In PURSUIT Of A CLEAR/Cleansed CONSCIENCE—Hebrews 9:1-14
Attention:
A young boy called the pastor of a local church to ask the pastor to come by to pray for his mother who had been very ill with the flu. The pastor knew the family & was aware they were members of another church down the road. So the pastor asked, "Shouldn't you be asking your pastor, Brother Simon to come by to pray with your mom?"
The young boy replied, "Yeah, but we didn't want to take the chance that he might catch whatever it is that Mom has."
The boy had no concept of wrongdoing!
Need:
What exactly is the conscience?
1)It is the God-given means by which every human distinguishes right from wrong...Morality vs. immorality.
It can either make us feel guilt & shame or it may be oblivious to these.
2)The conscience is ever in a state of training & fine-tuning...Becoming sensitized &/or de-sensitized. The true belief of the heart is the plumb-line or standard by which this training is accomplished.
Premise:
If I grow up having it ingrained in me that certain behaviors(homosexuality/adultery/extortion/murder/) are perfectly legitimate ways to live life, & I accept them whole-heartedly, then my conscience will immediately be set off in the presence of challenging/opposing thought(usually Christian).
However, if that challenge is accepted, by the heart as legitimate & the old belief is then accepted & supplanted by the new belief, then the conscience is reconfigured around that new belief of the heart.
The “conscience.....is not a complete guide to conduct but is subject to instruction.”.....“Revelation of Scripture’s meaning, by the Holy Spirit to the human spirit will therefore govern conscience. The human spirit is controlled by what is believed, & the seat of believing, & the throne room of the being is the heart.”.....“When the heart seeks refuge from conscience, it may so hardened itself against light & truth as to “sear” or “brand” the conscience “as with a hot iron”(1Tim. 4:2),” leading to “a course of sin...followed without feeling”(Eph. 4:19).....”Or the heart may so rest in the shed blood of Christ...as to be wholly relieved from all accusation by conscience, & so cease from all religious self-efforts—“dead works”(Heb 9:14).—William Newell
1Tim. 4:2—“speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,”
Eph. 4:19—“who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
“A perfect conscience is not an innocent conscience”.....“A perfect conscience knows God; it is cleansed, & having the knowledge of good & evil according to the light of God Himself.”.....“”Behold, the man is become as one of Us, to know good & evil.”(Gen. 3:22). This...[is] the basic definition of conscience.”—William Newell
The writer to the Hebrews knew his audience to be steeped in the OT Mosaic law. They were raised to believe that their right relation to YaHWeH was dependent upon their individual & national ritual/ceremonial behavior.
Therefore, the writer to the Hebrews encouraged his audience to pursue a radically transformed/cleansed conscience.
People(with religious tendencies) are in need of a radically transformed conscience.
How do we pursue a transformed/clear/cleansed conscience?
3 considerations in the pursuit of a transformed/cleansed/clear conscience
1—The pursuit of a clear conscience requires attention to...
One’s Preparation/FURNISHINGS(:1-5)
Explanation: (:1-5)That with which you Surround yourself
:1—“Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service & the earthly sanctuary[Holy Place].”
What follows(:2-10) is a synopsis of the regulations of divine worship as it was performed in the “earthly” Holy Place.
The “first covenant” here referred to is that of :13 which has been supplanted & made obsolete by the “new covenant.”
The author’s focus is upon the ceremonial/sacramental worship which occurs at the temple in Jerusalem. He will contrast this with its symbolism(:9) & its fulfillment in Christ(:11-15).
“Indeed”—men—1) Truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
“First”(See :2)—prwtov—1) First in time or place—1a) In any succession of things or persons; 2) First in rank—2a) Influence, honor, 2b) Chief, 2c) Principal; 3) First, at the first. Strong—Foremost (in time, place, order or importance).
“Ordinances/Regulations”—dikaiwma—1) That which has been deemed right so as to have force of law; 2) A righteous act or deed. Strong—An equitable deed; by implication, A statute or decision. Used 10X.
“Divine Service/Divine Worship/Worship”(See :6—“The services/Divine worship/Ministry”)—latreia—N.f.—1) Service rendered for hire—1a) Any service or ministration: the service of God; 2) The service & worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law; 3) To perform sacred services. Strong—Ministration or God, i.e. Worship. Used 5X.
“Earthly/Worldly”—kosmikov—1) Of or belonging to the world—1a) Relating to the universe, 1b) Earthly, 1c) Worldly, i.e. having the character of this present corrupt age. Strong—terrene ("Cosmic"), literally (Mundane) or figuratively (Corrupt).
“Sanctuary”(See :3—“Holy”)—agion—1) Reverend, worthy of veneration—1a) Of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction & claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned, 1b) Of persons whose services God employs, for example, apostles; 2) Set apart for God, to be as it were, exclusively his; 3) Services & offerings—3a) Prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean; 4) in a moral sense, Pure sinless upright holy. Strong—A sacred thing (i.e. spot).
:2—“For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, & the showbread, which is called the sanctuary[Holy Place];”
Regarding this first covenant, a “tabernacle” was fully furnished for it. This housed, hidden from outside view, that which follows(:2-5). The utensils are described as a priest would enter & see them upon his entering inside the tabernacle.
This “first” section of the temporary tent of worship was called the Holy Place(“sanctuary”).
