There are those who argue that the title Son of God,  in reference to Jesus, has no special uniqueness. They claim that the title Son of God is used elsewhere in the Bible to refer to others such as Adam (Luke 3:38) and the angels (Job 1:6).

However, the scriptures teach that Jesus being the Son of God is unique and different from all others. Jesus is unique because he is eternal and he existed with God in eternities past.

Matthew 14:33 says: Then they  (Jesus’ disciples) that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, of a truth Thou art the Son of God. 

If Jesus being the Son of God were an ordinary title, then why was he worshipped as the Son of God?

The disciples would not have worshipped Jesus as the Son of God if being the Son of God were a common thing as with others. Unlike others, Jesus is God’s own unique Son – the only begotten Son of God.

John the baptist said, “I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God.” ~ John 1:34

If Jesus being the Son of God were not unique, there would be no need for John the Baptist to bear record of Jesus in this manner. When we examine the testimony of John about Jesus, we see that John declared that Jesus was more than an ordinary man.

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. ~ John 1:15

John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus was before him, even though Jesus came after him – a reference to the deity of Jesus Christ. John calls him Lord, saying,  I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. ~ John 1:23

The title Son of God carries a weight when applied to Jesus that it does not when applied to any other man. Jesus is not an ordinary man privileged to be called God’s child. Jesus is the Lord who came down for Heaven, and eternal life comes through believing he is the Son of God. 

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. ~ 1 John 4:15

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ~ 1 John 5:9-13

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. ~ 1 John 5:20

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. ~ Hebrews 12:22-24

What is the significance of the speaking of the blood of Jesus in contrast to that of Abel’s?

When Abel was murdered by his brother Cain, God vindicated Abel by judging Cain. God confronted Cain saying: “What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” ~ Genesis 4:10

Is the author of Hebrews emphasizing that Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance, while the blood of Jesus cries out for mercy?

I think it’s more than that – much more.

First, consider that the Biblical account of the murder of Abel by Cain does not make the claim that Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance. We are only told that God said “the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.”

Though a few modern translations interpret Hebrews 12:24 as Abel’s blood crying out for vengeance, there is nothing concrete in the Biblical narrative to conclude this definitively.

We know from the New Testament that Stephen, as he was being murdered, prayed for God’s mercy and not judgment for his executors.

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. ~ Acts 7:59-60

As he was dying, Stephen prayed for God’s forgiveness for those who were putting him to death. Therefore, if Abel’s blood did indeed cry out for vengeance, we could conclude that Stephen’s blood (or death) speaks better things than Abel’s as well, for Stephen prayed for mercy for his murderers.

I think we miss something very valuable when we come to the conclusion that the contrast being made by the author of Hebrews is one of mercy and vengeance when he says Jesus’s blood speaks better things than Abel’s blood.

What is it that we are missing? What possibly could the writer of Hebrews be telling us? First consider that the Bible tells us that Cain murdered his brother Abel, because his deeds were evil and his brother’s were righteous.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. ~ 1 John 3:10-11

The contrast between Cain and Abel is evil and righteousness. Now consider Hebrews 11:4.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. ~ Hebrews 11:4

When we consider the context of Genesis 4, we find that Cain killed Abel over an offering, because God accepted Abel’s gift and rejected Cain’s gift.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that by Abel’s gift to God, he obtained witness that he was righteous, and by it – by virtue of his gift to God – he being dead, yet speaks.

God’s judgment on Cain was more than vengeance for wrongdoing. God was vindicating Abel’s righteousness and the gift he had offered to God, which was a type of the sacrifice of Jesus. Consider how much more God vindicates the righteousness of his Son Jesus, and the gift he gave to God when he died for our sins.

In contrast to Abel, the writer of Hebrews tells us it is the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than Abel’s blood.

The words the blood of sprinkling is a reference to the application of the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ’s blood has power in heaven where it was sprinkled in the presence of God for us, and it has power in our heart when received in faith, cleansing our conscience from all sin.

