HEBREWS:The Final and Only High Priest; "And having been perfected, Christ Jesus became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest!"

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. (Hebrews 5:1-4)  

Priests are mere men, just like the rest of us.  They are not perfect!  They need forgiveness of their sins just like everyone else. ...if the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, then let him offer to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without blemish as a sin offering. (Leviticus 4:3) Christ Jesus is the only person who ever lived that was able to live up to the calling of a High Priest, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21)

So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:

“You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” [Psalm 2:7]

As He also says in another place:

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; [Psalm 110:4]

who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (Hebrews 5:5-11)

In order to become our High Priest, Christ first had to become our perfect sacrifice. Jesus prayed to God the Father before He was arrested and later crucified, a prayer which summarizes the scriptures above. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,  saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”  Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44, Mark 14:35) 

God's plan of salvation was all inclusive in His Son Christ Jesus, who obeyed the Will of God, even unto death, so that we all may be saved!  Even the high priest of the Jews prophesied this before Jesus was crucified. And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. (John 11:49-52)

But who is Melchizedek?...

HEBREWS:God's Rest; "They could not enter in because of unbelief. For we who have believed do enter that rest!"

And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?  So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19) 

The previous lesson concluded explaining how the generation of the children of Israel that Moses lead out of Egypt were not allowed to enter into the promised land because of unbelief; but after that generation died in the wilderness, God's promise of leading the children into the promised land still remained. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: 

“So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ [Psalm 95:11]”

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works” [Genesis 2:2]; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” (Hebrews 4:1-5)

Were people who died before Jesus was born saved? Yes!  How, if we have to confess Christ Jesus as Savior and believe that He rose from the dead?  Because salvation hinges on what we believe, not what we see!  We will study "faith" more in Hebrews 11, but this chapter introduces that truth, to then Jewish converts to Christianity, and today to all of us.  The Word of God proves this: What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” [Genesis 15:6] (Romans 4:1-3) 

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:  “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” [Psalm 32:1-2] (Romans 4:5-8) Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

God completed ALL that needed to be done at creation in order for man to enter into "His rest", that's why He rested on the seventh, or Sabbath day.  And He will allow all of us who believe to one day enter that final day of rest, with Him: Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” 
[Psalm 95:7-8] (Hebrews 4:6-7) 

 
For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. [Joshua 1:12-15] There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.  For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:8-10) “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [Luke 23:43]’ (Revelations 2:7)

God has made us many great promises, but the promise of knowing that one day this life with all it's tribulations will be over [John 16:33], and that our souls will shed this flesh body and we will live forever in eternal peace with Him is the greatest promise of all.  As the Apostle Paul said, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)   

So what should we do when doubt comes into our mind, that this commitment to God, Christ and being a Christian may not matter?  We must remember Who it is we have committed our lives to and understand through the Holy Spirit that For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (Isaiah 45:18-19) “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit [Matthew 10:28], and of joints and marrow [Job 10:8-12], and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart [John 2:23-25].  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:11-13)   

Jesus said, "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:11-14) All will have access to God's eternal rest, but who will believe?  Choose this today, for this to be the first day of the rest of your eternal life!

HEBREWS:One Better than Moses; " For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end!"

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. (Hebrews 3:1-4)

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians.  It's very important to understand that, because conversion to Christianity was very hard for the Jews.  They were God's "chosen people", so they thought that automatically made them right with God.  For thousands of years, they had observed all the teachings and strived to obey the 613 commandments God had given Moses, contained within the first five books of the Bible, which is also called the Hebrew Bible. (Exodus 19:5)  

Moses was their "messiah", and most of the Jews did not convert to Christianity, including the religious leaders, whom Christ always had a difficult time with, therefore Christ rebuked them repeatedly. (John 5:9-47) And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:5-6)

Moses was good, very good, but he was not perfect.  He lead the children of Isreal out of Egypt at the age of 80, and was with them in the wilderness for 40 years, and then at the age of 120, even he disobeyed God and was not allowed to go into the promise land (Numbers 20), but died in the wilderness along with the entire generation that came out of Egypt.  Only his generation's descendants went into the promise land, lead by Joshua (Deuteronomy 34). Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ [Psalm 95:7-11]”

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:7-15)

For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:16-19) But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 1:5)

Most of us may not be Jewish, so we may not quite graspe the difficulty in knowing we were chosen by God to be a special people, and that Moses was very important because God gave him the commandments and books of the laws; nor may we understand the emphasis the Jews place on obey all the laws for centuries, so the difficulty they have in changing their way of thinking that all they have to do is believe in Christ Jesus to be saved, not only them but ALL people.  But that indeed is the Truth and the Word of God (Luke 24:44-49). Jesus told them, You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.  But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. (John 5:39-40)

Knowing the Word of God is good, but believing the Word of God is what saves! For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." [Isaiah 29:14]

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For Jews request a sign, and Greeks [non-Jews] seek after wisdom;  but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks [non-Jews] foolishness,  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks [non-Jews], Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (I Corinthians 1:18-25) AMEN!

