Last year I wrote a series of articles on the topic of eternal security, refuting some of the teachings that are prevalent within free grace theology. Of course, grace is free, but its not a gift for free loaders who choose not to follow Jesus, but only want a free ride into Heaven. Anyway, I have complied those articles into one big volume that has become Volume 2 of The Bible and Once Save Always Saved Theology. Two of the articles were already added to the the first volume. Those were, Following Jesus, and Salvation Belongs to the Bride, so those two are left out of Volume 2. I may turn these into to a study guide as well. Below is a link to both and covers much ground regarding the important topic of eternal security from a biblical perspective. Also both can be accessed by clicking on the link in the header of my site.
Author: Michael Battle
WHEN I CONSIDER THE HEAVENS… WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM?
The Psalmist wondered as to the significance of humanity in the thoughts of God in view of God’s greatness and the works of his hands.
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? 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
Among the many quotations from the Old Testament that the writer of Hebrews cites to speak of the magnificence of Christ, this is one of them.
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
Andrew Murray writes, “It was by his union with us in our life in the flesh, by his identifying himself with our nature, that Jesus was able to claim and to work out and enter into possession of the glory God had promised to man.”
Have you ever thought about this in such a way, that Jesus has possessed the glory that God prepared for man created in his image? In Jesus we find all the fulness of what God has prepared for us.
We are living in a time in which false teachers prey on unsuspecting Christians by appealing to their need for a meaningful Christian life. This is often presented as destiny, and is often tied to donating to the false teachers’ ministry. The Bible never presents such doctrines to us.
The goal of the Christian life is to be daily conformed to the image of Christ, to allow the Holy Spirit’s work to transform us more into the likeness of Christ. Paul says to the Colossians, ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power… ~ Colossians 2:10.
This comes on the heels of Paul’s words to be firmly rooted and built up in Christ and not to have our faith in Christ supplanted through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world… ~ 8
In Christ, God has brought forth the perfect image of himself in humanity, and the likeness of Christ is what the Holy Spirit works within our inner life, moment by moment, as we fix our gaze of him and trust him with all our hearts.
As we consider the vastness of God’s creation, and the heavens declaring the glory of God, think how rich, and deep, and glorious his work in us by His Spirit must be, as he transforms us into the very likeness of Christ through our journey of faith?
Blessings…
HEBREWS STUDY OUTLINE
HEBREWS: A LETTER OF EXHORTATION
“I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation…” — Hebrews 13:22
Hebrews Is a Book of Exhortation
- A letter written to encourage believers to persevere in faith.
Hebrews Is a Book of Warnings
- Warning not to neglect our great salvation.
- Warning not to harden our hearts against the Holy Spirit.
- Warning not to become slothful.
- Warning not to draw back into apostasy.
- Warning of sin and rejection of Jesus.
Hebrews Is a Book of Comparisons
- Jesus is greater than the prophets.
- Jesus is greater than the angels.
- Jesus is greater than Moses.
- Jesus is greater than Joshua.
- Jesus’ priesthood is greater than the priesthood of Aaron.
- The new covenant is greater than the old.
- The blood of Christ is greater than the blood of animals.
Hebrews Is a Book of Redemption Themes
- The sufferings and exaltation of Jesus Christ.
- The high priestly ministry of Christ.
- The new covenant.
- The blood of Christ.
- The reward for enduring faith.
OUTLINE OF HEBREWS
1. The Son Revealed (Ch. 1)
- The Son in whom God speaks is greater than the prophets (1:1–2).
- The glory of the Son (1:3).
- The superiority of the Son to angels (1:4–7).
- The exaltation of the Son (1:8–14).
2. First Warning
- Do not neglect our great salvation (2:1–3).
- God’s power confirming the gospel – a foretaste of the world to come (2:4–5).
- Humanity lower than angels (2:6–8).
- Jesus’ humanity and suffering for us (2:9–10).
- Jesus accepts us as His brethren (2:11–13).
- Jesus defeated the devil (2:14–15).
- Jesus is the seed of Abraham (2:16).
- Jesus is a merciful and faithful high priest (2:17–18).
3. Jesus, Our Apostle and High Priest (Ch. 3–4)
- Jesus is faithful to God (3:2).
- Jesus is greater than Moses (3:3–6).
