Hebrews 10 Warning

Hebrews is the most tightly argued book in the New Testament and its warning passages (2:1-4; 4:1-2; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 12:25-29) are terrifying to read, even when the context is understood. How much more terrifying are they when the context is removed and they are applied to other contexts! One of the harshest warnings is found in 10:26-31 and it cannot be understood without carefully understanding the context.

Hebrews has just finished his magnificent exposition on the greater priesthood of Jesus Christ, begun back in 5:1 and concluded in 10:18, with the expected actions one must take as a result of these truths in 10:19-25. He "breaks" into his exposition in 5:11-6:20 in order to grab his listener's attention in preparation for the long and difficult word (5:11). This word, found in 7:1-10:18, is bracketed by the warnings of 6:4-6 and 10:26-32. It is the latter warning that I want to focus, and in particular, the "willful sin" that is referenced in 10:26:

"For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, but a terrifying expectation of judgment..." (10:26-27a NASB 1995)

On the surface, this has been taken to mean continuing, willful sin as a Christian means loss of salvation. Isn't that what it says? This is where context is so critical. What is the willful sin that Hebrews is referring to? Is it any continuing sin that a believer commits? We must understand the "no sacrifice" statement first.

The phrase "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin" in 10:26 is the same phrase that occurs in 10:18, which is the final statement of his long exposition. In short, Hebrews concludes that because the sacrifice of Christ has once and for all taken away sin, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. This is because Christ's sacrifice is the only sacrifice and it is completed! There isn't and can never be another one. This is key to understanding this passage. The only acceptable sacrifice for my sin is Christ and it has already been accomplished.

In light of this, what does Hebrews exhort his listeners to do in 10:19-25? Draw near, hold fast, and encourage one another (10:22-24). Now for the sin. What is the concern in his book? Is it sin in general or is the entire tone of the book a concern that his listeners are considering abandoning their Christian faith due to persecution (see 10:32-36)? I think it is a fair statement to make that almost all scholars agree that Hebrews is focused on apostasy as the sin he is concerned with in his listeners. Again, context is critical. The sin in Hebrews is that of abandoning Christ, rejecting his sacrifice, and (for the listeners), returning to Judaism for salvation.

Here is the problem. If the sacrifice of Christ is the only one and therefore there is no longer any sacrifice for sin, then to leave Christ is to leave the only sacrifice! To abandon Christ means to abandon salvation. To refuse to draw near, to refuse to hold fast, to refuse to participate in community (encourage one another) is to refuse the only available means of salvation that God offers. Christ's death has forever changed how we come to God, because the veil, His flesh, has been torn so that we might have direct access to God through Him! There is no access to God except through Him. If you abandon Christ, you can't get to God!

One final observation from earlier in Hebrews: the wilderness generation of Exodus-Numbers is used as the negative example of what not to emulate in 3:7-4:13 and possibly implied in the 6:4-6 warning. The wilderness generation witnessed the ten plagues in Egypt (Ex. 7-12), crossed the Red Sea on dry land, saw God kill the entire Egyptian army (Ex. 14), ate manna from heaven every day in the wilderness and received water from multiple rocks (Ex. 16-17)), along with numerous other miracles. Yet, with their mouths full of food from heaven, they rejected the command of God to take the promised land, and as a result, were judged and died in the wilderness (Num. 13-14). For the Christian, the 'promised land' is the salvation found in Christ, and we are urged to hold fast and draw near--not to abandon or become weak in faith. Is it any surprise the very next passage in Hebrews following his long exposition and harsh warning in chapter 10 is his famous hall of faith in chapter 11? This is what he wants to inspire in his listeners! Be like these great examples of faith and draw near to Jesus! Don't abandon Christ, because He is the only all-sufficient once-for-all sacrifice for sin.

Flurry of Jingles

My beloved Coco used to run down stairs when the sound or smell of food emerged from the kitchen, and with her collar, she would jingle her way down the stairs and into the kitchen. It was a flurry of jingles as she would bound her way down with all enthusiasm. This is a little poem of this memory.

Flurry of jingles, it was time to go,

Running down stairs, how I miss you so.

Flurry of jingles, as I start to eat,

Miss sweet little face, pressed up on my knee.

Flurry of jingles, the years went by fast,

I'd hoped you stay longer, I'd hope you would last.

