THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE

TO THE

Verse 1 tells us that we should take heed to the things that we have heard. In chapter 1 we saw several things about the Lord Jesus Christ. First, we saw how much better He is than the angels and the prophets. Secondly, we saw the unity in the Godhead. The third thing we saw is that Christ has been appointed heir of all things, and we are joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).

The phrase: "lest at any time we should let them slip" speaks of us Christians as being "leaky vessels". How many times has the Holy Spirit talked to a person, and they made a decision, but in a few days they went back on that decision? We must remember how superior Christ is, and to be faithful to the decisions that we make to and for Him.

The words "give the more earnest heed" is a warning to us of the danger of drifting from the things we have learned about Christ, but worse than that, it refers to the danger of us drifting away from Christ. There are some facts this should alert us of.  First, because we sit in an environment of truth does not mean that we are not in danger of drifting away from Christ, or that you haven’t done so already. Secondly, we can learn and know the truth, but if it is not demonstrated in our walk, then we have slipped away. Thirdly, we must realize drifting from the truth is actually drifting away from Him (John 14:6, 8:32; 15:1). Lastly, the only thing that causes us to drift is us. We have the power to determine how close we are to Christ.

There are six signs that we can know if one is drifting spiritually. These signs are not paying attention to truth; not applying truth; neglecting a relationship with Christ; an attitude carelessness and behavior towards spiritual imperatives or commands; not seeing the greatness of salvation and living their lives as though it is; and selfishness.

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

The phrase "the word spoken by the angels" is the Mosaic law spoken by the ministration of angels (Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19). This word was confirmed, and was enforced by penalties on those violating it. All transgressions and disobedience will get their "reward" or judgment. After the rapture of the church, the saints of God will stand at the Bema or Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:11-15; II Corinthians 5:10).

This judgment is where all believers will stand before Christ, the judge (John 5:22, 27), and give account for their stewardship. We must remember that at this judgment Christ will not be concerned with our sins (Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; I John 1:7, Psalms 103:12), and this judgment will not determine our eternal destiny (John 3:18). He will be concerned with how we conducted ourselves as stewards (I Corinthians 4:1, 2; I Peter 4:10); why we did what we did (I Corinthians 3:13; 4:5), and why we didn’t do what we should have done (James 4:17).

In verse 3 it says: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." This phrase refers back to verse one; "lest at any time we should let them slip." In other words, how will we escape the judgment by letting the same salvation that rescued us from an eternal punishment "leak" from us. This is a call for all that are saved to go and tell others the gospel message. You see, salvation was first spoken of by the Lord (John 1:17), and then given to us that are saved now, by the ones who heard and obeyed His command (II Peter 3:9; Matthew 28:19, 20). Just think of where you would be if the one who lead you to Christ would have not told you. God could have entrusted anyone or anything else to spread His good news, but He has commanded us to (II Corinthians 4:3-7).

This verse mentions God bearing witness to them that believe through signs, wonders, miracles, and the gifts of the Spirit. In this, we must include the phrase "according to his own will." We see that God gave the gifts according to His own will. They were not given because someone asked for them or wanted them, but He gave these gifts to those whom He had chosen.

Let’s take a look at the history of the sign gifts. Sign gifts were given to the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel itself begins with signs. In Exodus 4 verses 1 through 5 we see that Moses is given instruction by the Lord, and how he is going to be the leader of Israel, and lead them out of the bondage of Egypt. In this passage God has given to Moses a sign of a miracle by turning the rod into a serpent, and then turning it back to a rod. Then He gave them another sign. He made Moses' hand leprous, and then made it normal again. This was the sign of healing (4:6, 7). Then, in verse 9, we see He turned water into blood. The reason God gave Moses these signs is so that the Israelites would believe that the God that had appeared unto their fathers had also appeared to Moses (4:5). The Bible tells us that Jews require a sign (I Corinthians 1:22).

The sign gifts continued into the gospels. We see that Jesus choose twelve Jewish apostles, and gives them their commission. He sends them only to minister to the nation of Israel (Matthew 10:1-6). Their message was to preach that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (10:7). The kingdom of heaven is the physical, literal kingdom reign here on earth, where Christ sits on the throne of David in Jerusalem and rules and reigns for a thousand years. The apostles were given the sign gifts so they as Jews would believe the message from God. This was not the same gospel that we have today. In this age we have the gospel of grace, or the kingdom of God. These gifts given to them were to continue after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:14-20).

Then we see the continued use of the sign gifts by the apostles in the early chapters of the book of Acts. For example we see the sign gifts used on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. Here they spoke with diverse tongues; in different known languages. Here again God had given them sign gifts to speak to the unbelieving Jews so they would believe. In chapter 3, John and Peter used the gift of healing to heal a lame man outside the Beautiful gate of the temple.

