One God One Mediator

I was introduced to a great being nearly 39-years ago. Now, I had heard of this great being when I was but a child – but had never been formally introduced. As a small child, I would listen to stories concerning this great being from my father and uncle and about some of the most awesome things which He had done and had accomplished when He was here on earth. It was as if His reputation preceded Him. Much of what I had heard was absolutely incredible and would lay in my bed at night pondering as to whether any of these stories I had heard truly happened or not.

Then, one Sunday morning I heard glaring over the television this great being spoken of and of His coming kingdom. And the stories were amazing indeed! But, at a young age of twelve – these stories seemed so far away and in the distance. Not close up and personal or even real. They were kind of like a dream – you know when you dream and the story you’re dreaming appears so real, vivid, and in color – and then you wake up and realize that it was only a dream, it wasn’t real after all. And I began to have a desire – deep inside of myself – to begin to explore this spoken of kingdom and if this great being even existed, or if I would ever meet Him or not.

In these young years of my life I came face to face with an important question - would a Creator, having supreme intelligence, wisdom, and love to think out, plan, design, and bring about all creation – this earth, and all life upon it – has left human beings in ignorance of His purpose? And there was a mountain of evidence all around me to prove that this great being really did (and certainly does) exist. A great being with higher intelligence – a great designer – other than Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, of which any elementary or junior high school textbook alleged or proposed, theorized, or assumed, of which I was told to accept every bit of it without question. And I was ridiculed when I stood up and brought up the idea that there is a God that created all things. I began to see that modern science and this world’s intelligence have simply lost their minds! How could such staggering evidence be so blatantly and blindly overlooked, or simply ignored!? And it was as if they were purposely disregarding the very idea that this creation – contrary to what the late Stephen Hawking hocked – not only requires a Creator but is screaming out that there is a Creator, whose intelligence and power is far above anything contemplated!

Also, and even more striking, was the fact that most of what I had gone through in my young life – from the time that I was born with Transposition of the great arteries to, surely, even before I was born and on into the future – had been written down and recorded and even prophesied – cf. Jeremiah 1:5. And I don’t mean the everyday personal experiences of my young life were written down – but mostly the fact that the very day in which I had been born, an angel had told my mother that I would not need another operation and that someday I would travel the world speaking with thousands. And I wasn’t witness to this until the year 2010 of things long ago prophesied which did indeed occur. This was a shocking and exciting revelation to me – that this prophesied event, which had been flashbulbed into my early memories, had been fulfilled when God had healed the scar tissue surrounding my heart which caused atrial fibrillation. This was even further proof of this great and powerful being who had become ever-more dominant in my understanding, more prevalent and practical in my life, more genuine and factual than ever before. And this overwhelming desire which pierced my soul, spirit, joints, and marrow, was an unbelievable notion that I somehow needing forgiveness. I needed to be cleansed of all my tales of rebellion – and we all sit around later in life thinking of our rebellion. I needed to be washed of my mistakes, my failures, and more importantly – my sins. And there was no one who could accomplish this task in my life, with the exception of this One Being!

In 1st Timothy, chapter 2, and verse 5 – the apostle Paul writes to Timothy and says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” – Paul uses this amazing term – because He was a Man, and He walked this earth and is the Son of God.

So, now you know of this great Being of whom I speak – His name, of course, is Jesus the Christ!

I’d like to list in this sermon some of the Scriptures which impacted my life back in my younger years. God’s words which allowed me to have conviction and the very belief in this great Being – Jesus Christ. These are some of the very first passages of which I had read and which answered so many questions I had so long ago when I was first learning about who is Jesus Christ and what He is. I know that your story is probably very similar – not that we had the same circumstances and experiences – but the narrow gate has led us on this path together and we find ourselves here today before this great Being – before this One God and One Mediator – our Savior Jesus Christ.

I’d like to begin in the Book of Luke, the 1st chapter, and verse 31. In the article “He Who Follows Me Shall Not Walk In Darkness” I had mentioned how my junior high school teacher Mrs. Johnson wanted us to memorize these verses during Christmas time. This certainly was a passage that struck a deep chord with me.

“’ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, …’” – here is an angel speaking with Mary “ … ‘and shall call His name JESUS.’” – and we know that that name is actually JOSHUA – because it’s the exact equivalent of the name Joshua in the Old Testament – the Joshua which followed Moses.