The book of Hebrews draws heavily on the priesthood and the sacrificial system of the Old Testament to explain the work of Christ. Under the Old Testament, God spoke directly to Moses (the mediator between God and Israel) from above the blood sprinkled mercy seat. ~ Exodus 25: 22; Numbers 7:89

The mercy seat was the covering of the ark of the covenant, and the place where the shed blood of the sin offerings for atonement was sprinkled annually to make atonement for Israel. Once a year, the high priest would enter into the most holy place and sprinkle the blood which had been shed at the altar of sacrifice upon the mercy seat in the presence of God.

This was a type of the work of Christ, who consecrated for us the new and living way to God, when through his own blood which was shed at the cross, he entered into the presence of God having obtained eternal redemption for us.

In the presence of God, Jesus lives forever to make intercession for us, and from there, at the right hand of God, he cleanses our hearts through the sprinkling of his blood by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ~ Hebrews 9:6-14

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ~ Hebrews 10:19-22

The one whose heart has been sprinkled (or cleansed) with the blood of Jesus Christ will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit bearing witness from God and from Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness to our cleansed conscience as he gives testimony to Christ and his finished work. This brings about a nearness to God from the heart and causes us to have the full assurance of faith.

The power of Christ’s blood so completely purges the conscience through it’s sprinkling (it’s cleansing power) that the sense of guilt and demerit are completely removed. This results in the justifying voice of mercy and grace within the depths of our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit testifies to our conscience of Jesus’s complete victory over sin and he imparts to us the victory of Christ.

Christ’s blood speaks better things than that of Abel’s, whose more excellent sacrifice than Cain’s, was only a foreshadowing of HIM who was to come. In righteousness, Jesus gave the ultimate gift to God for us all, and through the offering of himself he brings us near to God. That is why his shed blood, sprinkled (applied) in the presence of God and in our hearts, speaks better things than that of Abel’s!

IN CLOSING

The foundation for correctly understanding all that scripture teaches about the blood of Christ is the knowledge that God is holy and we must be cleansed from our sins to stand in his presence. Without Jesus’s blood purifying us, we would have no fellowship with the Living God.

Because of Jesus who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7: 26), we can stand before a holy God who loves us and who gave his son for us. Only Jesus, the lamb of God, can reconcile sinful humanity to God and only his blood can purify us and make us holy. And this is what the speaking of the blood of Jesus is all about. God is holy and the blood of Jesus cleanses us and makes us holy in God’s sight when we trust completely in Jesus.
_______________________________________________

STUDY GUIDE 

Key Points

1. Question of Contrast (Abel vs. Jesus).
* Many interpret Abel’s blood as crying for vengeance and Jesus’ blood  as crying for mercy.
* We must be cautious against limiting the contrast to vengeance vs. forgiveness since Scripture does not explicitly teach that Abel’s blood cried for vengeance.
* Stephen asked God to overlook the sin of those who were stoning him (Lord, lay not this sin to their charge ~ Acts 7:60). If the contrast is vengeance and mercy, Stephen’s blood could be said as speaking better things than Abel’s as well.

2. Righteousness of Abel

* Abel’s offering was accepted because of righteousness (Hebrews 11:4).
* His blood “spoke” by bearing witness to his righteous offering.
* God vindicated Abel against Cain’s evil, pointing to righteousness versus wickedness.

3. Typology of Abel’s Sacrifice

* Abel’s offering foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice.
* Yet Abel’s sacrifice could not cleanse sin—only testify to faith and righteousness.

4. Jesus’ Blood and the New Covenant
* The “blood of sprinkling” (Hebrews 12:24) refers to Christ’s blood applied in heaven and in the believer’s heart.
* Unlike the Old Covenant sacrificial blood sprinkled on the mercy seat, Christ’s blood brings eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:6–14).
* It purges the conscience from dead works, brings full assurance of faith, and establishes a living relationship with God.

5. Superiority of Christ’s Blood
* Abel’s blood bore witness to righteousness but could not save.
* Jesus’ blood cleanses, justifies, reconciles, and brings nearness to God.
* It speaks of mercy, grace, and victory over sin, far surpassing Abel’s testimony.