Then in Acts chapter 7, we see the turning point. Stephen preaches to the nation of Israel, and tells them to repent for killing the Messiah. However, they rejected his preaching, and stoned him to death. Then we can start to see some transition. First, we see a turning away from the Jews by God, and focusing on the Gentiles. We see the emphases going from Peter which was to the Jews, to the ministry of Paul to the Gentiles. There is no longer the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, but the gospel of grace (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ). As a result of the emphasizing turning from the Jews to the Gentiles, we see the sign gifts dropping off, diminishing, and finally going away. An example of this is Paul’s thorn in the flesh (II Corinthians 12:7-9). He asked God to take it away three times, but was never healed. Also we see in I Timothy chapter 5 that Paul did not heal Timothy’s stomach.

We see that according to II Thessalonians 2:8-11, that sign gifts have a role in the future. In this passage the rapture has already taken place, the seven year tribulation has taken place, and now the Lord is returning to the earth with the saints of God. We realize that during the tribulation period, God’s focus turns back to the Jews. This time the sings will not be to enlighten Israel, but to deceive the nation of Israel and the entire world (Revelation 13:11, 12).

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

In verse 5 we see that the confirming of the new covenant was spoken by One higher than the mediators of the old covenant, namely, angels. The Lord chose not to use the angels to preach to the lost. Praise God, we have a song that the angels cannot sing and a message they can’t preach. "The world to come" speaks about the millennial reign on the earth. The reign will not be by the angels, but by Christ and His saints (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 5:10, 11:15).

Verses 6 through 8 are quoting David in Psalm 8:4-6. I believe that this is a reference of man’s position as a representative for God in His creation. When God created man, He made him lower than the angels, yet He gave him dominion over all (Genesis 1:28). However, that is not the case today. Since the fall of Adam, man dose not have the power to rule over himself, let alone creation. Like I mentioned in chapter 1, God has always had fellowship with man. After the fall, man was made at enmity with God. Then, Christ came and reconciled the believing man to God (II Corinthians 5:19; Hebrews 2:17). If this is a reference to Christ, then the author of Hebrews had contradicted himself. Christ, by nature, is greater than the angels; and man, by nature, was made lower than the angels (II Peter 2:9-11).

2:9, 10

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

In verses 9 and 10 we see that Christ was made lower than the angels. This reference to Jesus being "made a little lower than the angels" refers to time, not nature. Christ left His throne in heaven and became a man to die for man. Christ made it possible for man, in the future, to once again reign. It was fitting for Christ, by whom are all things for His own purpose, that He would lead the way for many unto salvation.

2:11-13

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

Both Him that sanctifies and him that is sanctified are declared one. To be sanctified means to be made set apart in holiness. Christ, when He saves someone, sets them apart for Himself. These verses show the unity and relationship between the Godhead and man. In fact, it tells us that Christ is not ashamed to call us "brethren" (SEE Leviticus 25:47-49).

At this time I want to briefly discuss sanctification. There are three distinct tenses of sanctification. The first tense is positional sanctification. Positional sanctification refers to the initial act of salvation. This is instantaneous sanctification the believer receives the moment of salvation. At that time, Christ sets his soul apart from sin, and imparts unto him His own holiness and righteousness. God’s law, which is a reflection of His nature, demands that man be perfect and holy. This, however, is impossible for the natural man because he is by nature sinful and unholy (Romans 8:8).

The second tense, progressive sanctification, refers to the believers present life. This tense speaks of how a believer's present life is to become holier and more Christlike every day. Since the believer's soul is sanctified in Christ, God expects this holiness to affect his behavior, and be manifested in his daily walk. God wants him to follow the Saviour, and live a clean, separated life (Romans 12:1-4). Before a person gets saved, he uses his body for sinful pleasures and purposes. Now that we belong to Him, we should use our body to His glory. After all, our body belongs to Him (I Corinthians 6:19, 20). The question should be asked, "has God gotten all that He paid for?"

Every Christian knows what it means to be tempted. Temptation itself is not a sin, for Jesus was tempted like we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:15). Whenever a believer is tempted to sin, he has a High Priest that has the power to help him, if he would only ask. However, if a believer does sin, Christ, the advocate, presents him before the throne of God, and forgives him of the sins committed (I John 1:9; 2:1).

God allows His people to be tempted for several reasons. These reasons include the trying their faith (I Peter 1:7); to keep them humble (I Peter 5:6); to show them victory (I Corinthians 15:57); and to enable them to win the crown of life (James 1:2-4, 12). Through these actions the believer must be patient (Hebrews 6:12; 10:36). In all, a believer that goes through temptations must put their faith and trust in the Lord for their strength. Knowing that the end result of the trials and temptations will be glory to God, a believer can go through the trials and temptations with joy.

