
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| 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. |
Baptisms – We should not cease to believe in and practice baptism. R2052:3
Resurrection – A hope of perfecting for many now ignorant, sinful, unjustified. R1512:1, 5137:3
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We need to develop "The graces of Christian character; the doctrines being only a means to an end, and not the end itself." R2052:11 |
| 3 And this will we do, if God permit. |
This will we do – We will try to help our brethren, even though we feel the task a hopeless one. R4391:2
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| 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, |
For – As touching those. SM773:2
It is impossible – Because this is an unpardonable sin. R260:6
"There is a sin unto death." (1 John 5:16) For wilful sinners "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Heb. 10:26) R3260:3, 5933:3, 4078:6, 5100:5, 2732:4, 2707:1, 1694:1, 1454:2, 1296:4, 1250:1, 1249:1, 918:4, 723:3
There will be no pass-over for those who have wilfully and knowingly gone out from under the blood of sprinkling. R2273:2, 5194:1; SM562:T
So far as willful ones are concerned, all our efforts to help such back will be in vain. R883:1
It is useless to spend valuable time and effort in the fruitless attempt to reclaim such. R567:3
It is not ours to judge, and we do well to seek to avoid passing judgment upon others. Q269:T
Contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:3
For those – The Church; because the Church alone is on trial at the present time. R5233:6, 5933:3, 5684:4, 5293:2, 3995:6, 1962:1
Only the Church have passed from death unto life. We made a bonafide contract with the Lord, and he will hold us to it. R5933:3
We may have no hope for these because at heart they have become sympathetic with sin; they are wilful sinners. R3260:3
With a thousand chances, they would probably be the same adversaries of God. R424:6
The world in general is still under the original condemnation, and hence not subject to second death. R3995:5, 5233:6, 261:4
Does not apply to infidels, nor to what are often termed back-sliding Christians. R567:3
Perhaps represented by Nadab or Abihu. R3055:5; T119
Once enlightened – Clearly enlightened. R5896:2, 2698:1, 383:4
Of the holy Spirit. R5293:2, 1981:5
Sufficient enlightenment of the truth. R3725:3, 769:6; C204; F629
Come to a full knowledge of the truth. R891:6, 3260:3, 1467:1, 1454:2, 1336:4; A321; 160:4
Fully lightened. R424:6
Have seen God's grace represented in his Word and plan. R2670:1, 2698:1, 2338:2
By a knowledge of the plan of God. R1391:6
Extraordinary light and privilege. R1469:5
Whose eyes have been opened. R724:3
On the first principles. R566:6
So clear a demonstration of the divine power and goodness and wisdom and love operating through Jesus. R3756:5
Having turned from sin, having believed in Jesus as the Redeemer. Q640:5; R1459:2
The expiating penalty may be "stripes," for sins committed with considerable light, but not full light, but if committed against full light the penalty could be nothing short of second death. R2658:2, 2612:3, 1483:1, 1250:1; NS86:2
A full and mature development in the spiritual life. R260:6
Have tasted of – Brought into full harmony with God, through the begetting of the holy Spirit. R5093:2
Not merely heard of Christ's sacrifice, etc., but tasted in blessed experience the results of that ransom in realizing sins forgiven, and communion and fellowship with God restored. R1459:2; SM715:1
Have once enjoyed and then abused the full measure of divine favor. R1426:2, 5452:5, 912:1
The heavenly gift – Justification through the precious blood of Christ. R5041:1, 1618:3, 912:1, 566:6; Q640:4
Divine grace. R2286:6, 1951:5
Realized and enjoyed forgiveness of sins through the redemption in Jesus whom God gave to be a propitiation for our sins. R724:3, 1250:2
Made partakers – Coming into heart fellowship with God's plans and, for a time at least, being co-workers with him. R1459:2
Thus come to appreciate God's holy will and have full fellowship and communion with him as Adam had before the fall. R724:4
Of the Holy Spirit – Begotten of the holy Spirit. R5041:1, 4628:3, 1459:2; Q640:4
The spirit of adoption--the spirit of Christ. R383:4, 566:6
The spirit of holiness. R1250:2
To fuller appreciation of the truth and to new hopes, aims, etc. R1459:2
Sanctified--God's evidence respecting justification. R5041:1; Q640:4
