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Hebrews 3:1-4
Hebrews 3:1-4
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
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1. Maurice Bergeron
...holy brethren (3:1a)
My Beloved, consider how the Spirit of God moved the writer to address these Hebrew Christians as "holy brethren." Holy brethren are those whom Christ has set apart to be like Himself. Consider Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
This identity with Christ is essential if we be truly His holy brethren. With this thought let us consider how so many in the world enjoy fraternity with others of like mind. They style themselves as brethren but their union is stayed only by their common agreement. Our union with God in Christ is a perfect union designed by God himself.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:22-23 (KJV)
...partakers of the heavenly calling (3:1b)
If we share in this heavenly calling let us be mindful that the source of this calling is not of this world. This is a very pointed statement to these Hebrews Christians for in their mind's eye they still fancied an earthly kingdom which was but a type of the heavenly. Why does the text not read, "partakers of the earthly calling"? Consider 1 Cor. 15:47-49:
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
and from Hebrews 11:16:
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.
...consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (3:1c)
- Consider the Apostle, Christ Jesus.
Here we have the writer exhorting his readers to consider the apostle Christ Jesus. As I understand it, the meaning of the word apostle can also be translated messenger. In previous contributions we have seen that angels are messengers. In some sense I believe that the writer has carefully addressed the subject of angels knowing full well that he would contrast those messengers with the messenger (Apostle) Christ Jesus.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the
way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly
come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant,
whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the
LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
- Consider the High Priest, Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ is not just another priest. The writer reveals what has already become a reality. Jesus Christ was then, in their very own lifetime, the High Priest. He is the One to whom they must give careful consideration. The writer's establishment in their understanding that Jesus Christ is the new High Priest had to have seriously impacted these holy brethren.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.For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Heb. 2:17-18)
...this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses (3:3 &4)
Here within this most profound statement I have discovered a question. In your mind's eye does Jesus Christ command the proper respect, honor, and glory that God demands? Or, where in the Scriptures do you dwell the most? Are you a student of Christ or of Moses? Sadly, a good many would have to confess that they prefer Moses over Christ. Why is this? Because they share some of the same ignorance as these professing Hebrews. If I may be blunt, who owns your affections? Christ is counted worthy of more glory than any other.
Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net
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2. Murray McLellan
Hebrews 3:1-4
Truly Moses "was faithful in all His house, as a servant" (v. 5). God spoke to him face to face - even having the Lord's glory reflected on his face for a time (Ex. 34:29). After protecting this child from the great, fiery dragon, who was ready to devour him as soon as he was born, God placed him right in Pharaoh's court. However,
by faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. (Heb. 11:24-26)
Moses was used to redeem God's earthly people. After the plagues, he led the people to freedom through the Red Sea. In Deuteronomy, where Moses gives his last words to the people before they enter the land of Canaan, he says,
The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren, Him you shall hear. (Deut. 18:15)
The writer of Hebrews has been exhorting us to hear this Prophet - the greater than Moses. Yes, we are to give "earnest heed to the things we have heard" "in these last days spoken to us by His Son." Therefore, let us consider Jesus Christ. Let us set our mind and attention on Him and let it stay there. He did not just leave the glories of Pharaoh's court, but
being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery (or something to be clung to) to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:6-8)
This, in order that we might be "partakers of the heavenly calling"; that we might become His "holy brethren" of whom He is not ashamed (see Heb. 2:10-11). We are not just partakers of earthly blessings that are like a vapor. We do not have an earthly inheritance where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. No, we have a spiritual and heavenly calling, and a spiritual and heavenly inheritance. Our citizenship is in heaven. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. Oh that we might have the eyes of our understanding enlightened that we might truly
know what is the hope of His calling, and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (Eph. 1:18)
We, who were not just in physical slavery, but dead in trespasses and sins - slaves of sin and Satan - all our lifetime subject to bondage - He has released! He has redeemed! Will you go back to Egypt? "Don't be ridiculous," you say. What about to an old covenant? Will you exchange the yoke of bondage in Egypt for a yoke that neither we nor our fathers could ever bear? Only One was able to bear that yoke and fulfill all righteousness - let us consider Him! He alone can remove both the above yokes. He beckons those so burdened with this call:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)
Dear set-apart brethren, now we have the supreme reality. Keep your attention focused on the all-sufficient Christ Jesus. Don't get side-tracked
that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified. Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? (Gal. 3:1,3)
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.