Verse 32 – “’ He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.’” – and a question was presented to Jesus Christ by Pontius Pilate. “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’” Did Jesus inherit this throne when He came to the earth – the first time!? No, He didn’t. Jesus was born to rule as King over all nations, and nearly two-thousand years ago, He qualified to become this world’s ruler by conquering Satan then. He was not given that throne while He was a human being – John 18:36.

And look at verse 33 – “’ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’” – and, of course, in “God’s Promises To Abraham – a seven-part series” we explain the house of Jacob, who they are, and where they are today. Here is a prophecy about Him inheriting a kingdom and He is going to rule over the house of Jacob. And His ONE CROWN will designate Him Supreme Ruler! So it’s very important then to ask the question – who is the house of Jacob and where are they today!? And, we have so much information on this – articles and sermons –over the nearly 50-years since Michael C. Garrett was ordained and began proclaiming this amazing revelation taught directly from Almighty God and Jesus Christ of the Davidic Covenant and how it is to play out – not only in the life of Jesus Christ when He was here the first time, but more importantly in His second coming – the World Tomorrow.

In the Book of Daniel, the 2nd chapter was an interpretation of a dream which King Nebuchadnezzar II had. And the prophet Daniel reported and said, “And in the days of these kings [speaking of the ten toes of this great image whose splendor was so excellent] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed.” Speaking of an eternal kingdom that would last forever and ever.

Now over in Luke, the 2nd chapter, verse 8 – this was another portion my social studies teacher wanted us to memorize. “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.” – I can imagine that they were. So, here were these shepherds out there on a clear night when all of a sudden a bright light shines out of the dark night and they are rightly frightened.

Verse 10 – “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Now, of course, they were all – in that family of people which were part of the house of Israel and the house of Judah – looking for a coming Messiah – and all of a sudden an angel appears to them and says, ‘this Christ – this Anointed One – is born in the city of David!’

Verse 12 – “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’”

Verse 13 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14) ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” – ‘among men goodwill’ is really how that should be stated. If you look into the Emphatic Diaglott it is translated – “Glory in highest heavens to God, and on earth peace; among men good will.” It’s not peace or goodwill toward men of the earth – but peace among men in whom God’s will rests – that’s truly the proper translation of this passage.

Now, I first wanted to mention these Scriptures because they were a catalyst in my going and looking up the Christmas story. And as I have said before - at that time there was no Internet to look anything up with the click of a mouse, so I rode my bicycle roughly four-miles one way to our local library, three or four times a week, reading everything I could come across. Indeed, the “Mass of Christ” has nothing to do with this story which we read here in the Holy Bible – it truly is a Catholic institution. But, friends, to go to the Stayton Public Library on First Ave. in Stayton, Oregon – in which I can still remember going in and pulling off the shelf books and encyclopedias having to do with trees, presents, orbs, decorations, yuletide, and mistletoe, etc. And how I was rather shocked that what they were telling me about Christmas – that it was utterly pagan. Now, along with that was Easter, Halloween, St, Valentine’s Day, and all these worldly holidays that modern-day so-called Christians (along with most Americans along with other countries) celebrate without question. So that was an eye-opening event for me to realize that this story we are reading has nothing to do with what people celebrate every year – December 25th. This truly was an amazing truth that had a profound impact on me. And I believe it would be with anyone who takes up that challenge and goes and researches this.

In Luke, the 2nd chapter, in verse 41 – skipping ahead. In which Jesus was at the temple in Jerusalem at the age of twelve.

“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.” – alright, just what is the Feast of the Passover!? Why was Jesus keeping the Feast!? Aren’t these Old Testament – Old Covenant – observances which have been done away!? So, here Jesus was born within a Jewish family. The apostle John wrote in the Book of Revelation that Jesus was “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.” He was a descendant of King David. And you can look at His lineage all the way from King David down to Jesus Christ – on both sides of His family. He was a “son of David” – and God’s living word certainly says this! He was born into a Jewish family and He kept the seventh-day Sabbath day, and the annual holy days – as we see here, the Feast of the Passover. And what is interesting about this story is that at even twelve years old – He was very mature. His parents had left Jerusalem after having kept the Feast, and after traveling a day, realized that Jesus wasn’t even with them. So, they turn the whole entourage around and went back.

Verse 46 – “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, …” – that’s a long time to look for somebody! I mean, we’re calling 911 – ‘we’re reporting a missing Child!’ Surely they went to the temple police as well as the cohorts of the Roman legion which was stationed in Jerusalem saying, “Have you seen this Child!?” Maybe they even visited the local hospital to see if He was there!?

