A Look at Jesus from Hebrews: Jesus: The Complete Revelation Part 2 - Paid in Full!

Ill – When I was in High School – I was not a Christian, and sadly I acted like it! In our science class we were asked to distill various things. I chose Ammonia and  I distilled it 3 times. When I was done I asked my “GOOD” friend Bruce to smell it, and stated that it would be difficult to smell! (Liar!) He took it and inhaled deeply! He landed on the floor. I am thankful that he did not die! Ammonia purified (distilled) like that can be a very dangerous thing!

Happily…When Sin is purified the opposite reaction takes place. Instead of being a shock to your system and causing damage or a violent reaction, when our sin is purified an enlightening and sense of freedom takes place. Hebrews confirms that the greatest Revelation from God…His Son accomplished this for us!

Let’s review and then move on:

Hebrews 1:1-2a God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son

Heb 1:2b whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. – He is the Promised owner

Heb 1:2c through whom also He made the world – He is the Programmer of Ages

Heb 1:3a And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature – He is the Perfect Picture of God

Heb 1:3 and upholds all things by the word of His power – He is the Power Behind All Life

Hebrews 1:3c When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

(5) He is the Purifier of all Life

Hebrews 1:3c When He had made purification of sins,

* We must remember the Jews purification was incomplete:  - Hebrews 10:4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Whenever we receive only a “part” of something we are left with a feeling that there is something else to do. This explains why so many at the time of Christ in the Jewish faith were turning, first to John the Baptist, and why so many were open to the gospel message. This also explains why Bible “Cults” must add works. They do not see the work of Jesus as being sufficient alone to purify them of their sins, so they are left with an emptiness that drives them to seek other things to add that might make them feel more complete. Sadly the very things they are adding are what is causing that incomplete sense in their life.

Scripture teaches clearly; nothing else could do it and nothing else is needed! The work of Christ to pay the complete debt of sin, purify us and redeem us eternally is the only truth that brings that sense of completeness to the human soul.

* What does it mean to Purify? 

The original is (καθαρισμός katharismós)

In Heb. 1:3, the word denotes the objective removal of our sins by Jesus Christ. In 2 Pet. 1:9, it refers to the actual purification accomplished in man, while in Heb. 1:3 to the propitiation provided by the Lord Jesus.^[1] The death of Christ accomplishes this cleansing from sins (1:3) and liberation from sinful impulses (9:14: νεκρὰ ἔργα, “dead works” which defile as contrasted with those done in the service of God). It thus gives access to holiness and enables man truly to live in the presence of God.^[2]

Two Important areas:  

(a) When you sin against God, do not do what folks trapped in works do; forsake God, Over Commit or Vow to never again do that sin again. Instead Confess that sin (tell God you know you failed) repent (Change the direct in your life away from that sin) and decide to stay alert so you will not become complacent about that sin.

(b) When you sin against your brother, do what God expects, as soon as you can go and make things right with that person…even if it means skipping worship to sit and meet with them.

(6) He is the Permanent Payment

Hebrews 1:3d He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

! Notice: "Sat Down" That is important! There was no chair in tabernacle for the priest to sit on…because the priest were never done! They had to continually offer sacrifice for the people and them selves. The blood of animals only “covered” the sins of the people. But with Jesus, He paid the full debt of sin with His life, this is why he said:

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.

What does ‘‘Finished’’ mean? Again here is the original: τελέω teléō; contracted telṓ, fut. telésō, from télos (5056), end, goal. To make an end or to accomplish, to complete something, not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal, to carry it through.^[3]

* Incorrect! Jesus one of the ways or a Way to Salvation

* Correct! Jesus IS Salvation!

The So What: How clean do you feel? We all still struggle with sin, but how confident are you that Jesus has purified you, made you part of His family and all you need to do is to deal with your sin each time to restore proper friendship with God? Do you believe 1 John 1:9? When you fall asleep at night are you secure that Jesus paid the whole debt, so you are safe eternally no matter what happens?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964–). Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 3, p. 426). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

^[3] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.