Consider the work of Jesus in light of that of Moses. Moses, for the most part, was faithful. He carried out God's plan. How much more was God's supreme Apostle (sent one). He was faithful and sought the glory of the One who sent Him ("appointed Him" v. 2). Moses's face shone for a time. Jesus Christ's countenance is like the sun shining in its strength! It is His glory that was reflected in the face of Moses!
"House" in this passage clearly refers to people. Moses managed the earthly house of God (Israel) for the Owner. He, as a steward, was in charge of dispensing to the people of Israel the truth, commandments, and promises that God had committed to his trust. Jesus is faithful to the Father as Steward over the heavenly household - the church; built with living stones (1 Peter 2:4-5) each individually indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who works in each stone, that we should be holy and without blemish for the glory of the Head! O, how faithful is our great High Priest! Where has He ever failed? He was faithful to the point of drinking the cup of wrath to its bitter dregs, that we might partake of the cup of blessing! Moses was faithful, but he was still just part of the house - one member - one living stone. Jesus is the Builder of the house. As such, He is "worthy of more glory than Moses." Jesus said," I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." For "He who built all things is God." And God, in human flesh, became the cornerstone of this marvelous house of God, that will for eternity reflect and magnify the glory of "our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Words fail me. Praise the Lord that the Son has spoken and we have something to say.
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (Eph. 2:19-22)
"...to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Eph. 3:21)
Let us "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus."
May we fulfill our stewardship (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:11-12; 2 Cor. 5:18-20) for the glory of the One who faithfully and perfectly fulfilled His. May the house reflect and give honor to Him who built the house!
Murray McLellan
m.mclellan@sk.sympatico.ca
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3. Jim McClarty
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (3:1)
The "wherefore" at the top of this verse is a transition leading up to a conclusion supported by everything that precedes it. To wit:
- God spoke through the prophets in time past, but now He speaks by His Son.
- The Son created all things, upholds all things, and is heir of all things.
- The Son, by Himself, purged our sins and is seated at God's right hand.
- The Son is superior in all ways to all angelic beings.
- The Word of the Son is superior to the Old Covenant administered by angels and supported by Old Testament prophets, and it should be heeded completely.
- The salvation which the Son wrought was prophesied in the Old Testament writings, spoken of by angels, preached by Christ, taught by the apostles who heard Him and were sent by Him, written and passed on to us by those same witnesses.
- God validated their witness by miraculous signs and wonders and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- All things are put into subjection under the headship of the Son who suffered and was glorified, defeated Satan, and took possession of death and hell.
- He became flesh in order to redeem fleshly men, becoming their high priest in things pertaining to God, and successfully reconciled men to God by expiating their sin.
- He is a patient and kind priest, knowing the hardships of life in the flesh. He is a "very present help in time of trouble" (Ps.46:1).
WHEREFORE!...having established this "short list" of wonderful claims, the writer beckons the "holy brethren" -- the set-apart adopted sons and daughters who've been "effectually called" by the Spirit of God -- to take a good, close look at this one whom he's proclaiming. He points out two of the ministerial functions the Son has taken on:
- He is, first of all, the Apostle.
The word "the" is important. It designates "the definite article." There were men whom Jesus sent out, called "apostles." But that's not the writer's focus. He wants you to see "the one"; the singular Apostle. The word "apostle" means "sent one," like an ambassador. The 12 apostles were sent out into the world by Jesus. But, Jesus is the one who was sent by God. He is Heaven's ambassador to earth. While the 12 had some knowledge, they learned it from "the Apostle" who had all knowledge. While the 12 were "endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49), "the Apostle" was the "Almighty" (Rev.1:8). The Hebrews' writer wants us to catch the uniqueness of "the Apostle," sent of God.
- But He is also our High Priest.
The High Priest served in the temple of God, performing sacrifices and meeting with God on behalf of the chosen people. Christ's fulfillment of the High Priest type and shadow is spelled out at length in the verses upcoming, so we'll suffice it to say that these two stations of Christ's ministry and purpose are the focus of the writer's current attention.Then, just to make sure we don't miss it, He names this "sent one," the perfect Priest, by name - Jesus. The word "Christ" was added by the KJV translators for readability. It is left out entirely in the NAS and NIV. It does not appear in the original text.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. (3:2)
An apostle, a "sent one," must - by definition - be sent by someone. This Jesus was sent by God, and one of the defining characteristics of His apostleship was that he was faithful to the One who appointed Him.
