A Study On The Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones

A Study on
the Book of
Hebrews
Jesse C. Jones
A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 1

Table of Contents
Preface
Bible Study Guides for the New Testament 4
Introduction
A Study on the Book of Hebrews 11
Chapter 1
The Preeminence of Jesus Christ 14
Chapter 2
Jesus Christ Our Faithful High Priest 19
Chapter 3
Jesus is Compared With Moses 22
Chapter 4
God’s Rest 26
Chapter 5
Jesus, A High Priest After The Order Of Melchisedec 31
Chapter 6
Apostasy 34
Chapter 7
Priesthood After the Order of Melchisedec 53
Chapter 8
Jesus Christ is Mediator of the New Covenant 57
Chapter 9
Blood of Christ Purges the Conscience 62
Chapter 10
Christ’s New Covenant Replaces The Law 66
Chapter 11
Faith 71
Chapter 12
Faith, Patience, and Godliness 79
Chapter 13
Godly Admonitions 86
Appendix
Questions from Hebrews 88
Links to Other Books Available 98
Bible Study Guides for the New Testament 99

Preface
Bible Study Guides for the New Testament
Writing a book was not on my mind when this effort was initiated some
years ago. In fact, it began when a member of my Sunday School class com-
mented that his son had talked about committing suicide the previous week.
As a result, I felt an urge to see what the Bible had to say about hope, with a
view toward helping his son cope with his suicidal feelings. The result of that
effort was an article entitled: “Hope and the Miraculous Three Pound Com-
puter,” located in Chapter 6 of the book After the Big Bang. My next writing
endeavor was a fallout from a Sunday School class discussion about tempta-
tions, or trials, and their purpose in our lives. An article entitled “The Trials of
Job” located in Chapter 7 of the same book resulted from that effort. After
this I began to feel a prodding from the Lord to continue studying and writing.
The chapters in this book document what I subsequently learned about two of
God’s greatest and most marvelous creations: earth and mankind, who He
made to exercise dominion over it.

Some of the material presented in these New Testament Bible Study Guides
conflicts with commonly held viewpoints, and differs as well on the definitions
of some words used to explicate them. One thing I have learned through this
effort is that the meaning of many of the words used in the Bible is not uni-
formly agreed to by expositors, and in many cases, not agreed to by the various
versions of the Bible. For example, in the KJV of the old testament (OT), the
word “soul” is used over 780 times. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of
Old and New Testament Words notes that in over 400 of these uses, the He-
brew word used is misinterpreted. I mention this not to heap criticism on the
KJV, for it is my personal Bible, and I love it dearly, but to point out the im-
portance of consulting Hebrew and Greek sources, and good conservative lexi-
cons, when trying to understand difficult scripture. The meaning of some
words is not absolutely clear even then. Nevertheless, this is the process I have
followed in this effort.
I am a retired engineer: my education and work experience sparked a great
interest in details. I found that to understand the technical difficulties and
problems that arise in the operation of complex machines, a good understand-
ing of the details of the design is absolutely necessary. What is presented here-
in is an analysis of important details in God’s creation of the earth and man: his
habitat and milieu. However, no description is completely adequate to portray
the unbelievable complexity and efficacy of tripartite man. Scientists and en-
gineers have tried to duplicate the various subsystems in God’s design of man
for years, with limited success. Part of the problem is that we do not under-
stand many of the operational details, but the greatest impediment is probably
the fact that man is composed of three parts: spirit, soul, and body, two of
which (spirit and soul) are immaterial, and are thus largely beyond the scope of
scientific and medical analysis. The third part, the highly complex body, is
strongly influenced by these two immaterial parts. God has given mankind a
great challenge in trying to understand tripartite man. What better model
could we find for our study than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: spirit, soul
and body in perfect relationship. When Jesus came to earth He emptied Him-
self, and was formed in the likeness and fashion of a man. Like us, He was a
tripartite being, but without a sin nature. Thus, He was the perfect man, the
ideal for all to emulate.
I read a book several years ago by Watchman Nee in which he made the ob-
servation that one of the primary ways God speaks to us is through our intu-
ition. After that I began to try to follow the guidance I received in this man-
ner, and what is presented herein is largely a result of that attempt. I hasten to
add that all readers will not agree with my conclusions. I have learned much
about God’s creation, and His design of man through this effort: that may be
the primary purpose He had in mind. My hope is that readers will find new
ideas in these words that drive them to the absolute authority: God’s Word -
the Bible.
As references I have used the King James Version (KJV), the New In-
ternational Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), the Revised Ver-
sion (RV), and Recovery Versions of the bible, as well as the Interlinear NIV
Hebrew - English Old Testament (OT), and the Interlinear Greek - English
New Testament (GNT). I have also used Vine’s Complete Expository Dictio-
nary of Old and New Testament Words, Vincent’s Word Studies in the New
Testament, Moulton’s Analytical Greek Lexicon, the Brown-Driver-Briggs He-
brew and English Lexicon, and Webster’s New World Dictionary for word in-
terpretation. Unless otherwise noted, scripture passages quoted are from the
KJV.

The John A. Dickson New Analytical Bible and Dictionary, Authorized
King James Version, Chicago 1950, was a primary reference source. This Bible
was given to my wife and I in 1957, and is one of my dearest treasures. It has
been rebound once, and is in need of a repair job at the present time. Thus,
the reader can appreciate the usage it has had over these 62 years, most of
which has been during the last 25 years. The book introductions have been
generally quoted from this source, with changes (mostly grammatical) made
only when considered necessary.
Finally, I want to recognize the lady that takes everything I have written,
and makes the necessary changes for placing it on the internet. Ms. Sandra
Crosnoe is the daughter of two of my, and my deceased wife’s, dearest friends,
Ted and Jimmie Crosnoe (also deceased). When God moved us (my wife and
I), to a Methodist Church in Pasadena, Texas, in 1962, Ted, Jimmie, and their
two daughters were among the group of several families in the church that
were touched by God in a mighty way that led to a weekly Bible study, that re-
sulted in many changed lives. As the years passed by, and the families went in
different directions, we were not able to maintain the close relationship we had
in Pasadena. We settled in Lubbock, Texas, in 1982, and I got the call to start
writing on the Bible. Sometime after that Sandra was in Lubbock and we got
together for dinner. When she learned of my involvement in writing on the
Bible she immediately volunteered to help in making it available by publishing
it on the internet. She may not have known what she was getting into, for God
has not ceased from giving me Bible subjects to study and write about. This
series on the New Testament has been our greatest undertaking, and Sandra’s
help (as always) has been essential. She has corrected my grammar, argued with
me on interpretation, prepared the pictorial cover pages, and generally pol-
ished the appearance of the various books in ways that I could never have ac-
complished on my own. Without her help, this (and other) documents would
never have been made available to the general public. I do so appreciate all her
work. I believe Ted and Jimmie will give her a “well done” when she joins them
in heaven. Her personal website is Finding Gems and Sharing Them.
These bible study guides are available at no charge to read, print, download
and share on a platform called Scribd (no membership is required to read/
download). They are all listed and linked as a group in Bible Study Guides by
Jesse C. Jones on Scribd. Upon completion, most of them will contain study
questions in the Appendix. Other works available are listed and linked with
Books for Believers and Seekers. If you hit a pop-up page on Scribd asking you
to become a member to read free, simply click the ‘x’ in the upper right corner
to remove the pop-up and continue to our links on Scribd. My personal web-
site is Revealed by Fire - Jesse's Studies if you wish to see my latest articles and
updates.
It is my sincere hope that these works will guide you to a personal ongoing
relationship with Jesus and a life led and anointed by the Holy Spirit.
JESSE JONES 

Introduction
A Study on the Book of Hebrews
We know that this epistle must have been written before the destruction of
the Temple in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus Vespasian, for there is no
mention of this calamitous event within the text. Hebrews 13:23 mentions the
release of Timothy from prison, and if we assume that this letter was written
during, or shortly after the intensified persecution of the Emperor Nero, a like-
ly date would be 67 - 69 AD.
The author of the Book of Hebrews remains unknown, although many early
Bible expositors have attributed its writing to Paul. For instance, John Owen, a
leading pastor and theologian of the 17th century, expresses no doubt that Paul
was the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews. However, some of the methods
used in Paul’s writing in other epistles are not used in Hebrews and, therefore,
other expositors doubt Paul’s authorship. Whoever was the scribe in this
work, we know that the actual source of the thoughts and teachings in the
Book of Hebrews came from the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The Book of Hebrews sets before the Jew the claims of Christianity
through Jesus Christ. Thus, we know it was written to Hebrew Christians: no
mention is made of Gentile Christians in the Book of Hebrews. The emphasis
is on Jesus’ fulfillment of the institutions of the Hebrews in the OT, and how
they have been abrogated by the coming of the Messiah in the NT. The Book
of Hebrews is certainly one of the most helpful books in the NT in showing
how certain OT institutions were but a foreshadow of their fulfillment in the
coming of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The preparation of this study grew out of a series of Men’s Home Group
meetings in early 2007. During several months of lively discussions (we rea-
soned together) we found our way through the Book of Hebrews. I believe it
is the general opinion of the group that we all grew spiritually during this time.
I believe that anyone who dedicates themselves to studying the Book of He-
brews with an open mind, eager to be taught by the Holy Spirit, will have a
similar experience.
There are many difficult passages in this Book. The discussion included
herein documents the interpretation of God’s Word to the Hebrews as re-
ceived by ordinary laymen. I pray that I have been a faithful scribe in docu-
menting this effort.

Bible references are from the King James Version (KJV) unless noted oth-
erwise.  

Chapter 1
The Preeminence of Jesus Christ
In the OT God spoke to men through the prophets, but the Book of He-
brews begins by making the point that Jesus Christ the Son now represents
God the Father as heir over all things. Christ is heir of everything that was
made because He was the Father God’s designated Creator. Everything that
was made was made by Him. All the laws and purposes that guide the creation
and government of the universe reside in Him. Two fundamental theorems of
Information Science state that: 1) “Information only arises through an inten-
tional act,” and 2) “Information comprises the nonmaterial foundation for all
technological systems and for all works of art.” We know that Jesus Christ was
the creator of all “information,” and He holds all creation together through the
power of His Word. He speaks the Word, and gravity is created to hold the
universe together. He speaks again, and the strong nuclear force is created to
hold the atomic nucleus together. In short, everything that is, was spoken into
existence by Him. The Holy Spirit was His helper in all of this, as well. On

the authority of the Father, Jesus spoke the creative act, and the Holy Spirit
brooded over it, bringing into being whatever was spoken.
Jesus represents the brightness of God’s glory and goodness, and is the ex-
press image of the Father. The essential being of God set its distinct stamp on
Jesus, coming into definite and characteristic expression in his person, so that
the Son bears the exact impression of the divine nature and character. If we
know Jesus we know the Father, and if we are His bondservant, we have Jesus
and the Father within us through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus completed His work on earth in AD 30 when, after death and resur-
rection, He ascended to the Father and sat down at His right hand, where He
intercedes for us, and acts as mediator of the new covenant. As mediator
Christ guarantees the benefits of the new covenant for those the Father has
given Him (John 10:29). His intent is to conform us to His image, and to in-
sure that we receive eternal life (John 10:28). Some of the ways the “mediator”
cares for His saints are listed below :
1) He strengthens and fortifies our hearts against sin, and then tests us by
allowing Satan to bring enticement.

