KennethBow's Blog

Chapter 2

2.1-11 Self indulgence. Solomon pursued many forms of escape that men continue to try today. All mankind eventually ends up at the same mountain peak of disillusion. The long list of escape methods included mirth (pleasure or rejoicing), wine, building projects, accumulating wealth, art, gardens, orchards, trees, pools of water, servants, maidens, great herds of animals, silver, gold, choirs, and women. When he had exhausted these many attempts at lasting fulfillment and contentment, he concluded it was all hebel, vanity, with no lasting pleasure and fulfillment. He accrued more than any man before him. He was great in the sight of all jealous and hungry men. Every single desire of his heart was granted completely. Finally he observed it all like a world conqueror, and realized it is all just more of the same. This conclusion alone makes the book of Ecclesiastes of immense value to all people who will hear. One thousand years later the aged, frail Apostle John will echo this conclusion; for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, 1 Jn 2.16.

2.12-17 Wisdom. Solomon now records his observation of the intangibles. He lays wisdom and folly side by side. He records that wisdom does indeed exceed folly (foolishness). Then he observes that neither survive the death all men must face. Wisdom is helpful and all men should desire it, but ultimately even wisdom decays into hebel, vanity. This conclusion also is of great benefit to any who will harken. All Solomon had accrued in his life, would be left to someone else. The only things that survive the grave are the things God instructs us to possess.

2.18-26 wisdom more valuable than folly. Solomon concludes that even though wisdom only assists to the grave, wisdom is still a big help. The quality of life for a wise man verses the quality of life for a fool cannot be tabulated. The hours of peace and contentment verses the hours of fear and torment cannot be compared. Wisdom does stop at the grave, but the journey to the grave is immeasurably better with wisdom as your guide. All of life’s accruements are passed to another, but the quality of life while on earth is not to be disdained. Several times Solomon will return to this theme in this book; enjoy life, eat and drink, be satisfied with the reward of your labor. This is what God intends for mankind while on their earthly journey. This is from the hand of God. He is not ranting or prating about life, he is saying live well and enjoy life, that is the best road.
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The Book of Ecclesiastes

Author: Solomon

Date: Tenth century BC

Theme: The vanity of life

Introduction.

Each of the books included in the sacred Canon are unique. This holds true of Ecclesiastes in a special way. Solomon wrote three books in the Bible. He wrote the Song of Solomon while he was young and had only eighty wives and sixty concubines. In his middle years of life he wrote Proverbs, which is a contrast between two women. One woman is the woman of the street, the seductress. The other woman is Lady wisdom. Then in his fading years of life, he wrote this book, Ecclesiastes. At the end of his life he had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. He had written one thousand five songs and three thousand proverbs. Ecclesiastes has been called the Sphinx of the Bible, for it is grave, majestic, and mysterious.

Ecclesiastes is unique in sacred Canon. Luke wrote his gospel and the sequel, the book of Acts. John wrote his gospel and his triad of books, and Revelation. The Apostle Paul wrote for for a period of about a decade. Only Solomon wrote books in various stages of life that reflect the changing viewpoint of one man’s life. This, the final book of his life, shows the transition of youth to age. Ecclesiastes is the contrast of youthful dreams to the realization we will all face death and judgment. It is the Hebel of life. Life on earth is empty, transitory, and unsatisfactory.

The Bible is many things, including philosophy. No where is philosophy more on display than in this grand book. The author saw all life had to offer and concluded it is Hebel, empty. At the end of all conclusions, all that matters is God. No man on earth was better qualified to write this perspective than Solomon. God Himself acknowledged Solomon as the wisest man to ever live. He was the richest man on earth during his reign in Jerusalem. His life is without sequel.

Solomon is not a bitter old man as some might present him as. He is not disillusioned. He is a man who had seen more, and experienced more, than any man in history. From his coronation in Gibeon decades before, until this writing, he was the single most qualified man to write on the journey of life. Far from bitter, he is a clear eyed visionary putting the most important subject of every life on planet earth to words of eternal wisdom.

