Category: Pauline Dispensationalism / Dispensational Bible Study

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #6

Sunday, April 28, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

Continue reading the context of today’s Scripture: “[15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before [Jeremiah 31:33,34], [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” To repeat, Hebrews chapters 8–10 (the larger context) are Israel’s Old Covenant (Law of Moses) passing away so the New Covenant can be ratified via Christ’s finished crosswork. If necessary, read Jeremiah 31:31-34 (plus Hebrews 8:1-13).

Keep reading Hebrews chapter 10, with today’s Scripture in its context: “[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; ) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

To wit, today’s Scripture is situated in a passage where believing Jews are isolating themselves from their apostate (unbelieving) nation, a nation that obstinately refuses to come to the one true God “the new and living way” because its majority prefers to retain “the old and dead way….”

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #5

Saturday, April 27, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

To fully appreciate it, we must read today’s Scripture in context. Start at the beginning of the chapter: “[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith [Psalm 40:6-8], Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

“[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

The context of today’s Scripture, Hebrews 10:25, is Israel moving from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #4

Friday, April 26, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

When reading Hebrews, it would do us well to note the obvious: its title is “the Epistle to the Hebrews,” meaning it is written to national Israel (which is composed of believing and unbelieving Jews). Hebrews has been called “the Leviticus of the New Testament,” and this is due to the fact a great deal of Hebrews describes how the Levitical priesthood and its Old Covenant will give way to Christ’s Melchisedecian priesthood and its New Covenant. The writer of Hebrews goes into much detail to argue why Jesus Christ is superior to creation, angels, Moses, Aaron, and the Law. Hebrews stresses how national Israel needs to move on to spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 5:11–6:3: “[5:11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [5:12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [5:13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [5:14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. [6:1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [6:2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [6:3] And this will we do, if God permit.”

Today’s Scripture sits in this context of God the Holy Spirit calling the nation Israel to come out of spiritual darkness and into His marvellous light….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #3

Thursday, April 25, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

We would benefit by reading the opening verses of Hebrews: “[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:…” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

As indicated in verse 1, the Book of Hebrews is part of prophecy, the prophetic program—not our mystery program. It involves Israel’s fathers, forefathers, or patriarchs—not our ancestors. The Old Testament prophets were Israel’s preachers—not our messengers. Verse 2 refers to “these last days,” God speaking to Israel through Christ’s earthly ministry. In verse 3, we see Christ’s Crosswork and subsequent Ascension of Acts chapter 1.

Now, read Hebrews chapter 2: “[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; [4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? [5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.” Verse 3 is Christ’s earthly ministry (“spoken by the Lord”), and “confirmed unto us by them that heard him” is the early Acts period. In verse 4, we see the 12 Apostles’ miracles, signs, and wonders of the opening chapters of Acts—remembering these supernatural gifts were the result of the Holy Spirit’s coming in Acts chapter 2. Verse 5 is Israel’s literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic kingdom.

Therefore, the Book of Hebrews is Israel’s doctrine….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #2

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

One of the countless myths in Christendom is the opinion Jesus founded “Christianity” during the Books of Matthew to John. What is not understood—but should be—is that Christ’s earthly ministry had Judaism (not Christianity!) at its heart. Christianity, as it relates to us, does not begin until the Apostle Paul’s ministry (which started in Acts chapter 9). Bearing this in mind, we can avoid another common misconception: the belief that all verses in the so-called “New Testament” Scriptures (as in Hebrews, today’s Scripture) automatically describe God’s dealings with us.

When 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” this goes far beyond simply dividing Genesis through Malachi (“Old Testament”) from Matthew through Revelation (“New Testament”). More proper divisions would involve separating programs, apostleships, operating systems, agencies, and destinies. For example, two passages that must be “rightly divided” (Greek, “orthotomounta,” or “to cut straight”) are Acts 3:21 and Romans 16:25,26).

“Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). The Apostle Peter speaks about Jesus Christ as He relates to prophecy, what God has spoken since the world began. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:…” (Romans 16:25,26). The Apostle Paul talks about Jesus Christ as He relates to mystery, what God has kept secret since the world began but now has revealed through Paul.

These basic truths will greatly alleviate the numerous misunderstandings about the Bible, including the relentless mishandling of today’s Scripture….

One Mediator #7

Friday, April 19, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

In Judaism (especially detailed in Leviticus, and briefly summarized in portions of Hebrews), the Levitical priests in the Tabernacle and the Temple served as mediators between the LORD God and Israel. They offered sacrifices for the Jewish people, burned incense for the Jewish people, annually appeared before the Mercy Seat for the Jewish people on the Day of Atonement, and so on. These sons of Aaron were Israel’s representatives before JEHOVAH God.

However, when Jesus Christ came to Israel during His earthly ministry, the nation preferred to retain their watered-down religion instead of recognize His mediatorship. The writer of the Book of Hebrews, penning his work during Acts, expounds: “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable [nontransferable] priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore” (Hebrews 7:22-28).

