jesus

CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT ~ BEAUTY FOR ASHES

/ Michael Battle / 7 Comments

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:1-3

WOW! There is a lot in this set of scriptures. Just reading it is inspiring. If you are in a place where you feel somewhat cold in your relationship with the Lord, these verses can help stir your heart once again.

With that said, I want to draw your attention to the phrase,“beauty for ashes.”

Nearly 25 years ago, I returned to the Bible College that I had graduated from close to a decade earlier, and I had the privilege of teaching the students on the topic of Christ in the Old Testament. The things I am about to share with you are taken from my notes which I used to teach on this important topic. I hope to share more from my notes at a later time.

When God instructed Moses to construct the tabernacle, he said to him: See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain. ~ Exodus 25:40

The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people Israel, and later in Israel’s history the temple built by Solomon would become the central focus.

Everything in the tabernacle and later in the temple were divinely orchestrated. The decor, the furnishings, the ministry of the priests, and the sacrifices was so divinely inspired that in the tabernacle the gospel of Christ was hidden in the midst of the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness and eventually entered into the promised land.

The writer of Hebrews tells us For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. ~ Hebrews 4:2

The gospel was preached to the Israelites, and the tabernacle was filled with revelation of the coming Messiah. For example, the sacrifices which were offered on the altar of sacrifice in the tabernacle all point to Christ in various ways. The offerings consisted of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering.

The burnt offering, unlike the other offerings, was wholly consumed. This represented Christ who was completely given to the will of God, and was wholly committed to laying down his life for us when he died on the cross. Jesus held nothing back, he gave himself entirely! That was foreshadowed in the burnt offering which was also called “the whole burnt offering.”

The burnt offering is the most prominent of all the offerings and the more we learn about this offering the more we will understand the power in the others and how they foreshadowed Christ. In like manner, the more we know of the person of Christ, the more we will grasp the greatness of his work in laying down his life for us. 

When we consider the ashes that accumulated from the burnt offerings, as well as all the other offerings which give us a portrait of Christ, we quickly learn that the ashes carry a divine message of “it is finished.”  

Christ allowed himself to be reduced to ashes on our behalf, holding nothing back and giving himself wholly. He is now crowned with honor and glory and sits at the right hand of God. The same God that accomplished his purpose in and through Christ giving him beauty for ashes (a throne for a cross) will also exalt us in Christ and with Christ, as we die to our old selves and surrender to him. This is the work of His Holy Spirit in our lives.

Our God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, truly gives beauty for ashes, and Christ is the living, breathing representation of that reality.

Under the Old Testament, the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the peace offerings were considered voluntary offerings. Conversely, the sin and trespass offerings were compulsory offerings. The first three were freely given by the worshipper, testifying to us that Jesus voluntarily gave himself for us, and freely served the Father to do his will.

On the other hand, the sin and trespass offering were required offerings because they involved the atonement for sins. Though Christ willingly gave himself to die for our sins, the compulsory nature of the sin and trespass offering teaches us that there was no other way for our sins to be cleansed. Christ had to die!

Now before we take a deep dive into the burnt offering, let’s look a little further into the other two voluntary offerings. First, let’s consider the grain offering (aka, the meat offering in the KJV).

This offering (as unleavened bread) foreshadowed the sinless humanity of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the unleavened bread who gave his flesh for our sins. Below is a list of facts that you will find in the Old Testament, particularly the book of Leviticus, regarding this grain offering.

  • It was unleavened. 
  • It was offered with flour and frankincense.
  • It was voluntarily offered.
  • It was most holy (Christ was without sin though tempted at all points in the flesh). 
  • Oil was poured on it, (a type of the anointing of Spirit in Christ’s humanity).
  • It was an offering made by fire. (Christ endured the fiery crucible of the crucifixion in his flesh). 
  • It was seasoned with salt. (Salt is a preservative, and though Christ suffered severely in the flesh he was preserved by God’s righteousness).
  • It was sweet fragrance. Christ’s humanity was pleasing to God.
  • It made provision for both the poor and the rich. (No one is outside of the scope of the saving power of the man, Jesus Christ, He died for all).
  • It was offered with the daily sacrifices. (The daily sacrifices were burnt offerings and we will cover this when we circle back to the burnt offerings). 
  • It was an offering of consecration, preservation, and purity. Consider 2 Kings 3:20; Joel 1:8-9,13; 2:12-14
  • It foreshadowed Christ’s sinless humanity(2 Co 5:21; Heb 4:15), and that Christ’s body did not decay in the tomb (Acts 2:30-31; 13:33-34). 

One of the beautiful truths about the grain (meat) offering is that it sanctifies. In Leviticus 2 which covers the law of the grain offering, we also read about a new grain offering.

