From the recording The Hebrews Letter An Intimate Review
Letter to the Hebrews
An Intimate Review
Pt 5
By Lawrence DeMetrius
The Consequence of Unbelief Pt 2
In [Heb 4:1] the scribe continues with regard to The Consequence of Unbelief. Born-again believers are admonished to remain humble and circumspect of their disposition before Yahweh through Jesus Christ. The scribe writes,
Let us therefore FEAR, lest, a PROMISE being left to us of entering into HIS REST, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[Heb 4:1]
*fear Gk #5399 phobeo (fob-eh-o) it means to frighten, be alarmed, in awe and revere
*promise Gk #1860 epaggelia (ep-ang-el-ee-ah) it is a message, divine assurance of good, an announcement for information, assent or pledge
*come short Gk #5302 hustereo (hoos-ter-eh-o) it means to be later, inferior, fall short or become deficient
REVERENT regard of Yahweh’s Word helps one to not COME SHORT of its benefits. It is a major element of worshipping THE LORD, WHO is adamant about HIS Elect trusting in HIM. [Num 23:19; Eccl 12:13; St Jn 4:23, 24] In [Heb 4:2] the scribe writes,
For unto us was the GOSPEL PREACHED, as well as unto them: but the WORD PREACHED did not PROFIT them, not being mixed with FAITH in them that HEARD it.
[Heb 4:2]
*gospel preached Gk #2097 euaggelizo (yoo-ang-ghel-id-zo) it means to…
• announce good news
• evangelize, especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*word Gk #3056 logos (log-os) it is…
• something said including the thought
• a topic or subject of discourse
• reasoning of the mental faculty
• a motive or computation, which is a making sense of a thing
• Divine Expression such as Christ the Word
*preached Gk #189 akoe (ak-o-ay) it is the act and sense of hearing and the thing heard
*profit Gk #5623 opheleo (o-fel-eh-o) it means to be useful and to benefit
*faith Gk #4102 pistis (pis-tis) it is…
• persuasion and credence
• moral conviction of a religious truth, the truthfulness of Yahweh or a religious teacher
• reliance upon Christ for salvation and constancy of such profession
• the system of religious truth based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*heard Gk #191 akuo (ak-oo-o) it means to hear in various senses
In [Heb 4:3] the scribe addresses those who do BELIEVE in the Word of THE LORD writing,
For we which have BELIEVED do enter into REST, as HE said, As I have sworn in MY wrath, if they shall enter into MY REST: although the WORKS were FINISHED from the FOUNDATION of the world.
[Heb 4:3]
*believed Gk #4100 pisteuo (pist-yoo-o) it means to…
• have faith in, upon and with respect to a person or thing
• entrust, especially one’s spiritual well-being to Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus advised that the WORDS He speaks do not PROFIT one’s CARNAL nature but does QUICKEN their SPIRITUAL nature. [Mt 26:41; Jn 5:24, 25; 6:63, 68]
*rest Gk #2663 katapausis (kat-ap-ow-sis) it is a reposing down and an abode
This specifically refers to Yahweh’s REST, which is the REST HE desires HIS Elect to reside in with HIM. This can only happen when they genuinely BELIEVE in what HE says. [Heb 11:1, 6]
*works Gk #2041 ergon (er-gon) it is an act or toil as effort or occupation
*finished Gk #1096 ginomai (ghin-om-ahee) it means to cause to be, generate, become or come into being
*foundation Gk #2602 katabole (kat-ab-ol-ay) it is a deposition, founding or conception
*world Gk #2889 kosmos (kos-mos) it is an orderly arrangement, decoration and the world including its inhabitants
In [Heb 4:4-16] the scribe continues with the idea of Yahweh’s REST and HIS expectation of HIS Elect residing therein with HIM. Per [Heb 4:3] the writer refers to WORKS that existed before the creation of the KOSMOS. As do any loving and responsible parent, Yahweh meticulously planned the space wherein HIS master creation would be nurtured prior to their arrival. All they had to do was live and be as HE created them, which was unharmed, unblemished and at REST in the space HE prepared for them. [Gen 1, 2] The scribe writes,
For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all HIS WORKS.
[Heb 4:4]
Here, the scribe refers to Israel’s experience in the Wilderness of Zin, when by Moses’s leadership, Yahweh delivered them from the Egyptian bondage. He writes,
And in this place again, If they shall enter into MY REST.