Flurry of jingles, I thank God for you,

The years were so many, yet now they seem few.

Flurry of jingles, so much did you give,

God taught me so much, of Him as you lived.

Flurry of jingles, it is a goodbye,

I'll miss you, my pup, and now I'll go cry.

Flurry of jingles, no more suffering,

Run free and run fast, what you're made to be.

A Grateful Goodbye

Less than an hour ago I had my beloved dog, Coco, of almost 12 years, put to sleep. It was a normal morning until about 6:30 today when she came up to me breathing differently and acting very lethargic. I took her to the vet and then the vet ER, which diagnosed a bleed around her heart, probably due to tumor. The odds of repair were low and with her age, it was time to say goodbye. I got to hold her as she took her final breath.

About a year ago, she had some issues with her back legs which ended up being age-related, but it was a good scare and one that made me realize that time was short and I needed to maximize whatever time I had left with her. One of my (mostly) daily disciplines is a gratitude list and frequently one of the items has been her. How grateful I have been to have a dog and to enjoy and learn about God through the experience. One of my prayers has been to know when it was time and to let go with gratitude. And I did. I had the time before the injection to pray and thank God for the time with her, for how much He has taught me about Himself through her, and to gratefully thank Him for all of His goodness to me through the life of my beloved Coco. What a great gift of God! How marvelous and gracious of Him to give me such a long time with her! And I've had even more time with her in the last two months since work has been entirely work from home and school is online only, due to the virus.

Saying goodbye is tough. I've already cried my eyes out this morning and will do for a while. But it is a grateful goodbye. While I hurt, my heart expresses thankfulness for the ability to experience the joy of having a great dog. God made the dog family to relate to humans in a special way. How good of a Creator He is to make such things. It hurts to let go, but He is the source and author of all creation--she was made by Him and was but a passing shadow of His beauty and loveliness. How creative He is! How delightful He is! How loud He is! How fun He is!

I am truly grateful.

The Bad and Good Friday

Yesterday was Good Friday. It is an ironic name for a day, given the event on this day that transpired almost two-thousand years ago for which we name it--the crucifixion and death of the Son of God for the sins of the world. It started the night before, with an arrest and unjust hearing for the purpose of condemning an innocent man. It continued on Friday with the formal trial before Pilate, a Roman flogging, and finally, the brutal crucifixion of Jesus Christ outside of Jerusalem. It ended with his death and burial in an unused tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea.

The bad. The condemnation, punishment, and death of an innocent man. The violent hatred of men against him. The bloody torture and agony as the hours passed. The emotional pain and anguish of those who loved him and watched as he suffered. The separation from God as he bore the sins of the world. Death. Darkness. Earthquake. What is good about any of this?

What we see in Jesus Christ is the ultimate example in which God is able to take what is awful and bring good from it. We call it good Friday because the perfect Son of God, in taking the punishment that each of our sins demanded, has now made a way that we might share his righteousness. Because of his faithfulness, my faithlessness is covered. Because of his obedience, my rebellion is forgiven. Because of his death, I am given life.

You can think of the cross of Christ as the "black hole" for sin's penalty. As Jesus breathed his last, he had finally and fully drank every last molecule of the penalty for all sin, for all time, once for all. Everything had been pulled into him and been borne by him. There is no more condemnation because he has taken all of the condemnation on himself. We are freed from the certainty of facing our own eternal crucifixions because of his one crucifixion.

Good Friday is good because of what awaits us tomorrow. He does not remain in the grave. How could he? Those who condemned him--the religious leaders, soldiers, Pilate, and the people--their word was "crucify him." His word was, "It is finished." Tomorrow, we get to rejoice in overwhelming celebration at the final word: the word of the Father. The resurrection is the vindication of the Son by the Father. The Father stands up from His throne, declares for all of heaven and earth to see and hear, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you!"

Honor those in authority

I live in Dallas County, Texas, where there is both county-wide 'stay-home' and state-wide essential-business-only orders. These are based on recommendations from the Federal government and the health professionals that these leaders are consulting. The orders are specific. I don't like them. I disagree with the reasoning behind them. I think they are far too strong a reaction, and more importantly, far too damaging economically. I think they are made in error and based on faulty, or more likely, fearful reasoning.

