And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec: ) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. ~ Hebrews 7:20-22

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalm 110:4

Under the Old Testament we have moments recorded when the scriptures tell us that God repented (changed his mind). That the all sufficient, all powerful, all knowing, and all wise God would have moments of repentance (changing his mind), is a mystery.

During the days of Noah, we read the following.

… God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. ~ Genesis 6:5-7

Notice that it was the great wickedness of man that brought on the repentance of the Lord, (the changing of God’s mind).

In Numbers 23:19 we read that 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?

On the surface this text seems to contradict the other texts in the Old Testament which speak of God repenting. However, the emphasis in Numbers 23:19 is placed on the character of God and not his response to humanity’s rebellion.

God is fundamentally holy and good, and he will never change in his glory and holiness. This truth is bore witness to throughout the scriptures. In Malachi 3:6 God says, I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 13:8 bears the same witness to Jesus, the Son of God.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. ~ Hebrews 13:8

The steadiness and reliability of the character of God is the most important truth that undergirds the true faith of those who follow Jesus. We are not consumed because God is faithful and he never changes in his good and holy character. He who comes unto God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6

We are told in the 6th chapter of Hebrews, For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee (v. 13-14).

God’s promise to Abraham was backed by the very character of God himself. It wasn’t just a promise made, but a promise by which God swore by himself, putting his own reputation on the line.

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. ~ Hebrew 6:16-17

God’s oath to Abraham was that he himself would fulfill the promise! And he did just that in due time in the person of Jesus Christ, who is brightness of God’s glory and the express image of his person (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s own holy, righteous, and good character (the oath that undergirded the promise to Abraham).

In Hebrews 11 we read that Sara (Abraham’s wife) gave birth to Isaac in her old age because she judged God to be faithful!

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. ~ Hebrews 11:11 

Sara’s persuasion that God is faithful gave her the strength in her old age to give birth to the child that God promised Abraham in his old age. She took hold of the faithfulness of God, for she judged him to be faithful!

This is also what Moses took hold of when the idolatry of the children of Israel provoked God’s wrath against them. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down (from the mountain); for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. ~ Exodus 32:7-14

Notice that Moses interceded for the Israelites whom God wanted to consume in his wrath, based on the two following truths:

First, God’s reputation: Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth?

God’s reputation among the nations was the first appeal that Moses made to God. Moses was making the case before God that if God destroyed his people, then his reputation among the heathen nations would be no different than the false gods worshipped among those nations. What a powerful appeal to the Almighty God! What an example we should follow in our own prayers.

Secondly, God’s oath to Abraham: Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob), thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

It was when Moses appealed to the reputation of God’s own character and God’s oath to Abraham, that God relented.

And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Moses was an Old Testament type of Jesus, for he represented God to the people (though in a veiled manner) being the one through whom the law was given, and he represented the people to God, making intercession for the people.

Jesus in the fullest sense of the word, is he who represents God to humanity, and humanity to God. He is both God’s representative to us and ours to God. This is what the surety of Jesus is all about, and this is why the New Covenant is guaranteed to never need to be replaced.

God has sworn with an oath that Jesus, his beloved Son, will be a priest forever! Thus forever, Jesus will be the one and only representative of the character and nature of God, and the only representative we will ever need in the presence of God for unhindered access into the grace of God.

He is our Great High Priest, and the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob has sworn it and will not repent!

The book of Hebrews places a heavy emphasis on the exalted Christ as our Great High Priest in the Heavens. This emphasis comes within the framework and context of the writer of Hebrews admonishing his audience to preserve in faith.

Laced all throughout the letter to the Hebrews is a warning to his audience of the danger of apostasy which was a real and present temptation. The writer minces no words in telling them of the dangers of apostasy.

In chapter 2, he writes, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 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… ~ Hebrews 2:1-3

The message of the great salvation spoken by the Lord and the apostles is greater than the message given under the law by angels, who served as mediators.

He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ~ Hebrews 10:28-31

The book of Hebrews is a book of comparison, and a book of many themes that ultimately come together to point us to Christ.

The writer of Hebrews stands at the intersection of the two most pronounced themes in the epistle: the danger of apostasy, and the glorified Christ. The latter being the answer to the former. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews continually undergirds his warnings of the danger of apostasy with the hope and expectation that his Hebrew kinsmen will overcome because we have such a High Priest that lives in the presence of God.

Consider the following example.