2) He often provides a way of escape when the enticement grows so strong
we cannot resist (2 Peter 2:9), but He may give us more grace and allow the
temptation to persist (2 Corinthians 12:9).
3) He gives us wisdom to make a right, holy, and spiritual use of all tempta-
tions (James 1:2). Peter tells us that it is sometimes necessary to be left in
temptation (1 Peter 1:6).
4) He supports us with mercy and pardon when at any time we are over-
come by temptation, so we will not sink utterly under the burden.
5) He shows compassion for us in all our afflictions (Isaiah 63:9; Colossians
1:24). His compassion is revealed in two ways: He intercedes with His Father
(Zechariah 1:12), and He avenges His elect on those who cause them to suffer
(Luke 18:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6).
6) He has a plan for the believer’s life, and He tries to keep us on the right
track to fulfill that plan. To do this He opens some doors and closes others.
We must learn to recognize and pass through the open doors, and turn back
from those that are closed.
7) He is constantly nurturing us through training and discipline to make us
more like Himself.

When we overcome our lusts and pride the Holy Spirit can manifest Christ
through our bodies (Philippians 2:13). In all this effort He seeks to bring us
“home,” where we will be with Him for eternal life.
The remainder of Hebrews Chapter 1 compares the majesty and authority
of Jesus Christ to the angels. Jesus Christ is God’s Son, and as such He has a
greater name and inheritance than do the angels. Hebrews 1:6 says, “And again,
when he brings the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God
worship him.” Many expositors of God’s Word say that this refers to Christ’s
second coming, but that is difficult to accept since we know that all angels, au-
thorities, and powers, were made subject to Christ after His resurrection, when
He returned to heaven and took His place at the right hand of God the Father
(1 Peter 3:22). This more likely refers to the entire span of Christ’s life on
earth, beginning with His birth, but deferred for a short period of time in or-
der for Jesus to suffer crucifixion, so that He might experience death for all
mankind (Hebrews 2:9). Hebrews 1:7 says, “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh
his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” According to rabbinical thought
this scripture relates to the variableness of angelic nature. Angels live to minis-
ter . . . God uses his angels however he wills. Psalm 104:4 (Interlinear NIV

Hebrew-English Old Testament says): “He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire
his servants.”
Hebrews Chapter 1 leaves no doubt about the fact that Jesus Christ is above
all angels, for to which of the angels did God say, “Sit on my right hand, until I
make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth
to minister to them that will be heirs of salvation?” This is an encouraging passage
of scripture for it says that those whom God has chosen will be assigned an an-
gel to minister to them while they are being drawn to Christ, and it does not
indicate that this ministering angel leaves after salvation has been received.

Chapter 2
Jesus Christ Our Faithful High Priest
“Because you have received a revelation superior to that of the old dispen-
sation, given to you through One who is superior to the angels, you should give
earnest heed to the things you have heard,” (Vincent’s Word Studies in the
New Testament). Hebrews 2:1-4 speaks of the problem of turning away from
belief in the salvation provided through Jesus Christ. The unanswered ques-
tion here is, were these immature believers who were warned about the danger
of neglecting God’s Word, or were they still in the “drawing” process, not hav-
ing yet received salvation? In Hebrews 3:1, those addressed are referred to as
“holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,” from which we infer they were be-
lievers. If that is the case this book is a warning about apostasy to immature
believers, emphasizing the imperative of becoming holy through the sanctifica-
tion process. Vincent’s says, “Lapse from truth and goodness is more often the
result of inattention than of design. Drifting is a mark of death: giving heed, of
life. The log drifts with the tide: the ship breasts the adverse waves, because
some one is giving earnest heed.”

Whether a person can fall away totally from belief into Jesus Christ, and
become an outcast from the kingdom of God, is a question in many Christians’
minds. Many Christians believe that if they are once saved, they are always
saved. There is a considerable volume of scripture that seems to imply that
this is so, although I do not know of any particular scripture that says this, un-
equivocally. There is absolutely no question that it is God’s will for every one
that He chose, and gave to Jesus Christ, to progress in sanctification, leading to
holiness in Christ’s image (John 10:28-29). Sadly, men have been failing to fol-
low God’s will since the Garden of Eden. For those that accept the fact that
God chooses those that receive eternal life, the question as to whether this
passage in Hebrews refers to believers, or not, is mute. For them, the question
becomes whether someone that God has chosen can fall away, regardless of
whether they were being “drawn,” or had already received salvation. Whatever
your belief is about this subject it is clear that God is giving us another warning
about the importance of diligence in seeking to know, and become more like
Him.
The remainder of Chapter 2 of the book of Hebrews concerns the high
priestly nature of Christ’s ministry. The new order of things wrought in Christ
is in pursuance of the purpose of creation: universal dominion was given to

man, not to angels. Jesus Christ, in becoming a man, was temporarily subject
to the earthly administration of angels. Now being exalted above angels,
Christ is the mediator (administrator) of the new covenant, and He will give
overcomers lordship over angels in His earthly reign on earth during the mil-
lennium. Thus, we see that Christ is temporarily subordinate to the angels,
and later permanently exalted above them.
Jesus was perfected through His sufferings, for He is the captain (leader) of
our salvation. For Him to be able to deliver us holy and without blemish to
the Father He had to become one with us. Thus, He had to come to earth as a
man, suffer the indignation of becoming a partaker of flesh and blood, and go
to the cross in order to taste death for us. He went to Hades in our place, and
took the keys of hell (Hades) and death away from Satan, so that we would not
have to suffer the sting (deadly fear) of death. This He did so that He could
become our merciful and faithful high priest, reconciling us with the Father
when we continue to commit sins, and succor us when we are tempted. He
guides and protects us through the sanctification process, which is essential for
us to receive the end of our salvation (eternal life). He is our intercessor and
mediator.

Chapter 3
Jesus is Compared With Moses
Chapters 1 and 2 of Hebrews stated that Jesus was preeminent over angels;
beginning here in Hebrews 3:3, Jesus is shown to be worthy of greater glory
than Moses. The pre-incarnate Jesus built the house of Israel, whereas Moses
was part of that house. He that builds the house is worthy of more honor than
those of the house itself. Hebrews 3:6 adds that we (contemporary believers)
are part of this house if we are faithful to the end. This statement again re-
minds us that we must continue to abide in Christ or we may not be counted as
part of His house when the end comes: faithfulness is proof of real faith, but
how do we remain faithful?: by continually allowing the Holy Spirit to renew
our minds, and conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.
The mind is the software of the brain, and, as such, it is part of the biblical
heart. When God measures a man he looks on his heart (1 Samuel 16:7), which
is part of the body. The body is the part of tripartite man (spirit, soul, and
body) that is material in nature, and under man’s control. This is the part of
man that God works to recover during the sanctification process through the
renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). For when we were unregenerate our

hearts were evil continually (Genesis 6:5). The body cannot enter heaven for
it is flesh, and not perfect in God’s eyes; but if we allow the Holy Spirit to work
through our bodies we will gradually make them more holy, and we will receive
a reward in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:14), and that reward will be manifested in
some way by the immortal body that He gives us at his judgment seat after rap-
ture/resurrection.
Hebrews 3:8-19 speaks of the consequences of hardening our hearts. To do
this is to undo one of the things God promised when we believed into Christ:
take away the stony heart out of our flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). There are two sepa-
rate and distinct ways that we accept something as real and true, and believe it
will come about. Sense knowledge demands physical evidence that we can see,
touch, smell, hear, or taste in order to accept something as real. It is through
our five senses that most of our dealings with the everyday world occur. After
years of using our senses to sort out reality from fiction, the real from the un-
real, we begin to subconsciously resist acceptance of anything that does not
come to us in this manner. I believe this is the hardening of the heart mentioned
in Hebrews 3:8, and spoken of many other places in God’s Word.
This hardening of the biblical heart is the greatest enemy of faith and effec-
tive prayer. Mark 6:5-6 records the fact that Jesus could do no mighty works
in Nazareth because of their unbelief, or lack of faith. Our reluctance to ac-
cept anything that does not come through our five senses seems foolish when
you consider the fact that just about everything we learn in school we accept,
at least initially, on something like faith. After we begin to apply what we have
accepted based on the trustworthiness of the teacher and/or textbook, we real-
ize that it must be factual and true, for it works. This is exactly the same way
that faith from God works. First, we accept that the thing we are hoping (and
praying) for will come to pass, based on the trustworthiness of God. God then
sets in motion events that begin to attack long-held beliefs that have resulted
in hardening of our hearts. In effect, our hearts (minds) become capable of re-
ceiving, weighing, and responding to evidence that previously would have been
rejected. B. B. Warfield, in his book entitled: “Studies In Theology,” uses the
example of musical appreciation to demonstrate this principle. He says where
musical taste is lacking, no evidence which derives its force from considera-
tions of melody can work conviction. In other words, if the mind is not capa-
ble of responding to the evidence, conviction will not occur. Warfield goes on
to say that this is the basis of responsibility for developing faith, and maturing
in the Lord. “. . . it is not merely a question of evidence but of subjectivity; and
subjectivity is the other name for personality. Our action under evidence is the
touchstone by which it is determined what we are. If evidence which is objec-
tively adequate is not subjectively adequate the fault is in us.” When we refuse
to let the Holy Spirit renew our minds in this way it is primarily due to hard-
ened hearts, so the question becomes, “How do we remove the stones and
soften our hearts?” God is the only One that can bring this about, so we need
to turn to Him in prayer asking that He bring lessons, trials, teachings, disci-
pline, or whatever will initiate this process within us, and then pray that His
desire will work within us, causing us to do His “good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
This is nothing but the sanctification process in action. If we do not allow the
Holy Spirit to proceed with this process we will be like those that came out of
Egypt who provoked God, and thus, could not enter into His rest (Hebrews
3:19).

Chapter 4
God’s Rest
Hebrews 4:1-11 continues the discussion about God’s rest. Neither those
that were brought out of Egypt by Moses, nor those of David’s day, entered
into God’s rest due to unbelief resulting from a lack of faith. Hebrews 11:13
says that those under the old covenant who died in faith, and who were per-
suaded of the “promises” (though not having received them), will enter God’s
rest. Although this “rest” was established at the foundation of the world, it is
going to be fulfilled (in totality) in the future, and it is provided for those that
receive the Word and mix it with faith.
There are two different Greek words that are interpreted by the English
word “rest” in this chapter. The Greek word most often used is “katapausis,”
which means reposing down, abode, or rest. The Greek word less used is “sab-
batismos,” which means the repose of Christianity (as a type of heaven). Al-
though we get a “taste” of God’s rest when we receive Jesus Christ and the
Holy Spirit, it will be received fully when believers join Christ in the clouds at
rapture/resurrection. It would seem that the rest we enter when we receive
Christ, and die to our old sin nature, corresponds to the Greek word, “sab-

batismo,” the Sabbath rest; whereas, the rest we enter at resurrection/rapture
corresponds to the Greek word “katapausis,” which means abode, resting place,
and ceasing from labors. The human bodies of believers under the new
covenant who are still alive at rapture will be “changed” into spiritual bodies at
that time (1 Corinthians 15: 51-53). The spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:44) of
those who are resurrected at that time (died before Christ comes), will join
their spirit/souls, which will come with Christ in the clouds (1 Thessalonians
4:14).
Romans 10:17 refers to the faith required for salvation, which comes by
hearing the spoken word of God: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God.” Romans 10:14 in the Recovery Version is also helpful in un-
derstanding this: “How then shall they call upon Him into whom they have not be-
lieved? And how shall they believe into Him of whom they have not heard? And how
shall they hear without one who proclaims Him?” It is clear from the context of this
verse that Paul is talking about “saving” faith that comes from hearing the spo-
ken Word of God, and making it your own. We often think of preaching and
teaching when the spoken word is mentioned, but all believers have a respon-
sibility to proclaim the Word of God in spoken word, as well as by their ac-
tions, and actions usually speak louder than words.