When he concludes his treatise in the final chapter, his deductions are overwhelming, convincing, and eternal. Fear God and keep His commandments, this is the whole duty of man, for God shall bring every work into judgment.

Chapter 1

1.1 the preacher. One who addresses an assembly. The son of David, hence Solomon.

1.2 vanity. This is the key word and the theme of the entire book. The Hebrew word hebel, has been translated many ways, by numerous people. Some meanings have been futility, emptiness, nothingness, and even absurdity. The general gist is that it encompasses no value or profit. It speaks of things transitory or that pass away. The Qoheleth, or preacher, is not saying there is no value in temporal things. He is stating that after a lifetime of living, and seeing many things, all of it is of no value in eternity. The author is speaking of things under the sun, which are temporal things. The casting of vanity over life does not include the fear of God, or even enjoying life. He is simply saying the pursuit of these things is hebel, or vain.

1.3 what profit? The question is what eternal profit? The term under the sun, is used twenty nine times in the book. This term identifies the temporal world.

1.4-11 The cycles of nature testify of this concept of hebel. Nature goes on and on, but man, the diadem of God’s creation passes away. This opening observation is the overall canopy of the book.

1.12-18 Solomon. No other person in history is more qualified than Solomon to make these conclusions. God used Solomon’s earthly successes to speak to the world about hebel, or vanity. Seven times in this writing Solomon says it is vexation of spirit. He is stating the obvious conclusion that this world, and all it can give as a reward, is futility. Solomon’s great wisdom did not unlock life’s ultimate questions. Solomon’s former book, the book of Proverbs, emphasizes the benefits of wisdom. In the closing years of his life he acknowledges wisdom has limitations.

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Chapter 11

11.1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

11.1 Heroes of faith. These converts to Judaism had continued to celebrate some of the ancient rituals and continued to attend the temple and synagogue. This had been allowed by the Jewish authorities thus far. Now they were in danger of being excommunicated by the leaders of the synagogue because of their conversion to Christianity. The writer of Hebrews now presents the great heroes of Judaism to prove his clinching argument. The author calls up the most venerated names of their glorious past. These immortal greats were not great because they attended the synagogue, offered sacrifices, attended festivals or kept Jewish traditions. Their greatness was founded in trusting in God and remaining steadfast. It was faith in God that united them in this hall of fame. So the call is to keep their faith strong and not waiver under the duress of the present circumstances. This chapter begins the great parade of witnesses of faith.

11.2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

11.2 Elders. Presbuteros; elderly, a senior, Sanhedrist. The author establishes that it demands perseverance, and a lifetime of commitment to be a witness. The author will begin to call his witnesses to the stand to support his position.

11.3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

11.3 Faith. Pistis: persuasion, conviction, constancy, are the characteristics the author wants to present. The witnesses of this chapter are manifesting these characteristics. These witnesses have endured their trials and come through faithful and the appeal is for these wavering saints to also overcome the present distress and questions. To do this requires believing in things not seen by mortal man.

11.4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

11.4. Abel and Cain. Abel offered a more excellent (pleion) sacrifice than Cain. One reason is possibly because it was of blood. However, grain offerings were later a part of the system of sacrifices under the Mosaic Law. It is more probable Cain’s was not of faith and therefore the author places it here in the context of faith. This is again a warning to these wavering saints to keep their faith in Christ.

11.5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

11.5 Enoch. This event is one of the least understood moments of the Old Testament. It shows the power of faith goes beyond anything this world has seen or understood. That is the purpose behind this segment of Hebrews. 

11.6-7 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

11.6-7 Without faith. The essentiality of faith is again stressed. Without faith we cannot please God. Sometimes faith asks us to do things we do not understand. Noah is the prototype of this. Noah had never seen rain nor a flood. These New Testament saints are being shown repeated examples to convince them of the need to keep living by their new faith. 

