Genealogies

Throughout the Bible genealogies have been carefully recorded for us. Now some of these pertain to the origins of mankind and the earliest of nations, while later ones pertain to the nation of Israel and it's origins; it's twelve tribes, it's leaders, and it's priesthood, all which always needed to be maintained since only the descendants of Levi could serve in the priesthood, with only the descendants of Aaron, Moses brother, could serve as high priest. And so genealogies are very important in the Word of God for it is through these that we follow aspects of human history and the development of the nations; specifically Israel, the nation God choose for Himself to bring forth His Son into the world; and so through them we see the linage that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ followed in becoming a Man to enter into the humanity for us all. Thus Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 record how the Promised Seed, Savior and Christ, God's only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, not exclusively through the descendants of Israel, nor of Aaron, nor of David, but while respecting these lineages, (and descending through them), Jesus Christ specifically became flesh (that is He became a full human being) for us all through the first man Adam, the first man who sinned, and who by doing so brought sin not only into himself, but all of creation. And so it is by Adam that all of humanity dies, (indeed all of creation), for when sin entered the world so did death, and thus through Adam we have our universal alienation from God. For all of us trace our ancestry right back to Adam, the first man, the head of the human race. And so that is our ancestry, whether Jew or Gentile, or any of the sub-divisions, Caucasian, African, Asian, or Aboriginal or however you choose to identify yourself; you and I are all descendants of Adam, and as such you and I are by our being descendants of Adam are born into an alienation from God through sin. And that is the universal condition of us all, alienated from God with no means to restore ourselves back to Him.
Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ in order to restore humanity back to God Himself when He became a Man He did not do so exclusively through the Nation of Israel (though critical for His for His fulfilling God's Word and establishing His Kingdom, and thus His Throne and Priesthood by which He will Rule humanity), He did so through the first man Adam. So that He might take the place of Adam as the Head of the human race, and by suffering Crucifixion death in our place, so that the death penalty having been paid for all our sins and transgressions (from Adam's onward) by Christ's own shed blood, He might now redeem each and everyone one of us from sin and death who believe in Him, and thus by doing so restore us all who believe in Him back to God (John 3:16).
The Book of Romans chapter five (5:12-21) expounds this truth most wonderfully, stating: ¹⁸ Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. ¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Rom. 5:18-19
Therefore when anyone comes to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ they have not only remission of all their sins and transgressions, and new and everlasting life, but we are a new creation in Christ with a new ancestral pedigree that now begins and ends with Christ the firstborn from the dead (Col 1:15-17). For you and I who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are not only brought to Spirit life (i.e. are born-again) the moment we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ Crucified and Raised from the dead, but in being transferred out of the realm of sin and death (thus Satan's domain and realm) we are no longer identified with Adam in the sight of God, but only with Christ. Thus when any Christian wants to understand their own "genealogy" let us all now remember that it all starts and ends with Christ. For in being born again by God's Holy Spirit we are united with Christ in every aspect of His Death and Resurrection Life, and so we not only died to all our sins and transgressions In Christ's death but He is now our only Lord and Saviour, who by His own Righteousness has given us a Justified standing in the sight of God our Father forever. And so it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the head of us all who believe in Him not Adam. Therefore whatever you once were in the flesh you are not now in Christ, for In Christ old things have passed away, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). Therefore I urge you who believe to live as you now are, and if you have not yet believed and received the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself please to do so now. For In Jesus Christ all the Promises of God are received and realized. Therefore don't delay be reconciled to God today! 

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Hebrews 13:20-25

²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ²² And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. ²³ Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. ²⁴ Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. ²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen.

