In Hebrews 9, the author is showing the superiority of Christ as our sacrifice for sin over the Old Covenant sacrifices. “For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews9:13–14NASB1995 Under the Old Covenant, a person’s flesh was cleansed from being defiled. However, under the New Covenant, even your conscience has been cleansed from dead works. It wasn’t just an outward cleansing, it was a cleansing right down to our very spirits.
Reading on in the chapter we understand again that at just the right time, the consummation of the ages, Jesus bore all sin, once for all. “Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews9:26–28NASB1995 We hear again, that it was a cleansing right down to our spirit.
We are eagerly awaiting the return of Christ, because we love him and have no fear for our sins, since they have all been atoned for by Jesus once for all.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest and saving sacrifice, thank you for atoning work that saved me and took away all my sins. Help me encounter and share this Good News with those whose consciences are burdened with the weight of their sins. Amen.
Who was Jesus? That is a question that is pondered in academia still today. In the modern world, some “scholars” will side step the plain teachings of Scripture to try to piece together a historical picture of who Jesus was. They have seminars where they speculate about him. They cast their votes as to the authenticity of his words presented in the Bible. In these votes, they have almost eliminated all of the words attributed to Jesus in the gospels. He was a good teacher seems to be the consensus outside of Christendom. Some people would go so far as to say Jesus never even existed, ignoring ample historical evidence outside of Scripture.
In beginning Hebrews 1, the unknown author gives us a description of Christ. In Hebrews, the author is showing the supremacy of faith in Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant. The readers of Hebrews at the outset are given an understanding of just who Jesus is.
First, we learn that God spoke to us through Jesus. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Hebrews1:1–2NIV In that statement we understand that as heir of everything, all that is, belongs to Jesus. As a result of our faith in Christ, Paul tells us that we are co-heirs with Christ so we share in the inheritance.
In verse 2, we also learn that the universe was made through Jesus. We have heard and many of us memorized John 1:1-3. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” John1:1–3NIV Hebrews 1:2 reinforces our understanding that Jesus is not just a good teacher, he is a co-creator with our Heavenly Father.
What does God look like? Does he look like Michelangelo’s commonly accepted presentation of the gray-bearded, old man upstairs? The Bible tells us God is invisible and God is Spirit. However, Hebrews tells us, “the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” Hebrews1:3NIV If you want to know what God looks like, look at Jesus.
We also learn that everything in the universe holds together in Christ. “…[He, Jesus, is] sustaining all things by his powerful word…” Hebrews 1:3 NIV John Wesley said that Jesus holding the universe together is like a person holding up a rock. If he were to let it go, everything would undo into nothingness.
Who is Jesus? Jesus is God! Jesus was with God in the beginning and everything that is, was made through him and belongs to him. He holds it all together through his powerful word. He is the exact representation of God and the radiance of God’s glory. He is also our redeemer. When we were dead in our transgressions and sins, he bore them on the cross for us and ransomed us back to God. Hebrews tells us, “…after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews1:3NIV At the appointed time, the Heavenly Father is going to send Jesus back to get us and we will be with him where he is.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for creation made for and through you! Thank you for representing the Father to me! Thank you for atoning for my sins! Lord help me to live for you through your Holy Spirit. Amen!
My family has been watching true crime shows lately. We have watched a couple where you were sure who did it by the end of the show. One person had been calling restaurants, pretending to be a cop, having the manager terrorize young female employees that he lied and claimed had stolen something. The other was a man who murdered a woman. Both seemed to have plenty of circumstantial evidence to convict them. However, they both were cleared by the jury.
In my mind they were obviously guilty but the juries believed there wasn’t enough evidence to convict them. We all know about travesties of justice that have happened, and still happen every day. How do we cope with the idea of murderers walking freely among us?
Fortunately for us, we don’t have to worry about the wicked getting away with evil forever. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable describing how one day the wicked will receive their recompense for their evil deeds. He says, “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew13:47–50NIV
We have laws and a legal system. If the wicked manage to subvert those and escape justice, we don’t have to worry about it. Even though the evidence seems to be clear, unless we saw them, we can’t be sure of someone’s guilt. However, God knows and he will see that justice is done. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans12:19NIV
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for knowing all. No man will deceive you. You will reward the righteous and repay the wicked for their evil deeds. Help me to always follow you so I am not caught up with them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have you ever thought that you knew something pretty good, but if you had it wrong you would be happy about it? That is the way I am with my End Times beliefs. I grew up believing in a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. If you don’t know what that is, think Left Behind. If you read that series of books or watched the movies you have a good understanding of what pre-trib rapturists believe. I have come to embrace what has traditionally been looked for in the church… the day of the Lord, also known as the second coming.
The church has looked for a second coming that it identified with the day of the Lord in the Old Testament. In 2 Thessalonians 2, the Apostle Paul is trying to remove fears that the church at Thessalonica had missed the day of the Lord or second coming. He says, “As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.” 2 Thessalonians2:1–2NRSV
There are some things that Paul says will precede the day of the Lord, things that the Thessalonians could look for and recognize as signs of the coming day. “Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who now restrains it is removed. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of his mouth, annihilating him by the manifestation of his coming.” 2 Thessalonians2:3–4, 7–8NRSV Before the day of the Lord or second coming, the lawless one or anti-christ is revealed. He will take his seat in the temple declaring himself to be God. Finally, the Lord Jesus will destroy the lawless one at his coming.
