If you are hungry, and really desire to be challenged, I invite you to watch thE following as N.T. Wright expounds on the cross. N.T. has been such a blessing to me and my understanding of scripture over the past 12-15 years. Wright takes the podium at about the 5:10 mark of the video. After you watch, I invite you to comeback and leave a comment. Thank you, I hope this blesses you as much as it has blessed me.

Every religious “Christian” ideology that I have ever come across leads people away from the simple truth in Christ. Calvinism, Christian nationalism, Zionism, Hebrew Roots, Apostolic/prophetic, prosperity movement, and the list goes on.

These ideologies all fail when examined in view of the whole counsel of scripture. Everyone of them are set forth as if they are the Kingdom of God, and they are not. The Kingdom of God is in Christ and in Christ alone. Each of these ideologies have aspects of truth, but not a single one of them is the truth. The truth is in Jesus alone, and when all is said and done, these ideologies are what drive more and more people away from God.

Recently, I have seen on a certain social media platform more than one person advocate the execution of other Christians that they deem to be heretics or false teachers. These extreme views come from some who embrace Calvinism, and with the way our world is heading, I wouldn’t put it past some people to attempt to carry out such evil.

The gospel of the Kingdom conforms us into the image of Christ. It does not make us zealots for a worldview that thrusts us into political or militant action. The Kingdom of Christ does not teach us to hate, mock, or have condescending attitudes towards our fellowmen. As Kingdom people we are called to be the kind of people that God intended us to be when he created Adam and placed him in the garden of Eden. We are to be kind and caring people. We are to be people of grace, mercy, and understanding. People who have the sweet fragrance of Christ.

The only way a person can be the fragrance of Christ to those around them is to spend time with Christ, and when we spend time with Christ, he doesn’t conform to our image, we conform to his. Let’s get our hearts and our minds right, and stop being a reproach on God’s true Kingdom with our carnal attitudes, and religious ideas that we call “Christian” that do not honor God. There is only ONE kingdom of God, and Christ is the Kind of it, and it rules in heart cleansed by the blood of Christ and renewed by the Spirit of Christ. God’s Kingdom does not reign through the will of our flesh and carnal ideologies.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 13:14

But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:20-24

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ~ Colossians 3:1-17 

In our Western church culture, we have no lack of preachers, teachers, or those who call themselves apostles, prophets, bishops, etc. We have no lack of political/religious nationalists, or opinionated debaters. Furthermore, we have no lack of discernment ministries exposing false teachers and heresies.

We are saturated with churches, religious infightings, debates, judgemental attitudes, and cliques.

With so much focus on spirituality and religion, why have we become so divided, so fruitless, so powerless? What is missing? What is it that we lack, but so dearly need? It is the very thing that every generation that forsakes God, lacks. Make no mistake, even churches and the religiously devoted can forsake God.

In our abundance of Churches and ministries, more than anything else, we lack praying men and praying women. Psalm 103:7 tells us, He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel.

Moses was a praying man, and praying men and women know the ways of God.

Because Moses knew God, the children of Israel saw God’s hand at work. This is how it has always been. Those who see the hand of God are the beneficiaries of those who know God in the power of prayer and fellowship. Those who make prayer a priority have their gaze on the creator, the King of glory, the Eternal One.

The praying man or woman has power with God, and through their prayers, the will of God becomes a reality on earth as it is in heaven. 
The praying man doesn’t win arguments, the praying man wins hearts because he abides with God in the secret place of his presence through the power of prayer. His hope is in God, and God alone.

And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee. ~ 2 Chronicles 14:11

Today, I invite you to join me in this simple prayer:

“Lord lead me that I may become a praying man (or woman). Give me the heart of prayer, and the passion of a true worshiper. Kindle within my heart a flame that burns with prayerful fellowship with the Living God. May I become one who touches your heart and has the attention of your ear. Make me a person of prayer, in the blessed name of your Holy Son and by the power of your Holy Spirit.”

Embedded in the story of Abraham is God’s glorious plan of redemption. God never made an issue of Abraham’s failures. Instead, God led him to the righteousness of faith and covenant faithfulness. This is what redemption truly looks like. It is justification and faithfulness to God through a heart that has been cleansed from sin by the precious blood of Jesus.

Over the weekend I began watching a Youtube video refuting some of the ministers who make outlandish prophetic statements. At the beginning of the video the creator of the content had altered the look of the “prophetess” in a mocking fashion. It reminded me of how the animation of Shrek looked.

At that point I decided to leave a comment and not watch the rest of the video. Here is the comment I made:

Hey, I love your channel and appreciate what you do, but I would like to make a suggestion for you to prayerfully consider. When you mock these people you are refuting, the way you mocked  (name omitted) early in the video, I don’t think such mockery promotes true godliness.

I was very careful to write this comment in a humble manner making appeal for godliness to which we are all called to. Well, later I checked back in and there were multiple comments from Christians that took issue with what I had written, even though I had suggested that the YouTuber prayerfully consider my suggestion. Their comments had the same calloused vibe that I have seen for a long time on social media sites, where Christians devour one another over disagreements regarding doctrinal issues.

It is very concerning when we as Christians default to harsh attitudes towards one another, rather than embracing prayerful humility in our attitudes.

One thing I have always felt in my heart is a conviction not to insult those I refute. I have by no means been perfect, but have felt a sense of restraint that I am called to obey. This is not always easy, but as servants of Christ, we are called to be above reproach in these matters. How we present the truth matters. The scriptures teach us to speak the truth in love and not to be mockers or revilers. This to me, is the most concerning thing that I see within Christianity today in the age of social media.