Second Warning:
- Do not grieve the Holy Spirit or harden your hearts (3:7–15).
- Israel’s failure in the wilderness because of unbelief (3:16–19).
- Entering God’s true Sabbath rest: the finished work of Christ (4:1–11).
- Nothing hidden from Christ (4:12–13).
- Our great high priest in the heavens (4:14–16).
4. Jesus the Perfect High Priest (Ch. 5–7)
- The ministry of the high priest (5:1–4).
- Christ called and perfected as high priest (5:5–11).
Third Warning:
- Against slothfulness leading to apostasy (5:11–6:12).
- Spiritual growth and the Word of God (5:12–14).
- The principles of the doctrine of Christ (6:1–3).
- Qualifications for permanent apostasy (6:4–8).
- God’s faithfulness and encouragement (6:9–11).
- Abraham as an example of faith and patience (6:12–15).
- God’s promises and oaths give strong confidence (6:16–18).
- Jesus in the presence of God is our hope (6:19–20).
- Christ’s priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (7:1–24).
5. The New Covenant and the Blood of Christ (Ch. 8–10)
- Jesus’ more excellent ministry (8:1–6).
- The old covenant replaced by the new (8:7–13).
- Earthly sanctuary and sacrifices as shadows of Christ (9:1–10).
- Christ fulfills the foreshadowing (9:11–15).
- Only Jesus’ blood can take away sin (9:18–22; 10:1–4).
- Christ came to do God’s will (10:5–14).
- The Holy Spirit testifies to Christ’s finished work (10:15–18).
- Invitation to draw near to God by the blood of Jesus (10:19–22).
- Exhortations to persevere in faith (10:23–25).
Fourth Warning:
- Against willful sinning and drawing back (10:26–39).
6. Enduring Faith and Godly Living (Ch. 11–13)
- The faith of the great cloud of witnesses (11:1–12:1).
- Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (12:2–4).
- The Lord’s chastening (12:5–11).
- Exhortation to press on in faith (12:12–14).
Fifth Warning:
- Beware of sin and rejecting Jesus (12:15–29).
7. Practical Exhortations (Ch. 13)
- Continue in brotherly love.
- Show hospitality to strangers.
- Remember prisoners and the mistreated.
- Be faithful in marriage.
- Be free from the love of money; trust God’s promise.
- Remember and follow faithful leaders.
- Avoid strange doctrines; establish hearts in grace.
- Bear Christ’s reproach.
- Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.
- Do good and share with the needy.
- Submit to godly leaders.
- Pray for the writer and his companions.
Closing:
- Benediction and encouragement (13:20–21).
- Appeal to accept the letter as a word of exhortation (13:22).
- Final greetings and blessing (13:23–25).
THE GLORIOUS SON OF GOD: A DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF HEBREWS CHAPTER ONE
THE SON IS GREATER THAN THE PROPHETS
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds…” — Hebrews 1:1–2
Hebrews opens with a bold comparison:
- The prophets spoke the Word of God in part and at various times.
- Jesus the Son speaks as the full and final revelation of God.
All other prophets were servants who delivered God’s words in fragments; Jesus speaks as the very Word made flesh (John 1:1,14).
He is the heavenly Prophet foretold in Micah 5:2 and testified of by Moses (Acts 3:22–23).
John the Baptist confessed: “I am not the Christ… I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (John 1:20-23).
Jesus is Lord, not merely a servant—He speaks with the authority of God Himself.
THE SON IS THE HEIR OF ALL THINGS
“…whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…” — Hebrews 1:2-3
Jesus is heir of all things:
- Heir of God’s glory and nature — the express image of the Father.
- Heir of creation and its Redeemer — through Him all things were made.
- Heir of God’s throne — “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” (1:8).
The voice of the Son is not merely spoken truth but the revealed Person of God Himself.
THE SON IS SUPERIOR TO THE ANGELS
“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 let all the angels of God worship him.” — Hebrews 1:4-6
- Angels are mighty ministering spirits, yet none was ever called “My Son.”
- The name that sets Jesus apart is “Son”—a title of eternal relationship and divine inheritance.
- God commands the angels to worship Him.
THE SON IS EXALTED
“…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 1:8
Though exalted above angels, He humbled Himself to take on flesh:
“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour…” — Hebrews 2:7
He became lower than angels for our redemption (Hebrews 2:9-10; 2:16), yet after purging our sins He was exalted to the right hand of God’s Majesty.