Implying that those who have not had the opportunity for development are not responsible and would not be liable to the second death. R5102:5
Those who were never begotten of the Spirit, never reach the depth of heart-defilement, as those who were. R4924:5*
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| 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, |
Have tasted – In blessed experience the results of the ransom in sins forgiven, and communion and fellowship with God restored. R1459:2; SM715:1
By experiencing the pleasures of the appreciated fulfillment of some of the statements and promises thereof, and recognizing a grandeur and beauty, in the as yet unfulfilled portions. R1459:2
Appreciating the richness and sweetness of its promises--which but few yet do. R724:4, 566:6; NS587:3
Brought to a knowledge, an understanding. R566:6; NS382:3
Good word of God – The Scriptures claim to be this. R1584:3
Not a bad word said to be God's word. R44:1
Not its perversion. R1618:3
Very few Christians have ever tasted much of the good word of God; they have had considerable of the perverted word. R567:3
And the powers – Restitution powers. Q639:T
Resurrection etc., tasted by faith. R1454:2, 912:1, 724:4
God's plan and power in the coming age. R566:6, 567:3
The blessings and powers that will then be brought into exercise for the blessing and restoring of mankind, all as the fruit and result of the ransom. R1459:2, 724:4
Privileges of the coming age. R4592:1
Experienced in our justification. R3164:4
Begetting of the holy Spirit. R5041:2, 3756:6; Q640:5
Advantages. R1426:4, 1618:3, 1186:5, 724:3
Privileges of divine instruction. R1981:5
Our Lord performed marvelous works, illustrative of the age to come. R4909:1
The world to come – The age to come. C204; F166, F368, F630; R5293:2, 5041:1, 3995:6, 1426:4, 1250:2, 567:3, 424:6; Q640:3
Millennial. R1454:2, 1814:1
To lose all these would be to lose almost life itself. NS587:3
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| 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. |
If – Showing the possibility of Christians falling from divine favor. R1698:3, 624:4
Shall fall away – And then fell away. (Revised Version) R5293:2
A fall from favor. R1459:1; F368
Into sin. F167
Wilfully and persistently fall away from righteousness. R2099:5, 1178:5; F167, F368
From their condition as sacrificing priests to that of wilful sin--lose the new life begotten within them. T40; A196; F166; SM773:2
Reject the truth from its very foundation. R567:1
Renounce the Lord. Q653:1
So as to deny the very foundation of God's favor--the ransom-sacrifice of Jesus. R5684:4, 5315:2, 1459:4, 1250:3
These have committed the "sin unto death" (1 John 5:16)--second death--from which there will be no recovery. R5100:5, 3260:3, 2707:1, 1459:1; CR375:6; SM515:1
Such construct characters or will so out of harmony with God and righteousness as to be fit only for destruction. R3674:1
Persisting in a course of walking after the flesh and not after the spirit. R3034:1
A moral retrogression. Falling into sinful practices--giving way to besetting sin, ceasing to resist the Adversary and his works. SM773:2
Wilful sin, or apostasy, on the part of those who have enjoyed the privilege of consecrated believers. R4908:5, 1962:2, 1250:3, 44:1
Wilfully reject God's favors, whether by open sin or by a denial of the value of "the blood of the covenant." (Heb. 10:29) R724:6, 5391:2, 4835:2, 4435:1, 3202:1, 2698:1; F302
Wilful sinners against full light and knowledge. R5100:5, 1250:1
Their sin would be wilful, otherwise called "blasphemy against the holy Spirit." (Matt. 12:31) R5293:2
The alternative of going on to perfection. R78:2
If we should make a failure in our covenant of sacrifice, we would lose absolutely everything. R5818:3
Turning "Like the sow that is washed, to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Pet. 2:22) F302; R2099:5, 260:6; Q653:1; SM715:T; NS382:4
The fate of such would be destruction--second death. Q641:1; R5315:5, 4921:1, 3995:6, 891:6
Should the one whose spiritual life first nourished ours fall away, we would still appropriate for ourselves the spirit of truth. R3250:6
Not an act of ignorance or weakness. R3756:6, 2658:2, 1699:1, 1250:1; F167
Not merely by being overcome of the weaknesses of the flesh temporarily. R3202:1, 260:6; F167, F368
Probably few become subjects of second death. R2942:2, 1250:4, 875:6*, 281:1, 253:2, 44:1
Renew them again – Restore R1459:1
To move them to repentance. R383:5
They can never be recovered. R4628:3, 2707:1, 872:2
In righteousness and holiness. R1426:2, 5093:4, 4908:5, 3674:1