The greatest danger to our faith is not false teachings from the likes of the NAR, it’s callousness that takes root in our hearts and minds in how we treat others, especially those we view as our enemies. When we refute others who teach false doctrines, we are not free to be insulting or to implore mockery. Such behavior does not glorify Christ, nor does it beautify the doctrine of godliness. Itstead, it displays unrestrained carnality. It’s truly embarrassing when those who teach false doctrines can demonstrate more restraint in their response than those refuting them with better theology and doctrine.

We must remember that there are sincere believers who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, who may be following some of these false teachers that we feel we must call out. If we refute error with a wrong spirit, we could hinder our brothers and sisters in Christ who need sound doctrine and good theology. A major part of sound doctrine is the manner in which we conduct ourselves and I don’t think many of us have yet understood this.

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul speaks of godly behavior so that the name of God and his doctrine will not be blasphemed. In Titus Paul encourages godly behavior so as to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. We must be careful to minister God’s word with reverence for God, in the fear of the Lord.

There is more that needs to be said along this line, and I am in no way perfect as I need to examine myself as well. However, I am concerned about the harshness with which many of us have learned to behave towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are false teachers who could come to repentance if they are shown the error of their way in a godly and kind spirited manner, but if they are mocked, the chances are they will not listen.

We all need to examine ourselves.

Paul begins his first letter to the Thessalonans by mentioning himself, Silvanus, and Timotheus (Timothy). In the first three chapters Paul elaborates on the heartfelt love that he and his companions have for the Thessalonians, speaking of repeated prayers and thanksgiving to God for them.

Imagine if those who claim to be apostles in our time, communicated to their followers such care and concern.

Paul begins with his greeting that we often see in his other letters, Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

He then says the following:

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. v.3-4

Now consider what Paul has just mentioned as the cause of thanks which he, Silvanus, and Timothy mentioned in their prayers to God. They continuously remembered the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope which was at work in the lives of the Thessalonian believers.

Now, this is important, because Paul, and his companions had ministered the gospel in such a way that Paul declares, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. ~ 2:8 

Have you ever heard any minister, anywhere, speak like that? 

Paul’s approach to gospel ministry was quite different from what we see among many ministers in modern times. Paul’s calling wasn’t occupational employment. He didn’t travel around being housed at the expense of the churches, collecting offerings, then moving on to the next church, preaching the same sermons over and over again.

Paul and his company lived among the people and invested in them, and if you don’t keep this in mind as you read this letter,  you will miss out on much of Paul’s message and why he loved them so intensely.

The Thessalonians were not just church people (church folk) to Paul. They were family and friends in whom Paul and his ministry companions had invested much time with regards to developing real, and lasting relationships. Paul declares, For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ~ v. 5

Many times this verse gets attention when we want to argue that the gospel is more than just preaching a sermon, and that there should be miracles and healings, since Paul says, our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost.

I think we miss the point when we read this text that way. Now, I am sure that God’s power to heal and work miracles is indeed included in Paul’s reference to power, but I want you to see how this verse works within the context. Let’s read it again in view of what Paul says afterwards. 

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

I think the emphasis Paul is making when he says our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, is the life changing impact that the gospel had in the lives of the Thessalonians. The gospel wasn’t just words from a sermon. The gospel that Paul and his company ministered actually changed the lives of the Thessalonians, so much so that they were living as Kingdom people and the power of the gospel was now working through their lives influencing others.

They had become examples to the believers in Macedonia, and Achaia, and the knowledge of their faith in God had spread abroad. And this was greatly encouraging to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.

Now let’s consider what Paul says next.

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Now, let’s pause for just a moment and consider some of what Paul has just said. Notice that he says, our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain. Not being fruitless for the sake of Christ really mattered to Paul. The theme of not laboring in vain is something that comes up repeatedly in Paul’s letters, and it is going to show up again in this one. In his letter to the Galcatins, Paul pleads with the Galatians not to go down the road of mixing grace with the law. Paul writes the following to the Galatians: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain. ~ Galatians 4:9-11

Not only did Paul care about his labor in the Lord not being in vain, but he cared about those whom he had discipled, that their labor would not be in vain. He says to the Corinthians,  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58 

As we move through the first part of the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians 2, we see that Paul also valued the importance of integrity in gospel ministry. He writes, our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.

How often do we hear about unscrupulous ministers who are greedy, or caught in sexual misconduct, or other such things which bring a reproach on the gospel of Christ. The sad reality is occupational ministry is often a job, and for some it becomes a lucrative business. Yet for Paul, it was about the people he served. Paul’s acknowledgement of his apostleship, which we often see in his letters, wasn’t a spiritual power trip as it is often with those who claim to be apostles in our day. Paul’s apostleship was about his love of service for the people to whom God had sent him, and nothing gave Paul more joy than their growth and development in the Lord.

Paul continues:

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:4-6

Take note of Paul’s mention of not being burdensome. This is another thing that we see elsewhere in Paul’s letters. Not being burdensome meant that Paul and his company weren’t expecting to free load at the Thessalonians’ expense. Paul did not expect the churches to take care of him, but worked to pay his own way. Paul also expected those who worked alongside him to do the same.

Consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians regarding this matter.

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:11-18 

Preaching the gospel and making disciples for Christ at his own expense, really mattered to Paul, and after reminding the Thessalonians that they had not been burdensome to them, Paul says, But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9

Compare Paul’s word to the Corinthians with that which he says to the Thessalonians. To the Corinthians he says, What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. And to the Thessalonians he writes, For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians Paul will remind them of this.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Paul’s approach to ministry is the polar opposite of many modern day ministers, who spend much time garnering support from their followers. Some of them even parade themselves as examples of God’s blessings of prosperity even though their wealth is accumulated from the hard work of their donors and those who buy their merchandise.