The enthronement of the risen Son is the foundation of Hebrews. Missing this truth diminishes the whole message of the book.
THE SON IS ENTHRONED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” — Hebrews 1:8-9
Jesus is the King of Righteousness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy:
“Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end… to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever…” — Isaiah 9:7
THE SON IS LORD FROM THE BEGINNING AND FOREVER
“Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth… they shall perish, but thou remainest… thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” — Hebrews 1:10-12
Jesus is both Creator and Redeemer:
- Creator: “by whom also He made the worlds” (1:2).
- Redeemer: “after He had purged our sins…” (1:3).
- Eternal Lord: “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (1:13).
“God… hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 4:6
REFLECTION & STUDY GUIDE
Key Themes to Meditate On
- The fullness of God’s revelation in His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).
- The Son as Heir of all things and upholder of creation (Hebrews 1:2-3).
- The superiority of the Son to angels (Hebrews 1:4-6).
- The exaltation of Christ after His suffering (Hebrews 1:3, 8).
- The eternal throne and unchanging nature of the Son (Hebrews 1:8-12).
Discussion / Journal Prompts
- How does seeing Jesus as heir of all things shape your trust in His care for you?
- Why is it significant that God speaks to us by His Son rather than by prophets alone?
- In what ways does the humility and exaltation of Christ inspire worship and obedience?
- How does His eternal kingship encourage your faith in uncertain times?
- What difference does it make to know that the same One who created the world also redeemed it?
Prayer Focus
“Lord Jesus, exalted Son of God, help me to see Your glory in all things—
to trust Your Word as final, to bow before Your throne in reverence,
and to live in the joy of Your eternal kingdom. Amen.”
The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 5)
KING AND PRIEST
A priest is not a priest without a sacrifice, and a King is not a King without a throne. Jesus is our Priest King,
Introduction
By all evidence, the book of Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. The writer refers to the temple, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense, showing these services were still ongoing. Yet he contrasts them with Christ’s greater ministry in the heavens—in the “greater and more perfect tabernacle”—revealing the earthly system as only a shadow pointing to Christ.
The writer explains that if Jesus were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there were already priests serving according to the Law. Even so, that priesthood was rendered ineffective by Christ’s finished work on the cross and by His ongoing ministry as our High Priest in heaven.
When the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., the Levitical priesthood—already superseded by Christ—became completely inoperative.
THE LAW OF A CARNAL COMMANDMENT
Under the Law of Moses, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests. Jesus, however, is from the tribe of Judah—of the royal line of David—about whom Moses said nothing regarding priesthood (Hebrews 7:12–14).
The writer of Hebrews calls this priestly appointment “the law of a carnal commandment” (Hebrews 7:16–18), declaring it annulled because it was weak and unprofitable. Since the priesthood changed, the Law itself had to change (Hebrews 7:12).
Without priests to mediate between God and the people, the Law could not function. The priests themselves were mortal, sinful, and unable to bring people near to God. Hence, the Law “made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19–23).
JESUS OUR APPOINTED PRIEST
Unlike the mortal priests of the Law, Jesus lives forever as our High Priest. He was appointed by the oath of God after being raised from the dead (Hebrews 7:21–22).
God promises never to revoke His oath concerning Jesus as our High Priest.
“The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever…” (Psalm 110:4)
Because of this irrevocable oath, Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant—our eternal hope.
CHRIST: PRIEST AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
Jesus’ priesthood is not after Aaron’s line, but “after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:11).
This phrase describes the rank and structure of His priesthood:
- Like Melchizedek, Jesus is both King and Priest—something not permitted under the Law of Moses.
- Unlike the Aaronic priests, His priesthood is eternal and unchanging.
- Jesus’ work is finished, and He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Hebrews 8:1).
THREE WAYS MELCHIZEDEK IS PRESENTED IN SCRIPTURE
Bible teacher Ruth Lasalle Specter observed that Melchizedek appears in three ways:
- In History – Genesis 14:17–23
- First priest mentioned in Scripture.
- Lived 400+ years before the Law and 1,000 years before the prophecy of Psalm 110.
- In Prophecy – Psalm 110:4
- “The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
- In Doctrine – in Hebrews
- His name means “King of Righteousness”.