No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the Lordmade by fire. As for the oblation (offering) of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the Lord: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. ~ Leviticus 2:11-12

Notice that these verses above speak of two separate offerings. One is to be offered without leaven on the altar, the other is to be offered to the Lord, but not on the altar, and it is called the offering of the first fruits which was one of the feasts of the Lord that Israel was to celebrate.

Consider the following from Leviticus 23.

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days;
and ye shall offer a new meat offeringunto the Lord. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loavesof two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven;they arethe firstfruits unto the Lord. And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the Lord, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the Lord. Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the Lord,with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the Lordfor the priest. ~ Leviticus 23:16-20

The new meat (i.e., grain) offering was offered fifty days after the feast of first fruits, which followed the feast of unleavened bread, which followed Passover. Christ was crucified 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). He was then buried and his body rested in the tomb as the unleavened bread on the 15th which was the first day of the seven day feast of unleavened bread. Then on the next day (the 16th) was the feast of first fruits which signified the resurrection of Jesus. Then 50 days later there was Pentecost. It was during the time of Pentecost that the new meat (grain) offering was to be offered to the Lord. This would be an offering that had not been offered on the altar of sacrifice, and would consist of two loaves made with leaven.

In the New Testament, Peter on the Day of Pentecost stood up and preached the gospel of the Messiah to his kinsmen in the flesh, and those who believed from the two houses (Judah and Israel) became one as they were sanctified in the Messiah. The two loaves with leaven became the firstfruits of the salvation that would later spread to the entire world.

The foreshadowing of the two leavened loaves would have an even wider application as the believing Jews would soon understand that Jesus did not die only for the people of Israel. He died for the whole world, and there is no doubt that the two loaves (the new grain offering) made with leaven, represent the union of the Jews and Gentiles who are presented as an offering to God through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, we who are sinners (the leavened loaves) are made holy being sanctified by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul seems to draw on this marvelous truth when he writes the following:

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. ~ Romans 15:15-16 

Notice the language of the offering up of the Gentiles. In Christ Jesus, we are made an offering to God for his glory and honor. We who have believed from among the Jews and Gentile are the leavened loaves that have been sanctified by the perfect lamb of God and are now seated with Christ in Heavenly places. And this was foreshadowed in the tabernacle in Old Testament where the revelation of Christ was divinely hidden in a mystery.

Would you like to hear more? If so, leave a comment.

FROM HOLY TO THE MOST HOLY

/ Michael Battle / 2 Comments

And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died; And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. ~ Leviticus 16:1-2

We often refer to the three areas of the tabernacle as the outer court, the inner court, and the Holy of Holies. When doing so, the distinction is often made between the inner court and the Holy of Holies as the holy place (the inner court) and the Most holy place (the Holy of Holies).

Now, the scriptures do not always use this language, so it is vitally important that we follow the context and the flow of thought to correctly understand which part of the tabernacle is being referenced in a given text. Leviticus 16:1-2 referenced above, is a perfect example.

Notice the mention of the holy place, which is a description often used to refer to the inner court. However, this text is not referring to the inner court, but the Most holy place. We know this because of the context. Aaron the High Priest, is warned not to come into this Holy place except for the appointed time, and this holy place is referred to as the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat. So the holy place referred to in this text is the Most Holy place where the glory of God rested on the mercy seat.

In contrast to the once a year entrance into the Most Holy Place, Aaron (the High Priest) was to minister daily in the inner court which is also referred to at times as the holy place.

Now, there is a traditional error that states that on the Day of Atonement the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with a rope tied around him in case he were to die in the presence of God. According to this teaching, the people would understand that the high priest had fallen dead because they would cease to hear the bells on the robe of the high priest and therefore they could retrieve his dead body with the rope tied around him without having to go into the Holy of Holies. This has been taught by many ministers, but it is entirely unscriptural, and is an extra Biblical rabbinical teaching. It is not found in scripture.

Now, let’s back up a little to get the wider picture. In Exodus 28 we are given a detailed description of the priestly garments worn by Aaron the high priest in his daily ministration within the service of the tabernacle. These garments consisted of the ephod, the curious girdle of the ephod, the breastplate of judgment, the robe (all blue) of the ephod, the mitre (bonnet) with the plate of gold, the linen coat, and the line breaches. This is the full attire of Aaron’s High Priestly garments, as well as his successors.

The garment of blue was the garment which had bells and pomegranates on the hem of it. It was this garment that made a sound that could be heard by those outside the tabernacle, but this garment was not worn into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, as we will see later in this article, but first let’s consider Aaron’s service in the inner court and the garment of blue which had the bells and the pomegranates.

And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent. And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not. ~ Exodus 28:31-35

This text is one of the references that might be used to promote the teaching that the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement with a rope tied around him because of the use of the words, “before the Lord.” This text however, is not referring to the Most holy Place but the the inner court. The language, “before the Lord,” is used for the altar of sacrifice in the outer court, just as it is for the inner court and the Holy of Holies.

When the High Priest burned incense at the altar of incense, which was in the Holy place (the inner court), it was said to have been done before the Lord.