“ … sitting in the midst of the teachers, …” – now, these were Jewish rabbis and teachers of the Mosaic law. “ … both listening to them and asking them questions.” – and this is a twelve-year-old Child! So, here He is in the presence of these ‘lawyers’ –

Verse 47 – “And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” – and, of course, it’s no surprise – not only was He a very gifted Child, but He was also the Son of God! But He grew up in a family that believed in Deuteronomy the 6th chapter where it tells us ‘to teach our children the Laws of God.” “And shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NKJV. Jesus the Christ – who had inspired the prophet Moses to have written Deuteronomy – knew intimately the Laws of God. And so they were astonished at His understanding – and this truly is an incredible passage here of a Child who was destined to be this great Man – Christ Jesus!

In verse 52, it ends the chapter with – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – so, He began to grow up from twelve – and then having eighteen long years of absolute silence in the life of Jesus – until thirty years of age. So, He grew up, became a young teenager, a young adult of twenty, working – probably in the family business of carpentry carrying beams and hueing out stones.

Now, in Luke, the 3rd chapter, verse 15 – “Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ [the Messiah] or not, …” – speaking here of John the Baptist. So, here we come upon the scene – eighteen years later when Jesus is thirty years old, and we find John the Baptist preaching and teaching and baptizing.

Now the reason that I want to cover this passage is I want you to see what other people said about Jesus, the honor and the exaltation which they give to Him – verse 16 – “John answered, saying to all, ‘I indeed baptize you with water; …’” – an interesting word here, meaning baptizō, complete immersion. It says over in Matthew where Jesus ‘came up out of the water.’ And John the Baptist was baptizing there at the Jordan – because ‘there was much water there.’ There was no sprinkling or dropping water droplets on a child – or something of that nature. They were actually going down into the water waist-deep – as I was baptized at the Fort De Soto Park, North Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida in the Gulf. And, the people along the beach – it’s what was truly amazing – they were stopping and looking in amazement, maybe something they had never seen before. I waded out into the cold gulf water with another man – and the people appeared awestruck – seeing someone get baptized. It’s almost as if they recognized something great that has happened in my life.

“ … ‘but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” – and of course, as we go on to read the 17th verse – he’s not speaking of being baptized with actual fire – as they teach in the South with the ‘Holy Ghost Trail.’ So, what he is saying is that there are two events which take place – here. One is those who accept Jesus Christ and accept His Holy Spirit – like the apostles did. Now when the apostles received God’s Holy Spirit there were rings or crowns of fire which sat on their heads – and that absolutely indeed happened.

Verse 17 – “’ His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.’” – speaking of two different groups of people here. Those that accept Jesus Christ and are obedient to Him and give themselves to Him, and the chaff – Jesus said, ‘every tree that bringeth forth not good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.’ You know – thinking about it, growing up I was surrounded by people who believed that when you die you go off to heaven, and if you do bad things then you go down to a hellfire. Their idea – which was even questionable to them – of what happens when you die. It was questionable to them whether their grandfather – who never went to church – even went to heaven. But then, at his funeral, the preacher would state, ‘Well, he’s in the hands of the Lord now!’ Speaking with the wife of a good friend of mine – who just died this last April 19th – she said, “a good friend of ours felt Ronnie’s spirit.” It’s astonishing to me – which even they call ‘the resurrection chapter’ – it’s like there’s a black covering (and God’s living word describes this) over the people’s hearts and minds. They don’t understand that Jesus spoke about the resurrection – He said in John the 6th chapter on four occasions, ‘I will raise him up at the last day.’ Now, when is the last day!? The end of your life!? No – look at 1st Corinthians 15th chapter – Paul speaks about the SEVENTH TRUMP, the LAST TRUMP, is when that resurrection will take place!

Verse 21 – “When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22) And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.’” – what a truly remarkable event that was. And here Jesus not only giving us of the baptism as an example Himself – He did not need to be baptized. He did not need to have His sins washed away – because He had no sin. But He gave us the example of how we’re to conduct that ceremony of repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands.

In Luke, the 4th chapter, and verse 4 – He made a statement that was truly electrifying to me the first time I read it. Now, you know the story where Jesus goes out into the wilderness and He’s tempted of Satan the devil. The very first thing which is recorded as Jesus saying to Satan the devil –

“But Jesus answered him, saying, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” – ‘every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ Now, when you take this passage and you put it upon a plaque somewhere and you sit back and read this – ‘BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD’! Not just the New Testament and rip out the Old Testament and throw it away – there are so many who believe that ‘since all in the Old Testament has been done away all you need is the New Testament’! Jesus Christ said ‘every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God!’ Now, didn’t the words within the Old Testament come from God!? Didn’t He inspire them!? Well, He certainly did! Those books are intended for us to read, research, and study – and to receive instructions out of.