[Heb 4:5]
The scribe reiterates the fact that many Hebrews of this generation did not enter the promised land of Canaan because of their UNBELIEF. The scribe writes,
Seeing therefore it remained that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of UNBELIEF:
[Heb 4:6]
The scribe then refers to the idea of SET TIMES being allotted to BELIEVE in Yahweh’s WORD and LIVE or continue in UNBELIEF and DIE. Using a Psalm of King David, the writer uses the experience of Israel as an example to denote the consequence of not BELIEVING in Yahweh’s Word. The scribe writes,
…again, HE limited a certain day, saying in David, TO DAY, after so long a time; as it is said, TO DAY if ye will HEAR HIS voice, HARDEN not your HEARTS.
[Heb 4:7; Ps 95:8-11]
Other ancient examples of this idea include the Great Flood of Noah’s day in which, per Jasher’s letter, THE LORD gave the children of earth 120 years to repent. However, because of UNBELIEF in Yahweh’s Word through Noah this wicked generation invoked the flood of Yahweh’s wrath. [Jas 5:8] Another example of tragic consequence is the experience of Sodom and Gomorrah. [Eze 16:49, 50; Jas 18:11-19:56] Not only does Yahweh prove HIS love and ability to provide, HIS grace and mercy allots ample time for one to resolve in heart that HE is worthy of their trust and compliance. [Jam 1:5-8; Heb 11:6] The scribe then refers to a generation of Hebrews that came later, referencing the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary writing,
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day.
[Heb 4:8]
Although good tidings was extended to all nations, entrance into Yahweh’s REST was first offered to The House of Israel. [Mt 25:24; Jn 14:6; 10:1-5; Rm 2:7-11]
Then the scribe then presents the idea of BELIEF in THE LORD’S WORD as personified in the Person of Christ. It is expressed that Christ not only invited Israel into divine REST but all other nations as well.
The scribe writes,
There REMAINETH therefore a REST to the people of GOD.
[Heb 4:9; Mt 11:28, 29; Jn 14:27; Isa 26:3]
*remaineth Gk #620 apoleipo (ap-ol-ipe-o) it means to leave behind, remain or forsake
*rest Gk #4520 sabbatismos (sab-bat-is-mos) it is…
• a sabbatism or to Sabbatize, which means to keep the Sabbath or Day of Rest
• the repose of Christianity as a type of heaven
o repose is…
rest and the state of being at rest
peace, tranquility and calm
dignified calmness, as of manner of composure
the absence of movement and animation
Per this scripture, SABBATISMOS refers to the REST that Yahweh desires and expects HIS ELECT to reside in at all times. HE is extremely sensitive to this matter and UNBELIEF is the chief element that keeps HIS Elect from entering this REST. The scribe then writes,
For he that is entered into HIS REST, he also hath ceased from his OWN works, as God did from HIS.
Let us LABOUR therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of UNBELIEF.
[Heb 4:10, 11]
*labour Gk #4704 spoudazo (spoo-dad-zo) it means to use speed, make effort, be prompt and earnest, be, give due diligence, be forward, endeavor and study
Understanding that the WORKS of Yahweh are all holy, perfect and without sin, the WORKS from which the redeemed REST from in Christ are those of sin, which is the power of death. Such WORKS are inclusive of vain religiosities that are not relevant to divine worship in Yahweh’s perspective. [Gen 2:9, 17; Isa 64:6; Mt 11:28; Lk 4:18, 19; Rm 3:23-26; 6; 10:1-4; 14:17 18; Heb 2:15; I Jn 3:8-10] Reverent regard is HIS Word has always been expected of THE LORD from all mortals, especially HIS worshipers. [Eno 37; Pro 8:17, 35, 36; Mt 7:7, 8; Heb 11:6] The scribe then celebrates the potency and life-giving power of Yahweh’s SPOKEN WORD writing,
For the WORD of God is QUICK, and POWERFUL, and SHARPER than any TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING even to the DIVIDING ASUNDER of the SOUL and SPIRIT and of the JOINTS and MARROW, and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the HEART.