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. ~ Hebrews 6:7-12 

In Hebrews 10, after telling his audience that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, the writer says the following:

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. ~ Hebrews 10:32-39 TNLT

The writer repeatedly, in the midst of warnings, speaks hope and encouragement that those to whom he is writing are going to be OK. The hope that he sets before them over and over is Jesus.

It is Jesus who calls them brethren (chapter 2). It is Jesus who is the apostle and High Priest of their faith (chapter 3). It is Jesus who brings them into the promised rest (chapter 4). It is Jesus who is the author of their salvation (chapter 5). It is Jesus who has entered within the veil on their behalf (chapter6). It is Jesus who lives forever to save them to the uttermost (chapter 7). It is Jesus who is the mediator of a better covenant that takes away their sin (chapter 8). It is Jesus who has obtained eternal redemption for them (chapter 9). It is Jesus who cleanses them based on his merrit (chapter 10). It is Jesus who is the author and finisher of their faith (chapter 12).

Though the threat of a hard heart through sin which leads to apostasy was a real danger, the writer of Hebrews was confident that his audience would make it because of Jesus!

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has often been called the Hall of Faith chapter in the Bible. Admittedly, I too have referred to it as such, but as I have been considering the contents of the book of Hebrews, I find this description to be one that misses the point of the writer entirely.

The book of Hebrews was written as an appeal to Hebraic believers in the first century to persevere in their faith. The 11th chapter of Hebrews is an appeal to them to consider those who had come before them and persevered in their faith.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is not a shrine of heroism for exploits of greatness. Rather, in the mind of the writer of Hebrews, it is a reference to only a few because there had been so many upon looking back who had persevered in faith. In verse 32 the writer says, And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets…”

Consider that even Gideon, and King David’s personal triumphs of faith are not actually expounded on in this chapter. They are only mentioned along with others that the writer says, … for the time would fail me to tell of.

He then follows this by telling us that through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise… ~ v.33-39

The point of the chapter is not about admiring those who demonstrated extraordinary faith, but to remind his audience that others have gone before them and endured and finished their race. Thus in the mind of the writer, those mentioned in Hebrews 11, as well as those not mentioned, who persevered in faith to the end, are a great cloud of witness concerning the reward of faithfulness unto the end.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

The message of chapter 11 is not about admiration for heroes of faith, the aim was always to bring the reader to set their sights on Jesus and to consider him!

May our gracious Heavenly Father give us an understanding heart.

In the first two chapters of Hebrews the writer sets before us the superiority of the resurrected and glorified Christ in contrast to the angels. 

Among the Old Testament texts referenced by the writer is Psalm 8:3-6

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet… ~ Psalm 8:3-6 

Unfortunately, many Christians who have been influenced by Word of Faith and/or the New Apostlic Reformation doctrine have been taught that they have the authority to give directives to angels, and this belief has fostered a wrong interpretation of the text above. 

In Psalm 8:5, the Hebrew word for angels is elohim, which is often used as a reference to God in the Old Testament, though not exclusively as reference to God. However, since it does often refer to God, Word of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation indoctrination persuades Christians that they have authority over the angels because the phrase “a little lower than the angels”  is said to be a misinterpretation and should be rendered as “a little lower than God.”

Is there scriptural grounds for this view?

Well, no, not if we believe in interpreting scripture with scripture. The fallacy of this conclusion is easily understood when we consider how elohim is used elsewhere in the Old Testament,and when we consider how the writer of Hebrews interprets Psalm 8:5.

As stated, the Hebrew word elohim does not refer exclusively to God though it is used to refer to God in the Old Testament at various times. It also refers to human judges and rulers, false gods and goddesses, and the angels.

Below are some examples of its use when not referring to Yahweh, the One true God.

Judges:

If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double. If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges (elohim), to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods. ~ Exodus 22:7-8 

In Psalm 82:1-2 it is used in reference to God (elohim) holding the rulers and judges (elohim) accountable for their injustices.

A Psalm of Asaph. God (elohim) stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods (elohim). How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah ~ Psalm 82:1-2

False gods and goddesses:

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods (elohim) of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. ~ Exodus 12:12

Thou shalt have no other gods (elohim) before me. ~ Exodus 20:3 

And call ye on the name of your gods (elohim), and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. 1 Kings 18:24

Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods (elohim): for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. ~ Exodus 18:11

Will you not possess whatever Chemosh your god (elohim) gives you to possess? So whatever the LORD our God takes possession of before us, we will possess. ~ Judges 11:24 

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess (elohim) of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god (elohim) of the Moabites, and Milcom the god (elohim) of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. ~ 1 Kings 11:33

Angels:

In Psalm 97:7 we read, Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods (elohim).