The “first part” of the tabernacle(Ex. 26) housed the 1)Lampstand(Ex. 25:31,37), 2)Table(Ex. 25:23-24,30) & 3)Showbread(Lev. 24:4-9; Num. 4:7). The details of the arrangement are not given due to the fact that the author cannot take from the main purpose of his instruction(:5b).
These articles & their significance were specifically rendered by YaHWeH thru Moses that God’s people might properly worship HIm. To take any of these items, lightly or their officiation, was to invite death by God’s wrath.
Ex. 25:8-9—““And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle & the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.”
The “Lampstand”—is not a ‘candlestick’ as some might translate. It is the 6-armed menorah, which is specifically detailed & hammered of a solid talent(75 lbs.) of gold.
Ex. 25:31-40—““You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, & flowers shall be of one piece. “And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, & three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob & a flower, & three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob & a flower--& so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand. On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob & flower. And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, & a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. Their knobs & their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. You shall make seven lamps for it, & they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. And its wick-trimmers & their trays shall be of pure gold. “It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.”
Ex 37:23-24—“And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, & its trays of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.”
The “Table”—A rectangular wooden table(3ft.L X 1 ½ ft.W X 2ft.H) of acacia(shittim) wood overlaid with pure gold. It had a gold molding with four rings for two gold overlaid acacia wood poles for carrying. It was the resting place for “its” dishes, pans, pitchers & bowls. These utensils were used in the ceremonies inside the Holy Place.
Ex. 25:23-30—““You shall also make a table of acacia wood; two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its width, & a cubit & a half its height. And you shall overlay it with pure gold, & make a molding of gold all around. You shall make for it a frame of a handbreadth all around, & you shall make a gold molding for the frame all around. And you shall make for it four rings of gold, & put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. The rings shall be close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, & overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. You shall make its dishes, its pans, its pitchers, & its bowls for pouring. You shall make them of pure gold. And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always.”
Ex. 26:35—““You shall set the table outside the veil, & the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; & you shall put the table on the north side.”
The “Showbread”—‘Tabled bread’? or “Bread of the Presence”[Mynp Mxl Nxlvh-le](NASB, NIV), assuring the 12 tribes of Israel were represented before YaHWeH’s face(presence), as well as the priest’s representation & provision for their sustenance by YaHWeH.
Lev. 24:5-9—““And you shall take fine flour & bake twelve cakes with it. Two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. You shall set them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure gold table before the LORD. And you shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, an offering made by fire to the LORD. “Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. And it shall be for Aaron & his sons, & they shall eat it in a holy place; for it is most holy to him from the offerings of the LORD made by fire, by a perpetual statute.””
Num. 4:7—““On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, & put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, & the pitchers for pouring; & the showbread shall be on it.”
“Tabernacle”—skhnh—1) Tent, tabernacle, (made of green boughs, or skins or other materials); 2) oO that well known movable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built. Strong—A tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively). Strong—To prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas etoimazw(to prepare) refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, To construct, create.
“First”(See :1)—prwtov—1) First in time or place—1a) In any succession of things or persons; 2) First in rank—2a) Influence, honor, 2b) Chief, 2c) Principal; 3) First, at the first. Strong—Foremost (in time, place, order or importance).
“Prepared”(See :6)—kataskeuazw—1) To furnish, equip, prepare, make ready—1a) Of one who makes anything ready for a person or thing, 1b) Of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning & equipping with all things necessary. Used 11X.
“Lampstand”—lucnia—1) A (candlestick) lamp stand, candelabrum. Strong—A lamp-stand (literally or figuratively).
“Table”—trapeza—) A table; 2) The table or stand of a money changer, where he sits, exchanging different kinds of money for a fee (agio), & paying back with interest loans or deposits. Strong—A table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also A counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans at interest).
“Showbread”—proyesiv twn artwn— proyesiv—1) A setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view, the shewbread—1a) Twelve loaves of wheaten bread, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel, which loaves were offered to God every Sabbath, & separated into two rows, lay for seven days upon a table placed in the sanctuary or front portion of the tabernacle, & afterwards of the temple.; 2) A purpose. Strong—A setting forth, i.e. (figuratively)Proposal (intention); specifically, The show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God.—artov—1) Food composed of flour mixed with water & baked; 2) Food of any kind. Strong—Bread (as raised) or A loaf.
“Sanctuary”(See :1)—agion—Adj.—1) Reverend, worthy of veneration—1a) Of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction & claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned, 1b) of persons whose services God employs, for example, apostles; 2) Set apart for God, to be as it were, exclusively his; 3) Services & offerings—3a) prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean; 4) In a moral sense, pure sinless upright holy. Strong—A sacred thing (i.e. spot).
:3—“& behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,”
The first section or “tabernacle” or room—or Holy Place(“sanctuary”)— was behind a veil which one had to pass thru in order to enter the farthest part of the tabernacle.
A second veil was at the far end of the Holy Place.
Behind this veil was another “tabernacle” or area of the tabernacle.
This part was called the “Holiest of All”(accurately translates the sentiment) or Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies(the more direct translation—as the word for ‘holy’ is doubled).
The Most Holy Place characterizes the solemnity with which one is to regard this area.
“Second”—deuterov—1) The second, the other of two. Strong—(ordinal) Second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb).
“Veil”—katapetasma—1) A veil spread out, a curtain—1a) The name given to the two curtains in the temple at Jerusalem, one of them at the entrance to the temple separated the Holy Place from the outer court, the other veiled the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. Used 6X.