They have misused their share in the great "ransom for all." R4908:5, 5093:4, 5041:2, 1962:2, 253:2; F167; Q641:1, 653:1
That some whose names were once "written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23) can have their names "blotted out" (Rev. 3:5) is evident. R694:6
It would not be appropriate that God should exercise his mercy toward those who, after having come to a clear knowledge of the Truth, wilfully, preferably, approvingly, delight in sin. R3260:3
The Scriptures abound in warnings as to the danger of coming under the penalty of death the second time, after having been released from the first death, either reckonedly or actually. R1442:4
God would have nothing further for us; our disregard of his mercy would mean that we would die the second death. R5641:2
It is for us to know the fulfilment of these Scriptures, and to have no fellowship with such unfruitful works of darkness. F630
Although the Lord's decision respecting the majority of the Church will not be manifested until the "harvest", the Apostle mentions the exceptional cases. R2430:4
Not applicable to many in Old Testament times, probably not one. R3725:3
The Scripture does not enumerate the only conditions by which any will die the second death--it will be inflicted on some in the Millennial age. R5684:4, 5896:2, 383:5
Unto repentance – Unto a proper course. R3543:5
By bringing to repentance. R1250:1
Because Christ gave no ransom for wilful sins on our part. F167; R1250:1
There could be no repentance of too hardened hearts. R5452:5
A terrible danger goes with spiritual pride, which, persisted in, would surely result in second death. R5957:5, 567:2
Wilful, deliberate transgressions cannot be forgiven, but must be expiated--if committed against full light, the penalty could be nothing short of second death. R2658:2, 5896:2, 4835:2, 1736:4, 1699:1; Q653:1
Sorrow for sin and a desire to return to divine favor, are proofs of not having committed the sin unto death, which cannot be renewed unto repentance. R2612:3, 1985:3, 1694:1, 1483:1, 1249:1
They crucify – Those who sin wilfully and count the precious blood of the covenant wherewith they were sanctified (set apart) a common thing. (Heb. 10:29) R4909:3, 1951:5; Q25:1; SM358:2
Those who have enjoyed a full chance in this Gospel age and have wilfully rejected Christ, we cannot expect that they will get another chance to reject and crucify him. R2051:6; Q641:1
Having, by open profession, been marked as sons of God and representatives of Christ in the world. R567:1
"If we sin wilfully after we have received a knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Heb. 10:26) R2698:1 4908:5, 1962:2; F302, F368
Son of God afresh – Typified by Moses' smiting of the rock twice. R4058:1, 5957:5, 5333:3, 5315:5, 3077:4
The first smiting of the rock typified the crucifixion of our Lord, so the second smiting of the rock typified the crucifying of the Son of God afresh and putting him to an open shame. R5957:5
For the comfort of those who may feel that they have done much worse than Moses, or been much less careful to honor the Lord, let us notice that the punishment here was severe because it was part of a type. R5957:5
Open shame – Implies the same attitude of heart which the Jews entertained toward our Lord when he was with them. R3756:6
Having once professed him, and having plain instruction on the subject, they are reckoned guilty of ignoring the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. R567:1
Some of Jesus' professed followers denying or ignoring the value of the original sacrifice, denying the blood that bought them, are counted as committing the sin under death. R3077:4; F302
Moses' smiting of the rock represented the public, open repudiation of Jesus and his teaching and his cause. R5957:5
Judas' remorse led him, not to a renewed or reformed life, but to self-destruction. R4907:5, 2283:6
If Adam's knowledge and transgression were justly punished with death, Judas' knowledge and sin could bring nothing short of second death. R3127:4
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| 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: |
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| 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. |
Is rejected – Moral force, the force of truth, is seen to be unavailing. R1459:4
Nigh unto cursing – Greek, kataraomai, condemnation--not ready for profanity, but for condemnation. R2443:3
To be burned – Unfit for tillage, until burned over and its weeds exterminated. R2443:4