Commentary

Vs. 20-21 ²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

In concluding the author now bestows a blessing on us, asking that "the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." 
Now there's a lot there so lets look at them individually. First is the declaration that our God is a God of peace (see Rom 15:33; 16:20; 1 Cor. 14:33; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:16 etc.) for that is His Nature (Isaiah 9:6), and that is His desire for us all, therefore the Lord Jesus Christ suffered Crucifixion death for us all in order to restore God's peace to us all who believe (Isaiah 53:5). And so from the individual soul to the future Millennial creation, God the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior in the redemption of His creation brings His peace and rest to us all who believe in His Son (consider Isaiah 32:16-19; 45:8; 54:10; Matt. 11:28-30; John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19 etc.). That said, God's peace is not a given, for in a sinful world which by it is own nature and by it's own ways is separated from God (and thus His peace) they are doing much to overthrow their own peace by setting themselves against His Will and His Word (consider Isaiah 45:7; 48:18; 57:20-21; 59:8; antithesis Psalm 37:37; Psalm 119:65; Prov. 3:1-2 etc.). For the days of ignorance that God once overlook are now past for He now commands everyone everywhere to repent and believe in His Son through the Gospel (Acts 17:30-31). Now it is the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead; for it is only by the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that we who believe in Him are brought to Spirit life and thus are united with Him in His Resurrected Person and life. To say then that the Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection from the dead is critical to our redemption from sin and death would be an understatement. Therefore belief in the Lord Jesus Christ's Crucifixion death and His Resurrection from the dead is absolutely critical and essential to ones salvation, for if one does not believe both, one will then not be saved (Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 15; 2 Tim 2:18; 1 Peter 1:3). The Lord Jesus Christ then is the great Shepherd of the sheep who believe in Him (John 10:11, 14-16 etc.). The One who not only laid down His life for us, but by His Resurrected Life, He now unites us and leads us. A true Christian then will not follow another, or listen to the voice of another, for there is only One Shepherd of God's Sheep and we will by no means listen to or follow another (John 10:4-5; 27-28). Therefore it is only through the blood of Christ that we who believe enter into God's everlasting covenant. For unlike the Old Covenant given through Moses that came in after faith had been established as the means of redemption (Gen 15:6) and so it served until the Lord Jesus Christ begin His Ministry preaching the Kingdom of heaven (Luke 17:17), the New Covenant which the Lord Jesus Christ brought into force and effect by His death on the Cross (thus fulfilling the Old Covenant) has no end. There is then no return to the Law for having a justified standing with God (Rom 3:19-28; Gal 2:16, 19-21 etc.). Now lest we forget this prayer is not just a declaration of our Lord as our only Shepherd and how we are in a personal relationship with Him through the New Covenant, but it is also an appeal, that God who began His good work within us (Phil. 1:6); who has equipped and is equipping us with everything that we need to do His Will; likewise make us complete in every good work as we do His Will, just as He works in us (and through us) all that is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, to whom be glory forever and ever, amen.

Vs. 22 "And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words." 

Given the vast analogies of types and pictures and foreshadows of Christ that is found in the Law and throughout the Old Testament Scriptures one could go on and on, but out of necessity he has only written what was required to help us transfer out of the Levitical system (and all that it required from those under the Old Covenant) and into the New Covenant and the simplicity of Christ. (gleaned from Believers Bible Commentary)

Vs. 23 "Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly."

This intimate reference to Timothy indicates not just having a personal knowledge of him and his affairs, but just how close knit the early church community was, something that did not change with the dispersion of the early Christians throughout the ancient world.

Vs. 24-25 "Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. ²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen."

Greeting our leaders, as well as all our brethren (i.e. the saints) is a courtesy that Jesus Himself practiced and commanded, indeed He went far beyond just greeting brethren (that is His friends) but as a manner of life greeted and received one and all (consider Matt 5:47). Therefore practicing hospitality towards one and all is also following Christ. The church congregation then should be the front line of this in showing the love and grace of God. Finally in concluding the greetings of those from Italy are conveyed, before bestowing the grace of God upon us all, amen.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Hebrews 13:18-19

¹⁸ Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. ¹⁹ But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Commentary
In wrapping up the Author of Hebrews begins by requesting prayer, not just for himself, but for those who are with him, who are coworkers with him in the Gospel; which is a critical part of any ministry teams success. Now his interjecting with the statement "for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably," indicates not only were they living honest and honorable lives before God and man in their serving the Lord Jesus Christ; (consider Acts 23:1; 24:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:12; 2 Tim 1:3 etc. antithesis Titus 1:15); but likely in stating as much they must have come under some rather severe or unjust character assaults at some point by their detractors to have to state as much now (gleaned from Believers Bible Commentary). While verse nineteen in urging their prayers so that he may be restored to them the sooner maybe indicating that this epistle may have been written while he was incarcerated for his faith In Christ? (again gleaned from Believers Bible Commentary), but even if not his desire to see them, and be with them, is indicating that they were much than just people he ministered the gospel too, but they were his beloved friends.