You may never hear this from anyone else, but I am free so I will tell you, these “ministers” would never make it working alongside Paul. Those who served in ministry with Paul had to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.

Working for the Lord without monetary compensation is more noble than being paid for one’s ministry service. And I’ll just leave that truth hanging right there.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with ministers being financially supported, this is a scriptural practice. However, if those who have the privilege of having paid positions in ministry would cease to serve in God in similar ministry roles if they weren’t monetarily compensation, then they’re doing it for the wrong reason. In other words, being paid a salary by a church doesn’t make a minister a true Pastor. Being called of God does. Consider Peter’s admonition to those called as Shepherds:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ~ 1 Peter 5:2-4

It might also be worth mentioning that those who have answered the call of God on their lives, yet receive no monetary compensation for their labor in the Lord, are no less ministers of Christ than those who have paid positions in organized ministry. The Western Church needs a paradigm shift in this regard.

Being paid does not give any minister an elevated status over those who are not. We who follow Christ and serve him in ministry, are all brethren, answerable to One Lord for the call he has put on each of our lives.

Paul continues:

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. ~ v 10-13

Paul reminds them of the godly integrity he and his ministry companions displayed while among them, and how they not only cared for them as nurse cherishing her children but also as a nurturing Father would. Paul then tells them that when they received the Word of God from Paul and his company, they did not receive it as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God. This was having a tremendous effect on them, for God’s word was bringing forth spiritual fruit in their lives.

I don’t think we ought to read this from the angle of Paul saying, “what we preached was divine and anointed, because we were God’s men and his words came through us.” This is exactly how some preachers attempt to convey it, to give credibility to their own preaching and teaching as being from God, and to get a reaction from the people.

I think we should understand that Paul is summing up everything: the gospel message about Jesus which they declared, the godly behavior and integrity in their conduct, not being a financial burden, and their fatherly care and love. This is why the lives of the Thessalonians were transformed by the gospel message of Paul and his ministry companions, and this they had turned from idols to serve the true and Living God. The gospel in word and deed is the gospel which was preached, not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost. This, the Thessalonians received as the Word of God which was working mightily in them. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:20

The change in the lives of the Thessalonians by the power of God was the reward Paul sought after. Thus he writes, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:19-20

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? ~ Romans 9: 17-21

What does this portion of scripture mean? Does it mean that God arbitrarily decides who will follow truth and who will rebel, and therefore, he makes some people good and some people evil?

If we desire to rightly interpret Paul’s words regarding the Potter and the clay, we need to allow scripture to interpret it for us. To gain a better understanding, we ought to consider the explanation that God gave Jeremiah. 

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. ~ Jeremiah 18:1-10

The Potter was the one in control and when the vessel did not turn out as the Potter desired, he used it in another way, by reshaping it for his purpose. According to God’s words to Jeremiah, this is how God as the Potter had dealt with Israel. In Jeremiah 7:29, God refers to Judah as the generation of his wrath even though they were originally chosen by God to be a holy people.

And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. ~ Exodus 19:3-7

Take notice that God’s words to Israel through Moses came with a choice. They were to choose to obey his voice and keep his covenant. Even though the descendants of Jacob were called to be holy as we see in the Exodus text, they had become a generation of wrath. Yet God endured their rebellion with much long suffering, calling them to repentance over a long period of time.

Paul appeals to God’s dealings with Pharoah to explain the hardening of Israel. God knew that Pharaoh would not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt because Pharaoh wanted to rule over them and oppress them. Thus God made Pharaoh into a sparring partner by which he would demonstrate his great power and bring about a great deliverance for the children of Israel. 

God did not harden Pharaoh by arbitrarily making Pharaoh into an evil person. Rather, God challenged Pharaoh and backed him into a corner to bring out what was in him. Rather than humbling himself, Pharaoh rebelled, and this is how God hardened his heart. God’s deliverance of Israel in spite of Pharaoh’s resistance brought God glory and honor, not only among the Israelites, but also among the nations.

God did not create Pharaoh as an evil person, but since Pharaoh was evil, God put pressure on him, knowing he wouldn’t bow before God, and God used Pharaoh rebellion to demonstrate his great power as the only true God that no human ruler can rival.

In Romans 9 Pharaoh serves as an example to explain how God hardened the nation of Israel because of their unbelief, while at the same time reserving unto himself, as his own children, a remnant within Israel who did believe and were vessels of his mercy.

In Romans 9-11, Israel is the central theme. Paul begins his thesis regarding Israel’s role in the salvation of the world by saying, I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. ~ Romans 9:2-3

He ends with jubilant praise to God for his great wisdom,  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ~ Romans 11:33-36

God’s dealings with Israel is a microcosm of his dealings with the whole world. As the potter, God wants to shape all of us for his good pleasure, but when we, as the clay become marred in his hands, as Israel was through their rebellion and unrepentant ways, we become vessels of his wrath. But God is merciful, and through repentance and faith we can be restored to the Potter’s original intent. Even as God uses Israel to warn the nations of his judgments, he uses the nations to teach Israel of his mercy.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. ~ John 1:10-17

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers has the following to say: 

(11) He came, as distinct from the “was” of the previous verse, passes on to the historic advent; but as that was but the more distinct act of which there had been foreshadowings in every appearance and revelation of God, these Advents of the Old Testament are not excluded. His own is neuter, and the same word which is used in John 19:27, where it is rendered “his own home.” (Comp. John 16:32, margin, and Acts 21:6.) What then was the “home?” It is distinguished from the “world” of John 1:10, and it cannot but be that the home of Jewish thought was the land, the city, the temple bound up with every Messianic hope. Traces of this abound in the Jewish Scriptures. Comp. especially Malachi 3:1, “The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple.” (See also Luke 2:49, Note.) . . .