6. Closing Emphasis
* The foundation for understanding the blood of Christ is recognizing God’s holiness.
* Only through Jesus’ blood can sinful humanity stand before a holy God.
* The blood of Jesus speaks “better things” because it alone purifies, reconciles, and makes us holy in God’s sight.

In essence: Abel’s blood testified to righteousness and pointed forward, but Jesus’ blood accomplishes what Abel’s could not—it purifies the conscience, reconciles man to God, and eternally secures redemption. That is the “better thing” it speaks.

____________________________________________

Below are some links to more teachings I have posted about the precious blood of Christ.

Holy by the blood of Christ

Faith in the blood of Jesus

Sanctified by the Blood of Christ

The Blood of Jesus and the Presence of God

The Blood of His Cross

The Blood of the Passover Lamb

They Overcame by the Blood of the Lamb 

 https://rootedandgroundedinchrist.com/2017/11/07/reasons-why-animal-sacrifices-in-the-millennium-is-problematic-for-christian-doctrine/

God has always been as merciful and forgiving God, for by his own nature he is love. The difference, however, in the old and new covenant is that the blood, by which the covenant was established.

The forgiveness we have received through the blood of Jesus is not a temporary atonement. The freedom that we receive through the blood of Christ is the remission of our sins.

Remission is the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty. Through the blood of Jesus, the indebtedness for our sins and the sins of all have been canceled! However, it must be appropriated by faith. 

Listed below are some of the important truths taught by scripture regarding the remission of our sins in contrast to the old testament atonement.

• It was impossible for the blood of animals – offered under the law – to cleanse man’s conscience from sin and guilt (Hebrews 9:9; 10:1-5, 11)

• The blood of Jesus cleanses our conscience from guilt. (1 John 1:7,9; Hebrews 7:19; 9:9, 13-14, 22;  10:1-2, 14, 19-22;  12:23)

• The sacrifices under the Law were repeated over and over again and were a continual reminder that sin had not been permanently dealt with. (Hebrews 10:1-6)

• Jesus does not need to offer himself for our sins over and over again. Jesus’ one sacrifice provides cleansing for sins forever. (Hebrews 7:25-28; 10: 5-22)

• The priests, under the Law, who offered the sacrifices on the behalf of the people could not abide continually in the presence of God (Hebrews 9:6-8), neither could they continue in their priestly ministry indefinitely because they were subject to death. Therefore there were many priests who succeeded one another (Hebrews 7:19-23). Under that system of worship, man was separated from God because the way into God’s presence was not yet opened (Hebrews 9:6-10). The Law could only give a foreshadowing of good things to come – an illustration of something better that itself (Hebrews 10:1-5).

• Christ is our great high priest. In and through him, the good things which the law could only foreshadow have become reality. Unlike the entrance of the priests under the old testament who served in a temporary tabernacle,  Jesus has entered a greater and more perfect tabernacle. Christ entered the tabernacle of God in Heaven (Hebrews 9:12).  Jesus did not enter this tabernacle with the blood of animals, but with his own blood, securing our permanent redemption. (Hebrews 9:12-14, 24-28; 10:10-14)

• Under the law, the offerings of sacrificial animals could only provide ceremonial cleansing from impurity.  However, the Blood of Jesus Christ purifies our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:6-14)

• Under the old covenant, the priests stood and ministered before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, and those sacrifices could never take away sins. Jesus Christ, our high priest, offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, forever. He then sat down at the right hand of God, reigning as King till all his enemies are made his footstool. His one offering is the perfect sacrifice for all people forever. Now we can enter boldly into the Most Holy Place (the presence of God) because of the blood of Jesus. Jesus has consecrated this new and living way to God for us. Through the blood of Jesus Christ we now can draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (see Hebrews chapters 7-10)

The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20), yet many people like to quot, be be angry and sin not, to justify their so-called righteous indignation, which is often not righteous anger at all. Instead, it is an excuse to fulfill the lust of the flesh.

When the scripture says, be angry and sin not, it is not a proof text to justify being angry. Instead it is an exhortation to get over our anger quickly and that is why the scripture says, “let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.”