Hebrews 4:2 says that some that heard the gospel preached did not respond
because the Word was not mixed with faith: “For not all men have faith” (2 Thes-
salonians 3:2). We see this repeated today, some people respond to hearing the
Word, and some do not. Those that respond will receive “saving” faith, those
that do not respond will not receive, at least, not at that time. Thus, it seems
appropriate to define “saving” faith as the measure of faith necessary to receive
the Word of God as righteous and true, and accept it as being given to us as in-
dividuals. Hebrews Chapters 10 through 12 describe faith at some length, but I
do not know of a scripture that clearly describes when “saving” faith is given to
man. I believe we may get some insight on this from John 6:44, in which Jesus
is recorded as saying that no man can come to Him unless the Father “draw”
him mentally and morally. I think that this “drawing” is, at least in part, the
breaking down of the hard places in our hearts, as discussed in Chapter 3. It
will usually be a process that takes place over a period of time. This “drawing”
process seems to be referred to in other scriptures as “washing” by the Word
(Ezekiel 36:25; John 3:5; Titus 3:3-5). When God gets us “mentally washed” and
“morally drawn” so that we can receive the Word, then He gives us “saving”
faith (that element of persuasion), with which the Word can be mixed, result-
ing in belief. This involves a lot of work on our heart, as described by Ezekiel
36:26-27. He then often arranges an encounter of some sort to bring us to
Christ, and this will usually be something different for every person. After we
have believed into Christ, and have received the Holy Spirit, He then takes up
the task of perfecting our faith through sanctification. Jesus Christ is the au-
thor and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Vincent
interprets this as saying, “Soul and spirit cannot be said to be separated in any
such sense as this, and joints and marrow are not in contact with each other.
Joints and marrow are not to be taken in a literal and material sense. Joints and
marrow are to be taken figuratively as joints and marrow of the soul and spirit.
The form of expression is poetical, and signifies that the Word penetrates to
the inmost recesses of our spiritual being as a sword cuts through the joints
and marrow of the body.” From this interpretation we see that the Word of
God can penetrate to the inner being of man to convict and to teach.
Hebrews 4:14-16 refer to Christ’s ministry of intercession and mediation at
the right hand of God, helping us to hold on to our profession of faith. He has
been touched with infirmities and temptations just as we, and He understands
when we fail. Thus, we can come into the Father’s presence with boldness, and
ask for mercy and grace in time of need, for we are in Christ, and are autho-
rized to use His name. 

Chapter 5
Jesus, A High Priest After The Order Of Melchisedec
High Priests were called of God to offer gifts and sacrifices for the sins of
men. They needed to have compassion for those that sin in ignorance, and on
those who are seduced or wander from the path of virtue, for they were also
compassed with infirmity. Because these men were like other men they needed
to offer sacrifices for themselves as well as others. Men cannot take the honor
of priesthood to themselves, but must be called by God. Thus, God the Father
called Christ to be a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. Psalm 110:4
says, “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repeat, Thou art a priest for ever after the or-
der of Melchisedec.” Melchisedec is first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 14:18,
when he came forth to meet Abraham after Abraham had freed Lot and recov-
ered his goods from the four kings that had overrun Sodom and Gomorrah.
Melchisedec brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham, who then gave him
tithes of the goods he had recovered. Melchisedec is described in Hebrews 7:1-
4, as being the king of righteousness, and king of Salem (or peace). He was
without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning or end of days, and,
like Jesus Christ the Son of God, a priest in perpetuity. Although the Bible

does not clearly state that Melchisedec was an OT manifestation of the Son of
God, it seems highly likely that this was the case.
Hebrews 5:7-9 refers to the suffering that Jesus endured in His passion, lead-
ing to death on the cross. We know that Jesus was sweating blood in the Gar-
den of Gethsemane before He was taken into custody, and these scriptures de-
scribe the fact that He was offering up prayers to God with strong crying and
tears. His prayers were heard (actually answered) because of His godly fear.
Although Jesus was not delivered from the cross, God did sustain Him in the
anguish of death, and gave Him strength to suffer the Father’s will. God also
delivered Him from death by raising Him up in resurrection. Jesus learned
obedience by the things He suffered, and, being made perfect, He became the
author of eternal salvation to them that obey Him.
Hebrews 5:11-14 refers to the spiritual condition of the recipients of this let-
ter. They are described as being dull of hearing because they are still babes in
the Word. They needed to be fed milk instead of the strong meat that the
book of Hebrews contains. They needed to again be taught the rudiments of
the Gospel, rather than the strong meat that mature Christians, who can dis-
cern good and evil, relish. These babes in Christ are unskillful in the word of
righteousness. Sadly, this is the condition of churches in our day as well.

Watchman Nee lays the blame for this on ministers who have not experienced
crucifixion within themselves, and are therefore unable to minister the mean-
ing of the cross of Christ and the power of resurrection.

Chapter 6
Apostasy
Note: The teaching on Apostasy in this Chapter is taken from a book by Jesse Jones enti-
tled “Can God’s Thoughts Be Known?”
Hebrews 6:1-6 says: “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let
us go on into perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permit.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly
gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God,
and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an
open shame.” I believe God is warning believers in this passage of the impor-
tance of going on unto “perfection,” which is a deeper relationship than that of
merely understanding the doctrinal principles which include: repentance from
dead works, faith in God, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead,
and eternal judgment. Many today who identify themselves as Christians
would have considerable difficulty with even these fundamental principles:

there is so little teaching of what is here identified as the “doctrine of Christ,” in
churches today. Nevertheless, these principles were considered basic to believ-
ers in the first century church. This passage goes on to further distinguish
those who are the focus of this teaching by adding that they were once enlight-
ened (had received spiritual enlightenment), had tasted the heavenly gift and
were made partakers of the Holy Ghost (received the Holy Spirit), had re-
ceived teaching from the Word of God (the Bible), and had experienced (in
some small measure) things characteristic of the world to come. This passage
of scripture would certainly seem to be describing believers, but notice there is
no mention that these believers had entered into the sanctification process: be-
ing transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). God intends
for all believers to undergo this transformation, for it leads to that most impor-
tant goal in a believer’s life: conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. As a
believer’s mind is progressively renewed by the sanctification process they be-
come more holy. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Tes-
tament Words says, “Since every believer is sanctified in Christ Jesus,
(1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:10), a common NT designation of all believers is
saints, hagioi, i.e., sanctified or holy ones. Thus, sainthood, or sanctification, is
not an attainment: it is the state into which God, in grace, calls sinful men, and
in which they begin their course as Christians (Colossians 3:12; Hebrews 3:1).”
God sees all believers as being in Christ, totally holy and clean when they join
Him in death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 1:30), but the process of sanctifi-
cation is continually ongoing for the rest of the believer’s life. This process be-
gins after the Holy Spirit enters the body, and concludes at physical death. The
problem with the believers in Hebrews 6:1-6, was that they never “presented
their members as servants to righteousness unto holiness [sanctification]” (Romans 6:19).
We must desire and strive for the Holy Spirit’s renewing of our minds, and be
willing (with God’s help), to take authority over those three great weaknesses
of mankind: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.
We now come to the crux of this passage of scripture: Hebrews 6:6, says: “If
they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to them-
selves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” This seems to say that if
those described above fall away into apostasy, they cannot be restored or rec-
onciled to God, for Jesus was crucified for the sin of man only once for all
eternity (Hebrews 7:27). This describes believers who had been born again by
joining Jesus in His death and resurrection, but later had fallen away, rejecting
their relationship with Jesus, and through their words and actions brought
shame and ridicule on our Lord. Although it is not stated in this verse, it
seems apparent that such apostates would be guilty of rejection, or blaspheme
of the Holy Spirit, since His mission within the body is to bring it into con-
formance with the image of Jesus Christ: to make the believer holy. Blaspheme
of the Holy Spirit is clearly stated by Jesus to be the only unforgivable sin
(Matthew 12:31). Since these apostates cannot be restored again to repentance,
this seems to be the only logical explanation of their spiritual condition. John
Owen’s book entitled: “Apostasy From The Gospel,” has this to say about He-
brews 6:1-6, “It is a great mercy, a great privilege to be enlightened with the
doctrine of the gospel and to have its truths impressed on our minds by the
inward work of the Holy Spirit. This great mercy and privilege may be lost by
the sin of neglect, which will serve only to increase the sinfulness and condem-
nation of those who were once made partakers of this privilege. Where there
is a total neglect of this great privilege, with no attempt to grow in the knowl-
edge of the gospel, the condition of such persons is very dangerous and could
lead to final apostasy, from which they will find it impossible to repent.”
Owen’s book discusses apostasy at great length, and I would recommend it
highly to anyone seeking to understand this deeper teaching of God’s Word.  

Some of the weaknesses of the flesh that can lead to apostasy are given be-
low:
1. Failure to recognize and honor the truth of God, manifested in Jesus
Christ, who identifies Himself as the truth (John 14:8). The destiny of all liars
is the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8).
2. Lack of understanding of the majesty and glory of God: who God really is
(see Job 37), and the insignificance of man in comparison.
3. The human spirit (the real you), which is given to man by God, and re-
turns to Him at physical death, must be regenerated for man to have any fel-
lowship or communion with God, or to receive teaching for renewal of the
mind. It is through our human spirit that the Holy Spirit works to renew
(sanctify) the mind, and it is absolutely essential that we join wholeheartedly in
the sanctification process, for if we do not Hebrews 12:14 says we will not “see
the Lord”.
4. Failure to see that joining Jesus Christ on the cross and dying to oneself
means that man’s sinful nature dies: man is no longer a slave to sin. This death
does not mean that man no longer commits sins, for the part of man that Satan
approaches with his enticement to sin (the id) is still active through lust and

pride. Believers must decide (or will) to act on wisdom from the Holy Spirit,
and take authority over these enticements to overcome these urges of the id.
5. Belief that man is not under the power of original sin, but is naturally
good. Failure to realize that every imagination of natural man’s heart is evil
continually (Genesis 6:5), and that we must be born again through the spiritual
man, Jesus Christ, for our hearts to be changed.
7. Failure to act on our commitment to God, and be doers of the Word and
not hearers only. This is the way the faith of God grows powerful in our lives:
by exercising or using it.
8. Failure to abide (submit, stand) in Christ, and find our place within His
earthly body (the church). Only by abiding can we share the Holy Spirit’s
gift(s) and bear fruit in our lives.
9. Failure to believe in the divine and absolute authority of the Bible: the
Word of God.
10. Failure to join with other saints in assembling together to worship God,
and provoke members of the body unto love and good works (Hebrews
10:24-25).
11. Failure to give earnest heed to the things we have heard from the Word
of God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:1-3).