Verse 18 – the first time He stood up in public and said, “’ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.’” – and certainly, upon repentance we are spiritually poor – which is what He is referring to here. I myself was brokenhearted, having the weight of this world upon my shoulders, and I was captive, blind, and bruised and battered, and I needed liberty and freedom from all of that which was weighing me down. And, I wasn’t sure during my younger years whether there was going to be a tomorrow. And then – February 12th, 2013 – a brilliant light shined into my life. Because the path I was headed down before Almighty God began to call me was not good – I would have eventually perished. And while praying and meditating God allowed me to feel just a small portion of the love He has for me, saying, “I cannot let you feel all the love I have for you because your physical body wouldn’t be able to handle it.’ A great warmth came over me which spread from the top of my head down to my toes - and the very next day being baptized and hands laid upon me.

Over in Matthew, the 4th chapter – after Jesus came out of the wilderness after He was baptized – it says –

Verse 17 – “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom [from] heaven is at hand.’” – the very first word out of His mouth and with His public ministry is ‘repent.’ I learned 39-years ago what repentance truly means. It means to turn around and go the other way.

Now, there’s a movie called Liar Liar – with Jim Carrey – you might have seen it. And the main protagonist, who is a lawyer, was placed under a spell and has to tell the truth – no matter what. And there’s a scene in the movie where a guy calls into the lawyer needing legal advice and says, ‘What am I gonna do!?’ And, the lawyer holds the phone speaker away from his face and yells – “Stop breaking the law!” To me, this scene in this movie is the scene we are reading right here! Jesus is saying – ‘STOP BREAKING THE LAW!’ You want to turn your life around, and of course you can’t do it on your own – that’s where you begin – ‘STOP BREAKING THE LAW!’ And Jesus taught me, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD” – Romans 6:23, and I began to follow God’s holy law. Perfectly!? No! Friends, God has blessed us with this calling – and He has allowed us to work on things a little at a time – we don’t just instantaneously become ‘perfect.’ The apostle Paul says, ‘work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’ We are to work on our salvation, to work on overcoming these physical and psychological problems which have to do with the human nature that is instilled within us. And, oftentimes, it takes a lifetime to work out some of those problems – I know. And there are some problems I’m still working on. And I think to myself – is this a proper way to be an ambassador for Christ!? Does this action show glory to God!?

Turn with me over to the Book of Matthew, the 11th chapter.

Friends, in a world just full of utter hatred, diseases, and negativity even beyond our ability sometimes to comprehend, there’s a lot of hopelessness, stress, pressure, and uncertainty. I know, because I have experienced all of this – too. Oftentimes it is terribly depressing.

In verse 28 Jesus says, “’ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’” – those beloved words feel so very good to one’s soul and spirit the first time those are read!

Verse 29 – “’ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” – don’t those words sound so sweet to one’s heart!? You think about how these words may apply to your life. Many will say – ‘Well, this religious business takes all the fun out of doing anything.’ Like my wife famously says, ‘Being bad feels so good.’

Many believing that they don’t want that ‘yoke’ upon their life. Well, that ‘yoke’ is but the subjection of your life to Jesus Christ. That’s all this truly means.

Verse 30 – “’ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’”

When you begin to follow Jesus Christ’s examples, His will, His Way – you’re going to discover that life becomes so much easier and enjoyable, and even exciting.

‘A Reckless Child’

Let’s go back to Luke, the 15th chapter. Jesus tells a story here of a young man who was not unlike the place where I found myself back in 2013 – and perhaps it’s one in which you may have found yourself!? Or maybe you’re there now!?

Verse 11 – “…’ A certain man had two sons. 12) And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.’” – this man went ahead and opened his will and he divided up all his possessions before he died.

Verse 13 – “’ And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.’” – now, this story is called ‘The Prodigal Son,’ but we can easily call it ‘The Reckless Child.’ Because it reminds me of someone else I know very well – myself.

Verse 14 – “’ But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15) Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.’” – ‘you can stay out there under the lean-to of the shed out back, but you have to go and take care of those pigs in the field.’

Verse 16 – “’ And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17) But when he came to himself, …’” – when HE WOKE UP from his stupor! “ …’ he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’” – ‘my father’s servants live better than I do!’