- Presented as a foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood.
WHO WAS MELCHIZEDEK?
- King of Salem (Peace)—an early name for Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2).
- Ruled before Israel existed; his subjects were Gentiles.
- Met Abram after his victory over local kings (Genesis 14).
Note: Abram’s name was changed to Abraham when God gave him the covenant of circumcision.
Abraham’s Tithe
Abraham’s tenth was a customary spoil-tax of his day—10% of war spoils, not of personal wealth.
Under Moses’ Law, such a spoil-tax was 1% to the Levites, who gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 31:27-30).
MELCHIZEDEK WAS NOT CHRIST
- Every priest is chosen from among men (Hebrews 5:1).
- Scripture calls Melchizedek “made like unto the Son of God” (Hebrews 7:3)—showing similarity, not identity.
- Christ’s incarnation happened once, in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4).
WITHOUT ANCESTRY
“Without father, without mother, without descent… made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually.” —Hebrews 7:3
Hebrews highlights that Genesis omits any genealogy for Melchizedek—by divine design—to illustrate a priesthood apart from ancestry.
This silence in Scripture foreshadows Christ’s priesthood, established not by lineage but by God’s oath.
THE SON OF GOD, OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST
Jesus is our sympathetic High Priest, acquainted with our sufferings:
- Tempted as a man, yet without sin.
- Suffered rejection and injustice.
- Offered prayers and intercession for us.
Through His suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation, He became both King and Priest forever—our perfect Mediator.
KEY SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS
- Hebrews 8:1 – “We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”
- Hebrews 7:24-25 – “He holds His priesthood permanently… therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.”
- Psalm 110:4 – “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 4)
THE RESURRECTION AND EXALTATION
Key Scripture
“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
1. Introduction
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Luke’s gospel, he announced that Jesus would be given the throne of David.
Though some interpret the reign of Christ from the throne of David as a future, earthly millennial throne, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is already enthroned—at the right hand of God.
According to the apostles, the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus fulfills God’s promise that the Messiah would reign on David’s throne.
2. Peter’s Declaration in Acts 2
Peter proclaimed that the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus fulfilled David’s prophecy:
“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
Peter connects the promise of the throne of David directly to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.
3. David’s Prophetic Vision (Psalm 110)
Peter quotes Psalm 110:1:
“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Key Observations:
- “The Lord said to my Lord…” — David foresaw the Messiah as his Lord, seated at the right hand of God, not on an earthly throne.
- The author of Hebrews and Paul (1 Corinthians 15:25-26) also apply this verse to the exalted Christ.
- Psalm 110:4 declares the Messiah to be “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
4. Christ as King and Priest
Jesus is both King (from the tribe of Judah) and Priest (after the order of Melchizedek).
Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant—who served on earth—Jesus’ priesthood is heavenly, exercised at the right hand of God.
See Hebrews 8:1-3.
5. Christ’s Present Reign as Lord
Peter proclaims:
“Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and Christ.”
— Acts 2:36
Jesus is Lord now—already reigning in power, not waiting for a future enthronement.
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9-11
6. Seated in Majesty
- “When he had by himself purged our sins, (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High…” — Hebrews 1:3
- “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” — Hebrews 1:8
Paul prays that believers understand this exaltation:
“…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 hath put all things under His feet…”
— Ephesians 1:17-23
7. The Eternal Throne
Jesus’ throne is not temporary nor awaiting a lesser earthly throne.
He entered His glory after the resurrection (Luke 24:26; John 17:5; Acts 2:33).
He reigns now from the Heavenly Jerusalem (see Hebrews 12:22-24).
“…made Higher than the Heavens…” — Hebrews 7:26
When Christ returns, He comes in the full majesty of His exalted throne, not to assume an inferior earthly seat.
Study & Reflection Questions
- According to Acts 2:30-36, when did Jesus begin to reign on David’s throne?
- How does Psalm 110 reveal that the Messiah’s throne would be heavenly, not earthly?
- What does it mean that Jesus is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek?
- How does Ephesians 1:20-23 describe Christ’s present authority?
- How should understanding Christ’s present reign affect your worship and faith?
Prayer Prompt
“Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart to see You exalted at the right hand of the Father. Help me to live in the power of Your present reign and to bow before You as Lord and King of my life. Amen.”