I find this very exciting, as I have for a long time considered the words, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not”, a reference to the House of Israel, and the words that follow, “But as many as received him…” a reference to those among the House of Israel who believed on him.

When we read John 1:10-17 within the context of Jewish thought, the gospel opens to us in a whole new way. The One through whom the sons of Israel become the sons of God was in their midst, clothed in human flesh. His forerunner, John the Baptist, was to announce his arrival to them

He had always dwelt among his people, Israel, by his Spirit in the tabernacle and temple service, but now, he was among them in the flesh! And this may very well be why John makes a point of emphasis that the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

THE END OF THE OLD PRIESTHOOD 

The night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas, he stood trial before Caiaphas the high priest and witnesses were sought so that they could put Jesus to death, yet they found none. Finally, they found two false witnesses who said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. ~ Matthew 26:61

However, Jesus never said such a thing. Instead, Jesus had said, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ~ John 2:19

Because of the false accusation against Jesus, the high priest arose, and said to Jesus, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace, and the high priest then said to Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. ~ v 63

Under the Law of Moses, the High Priest had the authority to demand a person to speak up if they knew something to be the truth. In response to this authoritative demand, Jesus says, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. ~ v 64

Everyone in the room understood that this was Messianic language, and that Jesus had just declared, under oath, that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of Israel. In response to Jesus’s declaration that he indeed is the Messiah, the high priest then tore his priestly garment – an offense which was punishable by death under the Law. In the presence of Jesus, the King of Israel, Caiaphas had nullified his own priesthood.

At this point there was only one true high priest standing in the room, and they did not know him. They did not know that Jesus was both the lamb of God, and the High Priest who was about to oversee his own sacrifice.

JESUS, OUR MERCIFUL AND FAITH HIGH PRIEST 

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus was perfect and without sin. The apostle Peter tells us that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus as of a lamb without spot or blemish ~  1 Peter 1: 18-19. How then was Jesus made perfect through the things he suffered if he was already perfect as the lamb of God without spot or blemish?

Jesus was made perfect by the things he suffered, not as our sacrifice, but as our High Priest.

For 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: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was 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. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… ~ Hebrews 5:1-9

Notice that Jesus being made perfect is said within the context of his being called as our High Priest. Again, he was not made perfect as our sacrifice because he was already perfect, holy, and unblemished. He had no sin. He was made perfect as our High Priest, and his perfecting as High Priest came through the things he suffered.

Now, before we move forward it is important to point out that Jesus was fully God, and full man. He is as much God as the Father is God, and as much human as you and I are human. In theological terms this is referred to as the hypostatic union. That Jesus was fully God, and fully man, is one of the most important (if not the most important) tenants of our faith.

The hypostatic union of Jesus Christ as God and man did not end when Jesus died and rose again. He did not cease to be a man after his death on the cross. Since his birth, Jesus will forever be fully God and fully man. He did not cease to be a man when he returned to the Father, just as he never ceased to be God when he came into the world.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times showing them that he was alive in his human body. Consider the following from Luke 24.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. ~ Luke 24:36-43

Jesus told his disciples to handle him, handle his hands, and his feet and he ate in front of them. Jesus wanted them to know that they were not seeing a ghost, but that it was he himself, and he had risen from the dead. The things Jesus had suffered were fresh in their memory and now he was alive and they were beholding him. What a powerful, life changing moment that must have been.

Now, have you ever given thought to the fact that Jesus can remember the pain, the sorrow, and the depths of despair that he experienced at the cross. He also remembers the hate he felt from his enemies, the hurt from being betrayed, and the injustice of being lied about. Yet in all he endured, his prayer was, Father forgive them for they know not what they do ~ Luke 23:34.

Just as Jesus died for our sins, he also endured the things he suffered so that he could be the perfect High Priest we needed. There is absolutely nothing we could experience that is beyond the scope of his understanding , compassion, and mercy. He knows the pain, the grief, and the sorrow we feel at times in this life, and he’s able to keep us and bring us through it all.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:15-16

When we go through suffering, Jesus knows what it feels like, and as our perfected High Priest, he set an example for us to follow:

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously… ~ 1 Peter 2:19-23

So often, what is thought to be an act of God substitutionally punishing Jesus when he went to the cross was actually God perfecting Jesus to be for us a merciful and faithful High Priest. Jesus drank from the cup of human suffering when he was betrayed, forsaken, unjustly condemned, mocked, beaten, and put to death.

In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of his deep desire to know Jesus and the fellowship of his sufferings. How can any truly enter the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? It is by knowing that his sufferings was the crucible whereby he was perfected for us. Jesus endured severe testing, and triumphed over it. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to run our (spiritual) race, 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 12:2-3

When we suffer grief and we suffer wrongfully as Peter mentions, we can endure it patiently because we have a High Priest who has been perfected for us. Thus we follow the example that Jesus set for us. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

As our High Priest, Jesus is there to comfort, and minister to us and draw us close to the Father. Jesus is still healing the brokenhearted. He ministers to us by his Holy Spirit, and often it is in those difficult times that we grow much in his grace. Consider Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Before we move forward, I want to point out a side note. There are some people who claim that God only speaks to us through the Bible, and while it is true that God absolutely does speak to us through the Bible, I want you to notice that Paul says, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (3 times), that it might depart from me. And he said unto me…

God did not speak to Paul about this because Paul was an apostle. This was something that Paul was praying about that was hindering him personally, and God answered him by speaking to him. So don’t let anyone ever tell you that God doesn’t speak to us today, he does but we must draw close to him to hear his voice.