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Additional Resources Consulted
MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Edited by Arthur Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

Hebrews 13:7–17

⁷ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. ¹⁰ We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. ¹¹ For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. ¹² Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. ¹³ Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. ¹⁴ For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. ¹⁵ Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ¹⁷ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Commentary
Vs. 7-8 ⁷ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

In giving this exhortation the Word of God is pointing us to follow the example of those leaders who personally exemplify the moral excellence and the leadership qualities and manner of the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore all who do so their faith we are to both consider and follow (consider Phil 3:17-4:1; 2 Thess. 3:6-9; 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 2:19-26; Titus 2:7-8; antithesis 2 Tim 3:1-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4 etc.). For Jesus Christ is same yesterday, today, and forever, meaning that whatever God in Christ condemned as sin and unsound behavior in the Old Testament, He still condemns today. Therefore do not be deceived nor conformed to the degenerating values of this world (2 Tim 3:1-9), but rather through the Word of God be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may do and approve of all those things that are excellent and sound that are revealed to us all in it. 

Vs. 9 "Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them."

Now there will always be those false teachers and prophets who will try to sow into the simplicity of Christ (2 Cor. 11:3-4) all sorts of wild ideas. Whether these are born out of Judaism or Ecclesiasticism or have Charismatic origins being promoted under the guise of being Spiritual or imputing knowledge, or as being required of us yet are only mere doctrines and commandments of men not God. For there is no longer any more revelation to come from God (Jude 3), and thus anyone who expounds any extra commands or decrees or so called spiritual knowledge not found in and directly supported by the Scriptures (or worse is only a perversion of Scriptural truth) should be quickly and unequivocally refuted and rejected. For both the individual believer as well as the collective church assembly must never give any ground to such things (and such individuals who expound them) lest they become unwitting partakers with them (consider Rev. 18:4-5). Similarly when individuals or groups of individuals claim to be exemplifying the works of the Holy Spirit if such is not being done in accord with the Scriptural decrees on how such gifts are to be exercised, and or they are not exemplifying the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) in the execution of such things, then again, such things should be rejected as not coming from the Spirit of the Lord. For if one is complacent about these things and towards these things then they are only paving the way for Satan's lying signs and wonders to be sown amongst themselves (Matt. 24:24). Therefore do not stray from the simplicity that is Christ (2 Cor. 11:3-4), for you and I are complete in Jesus Christ lacking nothing, meaning we lack neither so called Spiritual gift or knowledge, for In Christ and Him alone we lack nothing (Col 2:8-10; 16-23). And those who wander away from the simplicity of Christ into the realms of the unknown very often stray from Him forever, therefore don't follow them! 

Vs. 10 "We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat."

If the Jews, and the specifically their priests felt that their sacrificial system was still in tact and superior to what Christ has done then they should consider that what we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have from God all that they have no right too. For it is from Christ's altar that we eat, for He Himself has sanctified us all who believe in Him (Heb. 10:14). And so to understand the implications of this in the Old Covenant it was only the priests who could eat the sacrifices made on the altar for sin, anyone else who did so was to be cut off from God's people (see Lev. 6:24-7:10; 17:1-9, vs. 8; Deut. 18:1-8). Therefore if they or anyone else is still holding to the Old Covenant and it's sacrifices as an atonement for sin (whether priest or not) then they cannot partake of Christ's altar where the everlasting atonement for all our sins who believe in Him has been made.  

Vs. 11-12 ¹¹ For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. ¹² Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

The Word of God now draws an analogy from the Old Covenant sacrifices whose corpses were taken outside of the camp to burned with fire after the blood from them was brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for a sin offering; now camp here refers to the perimeter curtain that surrounded the Tabernacle (Exodus 29:14; Lev. 4:11-12, 8:17, 9:11 etc.), or later the Temple courtyard walls where they were taken outside of the city of Jerusalem to be burned with fire. Now the point is that just as these were taken outside the camp so that their blood could sanctify the people who offered them, so Jesus that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate (vs. 12). 

Vs. 13 "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." 

Therefore as the people of God redeemed by the grace of God we should not hesitate to bear the reproach of Christ outside of the confines of the local church. 

Vs. 14 "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come."

For true believers our home is not here, not in this godless and degenerating world (see Heb. 11:13-16), and thus the Jerusalem that now is, is not the city of God, nor is His temple there, but He will be there in the heavenly Jerusalem where all of us who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb shall worship and serve Him and abide with Him in unending love and joy forever.

Vs. 15 "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." 