May I take a quick left turn and wander off for a moment? It is exactly this characteristic of Christ which gives me the most hope and assurance. His faithfulness to God, and to the mission for which God sent Him, is the crux and core of our salvation. If Jesus had ever been less than completely devoted to the cause, then our entrance into eternity would be fraught with uncertainty. But we can rest assured. Our Captain is faithful. The One who determined to save us, who proclaimed, "It is finished!" will most certainly see us all the way to our appointed destiny...because He is Faithful to the One who appointed Him. (Stay with me, I can't let go of this quite yet.) Is our assurance based on any thing: 1) within us which would obligate Him to save us? 2) any act by us of such undeniable holiness that God would be thrilled to be in our presence? or 3) any profession or public act of contrition which certifies us as Heavenly residents? No, no, and no. We are secure because He is faithful not only to save us in spite of ourselves...but, He is faithful to save us because that's what the Father wants and the Son is faithful to accomplish everything which the One that appointed Him declared that He would accomplish. Do you see that? Can you grasp that? I'll say it plainly:
Our guarantee of eternal security is based on "the" Apostle's faithfulness to perform His Father's decrees. It's not based on anything in us at all! And, if it's not in us, then we can't destroy it, ruin it, wreck it, undermine it, or mess it up! Our salvation is the end product of our Elder Brother's faithfulness to our Eternal Father.
Hooray!
Okay, I'm back. I just couldn't pass by there without stopping to think on that for a moment.
At this point the writer introduces the person of Moses to his treatise. To the Hebrew reader there is no one who commands more respect or is held in higher regard than Moses. While Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other progenitors were highly esteemed, it was Moses who went up on Mt.Sinai and lived with God 40 days. It was Moses who brought down the Law. It was Moses of whom God stated,
Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? (Num.12:6)
That's high praise and it set Moses apart from all the children of Israel. It was a scary thing to question Moses's authority. In all things Moses was given final authority. And, the Law of God given at Mt. Sinai was often called "The Law of Moses" (1Cor.9:9). Nevertheless, the writer is continuing his theme of Christ's superiority over everyone and everything - and the next hurdle he's going to cross is Moses.
He starts with a comparison: Jesus was faithful to the One who sent Him, even as God declared Moses to be faithful in the house of Israel.
But, the comparison quickly changes to a contrast:
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. (3:3)
Uh-oh. Now he's done it! The text declares unabashedly that the man, Jesus, is accounted of higher value and deserves greater reverence than Moses! That will shake up your average Hebrew. But, here's the proof:
Remember back at the start of the letter we read:
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands..." (Heb. 1:10)
All things were made by God through Christ. And, this same Christ chose the nation of Israel as His covenant people through whom would come the promise of a deliverer. So, even though Moses was faithful in God's house, it was Christ who built the house in the first place. So, there is no member of the house - Moses included - who could be superior to the Master Builder.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. (3:4)
Exactly! Here's a lesson in axiomatic truth. Walk down your street. Look at the houses. Look at the buildings. The very fact that they are standing there is proof that someone drew up a plan, bought the materials, put in the labor and saw it through to completion. No one would deny such an obvious fact.
Likewise, the House of Israel stood. Likewise, the Church of Jesus stands. And axiomatic truth kicks in: "I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Mat.16:18). And the universe stands. "Big Bang" theories aside, the universe stands because Someone had a plan and saw it through to completion. That's all the proof of God a thinking man needs. Everything stands. Everything has order and design. Everything must have had a designer and builder. Hence, "He that built all things is God."
CONCLUSION:
This is actually just the tip of the iceberg. The writer is going to not only proclaim Christ's superiority over Moses, the man, but over everything which Moses instituted.
At the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus stood flanked by Moses and Elijah. To the Jewish mindset Moses was the embodiment of the law, and Elijah was the chief prophet. But when Peter mistakenly suggested that three tabernacles be built, equating the three figures, the voice from Heaven sounded, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him." Peter, John, and James fell down on their faces, but they received a tender touch from Jesus who reassured them, "Arise, and be not afraid." When they looked, it was just the four of them. Moses and Elijah had been replaced. The superior One had arrived, and the Very God who had commended them both had given higher praise to "the Apostle and High Priest of our profession":
"this is my Son; hear ye Him."
God help us all to listen.