Now consider the following from the book of Hebrews.

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 because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:14-18

Take notice that Jesus was made like us in every respect for this purpose, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God. And because his meditation never stops he is able to save us to the uttermost because he ever lives to make intercession for us ~ Hebrews 7:25.

Jesus’s intercession doesn’t mean he’s down on his knees praying to God for us. It means that He ever lives as our perfected High Priest!

THE REAL HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF JESUS

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ~ 1 Timothy 3:16

The gospel is unique in that it is not based on mythology. One concern that I personally have is the mythological ideologies that many Christians have surrounding their understanding of the gospel, especially the cross of Christ.

For example, when Jesus cried out “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?”, he did so in the most vulnerable time. Rather than understanding these words from the real human experience of Christ, we often come up with all sorts of mystical ideas as to what God was doing to punish him behind the scenes.

Here is the truth, Jesus truly felt abandoned in that hour. He felt the weight of what was happening. He was dying, and the hand of God was not going to save him from this hour. He must go through it. He was sent into the world for this purpose, and he was now in the painful throes of it.

The fact that Jesus felt abandoned in that hour, in no way indicates that God was unfaithful to him or had turned on him. Suffering is part of the human experience, and tragedy often leads most of us to question God’s concern for us. Jesus experienced the full weight of human suffering coupled with the feeling of “where is God?”

When Christ suffered for us, not only was he making atonement for our sins, but he was also being perfected to be our High Priest forever. Consider, again, the words of the writer of Hebrews.

For 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: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an 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. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… ~ Hebrews 5:1-5

The sufferings of the cross were part of the process in which Jesus was being made perfect in his humanity to be our High Priest.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same… 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 (come to the aid of) them that are tempted. ~ Hebrews 2: 14a, 17-18

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:14-16 

The desperate cry of Jesus, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me” came at the most intense hour of Jesus’s human experience, in which he was being perfected as our High Priest. Jesus had known this hour was coming and literally dreaded it.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. ~ John 12:24-27

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. ~ Mark 14:32-42 

Consider the weight of this moment for Jesus. His friends (the disciples) had failed him, unable to pray with him. Judas had betrayed him to the Jewish authorities who despised him and were plotting to kill him. He was about to be beaten, publicly humiliated, sentenced to death, and nailed to a cross. He willingly did this for us, knowing that God had withdrawn his protective hand because this was the only way to save humanity. He also had to be made perfect through suffering to be our great High Priest who is merciful and compassionate and touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Do not fail to grasp the human experience of what Jesus must have felt as he was experiencing all of this. Yet, he never stopped trusting God. He never sinned. He endured it all for 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. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ~ Hebrews 12:2-4

Notice that the writer of Hebrews tells us to consider what Jesus endured so that we will not be weary and faint in our minds. Christ did not feel abandoned because of God turning his back on him. He felt abandoned because of the things he suffered like we all could feel if we are in the throes of death or tragedy, this is part of the human experience.

In the book of Acts, the real human experience of Jesus was preached by the apostles, and the Holy Spirit confirmed that testimony with power. Do not allow mysticism or or religious myths to creep into your beliefs about the sufferings of Christ. Allow the testimony of scripture about the real human experience of Jesus to fill your heart. The mystery of godliness is based on the truth that God was manifested in the flesh. Jesus redeemed us not by some mystical behind the scenes event. He suffered out in the open for all to see. He redeemed us by suffering in his flesh and enduring the pain of human agony, and his human body and blood were sacrificed for us. He did this for two reasons: He loved God, and he loved us!

THE RESURRECTION AND EXALTATION  

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the gospel of Luke, he said concerning Jesus, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” ~ Luke 1:32

Though some interpret the reign of Christ from the throne of David as a future millennial throne previously occupied by the anti-Christ, the Bible teaches that Jesus is enthroned now at the right hand of God.

According to the authors of the New Testament, the exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God is the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would raise up his Son, the Messiah, to reign upon the throne of David.

In Acts 2, Peter interprets the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God as the fulfillment of the scriptures that the Messiah would reign from the throne of David.

Notice carefully how Peter articulates this:

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ~ Acts 2:30-36

In the texts above, Peter is quoting David from Psalm 110 when he says, “the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.”

FIRST, notice the words “the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand…”

Peter quotes this in reference to David, as a prophet, knowing that God would raise up the Messiah to sit on his throne. So as a prophet, foreseeing the enthronement of the Messiah, David said, “The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand.” As a prophet, David foresaw by the Spirit of God that the promise of the Messiah reigning on his throne would not be an earthly enthronement, but a heavenly enthronement, at the right hand of God.

In the gospels, Jesus said: “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet”‘ (Mark 12:36, See also Matthew 22:41-45).

SECONDLY, notice the next part of the text that Peter quotes from David: “till I make your enemies your footstool.”

These very same words are employed by the author of Hebrews in describing the enthronement of Jesus at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:13; 10:13) and in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 the apostle Paul applies them to the exalted Jesus as well.

Also Psalm 110 is the Psalm which testifies that the Messiah would be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (v.4). The author of Hebrews expounds on this and tells us that Jesus, the exalted King at the right hand of God, is also our great high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The historical Melchizedek (Genesis 14) prefigured Christ as a King and Priest, and not a priest only. Under the Law of Moses one could not be a King and a priest.  The priests came only from the tribe of Levi and the Kings were descendants of David from the tribe of Judah.