The word, gods, at the end of this text is a reference to the angels and echos the language found in Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:7 which refers to the angels as “sons of God”, not to be confused with the only begotten Son of God. A few Old Testament texts use the language “sons of God” as a reference to angels because they are heavenly beings that were created by God. They are not begotten sons.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ~ Hebrews 1:5

When the writer of Hebrews references Psalm 8:3-6 in Hebrews 2, he interprets the meaning of man being made a little lower than the angels as meaning exactly that! He does not set forth the doctrine that man was made a little lower than God.

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ~ Hebrews 2:5-9

Notice that the word angels is used three times in Hebrews 2:5-9, and notice that the writer of Hebrews is quoting from Psalm 8. In all three mentions of the angels in this section the Greek word is aggelos, which is a reference to angels and messengers throughout the New Testament. It never refers to God.

The majority of the time it refers to angels which serve as messengers of God all throughout the scriptures. At other times it refers to messengers such as John the Baptist who was sent as the forerunner of Jesus. 

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. ~ Mark 1:1-2 

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. ~ Matthew 11:7-10  9 (See also Luke 7:27)

In Luke 7:24 it is used as a reference to those who were sent by John the Baptist to enquire of Jesus. In James 2:25 it is a reference to the Israeli spies that Rahab the harlot protected, and in 2 Corinthians 12:7 it is a reference to Paul’s thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan.

Throughout the New Testament, aggelos occur 176 times. Never once does it refer to God. It almost always refers to the angels, with a few exceptions such as mentioned above, at which times it refers to messengers.

Now, If we know that the writer of Hebrews uses this word when he quotes from Psalm 8:5, we ought to be able to reach the conclusion that the writer of Hebrews understood that Psalm 8:5 is telling us that man was made as little lower than then the angels, and not a little lower than God.

In Hebrews alone, this word is used12 times (1:4,5,6,7,13;   2:2,5,7,9,16; 12:22, and 13:2 ).

In closing, I want you to consider that when the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 8:5, he is making a point about Jesus. He tells us that we do not yet see all things that God has put under man’s feet, but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ~ Hebrews 2:9

When the Word of Faith and New Apostlic Reformation doctrine attempts to make Psalm 8:5 to mean that humanity was made a little lower than God, the emphasis is not humility, but exaltation. When the writer of Hebrews mentions it in reference to Jesus, it is the humbling of himself and taking on flesh and blood so as to be acquainted with human suffering so that he might make reconciliation between God and sinners.

The very spirit behind the interpretation that man was made a little lower than God is in opposition to the self sacrificing love that Christ demonstrated when he being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ~ Philippians 2:6-8

If Jesus was simply made a little lower than God, but remained above the angels, there would be no point in the writer of Hebrews making an emphasis that Jesus was exalted above the angels when God glorified him after his resurrection.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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. ~ Hebrews 10:19-22

What is this washing of our bodies of which the writer of Hebrews speaks? The easiest explanation is that it refers to water baptism, but does it?

If the text had simply said, “our bodies washed with water,” baptism would be more plausible, but it doesn’t actually say that. It says, “our bodies washed with pure water.”

The description of pure water as a reference to water baptism is a little difficult for me, especially in view of the fact that  Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river, and rivers like the Jordan can be muddy.

Also, the New Testament doesn’t actually depict baptism as a washing. Baptism is symbolic of a burial. In Romans 6, Paul writes, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:4

Peter tells us in his letters that water baptism is the pledge of a clear conscience toward God, and not the actual cleansing of the body. 

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ… ~1 Peter 3;21

Baptism is as an act of obedience proclaiming that we have died to the old life, which is being buried by baptism, and we are now going to follow Christ by walking in the newness of life by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

I think there is a powerful truth in what the writer of Hebrews is telling us that is often missed. That is why we must approach the text with everything in mind that we have learned from the epistle about Christ, the finished work of Christ, and his ministry as our Great High Priest.

The word washed in this text comes from the Hebrew word, louó, meaning to wash, bathe. It is only used 4 other times in the New Testament. One of those is found in John 13:10.

Let’s examine John 13:10 within its context by reading verses 3-10, and consider how it might shed some light for us as to the meaning of the Hebrews text.

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. ~ John 13:3-10

That last line, ye are clean, but not all is a reference to Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Take note that Jesus says, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.  Though he was Lord of all, Jesus had served the disciples by washing their feet. This washing did not mean that their feet only was clean, but that their whole person had been washed because it was Jesus who had taken the towel and served them. 