“Holiest of All/Holy of Holies/Most Holy Place/”—agia agiwn—(See :2—“Sanctuary”)—agion—1) Reverend, worthy of veneration—1a) Of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction & claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned, 1b) Of persons whose services God employs, for example, apostles; 2) Set apart for God, to be as it were, exclusively his; 3) Services & offerings—3a) Prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean; 4) in a moral sense, Pure sinless upright holy. Strong—A sacred thing (i.e. spot).
:4—“which had the golden censer & the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, & the tablets of the covenant;”
This Holy of Holies did not contain but rather “had” a golden “censer”(altar of incense?(Ex. 30:1-10)) associated with it. The scriptural location of the altar of incense is technically in the Holy Place against the veil separating the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place. It is rather located before the veil in the Holy Place(Ex. 30:6; 40:26).
Ex. 30:6—““And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with you.”
It did contain the Ark of the Covenant(Ex. 25:10-16)—
The ark was a rectangular hollow box of acacia wood & overlaid(“covered”) on all sides with gold.
Ex. 25:9-22—““According to all that I show you[Moses], that is, the pattern of the tabernacle & the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two & a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit & a half its width, & a cubit & a half its height. And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside & out you shall overlay it, & shall make on it a molding of gold all around. “You shall cast four rings of gold for it, & put them in its four corners; two rings shall be on one side, & two rings on the other side. And you shall make poles of acacia wood, & overlay them with gold. You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them. “The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you. You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two & a half cubits shall be its length & a cubit & a half its width. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub at one end, & the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat. And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, & they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, & in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, & I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”
The ark contained 1)A “golden jar” which held the “manna”(Ex. 16:33), 2)Aaron’s “budded” “rod”(*Num.15:30—17:10) & 3)The stone tablets “of the covenant”(Ex. 25:16; Deut 10:2-4).
The testimony of the Scripture is that the Ark contained only the stone tablets of the testimony.
In fact it is called the ‘Ark of the Testimony‘(14X in OT) or “covenant” as here It neither 'contained' the manna nor Aaron’s rod. Rather, as far as the direct testimony of Scripture is concerned, these other items were placed before the Ark & were therefore associated with it.
**“However, “the writer does not say that this altar was “in” the Most Holy Place but that that Place “had” it.”....“the indefinite term may be significant. Montefiore comments, “In any case, our author does not actually commit himself to the view that the altar of incense is situated in the sanctuary: he merely says that it 'belonged' to the sanctuary.”—Leon Morris(in EBC)
The “in which” would then refer to the Most Holy Place itself rather than the Ark proper.
The Golden Pot—
Only in the LXX is the “pot” containing the manna stated as being “golden.” In other text types it is a non-descript “pot”(tnunu) which holds the manna.
Ex. 25:21—““You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, & in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you.”
1Kgs. 8:9—“Nothing was in the ark except the two tablets of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.”
Ex. 16:33-34—“And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot & put an omer of manna in it, & lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.” As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.”
Num. 17:10-11—“And the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die.” Thus did Moses; just as the LORD had commanded him, so he did.”
“Overlaid/Covered”—perikaluptw—1) To cover all around, to cover up, cover over. Strong-to cover all around, i.e. entirely (the face, a surface). Used 3X.
From—kaluptw—to hide, veil & —peri—around, about.
“All sides”—pantoyen—1) From all sides, from every quarter. Used 2X.
“Gold”—crusion—1) Gold, both that which lies imbedded in the earth & is dug out of it; 2) That which has been smelted & wrought. Strong—A golden article, i.e. gold plating, ornament, or coin. Used 9X.
“Pot/Jar”—stamnov—1) Among the Greeks an earthen jar, into which wine was drawn off for keeping but also used for other purposes—1a) Of the little jar in which the manna was kept, laid up in the ark of the covenant. Strong—from the base of isthmi (as stationary); A jar or earthen tank.
Aaron’s Rod(Num.15:30—17:10)—
Synopsis—A man was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath. Moses (thru God) commanded his death. Korah & others rebelled supposing Moses was exalting his personal goals. Korah & his 250 followers were swallowed by the earth & consumed by fire.
As if this weren’t enough, they took twelve almond rods, 1 for each tribe, & deposited them in the tabernacle before the ark overnight. The next day Aaron’s rod had sprouted, bloomed & borne ripe almonds. This bore testimony to God’s choice of Moses as prophet & Aaron as priest.
The Tablets of the Covenant—
These are the 2nd set of the ten commandments written by the finger of God & given to Moses(Ex. 31:18; 32:15-16, 19; 34:1, 28-29). They are considered “the testimony” of YaHWeH of Himself(how men are to properly honor Him) in fulfillment of His covenant toward Israel.
Ex. 31:18—“And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.”.....“And Moses turned & went down from the mountain, & the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on the one side & on the other they were written. Now the tablets were the work of God, & the writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets.”.....“But he said: “It is not the noise of the shout of victory, Nor the noise of the cry of defeat, But the sound of singing I hear.””.....“And the LORD said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the first ones, & I will write on these tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke.”.....“So he was there with the LORD forty days & forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (& the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.”
“Golden”—cruseov—1) Golden; 2) Made of gold; 3) Overlaid or covered with gold.