Yet, I do not find any of the above to be a sufficient Biblical reason to disobey. Indeed, Jesus preached under Tiberius, one of the most corrupt of the Caesars, Paul and Peter wrote under Nero, who later would put both of them to death. Paul tells me I am to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13), Peter tells me I am to honor the king (1 Peter 2), and Jesus tells me I am to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar (Luke 20). Honor and obedience is not given because they are earned or deserved, but to be given because they are owed and due. Despite the (lack of) reasonableness of the authority or whether I agree/disagree with the rule. I am not free to bend it or twist it to my own liking. I do what I can to honor the king, as long as doing so does not dishonor the Great King. And if I must disobey the king because of a conflict in commands, then I must accept the discipline of the king with humility.

I do not find any Biblical conflict with the current orders of Dallas County or Texas. Churches are broadcasting services online--this is a far cry from ideal, but these orders are not permanent (to date fewer than three weeks have passed and the current expiration is April 30, which is less than seven weeks in total). I can still meet friends at a park or open area, as long as appropriate social distancing is maintained. Going to the store, doing essential errands, taking walks--all of these are allowed. I have food, shelter, clothing--in truth, more than I need. The electronic capabilities of today allow me to connect with people in far greater numbers and distances than ever before. Sure, electronic means are unsatisfying (after all, we are made to be physical beings), but this is temporary. It will pass.

I don't like these orders. Just like there are certain commands of God that I don't like and would prefer to disobey (and to my condemnation, have many times). But authority is grounded in Him and it is my responsibly to honor the authorities in my life, be they parents, police, physicians, employers, or politicians. I'll seek to promote better choices and reasoning, but when the decision is made, I must submit to it.

This will soon pass. But as the orders stand today, I must obey them.

Update: You can contact your representative/senator/governor/president and let them know you disagree. Do so respectfully, but it is worth doing so. Your voice should be heard!

Remember the Faithfulness of God

I woke at 4 am this morning with the word remember on my mind and reflected on it for a while before falling back asleep. It is frequently emphasized in Scripture, both explicitly and implicitly--indeed, much of Scripture is written to remind the readers of what God has done in the past. My memory of God's faithfulness to me in my past, your memory of His faithfulness to you in your past, and our reflection on His faithfulness to many, is essential in our present time.

I recently discussed four lessons from Habakkuk, the first suggesting that in times of trouble, I must remember the faithfulness and power of God that He has demonstrated in the past. I must remember because I am so prone to forget. The wind and the waves quickly distract me and pull my eyes off Jesus (remember Peter, Matt. 14:30?).

This year my small group is doing an in-depth study of the book of Hebrews. Hebrews is a book that ultimately points its readers to a greater life of faith as they too wait in dread for certain suffering (which has been experienced by them before; 10:32-39; 12:4-13). The great "hall of faith" chapter 11, which runs through 12:2, is one great remembrance passage. Remember what God has done in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses... Look at, and emulate, their faith. Remember their walk--sometimes with what we might define as success, but sometimes with death, yet always focused on what was promised, because God is faithful. It is impossible for Him to lie (6:18)! And Hebrews reminds the readers of the preeminent unfaithful example of all, the wilderness generation of Exodus and Numbers (Heb. 3:7-4:13; 6:4-6; 12:18-21). This was the generation that saw first-hand the ten plagues on Egypt (Ex. 7-11), crossed the Red Sea and saw the Egyptian army drowned (Ex. 14), was daily fed by manna in the morning and quail in the evening (Ex. 16), provided fresh water from rocks (Ex. 17), saw the presence of God on Mount Sinai (Ex. 19), and the repeated evidence of both His presence and judgment through miraculous signs and wonders (Deut. 4:32-40; and Hebrews will use a similar point in 2:1-4 for his readers). Yet, when it came time for that generation to enter the promised land, they rebelled and trembled in fear because the cities and people were large (Num. 13:25-29; 14:1-4). It was barely 18 months ago that you walked on dry land in the middle of the sea with a wall of water on your left and right, being chased by an entire Egyptian army, who then promptly drowned when God closed the water over them after you finished crossing--and yet you are afraid of some cities and big people?! You complain as your mouth is full of manna provided this morning from heaven, washed down by fresh water that came out of a rock!