In dealing with the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:4-5, the Lord states that
He will not blot out the names of those who had “not defiled their garments” (sul-
lied the purity of their Christian life), from the Book of Life. It seems clear
from this statement that the Lord can blot out names from the Book of Life
under certain circumstances, one of which is soiling their Christian character.
Revelation 17:8 states that those that dwell on the earth, “. . . whose names were
not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, . . . will wonder, seeing
the beast that was and is not, and yet is”. This states clearly that God did not write
some names in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world. These will
be cast into the lake of fire at the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation
20:15). Ephesians 1:4 adds: “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the founda-
tion of the world, . . .” Thus, we know that names written in the Book of Life are
those that God chose before He spoke the world into existence.
The difficulty in accepting the idea that God would blot names out of the
Book of Life comes from the belief that if we are once saved, we are always
saved. This belief is often attributed to doctrine of the Baptist church, but it is
widely accepted by believers of all faiths worldwide, and it is based on a con-
siderable volume of scripture. I held to this belief for much of my life, and
have only recently begun to question it. In seeking a clear-cut answer to this
question from God’s Word I have not been able to find a specific statement in
the Bible that says a believer cannot lose his or her salvation. On the other
hand, John’s gospel includes two statements by Jesus that could possibly be
construed to mean that salvation, once received, cannot be lost. John 6:39-40
states that it is the Father’s will that none of those He has given Jesus should
be lost. From this we see that it is the Father’s will that no believer should fall
into apostasy or unbelief, but nevertheless we know that man has been acting
contrary to the Father’s will since the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of
Eden. John 6:40 GNT says, ”This is the will of the (One) who has sent me, that
everyone seeing the Son and believing into Him should have everlasting life; and I will
raise him up at the last day.” There are several important points to be made here:
1. The “will” of the Father expressed in this verse is better understood to
mean the “desire” of the Father. In John 7:17 Jesus said, “If any man will (wil-
leth to) do his will . . .”, but the GNT gives this as, “If anyone desires to do his
will . . .”. This reflects the fact that men do not always follow God’s will. Je-
sus, when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane said, “. . . not as I will, but as
thy wilt,” which seems to further imply that God’s will does not always rule
man’s decisions. However, in this case Jesus accepted the Father’s will over
that of His own. There are many other examples of this in God’s Word leav-
ing little doubt that the Greek word “thelo,” interpreted by the English word
“will” in John 6:40, expresses strong desire of the Father, not an edict that
He enforces.
2. Everyone “seeing” and believing “into” the Son should have everlasting life.
This is such an important point often missed entirely by many versions of
the Bible. In their commentary on John 3:16, the Recovery Version of the
Bible states, “Believing into the Lord is not the same as believing (in) Him.
To believe (in) Him is to believe He is true and real, but to believe into Him
is to receive Him and be united with Him as one. The former is to acknowl-
edge a fact objectively; the latter is to receive a life subjectively.” A contem-
porary phrase often used to describe believing into the Lord is “having a per-
sonal relationship with Jesus Christ.” In many, if not most, uses of the
phrase “in Christ” in various versions of the Bible, the actual wording in the
Greek Bible is “into Christ”.
3. Another important point here is the use of the phrase “should have eternal
life.” It is difficult to determine the exact meaning of this phrase, for it could
be interpreted to mean that believers into Christ are responsible for entering
eternal life, but it could also be interpreted to mean that entering into eter-
nal life is not an absolutely sure thing for believers. The English word
“should” in this verse interprets a Greek word “ἔχη” (epsilon-chi-eta), that is
difficult to define in the English language. One definition seems to give the
meaning as “to have, have ready, be furnished with” (Analytical Greek Lexi-
con Revised by Moulton). Different versions of the Bible have used different
English words here: e.g. the KJV uses the word “may,” the Geneva Bible uses
the word “should,” and the NIV uses the word “shall.” Strong’s New Expand-
ed Dictionary of Bible Words says, “This word stresses that one has the
means to accomplish a task.”
John 6:40 does not say that it is impossible for believers to become
apostates, even though it clearly is the Father’s will (desire) that no believer
should. John 10:29 states that no one can “pluck” those that are given to Jesus
out of the Father’s hand. From this we conclude that no one can forcefully
seize another from God or Jesus (snatch or pluck them out of His hand).
Whether the believer, of His own volition, can fall into apostasy and unbelief is
not clearly established here.
Many scriptures in the Bible record the fact that those who belong to God
can fall into apostasy, even though it is not the Father’s will (Isaiah 1:21; Jeremi-
ah 2:11, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:10-12; Galatians 3:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timo-
thy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-29; and Revelations 2, 3). There
are also some specific scriptures that indicate it is possible to have your name
removed from God’s Book of Life. A few of these are listed below:
Exodus 32:32 - Moses asks to be blotted out of God’s book.
Exodus 32:33 - God answers Moses and says that whoever sins against
Him He will blot out of His book.
Psalm 69:28 - David in praying to God about his enemies says, “Let them be
blotted out of the book of the living (life), and not be written with the righteous.”
Revelation 22:19 - Says that God will take away from the Book of Life the
part of anyone that takes away from the words of the book of Revelation.
In addition, there are a few scriptures that seem to indicate that it is possi-
ble to lose our fellowship with Christ:
Matthew 25:1-13 - In the parable of the ten virgins Jesus refuses to admit
the five virgins that did not maintain oil in their lamps to the marriage feast of
the Lamb. In verse 12 He says that He does not know them.
Hebrews 6:4-6 - This scripture says “it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were partakers of the Holy Ghost,
and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they fall
away, to renew them to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God afresh, and put
Him to an open shame”.

Hebrews 10:26-29 - “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins . . .. Of how much sorer
punishment, suppose ye, shall be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of
God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy
thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace”?
Matthew 7:21-23 - “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and
in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And
then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Although it may be difficult to believe that a person can lose fellowship
with Christ and have Him say to us at judgment, I know you not, these scrip-
tures seem to be absolutely clear: we ignore them at our own peril.
In John Owen’s book referred to above he says, “. . . enmity of heart is the
first cause and reason why so many fall away from the doctrine of the gospel
after receiving it. The only way to prevent this falling away from the gospel is
to love the truth and experience its power in the heart. . . . Evangelical doc-
trine must be understood by the mind, loved by the heart, and willingly and
gladly submitted to by the will (Romans 6:17).” Owen goes on to say that apos-
tasy arises from men’s refusal to accept evangelical truths on God’s authority
alone, “Today there are many in the church who subject Scripture to man’s fi-
nite, limited and corrupted reason. It is man’s reason and not God’s infallible
revelation that determines what is true and what is false, what is good and
what is evil. This has been so since this principle was first taught to man in the
garden of Eden. The poison of these principles is greatly diffused in the world,
and the gospel is greatly corrupted. Such doctrines as eternal predestination;
the total depravity of man concerning spiritual things; the power of Christ’s
grace in the conversion of sinners, regeneration, union with Christ, the impu-
tation of Christ’s righteousness for justification; the need for internal evangeli-
cal holiness; the need for the grace and help of the Spirit; and the divine au-
thority of the Scriptures are all rejected. Reason can see no logic in these
things.”
To return to the church at Sardis, although members of this church were
apparently believers, they had not allowed the Holy Spirit to renew their
minds, and consequently they had no (or few) works that Christ considered ac-
ceptable. Christ tells them that when He comes (unexpectedly), they are not
going to be prepared to meet Him. Some of these may be like the five foolish
virgins in Matthew 25:1-12: they will hear those fateful words “I know you not.”
The contemporary church in America has largely failed to preach the full
message of the Bible. I believe this has happened as a result of the way which
churches are organized and managed under the hierarchical arrangements of
the various denominations. Churches have, in the main, become businesses,
and there are some that qualify as big businesses. Businesses must make mon-
ey, stay in the black, offer promotional opportunities and fringe benefits for
their employees, maintain a friendly relationship with (largely unbelieving)
general society, and build large and impressive buildings in order to convince
potential customers that they are successful. None of this seems related to lift-
ing up Jesus Christ, becoming a servant to those in need, preaching the gospel
to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, preaching deliverance to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind, and setting at liberty those that are
bruised (Luke 4:18-19). The church no longer seems to provide the salt that so-
ciety needs to retain its savor, and, as a result, society has gone “flat.” There
was a time in our country when the church of Jesus Christ was such a positive
influence on society that even those outside the church, the unregenerate, re-
frained from doing the evil that is now so common. To these unbelievers it
was a choice: they could do whatever their wicked hearts imagined and face the
rejection of friends, acquaintances, and society; or they could live by the soci-
etal standards prevalent in the locale in which they lived, and be accepted.
Most chose to live peaceably and conform to the moral and ethical standards
of those around them. As hopeless as it now appears, God still holds out a way
for the church to regain its former purity: repent, and open the door, so that
Christ may come in and sup (have spiritual communion) with us.
If God chooses us, how is it possible to fail to believe, or fall into apostasy?
Owens’ book says that this subject is apparently too controversial for our facile
age to be able to deal with. If it is to be dealt with at all it would have to be
brought up by preachers and teachers of God’s Word, and how many sermons
(or teachings) have you heard lately on the subject of apostasy, or of the cho-
sen’s failure to believe? Election and apostasy: is it possible for both of these
teachings to be truly applicable to the destiny of man? To answer this question
I believe we need to begin with Jesus’ teaching to the Pharisees in Matthew
12:31-32: “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blaspheme shall be forgiven
unto men: but the blaspheme against the Holy Ghost [Spirit] shall not be forgiven unto
men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:
but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in
this world, neither in the world to come.” Mark 3:29 says, “But he that shall blaspheme
against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation [but
is guilty of eternal sin]”. Blaspheme is defined as “to speak evil of,” and in the
Bible it often refers to attributing the work of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit to
Satan, or vice-versa, attributing the work of Satan to God, Jesus, or the Holy
Spirit. Blaspheme against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven: Christians who
have not received the Holy Spirit need to heed this cautionary warning and ask
in accordance with Luke 11:13. From the above scriptures we know that utter
blaspheme cannot be forgiven and must therefore result in a reprobate life:
separation from God in both this life and the next. We know this applies to
the unregenerate, who have not received the Holy Spirit, but can it also apply
to believers who fall into apostasy? Can believers backslide (fall into apostasy)
to such a degree that they end up rejecting the Holy Spirit? In the passage
quoted above from Matthew it seems from the context that Jesus is speaking
of those that reject salvation; however, in Acts 26:10-11, Paul tells King Agrippa
about how he tried to compel the “saints” to blaspheme before he met Jesus.
Although blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not specifically mentioned here,
it seems from the context that Paul is referring to these saints renouncing their
belief into Jesus Christ, which would seem to be tantamount to rejection of the
Holy Spirit. The OT also includes several references to God rejecting Israelites
who had blasphemed His name (see Isaiah 65:7). From these examples we as-
sume that it is possible for believers to fall into apostasy, renounce their faith
in Jesus Christ, and reject (blaspheme) the Holy Spirit. Whether mature,
committed Christians who have joined in Christ’s death on the cross and sub-
sequent resurrection, who are well along in the sanctification of their minds by
the Holy Spirit, who have found their place in the body of Christ, who have
Spiritual gift(s) operating in their lives, and who manifest the fruit of the Holy
Spirit, can fall into this condition may well be another question: one that may
not be answered unequivocally in God’s Word.
I do not believe that total apostasy happens overnight; it creeps upon you
by micro-inches, and Satan seems particularly adept at nurturing its growth to
the place where he can pull the plug on “the big one.” We are all aware of no-
table believers who have succumbed to enticements, and have fallen in dis-
grace. I once had a personal friend who I considered very close to God: I had
placed him on a pedestal (so to speak), partly because he was a prophet used
mightily in encouraging and strengthening many saints. We moved to another
state and he and his wife came to visit us and to minister in a local meeting of
Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship. I noted a difference in him at that time, and my
wife told me later that his wife told her that he had been spending a lot of time
alone in their bedroom, and had recently been attending movies that many
Christians would consider inappropriate. Not too long after they returned to
their home he was enticed by Satan through an attractive woman in his church,
and eventually fell away into apostasy. This was great blow to me, and many
others, who had grown to love and revere this man. Brothers in Christ came to
minister to him in prayer, but he was adamant in rejecting their prayers. I sup-
pose this was the first time that I began to wonder whether it was possible for
strong believers to become apostates. Of course, there have been many other
such “falls from grace” by ministers over the intervening years. Enticement
through lust of the flesh is a strong tool in Satan’s arsenal, and that is why it is
so important for believers to be diligent in not overlooking those vices thought
to have little, or no negative impact on their relationship with the Holy Spirit
(Ephesians 4:30). We must be constantly aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence
within us when we are tempted in any way whatever, even in idle and unprof-
itable thoughts: do not grieve the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 6:19-20 says that hope is an anchor of the soul through which we
enter into that which is within the veil. Jesus tore down the veil of separation
between us and God when He was crucified, and when we are in Him we can
go right into the presence of God the Father in the Holy of Holies. This seems
to say that hope is in (or attached to) our souls, and thus hope must be given to
us by God. Ephesians 2:12 indicates that if we are without Christ, we have no
hope, Romans 8:24 states that we are saved by (or in) hope, and 1 Peter 1:3 indi-
cates that we receive hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 7
Priesthood After the Order of Melchisedec
This Chapter continues the discussion first introduced in Chapter 5, where
Jesus was identified as a priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:1-21
describe Melchisedec and how the priesthood of Jesus was not of the Levitical
order, but was in similitude like that of Melchisedec. Melchisedec is described
as the king of Salem, a priest of the most high God, without father, without
mother, without genealogy, and having neither beginning of days, nor end of
life; but being like the Son of God in that the order of his priesthood is eternal.
It is difficult to read this and conclude that Melchisedec was anything other
than an OT appearance of the Son of God. In the OT Christ was identified as
“the angel of the Lord,” and “the messenger of the covenant” (Malachi 3:1). In
Genesis 22:11-12, the angel of the Lord stayed Abraham’s hand when he was
about to slay Isaac on the altar, and John 8:58 seems to imply that this was the
pre-incarnant Jesus Christ Himself when He said: “Your father Abraham rejoiced
to see my day: and he saw it and was glad.”