[Heb 4:12]
*quick Gk #2198 zao (dzah-o) it means to live
Yahweh’s WORD is more potent and alive than any other living and life-giving source. Thus, it is more valuable and reliable than any other WORD SPOKEN. [St Jn 5:24, 25; 6:63, 68; 8:23, 24; 1:1-4, 14; Rev 19:10, 13, 16]
*powerful Gk #1756 energes (en-er-gace) it means active, operative and effective
*sharper Gk #5114 tomoteros (tom-o-ter-os) it means more keen
*two-edged Gk #1366 distomos (dis-tom-os) it means double-edged or with two edges
*sword Gk #3162 machaira (makh-ahee-rah) it is a knife, dirk, war and judicial punishment
*piercing Gk #1338 diikneomai (dee-ik-neh-om-ahee) it means to reach through and penetrate
*dividing Gk #3311 merismos (mer-is-mos) it is a separation, distribution and gift
*asunder Gk #4249 prizo (prid-zo) it means to saw in two
*soul Gk #5590 psuche (psoo-khay) it means breath, spirit and animal sentient principle only
• animal means…
o of, relating to or derived from animals
o pertaining to the physical, sensual and carnal nature of humans, rather than their spiritual or intellectual nature
• sentient means…
o having the power of perception by the senses
o conscious or characterized by sensation and consciousness
• principle is….
o an accepted or professed rule of action or conduct
o a fundamental, primary or general law or truth from which others are derived
o a fundamental doctrine or distinctive ruling opinion
o principles on a personal or specific basis of conduct or management
o guiding sense of the requirements and obligations of right conduct
*spirit Gk #4151 pneuma (pnyoo-mah) it is…
• a current of air, breath, blast and breeze
• the human rational soul, vital principle or mental disposition
• an angelic being or member of The Triune Godhead
The passage is teaching about HOW Yahweh’s SPOKEN WORD helps to condition one’s CO-PERCEPTIVE ability so they may properly discern and address their personal disposition before HIM. [Rm 6:18, 19; 7:14-25; 8:5-7] While the SIN FLAWED DUAL CONSCIOUSNESS obscures the idea of healthy self-perception before GOD, HIS WORD enables mortals to regain consciousness of themselves as pure and innocent children, who are worthy of HIS love and acceptance. [St Jn 1:1-14; II Cor 4:3-7; 10:4, 5]
*joints Gk #719 harmos (har-mos) it is an articulation of the body, which means to…
• clearly and distinctly utter
• reveal, give and pronounce with clarity
• make distinct, give distinction to and articulate a shape or idea
• the act of jointing or uniting joint by joint
• joint, be jointed and formed
*marrow Gk #3452 muelos (moo-el-os) it is marrow, which is the inmost and essential part, strength, vitality, rich and nutritious food
*discerner Gk #2924 kritikos (krit-ee-kos) it means decisive, critical and discriminative
*thoughts Gk #1761 enthumesis (en-thoo-may-sis) it is deliberation, which is….
• slow and careful consideration before decision
• formal consultation and discussion
• deliberate quality or leisureliness of movement and action
*intents Gk #1771 ennoia (en-noy-ah) it is mind, thoughtfulness and moral understanding
*heart Gk #2588 kardia (kar-dee-ah) it is the heart and figurative of thoughts, feelings, mind and middle
All the above have to do with the MIND, its ability to properly perceive and what influences it. Proper insight of Yahweh’s WORD discloses the true state of one’s CO-PERCEPTIVE ability. CO-PERCEPTION is the ability to recognize the existence of TWO PERSONAS that reside within all mortals. The one is the born-again spirit, which is governed by divine rule. The other is the carnal mind, which is subject only to its own desire. It is not and cannot be governed by divine rule. This is why Apostle Paul coins it the body of death. [Rm 7:14-25; 8:5-8] Because of the DUAL MIND, Yahweh’s WORD is a light that can be switched on or off. Therefore, it possible for one to clearly recognize the reality of their spiritual and carnal selves. One can also recognize the effect this insight has on their holistic well-being. [Ps 119:105] No nation is more or less loved by THE DIVINE. [Rm 2:11] The primary duty of all mortals is to worship and obey THE LORD. [Eccl 12:13] However, because of willful disregard of HIS directives, many cause their names to be blotted from HIS Book of Life. [Exo 32:30-33; St Jn 3:19, 36; Rev 20:11-15] Those who are graced of Yahweh to recognize Christ for Who He really is and comply to His teachings, obtain and maintain the liberating truths thereof at all costs. [Jn 8:31, 32, 36]
The scribe writes,
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in HIS sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of HIM with WHOM we have to do. SEEING then we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us HOLD FAST our PROFESSION.