I ought not to be too hard on them, for I am more similar to them than I care to admit. This is why remembering is so important. This is why God instituted for them regular, embodied practices and celebrations, practiced in the community, to help them remember. This is why regular, embodied practices with the people of God are so critical to life in Christ. When I take communion, eating the bread that symbolizes the body of Christ, I remember that He came in the flesh, dwelt among us, took on all that it meant to be human, yet without sin (John 1:14). When I drink the grape juice (or wine, depending on your tradition), I remember that His physical blood was shed for my sin, He became sin on my behalf so that I might receive His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:12). Indeed, even the very words instituting this practice suggest its purpose: "do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19) The daily (!) gathering is used by Hebrews in the middle of his discussion on the wilderness generation, for the express purpose of encouraging one another so they would not be like that faithless generation (4:12-13). And how does he encourage his readers? By demonstrating that Christ is superior and sufficient (Son, High Priest, Sacrifice, Example, Author, Completer), and by reminding them of His faithfulness to them and others in the past.

I will again quote my favorite professor: "What God has done in the past is a model and a promise of what he will do in the future, but He's too creative to do the same thing the same way twice."

My challenge for you today is to take a few moments and remember--what has He done for you in the past, where have you seen His faithfulness in your life, perhaps in the lives of those near you, and write it down? Thank Him (Ps. 89). Rejoice in His faithfulness to you (Lam. 3:23). Share that with someone. Be an encouragement to another (Heb. 4:12-13; 10:19-25). Our God hasn't changed. He is the same (Heb. 1:12; 13:8)! He will be faithful in our present time, in the suffering, as the lesson in Habakkuk reminds us, for He is bringing us into greater depths of sonship--likeness to Christ--through these circumstances.

Exhortation to trust (Psalm 115)

Psalm 115 is one that praises God for the reality of His power and goodness, in contrast to the deafness of idols. It exhorts its readers to trust in God three times and reminds them that God has not forgotten, but will bless those who trust in Him.

The Psalm opens by asking God to glorify His name (115:1), not because of the ones praising Him, but on the basis of His character. God always acts with the purpose of magnifying and glorifying Himself. Salvation's ultimate purpose isn't us, it is for His glory.

The Psalmist continues by responding to a question the other nations are asking (v. 2-3): Where is God? Answer: He's in the heavens, doing whatever He pleases. In other words, He's working, but you may not (and indeed many times won't) see it. He's doing "God things".

To illustrate the point further, he contrasts God with idols (v. 4-8). This is a lovely listing of the senses and actions of God versus the idols. The idols themselves are the work of human hands (v. 4). God is doing "God things" while the idols are made by humans doing "human things". Some god these idols are! These idols are speechless, sightless, deaf, can't smell, can't feel, and can't walk (v. 5-7). Indeed, the Psalmist warns that those who make or trust in the idols will become like them! I become like the thing(s) I place my trust in.

Now for the threefold exhortation to trust in the Lord. It follows the form: "Oh ___, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield." (v. 9-11) I must trust in the Lord--He's actually capable of being a help and a shield, in contrast to a deaf-mute-blind-immovable-senseless thing.

In light of this, there is a threefold promise of blessing (v. 12-15) although blessing has a different meaning than prosperity and lack of trouble.

In light of all this, our response is to bless the Lord (v. 16-18). This is interesting. The Lord blesses Israel/Aaron/those who fear Him, and we will bless the Lord. The human things that I can do is to trust, bless, and praise the Lord. God will do His "God things". He can be trusted. He is our help and our shield.

So trust Him. Bless Him. And praise Him today. For He is your help and your shield.

Hope in time of panic

Biblical hope is certain, not wishful. We tend to use hope as a synonym for wish. I hope it rains tomorrow = I wish/would like it to rain tomorrow. That is not how the Bible uses the word. Biblical hope is certain, because it rests on the Person of God, who cannot lie, and the plan of God, which never fails. How do I know? I reflect on the past, on what God has done (remember Habakkuk?), to use as a basis for trust in what He will do. Or as my favorite professor says, "What God has done in the past is a model and a promise of what he will do in the future, but he's too creative to do the same thing the same way twice." Then I act in faith on that basis, choosing to love, choosing to trust, choosing to act in trust and love instead of fear. And I have certain hope. Because love never fails. Because God is trustworthy. Because His promises are certain. Because He is my salvation (this is the meaning of my name, Joshua).