It is important to distinguish between “an” angel of the Lord, and “the” an-
gel of the Lord. The KJV mistranslates this important phrase in Matthew 1:20,
28:2; Luke 2:9; and Acts 8:26, 12:7, 23. The expression “the angel of the Lord”
does not appear after the birth of Jesus. John MacArthur’s Study Bible says
that in John 8:58, Jesus identifies Himself as Yahweh of the OT. Although
there is reason to be confused at times about when the OT is referring to God
the Father, or Jesus Christ his Son, I do not believe the OT Hebrew word Yah-
weh (interpreted Lord in most versions) should be understood to refer to Jesus.
Without question Jesus was called Lord in the NT, but the Greek word inter-
preted as Lord in almost all cases is kurios, which means supreme in authority,
and by implication God, Lord, master, Sir.
Vincent’s Word Studies in the NT assumes that Melchisedec was a man des-
ignated as the priest of Salem, or Jerusalem. He maintains that statements
about his father, mother, and genealogy, were merely recognizing that any
record of these had been lost. I believe that when you consider the entire text
it seems to indicate something more than this: why state that he had no begin-
ning of days nor end of life, and was made like the Son of God with eternal
priesthood? If Melchisedec was an OT appearance of the Son of God it would
be appropriate to ask, “What purpose did it serve?” The three reasons I can
think of are: 1) to establish the principle of tithing, 2) to further validate the
priesthood of Christ as being from the beginning to eternity, and 3) to show
that even Abraham, and through him the Levitical priesthood, was lower than
the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Asimov’s Guide to the Bible adds another one:
he says it may have been God’s way to have Abraham offer tithes at the spot of
the future temple.
The principal purpose of Chapter 7 is to clearly establish that Jesus Christ
was the surety of a better covenant. To do this it was necessary to prove that
the old covenant was based on a law of carnal (worldly) commandments, which
were imperfect and unprofitable. The Jews received the law through the Levit-
ical priesthood which was temporal, and when the priesthood changed to that
of Christ, the law also changed to that which was eternal (the power of an end-
less life). Although Jesus states that He came to fulfill the law, He is referring
to the law as He interpreted it in Matthew 5-7, and in other places in the NT,
as well as in the ten Commandments from the OT. Whereas the sacrifices of
the Levitical priest for his own, as well as the people’s sins was required daily,
the sacrifice of the Son was offered once for all, eternally. The law made men
high priests in the OT who were weak and unrighteous, but God appointed
His Son who was consecrated forever.

Hebrews 7:26 introduces an intriguing phrase: “For such an high priest became
us, . . .”. The GNT uses the phrase “fitting for us,” which seems more appropri-
ate. I am reminded that believers represent Christ to the world, and we are of-
ten referred to as “little” Christs. If we are totally “in Christ” it is actually the
Son of God sitting at the right hand of the Father that is manifested through
our bodies: we are but vessels for Christ to use in fighting the battle against Sa-
tan and evil. If He is totally in control of our lives we will be holy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from sinners, and higher than the heavens, because we are
in Christ, as He is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. We no
longer need an earthly high priest to intercede and mediate for us, for Jesus
took care of that when He died on the cross: the veil into the Holy of Holies
was torn, giving believers the freedom to enter into the Father’s presence, for
we are a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

Chapter 8
Jesus Christ is Mediator of the New Covenant
Hebrews Chapter 8 continues the discussion of Christ’s role as our high
priest, and mediator of the new covenant. He is now seated on the right of the
throne of the Majesty in heaven. He is minister of the Holy of Holies, and of
the true tabernacle which the Lord has built: not man. This is referring to the
spiritual temple, represented on earth by the body of Christ, and in heaven by
the tabernacle of God (Revelation 21:3). Overcomers are identified as pillars in
the temple of God in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12).
The word “mediator” is not used in the KJV of the OT, but is used seven
times in the NT, all translations of the same Greek word. The uses of this word
are all clearly references to Jesus Christ, except for Galatians 3:19, which refers
to Moses standing between God and the Israelites at Mt. Sinai, when the law
was given. The meaning of the word “mediate” in the Bible is to be an inter-
mediary or conciliator between God and man. From this we recognize that
Moses was an intermediary between God and the Israelites, for the Israelites
were afraid of encountering God “by reason of the fire.” Three of the seven uses
of the Greek word interpreted “mediate” in the NT relate to Christ’s role as

mediator of the new covenant (or testament). Hebrews 9:15-18 makes an inter-
esting point: “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament [covenant],
that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first
testament, they which were called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For
where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testa-
ment is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator
liveth. Whereupon neither [even] the first testament [covenant] was [hath not been]
dedicated without blood.” This passage of scripture says that Jesus Christ’s work
as mediator of the new covenant began (or started) at His death on the cross,
and the purpose or goal of His effort as mediator is to cause those that are
called (elected) to receive eternal inheritance (life) after physical death. Thus,
we see that Christ’s role as mediator is to act as our advocate to the Father,
representing us in all things related to receiving our eternal inheritance. Our
betrothal to Jesus Christ is consummated when we meet Him in heaven, and
He delivers us to the Father as His bride, but the work of conforming us to His
image is finished at our physical death. The works of the Holy Spirit in our
bodies are finished when we die, and these works are the building materials for
our immortal bodies, including clothing, that Christ gives us when we join Him
in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:13-15; Revelation 19:8).

Since Jesus Christ is the mediator of the new covenant we need to under-
stand what the new covenant represents in the life of a believer. The most
complete description of the new covenant is given in Ezekiel 36:25-27, 29:
1. God washes us with clean water to remove all our filthiness. This wash-
ing process continues throughout the believer’s life on earth (much like the
husband’s responsibility for washing his wife with the water of the Word), but
here He is describing the initial cleansing that goes on as the Father draws us
to Jesus Christ (John 6:44).
2. He gives believers a new heart of flesh, and removes the stony heart.
This refers to removing the “hard” places in our heart. There is a certain
amount of reprogramming in our Biblical hearts, actually in the mind (brain
software), that must be accomplished for believers to be able to process the
guidance they will receive after baptism in the Holy Spirit.
3. He gives believers a new human spirit: actually He “quickens” the human
spirit we already have. Whereas, our human spirit was dead to God due to
Adam’s sin, He gives it new life, or “quickens” it, so that believers can receive
God’s guidance provided via the Holy Spirit.

4. He gives us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of God the Father
and Jesus Christ. He gives us His Spirit based on our worthiness or our asking
Him (Luke 11:13).
5. By the renewal of our minds (sanctification), He conforms us to the im-
age of Christ (makes us holy). Ezekiel explains this by saying He causes us to
walk in His statutes and to keep his judgments. He also adds that He will save
us from all our uncleannesses and insure that we do not go hungry.
6. In sanctification He makes us holy by:
1) Strengthening us against the sin that assaults us by fortifying our
hearts. He then tests our strength by allowing Satan to bring tempta-
tion.
2) Removing the temptation entirely when it grows so strong and violent
that we do not know what to do (2 Peter 2:9). He sometimes gives more
grace as temptations (trials) grow and continue to increase (2 Corinthians
12:9).
3) Gives us wisdom to make a right, holy, and spiritual use of all tempta-
tions (James 1:2). Peter tells us that it is sometimes necessary to be left
in temptations (1 Peter 1:6).

4) Supports us with mercy and pardon when at any time we are overcome
by temptation so that we will not sink utterly under the burden.
5) Shows compassion for us in all our afflictions (Isaiah 63:9; Colossians
1:24). His compassion is revealed in two ways: He intercedes with His
Father (Zechariah 1:12), and He avenges His elect on those who cause
them to suffer (Luke 18:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6).
6) Has a plan for the believer’s life, and He tries to keep us on the right
track to satisfy that plan. To do this He opens some doors and closes
others. We must learn to recognize and pass through the open doors,
and turn back from those that are closed.
7) Constantly nurtures us through training and discipline to make us
more like Himself. As we die to our lusts and pride the Holy Spirit can
increasingly manifest Christ through our lives. In all this effort He seeks
our ultimate good.
Hebrews Chapter 8 closes by reaffirming that the old covenant based on law
and the Levitical priesthood has vanished and is replaced by the new covenant:
repentance for sins and belief into Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

Chapter 9
Blood of Christ Purges the Conscience
Hebrews 9:4 indicates that the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies
within the tabernacle contained the golden pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34),
and Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers. 17:10). The KJV of the OT never ac-
tually says that these two emblems were in the Ark, but instead they were
placed “before” the Testimony (tablets of the Law). 1 Kings 8:9 further empha-
sizes the fact that nothing was placed in the Ark other than the tablets of Tes-
timony. This is apparently the result of some disagreement as to the meaning
of two Hebrew words. In my study of God’s Word I have come across a few in-
stances where the interpretation is slightly different between the Old and New
Testament. I have also noticed this in reading the Gospels: the interpretation
may be slightly different from one to the other. What I have found is that to
understand an incident entirely you need search all the scriptures that pertain
thereto. If you do that, I have found that the truth becomes evident: the Holy
Spirit hovering over the writing of the Bible insures that truth is contained
therein, but, depending on the particular scripture under consideration, it may