Anger that goes unchecked will open to the door to the devil and give him access into our lives. Being angry is not a virtue. Having the grace to get over it quickly is. When we continue in anger it will lead us into sin and that is why the scriptures exhorts us to do the following:

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and WRATH, and ANGER, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Notice in the verses above, anger and wrath, are associated with bitterness and is listed among things which grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

In Colossians 3 anger is spoken of in view of the old nature that we are to put off.

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… (Colossians 3:8-10)

Playing the righteous indignation card (as most of us have) is no excuse for treating people unkindly because the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.

Och Hallelujah!

THE NEW COVENANT WAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 27:28 see also Mark 14;24; and Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25)

GOD FULFILLED HIS PROMISE TO ISRAEL IN THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

And we declare unto you GLAD TIDINGS, how that THE PROMISE which was made unto the fathers, GOD HATH FULFILLED the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. (Acts 13:32-33)

JESUS TRIUMPHED OVER ALL HIS ENEMIES IN HIS DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION 

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 fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:16-23) 

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM in it. (Colossians 2:15)

JESUS, THE SEED OF ABRAHAM, WAS VICTORIOUS OVER THE POWERS IF DARKNESS 

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. (Hebrews 2:14-17)

JESUS REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (Galatians 3:13-17)

ABRAHAM IS THE FATHER OF ALL WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST 

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:27-29)

ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH IS INVESTED IN JESUS 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (Authority)is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)

JESUS WAS ENTHRONED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD AT THE TIME OF HIS ASCENSION

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 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. (Acts 2:29-32)

GOD PROMISED HIS SON THAT ALL HIS ENEMIES WOULD BE PUT UNDER HIS FEET

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: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they… to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Hebrews 1:3-4; 13)

• Jesus is the express image of God
• Jesus purged our sins
• Jesus was enthroned on the right hand of God 
• Jesus was reign until all His enemies are put under foot 

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15: 25-26)

JESUS TERMINATED THE OLD COVENANT THROUGH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby… (Ephesians 2:15-16)

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Colossians 2:14)

Note- the hand writing of ordinance against us is a reference to the Law.

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, Take THIS BOOK OF THE LAW, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for A WITNESS AGAINST THEE. For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the Lord; and how much more after my death? Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

This book of the Law, which was written or recorded by Moses, served as a witness against the people because they were rebellious and stiff-necked. God knew that they were going to forsake Him and serve other gods and God instructed Moses to record it as a witness against them. Not a witness for them.

After the exile into Babylon, Daniel prayed the following:

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore THE CURSE is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in THE LAW OF MOSES the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath CONFIRMED his words, which he spoke AGAINST US, and AGAINST our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

When Colossians 2 refers to the BLOTTING OUT THE HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES that was AGAINST US, this is exactly what is being referred to.

Through the death of Christ, the law covenant given to Israel through Moses was DONE AWAY WITH (2 Corinthians 3:7, 11) and ABOLISHED (2 Corinthians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15). It was TAKEN AWAY (Hebrews 10:2) and made OLD (Hebrews 8:13).

The covenant God made to Abraham was confirmed in Christ (Galatians 3:17) 430 years before the law.  The new covenant is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and the inheritance belongs to all who believe that Jesus is the Christ!

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that THE COVENANT, that was CONFIRMED before of God IN CHRIST, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, CANNOT ANNUL, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if THE INHERITANCE be of the law, it is no more of promise: but GAD GAVE IT TO ABRAHAM BY PROMISE. Wherefore then serveth the law? IT WAS ADDED because of transgressions, till the seed should come TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that THE PROMISE BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST MIGHT BE GIVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE. the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE. (Galatians 3:15-29)

 

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. ~ 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 

Some have attempted to use this text as if Paul is commanding the Gentiles to keep the Jewish feast of Passover, but if we read this in context we can see that Paul refers to the feast as a metaphor. The context deals with sin that was in the midst of the Corinthian church, namely fornication.

Notice that they (the Corinthians) were to be unleavened. Unleavened was never once applied to the people under the Old Covenant. It was always the bread and cakes which were to be consumed as a holy ceremonial observance unto the Lord that were unleavened. The Israelites were to put away leaven for seven days and to eat unleavened bread only. This was a type of the putting away of sin in exchange for purity.

