The Gospel Of Repentance

Jude is the brother of James who wrote the epistle that bears his name. Judas or Jude was Jesus’ half brother according to the flesh. Jude like James did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah until he rose from the dead (John 7:5; Acts 1:14; I Corinthians 15:7). Jude begins his letter by stating, “those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” The word called is from the Greek Kletos which means to call, invite, welcomed, appointed. Those who are the elect and chosen of God. The inward, effectual call that produces saving faith within the sinner. The word sanctified in the Greek is the word Hagiazo which means to set apart and holy unto God. When God saves, he instantaneously sanctifies or set apart the believer and plants within him his Holy Spirit as the promise or guarantee of his current redemption spiritually and his physical redemption in the future (Ephesians 1:14; Philippians 1:6). The word preserved is from the Greek word ...

The main issue in the aforementioned verses is sin. When we read these verses, it appears that the apostle John contradicts himself. Let’s examine them to find out what’s going on. In I John 1:8-10 we read, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse to us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Now, in I John 3:6-9 we read, “Whoever abides in Him does not sin (italics added). Whoever sins has neither seen Him or known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.        Whoever is born of God does not sin (italics added), for ...

“I beseech you  therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you  present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.” -           Romans 12:1 I’ve pondered that question lately, and wondered how I can be alive and sacrifice myself at the same time? Yet God commands us as believers to do it. I must be alive, and reckon myself as dead; seems impossible. What does the scripture have to say about these seemingly mutually opposed ideas? Jesus said this in Matthew 16:24-25, Then Jesus said to disciples,” if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. So, what do these verses mean? The word cross in the Greek is the word Stauros ; primarily means stake or pale. Metaphorically it means the believer’s identification wi...

Comparisons are made between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly: The High Priest had to offer blood sacrifices year by year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), first for his own sins and then for the people of Israel (cf. Leviticus 16:1-34). The High Priest had to take blood and sprinkle it on the Mercy Seat so that it was consecrated by the blood which was the sanctifying agent (vs. 1-7). This religious ceremony was accepted by God according to Mosaic law, but it was never complete and sufficient to remove sins. It was merely symbolic of what Jesus would do when he offered up himself (vs. 9). Jesus sacrifice of himself is the ultimate priestly act because it cleanses the soul forever from sin of the one who believes (vs. 10-15). A couple of glorious things are revealed here: #1. Jesus made a covenant with his people. In that covenant there’s an inheritance. In order for that testament to have any force , the testator has to die. Jesus sacrificial  death...

This chapter primarily deals with the New/Everlasting covenant which was prophesied by Jeremiah 31:31-32. Prior to that, the text deals with Jesus’ priesthood could not be of this world because of the Levitical priesthood was in force which offered gifts and sacrifices according to the law which were shadows of the things to come (vs 1-5). Jesus’ priesthood was based on a better covenant based on better promises. This new covenant was ratified with the shedding of his own blood (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20;I Corinthians 11:25). The New Covenant provides complete access to God because of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.                                                                                           ...

Christ’s Priesthood is compared to High Priest and King Melchizedek in two ways: It’s everlasting (vs.3) It’s not Levitical (vs. 14) The word declares (5 X’s) in Hebrews and once in the Psalm 110:4 that Christ’s Priesthood would be after the order of Melchizedek. Here are the scripture references: (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:17, 21). Christ’s priesthood is far better than the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood in that it draws us to God (vs.19). With a better priesthood comes a greater law. The word of the oath (vs. 28). Jesus Christ priesthood is perpetual. That’s why he is like Melchizedek. The Father said that over and over to drive the point home. It’s important the reader get the point that Christ’s priestly office was not of this earth like the Levitical priesthood which was fading away, but that his priesthood was of a heavenly origin (vs. 16).

The writer stresses the Hebrews move on to maturity and not remain as babies in their understanding of spiritual truths (vs. 2-3). For verses 4-6, please read the article entitled, “The eternality of our salvation” from the archives. The writer commends the faithfulness of some of the Hebrews. Encourages them to continue in their diligence and not become sluggish, but imitate those who received the promises of God like Abraham (vs. 9-15). The writer also informs us that God’s promises are sealed with an oath; these two things (God promises & oath) are unchangeable since that is also the nature of God’s character-his immutability. When God makes a decree, he seals that decree by the power and glory of his own name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9). God makes his promises to us sure. The ultimate promise of our hope is Jesus Christ who entered the Holy of holies on our behalf as our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (vs. 16-20).