11.8-16 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

11.8-16 Abraham and Sarah. The author now passes from the antediluvian saints to the patriarchs. Abraham was called to go where he had not even fully received the promise. The final promise was not given until he reached the Promised Land. At the time the promise was given the Canaanite was still in the land. This is an encouragement to these wavering saints to continue to believe in what they had embraced. Abraham sojourned (paroikeo) as in a strange country. Paroikeo, the Greek word used here, means to sojourn in another’s land, not ones own. The emphasis in verse 13 is on “these all died in the faith without having received the promises”. The call is to have faith, keep believing, even when you do not see the end result. The patriarchs were not mindful to turn back. This is the appeal being made, do not turn back. There is a better country for those who keep believing.

11.17-22 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

11.17-22 Abraham. Abraham was tempted, or put to the proof of his faith. The sacrifice of Isaac is here offered as encouragement to those facing difficult decisions, sometimes in their own families. The underlying example here is that Abraham’s obedience was prompt, persistent, and perfect. The author presents Isaac, Jacob and Joseph as men of faith. Each one faced life’s hardships and kept the faith without wavering. Joseph demonstrated his faith in the future by requesting his bones be carried back to the land of their promise.

11.23-29 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

11.23-29 Moses. The most esteemed, revered person in Judaism is now presented as a champion of Faith. From his birth to the Exodus, Moses demonstrated faith in every circumstance. The author is amassing evidence to encourage faith in these wavering saints. 

11.30-40 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

11.30-40 The roll call. The author now sums up his argument by presenting his final witnesses. Jericho, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and even David their greatest hero, are all presented to testify on the absolute importance of hanging on. It was through faith they subdued kingdoms and did exploits. Every trial, victory, and miracle was a triumph of faith. All of these witnesses obtained a good report (martureo: to be a witness), through faith. They are not complete or perfect without us continuing this lineage of faith. In fact, without those of the new covenant, even the mightiest champion of faith from the Old Testament could not be made perfect.

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I recently heard Rev Robert Davis preach a message on “The Survivors Club”.  In the  last part of the message he spoke on the autopsy of a survivor.  With his permission, I share his final points of that outstanding sermon.

1. How they worship.

2. How they respond to preaching.

3. Where you sit in church.

4. When they arrive for church.

5.When they depart the service.

6. How they feel about their pastor.

7. How they feel about their church members.

8. How faithful they are to church.

9. Who they fellowship with.

10. Their attraction to the altar.

If you autopsy a survivor, you would find they worship fervently and consistently.  They respond positively to preaching. They sit where they will not be distracted. They arrive early and are never the first to leave.  They honor, love, and respect their leader. They defend their church members when others criticize. They are faithful to all church activities and services. They fellowship strong, godly people and avoid the gossiping, carnal crowd. They are quick to seek the altar and not in a hurry to leave, knowing this is the anchor of their spiritual life.

What would your autopsy reveal?

Thanks for reading today…

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10.1-10 the author wants to nail down the finality of Christ’s sacrifice. This has been mentioned in chapters seven and nine beforehand. It now becomes the focal point of the argumentative proof. The Mosaic law was a repetitious system repeated yearly for centuries and millenniums. Those sacrifices were offered year by year continually. Now by Christ’s one time sacrifice we are sanctified (hagiazo-make holy), once and for all. We should have no more conscience (suneidesis- the consciousness of anything) of sin. The brilliance of the argument is the author uses the law to prove it is now replaced by greater law and truth. The argument is over in that Christ is the eternal Priest and King. Therefore every rival priesthood and kingship has ended.

10.11-18 one sacrifice for sins for ever. Christ’s death was a self immolation. His one sacrifice was sufficient for all ages and all people. The daily offering of Old Testament sacrifices proves their imperfection. By Christ only offering once it is eternal proof the sacrifice is perfect.