The writer of Hebrews explains how Jesus, being from the tribe of Judah (the tribe of King David), is qualified to be a priest. He is qualified because His priestly ministry is not earthy (Hebrews 8:4), but heavenly, at the right hand of God where he is now enthroned. ~ See Hebrews 8:1-3

THIRDLY, Notice that David specifically identifies the Messiah as his Lord: “The Lord said to my Lord…”

In Acts 2 Peter says, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and Christ” (v.36).

Peter doesn’t tell the people of Israel that Jesus will be Lord when he one day returns. Peter declares that Jesus is Lord and Messiah now, at the right hand of God. The gospel which was preached to house of Israel by the apostles, was not a gospel of a futuristic enthronement of the Messiah, but rather, the declaration of His exaltation now!

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

When he had by himself purged our sins, (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High…  ~ See Hebrews 1:3

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. ~ Hebrews 1:8 

I (Paul) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. ~ Ephesians 1:17-23

Notice that Paul says in Ephesians 1 (above), Christ is already enthroned in Heaven above everything in this world and in the world to come, having all things under His feet.

Jesus enthroned at the right hand of God is not a temporary enthronement as he awaits a lesser throne in Jerusalem, Israel. Rather, Jesus entered into his glory after his resurrection (Luke 24:26; John 17:5, 24; Acts 2:33; 3:13) and was enthroned at the right hand of God, where the New Jerusalem is – the true Holy City of God (Hebrews 12:22-24). From there, Christ will reign forever!

When Christ returns he is not taking a lesser throne, for he has been made Higher than the Heavens, in his exaltation (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus reigns forever, being highly exalted at the right hand of God, and in that Majestic power, authority, and glory; He will come again!

KING AND PRIEST

By all evidence, the book of Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. We know this because the writer of Hebrews makes reference to the temple service, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense. In the present tense, he makes a comparison regarding the superiority of Jesus’ ministry in the heavens (in the greater and more perfect tabernacle) to that which was on earth (which only served as a shadow and an example) to point men to Christ.

He tells us that if Jesus were on earth he would not be a priest since there are already priests who offer gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. Even though that priesthood which had been ordained by the law was still functioning in the temple it had been made completely ineffective by Christ’s work on earth at the cross, and by his ministry in the heavens as our high priest.

Jesus’ ministry as high priest is not through the Law and when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, the priesthood which was by the Law and already made ineffective, became completely inoperative.

THE LAW OF A CARNAL COMMANDMENT

According to the Law of Moses, only the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were commanded and permitted to serve as priests. Jesus, our great high priest, was not a descendant of Levi. He was from the tribe of Judah and of the house of David instead, and there is no place in all the Torah (the Law of Moses) where Moses spoke anything about a priest coming from the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:12-14).

The author of Hebrews refers to the Law’s instructions for appointing priests as, the law of a carnal commandment, and tells us that this command has been annulled because it was weak and unprofitable (Hebrews 7:18). Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews tells us that the changing of the priesthood has necessitated a change of the Law as well (Hebrews 7:12) .

Without its priesthood, the Law of Moses is not functional because the priesthood was given to serve as the mediation between God and the people who were under the Law. Therefore, without its priesthood, the Law has no one to serve as its mediator to make intercession for the sins of the people.

The command given by the Law with regards to its priests required a continuous succession of priests who succeeded one another because those priests were all subject to death. This is why the writer of Hebrews says, “the Law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope did, through which we draw near to God.”  (Hebrews 7:19-23)

The priesthood which was ordained by the Law could not make anything perfect and therefore it had no power to bring men near to God. Those who served as priests under that administration were men with infirmities, meaning, they were all under the power of sin and subject to death like everyone else.

They were appointed by a carnal commandment (Hebrews 7:16), which employed carnal ordinances (Hebrews 9:10), and as long as that priesthood was in force, the true Holiest of all was not yet open (Hebrews 9:8).

JESUS OUR APPOINTED PRIEST

Unlike those priests who were appointed by the Law, Jesus will continue forever as our high priest because he has been appointed as priest forever with an irrevocable oath from God who raised him from the dead. The author of Hebrews tells us Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood which will go on forever without ceasing.

The scriptures reveal that God has repented (changed his mind) at times in his dealings with man (see Exodus 32:11-14; 1 Samuel 15:10-11; Psalms 106:45). God’s character does not change, but he has reversed what he was going do and has expressed regret at times in various Biblical accounts.

However he has promised that he will never change his mind concerning Jesus as our great high priest of the New Covenant. Jesus is God’s guarantee to us that he will never repent, i.e., change his mind. It is by this oath that Jesus was made the guarantee of a better testament. Jesus is our eternal hope!

CHRIST IS A PRIEST FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

In expounding on the ministry of Jesus as our high priest, the writer of Hebrews makes several appeals to the Messianic prophecy that Jesus is made a priest after the order of Melchizedek and not after Aaron.

Christ was called of God as was Aaron (Hebrews 10:4-6, 10). Yet his priesthood is not after the order or rank of Aaron’s (Hebrews 7:11).

Christ’s priesthood is after the order of Melchisedek which does not necessarily mean that Melchisedek foreshadowed Christ, but simply that the priesthood of Christ in comparison to Aaron’s is of a different rank.

There are many ways in which Aaron and his descendants under the Levitical priesthood foreshadowed the ministry of Christ and this is expounded especially in the 9th chapter of Hebrews. Yet it is Melchisedek’s priesthood which is similar to Christ’s in it’s order (it’s structure).

If we refer to Melchisedek as a type of Christ we must remember that it is the structure, rank, or order of Melchisedek’s priesthood to which we are referring and not his work as a priest.