Pre-tribers will say but the rapture happens when that which restrains the lawless one is removed so that the lawless one can be revealed. They say that is the church being raptured out because the church is what is restraining the lawless one. Maybe, but there are some problems with that. First, why was the church worried about missing the day of the Lord (which comes after the lawless one is revealed) and their being gathered to him if they were going to be raptured out before that day? Second, why bother teaching them the signs of the day of the Lord if they weren’t going to be here?
There are some other reasons I opted to reject a belief in a pre-trib rapture. The development of this end time belief is less than 200 years old. It began with J. N. Darby around 1830 and was made popular by the Schofield Bible. As I said, traditionally (for more than 1800 years) the church has looked for the day of the Lord or the second coming.
The pre-trib rapture belief mistakenly assumes the great tribulation is from God on the unbelievers in the world. If you read through the Bible, you will recognize that what is coming for unbelievers and the wicked on the day of the Lord is not tribulations. It is the wrath of God. Tribulations in the Bible are usually from the world. Jesus said, “…In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John16:33NASB1995 Christians have suffered, and are today suffering tribulations at the hands of the world. We have been going through tribulations since the resurrection. I believe we are in the great tribulation now.
Lastly, if Christians believe they are going to be whisked away before the anti-christ is revealed, they may not be looking for the signs of his coming. There are many given and we need to know them and look for them so we are not deceived if there isn’t a pre-tribulation rapture. Jesus gave signs to look for. Paul also told the Thessalonians signs that accompany the coming lawless one. “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” 2 Thessalonians2:9–10NIV
I do not consider myself an end times prophecy expert. I have just shared some of my beliefs. As I said, if I were wrong and the pre-trib rapture were true, I would certainly be happy to be wrong and be joined with those gathering to meet Jesus in the air.
One thing is certain, Jesus is coming again! Whether that be a pre-trib rapture or a second coming, it is important to read the Bible, know the signs of his coming, and be expectantly watching for it.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your promised return! Thank you for Scripture that gives me signs to look for. Thank you for your Holy Spirit leading me into all truth! Help me to know what to look for and help me to be looking. Amen.
There is ongoing road construction in my neck of the woods. A road widening project has been happening for a while and, I am told, it is not supposed to be completed for a few more years. One day, you may go through there and be in this lane. Another day, the construction barrels have shifted the lanes and you will be driving in another part. There are huge digital signs on each end of the project that warn of a new traffic pattern and the “advised” speed limit of 45 mph.
Yesterday, I was going through and it was one lane with flagmen directing traffic. I knew that was what I was in for, because I read the big orange sign. I knew what to expect and was looking for it. The place where I stopped was in a curve. I was a bit anxious as I waited because I know some folks ignore the “advised” speed. I was hoping, as I sat waiting to be directed through, that everyone coming up behind me also reads the signs.
In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus is talking about the signs of his second coming and the Day of the Lord. There are links in the devotions to the scriptures the devotions are written from. I would encourage you to click the link today and read and be familiar with the signs in Matthew 24. Plus, I get $5 for every click! Just kidding, I don’t make anything off of the devotions or the clicks, so if they are beneficial to you, feel free to share them.
Back to the signs. Some folks believe that the church will not be around for “The Day of the Lord,” which is the day of the wrath of God on the wicked and unbelieving people of the world. However, Jesus ties his return with “The Day of the Lord” prophesied by Isaiah and others in the Old Testament. He list some signs that must take place before his return. Then he gives the prophecy for “The Day of the Lord” and his return… signs in the heavens that will be too obvious to miss… if you are looking for them. He says, “Immediately after the distress of those days “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” Matthew24:29–30NIV
Read through the Bible and you will discover there are going to be two types of people who encounter Christ at his return… those who are expecting him and want him to return and those who are not and will be terrified at his appearing. We, the children of God need not fear the return of our King. We can watch and wait with great expectation and excitement because he loves us, we love him, and love casts out fear. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John4:18NIV
Back to the signs. Do they put up road construction signs on new roads that don’t have traffic on them yet? There may be signs for the road construction workers, but they do not have signs telling regular drivers what to do because they aren’t going on that road yet. Ask yourself the same thing for the signs in the Bible, and in particular, the signs for “The Day of the Lord” listed in Matthew 24. If we aren’t going to be here, why give us these signs to look for. Why so many warnings about false prophets and false messiahs if we are not going to be around to be fooled?
Some people believe that the prophecies were for the folks of Matthew’s day and have already been fulfilled. Others, see the events in Matthew, in particular, “The Day of the Lord” and the appearance of Christ as happening after a “rapture” event where the church is already gone. I believe prophecy is dynamic. It was applicable to the people it was originally written to. It is applicable to people who read it now. It will also be applicable for future readers until it is ultimately fulfilled and we are with Christ.
I believe we are on the road and the warning signs are for us. Is it possible that we could be around for the return of Christ? I believe it is. Whether he comes in our lifetime or not, the signs wouldn’t have been given if we didn’t need to know what to look for.
Know the signs and watch for them, so that you aren’t misled into something catastrophic.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to us through scripture. Lord, thank you for the signs and wonders you performed that showed you are the Christ. Thank you for your death and resurrection that delivers me from fear and allows me to live in your love. Help me to know the signs and look for them as I enthusiastically await your return. In your name, Amen.
Thinking About and Being a Child of God 