“Censer/Altar of incense”—yumiathrion—1) A utensil for fumigating or burning incense(LXX, Inscriptions & Papyri—RWP); 2) An altar of incense(Philo & Josephus—RWP). Strong—A place of fumigation, i.e. the alter of incense (in the Temple). Used 1X.
From—yumiaw—1) To burn incense.
“Ark”—kibwtov—1) A wooden chest or box; 2) in the NT The ark of the covenant, in the temple at Jerusalem; 3) Of Noah's vessel built in the form of an ark. Strong—A box, i.e. The sacred ark & that of Noah. Used 6X.
“Covenant”—diayhkh—1) A disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last disposition which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will; 2) A compact, a covenant, a testament—2a) God's covenant with Noah, etc. Strong—properly, A disposition, i.e. (specially) A contract (especially a devisory will).
:5—“& above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”
Above the ark were the golden sculptures of two cherubim(Ex. 25:18-21), which in-turn “overshadowed” the mercy seat(Ex. 25:17,21-22).
Ex. 37:7-9—“He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he made them of one piece at the two ends of the mercy seat: one cherub at one end on this side, & the other cherub at the other end on that side. He made the cherubim at the two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim spread out their wings above, & covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.”
These golden Cherubim represented the “living” four-faced, four-winged creatures having “the likeness of a man” of Ezek. 1 & 10, four of which attend the mobile? throne of God. By virtue of their continued presence before YaHWeH, they exist in His perfect “glory.”
Ezek. 1:6-14—“Each one had four faces, & each one had four wings. Their legs were straight, & the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; & each of the four had faces & wings. Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.” “As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, & each of the four had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, & two covered their bodies. And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, & they did not turn when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back & forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, & out of the fire went lightning. And the living creatures ran back & forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.”
These two sculptured cherubim overlooked the mercy seat, where God met & spoke with man(Moses). The Ark & mercy seat are together intended to picture the mobile throne of God(Ezek.), ?supported?/ministered with the cherubim. The Seat is a representation of God’s very presence in his full heavenly glory & thus where man receives “mercy” directly from YaHWeH.
Ex. 25:22—““And there I will meet with you, & I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”
The writer merely supplies the information(:2-5) as a means of reminder to the readers. There is no time or space in this writing for consideration of the minute details of the divine worship in the tabernacle. In fact, attention to these particular details may become too absorbing for the audience, to the point of distraction.
**There are more pressing matters for the readers, which directly follow(:6-10ff).
“Cherubim”—ceroubim—Strong—plural of Hebrew origin [bwrk ker-oob']; "Cherubim" (i.e. cherubs or kerubim). Used 1X.
“Glory”—doxa—1) Opinion, judgment, view; 2) Opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone; 3) Splendor, brightness; 4) A most glorious condition, most exalted state. Strong—Glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective).
“Overshadowing/Shadowing”—kataskiazw—1) To overshadow, cover with shade. Strong—To overshade, i.e. cover. Used 1X
“Mercy seat/Atonement cover”—ilasthrion—N. n.—1) Relating to an appeasing or expiating, having placating or expiating force, expiatory; A means of appeasing or expiating, a propitiation. Strong—An expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) An atoning victim, or (specially) The lid of the Ark (in the Temple). Used 2X.
A derivative of —ilaskomai—V.—1) to render one's self, to appease, conciliate to one's self. Strong—To conciliate, i.e. (transitively) To atone for (sin), or (intransitively) Be propitious.
“In Detail/Particularly”—kata merov— ‘With Parts’—1) A part; 2) One of the constituent parts of a whole.
Argumentation:
What are the furnishings of your life, your religion?...The things of importance with which you surround yourself?
Php. 3:7-21—“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, & count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ & be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him & the power of His resurrection, & the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind & reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; & if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, & note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, & now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, & whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
2Tim. 3:16-17—“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Lk. 12:42-48—“And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful & wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ & begins to beat the male & female servants, & to eat & drink & be drunk, “the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, & at an hour when he is not aware, & will cut him in two & appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, & did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; & to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
2Cor. 1:12—“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity & godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, & more abundantly toward you.”
Acts 19:8—“And he[Paul] went into the synagogue & spoke boldly for three months, reasoning & persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.”
2Cor. 5:17—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Illustration:
People of Music, TV & Movies with cross pendants around their necks/FURNISHINGS
Stripper pole at home for exercise?/FURNISHINGS
Allow Porno mags in the bathroom @work/FURNISHINGS
A bank which loans money to people it knows will have trouble paying it back/Then when they cannot pay the house is taken/FURNISHINGS
Application:
If we are not careful, we can turn any set/standard meeting/gathering place into our own FURNISHINGS. These can then distract & direct us away from the truth. We focus upon the substance of the place rather than the substance of its meaning/symbolism that is Christ!
?You given attention to your FURNISHINGS in pursuit of a clear conscience?
?Your Conscience clear—not because its cauterized, but because its given to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
2—The pursuit of a clear conscience requires attention to...
One’s SERVICE/Distance(:6-10)
Explanation:(:6-10)
:6—“Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.”
When the above articles(:2-5) had been “prepared” in their order for ritual use, the priests were then able to enter the Holy Place(“first part”) to carry out the priestly ministry as prescribed in all solemnity. They did this ritually & daily & only in the 1st section of the tabernacle. This was a continual day-by-day repetitive process. None of ritual could ever be relinquished if its purpose was to be fulfilled for that day. Such repetitive continuation was necessary because such ministry was entirely temporary.