He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean…

The writer of Hebrews guides through the High Priestly ministry of Jesus, and in doing so he shows us how Jesus fulfilled all that was foreshadowed under the Old Priesthood which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. ~ Hebrews 9:10

He follows this by saying, But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ~ Hebrews 9:11-14

Notice that he mentions the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer. Under the Old Testament, when the Levites were consecrated for ministry service, they were consecrated by the water of purification (Numbers 8:7) which was also called the water for separation (Numbers 19:9).

This water was composed of running water that was poured into a vessel with the ashes of a red heifer (Numbers 19). This water served as a means of ritual cleansing for the entire congregation in cases such as when someone had touched a dead body.

The Hebrew word for running, aka running water (Numbers 19:17) is chay, which means, Alive, living, life. This water was known as Living water.

Through the finished work of Christ we are sanctified, washed and cleansed, and this happens by the Spirit of the Lord (Titus 3:5), and as our Great High Priest Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us, providing a continuous cleansing from sin for our conscience by his blood, and a continuous washing of our bodies as the temple of His Holy Spirit. 

Paul tells the Corinthians that our bodies are members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15), and to the Thessalonians, he says, the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul also speaks of the washing of water by the word in his letter to the Ephesians, and Jesus said to his disciples,
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ~ John 15:3

Our bodies belong to God and Christ, and though they are currently in a state of daily decaying, we have the hope that our bodies will one day experience resurrection power. Until then, we can rest in Jesus who ministers as our Great High Priest to wash us and make us clean in his presence. Because he has purified our hearts by his own blood, our bodies can be washed for service and as the house for the indwelling of his Holy Spirit.

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.

May the Lord open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to understand. Blessings…

According to the writer of Hebrews, the law which established the Levitical priesthood to offer sacrifices on behalf of the sins of the people, has been annulled. ~ Hebrews 7:16-19; 9:10

The author of Hebrews expounds on the ministry of Jesus as High Priest in contrast to the priests who served under the law. It is important to keep in mind that at the time of the writing of the book of Hebrews, the Temple was still standing and sacrifices were still being offered, even though they had been rendered obsolete by the sacrifice of Jesus.

For this reason, the writer of Hebrews says to his audience, if Jesus were on earth he would not be a priest because those priests (who serve in the earthly temple) offer gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. ~ 8:4

Notice closely the language used in Hebrews 8:4, If Jesus were on earth, he would not be a priest. Jesus’s priesthood belongs in the Heavens where God’s Throne is. Jesus, and Jesus alone is the only one who could serve as High Priest in the very presence of God in Heaven above.

Jesus is overqualified to be a priest on earth! This is the fundamental difference that the writer of Hebrews is teaching us regarding the Levitical priesthood, and the Priesthood of Jesus, after the Order of Melchisdek. The priests under the law could only serve on earth where men die, but Christ’s Priesthood transcends that which was carried out on earth.

Because his ministry has surpassed the ministry of the old priesthood, there will never be the need for their service, ever again. Jesus has opened for us a new and living way (10:19-22) and serves as priest forever and mediator of an everlasting covenant established by his blood. 

Those who served as priests under the law, could never please God because their work was never finished. The priests were limited by their own imperfections and did not continue forever because they were subject to death as fallen humanity. Jesus however lives forever in resurrection power.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. ~ Hebrews 7:23-28NIV

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ~ Hebrews 5:5-6

There are two sides that we meet in scripture regarding the nature of Christ, the divine, and the human. As a friend once said to me, Jesus is the 200% person. He is 100% God and 100% man. Jesus is no less God than he is human, and no less human than he is God. He is fully God and man at the same time.

That Christ did not glorify himself to be made High Priest takes on a deeper meaning when we consider it in context to the flow of thought throughout Hebrews. In the first verse of chapter 5, we read that every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

As Priest, it was necessary for Jesus to be taken from among men. He had to become like us to represent us. In the wisdom of God, Jesus did not become our Great High Priest prior to his incarnation. It was only after he humbled himself and was made in the likeness of men, and having suffered like us, that he was glorified by God to be our representative.

When he came from Heaven he represented God to humanity, to show us the Father, and to reveal the Father to us. In his return to God, he entered as our representative, to live in the presence of God for us as our merciful and faithful High Priest who is able to save us completely.

In chapter 2, the writer of Hebrews tells us that he is not ashamed to call us his brethren and even as we, his brethren, are  partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. ~ Hebrews 2:14-17 

Before his incarnation, Jesus was clothed in divine glory. He was glorified in divine majesty, but in order to be the Priest we needed, it was necessary that he humble himself and enter into fellowship with the sufferings of humanity. Thus he was made perfect, as our representative, by the things that he suffered.

