Could it be that many are not saved because they do not believe in the full finished work of Christ on the cross. Is not this belief in Jesus finished work on the cross-no turning back to works for salvation, other sacrifices etc etc-the narrow way? Hence few will be saved? We either answer the knock and believe that Jesus is the narrow (only) way unto salvation, or we don't, and trust that God WILL protect and preserve us until the end, hence giving us strength to persevere in our faith and experience the joy of our salvation.
Amen Janet. As Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me". He is the ONLY WAY - there was no other plan or provision by God to give the penitent sinner forgiveness of his sins & access into His Presence. It's either Jesus' way or Hell's highway.
I am doing a study of Hebrews, through Dr. Fruchtenbaum. Regarding no more sacrifices for sins in Heb 10:26b, he uses Numbers chapters 12-14 as OT background for Hebrews. In that the children of Israel willfully sinned- Heb 10:26a-by not believing and trusting God, that he would protect them from the Canaanites. Though they repented and were pardoned- Numbers 20-there was no more sacrifice- Heb 10:26b-for their sin of distrust and unbelief, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment- Heb 10:27a-yet they were still His children and would remain as the few that are saved. Is this what you understand?
The writer exalts Jesus Christ above all others throughout this letter, yet he deals with the fact that there were amongst the mainly converted Jews & Gentiles, those who were either not true believers, or at least, influencing those that were, by introducing aspects of Judaism that would attempt to nullify the efficacy of Christ's Blood & the New Covenant in it, e.g. by bringing in the obedience to the Law or aspects of it.
This then is a word of encouragement ( Hebrews 10:35, Hebrews 13:22) to them to endure & to live by faith & not as those who "draw back unto perdition" ( Hebrews 10:38). I believe those who were truly saved amongst them, would be saved to eternity, but as in every letter by the various writers, words of warning & encouragement were always given that they might stay strong & true to the Lord & not suffer under His Hand (such as those who suffered sickness or death because wilful sin - but their souls might be preserved, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). I hope this short study helps you somewhat.
Thank you Chris. At this point in my early study of Hebrews, I lean towards the author was speaking to Jewish believers. Believers that would not lose their salvation but will be judged. He was warning them to not do as their fathers had done, not trusting God, even after having knowledge- essentially trodding under the foot the son of God.
10:30b and again the Lord shall judge his people.
Thank you for your input, I will stay in prayer and study.
Hello Janet. Unfortunately, I don't consider Hebrews 10:26 in exactly the same way as the good doctor. It is true, that Israel suffered badly because of their unbelief, whether in regards to Moses or from the report of the spies sent into the Promised Land, but God was ready to forgive them if they turned back to Him & purposed in their hearts to follow Him. The doctor probably wanted to show how Israel also behaved by committing 'wilful sin', but looking at Hebrews, we see a different application.
In Hebrews chapter 10, it is an entirely different matter - nothing to do with the events in Numbers (though the matter of Israel's sins can be seen). The essence of this chapter is the finality (or, completeness/perfection) of Christ's Sacrifice when contrasted with the lack of finality of the OT system of Laws & Sacrifices. The redemption accomplished in Christ has no more need of a repetition or any supplementation of it.
I can't take you right through the chapter, but to focus on verse 26. The essential question is, 'what is this wilful sin(s)?' The Hebrews writer goes on to explain it. It is a sin that is committed after "receiving the knowledge of the truth". Then in verse 29, the writer explains it: it's when that sinner "hath trodden under foot the Son of God..counting the blood of the covenant..an unholy thing..doing despite unto the Spirit of grace". The writer uses very strong language here, showing the devastating effects of unbelief & perversion of the Truths of Christ's Sacrifice. I can hardly put those words into any other contemporary expressions, as the Scriptures show the gravity of their sins.
Is it not that Christ came as sinful flesh and we are that sinful flesh.
Sinful flesh DIED ON THE CROSS, and WE AROSE with Christ.
Our body (a vessel of dust) is the abode of Christ (LIFE AND TRUTH).
A vessel (our body) is made for one thing ONLY, to HOLD THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.
You have no faith, you have no obedience, you have no mercy, you have no love, ETC., because it's the LIFE IN YOU, that CAUSES the body to believe, it's the LIFE IN YOU that causes the body to have faith, causes the body to love, causes the body to show mercy, causes the body to obey, ETC.
Most are not saved because, in this present AGE, they are NOT GIVEN THIS GIFT.
Man DOES NOT control his own destiny GOD DOES.
Ye have not chosen me, I HAVE CHOSEN YOU.
Creation WILL NOT be held accountable for GOD's WORK.
At their appointed time, after the resurrection of the dead (second resurrection) God will GIFT THEM with LIFE and TRUTH.