The Unleavened bread has its fulfillment in Christ, by whom our sins are put away. The context of Paul’s words to the Corinthians has specifically to do with putting away the fornication that the Corinthians had allowed to go unchecked in their midst.

Under the law, the feast of Passover was to be kept by the Israelites on the 14th day of the month of Nisan which was the first month on the Jewish calendar, (see Ex 12:6,14,18,19; Numbers 9:2; 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1; Joshua 5:10; Ezekiel 45:21).

Leviticus 23:5 says, In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S Passover. In Corinthians, Paul does not make reference to this day as the Passover. Paul does not refer to Passover as a time on the calendar, or a ceremonial festival when speaking to the Corinthians. On the contrary, Paul refers to Christ Jesus himself as our Passover.

All that was commanded by God regarding the feasts under the Old Testament were types and shadows pointing to Christ, and Paul applies the object lesson which was contained in the shadowy type of the Passover given to Israel and tells the Corinthians to walk in the reality of it.

In other words, Paul says, Put away this sin from your midst and serve God in Christ with sincerity and truth because Christ, who is our Passover, was sacrificed for you. Again, notice that Paul tells them to do this so that they would be a new lump and they would be as unleavened bread. 

There is nothing wrong with dedicating the Passover season as a time for the Lord to focus on Christ’s death for us. In fact that is a very good practice. The error comes in when the festival commanded  under the law becomes a law for Christians to observe. This is becoming more of a common place within some of the modern day Messianic movements, such as the Hebrew Roots Movement. 

The New Testament writers are the authoritative interpreters of the Old Testament scriptures and they gave us everything we need to know for godly and righteous living in Christ.

That which was foreshadowed in the feasts has become reality in Christ Jesus, and we can walk in the reality every day because the light has come and the shadow has been put away.

Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.  Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ.~ Colossians 2:16-17  Amplified Bible

If you would like to study more about the cross you can do so by following this link:
https://rootedandgroundedinchrist.com/the-cross/?frame-nonce=18a5dd8a0c

____________________________________________________________

THE BLOOD OF THE PASSOVER LAMB

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2018/03/18/the-blood-of-the-passover-lamb/

THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF PASSOVER IN CONTRAST TO HEBREW ROOTS TEACHINGS

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/the-biblical-doctrine-of-passover-in-contrast-to-hebrew-roots-teachings/

There are some who place an unhealthy emphasis the Hebrew Roots and attempt to impose the food laws on others. Yet, the food laws only applied to Israel under the Law. The food laws were not a universal command from God for everyone.

Notice the following from Deuteronomy 14:7:

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore THEY ARE UNCLEAN UNTO YOU. (see verse 10 also)

Notice that God says to Israel, they are unclean to you. They were unclean to the Israelites, not to God. God gave Israel the food laws for various reasons:

• to separate them from the other nations
• to teach them the difference from clean and unclean
• for the purpose of the sacrifices and offerings.

In scripture there were things which were universally forbidden such as sexual sins, because such things are an abomination to God. On the other hand, there were things that were forbidden for Israel only because they were to be separated from all other nations. However, not everything Israel was commanded to do was a sin in God’s eyes for other nations.

Now notice verse 21 from the same context as the scripture provided above:

Ye shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself: THOU SHALT GIVE IT UNTO THE STRANGER that is in thy gates, THAT HE MAY EAT IT; or thou mayest SELL IT TO AN ALIEN: for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.

That which was unclean for the people of Israel was allowed to be food provision for the stranger within their gates and as food that could be purchased by an outsider.

The food Laws given to Israel under the Law were never imposed on people of other nations. In fact, it would be against the Law of Moses to impose the Jewish food Laws upon non Jews because the Law itself allowed those outside the nation of Israel to eat that which the Jews were not allowed to eat.

The food laws applied only to the Israelites because Israel was to be distinct from all other nations.

In Jesus Christ the separating wall between Israel and all other nations has been taken away (Ephesians 2:14-15). The food laws no longer have any relevance with regards to being separated as the people of God. In Acts 10 God gave the apostle Peter a vision of many animals that were forbidden for Jews under the Law. God told Peter to “arise, kill and eat.”