require considerable digging for the real nuggets of gold (truth) to surface, and
the true truth to be evident.
The priests under the first covenant sacrificed and prayed for the sins of the
people at the altar of incense, and once each year the high priest entered the
Holy of Holies to sacrifice and pray for the sins of themselves and all the peo-
ple of Israel, their sacrifices could do nothing to cleanse the conscience of man.
They only provided a temporal cover for sins committed. Notice that sin can
only be cleansed by the shedding of blood, whether under the old covenant or
the new. This is of course the reason Jesus Christ came to die on the the cross:
the sinless blood of God’s Son only could provide for the remission of sin.
Corinthians 15:56 says the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
The Recovery Version comments on this verse saying, “Death is of the devil
(Hebrews 2:14), and through sin it stings us to death (Romans 5:12). In God’s
redemption Christ was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) in order that God
might condemn sin through Christ’s death (Romans 8:3), thus abolishing the
sting of death. Then, through Christ’s resurrection death is swallowed up by
the resurrection life. Sin brings to us a curse and condemnation, both in our
conscience and before God, through the law (Romans 4:15, 5:13, 20; 7:7-8).
Hence the law becomes the power of sin to kill us (Romans 7:10-12). Since
Christ’s death has fulfilled the law’s requirements on us (1 Peter 3:18, 2:24), the
power of sin has been annulled. Through the death of Christ sin has been
condemned and the law has been annulled, and through His resurrection death
has been swallowed up.” Verse 15 adds that His death provided forgiveness of
transgressions (sins) committed under the first covenant, and gave the promise
of eternal life for those having been “called out”.
Only Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of Himself, the perfect Lamb of God, was suf-
ficient for purging man’s conscience of dead works, and cleansing it of evil to
serve the living God. Jesus Christ entered a spiritual tabernacle not made with
hands, to sacrifice Himself for the sins of mankind. For this reason He is des-
ignated the mediator of the new covenant, which came into effect upon His
death. As mediator He mediates between two parties, God the Father and
man, with a view to producing peace. In this He insures that those the Father
has given Him make it home to heaven, to live eternally (John 6:47). This is a
significant point: Christ’s role as mediator did not begin until after His death.
“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a
testament is of force after men are dead: other wise it is of no strength at all while the tes-
tator liveth.” I had mistakenly felt that the bulk of Christ’s work was done
while He was on earth, and He was merely interceding for us in heaven to in-
sure that important prayers were answered. I now have an entirely different
view of Christ’s role at the right hand of the Father. On earth Jesus reconciled
us to God the Father and opened the pathway to sanctification: in heaven He
is insuring that we stay on the path and make it to the end to join Him in the
Father’s rest. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die. but af-
ter this the judgment.” This seemingly applies only to believers, for Revelation
20:6 speaks of a second death, which refers to those cast into the lake of fire
and brimstone.
Hebrews Chapter 9 closes by reminding believers that Christ’s sacrifice was
once offered to bear the sins of many, and that He will appear a second time
“without sin unto salvation.” I believe this means that He has unloaded (at Sa-
tan’s doorstep) the sin that he took with Him at death, and He now appears
(without sin), to finish (or complete) the salvation of those that belong to Him
by bringing their fully sanctified bodies from earth to join their spirit/souls in
the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This obviously refers to the rapture/resur-
rection, when believer’s immortal bodies are resurrected, and those that are
raptured have their bodies changed in the twinkling of an eye, to meet Him in
the clouds. The phrase “without sin unto salvation” applies to these resurrected
and changed bodies as well.

Chapter 10
Christ’s New Covenant Replaces The Law
Chapter 10 continues the discussion relative to the Old versus the New
Covenant. Hebrews 10:4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats
should take away sins.” In Isaiah 1:11, God asks to what purpose is the multitude
of the Jew’s sacrifices, and in Psalm 40:6, David prophesies, Sacrifice and offering
thou didst not desire ... burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.” It seems
clear from these scriptures that the offerings of the Israelites, through the
priests, became merely form, not from the heart. Thus, God sent his own Son
to sacrifice Himself for all past sins (Romans 3:25). Through Christ, God the
Father made a new covenant with the Jews (first), and then with the Gentiles,
who were grafted into the tree, and made partakers of the righteousness in
Christ, and adopted into Abraham’s covenant family. Hebrews 10:16 refers to
some of the stipulations of the new covenant that God made. The most com-
plete list of these commitments of God is provided in Ezekiel 36:25-30: He will
wash us from our filthiness and idols, give us a new heart and spirit, give us His
Holy Spirit, cause us to walk in His statutes and keep His judgments, and save
us from all our uncleannesses.

Norman Grubb, in his book “The Spontaneous You,” has an interesting de-
scription of why God gave the Law to the Israelites, and through them to the
world: “Law, then, is not God’s frown in us; it is the first form of His love. The
Bible calls law elementary religion. It is the delicate way in which God reaches
us on the only level upon which we could be reached, for love always adapts it-
self to situations. Being self-satisfied and self-reliant, we would see no point in
being told we need God. Very well then, God meets us where we are in our
self-centeredness. ‘You know what you ought to be. You say you can be it.
Well, be it. Here is the law. Keep it. You aren’t conditioned yet for true reli-
gion; well, have a religion on your own level--the law.” He goes on to say that
we must have the wrong way shown to us before we are conditioned to desire,
or receive the right. The only way we seem to learn is from our mistakes. The
point he makes is that God gave us the law out of His love for us, and through
His knowledge of what we could and could not receive. Until we learned what
sin was, we were in no position to be delivered from it.
Hebrews 10:14, 17 summarizes what Jesus Christ did for believers: He per-
fects forever those that are sanctified, and their sins and iniquities He re-
members no more. Notice that the Bible uses the word sanctified here, and
not believed or saved. I think this is extremely important to those who believe
in Jesus and have received His forgiveness for sins, but who have not partici-
pated in His death and resurrection and entered into the lifelong process of
mind-renewing sanctification through the Holy Spirit. We can do no work
ourselves that will “abide;” only works done by the Holy Spirit through our sanc-
tified vessel are worthy to receive a reward at the judgment seat of Christ (1
Corinthians 3:13-14). 1 Corinthians 3:15 goes on to say that if a man’s work is
burned he will suffer loss, but he himself will survive, yet as by fire. So when
we meet Christ at the judgment seat we do not lose salvation if we have noth-
ing to show for what He did for us in His death and resurrection. This seems
to me to be a pitiful response to the suffering and sacrifice that He endured on
our behalf; but even this may not be the worst outcome of not being sanctified.
We are warned repeatedly in God’s Word of the danger of falling into apostasy,
and the way this seems to happen is through apathy, and partial apostasy can
lead to total apostasy.
This brings us to Hebrews 10:22 which says, “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.” Watchman Nee in his book entitled: “The Nor-
mal Christian Life,” says that the barrier between God and unregenerated man
is due to this evil conscience, and the old Levitical covenant was unable to deal
with the conscience. Now, through the efficacy of the precious blood of
Christ, that barrier has been removed, and God makes this known to us by
documenting it in His Word. When we believe and accept that the conscience
is cleansed, the sense of guilt is removed, and we no longer have an evil con-
science toward God. I have known men who, having encountered Jesus Christ
as a real live entity in their lives, changed immediately, and walked away from
evil habits that had plagued them for years. I have also known those that re-
turned to evil habit(s), but found that something was different. One of my
grandsons received Jesus several years ago, but then, like the dog returning to
its vomit, he returned to his old habit of smoking marijuana, excessive drink-
ing, and related vices. Now that he has “come to himself,” he says that after his
encounter with Jesus Christ he could never enjoy the partying in quite the
same way, and when he recovered he always felt guilty. This is a cleansed con-
science at work. Until Christ cleanses our evil conscience we can sin and our
conscience will not bother us. We may have to pay something in physical dis-
comfort, but when we recover we are usually ready to sin all over again. This is
not the case in the life that Jesus Christ has entered: He will do whatever it
takes to keep us from returning to our previous filthy habits.

Hebrews 10:24-31 reminds believers of the necessity of coming together
with other members of Christ’s body to provoke one another unto love and
good works, and to strengthen and build each other up. I do not believe this is
well understood by most church members, and it may be because there is a
lack of love and encouragement manifested when their particular part of
Christ’s body does get together. If this is so it is a sad commentary on the
“temper” of the contemporary body, compared to that of the body in new tes-
tament times, when they went to extremes to love and care for one another.
Hebrews 10:38 seems to say that the end result of this lack of fellowship in
Christ’s body can lead to “drawing back,” and God has no pleasure in those
that do. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to strengthen the body of
Christ, and if we are not part of the body surely no gift will be manifested
through us, and we will be severely limited in our usefulness to Christ.
Hebrews 10:26 GNT says: “For [if] we [are] willfully sinning after receiving the
full knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice concerning sins.” This is cer-
tainly a jaw-dropper for many of us for it seems to say that there is no more
forgiveness for sinning that we willfully commit after receiving the truth of the
Word. This seems to imply that the sinning referred to here is a “course” of
sinning, and not an individual sin.

Chapter 11
Faith
Note: Much of the material on faith in this Chapter is from a book entitled: “God’s Gift of
Faith” by Jesse C. Jones)
The difficulty in understanding faith is the fact that it is ethereal, not earth-
ly. It comes from God, for Romans 12:3 says “. . God hath dealt to every man the
measure of faith.” We also know that faith is both a gift and a fruit of the Holy
Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:22). Thus, faith originates with God, not
man; however, we can grow the faith God gives. We cannot see it, touch it,
smell it, or test it, nor can we examine it under a microscope. Only God can
test a man’s faith, and He does this to show us the strength or weakness of the
faith working within us, as well as to see for Himself whether we will follow
His will, or do our own thing. We can expose ourselves to temptation, and, in
doing so, gamble that we can control the lust of our eyes, the lust of our flesh,
and the pride of life. But this is sheer foolishness, for if a man is not abiding in
Christ he has no protection against evil, and he cannot resist the wiles of Sa-
tan. James 1:14-15 has this to say about temptation, “But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it

bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished (full-grown), bringeth forth death.”
When we let our lusts and pride determine our thoughts we encounter tempta-
tion, and, if nurtured, the thought can turn to action, resulting in sin.
There are two separate and distinct ways that we accept something as real
and true, and believe it will come about. Sense knowledge demands physical
evidence that we can see, touch, smell, hear, or taste in order to accept some-
thing as factual. It is through our five senses that most of our dealings with the
everyday world occur. After years of using our senses to sort out reality from
fiction, the real from the unreal, we begin to subconsciously resist acceptance
of anything that does not come to us in this manner. I think of this as harden-
ing of the heart, spoken of many times in God’s Word. This hardening of the
biblical heart is the greatest enemy of faith and effective prayer. Mark 6:5-6
records the fact that Jesus could do no mighty works in Nazareth because of
their unbelief, or lack of faith. Our reluctance to accept anything that does not
come through our five senses seems foolish when you consider the fact that
just about everything we learn in school we accept, at least initially, on some-
thing like faith. After we begin to apply what we have accepted based on the
trustworthiness of the teacher and/or textbook, we realize that it must be fac-
tual and true, for it works. This is exactly the same way that faith from God
works. First, we accept that the thing we are hoping (and praying) for will
come to pass, based on the trustworthiness of God. God then sets in motion
events that begin to attack long-held beliefs that have resulted in hardening of
our hearts. In effect, our hearts (minds) become capable of receiving, weighing,
and responding to evidence that previously would have been rejected. I see
this as being the way that we grow our faith: actually we remove the impedi-
ments to faith flowing in our lives. B. B. Warfield, in his book entitled: “Stud-
ies In Theology,” says that our action under evidence is the touchstone by
which it is determined what we are. If evidence which is objectively adequate
is not subjectively adequate the fault is in us.” This explanation is not just for
“saving faith,” but it is the principle for “growing faith” as well. When we see
something we had hoped for come about we are usually amazed at the way
God chooses to answer. It is always a better solution than we could have
thought of on our own. When the answer comes it breaks down some of the
stones in our hearts, strengthens the flow of faith (power), and makes the next
challenge easier to believe for. This is one of the ways God uses to renew our
minds, and transform us, so that we are not fashioned according to this world,
but to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2).