I have wondered how believing in the "finished work" of Christ is a doctrine of the Bible. When Christ died and said "it is finished" he could have meant a lot of things (his life was ended, his suffering was over, the sacrifice for sin was done etc.), but the Bible doesn't teach us just to believe in the "finished work". Since we live in an entitlement society I fear that we use that phrase to apply to us that we no longer have to labor in his kindgom. I listed a few of the teachings and promises of the Bible that apply to our response to his death on cross. Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. We are justified by faith (a total belief in what God has said, commanded, done etc.). Hebrews 11 the faith chapter talks of faith having a response. James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Mat. 25 has several examples of people that were lost at the end of time because they didn't do God's work even though they had a certain knowledge of Him. Faith obviously has to precede anything we do, but if time allows us to labor God expects that of us. Let's all be "wise virgins".
My only question to you would be "How do you do God's work?" I speak for myself when I say this, but if God is counting on me to His work for Him, He's in trouble!
Thank you ahead of time if the Lord leads you to respond!
ELB: you give me much to pray about, much that I already had questions about.
Predestination, elect, mans free will, to name a few. As I have said before I am now reading/studying the word more than I ever have in the past. In that studying I seem to have more questions and have unfortunately discovered the vast and seemingly endless differing interpretations, which can bring unrest my way. That being said, it is imperative that I
stay in the word, in prayer and ask for illumination. I don't have the verse right now but: but I have to believe that the Holy Spirit will lead me to the truth.
I once asked a biblical scholar-years ago-something about the Bible, I don't recall the exact question, but he said remember the two greatest commandments and left it at that.
His response has stayed with me. During this time of study and at times unrest, my desire is to not get 'lost' in knowledge but to keep the two greatest commandments front and center. 'For they will know us by our love', sorry don't have the verse but it sums it up.
Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 1:1; Acts 3:16; Eph 2:8-9 support what I believe you are saying.
Jn 15:4-6 speaks about us abiding in him and he in us.
1 John 2:27 For the anointing that you have received of him abideth IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The hardest thing, is THIS DYING TO SELF, and coming to TRUTH that the LIFE, IN US, IS CHRIST.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin .....he cannot sin because he is BORN OF GOD
Why can't you commit sin; because the life IN YOU IS CHRIST.
Philippians 1:27 ... this mystery .... CHRIST IN YOU .....
If you pick up a pencil, it's not you, IT'S CHRIST, if you drive the car, it's not you, it's Christ, if you help you neighbor, it' not you, it's Christ, ETC.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit (life) WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU (his body) to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and DO THEM.
God speaks to you through HIS WORDS (the bible), the more you study, the more he speaks.
To whom much is GIVEN (the life of Christ); much more is GIVEN (the MIND OF CHRIST).
Ask and ye shall receive.
God Bless You as YOU DIE TO HIS WORDS and are GIVEN LIFE BY THOSE SAME WORDS.
Jesse, If God says "I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" ( 2 Cor. 6:16) why God would be in trouble when his servants follow him and labor in his kingdom.
Thank you for the reply. I guess the point I am trying to make is that God does His own work. I don't believe that He is dependent upon us to do His work for Him. Now, I do believe He can and does use His people at times for His purposes, but it is Him doing the work, not us. It is Him working though us an in us if that makes sense? If it is us doing God's work for Him, then we have something to boast of. I have to believe that I cannot do His work for Him. He does it. He might use me but it is still Him doing the work. That's why I said that if He is dependent upon me to do His work for Him, He's in trouble.
I am doing a study of Hebrews, through Dr. Fruchtenbaum. Regarding no more sacrifices for sins in Heb 10:26b, he uses Numbers chapters 12-14 as OT background for Hebrews. In that the children of Israel willfully sinned- Heb 10:26a-by not believing and trusting God, that he would protect them from the Canaanites. Though they repented and were pardoned- Numbers 20-there was no more sacrifice- Heb 10:26b-for their sin of distrust and unbelief, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment- Heb 10:27a-yet they were still His children and would remain as the few that are saved. Is this what you understand?
Thank you
The writer exalts Jesus Christ above all others throughout this letter, yet he deals with the fact that there were amongst the mainly converted Jews & Gentiles, those who were either not true believers, or at least, influencing those that were, by introducing aspects of Judaism that would attempt to nullify the efficacy of Christ's Blood & the New Covenant in it, e.g. by bringing in the obedience to the Law or aspects of it.
This then is a word of encouragement ( Hebrews 10:35, Hebrews 13:22) to them to endure & to live by faith & not as those who "draw back unto perdition" ( Hebrews 10:38). I believe those who were truly saved amongst them, would be saved to eternity, but as in every letter by the various writers, words of warning & encouragement were always given that they might stay strong & true to the Lord & not suffer under His Hand (such as those who suffered sickness or death because wilful sin - but their souls might be preserved, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). I hope this short study helps you somewhat.
10:30b and again the Lord shall judge his people.
Thank you for your input, I will stay in prayer and study.