HEBREWS:Christ, Mankind & Angels; "You, God have made man a little lower than the angels; but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels..."

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4)

People of various cultural or spiritual beliefs can get caught up in worshiping things that aren't supposed to be worshiped, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:25) Some people and cultures even practice worshiping celestial beings, which is not to be done either. For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet. [Psalm 8:4-6]”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. (Hebrews 2:5-8) 

When did God give man all of this authority over His creation? When He created mankind, Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,... How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:14, 17)

But inspite of all the power and authority God has given mankind over His creation, there is still one who is above all things, Christ Jesus.  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You. [Psalm 22:22]”

And again:

“I will put My trust in Him. [II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17]”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me. [Isaiah 8:18]” (Hebrews 2:9-13)

God allowed Jesus to become like mankind so that He could save mankind.  He was made a little lower than the angels; But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5) He was made perfect through sufferings; but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:7-8) 

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood [John 1:14-18; John 6:53-59], He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage [Revelations 20:13].  For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham [Galatians 3:16, 29].  Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted [Luke 4:1-13]. (Hebrews 2:14-18)

We are not worship or praise any created being or thing, but only God the Father and His Son, Chris Jesus our Lord; For He [God] made Him [Christ Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21) There is only One who is worthy to be praised, and to be esteemed high above all others, and that is God, through our belief and faith in His Son, Christ Jesus. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. We love because He first loved us. (I John 4:10, 19) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'”(Luke 4:8) AMEN!

MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY!

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? "Official Birthplace Declared In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

"By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

"It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays." (read "Memorial Day History")

Let us all learn from the example of all those who have served and are serving in the military. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. (II Timothy 2:3-4) Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy, free them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:3-4)

God bless all service people, and God bless the United States of America!

 

HEBREWS: Christ Above the Angels; "having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they!"

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!
Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created.
He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalm 148:1-6, 13) ...having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:4) ...who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. (I Peter 3:22)

There is absolutely nothing and no one we are to praise and worship above God and His Son, Christ Jesus!  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phillipians 2:9-11) The name that God gave Jesus, that is above every name is, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22)  God never has and never will call anyone else by that name, My Beloved Son!  “...The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. (Psalm 2:7) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

A lot of false teachers will have people praising and worshiping all kinds of created things (Colossians 2:18), but we are not to fall for those lies (see World Faiths and Religions).  God explains very clearly Christs superiority and preeminence over the angels and all created things:
- For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You” [Psalm 2:7]?

- And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son” [II Samuel 2:14]?

- But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him” [Psalm 97:7].

- And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire” [Psalm 104:4].

- But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions” [Psalm 45:6-7].

- And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail” [Psalm 102:25-27].

- But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” [Psalm 110:1]?

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:5-14)

Angels are ministering spirits (Matthew 4:11), messengers of God (Luke 1:19), appear in human form (Hebrews 13:2), guards of the the throne of God (Genesis 3:24), etc.  But they know no more than what God tells them (Mark 13:32), and  even less than what God has told man (I Peter 1:12)!  They are not perfect and will be judged just like man, For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;... then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,... (II Peter 2:4,9) And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode [Revelations 12:4], He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; ...are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.(Jude 1:6-7)

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation,... (Hebrews 2:1-3) We will not escape!  For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when [we] received the word of God which [we] heard ..., [we] welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in [us] who believe. (I Thessalonians 2:13)

HEBREWS:How God Speaks; "God has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds!"