Melchisedek’s priesthood is similar to Christ’s in that he was both a king and a priest and scripture records nothing regarding his predecessors or successors. So while the priesthood of Aaron typified the work of Christ, the priesthood of Melchisedek was structured like Christ’s. This is the contrast that is being made by the author of Hebrews with regards to the priesthood of the enthroned Christ and Aaron under the Law.

Beyond the book of Hebrews, there are only four verses throughout the entirely of the scriptures which reference Melchizedek. They are Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4.

The writer of Hebrews mentions the name of Melchizedek nine times throughout his epistle. Only two of those references, where the name of Melchizedek is mentioned, concern the historical figure who met Abram (Abraham) after the slaughter of the Kings. The other seven are references expounding on Jesus’ eternal priesthood in contrast to the priests under the law. The emphasis of Hebrews, with regards to the mentioning of Melchizedek, is to reveal the superiority of Christ’s priesthood to those priests who served under the law.

The last mention of Melchisedek by the author of Hebrews is found in chapter seven. At the beginning of chapter eight he sums up everything he has said thus far concerning Jesus our Great High Priest by telling us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. (Hebrews 8:1)

Melchizedek was a king and a priest, and not a priest only. This is something that was not permitted under the Law of Moses. Jesus our great high priest is both king and priest. Unlike those priests under the Law whose work was never finished, Jesus’ has finished his work and is seated as the king of glory at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high.

THREE WAYS MELCHISEDEK IS MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE

Ruth Lasalle Specter points out the thee ways in which Melchisedek is mentioned in scripture – (1) in history (2) in prophecy (3) in doctrine.

1. IN HISTORY (Genesis 14:17-23)

(a). He is the first mentioned priest in scripture.

(b). He appears more than 400 years before the law was given.

(c). He appears 1000 years before the Messianic prophecy of Christ.

(d). There are other priests mentioned in scripture before the Levitical priesthood was established: (1) The priest of Midian is mentioned in Exodus 2:16. (2) Joseph married the daughter of the priest of On (Genesis 41:50). (3) There were Egyptian priests under the rule of Pharaoh (Genesis 47:22, 26).

2. IN PROPHECY

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

3. IN DOCTRINE IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

(a). His name is mentioned 9 times in Hebrews.

(b). His name means “King of Righteousness.”

(c). He was as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.

WHO WAS MELCHISEDEK?

Melchisedek was a real person who was both a King and a priest. He was the King of Salem which is ancient Jerusalem in the land of Canaan (Psalm 76:2). Salem means Peace, and comes from the word Shalom.

When Melchisedek met Abram the Hebrew, as he is referred to in Genesis 14:13, the nation of Israel did not yet exist and Abraham did not yet have a child.

Melchizedek’s subjects were evidently Gentiles because Israel did not yet exist and there is no evidence suggesting that the inhabitants of Salem, where Melchisedek ruled, were in any way in covenant with the God of Abraham.

(a). Abraham had not yet been justified by faith.
(b). Abraham was childless.
(c). There was no covenant of circumcision as of yet.

Melchisedek met Abraham at the same time that the king of Sodom went out to meet Abraham. Unlike the other divine encounters which Abraham had, there is nothing in the context of Genesis 14 that would lead us to believe that Melchisedek was a pre-incarnation of Jesus.

At other times when God or angels visited Abraham, Abraham built altars and worshipped God. This did not occur when Melchisedek met him.

Abram (Abraham) left his homeland of Haran and went into the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4). Later, Abram was living in the land of Canaan and Lot was in Sodom when both the king of Sodom and Melchisedek came to meet Abram after he and his servants defeated the kings who had plundered Sodom.

WHY DID ABRAHAM PAY TITHES TO MELCHISEDEK?

Abraham’s tithe was an ancient Arab custom. You may find it surprising to know that tithing did not originate with the nation of Israel. Paying a tenth from the spoil of war (to the reigning or ruling king) was a customary practice in Abraham’s day. Abraham’s tithe was a special one time tithe-tax from the spoils of war.

Under the Arab custom, the spoil-tithe tax was ten percent of the spoil. However under the Mosaic Law, the spoil-tithe tax which came from the spoils of war was only one percent and was given to the Levites, and one tenth of that one percent, was given to the priests (information courtesy of Russell Earl Kelley. See also Numbers 31:27-30).

Abraham did not give Melchisedek a tenth of his own personal wealth. In fact there is no record that Abraham gave Melchisedek anything from his personal possessions. At other times when God appeared to Abraham, Abraham offered sacrifice to God from His substance (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:14-18).

MELCHISEDEK WAS NOT GOD OR CHRIST

God does not mediate as a priest for himself. Every priest is taken from among men and ordained for men. (Hebrews 5:1).

MELCHISEDEK was not Christ before His incarnation, there was only one incarnation of the Son of God. Before His incarnation, Christ was “yet to come.”

• (b) The Law of Moses is said to have been added till the seed, who is Christ, was to come. (Galatians 3:24)
• (a) Adam (as the first man) is said to be the figure of Him that was to come. (Romans 5:14)
• (c) When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law… (Galatians 4:4).
• The scriptures do not support multiple incarnations of the Son of God.

Christ, who is divine, is qualified to be our great high priest because he clothed himself with humanity.

1. He was tempted as a man.
2. He suffered as a man.
3. He is acquainted with our infirmities as a man.
4. He offered prayers as a man.
5. He was perfected as a man.
6. He made reconciliation for our sins as a man.

Jesus did not lay aside his deity when he came into this world. Jesus, being deity, was clothed with humanity and took the form or position of a servant though He was Lord of all. The king of glory came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. He did not come to be served though he was worthy of this privilege.