Hello Janet. Unfortunately, I don't consider Hebrews 10:26 in exactly the same way as the good doctor. It is true, that Israel suffered badly because of their unbelief, whether in regards to Moses or from the report of the spies sent into the Promised Land, but God was ready to forgive them if they turned back to Him & purposed in their hearts to follow Him. The doctor probably wanted to show how Israel also behaved by committing 'wilful sin', but looking at Hebrews, we see a different application.
In Hebrews chapter 10, it is an entirely different matter - nothing to do with the events in Numbers (though the matter of Israel's sins can be seen). The essence of this chapter is the finality (or, completeness/perfection) of Christ's Sacrifice when contrasted with the lack of finality of the OT system of Laws & Sacrifices. The redemption accomplished in Christ has no more need of a repetition or any supplementation of it.
I can't take you right through the chapter, but to focus on verse 26. The essential question is, 'what is this wilful sin(s)?' The Hebrews writer goes on to explain it. It is a sin that is committed after "receiving the knowledge of the truth". Then in verse 29, the writer explains it: it's when that sinner "hath trodden under foot the Son of God..counting the blood of the covenant..an unholy thing..doing despite unto the Spirit of grace". The writer uses very strong language here, showing the devastating effects of unbelief & perversion of the Truths of Christ's Sacrifice. I can hardly put those words into any other contemporary expressions, as the Scriptures show the gravity of their sins.
Is it not that Christ came as sinful flesh and we are that sinful flesh.
Sinful flesh DIED ON THE CROSS, and WE AROSE with Christ.
Our body (a vessel of dust) is the abode of Christ (LIFE AND TRUTH).
A vessel (our body) is made for one thing ONLY, to HOLD THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.
You have no faith, you have no obedience, you have no mercy, you have no love, ETC., because it's the LIFE IN YOU, that CAUSES the body to believe, it's the LIFE IN YOU that causes the body to have faith, causes the body to love, causes the body to show mercy, causes the body to obey, ETC.
Most are not saved because, in this present AGE, they are NOT GIVEN THIS GIFT.
Man DOES NOT control his own destiny GOD DOES.
Ye have not chosen me, I HAVE CHOSEN YOU.
Creation WILL NOT be held accountable for GOD's WORK.
At their appointed time, after the resurrection of the dead (second resurrection) God will GIFT THEM with LIFE and TRUTH.
GBU
In prayer
My only question to you would be "How do you do God's work?" I speak for myself when I say this, but if God is counting on me to His work for Him, He's in trouble!
Thank you ahead of time if the Lord leads you to respond!
Predestination, elect, mans free will, to name a few. As I have said before I am now reading/studying the word more than I ever have in the past. In that studying I seem to have more questions and have unfortunately discovered the vast and seemingly endless differing interpretations, which can bring unrest my way. That being said, it is imperative that I
stay in the word, in prayer and ask for illumination. I don't have the verse right now but: but I have to believe that the Holy Spirit will lead me to the truth.
I once asked a biblical scholar-years ago-something about the Bible, I don't recall the exact question, but he said remember the two greatest commandments and left it at that.
His response has stayed with me. During this time of study and at times unrest, my desire is to not get 'lost' in knowledge but to keep the two greatest commandments front and center. 'For they will know us by our love', sorry don't have the verse but it sums it up.
Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 1:1; Acts 3:16; Eph 2:8-9 support what I believe you are saying.
Jn 15:4-6 speaks about us abiding in him and he in us.
1 John 2:27 For the anointing that you have received of him abideth IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The hardest thing, is THIS DYING TO SELF, and coming to TRUTH that the LIFE, IN US, IS CHRIST.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin .....he cannot sin because he is BORN OF GOD
Why can't you commit sin; because the life IN YOU IS CHRIST.
Philippians 1:27 ... this mystery .... CHRIST IN YOU .....
If you pick up a pencil, it's not you, IT'S CHRIST, if you drive the car, it's not you, it's Christ, if you help you neighbor, it' not you, it's Christ, ETC.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit (life) WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU (his body) to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and DO THEM.
God speaks to you through HIS WORDS (the bible), the more you study, the more he speaks.
To whom much is GIVEN (the life of Christ); much more is GIVEN (the MIND OF CHRIST).
Ask and ye shall receive.
God Bless You as YOU DIE TO HIS WORDS and are GIVEN LIFE BY THOSE SAME WORDS.
Aaaah God speaks through His word, the more we study the more he speaks. Yes yes and yes!!
For this I am SO grateful and brings much hope and yes rest.Hallelujah!!!
GBU
Thank you for the reply. I guess the point I am trying to make is that God does His own work. I don't believe that He is dependent upon us to do His work for Him. Now, I do believe He can and does use His people at times for His purposes, but it is Him doing the work, not us. It is Him working though us an in us if that makes sense? If it is us doing God's work for Him, then we have something to boast of. I have to believe that I cannot do His work for Him. He does it. He might use me but it is still Him doing the work. That's why I said that if He is dependent upon me to do His work for Him, He's in trouble.
Again, thanks for the reply!
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?