10.19-25 confidence versus condemnation. For thousands of years men approached God with trepidation and fear due to their sins. The writer is encouraging these wavering saints to see the difference Jesus Christ has made. Now we can approach God with boldness and confidence. The word used is parrhesia-confidence. Believers now have a direct access into the very Holy Place of God. We can draw near with a true heart in full assurance. We are to provoke (stir up) one another to good works. The final admonition of not forsaking the assembling together covers much more than just physical attendance. It involves opportunity to encourage one another and strengthen one another. It provokes us to good works when we assemble together. The church is the body of Christ interacting, getting fed, and lifting one another. Love and good works need to be stirred up because they do not just occur. The author does not use the usual word for church here, but rather a compound form of the word synagogue, which specifically means the local physical gathering of believers. This provided for the assembly of all New Testament believers of Jew and gentile alike. The coming day of judgment underscored the importance of assembling together. Ignatius says, “When ye frequently, and in numbers meet together, the powers of Satan are overthrown, and his mischief is neutralized by your likemindedness in the faith.” 

10.26-29 if we sin willfully. This verse has been a verse of consternation for many. Without stopping to understand the entire panorama of the author’s purpose it is easy to miss the whole point here. The sin here mentioned is not an individual act or failure by a person who is trying to live right. This sin (hamartano-to miss the mark), is referring to the whole problem that spawned the writing of the epistle in the first place. This sin was the walking away from the new way of Christianity and returning to the old way of Judaism. If a person willfully did that, there is no more sacrifice for sin, because Jesus Christ is now the only atonement. It is a strong appeal to these wavering saints to hold fast, stay true, because Christianity is better than Judaism. The return to Judaism was a death nell and they would be left on their own to face the fiery judgment of God. The return to Judaism threw away the advocacy of Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sins which is the only atonement now. To throw away the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ is worthy of greater judgment than the Old Testament judgment. The verb and participles used here speak of future judgment that is yet to come, not past judgment because of apostasy. By using the term we, the author demonstrates the warning is for all.

10.30-39 the severity and certainty of judgment. Some have said the judgment should be milder during the age of grace. These verses abrogate that false illusion. Rather, this passage harmonizes with the teaching of Jesus Christ. He who receives greater revelation receives greater judgment (Mt 11.20-24). To whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12.48). Greater knowledge should strengthen faith, not weaken it. The author encourages these wavering saints to recall their former endurance which occurred soon after they were illuminated and converted. They had been ridiculed for their faith, and sacrificed of their own goods for the cause of Christianity. They had believed with confidence they had an enduring substance in heaven. The author continues to lead up to placing them alongside the great heroes of faith he will present in chapter 11. He invokes confidence, patience, faith and persistence so they will not draw back into perdition (apologia-ruin or loss). No doubt when reading these verses those early Christians remembered their trials and early days of testing which they had experienced. The call here was, don’t throw it all away now. Stick it out. Don’t quit. Hang on. It won’t be long now until Jesus returns.

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The story of Oscar.

Born deformed, twisted, a monster. Children of the village were afraid of him. Oscar lived alone by the river. He ate out of the garbage. He roamed the village like an animal. 

One night hearing singing and music Oscar went to the church. The ushers stopped him at the door. He resisted and a scuffle ensued. The pastor said bring him forward. The pastor laid his hand on Oscar. The Pastor felt Oscar begin to rise, taller and taller. Oscar was changing. His twisted limbs were being straightened. His cruel expression was being changing to normal. In a few moments he was whole, normal, free, delivered. 

The next day the missionary came to visit. The pastor told him he had something to show the missionary. They walked to the edge of a steep hillside and looked down at the river below. Far down the mountain was a shanty, a shack, a lean to. The pastor yelled. Out of that wild living place came a man. The man was tall, straight, and normal. The pastor yelled come here and the man ran and stumbled and climbed up the hillside. 

When the pastor introduced Oscar to the missionary, the missionary was shocked. The change was miraculous. It was then Oscar reached in his pocket and pulled out a picture of the old Oscar. It was a photo of him when he was disfigured and horrible. Some one had taken the photo and thrown it away. Oscar had found it in the trash while looking for something to eat. 

With a big Holy Ghost smile Oscar showed what he used to be before he met God.

Thanks for reading today. 