“Prepared/Ordained”(See :6)—kataskeuazw—1) To furnish, equip, prepare, make ready—1a) Of one who makes anything ready for a person or thing, 1b) Of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning & equipping with all things necessary. Used 11 X.
“Always/Continually/Regularly”—diapantov—Adv.—1) Constantly, always, continually. Strong—Through all the time, i.e. (adverbially) constantly. used 7X.
“Performing/Accomplishing/Carry on”—epitelew—1) To bring to an end, accomplish, perfect, execute, complete; 2) To appoint to, impose upon. Strong—To fulfill further (or completely), i.e. Execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo. Used 11X.
“The services/Divine worship/Ministry”—(See :1 & 9—“Divine Service/Divine Worship/Worship”)—latreia—N. f.—1) Service rendered for hire—1a) Any service or ministration: the service of God; 2) The service & worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law; 3) To perform sacred services. Strong—Ministration or God, i.e. Worship. Used 5X.
:7—“But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself & for the people’s sins committed in ignorance;”
However, in contrast to the priest’s actions in the 1st section of the tabernacle, the priest’s ministry & even his entrance into the “2nd part” of the tabernacle was different.
Only the high priest was allowed to enter & this he did only once per year. He never entered “without blood.”
This blood was that of “a slaughtered bull [which] had to be sprinkled on the cover of the ark of the covenant & in front of if for the high priest’s own sins....this action had to be repeated with the blood of a slaughtered goat as the sin-offering of the people.”—William Lane
Lev. 16:2, 29-34—“& the LORD said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”.....“ “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, & do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, & you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. And the priest, who is anointed & consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, & put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; “then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, & he shall make atonement for the tabernacle of meeting & for the altar, & he shall make atonement for the priests & for all the people of the assembly. This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Every year(on the Day of Atonement—Lev. 16:29-34) the priest offered this blood for himself & the sins of the people as a whole.The high priest’s once-per-year offering is for the sins of the nation collectively, not per individual as was done outside in the courtyard thru the daily ritual. The High priest’s atonement pictures a blanket, one-time sacrifice/offering.
This offering/sacrifice was only for those sins done unintentionally/“in ignorance” & not for those done in rebellion/intentionally.
This pictures for us that Jesus’ sacrifice is not for the rebellious but for the ignorant/repentant. “Ignorance” can be forgiven but only if it is admitted & repented of.
Jesus has perfectly paid the price for us—as did the bull & goat imperfectly.
(CONT...)2—The pursuit of a clear conscience requires attention to...
One’s SERVICE/Distance(:6-10)
“Alone”—monov—1) Alone (without a companion), forsaken, destitute of help, alone, only, merely. Strong—Remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication mere.
“Once”—apax—1) Once, one time; 2) Once for all. Strong—One (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively).
“Year”—eniautov—1) A year, in a wider sense, for some fixed definite period of time. Denotes a year as viewed as a cycle or period of time.
“Blood”—aima—1) Blood—1a) Of man or animals, 1b) Refers to the seat of life, 1c) Of those things that resemble blood, grape juice; 2) Blood shed, to be shed by violence, slay, murder. Strong—Blood, literally (Of men or animals), figuratively (The juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication Bloodshed, also Kindred.
“Offered”(See :9, 14)—prosferw—1) To bring to, lead to; 2) To be borne towards one, to attack, assail. Strong—To bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender (especially to God), Treat.
“People’s”—laov—1) A people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock & language; 2) Of a great part of the population gathered together anywhere. Strong—A people (in general; thus differing from dhmov(the public), which denotes one's own populace).
“Sins committed in ignorance/Errors”—agnohma—N. n.—1) A sin committed through ignorance or thoughtlessness. Strong—A thing ignored, i.e. shortcoming. Used 1X.
From—agnoew—1) To be ignorant, not to know; 2) Not to understand, unknown; 3) To err or sin through mistake, to be wrong. Strong—Not to know(through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, To ignore (through disinclination).
:8—“the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.”
The author now distills his reiteration of the ritual down to its practical application for his current(& future) reading audience.
His purpose is to show us that “the Holy Spirit”—today, after the resurrection & ascension of Christ— is revealing something thru the tabernacle ritual he has just described(:1-7). There is a type/picture for us which is accessed by means of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers(by faith in Christ).
As long as the tabernacle is still standing then the way into God’s direct presence is not yet revealed.
If we are satisfied with the ministry/service of the 1st tabernacle(old covenant), then we are blinded to the significance & need of a 2nd but perfect tabernacle(new covenant). There thus will be no “way” into YaHWeH’s very presence. This is because the first tabernacle is obsolete along with its covenant.
If one allows the old to hold position in our lives, then the other cannot have or take effect!
“Indicating/Signifying/Showing”—dhlow—V.—1) To make manifest; 2) To make known by relating, to declare; 3) To give one to understand, to indicate, signify. To render evident to the mind, of such disclosures as exhibit character or suggest inferences. Used 7X. As opposed to—emfanizw—to manifest to the sight, make visible.
“Way”—odov—Strong—apparently a primary word; A road; by implication A progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, A mode or means.
“Made manifest/Disclosed”—fanerow—1) To make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way. Manifest, as opp. to what is concealed & invisible. Strong—To render apparent (literally or figuratively).