Jim McClarty
McClartyfam@juno.com[ Top of Page]
4. David Summerford
Hebrews 3:1-4
The passage before us today is a call for a special people to consider a special person. Both Christ and the Christian are unique and possess defining characteristics. The book of Hebrews concerns itself with the superiority of Jesus Christ over all things and all people. These four verses keep up that theme. The key word is "consider"; The key theme is "consider Jesus." However, in addition to that overall theme, we have (at the beginning of this week's passage) descriptions of those in the fellowship of Christ.
These descriptions give us an insight into our identity in Christ: Who are we?
1) We are Brothers to Christ.
a) the reason we are partakers of the heavenly calling (born again) is that we first were chosen to be sons of God before the world began.
a1) Ephesians 1:4-5 (adopted)
a2) Galatians 4:4-7b) Because we are sons, we are heirs
b1) Galatians 4:4-7
b2) Romans 8:14-17c) The "true" brother of Jesus is one who obeys God
c1) Matthew 12:50
c2) Acts 10:34-35 Peter had to learn that Cornelius was his brother too.2) We are Holy (brethren)
a) The holy calling is a holy calling for two reasons: Its source is holy and its goal is holiness
a1) 1 Thessalonians 4:7
a2) Colossians 3:12
a3) 2 Timothy 1:9
a4) 1 Peter 1:16b) The Hebrews were a holy nation. According To Peter, Gentile Christians are also.
b1) Exodus 19:6
b2) 1 Peter 2:9c) WHEREFORE...Come out from among Them! You're In the World, but not Of This World
3) We are partakers of the heavenly calling. (I take this to be the new birth)
a) Essential, John 3:3
b) Effectual, Romans 8:14
c) Equipping, 2 Peter 1:3
d) Escaping corruption, 2 Pet 1:4So, that is who we are;
Who is Jesus?
1) Jesus is an Apostle (One who is sent)
a) Sent From God
b) Sent With A Mission To Accomplish
c) Sent with a Message2) Jesus is a High Priest
a) First mention of what is to be a recurring Theme in Hebrews. More will be said on this later but suffice it to say that Jesus is not "A" high priest; He is "THE" high priest.
b) The Sinner's Friend and Mediator. You aren't ready for the High Priest until you are ready to admit you are a sinner. Only sinners need the Priest.
c) Once we do admit we are sinners, then here is the advocate: Jesus, 1 John 2:2.3) Jesus is Faithful
Hear Jesus:
a) "I MUST work the works of Him that sent me..." John 9:4.
b) "I have finished the work which thou gaveth me to do" John 17:4.4) Jesus is Comparable but Superior To Moses
a) Moses followed the plan of God faithfully and because of that the elect were delivered from Egypt and enable to be a holy nation in the promised land.
b) Jesus followed the plan of God and delivered the elect from the bondage of sin and enabled them to be a holy nation in the kingdom of God.
c) The main differences are that:
c1) Moses didn't help God plan, but Jesus is a part of the determinate counsel (Acts 2:23) that formulated the plan.
c2) Moses was faithful but still a sinner. Jesus was faithful and sinless.David Summerford
davsum@g-net.net
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5. Michael Cruz
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (3:1)
This verse is simply an exhortation to the believers to whom the author is writing. Several interesting points may be gleaned from this verse:
- The believer is holy in God's sight. Remember in verse 2:11, Christ is the one who made men holy by his sacrifice.
- Those who are made holy have all been called via the new birth. This point brings to mind Romans 8:29-30 where we see that "those whom God foreknew he predestined to be conformed to the image of his son...." Furthermore, "those he predestined he also called...." It always amazes me how these themes are repeated again and again throughout scripture.
- Christ Jesus is an apostle and a high priest. He embodies the high offices of both the old and the new covenants and what makes it most comforting is that in verse two we learned he is our brother.
- The exhortation shows us that Christ is our all in all. Throughout the previous verses the author exalts Christ repeatedly and then assures us that we are part of his family. The author exhorts us to "consider...Christ Jesus" (the NIV puts it best as: "fix your thoughts on Jesus") and by doing so we are supplied our every need by the one who is our advocate and the one who alone can satisfy our longings.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. (3:2)
Christ was faithful in the deeds that the father gave him to accomplish just as Moses was faithful in fulfilling what God had asked of him. From a standpoint of obedience alone, Moses and Christ are equal, but there is more to this story:
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. (3:3)
Christ holds a greater place of honor than did Moses. We know (from verse two) they were equally obedient, so the greater place of honor for Christ must come from the nature of Christ and the new covenant in his blood.