The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 3)
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
Opening Thought
The gospel is unique in that it is not based on mythology. Mythological ideas can sometimes creep into our understanding of the cross of Christ.
For example, when Jesus cried out:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
we often search for hidden mystical explanations—as though God was punishing Him secretly.
In reality, Jesus spoke these words in the most vulnerable, fully human moment of His suffering. He truly felt abandoned, bearing the weight of death with no divine intervention to spare Him. Yet this feeling of abandonment never meant that God was unfaithful or had turned against Him.
1. The Humanity of Jesus at the Cross
- Suffering is part of the human experience, and tragedy often causes us to wonder where God is.
- Jesus experienced the full weight of human suffering—including the question, “Where is God?”
- In His suffering, He was perfected to be our High Priest.
2. Scripture Insights
A. Perfected as High Priest
“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God…
Who in the days of his flesh… offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears…
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
Jesus’s sufferings were not only for atonement but also part of His perfecting as our merciful High Priest.
B. Sharing in Our Humanity
“…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 (help) them that are tempted.“
— Hebrews 2:14, 17–18
“…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…” — Hebrews 4:15–16
3. Jesus’s Agony Foretold
Jesus dreaded this hour of suffering:
“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit…
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
4. Gethsemane: The Weight of the Hour
“And he began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy…
My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death…
Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.“
— Mark 14:32–42
- His friends fell asleep during His anguish.
- Judas betrayed Him to those who hated Him.
- He faced beating, humiliation, and crucifixion—fully aware that the Father’s protective hand was withdrawn.
- Yet through all this, He never sinned and never stopped trusting God.
5. The Purpose of His Suffering
“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 12:2–4
The writer of Hebrews urges us to consider His endurance so that we will not grow weary or lose heart.
His cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” reflects true human agony, not divine abandonment.
6. The Apostolic Witness
The apostles preached the real human experience of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit confirmed it with power.
The mystery of godliness is that God was manifest in the flesh—not a hidden mystical act but a public suffering.
Jesus redeemed us by:
- Suffering in His flesh and enduring human agony.
- Offering His human body and blood for our salvation.
- Becoming our merciful and faithful High Priest, able to sympathize with us.
Takeaway
Jesus did this for two reasons:
- He loved the Father.
- He loved us.
Let this truth anchor your faith—Jesus’s suffering was real, His humanity was full, and His love was unfailing.
The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part Two)
Part Two – Jesus, Our Merciful and Faithful 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
1. Introduction: The Paradox of the Perfect Son
Jesus was already sinless — “a lamb without spot or blemish” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
So why does Hebrews say He was “made perfect by the things He suffered”?
The answer lies not in His role as the sacrifice, but in His role as our High Priest.
2. Perfected for the Priesthood
“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God …
So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest …
‘Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’ …
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 …”
— Hebrews 5:1-9
Jesus’ suffering qualified Him to be the kind of High Priest humanity needed:
one who understands weakness, grief, betrayal, and injustice — yet without sin.
3. The God-Man Forever
The hypostatic union — Jesus is fully God and fully man — is not temporary.
From Bethlehem’s manger onward He remains true God and true man for eternity.
After the resurrection He proved His continued humanity:
“Handle Me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see I have …
And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish … and He ate before them.“
— Luke 24:39-43
Our High Priest is not a distant spirit but the risen Son who still bears the marks of the cross.
4. A High Priest Who Feels Our Pain
He remembers betrayal’s sting, the mockery, the false accusations, the scourging, the cross — yet His prayer was:
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
Therefore:
“We do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are — yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace …” — Hebrews 4:15-16
There is nothing you suffer that lies outside His understanding or His mercy.
5. Suffering as the Crucible of Perfection
Peter reminds us:
“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps … who, when He was reviled, reviled not again … but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” — 1 Peter 2:21-23
God’s purpose in the cross was not only for atonement; it was also formational —
to perfect Christ as our merciful and faithful High Priest who can minister to us in every trial.
6. Sharing the Fellowship of His Sufferings
Paul longed:
“… that I may know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings …” — Philippians 3:10
We share that fellowship when we accept that Christ’s sufferings were the furnace that shaped Him for us. Therefore we can:
“… run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame …Consider Him … lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.” — Hebrews 12:1-3
7. Grace in Our Weakness
Paul’s own thorn-in-the-flesh experience shows how Christ’s priestly ministry meets us:
“I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart …And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
The same risen High Priest who interceded for Paul now ministers grace in our frailty.