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9.1 the dissolving of the first covenant. This is critical to Christianity. Nowhere in the Bible does it speak of two new covenants. There is only one new covenant. Whatever soteriological position you accept, this fact is established. This argument is paramount to Christianity. The new covenant is founded on Christ and His death. Christ is the perfect sacrifice and the completion of all Old Testament sacrifices (Rom 3.25). All attempts to explain away the creation of a new people in God by Jesus Christ fail when viewed in the light of the new covenant. Paul declared in Romans 2.29 that now a Jew is “he is one inwardly”. Paul also declared in Ephesians 3.6 that the Gentiles “should be fellowheirs, and of the same body”. Then in verse 11 “according to the eternal purpose which he purposes in Christ Jesus our Lord”. One must decide who was this eternal purpose? Was it national Israel that Paul argues was cut off? (Romans 3). No, for Paul states in Romans 3.29, “Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also;”. The new covenant was instituted for the new family created by Jesus Christ when he became the second Adam (Romans 5.14-21). 2 Cor 3.6 Paul declares He is a minister of this new covenant. This new covenant broke down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile. Jesus Christ hath made them both one. (Eph 3.14). The new body of Christ is now one, comprised of Jew and Gentile. The church comprised of both Jew and Gentile, is the heir of Abraham, and shall be joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 4.13-25, Rom 8.17). This is the fulfillment of the new covenant.

9.2-5 the golden censer. Here we see the two chambers of the mosaic tabernacle. There is an issue here because the censer is mentioned as being behind the veil and there is no record of that in the record of the primary golden censer. It seems that the author is most likely referring to the situation in Lev. 16.12-13, where the priest was to take a censer and bring it into the vail, before the mercy seat. The beautiful analogy here is that our High Priest, Jesus Christ does that for us. All censers used in the tabernacle were of gold ( 1 Ki 7.50). Rev 8.3 also reveals golden censers are still the norm for incense.

9.6-10 access to the presence of God. Through this typology, we see the picture of the tabernacle. Man did not have direct access to the presence of God while the first tabernacle stood. That Mosaic tabernacle was a figure, a physical symbol for all to see. Access to the holiest of all was not open. This was imperfect because man was never allowed to see the end result of his sacrifice. Atonement happened inside the tabernacle, and had to be repeated many times in a lifetime. Now, Christ hath entered once and for all to atone for the sins of all mankind.The figure (tabernacle) is now complete with an ever living and interceding High Priest, Jesus Christ. Reality has superseded the type.

9.11-12 a greater tabernacle. This statement alone is worthy of note. To those who had lived a life of Judaism, the temple was the ultimate place of reverence. No place on earth was held in higher esteem. Here the writer establishes this tabernacle is greater and more perfect, made by God himself. This tabernacle is dedicated by the blood of God himself, not the blood of animals. This tabernacle does not provide temporary propitiation, but it offers eternal redemption. Never again will God accept the blood of animal sacrifice, nor the blood of a martyr for redemption, for He has shed His own blood for the salvation of all mankind for eternity. Jesus Christ has obtained eternal redemption for us. It is essential in living under the new covenant to have a superior sanctuary and an infinitely superior sacrifice.

9.13-14 the red heifer. This refers to Num 19. The priest would take a heifer outside the camp, kill it then burn it. As it was burning the priest would throw cedar, hyssop and scarlet wool on it. The ashes would be saved and stored outside the camp. If anyone became ceremonially unclean because of contact with a dead body, these ashes would be mixed with water and sprinkled on the person. This represented the coming day when our sacrifice (Jesus) was taken outside the camp (Jerusalem) and offered as our sacrifice. Out of His side came blood and water, the elements of our salvation. When we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, the water represents His blood and we are cleansed. If an Old Testament Saint could be made clean after this manner, how much more shall the blood of Christ purge our conscience from dead works. The writer continues to prove the superiority of Jesus Christ heavenly ministry.

9.15-18 the mediator. The animal sacrifices in the Old Testament could not take away sin (10.4); they made temporary atonement, a temporary covering for sin. Jesus Christ sacrifice reached back and covered all those sins as well as any future sins that are confessed. Never again will the blood of an animal or human being forgive sin. The ultimate price has been paid and provided. When a person writes a check, the paper itself is worthless. The only value is what is in the account that backs that piece of paper. So Christ was the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. All Old Testament sacrifices were dependent on the deposit made on Calvary. Calvary covered all Old Testament sacrifices. The death of Christ and His blood validate all forgiveness past and present. As John the Baptist proclaimed, behold the lamb of God.