We have a covenant that is superior to the "ministration that brought death" for it comes by the giver of life himself (John 5:21). The following passage gives great insight into the difference between the old and the new covenant:
{7} Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, {8} will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? {9} If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! {10} For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. {11} And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! (2 Cor. 3: 7-11))
The remainder of verse three reasserts this point in the analogy of the house and its builder. Obviously, Christ is the builder of the house and Moses was but part of the plan rather than the architect.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. (3:4)
Christ is more than simply the builder of one part of God's plan, i.e. Moses, but He is the builder of it all. This is a wonderful reiteration of John 1:3, "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." What more do we need than a brother with this kind of power?
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...."
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com
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6. Reid Ferguson
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus; (3:1)
After establishing the sublime superiority of Jesus over the angels and all other created beings in their nature and offices, the writer will proceed to tell us of His excellence in the prophet’s room as well. By which means it is that we understand His superiority even over Moses, whose relationship to God is manifestly recorded above all others in the Old Testament. No man ever spake with God as did the great law-giver. Yet (and this must have been a scandal to many of the Jews) Moses pales in comparison to Christ. Indeed some made a demigod of Moses. But Christ, He IS God. But before we get to that, we are met with these wonderful words in verse one:
Wherefore, holy brethren (3:1a)
"Wherefore," having in mind all that we have already established in the foregoing chapters, now, let us go on to higher heights. And who alone are the proper investigators and revelers in such divine things? None but the brethren made holy by Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This is the room of the saint alone. So, he says, "Wherefore, holy brethren." Stop and consider this. For such a statement will not, cannot, be made by the Romanists. Who among them can be called holy in this life? None according to their doctrine. Nor can any who are under any system of justification by works. This appellation belongs solely to those who have placed their faith (and that, a faith given as a gift and act of God within them) in the atoning sacrifice in Jesus Christ on behalf of the elect. This is both the most exalting and the most humbling of things. For each who is honest, considering the remainder of indwelling sin, is faint to call himself holy. And yet, so we are - with His holiness alone. Such is the glory of the Christian, that though his glorification is not yet accomplished, none the less he is holy before God, with the flawless holiness of the Son of God applied to his account. O wondrous, unfathomable grace!
...partakers of a heavenly calling (3:1b)
How they do err who would venture upon an antinomian laxity. Rest we do in an accomplished work, but such rest is no picture of laziness and inactivity. When the children of Israel are said to have entered into their rest, it is not meant that they sat down to fold their hands and sleep, but they ended their warfare and began to plant, to build, and to inhabit the land.
Just so, Christ’s conquering on our behalf by no means intimates a slovenly or careless life of ease. "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." We are saved "unto" certainly NOT BY, BUT certainly UNTO "good works." We are to be about the holy employment of the glorifying of our God and King, chiefly in 3 things--in our Walk, in our Witness, and in our Worship--
in lives of holiness that we might "show forth the virtues of Him who has called us out of darkness, and into His marvelous light";
in our witness, that we might preach Christ and Him crucified; and
in our worship, that we may worship Him according to His directives for the New Testament Church. It is true that we are saved and that we are not laborers under the law, but we are liberated unto the Lordship of the Spirit of holiness. We have a high and heavenly calling - "beloved, now are we the sons of God."
What then is the Apostle’s directive toward all of this? Seeing what we have heard, seeing what we are, and what it is that we are called to - what is God’s great provision unto that end? ...
...consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus. (3:1c)
No small amount of mischief is owing to God’s people when they absent themselves from the practice and habit of meditating upon the glory, offices, and nature of God. We worship poorly because we do not sufficiently KNOW Him. We walk poorly because we cast off the consideration of His own life of faith lived out under the constant dependence upon the Holy Spirit. We witness poorly because our preaching and teaching smells more of a gospel built upon myths and legends, than upon the Christ of glory as He is revealed in the pages of Scripture. Imaginations and suppositions are no value in the pursuit of true Christianity. Truth alone sets free, and that, only the truth as it is in Christ. Anything else, everything else, leads to bondage of some sort.