8. The Living Intercessor
“In all things it was necessary for Him to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God … Because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” — Hebrews 2:17-18
“… He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.” — Hebrews 7:25
Christ’s intercession is not merely spoken prayers —
His very presence as the perfected High Priest at the Father’s right hand is our continual assurance.
9. Devotional Reflection
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for entering fully into our humanity, for suffering so that You might become the merciful and faithful High Priest we need. Teach us to come boldly to Your throne of grace, and to follow in Your steps when we ourselves must suffer for righteousness’ sake. Amen.
10. Study-Guide Questions
- Read Hebrews 5:1-10.
- What specific qualifications for a high priest are mentioned?
- How did Jesus meet those qualifications through suffering?
- In what way does the hypostatic union (Jesus fully God and fully man) deepen our confidence in His priestly care?
- According to Hebrews 4:15-16, how should we approach the throne of grace in times of weakness or temptation?
- Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
- How can God’s grace be “sufficient” even when our thorn remains?
- What personal comfort do you draw from knowing Christ “ever lives to make intercession” for you?
The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 1)
Part One – The End of the Old Priesthood, A Devotional Study Guide
The Intersection of Two Priesthoods
“He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.” — Hebrews 10:9
1. The False Accusations
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:59–61; John 2:19
On the night Jesus was betrayed, history shifted in a quiet courtroom.
Before the high priest Caiaphas stood the very One who would fulfill the Law and open a new way to God. As the false accusations flew, the old order of sacrifices and priestly rituals was about to give way to something far greater—the perfect High Priest who would offer Himself as the final sacrifice for sin.
Christ stood silent before earthly priests so that we might boldly approach the throne of grace.
Reflection Questions:
- When have you seen God’s words misunderstood or misrepresented?
- How does Jesus’ composure encourage you when you are misjudged?
2. The High Priest’s Demand
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:62–63
Caiaphas demanded under oath that Jesus declare whether He was the Christ, the Son of God. Under the Law of Moses (Leviticus 5:1), the high priest had the authority to require a witness to speak truthfully.
Key Point:
Even when pressured unjustly, Jesus spoke truthfully and fearlessly, affirming His divine identity.
3. Jesus’ Declaration of His Authority
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:64
Jesus replied:
“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.”
This was unmistakable Messianic language (Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13–14).
In that moment, Jesus publicly declared Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the rightful King.
Reflection Question:
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus sits at the right hand of power today?
4. The Tearing of the Garments
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:65; Leviticus 21:10
The earthly high priest unknowingly acknowledged the arrival of the true High Priest—Jesus Christ.
The Act:
Caiaphas tore his priestly robes in outrage.
The Law:
The high priest was forbidden to tear his garments.
Doing so was considered an act of disqualification (Leviticus 10:6; 21:10).
The Symbolism:
By tearing his robe in the presence of Jesus, Caiaphas nullified his own priesthood.
Key Insight:
The earthly high priest unknowingly acknowledged the arrival of the true High Priest—Jesus Christ.
5. The Greater High Priest
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:23–27; 9:11–14
Jesus stood as both the Lamb of God to be sacrificed and the High Priest who would offer the sacrifice.
The old covenant priesthood was passing away; a new and better covenant was being established.
Reflection Question:
- How does it strengthen your faith to know that Jesus Himself intercedes for you today as your High Priest?
Takeaway Verses for Meditation
Hebrews 4:14–16 – Our compassionate High Priest invites us to draw near.
Hebrews 10:11–14 – Jesus’ one sacrifice makes us perfect forever.
John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
BLURRING THE LINES, THE CHURCH IS NOT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Before I share the following I want to make myself abundantly clear. What happened to Charlie Kirk was a tragedy. It is my hope that Charlie is with the Lord even though I reject some of the ideas he advocated. The concerns I am expressing in this article is the ideology of Christian nationalism.
It is not my intent to trigger anyone to feel as if they need to defend Charlie Kirk, this is not about him. It is about the belief that is held by many Christians who conflate scripture with their political ideology.
This was on full display in the speech given by Jack Posobiec at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, who said that “Charlie’s death was not just a murder, but was a sacrifice.”