As our great high priest, Jesus is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and he knows firsthand the pain that all of us face at different times in our lives. He knows firsthand the pain of being rejected because he suffered for us being rejected by his people. Yet, he trusted in God and committed himself to the One who judges righteously. According to the scripture he is our example in suffering wrongfully (1 Peter 2:19-25). After he had suffered unjustly at the hands of sinful men, he was vindicated by God when he raised him from the dead and gave him the highest place of honor. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a faithful high priest in the person of Jesus, and in Jesus, God has become personally acquainted with all of our sufferings.

WITHOUT ANCESTRY

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)

It is the writer of Hebrews, not the Genesis account, who makes this startling statement. Genesis is a book heavy on genealogical records. Yet there is none given for the historical Melchisedek. He mysteriously appears on the scene and is gone after three short verses.

Genesis never says Melchisedek had no ancestry or descendants, but the absence of the mention of these is by divine design and the writer of Hebrews draws on this to elaborate on the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The absence of any genealogical record makes Melchisedek’s priesthood like unto Christ’s in structure. Christ was made a priest not through his genealogical ancestry, but by an oath from God instead.

The writer of Hebrews is not telling us that Melchisedek had no ancestry or descendants, but rather that he was a priest apart from these.

Consider the following points:

• Ester 2:17 says, “She had neither father nor mother…”
• “Without”, does not mean Melchisedek had no parents or descendants.The Greek word for “without” means “apart from”, or “separate from.” Melchisedek was a priest in scripture “apart from” his ancestry and descendants.
• In this manner Melchisedek prefigured Christ’s priesthood with regards to rank or structure. Christ was made priest apart from his pedigree in the flesh.
• It cannot be true that Melchisedek was a divine figure, i.e. Christ incarnate in the Old Testament, for then Christ would have been a priest before Aaron and there would have been no need for the Levitical priesthood to foreshadow the work of Christ, which was at that time, still to come.
• Neither can it be correct to say that Melchisedek was Christ incarnate under the Old Testament because he was without ancestry or descendants for Christ has ancestry according to the flesh.

MADE LIKE THE SON OF GOD, ABIDETH A PRIEST FOREVER (HEBREWS 7:3)

Melchisedek was not the Son of God. The scripture says, “he was made like unto the Son of God”, similar in rank. It is important to notice that the author of Hebrews does not say the Son of God was made like unto Melchizedek, but rather, Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God.

…made like unto… (similar to, or a resemblance of…)

It is significant that the author of Hebrews says “the Son of God” rather than “the Son of man” when speaking of Jesus’ Priesthood. Both titles (Son of God and Son of Man) are employed throughout scripture in reference to Jesus, but in reference to Jesus as high priest, the name, Son of God, is specifically referenced.

Jesus’ priesthood is predicated in his being the Son of God. Notice the following scriptures.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)

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. (Hebrews 5:5)

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:28)

AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

After the order of… i.e., “after the similitude of”, or “similar to”… (Hebrews 7:15).

Jesus is not a Melchizedek priest with a Melchizedek priesthood. He is no one’s successor and there will be no one succeeding him. He stands alone as the One God called to be our exalted and enthroned priest at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Melchizedek was a king and priest whom God caused to come on the scene in history and recorded within the pages of scripture as a revelation of the order of Christ’s priesthood.

Jesus is our King – Priest. His work is finished and he is exalted forever. The focus is Jesus, and not Melchizedek.

When the Bible is read correctly, we find that none of the apostles in the New Testament made a practice of referring to themselves as “Apostle”. What we do have is references in which apostles such as Paul and Peter acknowledge their apostleship in their letters.

For example, Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by saying, 

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus… ~ Ephesians 1:1

And Peter beings his first epistle saying, 

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia… ~ 1 Peter 1:1

Notice that neither Paul or Peter introduce themselves as Apostle Paul, or Apostle Peter. The reference to their apostleship had to do with their ministry service and not their personal identity. 

When we read through the book of Acts we never read even once where Luke (the author of Acts), refers to Peter as Apostle Peter, or Paul as Apostle Paul. He simply called them Peter or Simon and Paul or Saul, as he was previously known. He acknowledges their apostleship in ministry and calling context, but not in their identity context. In fact, after his conversion Paul no longer identified himself as Saul, but Paul.

This is important because we are living in a time when many who think they are apostles and prophets want to be called by the title Apostle, or Prophet, as their identity – Apostle Johnson, prophetess Sharon, etc.

Those in the Bible, the real apostles and prophets, did not label themselves in such a manner. Jeremiah never called himself Prophet Jeremiah, neither did other prophets in the Old Testament do likewise. They were referred to by others as prophets.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying … ~ Matthew 2:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying… ~ Matthew 4:14

For those who were called as prophets in the Old Testament, The title Prophet did not become part of their proper name by which they identified themselves.

Isaiah was Isaiah the prophet, not Prophet Isaiah, I hope you get my point.

Just today I heard one person who thinks they are an apostle refer to Paul as “Apostle Paul”. This comes from the same camp that uses the titles Apostle and Prophet as part of their identities.

Again, none of God’s prophets or apostles in the Bible referred to themselves in this manner, and neither did anyone else. For example, we read in Acts about a man named Agabus, who was a prophet.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. ~ Acts 21:10

Notice that his name was Agabus, and not Prophet Agabus. He was Agabus, and he was a prophet by calling.

Notice the following from Acts 8.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost… ~ Acts 8:14-15

Peter and John were part of the collective group of apostles at Jerusalem, but when Luke calls them by name he doesn’t say Apostle Peter and Apostle John, though they were apostles, he calls them Peter and John.

Moses was a prophet, but he was never called Prophet Moses. Neither was any other Old Testament prophet ever called “Prophet” before their proper name. The same is true for the apostles and prophets in the New Testament.