In Christ, God had removed the separating wall and the same salvation which had come to the Jews is also offered to the Gentiles.

Concerning the new heavens and the new earth, Revelation 21:22-27 and Revelation 22:14-15 should be interpreted in view of Revelation 21:7- 8

Revelation 21:22-27 says:

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 22:14-15 says:

Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Revelation 21:7- 8 says:

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

Nothing impure will enter, nor anyone who does shamefully or deceitfully because they will be condemned to the lake of fire.

Those who are considered dogs, and those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood, are “outside” the city because they are condemned to the lake of fire.

These verses are not telling us that there will be holy people living in a holy city, while the wicked are on the other side of the wall in the new heaven and new earth, but rather those who are “outside” the city are banned to their punishment which is the lake of fire.

Without question,  Jesus tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). Death is the judgment, or the condemning sentence for sin. In this way alone, Jesus suffered God’s judgment when he died on the cross.

In obedience to God, Jesus gave his life by dying on the cross (Philippians 2:8) and by his blood he provided both redemption from, and cleaning for sin. 

The condemnation of Jesus wasn’t because he had become substitutionally sinful in the sight of God, for he offered himself without spot to God. Jesus was condemned wrongfully by sinful men who deprived him of justice.

The cross was not the demonstration of the justice of God towards Jesus. The resurrection was the demonstration of the justice of God towards Jesus. When God raised his Son from the dead, he overturned the verdict of sinful men who viciously murdered him, and exalted Jesus at his own right hand.

This is why the apostles (throughout the book of Acts) blame the people for the death of Jesus, and the resurrection they attribute to God in opposition to what the people had done in crucifying him.

Yet, it was the will of God, for Jesus to lay down his life to redeem us with his precious blood. In the sight of God, Jesus died as an unblemished lamb, accepted and not rejected by God.

In the resurrection, God demonstrated his justice by raising his Son from the dead and enthroning him at his own right hand. The resurrected and enthroned Son, is triumphant over sin and the power of darkness, and all who believe in him are triumphant through him.

This is the manner in which God overthrew the sentence of death and the power of darkness which held humanity in bondage because of sin. 

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)

Jesus was “approved of God” therefore the pains of death could not hold him (Acts 2:24). Death had no power to hold Jesus because Jesus was holy and just in the sight of God, and it is his blood which sets us free from the power of sin.

Therefore, only in respect of his giving to God what we could not, (i.e., a completely holy and righteous life) should we think of his death on the cross as a substitution.

Conversely, the theory of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) advocates that Jesus Christ, God’s son, became the object of God’s wrath because God’s wrath had to first be satisfied before God can truly forgive the sinner.

Such theories put God in need of reconciliation rather than man.

In scripture, it is the unrepentant sinner who incurs God’s wrath, not the repentant sinner. According to the Bible, God’s delights in showing mercy and forgiveness, even to the ungodly.

As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11).

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)

Those who teach according to the theory of Penal Substitutionary Atonement often over look important passages in the Bible, passages such as Stephen’s statement to the religious leaders of Israel, saying they had been the betrayers and murderers of Jesus (Acts 7:52).

If the crucifixion of Jesus was indeed a murder, then how was God’s wrath satisfied and his justice served?

According to the prophet Isaiah, Jesus was deprived of justice from the time of his arrest until he died on the cross. Only in the resurrection was God’s true justice demonstrated towards Jesus.

Those who killed Jesus did so because they hated him without a cause (John 15:24-25) and when they condemned him they were gathered against God in Heaven and against Jesus.

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. (Acts 4:26-27)

Acts 4:26-27 (mentioned above) is taken from Psalm 2. According to Psalm 2, it is those who were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ who are under the wrath of God. The words of the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 agree with this.

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

It wasn’t the wrath of God which was levied against Jesus in his death: it was the wrath of sinful men as stated in Psalm 2 and Acts 4.