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,  has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Although it is not known for sure who the author of Hebrews is, it is widely believed and accepted by Biblical scholars that Paul is the author.  The purpose of the letter was to reassure Jewish believers that their faith in Jesus as the Messiah was secure and legitimate.  Also, it was intended to prepare them for the impending disaster of the destruction of Jerusalmen by the Romans.  The temple, with its system of animal sacrifices, and the office of the priest, would soon be done away with, just as Jesus had predicted (Mark 13:1-2).  It's further explained that there was no more need for a priest to intercede before God on an individual's behalf since Christ's death provided believers with direct access to God's throne (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22).  Furthermore, the blood of Christ now continually takes away sin (Hebrews 9:18-26).*

Hebrews is divided into two major sections: the first deals with doctrinal issues, the scriptures and how they are to be taught and interpreted (Hebrews 1:1-10:18); and the second focuses on practical living (Hebrews 10:19-13:25).  In addition to this, it contains several warnings to Jewish Christians not to revert back to Judaism and that system of worship (Hebrew 10:39).  It was evident that these believers were weak in their faith; when they should have been teaching others, they themselves still required teaching.  The writer urges them to grow and not remain as "babes" in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14).  The major theme expressed throughout the book  is the superiority and preeminence of Christ. *Notes from Strong's Key Word Study Bible

The first four verses above of the first chapter are so full of information, information that every Christian must believe as fact before we can grow to maturity in our relationship with God:

God has spoken to all creation from the beginning of time to now, through His creation and all the scriptures written by the prophets and apostles: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead,... (Romans 1:20) “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,... As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,.. (Luke 1:68-40) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17)  And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;  knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-21)

God has spoken through His Son, Christ Jesus, the Heir of all things because He made all things: While [Jesus] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7, 12:37; Luke 9:35).  Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24) ...you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:15-17)

God has given Christ Jesus all power, to save all people from their sins, and being the very image of God, resurrected from the dead and is now with God the Father, in heaven: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)  Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.  And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. (John 12:44-45) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. [Genesis 1-2] And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,  and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

God is the author of the scriptures, He is the Creator of all things, and through His Son, Christ Jesus, all things were made!  Christ Jesus is the final offering for all of our sins, because God the Father gave Him all power and authority, in heaven and on earth!  Nothing can be added to or taken from Christ Jesus, for he fulfills all the requirements of God! We are to believe in the Word of God, Christ Jesus only, for our salvation (see World Faiths and Religions)! Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels,... (Colossians 2:18) What about angels?...

II PETER: Don't Allow Scoffers to Cause Us to Doubt: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. The longsuffering of our Lord is salvation!"

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,... (II Peter 3:1-2)

Peter summarizes the purpose of writing his two letters, that they are to serve as reminders.  That's the purpose of the scriptures, to remind us what God has said, by the holy prophets, and the apostles of the Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.  Remember, we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-21)

The entirety of Your word is truth,... (Psalm 119:60) Your word is truth. (John 17:17) The entire Word of God is Truth!  We must believe ALL of it, even if we don't understand all of it.  Whatever we don't understand, or even have a hard time believing, we must do as the man who prayed to Jesus for help, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Through His Holy Spirit in us, He will help our unbelief and help us to understand. 

We have to be sure that we believe and know the Word of God, no matter what people may say.  ...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water [Genesis 1; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11:3], by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. [Genesis 7] But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (II Peter 3:3-7)

The earth will experience three ages.  The first was before the flood, ...when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. (I Peter 3:20) The second earth age is since the flood to the present, and will last until Christ Jesus returns and pronounces His final judgements on mankind. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,... Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelations 20:11-15)

This second earth age has lasted longer than most people thought it would, because since the time Jesus taught, "...in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ... But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:24-32)  

Then at His ascension, He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority." ... Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:7-11)

From that day to this, scoffers have said, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”  But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:8-9)

We better be thankful that God desires ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4)  Because truth be told, many of us know we would be cast into the lake of fire, had God not shown us much grace and mercy and allowed us time to repent and turn to Him. But, for those who have not accepted God's free gift of salvation yet, don't assume you will have time to do so!  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (II Corinthians 6:2) Do it now, before Christ returns, because "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ... Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:36-44)

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (II Peter 3:10-13)

The first earth age ended with a flood.  This second earth age will end with fire.  And then Christ Jesus will usher in the third and eternal earth age. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:1-5)


Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (II Peter 3:14-16)

We can believe ALL the scriptures, as recorded in the books of the old and the new testament, because we have the prophetic word confirmed.  Everything the prophets wrote and the apostles wrote has been confirmed. Nearly 2500 prophecies are recorded in the Bible, "about 2000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors." (read "Reasons to Believe")  Why would we start believing scoffers and doubting now before God fulfills the remaining 500?  You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (II Peter 3:17-18)