Reading the Bible can help a believer through the tough times when they come. The Bible gives a believer guidelines to follow concerning temptation. These guidelines include to watch and pray that he would not enter into it (Matthew 26:41); stay away from any situation that would lead him into sin (Romans 16:19); abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22); and transform himself from worldly thinking by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:1-4).

The believer can defend himself against sin and temptation, but temptation may still come. There are three Scriptural principles that can be of help to the believer. The first principle is follow his Saviour's example, to resist the devil, by rebuking him with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11; James 4:7). The second principle is to yield himself to God, and reckon himself dead to sin (Romans 6:2-11; Galatians 2:19; I Peter 2:24). The third principle is to earnestly watch for the way of escape that God has promised; taking it immediately after it is discovered (I Corinthians 10:13).

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit has given principles to guide the believer. First, can he do what he is doing in the name of Jesus Christ? Then, can he give thanks to God for it (Colossians 3:17)? Can the believer do that action with the belief that it is pleasing to an holy God (Romans 14:23)? How would the believer like to be caught doing what he is doing if the Lord would return (I Thessalonians 5:1-13).

The third tense, final sanctification, refers to the completion of its work. One day the believer will be made whole and complete, and that is when he will get his glorified body (I Thessalonians 5:23). This will take place at the rapture (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). The believer’s body, right now, is not sanctified, but in that glorious day, his body will be unable to sin. That is when the believer’s body will be completely sanctified, body, soul and spirit. God will separate his body from iniquity like his soul is now. This is also called "the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). When He returns, He will return with the saints, who will have a body liken to His (I Corinthians 15:35-38). When the believer dies, his body will be sown in weakness, but raised in power (I Corinthians 15:42-48). The glorified body completes the work of redemption, and gives to us the image of the Saviour.

2:14, 15

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

In theses two verses we see again how Christ came in the flesh, and that through His death would destroy the devil and his power (Genesis 3:15). Not only that, but through Christ’s death, He freed us from a lifetime of bondage to sin and death (Romans 6). No more will any believer feel the sting of death, but the victory of the resurrection. He who knew no sin, became sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:22), so we can live a victorious Christian life.

Christ came to save that which is lost (Matthew 18:11). It would have been impossible for Him to do so if He had a sinful nature. When Christ became man to live on the earth, He did so with the inability to sin. This is called impeccability. The opposite view is called peccability, which states that Christ did not sin because He choose not to. This would raise Christ’s humanity above His deity. Christ did not come to hide sin, but to do away with sin.

2:16

Verse 16 tells us that Christ, undoubtedly, did not take on Him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham (Isaiah 41:8). Right now I would like to take a look at the two accounts of the lineage of Jesus Christ found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Some skeptics say that these two passages are contradictory to one another. However, after close examination we can see that they are, just like every other word found in the Scriptures, right on target! Matthew chapter 1 is the lineage of Joseph. This passage proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christ was virgin born. We see traces of sin throughout Joseph’s lineage. Examples of this would be Rachab (Rahab) (5) was a harlot, Ruth (5) was a Moabite (Idolatry), David (6) committed adultery and had Uriah murdered (he tried to hid his sin), Manasses (10) very wicked, and we could go on and on.

Jesus Christ had to be virgin born in order for His blood to cleanse our sins. Matthew 1:20 tells us that when Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, He was conceived by the Holy Ghost. Also, His very name proves that He was virgin born; Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. In Matthew 1:11 and 12 we find a man named Jechonias. This man (Coniah) is found in Jeremiah 22:24-30. Jeremiah 22:30 states "for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah." If Jesus had came from Joseph, then He would never have the privilege to sit on the throne of David. However one day He will sit on the throne of David as King of kings and Lord of Lords (Isaiah 9:6, 7; I Timothy 1:17, 6:15; Revelation 17:14, 19:16).

Luke 3:23-38 is the lineage of Mary. Skeptics say that because Joseph is mentioned in Luke 3:23, that this is his lineage. However it states "being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli." The word "supposed" in the Greek means to do by law; by extension. Therefore, it is saying that Joseph was the son-in-law of Heli, the father of Mary.

2:17, 18

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Christ was made like man in such things as Him being born, nourished, growing up, and the suffering. Sin is not, in the original constitution of man, a necessary attendant of manhood, so He had no sin. It was the love of God that He would send Christ to reconcile man to Himself. To reconcile means to bring God and mankind together. It was sin that broke the relationship between the two apart, but when Christ became our High Priest, He became the bridge that joined us back to God (Romans 5:10). We must realize due to man’s wickedness, they had to be pursued or they would not have came to God (Romans 3:11).

Verse 18 reminds us that Christ, while on the earth was tempted as we are today (Hebrews 4:15). It also shows us that He will comfort and relieve us in times of temptation, and will not put on us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).