Romans 10:17 talks about the faith required for salvation, which comes by
hearing the spoken word of God, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God.” Romans 10:14 Recovery Version is also helpful in understand-
ing this scripture: “How then shall they call upon Him into whom they have not be-
lieved? And how shall they believe into Him of whom they have not heard? And how
shall they hear without one who proclaims Him?” It is clear from the context of this
verse that Paul is talking about “saving faith” that comes from hearing the spo-
ken word of God. We often think of preaching and teaching when the spoken
word is mentioned, but all believers have a responsibility to proclaim the word
of God in spoken word, as well as by their actions, and actions usually speak
louder than words.
Hebrews 4:2 says that some that heard the gospel preached did not respond
because the word was not mixed with faith. We see this repeated today, some
people respond to hearing the word and some do not. Hebrews 10 through 12
describe faith at some length, but I do not know of a scripture that states
clearly where, or how, this “saving faith” is given to man. I believe we may get
some insight on this from John 6:44, in which Jesus is recorded as saying that
no man can come to Him unless the Father draw him. I think this “drawing”
process is, at least in part, the breaking down of the hard places in our hearts.
In other places in the Bible this “drawing” process seems to be referred to as
“washing” by the Word: a fitting description of the mind-changing process de-
scribed above. When God the Father gets us “washed” and “drawn” so that
saving faith can flow within us, He then does whatever it takes to bring us to
Christ, and this will usually be something different for every person. Christ
then takes up the task of perfecting our faith by teaching us through trials and
tests that continue to break down the hard places in our hearts.
Romans 12:3 seems to indicate that God gives a measure of faith to every
believer. Although the KJV says “to every man,” the GNT says “to each” that is
among you (to all in the church body at Rome), so we know that Paul is ad-
dressing believers here. The magnitude of this measure is seemingly deter-
mined by the particular spiritual gift that each member of the body is given:
various gifts seem to require varying degrees of faith. We are cautioned to not
think more highly of ourselves than is warranted, for all members of the body
are equally important, and God is the One that dispenses the gifts. These gifts
are given to benefit all members of the body, and the body is to function as a
unit, with all the various parts (members), functioning as God has given grace,
with one mind and with one mouth glorifying God. It seems that the more
humble a member of the body is, the greater the gift, and stronger the flow of
faith. This seems reasonable, for the humble man has very few strongholds, or
hard places in his heart, and thus, the flow of faith has few impediments. To
question or to envy the measure of faith in another member of the body is to
question God’s wisdom and authority to dispense spiritual gifts according to
His assessment of the condition of the heart. He knows the degree of purity
and holiness in the member’s heart, and the level of faith required for the gift
to be manifested.
It is important that we not think of the different scriptures about faith as
describing different types of faith, but as describing different levels, or mea-
sures, of faith. Faith is clearly defined in God’s Word as the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Thus, faith determines the level, or
measure, of conviction we have that something hoped for will be realized.
This is the only definition of faith we are given in God’s Word so we know that
what we have discussed above is different levels, and not different types of
faith. We know that the level referred to as saving faith responds to hearing
the Word of God, and, if the word is assimilated by “saving” faith in the hearer,
he or she will find salvation. After we receive the Holy Spirit the process of
increasing, or growing, this initial faith is started. This occurs as we hear God,
act on His spoken word, and see the word bear fruit. Then we are ready for
the next faith lesson, which will probably be more difficult. When God mani-
fests one (or more) of His spiritual ministries, operations, or gifts in us, He
does this to benefit of those in the body of Christ (the church). He does this
through the mind-renewing process, by continuing to break down the hard
places in our hearts, thus increasing the power of faith working in us. That
could be great faith, such as that shown in the lives of such men as Rees How-
ells and Smith Wigglesworth. Oswald Chamber’s daily meditation on Hebrews
11:6 says, “Faith must be tested and tried before it becomes real in your
life. . .so that no matter what happens, the transforming power of God’s provi-
dence transforms perfect faith into reality. Faith is the entire person in right
relationship with God through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
We all need to grow the faith that God can manifest in us by boldly acting
on the guidance we receive from the Holy Spirit. “That the trial of your faith, be-
ing much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7 ).
Hebrews 11:13 answers the question about how the OT saints managed to
get into heaven without knowing Christ: “They all died in faith, not having received
the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced
them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.” Hebrews 11:40
adds that God provided a better thing (Christ) for us, and we, together with
the OT saints, will be made perfect.

Chapter 12
Faith, Patience, and Godliness
Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the author and finisher (perfecter) of our
faith. This passage of scripture seems to support the idea that our faith is a
work in progress, and that Jesus Christ, from His position at the right hand of
God, is the One who is directing this work through the Holy Spirit within us.
1 Peter 1:7 refers to the trial (or testing) of our faith. Our faith is something
that is intended to grow, and Christ continually tests it to measure and affirm
its growth. This concept of growing faith is also supported by Romans 1:17,
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. . .”. This seems to
say that we go from one test of faith to the next, and each subsequent test is
more difficult than the last one, but the increased difficulty aids and validates
the growth process, much like the learning process we undergo in school. He-
brews 10:38-39 is a warning to those that shrink back from these tests of faith.
The two parables in Matthew 25 relate to the principle of constantly using
and growing the ministries, operations, and gifts that God gives us. In the
parable of the ten virgins, five of them did not keep their lamps full of oil, and
when the bridegroom came they were not prepared, and were thus not allowed

into the marriage feast. These five foolish virgins are like believers that fail to
grow in their walk with the Lord by renewing their minds, and, as a result,
their vessel will not be full of the Holy Spirit when the Lord comes. The sec-
ond parable concerns the master that distributed his goods to his slaves in
varying amounts before he left on a long trip. When he returned he found that
one of the slaves failed to earn an increase in the amount he was given, and, as
a result, the goods previously given to him were taken from him. This parable
also concerns the principal of Christian growth (sanctification) that God ex-
pects us to follow. As we become more Christlike in our Christian walk our
faith increases, and we are able to believe and do greater and greater things.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are being transformed into the image of the Lord
from glory to glory. Stated in another way, we are transformed by success in
overcoming the world to an even more difficult challenge of our faith. As Paul
says in Philippians 3:13-14, let us forget the things which are behind and reach
forth unto the things which are before us that we might claim the prize of the
high calling of God in Jesus Christ. Romans 12 lists the attributes we must de-
velop and manifest in order to do this: liberality, diligence, mercy, cheerfulness,
love, abhorrence of evil, steadfastness in that which is good, not slothful in
business, fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, steadfast in

prayer, given to hospitality, blessing those that persecute you, rejoicing with
those that rejoice, weeping with those that weep, minding not high things,
condescending to men of low estate, not being wise in your own conceits, not
returning evil for evil, being honest in the sight of all men, living peaceably
with all men, not avenging yourself, feeding the hungry, providing for those
that thirst, and overcoming evil with good. All these things we should do be-
cause of what Jesus did for us, and we should not grow weary and give up, for
we have not resisted unto death. We must also remember that God chastens
those that He loves: those who have not received chastening are not sons of
God. Chastening is never pleasant but it yields peaceable fruit of right-
eousness unto them that endure.
Hebrews 12:12-13 encourages members of the body of Christ to be sensitive
to the needs of other members of the body, to lift them up when they are
down, and to share your own strength when they are weak. God has a plan for
every one that belongs to Him, and we are told to keep our eyes on the goal,
and follow a straight path so that those that are lame will not be turned out of
the way. Vincent’s says the meaning of this is: “Make the paths smooth and
even, so that the lame limb be not dislocated by stones or pitfalls. Do every-
thing to avoid aggravating the weakness of a fellow-Christian. Rather try to

heal it.” He adds that this may refer to an individual or to a section of the
church which is weak and vacillating. Proverbs 4:26 says, “Ponder the path of thy
feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove
thy feet from evil.”
Hebrews 12:14 brings up a very serious consideration, almost as an af-
terthought: “ Follow peace with all men, and holiness [the sanctification], without
which no man shall see the Lord.” This says that unless a person undergoes some
degree of sanctification, they will not “see” the Lord. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed
are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” We could gather from these two pas-
sages that sanctification leads to a pure heart. Moulton’s Analytical Greek Lex-
icon gives this as: “to be admitted into the more immediate presence of God.”
I am not sure that I fully understand the meaning of this, but I suppose it
could be saying that those that do not enter into sanctification (become holy)
will not be admitted into the full presence of God. They may be restricted to
seeing Jesus Christ as judge, whereas the one that is holy may see Jesus at vari-
ous other times. I certainly want to “see” Jesus, and I cannot imagine a life
without “knowing” Jesus spiritually now, and looking forward to seeing Him in
His heavenly body at rapture/resurrection. We know that no unclean thing can
enter into heaven, so if we do not manifest holiness in our lives we do not have
the very attribute that God says is necessary to enter into the spiritual taber-
nacle in heaven that He has prepared. 1 Corinthians 3:15 says that if a man’s
works are all burned he himself will still be saved, but by fire. If we consider
both of these scriptures the teaching would seem to be that it is necessary for
man enter into sanctification to see Jesus, but if he does not allow the Holy
Spirit to do any works through his life, he will still be saved, but he will suffer
loss. A. W. Tozer in his book entitled: “I Call It Heresy,” says that holiness is a
positive quality including kindness, mercy, purity, moral blamelessness, and
godliness. In reality whatever holiness is in our lives is actually God’s holiness,
effectuated through the Holy Spirit’s renewal of our minds. If we do not re-
flect His holiness in our lives we either do not have God’s Spirit within, or we
have not given the Holy Spirit freedom to manifest His fruit through us.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of this teaching for Christians. I
have never (to my knowledge) heard this preached in any church or Christian
meeting I have ever attended. Rather, I have always heard that the only re-
quirement for receiving eternal life is belief in Jesus. The operable word here
may be the word “in”, used in most versions of the Bible. Actually, the Greek
word interpreted “in,” as used in such scriptures as John 3:16, literally mean
“into,” which is certainly a more thought provoking relationship. A common

response given when trying to describe the difference between an “in” and an
“into” relationship is that an “‘in” relationship is objective: knowing about Je-
sus; whereas, an “into” relationship is subjective: knowing Jesus personally, and
having Him involved in running your life.
In Romans 6:19-23 Paul clarifies the meaning of the holiness we inherit
when we let the Holy Spirit sanctify our bodies: “...even so now yield your members
servants to righteousness unto holiness [sanctification]. For when ye were servants of sin,
ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in these things whereof ye are
now ashamed? for the end of these things is death. But now being made free from sin, and
become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end is everlasting life.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.” It is not enough to merely recognize Jesus as our savior and believe that
He took our sins on the cross. This is just the first step in our future life as a
new person. We must join Jesus on the cross and die to our old “sin” nature:
become a new creation in resurrection, one who has the very Spirit of God and
Christ within. This is the second step in our walk toward eternal life, at this
point our human spirit has been “quickened” (given life), and we are now
equipped and ready to start anew. From here on the work God does in us is fo-
cused on reclaiming our bodies, the only part of our tripartite being that is ma-
terial in nature, and sinful because of our inheritance through Adam. This is
what the Bible refers to as sanctification, and its purpose is to make us holy,
conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. The goal in this is to get us to give up
our “right” to ourselves totally, and seek to follow the guidance we receive from
the Holy Spirit, and to give Him complete control of our lives to do whatever
He sees fit. This means dying to the rule of our ego, and the associated lust of
the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life: a tall order indeed. I use the
word “dying” here because the process of sanctification (making me like Jesus)
is certainly an ongoing process.
Hebrews Chapter 12 closes with a reminder and warning of the importance
of following Jesus Christ, who is now our mediator sitting at the right hand of
God the Father. He speaks from heaven to shake the things on earth that can
be shaken. The things that can be shaken are those that are made, the material
things of earth. The spiritual things are the things that cannot be shaken, and
thus we must honor and receive the spiritual and reject the material. The
kingdom that believers into Christ are receiving cannot be shaken, and nothing
that can be shaken will enter that kingdom. “Our God is a consuming fire.”