Verse 18 – “’ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19) and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’”

Verse 20 – “’ And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.’” – that was unexpected for that young man – wasn’t it!? He didn’t see that coming did he!?

Verse 21 – “’ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”

Verse 22 – “’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23) And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24) for this MY SON was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.’”

You know – when I read this story I’ve discovered in this story – and certainly, you will too – Jesus’ clever portrayal of this reckless child. But after you read it, you find that this story is about you and me. We are the one who was reckless. Walt Kelly, in the Pogo comic strip, parodied a message sent over the victorious Battle of Lake Erie – “We have met the enemy and he is us.” And this is the case here in this story! Jesus in His subtle way teaches us a great lesson of Almighty God’s mercy and what He thinks about our repentance.

Over in John, the 1st chapter – I can recall as clear as day having first heard this amazing Scripture.

Verse 1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God. 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” – this passage meant so much to me the first time I read it (as it still very much does). Jesus Christ had a hand in creating everything! The apostle Paul would later write, “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” – Colossians 1:16 NKJV.

Verse 4 – “In Him was life [eternal life], and the life was the light of men. 5) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – and indeed, that light shined into my life – so many years ago!

Verse 10 – “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11) He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” – He was there, He went into the Jewish community and they completely rejected Him!

And, here is the Scripture I want to get to –

Verse 12 – “But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe [on] His name.”

Truly, truly, what an extraordinary revelation this was to me!

I believe there are innumerable questions concerning ‘going to heaven or going to hell’ – especially to those that have lost loved ones. And, you try and explain to them of the untold millions around the world who have lost their lives to famine, disease, genocide, or natural disasters, or the multiple wars throughout history – surely hundreds of millions – did all these people go to heaven or hell!? Are they spending all eternity listening to harp music as a sub-member of a ‘heavenly club’!? Or, are they being tortured in a hellfire!? Now, this is what modern so-called Christianity teaches. God’s living word – the Holy Bible – teaches neither one of these false doctrines. But His word speaks of a resurrection. God has a divine Plan which allows human beings to enter His family. Friends, we’re not destined to be like what a Catholic author incorrectly teaches – in ”a perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity . . . the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ” (CCC 1026)” 1 – but to be literal sons and daughters sitting at the table of Almighty God and Jesus Christ! And again, this was a huge revelation to me. That we’re not just going to go off into some ether somewhere in the upper heavenly realms, or ‘become one with a Trinity,’ or be in a ‘blessed community incorporated into Christ.’ We are actually going to be in God’s family – busy doing things; taking part in the future rulership with Jesus Christ! And this is an amazing TRUTH! Why won’t the people teach this!?

Now, here’s a parallel chapter – Hebrews, chapter 1 –

Verse 1 – “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2) 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; …” – just like what we read in John, chapter 1. And, reading from the Diaglott – verse 3 – “who (being an effulgence of the glory and an exact impress of the substance of Him, sustaining and the things all by the word of the power of himself) …” – You could say He’s the spittin’ image of His Father.

And here is the part that I want to truly focus on here – “ … when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

Now, having worked several years hauling concrete, I watched many times construction workers installing gas pipelines before the concrete slab was poured over the pipes. The pipes laid along the ground, guided by workers with the spigot end of the pipe inserted into a lubricated bell of another pipe. So, you cover the gas pipes with concrete and you’re done – right!? No, the initial air in the pipeline must be purged. To me, this was a great example that came to my mind where he wrote – “when He had by Himself purged our sins.” The act of purging is not just doing away with something, it’s the idea of replacing something with something else. And I believe that Jesus purged our sins with His own blood. We were the one’s which was supposed to die – but He offered His blood in our stead. But He also purged our life – the one we were living before – and He replaced it with His life. We have a down payment of God’s Spirit within us – God Himself living within us – we are the temple of God’s Spirit.

In Hebrews, the 9th chapter, verse 21 –

“Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22) And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

Do you truly understand what this means!? It means that your life was forfeited – you were on death row having had the death penalty hanging over your head!

Verse 23 – “Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24) For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, …” – like the priests did; like Aaron did once a year he would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood and offer it to God for the sins of himself and all the people.

Verse 26 – “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, …” – and this is going to happen to all of us, and it doesn’t matter who you are. “ … but after this judgment.”

Verse 28 – “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” – the glorious and powerful SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST! □

To Be Continued

Bibliography: 

1 Akin, J. “What Is Heaven Really Like?” Deepest Longings, Catholic Answers, 9 January 2005. Retrieved 31 July 2020.