9.19-22 the blood. The importance of blood is included here to illustrate the better covenant of the New Testament. The conclusion is that the blood of animals was temporary. It provided forgiveness until Jesus Christ came. Now the Blood of Jesus Christ is eternal and never needs to be shed again, therefore it is a better covenant. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (aphesis-pardon). This repudiates the doctrine of just believe on the Lord and you are saved. For the blood to be fully applied you must repent, be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

9.23-28 the pattern. God spent several thousand years laying the foundation of the pattern. All the earthly patterns were set in place to show the heavenly tabernacle. The superiority of the heavenly is that it is once and for all. Christ was once offered. Sin is forever put away once and for all. The only thing that remains is for Christ to return. Now once in the end of the world (age), Christ appeared to put away (athetesis) sin once and forever. It is axiomatic that every person must die. There is also the surety of judgment. There is no second chance, no reincarnation, we only get one chance to prepare for judgment. There is a beautiful analogy in this passage. As man dies once, so Christ dies once also. There is a coming reality beyond death and judgment. Those that look for him, to them shall Christ appear. 

Thanks for reading today….

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Chapter Eight

8.1-6 the sum: kephalaion-principal thing, main thing. The author now offers the glory of Jesus Christ. He has proclaimed in chapter one Christ’s eternal power and godhead and mediator glory. In the chapters two through seven he presents Christ’s human nature, Christ’s offices, and His priesthood. The author presents that Christ has purged our sins, and has moved to His throne in Glory and sat down having finished the grand plan of eternal salvation for humanity. And now, the author presents the principal thing. He does so in a fashion of words found no where else in Holy Scripture: this is the sum. The whole of revelation is here stated: The person of Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus. In Jesus we have an advocate who hears our prayers always. In Jesus we have everlasting assurance, He will provide. He who was dead and is alive, and now liveth forevermore is on the throne of the majesty on high. He reigns, waiting for His people, waiting to be gracious, clothed in a priestly vesture dipped in blood. This is the sum.

8.7-13 the covenant. The author now introduces one of his most prolific arguments for Christianity being better than Judaism. Thousands of years of history were built on this old covenant with the Jewish nation. He introduces the comparison of the two covenants. Jesus Christ came to rewrite the script for the future. Jesus Christ brought a superior covenant with better promises and this new covenant was without fault. This argument had need to be addressed because of the weight of the Old Testament. The old covenant had been the shield for the Jew against the world for thousands of years. It was their identity in every country of the dispersion. Therefore, it was not easy for these who had been steeped in this life for so long to let it go. The author masterfully addresses this subject. He announces the old, former covenant is palaioo: worn out. This covenant is kainos: new in age, freshness. The author further establishes there are but two covenants. There is an old and a new, a first and a second. There are no more covenants. The old was the blood of animals for the atonement of a soul’s sin. The new covenant is based solely in the blood of Jesus Christ. All attempts to fabricate salvation and atonement outside these two covenants is non Biblical. The law in its morality was blameless-amomos, but in saving us it was defective, and so not faultless, amemptos. The old covenant has faded under the shadow of the cross and vanished away, never to return. It was an apt moment when Jesus on His way to the cross, stopped and wept over Jerusalem and said, “behold, your house is left unto you desolate”. The house of animal sacrifice has been replaced with an upper room and a better covenant. On the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, when the Jewish world came together to celebrate the giving of the law on Sinai, Jesus Christ gave the first fruits of the New Covenant.