Why did THE HEATHEN RAGE and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Christ was vindicated in His resurrection when God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him at His own right hand. This is why the apostles, throughout the book of Acts, lay blame for the death of Jesus on the people, yet the resurrection they attribute to God in opposition to what the people had done in condemning and crucifying Him.

In John 5:19 Jesus said, “the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

Muslim apologists spend so much time emphasizing that Jesus said, “the Son can do nothing of himself” in their attempt to disprove the deity of Christ, that they fail to see that Jesus is saying that he only does what he sees the Father do.

Why is it that Muhammad could never make the claim that he does only what he sees the Father do? Why is it that Muhammad could not claim the Father shows me EVERYTHING he (the Father himself) does?

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth…(John 5:19-20).

Notice that Jesus says the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does. This is why Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed the sick and those who were diseased, raised the dead, cast out demons, and performed many miracles. It is also why Jesus died and rose again. 

Muhammad never did any of these.

Unlike Jesus, the Father never showed Muhammad all things that he himself does, and neither did he ever give Muhammad any power to do the things that he does because Jesus is the one God sent to reveal himself to humanity, not Muhammad.

In Acts 10 :38 the apostle Peter testified of Jesus saying “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

Why didn’t Muhammad do the works of the Father like Jesus did?  Jesus is the only one who can make the claim “he that sees me sees the Father also. “

Jesus said that the works which he did from the Father were a greater witness than even the testimony of John the Baptist, because the works which Jesus did were the Father himself working through him. (see John 5:36)

In John 10, Jesus told the Jews who wanted to stone him, “the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.” (John 10:25)

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (John 10:38-39)

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works‘ sake.(John 14:10 -11)

Jesus did not fail to show us the Father in everything he said and did, including his death.

All the works which Jesus did, he did in the name of his Father (John 10:25) and just prior to laying down his life, Jesus had prayed; “Father, glorify thy name.” In response to this prayer the Father answered: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:28)

By this, the Father was speaking of the works he had already done through his Son, and the work he was about to accomplish through his death and resurrection.

The works which Jesus did in his Father’s name testified of him that he is the Messiah sent by God and when he said from the cross, “it is finished,” he was literally speaking of the works which the Father had given to him to accomplish, for the cross was the climax of the works which the Father sent him to do. (see John 19:28-30)

Jesus glorified God in everything he did, including when He laid down his life for us. (John 13:32)

Jesus had said to those Jews who wanted to kill him from the beginning; “when you have lifted up the Son of Man (on the cross) you would know that I AM He” (John 8:28-29). His death and resurrection would be the final and greatest statement that He is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God.  Everything Jesus did, he had learned from the Father and when he laid down his life, he gave it as the good Shepherd giving his life for the sheep; this he also had learned from his Father!

Jesus laid down his life for the sheep because he knew the Father (John 10:11, 15, 17-18) and was taught so by the Father (John 10:17-18; 13:1-3; 14:29-31). He did only what he saw His Father do (John 5:19). Jesus said that the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing and would show even greater works that would make those who rejected Him astonished (John 5:20 TNLT). These greater works refer to his death and resurrection from the dead (John 20:21).

Jesus was given authority by God to lay down his life and to take it up again (John 10:17-18). Those who believe that he is the one sent by God; honor God (John 5:23). Those who reject him and refuse to believe will die in their sins (John 8:24).
__________________________________________________

For more teaching regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ in contrast to Islam follow the links below:

An Introduction to Jesus for Muslims

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/an-introduction-to-jesus-for-muslims/

The Heavenly Man

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/07/16/the-heavenly-man/

King Jesus

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/king-jesus/

Did Jesus Deny Being Deity?

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/06/02/did-jesus-deny-being-deity/

Refuting Islamic Interpretation of Hebrews 5:7-8

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/refuting-islamic-interpretation-of-hebrews-57/

Jesus, Paul, and the Law

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/jesus-paul-and-the-law/

Did Paul Fail to Preach Repentance?

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/06/04/did-paul-fail-to-preach-repentance/

Did Paul Teach Others to Eat Food Offered to Idols? 

https://michaelbattle65.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/did-paul-teach-others-to-eat-food-offered-to-idols/