Divine wisdom has decided that all out of harmony, without possibility of reformation, shall be utterly destroyed. R1459:4
Fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31)--who is a consuming fire. R1336:4*
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| 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. |
But beloved – This expression refers us back to the preceding verses and the latter part of the fifth chapter. Paul was disappointed in those he addressed, in finding less growth in grace and knowledge than he had reason to expect. R566:3; SM177:2
We are persuaded – We have more confidence in each other than to surmise such an unworthy ending to our call, such an unworthy response to the mercies and favors which we enjoy at the hands of him who loves us and bought us. R3756:6; SM774:T
Better things – That they will avail themselves of the opportunities provided them through God's Word, through the fellowship of the Spirit and the assistances of the brethren. SM773:3
The apostle believed they had not rejected the favor of God mentioned in the previous verses. R567:3
That – Which must. SM773:3
Accompany salvation – Without which salvation to life eternal would be impossible. SM773:3
We thus speak – To guard them on a dangerous point and to show them the uselessness of constantly disputing with rejectors of first principles. R567:3
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| 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. |
God – Discouragement is a hindrance to growth in grace; St. Paul was seeking to encourage his readers in this exhortation. The context implies that they had experienced some setback, some discouragement. R5818:2
To our Father and his Son let us look for the reward of faithfulness, and not to our brethren. R1487:5
Unrighteous – Unjust. R567:6
If we are humbly walking in the narrow way, these assurances are for our comfort and consolation. R957:1
To forget your work – He is here addressing Christians, those who have become God's children by entering into a covenant with him. R5818:2
Sooner could a mother forget her infant child than could God forget these precious ones. R957:5
"Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Matt. 10:42) R1821:2
The hope of the high calling depends on our works built on the finished work of Christ. R567:4
Good works, if persevered in according to our ability and opportunity, will not fail of a blessed reward. R5819:4
Our little all, rendered with carefulness according to our covenant, and though imperfect, it is rendered acceptable through him whose imputed righteousness makes up all the deficiency. R567:4
"Be not weary in well doing; in due time thou shalt reap if thou faint not." (Gal. 6:9) CR13:1*
Neither is God unjust to credit us if we have done no ministering. R567:6
Labour of love – God is not measuring us by the magnitude of the results of our labors, but by the spirit which we develop and manifest in their performance. R957:2
It is important for us to see to it that our motives are those of love toward the Lord, his cause and his brethren. R5819:4
Toward his name – This honor toward God's name consisted in their ministering to the saints. Whatever is done for the saints is, therefore, done for God. R5818:5
Ministered – Whether in temporal or spiritual things. R567:6
To the saints – There is a distinction to be noted in the Bible as respects those who are in covenant relationship with God and those who are not in covenant relationship with him. R5818:5
"Especially to the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) See also Matt. 26:7-13. R567:5, 5818:6
There will be abundant opportunity to do good to the world. The Body of Christ will not always be here to be ministered unto. Whatever we can do now for the Body of Christ, the Head will reckon as done unto him. R567:6
The saints represent God in the world. R5818:5
Those who cannot suffer personally and physically for the truth can sympathize with those who have such sufferings and can thus become "partakers," sustaining, encouraging and upholding. R2007:5, 2239:2; CR17:5; NS490:4
Do minister – They were still in the proper attitude. Although somewhat discouraged in the good way, they were still helpful to one another. R5819:1
Whoever honors the saints and serves them, honors and serves God. R5818:6
If faithful stewards, we will endeavor to invest our talents to the best possible advantage. R957:4
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| 11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: |