Alas, due to church tradition (especially Roman Catholicism), Christendom has retained some elements of Judaism (a priesthood, an elaborate system of sacrifices and holy meals, altars, candles, prayers). Like with apostate (unbelieving) Israel in New Testament times, when Hebrews and today’s Scripture were written, these “aids to worship” served only to distract from the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork (of which the Law of Moses foretold). Whether lost Israel or pagan Gentiles, all had inferior mediators between God and men. This is still true….

One Mediator #6

Thursday, April 18, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

The mediator between God and men can take God by the hand and mankind by the hand, and join them together. “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:32,33). As God in human flesh, Jesus is both God and man (see John 1:1,14). Notice, He is “the man Christ Jesus” (today’s Scripture). Being undiminished Deity and full humanity in one Person, He alone can mediate between the two parties. This is exclusivist, and, understandably, quite offensive and very controversial.

Courtesy of religious tradition and paganism, there is a prevailing myth that “there are many ways to God.” However, that is not what the Bible says. If we are Bible believers, we will simply believe the Bible. It says what it means, and it means what it says. We can disagree with it if we want, but that does not change what it means or change what it says. Paul’s writing here is not the only word on the subject. Here is another primary verse pertinent to the discussion: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Peter preached in early Acts: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12).

Indeed, however, in our world of endless pleas for “tolerance” and “open-mindedness,” few are tolerant of the Bible and few are open-minded concerning the Bible…

One Mediator #5

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

The Greek word Paul used in today’s Scripture is “mesites,” from “mesos” (“middle”). Our King James translators rendered it “mediator,” someone who is a “go-between.” A mediator must naturally have something in common with both parties between whom he is mediating. He needs to understand and address both sides of the issue, so as to accomplish peace between them.

Re-read Job 9:32,33: “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” As we stated earlier, this is Job describing God who is “not a man, as I am.” Also, at the time of Job, there is no “daysman” (mediator, moderator) between God and Job (a man) or God and men (humanity as a whole).

With a completed Bible in hand, we see entirely what Job saw only in part. Today’s Scripture tells us: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;….” As noted in our prior comments, the “mediator” must share something with both parties. In this context, we see “God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:3). Compare to Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” The only Saviour in the Bible is JEHOVAH God.

The Bible repeatedly states in various ways—“a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11); “the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42); “a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:23); “the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20); “our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 1:10); “the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 1:4); “our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13); “Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 3:6). “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14). “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Joshua” or “Jehoshua,” meaning “JEHOVAH-Saviour” (see Matthew 1:21). Jesus and JEHOVAH are definitely the same Person….

One Mediator #4

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

The context of today’s Scripture is prayer (all the way from verse 1 down through verse 8). Praying for rulers is especially accentuated, but prayer for “all men” (all people, men and women) is also encouraged here. Verse 4, a further explanation, declares how God wishes “all men” (all people) would be “saved” (delivered from, or healed of, their sin problem). After all, this is in keeping with the title of God in verse 3, “our Saviour.” (The other part of God’s will is that all saved people come unto the knowledge of the truth—that is, they learn why He saved them.)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The barrier of sin has separated the sinner from God, so salvation from sins involves the restoration of that sinner’s relationship with God. A mediator is required to repair the fellowship. Although Job of 3,500 years ago had limited insight into his situation (he failed to understand the cause of his prolonged suffering), he nevertheless had come to terms with the fact he was a sinner. He desired to have a mediator before God so his matter would be discussed and resolved in some “courtroom.”

Job expressed his thoughts in the following words: “For he [God] is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:32,33). Three components must be isolated and analyzed here. Firstly, this “daysman” is a mediator—“day” referring to the time set for the man (mediator) to facilitate the judgment or deliberation. Secondly, “betwixt” is another word for “between.” Thirdly, “that [he] might lay his hand upon us both” is the Bible’s definition of a mediator or arbitrator or umpire. The mediator will serve as a bridge between both parties, a peacemaker to end the hostility, and a conciliator to establish friendship….

One Mediator #3

Monday, April 15, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

Let us read today’s Scripture in context: “[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

“God… our Saviour” desires all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (verses 3,4). Verse 5, today’s Scripture, is a further explanation: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;….” The details are in verse 6: “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Paul’s apostleship, how we learn this information, is provided in verse 7: “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

Concentrate on verse 5, today’s Scripture: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;….” The word “mediator” comes to us from the Latin term (identical spelling) that means “go-between, intermediary.” Someone is attempting to settle disputes, reconcile, or bring about an agreement between two warring parties. You might have even recognized its Latin root “medius” as the origin of “median” (“middle”). Someone is mediating between the one (Father) God and men (humans), His name is Christ Jesus, and He gave Himself as a ransom for all people so they could commune with Father God….