[Heb 4:13, 14]
*seeing Gk #1893 epei (ep-i) it means thereupon and since per the essence of time and cause
*hold fast Gk #2902 krateo (krat-eh-o) it means to use strength, seize and retain
*profession Gk #3671 homologia (hom-ol-og-ee-ah) it is acknowledgment
The scribe continues in regard to Christ and those who are born-again of His power writing,
For we have not a High Priest which cannot be TOUCHED WITH THE FEELING of our INFIRMITIES; but was in all points TEMPTED like as we are, yet without sin.
[Heb 4:15]
*touched with the feeling Gk #4834 sumpatheo (soom-path-eh-o) it means to feel sympathy with, be sympathetic, be mutually commiserative and having compassion one for another
*infirmities Gk #769 astheneia (as-then-i-ah) it is feebleness of body, mind and moral frailty
*tempted Gk #3985 peirazo (pi-rad-zo) it means to test, endeavor, scrutinize, entice and discipline
The experience of mortality is one of many reasons why Christ is SYMPATHETIC toward mortals. His mortality was expressed in His Wilderness Experience, the agony He felt in the Garden of Gethsemane, the attacks He encountered during His public ministry and all He experienced throughout the events leading to His Crucifixion.
It was Yahweh WHO required Christ to experience mortality and mortal death, in order to become what He needed to be for all mortals. Because of His sacrifice, Yahweh bestowed upon Him a THRONE OF HONOR that no other is worthy of. [Mt 4:1-11; 26:36, 41- Chapter 28] The scribe ends this passage with a command to the Elect, which is to exercise the right granted them by Christ to BOLDLY approach Yahweh. The scribe writes,
Let us therefore come BOLDLY unto the THRONE of grace, that we may OBTAIN MERCY, and FIND GRACE to HELP in TIME OF NEED.
[Heb 4:16]
*boldly Gk #3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see-ah) it means…
• with confidence, all out-spokeness, frankness and bluntness
• boldness of speech, assurance and publicity
• to speak plainly, freely and openly
This is the reverent freedom Christ allots to His brethren. In His Name, they are free to approach His FATHER’S THRONE. Per Apostle John’s letter, Christ commanded His disciples to begin praying directly to Yahweh in His Name after His resurrection. [Jn 16:23-28; Rm 8:14-17] Christ also gave them the formula of prayer they were to use on a daily basis. [Mt 6:5-18] He assured that their prayers would be heard if they pray according to Yahweh’s will. [Mt 6:10; I Jn 5:14, 15] The wise do well by praying in this manner. [Mt 12:50; Phil 2:13]
*throne Gk #2362 thronos (thron-os) it is a stately seat, power or a person who possesses great power such as a sovereign, monarch or ruler
*obtain Gk #2983 lambano (lam-ban-o) it means to take and get hold of
*mercy Gk #1656 eleos (el-eh-os) it is active compassion, be it divine or human
*find Gk #2147 heurisko (hyoo-ris-ko) it means to find, get, obtain, perceive and see
*grace Gk #5485 charis (khar-ece) it is…
• gratitude and graciousness as gratifying of manner and act
• divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in one’s life
*help Gk #996 boetheia (bo-ay-thi-ah) it is aid and specifically a rope or chain for strapping a vessel
*time of need Gk #2121 eukairos (yoo-kahee-ros) it means well-timed, opportune and convenient
Per this statement, there are seasons in which GOD’S Elect must boldly come to HIS THRONE in the Name of Jesus Christ to OBTAIN the MERCY and GRACE they need to HELP. Because Christ accomplished His mission at Calvary, this OPPORUNITY is now available to all who TRUST in the WORD of THE LORD. [St Jn 1:11-13; Heb 2:11, 12; Mt 6:34; Jn 16:33; Jm 1:2-4; I Pet 4:19] Prophet Isaiah writes,
Seek ye THE LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto THE LORD, and HE will have mercy upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon.
[Isa 55:6]
Prophet Moses writes,
God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall HE not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?
[Num 23:19]
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