If he had left it there, it would have been completely understandable, he’s expressing his love for his friend in a time of grief, but he didn’t stop there. What followed was language that one would use to describe Jesus giving his life for us, but he wasn’t referring to Jesus. He was referring to Charlie Kirk.
Again, this is not an attack on Charlie Kirk, so please be mature in how you listen to what I say. This is about the ideology of christian nationalism and how it has taken over much of Christianity in America.
Posobiec’s speech, of which I will share more below, took the language of scripture regarding Christ’s sacrifice and placed it into a Christian nationalist context to describe Charlie Kirk’s death. I am not OK with that, and if you truly love Jesus, you shouldn’t be either.
Posobiec continued, “The true word for what Charlie did is sacrifice. You see the difference between murder and sacrifice is that sacrifice is a gift. Sacrifice is that last full measure of devotion for God, for country, and for his people, and for his family. Charlie Kirk died for all of you. And Charlie Kirk’s gift of his sacrifice means that Charlie Kirk will live forever. Not just for all of us, not just for his family, and Erika, and his children, but for all future generations of Americans.”
Notice that the descriptions coincide with Christ, who is the gift of God, whose death was a sacrifice and an offering for our sins, who died for us all, and who lives forever for all generations of people.
I am pretty sure that if Charlie Kirk had known that there would be a gunman hidden in the crowd with the intent to kill him, he would have either canceled the event or requested heightened security. I seriously doubt that Charlie Kirk chose to give his life at the hands of a gunman over going home to his wife and children. Yet Posobiec spoke as if Kirk laid down his life as a sacrifice.
The death of Charlie Kirk was a tragedy and it was horrific, but his death cannot and should not be compared to Jesus. Charlie did not lay down his life as Christ laid down his life for us. The difference between Charlie Kirk’s death and the death of Jesus is that Jesus gave his life for all people because of God’s love for all, even his enemies.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ~ Romans 5:10
Jesus died for his enemies, Charlie Kirk did not. In Kirk’s memorial service, his death was exploited by multiple speakers, including the President of the United States and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller. They exploited his death as a rallying cry to unite the people against their political enemies.
As Jack Posobiec continued, he did not stop twisting biblical language saying, “for Charlie’s sacrifice for all of us we will overcome their evil.”
According to scripture, it is through Christ’s sacrifice that we overcome evil. In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul tells us that Jesus gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father … ~ Galatians 1:4
Attempting to equate the death of Charlie Kirk with that of Christ’s sacrifice so as to wage war against the enemy who happen to be other human beings for whom Christ died, is blasphemous against God’s truth in Christ.
Posobiec doubled down in his twisting of scriptural language saying, “we will come to find in the final moment, that Western Civilization was saved through Charlie’s sacrifice, in the only way possible, by returning the people to Almighty God.” He follows this by saying, “are you ready to put on the full armor of God and face the evil in high places, and the spiritual warfare before us.”
Evil in high places within the context of this speech is a reference to political enemies, namely people on the left, (i.e., the democrats, and/or their policies).
Posobiec claims that Charlie’s sacrifice is what will save Western civilization and return us to Almighty God. Where does anyone actually begin to refute such ideology because the entirety of the New Testament refutes it. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man and only Jesus’s sacrifice for sin can return any people to God.
The apostles in the book of Acts viewed themselves as unworthy of being compared to their Savior, but Jack Posobiec showed no such reverence in his speech.
Using Charlie Kirk’s death as a rallying cry to engage in spiritual warfare against political enemies can only be inspired by the real adversary of us all, the devil, who walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour ~ 1 Peter 5:8
We do not put on the whole armor of God to wage spiritual warfare against people, because our warfare is not with flesh and blood.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~ Ephesians 6:11-12
The enemy is not people on the left, and the church is not the people on the right. The enemy is Satan, and the church consists of people on the right and on the left who follow Jesus, and who love one another regardless of their political differences. The mark of the people of God is their love for one another (John 13:35), and not their political identity.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul instructed the church to judge matters within the church, and to leave judgment regarding matters outside the church to God. It is not the church’s responsibility or calling to engage in culture wars or to enforce their values on those outside the church. The problem with Christian nationalism is that too many evangelicals have blurred the lines between the church of the Lord of glory and their political identity.
The republican party is not the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rooted and Grounded In Christ 