“Still/Yet”—eti—1)Yet, still. Strong—"Yet," still (of time or degree).
“Standing”—stasiv—1) A standing, station, state; 2) An insurrection; 3) Strife, insurrection. Strong—A standing (properly, the act), i.e. (by analogy) Position (existence); by implication, A popular uprising; figuratively, Controversy.
:9—“It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts & sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience--”
The tabernacle is a “symbol” for “the present time”(after the cross & Jesus’ resurrection).
If in the present time we serve in the outer/1st tabernacle then we do not have a way to the 2nd.
The way to the 2nd(present) tabernacle was & is not clear while both gifts & sacrifices are still being made which “cannot make” one’s “conscience” “perfect”/complete/fulfilled.
The consciences of those who still find themselves ministering(& ministered to) at the first tabernacle(even the priests), cannot touch/approach the full intent of YaHWeH.
The potential of having one’s moral compass(“conscience”) transformed is completely unfulfilled by the first covenant(for priest & people alike), & thereby at the first tabernacle.
Why must one’s conscience be transformed?...That we may be guided & pulled inwardly toward truth rather than corralled & pushed there externally.
Jn. 6:44—““No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; & I will raise him up at the last day.”
“Symbolic/Figure/Illustration”—parabolh—1) A placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle; 2) metaph.—2a) A comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude, 2b) An example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated, 2c) A narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws & usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature & history of God's kingdom are figuratively portrayed, 2d) A parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning; 3) A pithy & instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison & having preceptive or admonitory force—3a) An aphorism, a maxim; 4) A proverb; 5) An act by which one exposes himself or his possessions to danger, a venture, a risk. Strong—A similitude ("parable"), i.e. (symbol.) Fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage.
“Present”—enisthmi—1) To place in or among, to put in; 2) To be upon, impend, threaten; 3) Close at hand; 4) Present. Strong—To place on hand, i.e. (reflexively) Impend, (participle) Be instant.
“Time”(See :10)—kairov—1) Due measure; 2) A measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time. A definitely limited portion of time with the added notion of suitableness. Strong—An occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.
“Gifts”—dwron—1) A gift, present; 2) The offering of a gift or of gifts. Refers to a present yet not always gratuitous or wholly unsuggestive of recompense. Strong—A present; specially, a sacrifice.
“Sacrifices”—yusia—1)A sacrifice, victim. Strong—Sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively).
“Offered”(See :7)—prosferw—1) To bring to, lead to; 2) To be borne towards one, to attack, assail. Strong—To bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender (especially to God), Treat.
“Make/Able”—dunamai—1) To be able, have power whether by virtue of one's own ability & resources, or of a state of mind, or through favorable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom; 2) To be able to do something; 3) To be capable, strong & powerful. Strong—To be able or possible.
“Service/Worshipper”—(See :1 & 6— N. f.—“Divine Service/Divine Worship/Worship”& “The services/Divine worship/Ministry”)—latreuw—V.—1) To serve for hire; 2) To serve, minister to, either to the gods or men & used alike of slaves & freemen. Strong—To minister (to God), i.e. Render, religious homage.
“Perfect/Clear”(See :11—Adj.)—teleiow—) To make perfect, complete—1a) To carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end; 2) To complete (perfect)—2a) Add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full, 2b) To be found perfect; 3) To bring to the end (goal) proposed; 4) To accomplish. Strong—To complete, i.e. (literally) Accomplish, or (figuratively) Consummate (in character).
“Conscience”—suneidhsiv—1) The consciousness of anything; 2) The soul as distinguishing between what is morally good & bad, prompting to do the former & shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other—2a) The conscience. Strong—Co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.
:10—“concerned only with foods & drinks, various washings, & fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.”
Corralling(:9) via regulation(first tabernacle) cannot “perfect” the “conscience.” This is because a relationship to God thru ritual concerning such ceremonial things as “foods”, “drinks”, “washings” & regulations for the body is merely external.
These only attain to righteousnesses(“ordinances”) of human engineering. They are mere behavioral acts of humanism. Even though their focus approaches God-honoring matters they fall short of God’s glory.
These rituals were in place in anticipation of a time of “reformation.” Obviously that time of reformation is now—being after the cross work of Christ & His subsequent resurrection.
Gal. 3:22-26—“But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
“Ordinances/Regulations/Applying”—dikaiwma—1) That which has been deemed right so as to have force of law; 2) A righteous act or deed. Strong—An equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision.
“Imposed”—epikeimai—1) To lie upon or over, rest upon, be laid or placed upon—1a) On the burning coals; 2) metaph.—2a) of things, Of the pressure of a violent tempest, 2b) of men, To press upon, to be urgent. Strong—To rest upon (literally or figuratively).
“Until”—mecri—1) As far as, until. Strong—As far as, i.e. Up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent denoting the terminus, [whereas acri refers especially to the space of time or place intervening] or a conjunction). Used 17X.
“Time”(See :9)—kairov—1) Due measure; 2) A measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time. A definitely limited portion of time with the added notion of suitableness. Strong—An occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.
“Reformation/New order”—diorywsiv—1) in a physical sense, A making straight, restoring to its natural & normal condition something which in some way protrudes or has got out of line, as broken or misshapen limbs; 2) Of acts & institutions, reformation. Strong—To straighten thoroughly; Rectification, i.e. (specially) the Messianic restoration. Used 1X.