Same diligence – Let us ever remember the importance of patient endurance, constancy. R5497:6
The full assurance – It is the privilege of Christians to have this confidence in their ultimate victory. R2642:1
Since our covenant is to sacrifice and spend ourselves completely, full assurance of receiving the reward can only come by diligence in self-sacrifice--ministering. R567:6, 5818:3
The end – Death. R5497:6
Paul intimates that while they had begun well, their zeal had cooled to some extent. R5818:2
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| 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. |
Be not slothful – Do not, Paul urges, forfeit this reward by turning away from the Lord and becoming cold or lukewarm, which condition might lead on to entire rejection of God. Rather go on, and be of good courage. R5818:5
Followers of them – Paul is urging the Israelites to faith and patience that they might inherit the promises. R4496:3
Patience – Greek, makrothunia, long-suffering. R2790:6
Lessons of patience, of humility and of confidence in God, are requisite. R5636:2
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| 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, |
Made promise – The promise, particular and special above all promises; also called a covenant thirteen times in Genesis alone. R4496:3
An unconditional promise, one-sided, needing no mediator. R4319:2, 4681:3, 282:2, 110:6; Q185:2, 191:5; NS360:5
God's promise is most absolutely a covenant and binding agreement. All the weight of divine veracity binds it. R4496:2
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| 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. |
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| 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. |
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| 16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. |
End of all strife – The Abrahamic Covenant was firmly bound in a manner that would be satisfactory even amongst men, namely, by an oath. R4496:5
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| 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: |
Wherein – In this matter. R4496:5
Willing – Desiring. R4496:5
To impress the matter of the promise. CR48:5
More abundantly – How much more convincing is God's oath, making sure, unchangeable that basic covenant made with Abraham, assuring us that ultimately all mankind will receive a blessing, and that it would come through us. R4496:5, 3946:4
The heirs of promise – Our Lord Jesus and the faithful of his consecrated people of this Gospel age. SM529:1; HG388:6; 442:2; NS529:5
The Apostle's words imply that God's promise and oath were intended more for us, for our comfort, than for Abraham. SM528:T; R4496:5; HG388:3; NS529:3
The Christian who cannot understandingly call to mind this Oath-bound Covenant or promise, evidently lacks information very necessary to his spiritual growth. SM529:2; 442:2
The immutability – The unchangeableness. R4496:5
The promise may be sure of its fulfillment. R5163:5; OV69:3; SM533:2; HG390:5; NS531:5
Of his counsel – Or purpose. R4496:5
His plan. SM528:1; HG388:5; NS529:3
The Abrahamic Covenant that all the families of the earth shall be blessed in the seed of Abraham, The Christ. R2210:1; SM530:T; HG389:2; NS530:1
Confirmed – Greek, mesiteuo, to be or act as a mediator; or, to interpose (as arbiter.) Q186:3; R4682:4
Instead of sealing the covenant, instead of having it ratified by blood, through a mediator. Q191:5
It – The promise. R4496:5
By an oath – It was sworn to by the Almighty. God wished us to know positively that be obligated himself. R2127:4
As God could not swear by any greater, so he swears by himself. R48:5
Taking the place which might have been occupied by a mediator, had there been conditions mutually binding upon the Almighty and upon some of his people. R4682:1, 4681:3; Q185:2, 186:2
Because it was unconditional, the Abrahamic Covenant had no mediator, neither did it need to be sealed with blood. God sealed it with his oath. R5227:1, 4682:1, 4496:5; Q186:2
God's oath, attesting his word, served to ratify the covenant, to make it binding, to hold it sure. R4682:1; Q186:2, 191:5
Lest human weakness and unbelief should doubt the divine word, God condescended to make his promise a Covenant in the most binding and authoritative manner conceivable. He bound his promise with an oath. R4496:3
We cannot but wonder at such condescension upon the part of the great Creator--that he should stoop to his fallen creatures, and above all that he should condescend to give his oath on the subject. SM528:1; HG388:5; 442:1; NS529:4