Let me ask you: Have you thought on Him today? Have your thoughts been elevated to the throne of Heaven to see Him high and lifted up? Then is it any wonder that your fears and trials are greater specters on the horizon that block out the light of His sovereign care? Providence is not the friend of one who has no intercourse with the Redeemer. It is all dark and mysterious. But when we’ve been feasting upon His beauty, basking in His countenance, filling our hearts and minds with His glorious and infinite attributes, there are songs in the night. This is why Paul can write
We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed. (2 Cor. 4: 8, 9)
If we knew, really knew our God, if we were full of the knowledge of His glory and of the nature of His love for His own in the giving of Christ for us, we would never have another fearful and anxious moment. For then we would know what is meant by the fact that "perfect love casts out all fear." To know His perfect love for us is to be freed from the bondage of dread, doubt, and fear.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. (3:2)
Now the first verse of our text bade us consider Christ, and rightly so. Nothing so refreshes and renews the weary soul than feasting on the magnificence of our God and King in the person of Christ. Psalm 27 finds David confident in the Lord who is his light and salvation, his defense. When evil doers came, when adversaries threatened his soul, even when a host was encamped about him, he said "my heart will not fear." Whence comes this boldness against every onslaught that threatens to undo and overturn him?
One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord.
O blessed hope! See Him weary Christian - high and lifted up. Look unto Him in all His resplendent glory and in awe and wonder. Die rather than fear anything else in all the limitless universes of uncharted space! Who is like unto Him? None. "Whom then shall I fear?" None. Once smitten by the beauty of my wife, I was spoiled forever from any other. How much more the Children of God with Him who is the express image of the invisible God?
This second verse, however, would take us even farther in our consideration of Him, as it directs us to consider Him in a special manner. He would instruct us now to focus our meditations upon Him in the context of His faithfulness. The third verse will add that we do so by contrast and comparison to Moses. This is a worthy pursuit. It is a feature of the Pentateuch, that there is a repetition of these two phrases: "God commanded," and, "Moses did." In one form or another, these two thoughts are expressed once and again until we are left with the idea that Moses was a man of uncommon faithfulness and obedience. His character was virtually defined by the trait. Thus he makes a fitting example in the verses that follow.
Yet, before we move on to look at the next, we must stop to inspect this flower of incomparable beauty: the faithfulness of Christ. "Pistos" is our word in the original, and it is a natural cousin to the very familiar "pistis," which is "faith." Faith is (if we may venture a simple definition) the simple act of believing what God has said is true, and ordering our lives accordingly. When we speak of one who is faith-ful, however, we speak not merely of one who possesses such a faith, so that they are faith-ful, but because they are full of Biblical faith, they are themselves certain and steadfast. They are such as inspire confidence, for they are trustworthy. They are those who have proven themselves worthy to be believed. When Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the doctrines of the Kingdom to faithful men who can teach others, he implies that they first must be those who have faith - saving faith - and such as who, by the exercise of that faith, have proven themselves faithful. They are credible by virtue of their fidelity to the truth, in word and deed. God save us from men who are tepid and timid in the pulpit because, in the final analysis, they don't really believe anything. My daughter was approached by one of her teachers recently who had heard that her father is a minister. Upon inquiring about our denominational ties, he then volunteered, "I'm a Unitarian, basically, we don't believe anything," A man in whom there is no guile! But we must beware that we do not let such men lead us in the things of God. Preachers and teachers of the Gospel must be men of conviction, lest their faithfulness prove a spot on our feasts.
But we must treat this word more in its intended significance here, than in the manner in which we employ it today. Our common usage of "faithfulness" has more to do with loyalty and dependability. When men attend the things of God regularly, we consider them faithful. Indeed, we should take great comfort in God being faithful in that very manner. It was Spurgeon who defined the constant rhythm of nature's patterns as "nothing more than God's ordinary method of operation." This was the hymnist's anthem when he penned "Great is Thy Faithfulness," something that should thrill and anchor the soul of every true Believer. What comfort, joy, and delight to know that God changes not, and therefore is faithful!
But "pistos" in its native form is far more concerned with the veracity of the one who is faithful--that their witness is to believed. And this is certainly the Apostle's meaning here, for he began his discourse reminding us that, in times past, God was pleased to speak to us in various times, by various means, but has, in these last days, spoken to us by His Son. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed. And in continuing to build his case, he wishes to demonstrate that Christ is more to be believed - if one can imagine such a thing - even more, surely, than Moses! Moses was certainly to be believed, as it was he who built the house in the wilderness that was the perfect type and shadow of the real house made without hands over which Christ is the Master. For this very reason then, Christ is higher yet.
This then is consistent with John's word's in the apocalypse as they record that Christ is the One whose witness is "faithful and true." It is always and without exception - the veritas, the perfect, unsullied and complete truth. Here then is the power of his statement. Every Word that has proceeded from the mouth of our precious Savior is so sure and certain; so absolute and unshakable; so holy and complete, that He is in fact "The Truth." He Himself is the context in which all things must be understood if they are to be understood at all.