My brother was at Target yesterday and spoke with a lady with five children whose husband was just laid off. Unfortunately, and I think this is probably true of many of us, my brother expressed sorrow for her loss, but didn't think anything further. The food at Target was out. It didn't occur to him to get her information so he or others could help. In times of distress, it is easy and natural for our focus to become very self-centered--do I have enough ___? We are so busy buying what we think we need that we miss the needs of others. We are only going out to buy our own essential items and forget that maybe we ought to be looking out for others.

How about offering hope to someone in need today? Or even someone who is not in need? Even an encouraging word. But be more concrete. If you know someone is in need and you are able to meet it, give it, buy it, share it, do it. Fellow Christians, be the hands and feet of Jesus--not virtually, but physically! Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2). Have an open hand, not a closed fist.

Pastors, do what you can to meet with every one of your congregation, as frequently as you can. If you can't do so physically, call them!

Those employed, find someone who just lost their job and meet what needs you can of theirs. Share it with those around you so together you all can do so.

Those thinking about ordering food, pay extra for the food you receive, support your local diners and restaurants, give a larger tip, be sure to thank them!

If you are hoarding, stop! Share. Don't bulk up in your purchases. There is plenty.

For all of us, be thankful, be encouraging, be calm (and wash your hands). Pray, remembering that many (most?) times God uses people to answer the prayers for others. Maybe you are to be someone's answered prayer today.

Give hope.

Love in time of panic

One of my close friends has a sister who was married this weekend. While their original plans with catering and the celebration were changed due to cancellations, I have to applaud them for following through and not delaying. In a time of panic, they chose to love and commit. In a time of panic, they chose life.

In our present time with the panic over the virus, chose love over fear. Share instead of hoard. Be open-handed with those around you. If you see a need and are able to meet it, do so--even if it costs you. Have additional patience (oh how difficult!) when shopping. Fear brings out worst in people, love can bring out the very best. Choose to love.

Faith in time of panic

The book of Habakkuk has been sitting on my heart since last night; it was brought to mind in my dreams and thoughts as a book very applicable to our current moment. I will briefly overview the book and then turn to some observations of his prayer in chapter 3.

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who cried to God for help in the midst of a wicked nation (1:1-4) and was given a word from God that there was a coming judgment on Judah by the Chaldeans (Babylonians; 1:5-12). Habakkuk is horrified (1:13-2:1). How could a good God use such horrible people to judge His own people?! He can't believe it. And God responds to him, in 2:2-20 in a two-fold reply. First, He will judge His people (2:2-5) and second, He will judge the Chaldeans (2:6-20). In the first part of this response, He speaks what is quoted both in Romans and Hebrews--"the righteous will live by his faith." (2:4b) Habakkuk then responds in chapter 3 in a prayer to God, acknowledging His power and salvation (it is used 3x in this chapter) and a prayer of trust in the midst of the certain coming destruction.

Now for some observations. I think his prayer is a pattern for us to follow. Habakkuk begins by reflecting on the glory and power of God (3:1-4), remembers the Exodus (3:5-8, 15), creation (3:9-10), the sun standing still for Joshua (3:11), and possibly the conquering of the nations in Canaan through Joshua, the various judges, and David (3:12-14).

In times of trouble, I must remember the faithfulness and power of God that He has demonstrated in the past.

Habakkuk then acknowledges that he is afraid, that he dreads what is coming and he isn't looking forward to it (3:16-17). Things are going to be rough for him.

In time of (coming) trouble, I must remember that God hasn't promised lack of trouble, but His presence in the trouble.

Habakkuk rejoices in the Lord and and in His salvation (3:18). This seems unusual. Why would you rejoice in the salvation of the Lord when there is coming trouble? I think this is closely related to God's earlier statement of living by faith in 2:4b. My circumstances do not measure the extent or reality of God's salvation. They do not measure His love or goodness (although Hebrews will use suffering as an indication of it - Heb. 12:3-11).

I must live by faith in God's salvation--not a saving from the circumstances, but His redemption and goodness in them.

Finally, Habakkuk speaks of God being his strength (3:19), that he can walk in his "high places." In other words, God allows him to live "above" his circumstances, that by faith he can and does move to a greater place of trust and faith in God. God gives him the grace to endure and walk in them.

I must live by faith that God is my strength.

God is faithful, He is present, He is your salvation, and He is your strength. Reflect on the past, how God has been faithful to you and come through for you, and He is consistently your strength, working all trouble for the good of making each of us more like Christ.