The Covenant was confirmed three times to Abraham with an oath--again to Isaac, and again to Jacob. R4496:3, 5913:2, 2210:1
The Church are the children of the oath. R5300:5, 4367:4
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| 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: |
Two immutable things – Unchangeable. R3946:1, 2127:4
Unalterable. HG441:6
Two unfailing testimonies. NS360:3
The Word of God and the Oath of God. Q191:5, 185:1; R5137:2, 5069:5, 4939:3, 4681:3, 3946:1, 2210:1, 2127:4; OV427:1, 69:3; NS360:3
The oath and the promise of God. R5163:4, 111:4; SM528:1; HG388:4; NS529:3
To show the strength and power of the Abrahamic Covenant. Q185:1
It was impossible – "He cannot deny himself." (2 Tim. 3:13) A118; R1177:1, 250:3, 14:1; HG392:6
Inconsistent with his righteous character. A126
God does right, because it is right. R725:5
God created man in his own image--a free moral agent; he must have the power to will wrong as well as right. R5211:4
God to lie – His promise cannot be broken. R4496:2
We – The Church. R4939:3, 3946:1; HG388:3; 441:6; NS529:3
For our benefit. CR48:5
God's people from that day to the present time. NS360:3
God's oath was not necessary to Abraham. He confidently believed. R4939:3, 4496:5, 3946:2; CR48:5
God's special design in giving that Covenant and in binding it solemnly with an oath, was to encourage spiritual Israel--to give us a firm foundation for faith. SM528:1; HG442:1
God well knew that, although from his own standpoint, 3000 years would be but a brief space, to us the time would appear long, and the strain upon faith would be severe. SM528:1; HG442:1; NS529:4
Strong consolation – Strong encouragement. SM531:T; HG389:5; NS530:3
Absolute confidence that in God's due time the promise will be absolutely and most literally fulfilled. NS360:3
In fleeing from sin, resisting its allurements, denying self, taking up the cross. OV9:3
When the glories of the future shall be realized, the trials, sufferings and difficulties of the present time will be found not worthy to be compared. SM531:1; HG389:5; NS530:4
Numerous repetitions and specifications of the Abrahamic Covenant, as well as God's oath attesting, were intended specially for us. R5177:3, 2210:1
The fulfilment of the promise would be so long deferred that we, who are so specially interested in it, might have feared some change in the divine program. R4939:3; HG113:4
All sincere seekers of divine favor have abundance of foundation for faith in their forgiveness and acceptance. R4133:5
In our ineffectual efforts to bring the majority of mankind to an appreciation of God's mercy and love now. SM537:T; HG391:6
For refuge – To Christ. R4079:6; HG388:3; 441:6; NS529:3
The cities of refuge of the typical Mosaic Law strongly foreshadowed the refuge which the sinner may find in Christ. R4079:6
Hope set before us – In that promise--the Abrahamic Covenant. R4496:5, 4367:4; SM529:2, 740:2; HG389:5; NS441:5, 529:5
That ultimately all mankind will receive a blessing, and that it would come through us. R4496:5; CR48:6; OV429:1; NS66:3
The hope of reigning with Christ as his joint-heirs, his Bride; of attaining the divine nature. OV427:3
To us belongs the very cream of the promise. "The riches of God's grace." SM531:2; HG389:6; NS441:5, 530:6
The hope of being of the seed of Abraham. (Gal. 3:29) OV428:2; SM530:T; HG369:3; NS66:3, 408:4, 530:2
In the Gospel. R5177:3, 4367:4, 2469:1; OV427:2
In "the good tidings," the promise. R4939:5
The basis is the Word of God. OV429:5
The hope that we by faithful perseverance may become joint-heirs with Jesus in all that glorious inheritance of the Messianic Kingdom. R5245:4; OV427:3; D517
An encouragement to take a firmer grasp of the divine character and plan. SM537:1; HG391:6; NS505:4
What believer, justified by faith, who has offered himself a living sacrifice, may not read his title clear to joint-heirship. R3952:1, 714:1
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| 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; |
Which hope we have – Expressed in the Covenant made with Abraham and confirmed with an oath. R5177:3, 5300:5, 5137:2, 4496:5, 4367:4, 3972:3, 3683:6, 3205:6
We are under a still higher and grander covenant than either the Law or New Covenants; we are under the Faith Covenant, the Grace Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Oath-bound Covenant. R4344:4, 4320:1; NS360:5