In as much as Jesus is one with the Father in his divine essence and glory, he is also joined to us in his humanity, being touched by the feeling of our infirmities. And when he had been perfected through suffering, in his human experience, he was glorified by God the Father to be our great High Priest.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. ~ Hebrews 1:5-8

In Acts 13, the apostle Paul interprets the same text quoted by the writer of Hebrews from Psalm 2, as referring to the resurrection of Jesus.

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ~ Acts 13:33-35

Paul interprets the words Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee (Psalm 2:7), as a reference to the resurrection of Jesus and not the incarnation. Therefore, we can be confident that the writer of Hebrews has the resurrection in mind when he quotes it in his epistle.

In chapter 1 he cites Psalms 2:7 to show us the superiority of Jesus to the angels. In chapter 5 he cites it again to show us the superiority of Christ as High Priest to the priesthood of Aaron. 

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ~ Hebrews 5:5-6

Now, consider Paul’s words from Romans 1 which ties these two truths together.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead … ~ Romans 1:1-4

God’s Son was made of the seed of David. The writer of Hebrews says he did not take on the nature of angels but he took on the seed of Abraham (2:16). Jesus, the Son of God, is the Son of Man (the Man who came down from above) to die and rise again on behalf of all the sons of men, to deliver us from the power of darkness and to bring us near to God. 

Being the firstborn from the dead does not mean that Jesus is a born again man as some erroneously teach. It means that in his flesh, i.e., in his humanity, he triumphed over sin and death through his resurrection and has become our Great High Priest representing us in the sight of a Holy God. In Jesus, God and man meet and thus we have redemption, reconciliation, and the remission of our sins in him.

In his incarnation he is the only begotten of the Father, in his resurrection he has become the firstborn among many brethren. He is both God with us and the one who brings us to God. He is God in our midst, and the one who leads us in praise to God! Hallelujah!

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:9-18

In the first two chapters of the book of Hebrews the superiority of Christ in his grandeur and glory, in contrast to the angels is set before us. Knowing this ought to teach us that those who teach that believers have authority over angels are in fact teaching a fantasy.

If angels were subject to believers as some teach, it would serve no purpose for the writer of Hebrews to compare the glory of Christ to the angels, but since the angels are majestic Heavenly beings showing us the superiority of Christ to the angels is meaningful in teaching how great Christ is.

The first mention of the angels in Hebrews is found in the first chapter.

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.  ~ Hebrews 1:4-8

Jesus is so much better than the angels. This statement follows the declaration that Jesus sat down at the right hand of God after he had made purification for our sins.

…when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Throughout scripture we see angels before the throne of God, and we see them worshiping God and obeying his commands. They worship and serve him who sits on the throne. Never do we see angels themselves, seated on a throne, but we do see the Son enthroned.

Christ enthroned while the angels are not, is the first comparison to angels which show us the glory of Christ in the book of Hebrews.

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they

What is this more excellent name? Is it the proper name of Jesus or is the writer of Hebrews telling us something else? Seldom do the scriptures tell us the proper name of any angel. We know of Gabriel, and we know of Michael, but the names of others are not given in scripture, thus the proper name of Jesus is not the subject being set before us. In this text the name is a description of the relationship of Jesus to the Father.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Angelic beings are called the sons of God in the Old Testament (Gen 6:2,4: Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Dan 3:25), but only as created beings. They never were they begotten. 

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?

Jesus has a more excellent name than the angels because Jesus is the begotten Son of God, and not a created being like the angels.

Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. ~ Psalm 148:1-5 

Unlike the angels, the Son was not created. The Son is the one by whom God created all things (Hebrews 1:2, 10). In Colossian 1 the apostle Paul tells that Christ is the creator of all things, which includes the angels.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ~ Colossians 1:16-17 

Many times we think of Christ either in his deity or his humanity, but the beauty of the epistle to the Hebrews is how the writer weaves these two truths together. It is the resurrected Son to whom the scriptures said, “Thou art my Son, this day I have begotten thee.”

Jesus is God’s Son in eternity, he is God’s Son in time, and he is God’s Son in resurrection power. The Son, who is so much better than the angels, and the creator of them, was himself for a time, made a little lower than the angels so that he might suffer death for every man, and afterwards, he was exalted.

It is Christ’s exaltation that the writer of Hebrews seeks to draw our attention to. Christ exalted is the Son, and he is so much better than the angels.