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?
[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.
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