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2 Thessalonians

Introduction 

This second Epistle was probably written shortly after the first. The Apostle appears to have heard of some who claimed to be acting on his authority, and were announcing the immediate coming of the Lord. This had so excited and unsettled the disciples of Thessalonica that they were neglecting their means of livelihood. Writing from Corinth, where he was staying at the time, Paul endeavored to allay that spirit of unrest and to call these disciples back to their everyday employment. This epistle which was sent about half a year after the first, is designed to comfort and support the Thessalonians in their afflictions and persecutions they were enduring for the sake of the Gospel. A secondary purpose was to also to exhort this church to take notice of disorderly persons such as were idle, and busy bodies, and withdraw from them, and remove them from their communion. A third purpose concerned a letter claiming to be from the apostle that was being circulated among them. Paul is writing to clear the air on these matters. Paul instructs them about the conditions that must exist before Jesus Christ returns again. He is admonishing them to return to work, and live Godly lives until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Date of writing~Probably the spring of 53AD

Author~Paul the Apostle

Chapter 1

1.1-12 this letter is Paul’s shortest letter to a church. This second epistle to the church at Thessalonica uses a much sterner note than the previous letter to this same church. Most of the subjects are the same. Paul covers the second coming of Christ, spiritual growth, and people who do not work. The first letter was warm and tender, this time Paul speaks with a stern voice. It appears the Thessalonians failed to listen well the first time. Instead of coaxing, Paul now commands. He commands “stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught” (2.15) The return of Jesus Christ dominates the entire book. Church members were stirred up by a false report that alleged the last days had already arrived. Paul admonishes the saints to be patient and steady. In this first chapter Paul addresses the christians who were undergoing persecution for their faith. He let’s us know life is not fair. Ultimately life will prove to be victorious for the child of God. Verse seven promises rest or release from tribulation and persecution. The world will experience flaming fire and everlasting destruction, while the saint will be glorified! The name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in His saints.

Chapter 2

2.1-6 The church at Thessalonica had become greatly troubled about the subject of the day of the Lord. The word shaken in verse two denotes great anxiety and pain. These saints needed an Apostolic reassurance and instruction. Paul introduces the coming of the man of sin. This is the beast out of the sea of Rev 13.1, the little horn of Dan 7.8, often called the Antichrist. This will be accompanied with a great falling away. (Greek apostasia). This Antichrist will actually sit in the temple of God, verse four. Paul reminds them he spoke of these issues when he was with them. The man of sin will be revealed in his time.

2.7-12 Paul introduces the mystery of iniquity. This is a counterfeit work to the mystery of godliness in 1 Tim 3.16. Mystery in scripture means that which is hidden for a while, but is manifested in due time. Satan will oppose the imminent appearing of Jesus by appearing in the man of sin who is in-dwelt by Satan himself. Satan will attempt to maintain control of the world. At the first coming of Christ, Satan rushed to dwell in as many people as possible, in hopes of keeping many from being filled with the Spirit of God. Before the second coming of Christ, Satan will in dwell a man and this man is noted as the man of sin. Satan always mimics and copies God. In Zech 4.14 there are two who stand by God, so in chap 5 verse 9-10 Satan also has two that hold evil. This is the same spirit of lawlessness Paul speaks of here in chapter two. There must be a great apostasy and the unveiling of the mystery of lawlessness, which even at that time was already at work. First the man of sin, then the Son of man. First He that sets Himself forth as God, then God manifest in the flesh. First the revelation of sin, then the revelation of perfect salvation. In verse 9 the same term is used for the coming of the man of sin as for the coming of Christ, parousia. The coming of Jesus will absolutely destroy this power of Antichrist. For a time Satan’s power will be manifested. Satan will use power and signs and lying wonders. Satan does this because Christ used signs and wonders, Acts 2.22, Heb 2.4 and Satan will attempt to show Himself as God. This will be very effective and many will be deceived, Matt 24.24. The protection against being deceived is to have a love of the truth.

2.13-17 the admonition to stand fast and hold the traditions they had been taught. Tradition: paradosis; par-ad’-os-is from G3860; transmission, that is, (concretely) a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law. The new assembly needed to hold on to the teachings of Paul. Paul reminds them they are the beloved of God. Comfort one another with this admonition.

Chapter 3

3.1- 5 finally…Paul prays for free course of the Word, and for the Word to be glorified in them. He further prays that they be delivered from wicked men. He assures them God will keep them from evil. Again, the encouragement to wait patiently for Christ.