Chapter 13
Godly Admonitions
Hebrews 13:1-17 review the godly attributes that all believers into Jesus
Christ should manifest. We should be kind to strangers for we may be enter-
taining angels sent by God to determine the condition of our heart. We should
remember those in prison, and those that suffer adversity, considering the fact
that if it were not for the grace of God we could be in their place. Marriage is
honorable and the bed undefiled, but those who have sexual relations outside
of marriage will be judged by God. We should not love money, for if we belong
to God He will provide what we need and are capable of handling. We need to
be content with what we have for if we have Jesus we are extremely blessed.
We need not fear what man can do to us for man can only kill the body. He
has no power over the spirit/soul which represents the “real” us. God either
allows or causes whatever things come into our lives. We should not be carried
about with divers and strange doctrines, for the heart of man is established
with grace, not with ceremonial trappings. Let us remember that Jesus suf-
fered outside the camp, where the bodies of sacrificial beasts were burned. Our

desires and goals must be focused on spiritual matters and not on worldly
things: even things that are thought of as “good”. Our sacrifices should be the
praise of our lips, giving thanks and making confession to God. We need to
obey the ones that rule over us, unless they try to force us to do something
contrary to God’s Word. Remember that they can do nothing to us that God
does not know about.

Appendix
Questions from Hebrews
Chapter 1
1. Explain the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
in creation.
2. What does Romans 8:17 mean when it says if we are to be joint heirs with
Christ we must suffer with Him?
3. Explain what Jesus is doing seated at the right hand of the Father. Is
there any significance in whether He is sitting or standing?
4. Explain the meaning of Hebrews 1:6.
5. Explain the relationship between Jesus Christ and angels in the OT, and
in the NT.
6. Hebrews 1:14 says that God sends ministering angels to those who will
be heirs of salvation. Explain.
7. Do Christians have ministering angels? If so, what do they do? 

Chapter 2
1. If God chooses us is it possible to apostasize to such a degree that Jesus
will say He never knew you? (see Ex. 32:32, 33; Ps. 69:28; Matt. 7:21-23, 25:1-13;
Heb. 6:4-6, 10:26-29; Rev. 22:19)
2. God gave witness to the disciples by signs and wonders, and diverse mira-
cles. Is He still doing this? Have you seen any?
3. If Jesus was made a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7), explain why an-
gels would worship Him?
4. Why did Jesus have to suffer to become the captain of our salvation?
5. Explain Heb. 2:14.
7. What is the significance of Jesus being our high priest?
Chapter 3
1. Why do you think this Chapter of Hebrews compares Jesus with Moses?
2. What is God warning us about in Heb. 3:8, when He says, “harden not
your hearts”?
3. Discuss the significance of “hardening your heart” in light of God’s
promises in Eze. 36:26.

4. From Hebrews Chapter 3, what may be the consequences of “hardening
our hearts”?
5. What are some of the ways in which we can soften our hearts?
6. What is God’s rest, and what is necessary for us to enter it?
Chapter 4
1. What does Hebrews 4:1 mean when it refers to coming short of God’s
rest?
2. What is God’s rest?
3. What does the discussion in Heb. 4:1-11 about failure to enter into God’s
rest say about belief in eternal security?
4. In your own words give your understanding of the biblical word “faith” as
compared to “saving faith.”
6. In what ways was Jesus tempted by lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and
the pride of life?  

Chapter 5
2. Why does the Book of Hebrews emphasize Christ’s high priesthood
since He did not perform any priestly duties, claimed no special privilege of ac-
cess to the temple, and contradicted the whole Jewish conception of the
priesthood?
3. Explain the use of the word “feared” in Heb. 5:7.
4. Why do you think Melchisedec appeared in Gen. 14:18 of the OT? Do
you think Melchisedec was an OT manifestation of Christ?
5. Hebrews 5:9 seems to say that Jesus was not perfect until He suffered on
the cross. Explain.
6. What can be done to teach and encourage “baby” Christians so they can
be fed with “strong meat”.

Chapter 6
1. Describe the word “apostasy” in your own words.
2. What was (or is) the spiritual condition of the people described in Heb.
6:1-6?
3. How do these verses seem to refute the idea of “once saved, always
saved”?
4. What are the two immutable things referred to in Heb. 6:18?
5. How do these immutable things relate to Christians in our day?
6. Where does hope come from?
7. Explain Heb. 6:19-20.
Chapter 7
1. Why did Abraham tithe to Melchisedec?
3. Do you believe that Melchisedec was the pre-incarnant Son of God?
Give reasons.
4. List instances of Christ appearing in the OT.
5. Explain the connection between the law and the Levitical priesthood?
6. What purpose did the law serve?

7. Did Jesus abolish the law as well as the Levitical priesthood with the new
covenant?
8. Does Heb. 7:26 have any connection to Phs. 2:7?
Chapter 8
2. What are the gifts and promises that Christ has to offer those that are
under the new covenant?
4. Explain the difference between Christ’s role as mediator and intercessor.
Chapter 9
1. Explain the difference between the OT High Priest dealing with the sins of
the Israelites, and Jesus Christ dealing with our sins.
2. Explain what exactly happened when Jesus took the keys of hell and death
from Satan after He died on the cross.
3. What is Jesus Christ’s role as mediator of the New Covenant?
4. How does the blood of Christ purge our conscience from dead works?
5. What does the statement in Heb. 9:15 about redemption of transgressions
under the Old Covenant mean. Compare this statement with Rom. 3:25.
6. Heb. 9:28 states that Jesus will appear a second time without sin unto salva-
tion. What do you believe happened to the sin Jesus took on Himself on the
cross?
Chapter 10
1. What was the purpose of the old covenant?
2. Why is it important for believers to enter into the process of sanctification?
3. Explain 1 Cor. 3:13-15.
4. Explain the significance of having our hearts sprinkled from an evil con-
science and our bodies washed with pure water.
5. Why is it important for believers to assemble themselves together?
6. Explain the purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
7. What is the meaning of the word “tempered” in 1 Cor. 12:24?  

Chapter 11
1. How does faith in spiritual matters differ from the process of learning
something new in the public schools? How is it alike?
2. Is faith involved in the act of believing into Jesus Christ? If so, where did
it come from?
3. Explain the difference between faith and hope.
4. What does the Book of James say about faith?
5. Why do you think God tests the level of faith operating within us?
6. Is it possible to “grow” our faith? How is this done?
7. How did the OT saints get into heaven without having a personal rela-
tionship with Jesus Christ?
8. Do all men have faith?
Chapter 12
1. Who are these witnesses referred to in Hebrews 12:1, and what does it
mean that we are surrounded by them?
2. What does Hebrews 12:2 mean when it says that Jesus is the author and
finisher of our faith?

3. What do you think it means if we are not receiving chastening and
scourging from the Lord?
5. Does Heb. 12:14 say that those who do not enter the process of sanctifi-
cation will not receive eternal life?
6. Explain what a “root of bitterness” is.
8. Explain the meaning of the word holiness.
Chapter 13
1. Have you had any encounters with strangers that may have been angels?
Describe.
2. How is Hebrews Chapter 13 like Matt. 25?
3. What does Heb. 13:4 mean when it says, “...and the marriage bed undefiled”?
4. Do you accept the belief that man can do nothing to believers that God
does not command or allow?
5. Why is praise considered a sacrifice?
6. How should a believer comply with an unbelieving ruler’s edicts?

 
Books Available!
by Jesse C. Jones
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After the “Big Bang”
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A Layman’s Commentary on the Revelation of Jesus Christ
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A Man of God
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Can God Be Known?
!
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Dialogue With an Atheist
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Has God Divorced America?
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The Mystery of God
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The Spiritual Life
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Weighed in the Balances
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Bible Stumbling Blocks
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Note: All of the above e-books are
available online and are free to
download & share via
SCrosnoe on Scribd
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The Path to Holiness
(paperback)
available for purchase online

Links to Other Books Available
by Jesse C. Jones
After the “Big Bang”
A Layman’s Commentary on the Revelation of Jesus Christ
A Man of God
Can God Be Known?
Dialogue With an Atheist
Has God Divorced America?
The Mystery of God
The Spiritual Life
Weighed in the Balances
Bible Stumbling Blocks
Note: All of the above e-books are available online and are free to
download & share via SCrosnoe on Scribd
The Path to Holiness

(paperback)
available for purchase online 

Bible Study Guides for the New Testament
by Jesse C. Jones
Matthew Mark & Luke - A Study on The Parables
John – A Study on the Gospel of John
Acts – A Study on the Acts of the Apostles
Romans – A Study on the Epistle to the Romans
I Corinthians – A Study on the First Epistle to the Corinthi-

ans
II Corinthians – A Study on the Second Epistle to the

Corinthians
Galatians – A Study on the Epistle to the Galatians
Ephesians – A Study on the Epistle to the Ephesians
Philippians - A Study on the Epistle to the Philippians
Colossians – A Study on the Epistle to the Colossians
I Thessalonians – A Study on the First Epistle to the Thes-

salonians
II Thessalonians – A Study on the Second Epistle to the
Thessalonians
I Timothy – A Study on the First Epistle to Timothy
II Timothy – A Study on the Second Epistle to Timothy
Titus – A Study on the Epistle to Titus
Philemon – A Study on the Epistle to Philemon
Hebrews – A Study on the Book of Hebrews
James – A Study on the Book of James
I Peter – A Study on the Book of I Peter
II Peter – A Study on the Book of II Peter
I II & III John - A Study on the Three Epistles of John
Jude – A Study on the Epistle of Jude
Revelation of Jesus Christ – A Layman’s Commentary on

the Revelation of Jesus Christ

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What are the main topics covered in the book?

What are the main topics covered in the book?

What are some of the major chapters in the book?

What are some of the major chapters in the book?

A Study on

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 1

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 3

Bible Study Guides for the New Testament

made to exercise dominion over it.

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 4

cons, when trying to understand diﬃcult scripture. The meaning of some

followed in this eﬀort.

I am a retired engineer: my education and work experience sparked a great

interest in details. I found that to understand the technical diﬃculties and

problems that arise in the operation of complex machines, a good understand-

habitat and milieu. However, no description is completely adequate to portray

great challenge in trying to understand tripartite man. What better model

ideal for all to emulate.

Testament, Moulton’s Analytical Greek Lexicon, the Brown-Driver-Briggs He-

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 7

only when considered necessary.

together for dinner. When she learned of my involvement in writing on the

Bible she immediately volunteered to help in making it available by publishing

me on interpretation, prepared the pictorial cover pages, and generally pol-

in heaven. Her personal website is Finding Gems and Sharing Them.

and share on a platform called Scribd (no membership is required to read/

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 10

A Study on the Book of Hebrews

the Temple in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus Vespasian, for there is no

ly date would be 67 - 69 AD.

Book of Hebrews came from the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 11

through Jesus Christ. Thus, we know it was written to Hebrew Christians: no

mention is made of Gentile Christians in the Book of Hebrews. The emphasis

of Hebrews is certainly one of the most helpful books in the NT in showing

how certain OT institutions were but a foreshadow of their fulfillment in the

coming of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

herein documents the interpretation of God’s Word to the Hebrews as re-

menting this eﬀort.

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 13

The Preeminence of Jesus Christ

and government of the universe reside in Him. Two fundamental theorems of

Information Science state that: 1) “Information only arises through an inten-

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 14

brooded over it, bringing into being whatever was spoken.

and the Father within us through the Holy Spirit.

cares for His saints are listed below :

allowing Satan to bring enticement.

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 15

temptation to persist (2 Corinthians 12:9).

tions (James 1:2). Peter tells us that it is sometimes necessary to be left in

temptation (1 Peter 1:6).

come by temptation, so we will not sink utterly under the burden.

5) He shows compassion for us in all our aﬄictions (Isaiah 63:9; Colossians

(Luke 18:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6).

from those that are closed.

7) He is constantly nurturing us through training and discipline to make us

more like Himself.

A Study on the Book of Hebrews by Jesse C. Jones available on scribd 16

rized to use His name. 