Hear it Christian - when He speaks of Heaven, these are not opinions, but absolutes. When He tells of hell, it is not metaphorical, but more real than the physical universe that surrounds us. When He tells us of His coming Kingdom, these are not fancies, wishes, or suppositions, but eternal sureties. And when He speaks of the nature of regeneration, conversion, sanctification, glorification, and saving faith - depend upon it, His IS the last and final word. For when He speaks, every word finds its definition in His use of it. So when He says to His own, "I go to prepare a place for you," believe it! When He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," THIS, this is truth! When He says, "All that the Father has given me I will keep, and none of them is lost"--this is all of Heaven come down to fill our souls with surety, hope, and eternal joy". Heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will abide forever. He is faithful. O praise God! He IS faithful!
Reid Ferguson
reidf@frontiernet.net
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7. Kevin Hartley
Wherefore... (3:1a)
In the first verse of the third chapter we encounter an unusual causal conjunction translated 'wherefore' in the English. The word is inferential in its employment. From it we can conclude that the author's polemic is proceeding from the previously demonstrated superiority of Christ over the administrators of the Old Covenant to the mediator of the covenant itself; that is, from the angels to Moses.
holy brethren (3:1b)
The author addresses his readers as 'holy brethren,' a title indicating that the author still has not lost all hope for his readers. Perhaps from this we can derive a method in which we should approach the seemingly wavering apostate. Should we not present Christ in His superiority? Whether Judaizer, legalist, sophist, or worldly man, let us turn and fix the listener's attention ever to Christ. For if electing grace should give them eyes to see, no man having seen Christ can with effectual, irresistible grace, turn his eyes from Him.
consider [Jesus] (3:1b)
Thus in the first verse of this new comparison, the author again commands his readers to look unto Jesus. The imperative command, katanohsate ("katanoasate") in the Greek literally means to 'mind accordingly.' The prefix intensifies the directive of the verb, stressing the need for the reader to perceive and fully understand the object. It is the same verb used for Abraham, who 'considered not his own body now dead, but believed God and it was accounted to Him as righteousness.' It speaks of a faithful consideration, a pondering of faith, as though the eyes of faith were being set upon the object of desire. Perhaps this accounts for the use of the aorist in this term, as the author desires that we with full eyes, thought, and all consideration will not quickly pass by Christ in unbelief, but by faith shall have all trust placed in Him alone. Surely if we could consider and esteem Moses a worthy man of honor, how much more shall we not consider this, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession? Faith shall find its object in the One sent from the Father, that faithful High Priest of our confession.
consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (3:1c)
Clearly the word 'apostle' in application to Christ speaks of His role in redemption. He is sent by the Father to deliver His own, just as Moses was sent to lead forth Israel from bondage. The title 'high priest' has broader application to the book as a whole and shall be dealt with at length later. We could understand this verse then as a precursor to the discussions to follow. The reading of the Textus Receptus of the phrase 'Christ Jesus' then would appropriate the order of His name: first Christ the Messiah, who was sent, and then Jesus the God-Man, who wrought atonement according to the demands of the covenant.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him (3:2a)
The translation that begins this verse with the relative pronoun 'who,' detracts from the force of the 'to be' verb in the Greek. We have the participle that demonstrates the lasting obedience of Christ in His full service as the Mediator of this the New Covenant. As Moses did but serve a shadow, in a house that was temporal, and a covenant that was fading away, Christ instead, has mediated and served a lasting and abiding covenant. He was 'being faithful' to Him, that is, Christ our Lord who is faithful, was faithful, and shall ever be faithful. In this then do we find a greater cause to consider Christ over Moses. For Moses was but a man, Christ is the abiding Son of God. Moses served faithfully as appointed, Christ is much more faithful in a lasting ministry.
In passing, the translation 'appointed' serves better than the translation 'made.' Athanasius's acceptance of this latter translation only led to an unnecessary defense of a matter that bears forth no cause for defense. Christ was appointed and served as Apostle and High Priest. Such was the proper conclusion of Chrysostom, "What did He make Him? ...Apostle and High Priest" (Hughes, p. 130). We need not haggle with Arius or any other gainsayer of Christ. For let us not loose sight of the intent of this book; it is not to prove the deity of the Son, even though this is implied and demonstrated, rather, it is to show the superiority of the Son. If we but for a moment take our eyes off of the polemic of the Holy Spirit in His inspiration and presentation of this matter in the Holy Writ, we shall miss Christ. Consider Him.