For there is nothing more personally gratifying than to sing Christ's praises, to abide in His goodness, and give thanks to His Name, this I know by personal experience and hope that you know that too by recalling to mind what Christ has done for you and me and everyone who believes in Him.

Vs. 16 "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Being Spirit filled by the worship of the Lord we should all be about doing good and sharing with all those in need, first amongst ourselves and then everywhere, for that is the Christians calling card (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim 6:17-19; James 4:17; 1 Peter 3:10-12).

Vs. 17  "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."

Obeying and being submissive to those who rule over us is a command of God; just as it is a command that we be submissive to one another (Eph. 5:21); that said in this broken world where Satan seeks to plant his own amongst us, one must never forsake their God given discernment in doing so; for if any leader abuses, or uses, or would command the flock under his care to either violate God's Word or their own conscience (in regards to non moral things) than such is no shepherd of God (consider Jer. 5:26-31; 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34; 2 Cor. 11:5-32). That said I know there are a lot of godly men living sacrificial lives for the Lord and His people's sake, and such men we should not only obey and be submissive too, but we should also honor such men (1 Tim 5:17-20) for these godly men watch out for our souls as those who must give an account to God, and thus they rule by the fear of God (consider Exodus 18:21-22; Deut. 10:16-19; 16:19-20; 2 Samuel 23:3-4 etc.). Now in ruling, a Godly leader must do so with joy and not with grief, for just as joy is contagious and uplifting and inspiring to others; and thus has very positive ripple effects on others; so is ruling by grief (that is with a heavy heart) which can inadvertently deflate and discourage those who are following Jesus Christ. Therefore if your in a position of leadership and do not have joy in doing so than your probably not in the service of God that He would have you in.

Scripture Quotations.
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Hebrews 13:1–6

¹ Let brotherly love continue. ² Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. ³ Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. ⁴ Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. ⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Commentary
Vs. 1 "Let brotherly love continue." 

In going deep into the Word of God we can often forget that having faith In the Lord Jesus Christ has real life implications and responsibilities. And one of the most important of these is that Christians have love for one another, for that is the only mark of a true disciple, not knowledge, not wisdom, and not by trying to exemplify ones spiritual gifts or talents (1 Cor.14), but love (1 Cor13). For Jesus said: "By this is how all will know that your my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
Therefore amongst believers having and showing genuine love for each other is the only real standard by which one may judge whether they are truly are a Christian and whether they are truly walking and living in harmony with God (1 John 3:10-15; 16-19; 4:7-8, 20-11).

Vs. 2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

Strangers here obviously refers to fellow Christians who are not personally known to us but who are likely fleeing from persecution, in the early church this was the norm not the exception. Now in a broader sense a stranger is anyone who is not a relative or a friend. And so hospitality is to be part and parcel of being a Christian not just because it is the right thing to do, but as stated here by doing so some have unwittingly entertained angels which itself moves into another area of the spiritual war that we and they are in.

Vs. 3 "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also."

Believers who are imprisoned or are being persecuted for our faith In Christ should never be forgotten or abandoned by us in their time of need. The Lord Jesus Christ made this clear in His exhortation given in Matthew 25:31-46. And so to care for one of the "least" of these in their time of need is just as one is caring for Christ.

Vs. 4  "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Heterosexual marriage is the only form of marriage established by God and thus is the only form that is good and sound but also justifiable in the sight of God (Genesis 2:18-24; Lev. 18:22-29; 20:13, 15-16, 22-23; Rom 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim 1:9-10). That said marriage is not commanded (1 Cor. 7), nor is it to be forbidden (1 Tim 4:1-3). For as the Word of God makes clear only in a marriage relationship is sexual intercourse (the highest form of personal intimacy) to be expressed between a man and a woman; for only when one has made a lifetime commitment to their spouse is this union between a man and a woman holy and sanctified in the sight of God. Otherwise sexual intercourse is just sin, defiling and corrupting those who partake in it in that fashion, because it is being exercised outside of the realm for which God intended it to be enjoyed, and that is between a man and his wife which is to bind them in love in their marriage. And so outside of that sanctified realm there is only serving the sinful human nature and it's lusts which not only distorts and perverts it for it's own pleasure's sake, but also in pursuing sexual pleasure as an end in of itself, only leads one into deeper bondage to it, which carries it's own consequences, both in this life and for eternity, as is being made clear here when the Word of God says fornicators and adulterers God will judge. And so as with all sin when the pleasure ends there is always the fallout from it; sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, guilt, shame (if one has not been given over to a debased mind); not to mention all of the emotional, physiological, relational and even societal damage that is always a by product of ones own sin (Prov. 2:10-22; 6:20-35, vs. 26; 7:1-27, vs. 26-27; 10:27 etc.). And so outside of a heterosexual marriage sexual intercourse only defiles the bed, and thus comes under the judgement of God. Therefore we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must not walk in the degenerate ways of this world that believes that "liberty" and "freedom" is found by living by ones own uncontrolled passions and lusts. Now if you have been living a sexually immoral life there is hope for you if you come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. For God does not want to condemn you for your sins (John 3:16-17); rather He wants to save you from them and the Judgment to come by transforming you by His Holy Spirit, who will indwell you the moment you repent and believe, and thus He will begin making you into who He always intended you to be. Therefore don't delay come home to Jesus Christ today (Luke 15:11-32; Rom 10:9-10, 13).