From—oryov—Straight or erect.
Argumentation:
Isa. 29:9-16—“Pause & wonder! Blind yourselves & be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. For the LORD has poured out on you The spirit of deep sleep, And has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, namely, the seers. The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I am not literate.” Therefore the LORD said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work & a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the LORD, And their works are in the dark; They say, “Who sees us?” &, “Who knows us?” Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?”
Mat. 15:7-9—““Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’””
1Cor. 5:3 -8—“For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice & wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity & truth.”
Illustration:
Doing work that Christians do(Giving—Mission trips/Building/Teaching/Preaching/Financial/Counsel, etc.)/Hoping you will eventually feel religious/SERVICE rendered—Of reformation or further convolution?
OR Give at the bidding of God with a clear conscience!/SERVICE
Application:
?You given attention to your SERVICE(from or to God) in pursuit of a clear conscience?
?Your Conscience clear—not because its cauterized, but because its given to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
3—The pursuit of a clear conscience requires attention to...
One’s PRIEST(:11-14)
Explanation:(:11-14)
:11—“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater & more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.”
There was a time when Christ appeared as the High Priest. He “came” as the singular High Priest of “the good things to come.” These good things will not be experienced apart from the heavenly reality of the perfect tabernacle(unhindered presence of God), for they are directly tied to it alone.
He entered as High Priest thru the “greater” tabernacle. This tabernacle is “not of this creation.” It is thus “more perfect” than anything of the created order. No mere man had ever touched, much less assembled the true tabernacle where Christ ministers as High Priest.
“Good”—agayov—1) Of good constitution or nature; 2) Useful, salutary; 3) Good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy; 4) Excellent, distinguished; 5) Upright, honorable. Strong— “Good”(in any sense, often as noun).
“Greater”—meizwn—) 1)Greater, larger, elder, stronger. Strong—Larger (literally or figuratively, specifically in age).
“Perfect”(See :11—V.)—teleiov—Adj.—1) Brought to its end, finished; 2) Wanting nothing necessary to completeness; 3) Perfect; 4) That which is perfect. Strong—Complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental & moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with o) Completeness.
“Creation”—ktisiv—1) The act of founding, establishing, building etc. Strong—Original formation (properly, The act; by implication, The thing, literally or figuratively).
:12—“Not with the blood of goats & calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Christ entered this true, “greater & more perfect tabernacle” thru the sacrifice of Himself. He entered this ‘other-worldly’ tabernacle by means of “His own blood.” Christ did not enter thru the blood of animal sacrifice. as was the standard of the Old Covenant.
Christ entered this Most Holy Place only once. There was no need for repetition as with the old covenant.
Christ entered the Most Holy Place for “all” people.
Christ having entered He thus obtained the redemption. eternal value.
How did He obtain “eternal redemption” for all? Verses :13-14 bear this out.
“Entered”—eisercomai—1) To go out or come in: to enter; 2) metaph.—2a) Of entrance into any condition, state of things, society, employment—2a1) To arise, come into existence, begin to be, 2a2) of men, To come before the public, 2a3) To come into life, 2b) Of thoughts that come into the mind. Strong—To enter (literally or figuratively).
“Once”—efapax—Adv.—1) Once, at once, 1a) All at once, 1b) Once for all.
“Obtained”—euriskw—1) To come upon, hit upon, to meet with; 2) To find by enquiry, thought, examination, scrutiny, observation, to find out by practice & experience; 3) To find out for one's self, to acquire, get, obtain, procure. Strong—To find (literally or figuratively).
“Eternal”(See :14)—aiwniov—1) Without beginning & end, that which always has been & always will be; 2) Without beginning; 3) Without end, never to cease, everlasting. Gives prominence to the immeasurableness of eternity. Strong—Perpetual (also used of past time, or past & future as well).
“Redemption”—lutrwsiv—1) A ransoming, redemption; 2) Deliverance, esp. from the penalty of sin. Used 3X.
:13—“For if the blood of bulls & goats & the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,”
The blood of goats bulls & even the ashes of red heifers when sprinkled on those who were defiled, acted to sufficiently bring about the purity/cleansing of the flesh. but it does this only for the flesh & not for the conscience(:9) which is of a vastly more significant need.
Lev. 16:6—““Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, & make atonement for himself & for his house.”
Num. 19:2-9—““This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect & on which a yoke has never come. ‘You shall give it to Eleazar the priest, that he may take it outside the camp, & it shall be slaughtered before him; ‘& Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, & sprinkle some of its blood seven times directly in front of the tabernacle of meeting. ‘Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its hide, its flesh, its blood, & its offal shall be burned. ‘And the priest shall take cedar wood & hyssop & scarlet, & cast them into the midst of the fire burning the heifer. ‘Then the priest shall wash his clothes, he shall bathe in water, & afterward he shall come into the camp; the priest shall be unclean until evening. ‘And the one who burns it shall wash his clothes in water, bathe in water, & shall be unclean until evening. ‘Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, & store them outside the camp in a clean place; & they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin.”
“Sprinkling”—rantizw—1) to sprinkle; 2) To cleanse by sprinkling, hence To purify, cleanse. Strong—To render besprinkled, i.e. Asperse (ceremonially or figuratively).
“Unclean”—koinow—1) To make common—1a) To make (Levitically) unclean, render unhallowed, defile, profane, 1b) To declare or count unclean. Strong—To make (or consider) profane (ceremonially).