Thus the Apostle declares that this Covenant has not yet been fulfilled. R5177:6, 3198:6; OV428:2; SM529:2; HG389:2; 442:2; NS529:3
The Hebrew Christian had no thought that they were living under the provisions of the New Covenant. They were all hoping in the Abrahamic Covenant. R4511:5
The basis of our hope is the Word of God. If we let go of our hope, we are letting go of everything. OV429:5
The hope of the spiritually minded new creature in the "Holy" looking forward through the rent veil into the "Most Holy" and catching glimpses of the glory, honor and immortality beyond the flesh. T21; NS488:4
It is the hope of natural and spiritual Israel. R3683:6; SM530:2; NS441:5, 530:3
Anchor of the soul – This anchorage of hope in the future, in the Kingdom, will enable us to pass safely, and with comparative quiet, through trials and storms and difficulties of this present evil world. R3352:4; HG442:3
The Abrahamic promise or covenant has not yet been fulfilled--it is still an anchor for our faith. R4939:5; OV429:5
Instead of laboring for earthly riches, the Lord's servants have learned of the true riches of divine blessings which are an anchor to their souls. CR16:2
Paul suggests the picture of a ship at anchor during a storm--so in the storms of life the child of God has a firm anchorage--upon things within the veil. OV429:4
Sure and stedfast – Unchangeable. R4496:5
God will never break his covenants; he will not even alter, or amend, or change them in any particular. R3109:3, 2210:1
"My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." (Psa. 89:34) R3109:5
And which entereth – By faith. R2163:6*
Within the veil – The higher favor secured by our Lord Jesus through his own obedience unto death has been extended to the faithful whom the Father has drawn, but it is anchored to Christ, who is within the veil, a spirit being. R3946:4
When the last member of the body passes within the veil, all the sacrificing will be complete. R5776:3
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| 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. |
The forerunner – Jesus was the first to enter the antitypical Holy and Most Holy. R5815:3
Our Lord was the first to rise from the dead. The first one to arrive. HG136:1
Is for us entered – Is before entered. NS441:5
When Jesus had finished his course victoriously, he passed beyond the second veil into heaven itself--the Most Holy. R5815:3
We have the true tabernacle, in which the true High Priest has entered for us. R600:1
The evidence of this came in the Pentecostal blessing. R5424:2
Even Jesus – He is the Head of that seed of promise. We, the members of his Body, will shortly follow. R4496:5; Q550:5
Our Lord entered upon his Melchisedec priesthood individually, personally, at the time of his resurrection. Q550:5; SM137:T, 143:1
For ever – Literally, "for the age." R5967:2;R5967:3 Q721:6
Order of Melchisedec – A priest upon his throne. R5418:6; T50; SM136:1, 143:T
A kingly priest. R4528:5, 5460:6
A king and a priest at the same time--"King of Salem," which signifies king of peace, prince of the Most High God. R136:1
Type of the glorified Christ. SM136:1, 142:T; R5460:6; F72; OV402:1
A type of the greater Melchizedek, The Christ, Head and Body. R5967:2; Q721:4
Jesus is the High Priest of the Melchizedek Order of Priesthood, and the true saints of God from Pentecost are the underpriesthood. SM137:2
Melchizedek was not a sacrificing priest, but a blessing priest, empowered by his kingly office to give his priestly blessing. So Christ, as the antitype, does no sacrificing, but is merely a blessing Priest. SM139:3
A King to rule, and a Priest to instruct, bless, uplift and heal--combining the whole. CR459:6; Q550:5; SM143:1
The Aaronic priesthood was so well established that the Jews considered it the only priesthood. It was necessary that the Apostle point out a still higher order of priesthood than the Aaronic was recognized. SM136:2
Aaron and his sons did not typify the still higher priesthood which God had in mind when he established the Levitical priesthood. This higher order of Priests was typified by Melchizedek. R5460:6; SM137:T, 138:1, 141:1
There must be a Melchizedek Order of priests and it must be higher than that of Aaron because of God's oath and because it would be the successor which would endure. SM141:2
The divine arrangement takes cognizance only of the Aaronic and the Melchizedek priesthood. Any other priesthood is outside the divine ordination and consequently improper, misleading, dangerous. SM137:1
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