Vs. 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Throughout the Scriptures contentment is always upheld as a godly virtue that not only forwards ones own peace and well being, but also the peace and well being of others (consider Deut. 5:21; Job 31:24, 25, 28; Psalm 10:3; Psalm 119:36; Prov. 1:19; 15:27; 22:16; 23:4-5; 30:8-9; Ecc. 4:7-8; 5:10; Isaiah 1:23; 57:17; Jer. 17:11; 22:13-23; 51:13; Micah 2:2; 3:11; 7:3; Mark 7:21-23; Luke 12:15-21; 33-34; Rom 13:9; 1 Cor. 5:11, 6:9-11, vs. 10; 1 John 2:15-17 etc.). Now the fact that God Himself will never leaves us or forsake us who believe in His Son is not only the greatest of comfort, but also the greatest treasure that you and I have. For in a world where nothing lasts or remains having God's everlasting Presence, Peace and Love is way beyond just satisfying and reassuring, but with Jesus I find rest (Matt. 11:28-30). "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (see 1 Tim 6:6-10). Therefore let us all live and love as Christ would have us all do, "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints" Eph. 5:3

Vs. 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Of all that the Lord has done and continues to do for us, the fact that He is also our helper (Psalm 118:6) means that neither their threats nor their schemes can ever separate us from Him, nor thwart His plans for us (Jer. 29:11). Therefore child of God whatever you do in the Name of the Lord do boldly and confidently knowing that it is the Lord who is with you and He will not forsake you, even unto death. 

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Hebrews 12:25–29

²⁵ See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, ²⁶ whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” ²⁷ Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire.

Commentary
Vs. 25-26 ²⁵ See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, ²⁶ whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”

No one should ever presume to think that they can refuse to hear God speak, for to do so when He spoke from earth (from Mount Sinai) meant one would not escape the judgment of God, how much more now after He has spoken to us all from heaven through His own Son (John 8:26, 28, 12:48-50; 14:10, 24 etc.). Therefore to refuse to hear God speak now is to reject His only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:16), which means not only will such an individual perish in their own sins and transgressions (John 8:23-24), but God Himself will Judge and deal with all who do so accordingly forever (see Deut. 18:15-19; Acts 3:23; John 3:35-36; 12:48).

Vs. 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

The first shaking of the earth took place on Mount Sanai with the giving of the Law (Ex 19:18) and so the second shaking, the "Yet once more" which is prophesied in the Book of Haggai (Hag. 2:6) and is generally held to be the shaking of heaven and earth at the end of the Millennial Reign just before the new heavens and new earth with Christ reigning forever is ushered in (Rev. 21:1). And so this shaking which also brought in the Old Covenant and it's ordinances and services will also end it. For neither the law, nor it's service, is intended to continue on forever. Now this shaking as applied to us all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ here and now is also the removal of the earthly ordinances and sacrifices and articles by which the Law is administered here on the earth as being necessary for our redemption, so that the heavenly Sanctuary and it's everlasting Sacrifice and Service which the Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished and now administers on our behalf could be enacted forever. 

Vs. 28-29 ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire.

Therefore after the shaking only God's Kingdom with Christ's reign and His eternally redeemed people shall remain with Him forever. Everything that now is will be no more forever. Therefore in light of this, we who believe in Christ are all to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For as the Word of God also states: "our God is a consuming fire." For God who revealed Himself on Mount Sinai is also the same God who is now reigning on heavens Mount Zion.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.