“Sanctifies”—agiazw—1) To render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow; 2) To separate from profane things & dedicate to God; 3) To purify. Strong—To make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) Purify or consecrate.
“Purifying”(See :14—V.)—kayarothv—N. f.—(Eng.—‘catharsis’)1) Cleanness, purity—1a) In a Levitical sense.
:14—“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
However, the blood of Christ is of a vastly different character, in that He was able, with God’s unhesitating acceptance, to offer Himself. Christ’s blood & thus His life must have been propitiatory in actuality/reality & not merely in appearance!
He is the promised “Christ”/Messiah/Deliverer—God’s Anointed One.
Christ’s offering was accomplished by means of & according to the Holy Spirit—(God lead Him to it). The Spirit of the living God is “eternal” in nature. This is true as He is also God as are the Father & Son.
His offering was without blemish or “spot.” That is, Christ’s life was lived apart from the condemning influence of sin. Something which no other man has or ever will be capable of. His blemishlessness was determined as such by God Himself.
Therefore Christ’s offering literally cleanses us spiritually thus setting free our consciences. Our consciences no longer condemn us because we are free from ceremonial/ritual & humanly flawed attempts at relationship with God. We have consciences which have actually become transformed(:9) rather than seared & willingly shut off from truth. “Works” which are rendered “dead” are of such humanistic caliber. Anyone or thing that is “dead” is incapable of response, reaction, accomplishment, or approach to God. Thus humanistic works directed Godward are as worthwhile spiritually as are the works of dead people to those physically living.
His offering gives us what is needed to fully serve the living & true God. If our God is not living, then we are fools, serving our selves & our own mental devisings apart from reality. We would then only be religious rather than truly righteous. Thus our God must live.
“Eternal”(See :12)—aiwniov—1) Without beginning & end, that which always has been & always will be; 2) Without beginning; 3) Without end, never to cease, everlasting. Gives prominence to the immeasurableness of eternity. Strong—Perpetual (also used of past time, or past & future as well).
“Spirit”—pneuma—Strong—A current of air, i.e. Breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, A spirit, i.e. (human) The rational soul, (by implication) Vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) An angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit.
“Offered”(See :7, 9)—prosferw—1) To bring to, lead to; 2) To be borne towards one, to attack, assail. Strong—To bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender (especially to God), Treat.
“Without spot”—amwmov—1) Without blemish—1a) as a sacrifice without spot or blemish; 2) Morally: without blemish, faultless, unblameable. Amwmov is faultless, without blemish, free from imperfections. It refers especially to character. Strong—Unblemished (literally or figuratively).
“Cleanse”(See :13—N. f.)—kayarizw—V.—1) To make clean, cleanse; 2) To pronounce clean in a levitical sense.
“Dead”—nekrov—Adj.—1) properly—1a) One that has breathed his last, lifeless, 1b) Deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell, 1c) Destitute of life, without life, inanimate; 2) metaph.—2a) Spiritually dead—2a1) Destitute of a life that recognises & is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses & sins, 2a2) Inactive as respects doing right, 2b) Destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative. Strong—Dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun).
“Works”—ergon—1) Business, employment, that which any one is occupied—1a) That which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking; 2) Any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind; 3) An act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opposition to that which is less than work. Strong—from a primary (but obsolete) ergw(to work); Toil (as an effort or occupation).
“Serve”(See :9)—“Service/Worshipper”—(See :1 & 6— N. f.—“Divine Service/Divine Worship/Worship”& “The services/Divine worship/Ministry”)—latreuw—V.—1) To serve for hire; 2) To serve, minister to, either to the gods or men & used alike of slaves & freemen. Strong—To minister (to God), i.e. Render, religious homage.
“Living”—zaw—1) To live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); 2) To enjoy real life; 3) To live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living & acting; 4) Living water, having vital power in itself & exerting the same upon the soul;5) metaph. To be in full vigor. Strong—To live (literally or figuratively).
Argumentation:
Dead Works:
2Cor. 5:21—6:1—“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”
Gal. 2:19—““For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.”
Rom. 6:10-23—“For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, & your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, & of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, & having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, & the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Our Priest, His Blood:
Eph. 1:7-10—“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom & prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven & which are on earth--in Him.”
Titus 2:11-14—“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness & worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, & godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope & glorious appearing of our great God & Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed & purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
1Pet. 1:18-19—“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish & without spot.”
Gal. 3:13-14—“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Rev. 1:5-6—“& from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, & the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us & washed us from our sins in His own blood, & has made us kings & priests to His God & Father, to Him be glory & dominion forever & ever. Amen.”
Illustration:
Appreciative of freedoms/Military, in some sense, secures it/Thereby our governing bodies/PRIEST
Application:
?You given attention to your PRIEST in pursuit of a clear conscience?
?Your Conscience clear—not because its cauterized, but because its given to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
CONCLUSION:
Visualization:
The boy not wanting to take the chance that his pastor might catch whatever it is his Mom had.
Action:
The pursuit of a clear conscience requires attention to...
1. One’s Preparation/FURNISHINGS(:1-5)
2. One’s SERVICE/Distance(:6-10)
3. One’s PRIEST(:11-14)
Presented 09/04/2011am to:
Needmore Baptist Church
1620 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Woodleaf, NC 27054