And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal. And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations. Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.

Notice that Aaron was to minister at this altar, every morning, and every evening. This was the part of the daily ministry of Aaron as the High Priest, and it is the place of ministry which Exodus 28 is referring to when it speaks of the robe of blue which had the bells and the pomegranates on the hem of it. The bells were separated by pomegranates because without them, the bells could make an unpleasant sound clanging together. Paul seems to allude to this in 1 Corinthians 13 when he says, Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1

Without the fruit of God’s love, being gifted with spiritual endowments bear little to no lasting fruit for God’s Kingdom. When the high priest ministered in the holy place (not the Holy of Holies) the bells with the pomegranates would make a pleasant sound and the High Priest was heard within the tabernacle as he daily carried out his service in the holy place (the inner court). However, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest wore only the linen garments into the Holy of Holies. He did not wear the full attire of his beautiful priestly garments which included the garment of blue which had the bells and pomegranates. In Leviticus 16, which details the ministry of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, we read the following:

He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. ~ Leviticus 16:4

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there… ~ Leviticus 16:23

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments… ~ Leviticus 16:32

On the Day of Atonement, Aaron and his successors wore only the linen garments, and not the full attire of the Priestly garments which were worn in the daily ministrations of their office. In the book of the Revelation we find that linen garments represent, the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

The laying aside of the full attire of the Priestly beautiful garments, and being clothed in only the linen garments, speaks to the powerful truth that when Jesus entered into this world he laid aside his glory and majesty and humbly took on human flesh, becoming servant. Paul tells us in the book of Philippians that Jesus was in the form of God, and being equal with God made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ~ Philippians 2:6-8 

When Jesus entered the presence of God for us after his death on the cross, he did so in his pure and humble humanity. In this manner, he made intercession for us, having obtained eternal redemption for us with his own blood.

Now before we close, I would like to draw your attention to another truth that could easily be missed when reading the book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 9, the writer of Hebrews mentions all the furniture in the Holy place (the inner court), and the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), except for one of the furnishings. He mentions the table of showbread, the lamp stand, and the Ark of the Covenant with the mercy seat as its covering. There is no mentioned of the altar of incense.

Is this an oversight, or is something else going on here that we need to see? I am persuaded that the writer of Hebrews intentionally leaves out the altar of incense because Hebrews 9 is written with the Day of Atonement in view. On the Day of Atonement incense was taken from the altar of incense into the Most Holy Place with the golden censer which the writer of Hebrews mentions instead of the altar. Thus the writer of Hebrews is attempting to take us from the Holy place which was preparatory, into the Most Holy because of the finished work of Christ.

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary (the inner court). And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. ~ Hebrews 9:2-5

Notice that he associates the golden censer with the Holiest of all, rather than the Holy place where the High Priest ministered daily at the altar of incense. Leviticus 16, which details the ministry of the High priest on the Day of Atonement, tells us exactly what the writer of Hebrews is telling us.

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not… ~ Leviticus 16:12-13

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). The incense from the altar of incense represents prayer (Revelation 8:3), but no prayer but that of our High Priest could bring an end to that which separated humanity from a Holy God. Jesus is the High Priest, who took the incense (the prayers for salvation, deliverance, and redemption) from the Holy place into the Most Holy, (Heaven itself) having secured our permanent redemption with his own blood.

As we read the following in closing, keep in mind some of the things which we have covered in this article.

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 

May the Lord increase our understanding. Blessings.

WHEN I CONSIDER THE HEAVENS… WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM?

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

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

/ Michael Battle / 1 Comment

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

  1. Warning not to neglect our great salvation.
  2. Warning not to harden our hearts against the Holy Spirit.
  3. Warning not to become slothful.
  4. Warning not to draw back into apostasy.
  5. 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 Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 5)

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

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:

  1. 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.
  2. In Prophecy – Psalm 110:4
    • “The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
  3. 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)

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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

  1. According to Acts 2:30-36, when did Jesus begin to reign on David’s throne?
  2. How does Psalm 110 reveal that the Messiah’s throne would be heavenly, not earthly?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek?
  4. How does Ephesians 1:20-23 describe Christ’s present authority?
  5. 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)

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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:

  1. Suffering in His flesh and enduring human agony.
  2. Offering His human body and blood for our salvation.
  3. 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)

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

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

  1. Read Hebrews 5:1-10.
    • What specific qualifications for a high priest are mentioned?
    • How did Jesus meet those qualifications through suffering?
  2. In what way does the hypostatic union (Jesus fully God and fully man) deepen our confidence in His priestly care?
  3. According to Hebrews 4:15-16, how should we approach the throne of grace in times of weakness or temptation?
  4. Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
    • How can God’s grace be “sufficient” even when our thorn remains?
  5. 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)

/ Michael Battle / Leave a comment

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

/ Michael Battle / 4 Comments

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.