"For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:16, 17)
"....no power at all," is the description of the gospel of man's attempt to dilute the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a "gospel" of no cross, no suffering, no blood, no, "a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness,..despised," Who, "has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment]....The, "no-power-at-all," gospel does not keep consistently before mankind that, "Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, Jesus was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Jesus, and with the stripes [that wounded] Jesus we are healed and made whole." It is, "the death of the Testator," which eliminates, "no power at all."
Our text tells us that someone had to die so that you and I could live now, eternally. This is not an easy salvation or flippant covenant. This is a Covenant Salvation which was born of a violent death, untold suffering, rejection, earthquake, sky turning very dark, clouds, storm------------ and blood, so much blood that no Hollywood film could ever portray the violence of That Day. But Jesus bore it all for you and me and a world which largely could not care less. Still, Jesus died so the world, "may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." What a pity that the majority are seeking this great promise apart from Jesus.
Our study in Hebrews has not been sequential. I have been just sharing thoughts as I read the various chapters, and I admit, they are more precious than ever. So rejoice with me; "The Testator lives"! and it is He Who reminds you and me, "I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen," and now, "Because I live, you will live also."
Our study in Hebrews has not been sequential. I have been just sharing thoughts as I read the various chapters, and I admit, they are more precious than ever. So rejoice with me; "The Testator lives"! and it is He Who reminds you and me, "I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen," and now, "Because I live, you will live also."
Father, in Jesus' Name, there is nothing as rich in life as You and Your Words. Thank You. Amen.
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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