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. {4} For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. (3:3,4)
The coordinating conjunction further explains the comparison between Moses and Christ drawn up in the second verse. Christ is declared to be of much more honor and glory than Moses. How was Christ considered to be more worthy than Moses? In that He who builds is far greater than he who serves in what another has built. Moses served in the shadows of Christ's reality. Moses was but a stone in the mason's wall. Ephesians says,
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Moses was but a servant of the true and lasting house of God.
Concluding ObservationsTime nor space will permit the mind to grasp the full import of this text. Hebrews continues to contrast and exalt the New Covenant and Christ its mediator. It is as stark a difference as night and day. With utter amazement and disbelief, the author of our book wonders at anyone whose eyes could stray from the Lord Jesus Christ. Moses's face we had to cover, lest our hearts fail us in seeing the fading glory of the Old Covenant, but Jesus's face shall never shadow. Forever the glories of our Covenant shall be found in Him. He is not only our covenant and our Mediator, He is also our covenant keeper. Consider Him reader, by faith fix all hope upon Him. Look to none other with straying, vagrant eyes. Adulter yourself in no harlot's house in the night, do not wander the streets of disbelief in the shadows of death. Ah, many worldly fruits and religious delicacies look so pleasing to the eyes in the dim lights of eyes turned from Christ, but in the light of day their putrefying rot shall bring sorrow to your vagrant soul.
How miserable a story it is that so many have been as that of Dinah, who went out from the household of Jacob to consider another. How sad that there are those who have adulterous eyes. Oh, how grievesome to think that those as Dinah, who have set their eyes upon the wonders of Shechem, have been defiled by the prince of the land. He has seen the eyes of her that casts longingly upon the daughters of the land; his soul has clung to her in love, and she has been brought unto his bed, to be the shameful lover of that wretched Hivite forever.
Ah, consider none other reader, keep your eyes from any other but Jesus alone. Consider Him; by faith fix all your desires and longings upon His flowing righteous robes. Look to none other, for they are filled with poison as the asp. Consider what the proverb declares,
keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. (Proverbs 6:24-26)
Such is the heart of the self-righteous and self-made man.
Your whorish laws and bindings of a man's conscience, religious man, how they are as the lips of the harlot. Your legal wranglings, your Sabbaths, your baptisms, your indulgences, your sacraments, all your trappings, yea even your own demands for freedom of the will that rails against the sovereignty of heaven's own, how they are but bitter words from the sepulcher's belly.
O how precious is the sight of Him, Jesus Christ, the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. Consider Him; consider none other. Sing with me reader, with faith, saying,
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee. My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies. (S. of S. 6:1-3)
Kevin Hartley
kartleyk@erols.com
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8. Donald Blind
Hebrews 3:1-4
Working backwards, we must ask what was the house? I think we must say the house was Israel, the shadow of good things to come. It was the shadow of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (Col. 2:16,17)
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, .... (Hebrews 10:1a)
It is axiomatic that the sum of the parts is the whole; the land and government included. As Moses was instructed,
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. (Hebrews 8:5)
The land flowing with milk and honey was to be a part of it. What Moses was commanded was handed down to Joshua. Of course, Moses became the concept of that Covenant. He was there on the mount of transfiguration, along with the great prophet Elijah, to speak of the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ, who would be the fulfillment and purpose of the house over which Moses was a servant. In fact, Christ is the house, He built it to be an habitation of God through the Spirit.
"Glory" means a statement made by God, His revelation of Himself. Christ was worthy of a better revelation than Moses, because Christ was the architect, builder and maker. Heb. 11:10, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Christ was not the replacement of Moses, but the very purpose for which Moses was sent. As Moses saw, and understood this, he stated or glorified Christ:
The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. (Deuteronomy 18:15-19)
In this Moses was faithful to the uttermost.
In Hebrews 12:28 we are told that we have received a kingdom which cannot be moved. This, after having just been told,
And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12: 27)
This therefore tells us that the Apostle and High Priest of this confession, Jesus Christ has come to fulfill all things.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:29-36)
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:33-39)
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:13-18)
The Tabernacle of David is raised up, and the residue of men, who are the partakers of the heavenly calling, must now consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:32-36)
Donald E. Blind
dblind@erols.com
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