3.6 The apostle now proceeds to the last and closing part of the epistle, which respects church discipline, and the removing of disorderly persons from their communion; and introduces it with a request to pray for him, and the rest of his fellow ministers. Paul commands them to withdraw from those who would destroy unity. Unity is the bond of peace in the body of Christ.

3.7-16 Paul leaves the high spiritual revelation of the coming of the Lord and concludes with his final word to them. He speaks of living life until Christ comes. They are to work, even as he worked while he was among them. He speaks against any who would not work and those he calls busybodies. These busybodies simply went around meddling in other peoples business, and not working. Paul clearly tells the church to disassociate from any one like this. Paul uses his Apostolic authority to command such people to to work with quietness, and eat their own bread (mind their own business). He clearly states if any man does not obey this command, then have no company with him. He says to note that man or distinguish that man. They were to have no company with such a one, for they harm the body of Christ. Paul closes with an appeal to the Lord of peace. This is needed because of the confusion brought by those who acted disorderly.

3.17-18 Paul signs off himself to give the proof of authenticity. Grace from the Lord Jesus Christ is entreated upon them.

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Wrath. 

It is sad to find so many people who misunderstand the wrath of God. Some people actually want to apologize for God. It is as though they wish this part of God was not there. It is like they see it as a blemish on his divine character. They are far from regarding it with delight. 

 May I tell you this part of God like all other parts, is his divine perfection. Yes ~it is terrifying. Some go so far as to say his wrath is not consistent with his goodness. God’s wrath is not a blotch on his divine character. They say things like “how can a God of love turn people into hell?” 

God has made no attempt to conceal the fact of his wrath. He is not one bit ashamed to make it known that vengeance and fury belong to him. Listen to his word on himself; “see now that I even I and he and there is no God with me: I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand….If I whet my glittering sword and mine hand take hold on judgment I will render vengeance to mine enemies and will reward them that hate me”. Deut 32.39-41 

There are more references in scripture to the anger, fury, and wrath of God than there are his love and tenderness. God is holy, he hates sin, therefore his anger burns against the sinner every day. The wrath of God is just as much a divine perfection as faithfulness or power or mercy, for God has no blemish, and he is perfect in all his ways. If in fact God were indifferent to sin, that would be a blemish and wrong. 

God is the sum of all excellence therefore he cannot look on sin and not feel the fury of wrath. How could he who is infinitely holy ignore sin and its horror. The very nature of God makes hell a necessity just like it makes heaven a necessity. A holy God detests sin and unrighteousness. 

It is the holiness of God that is stirred into action against sin. What kind of God would he be if he did not react to sin. What kind of parent would you be if you never corrected your child? Sin is rebellion against God. It is rebellion against his authority in our life. Sin opposes his sovereignty in our life. 

The divine wrath is one of the perfections of God. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven. Rom 1.18. That is why you see judgment at the garden of Eden, Noah’s flood, Sodom and Gomorrah and death upon every person who has ever lived. The whole creation groans and travails because God is holy and sin is rampant. 

Calvary showed the wrath of God more vivid than all those other tokens. Christ sufferings and death were more awful than all those moments. God’s hatred of sin was in full view on that hill outside Jerusalem in April of AD29. Right now wrath and grace stand like sentinels waiting for your choice. 

We must remember God hates sin. We gloss it over and pooh-pooh it, but God sees it as hideous and horrible and heinous. Thus your Bible says let us have grace…for our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12.28. In Psalm 50.21 God says thou thougtest that I was altogether as thyself. Deut 32.43 God does not see sin like we do. God hates it. Rejoice..for he will avenge the blood of his servants and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful to his people. Rev 19-true and righteous are his judgments for he hath judged the great whore… 

 When you see him for the first time, he will be wearing a vesture dipped in blood. Make no mistake the wrath of God is real. God will vindicate his majesty, he will magnify his justice, and overthrow every one of the proud rebels who dare to defy him. Our great God who could speak every rebel into hell tonight is patient. Today he offers mercy and grace, tomorrow he offers wrath. 

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

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