Hebrews 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
In speaking of Abraham’s faith the writer of Hebrews states that Abraham was looking forward to the City of God. This meant Abraham was looking forward in faith to a heavenly fulfillment of the land promise of the Old Testament. Verse 16 of Hebrews makes it clear that a heavenly City of God was the object of faith for Abraham and his descendants rather than the physical land of Canaan. The gift of eternal life to the recipients of the new covenant fulfills the land promise made in the covenant made with Abraham.
Focus on Christ #34
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
33) Who are God’s people and the true holy nation of Exodus 19
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
God promised Israel in Exodus 19:5-6 that obedience to His covenant would make them a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. While national Israel failed, Jesus Christ succeeded on the behalf of all who are in Him through faith. Peter explained in this passage that His treasured possession, royal priesthood, and holy nation promise had been fulfilled through God’s mercy. The holy nation of Exodus 19:6 is fulfilled in spiritual Israel, which is the church of Jesus Christ.
Focus on Christ #33
God promised Israel in Exodus 19:5-6 that obedience to His covenant would make them a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. While national Israel failed, Jesus Christ succeeded on the behalf of all who are in Him through faith. Peter explained in this passage that His treasured possession, royal priesthood, and holy nation promise had been fulfilled through God’s mercy. The holy nation of Exodus 19:6 is fulfilled in spiritual Israel, which is the church of Jesus Christ.
Focus on Christ #33
Saturday, September 5, 2009
32) The day the Old [Mosaic] Covenant ended
Matthew 27:50-51 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (51) And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
At this moment the old covenant ended and the new covenant began. The way to approach God was now through the new covenant of Jesus Christ and not through the Mosaic covenant. The role of national of Israel ended with the replacing of the Mosaic Covenant with the new covenant. Reconciliation with God is now accomplished through the blood of Christ for Jews and Gentiles [Eph. 2:12-18]. Grace replaced law at the moment Jesus uttered, “It is finished” on the cross of Calvary.
Focus on Christ #32
At this moment the old covenant ended and the new covenant began. The way to approach God was now through the new covenant of Jesus Christ and not through the Mosaic covenant. The role of national of Israel ended with the replacing of the Mosaic Covenant with the new covenant. Reconciliation with God is now accomplished through the blood of Christ for Jews and Gentiles [Eph. 2:12-18]. Grace replaced law at the moment Jesus uttered, “It is finished” on the cross of Calvary.
Focus on Christ #32
Friday, September 4, 2009
31) The day the Old [Mosaic] Covenant began
Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; (6) and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.
”IF! If you keep my covenant, then you shall……… This covenant was a legal conditional covenant requiring obedience. The physical nation of Israel failed miserably in fulfilling the Mosaic Covenant, but Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled this covenant on behalf of New Covenant recipients [spiritual Israel] as well as the Old Testament remnant of the physical nation of Israel.
Focus on Christ #31
”IF! If you keep my covenant, then you shall……… This covenant was a legal conditional covenant requiring obedience. The physical nation of Israel failed miserably in fulfilling the Mosaic Covenant, but Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled this covenant on behalf of New Covenant recipients [spiritual Israel] as well as the Old Testament remnant of the physical nation of Israel.
Focus on Christ #31
Thursday, September 3, 2009
30) Jesus fulfilled everything written about him
Luke 24:44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Before the foundation of the world, God’s plan was to redeem one people of God from all nations on earth. Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of redemption perfectly, and this plan did not fail at any point including the nation Israel. The covenant promise of Genesis 17:7-8 is for the spiritual seed of Abraham and not the physical nation of Israel. This is explained in Romans 9:6-8.
Focus on Christ #30
Before the foundation of the world, God’s plan was to redeem one people of God from all nations on earth. Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of redemption perfectly, and this plan did not fail at any point including the nation Israel. The covenant promise of Genesis 17:7-8 is for the spiritual seed of Abraham and not the physical nation of Israel. This is explained in Romans 9:6-8.
Focus on Christ #30
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
29) Let the New interpret the Old
Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Jesus interpreted the Old Testament Scriptures through himself. The Old Testament is best interpreted through the more complete revelation of the New Testament just as the prophecies about Jesus are seen more clearly through his ministry on earth. The principle that Jesus used on the Road to Emmaus is clear and that is to let the New Testament interpret the Old Testament.
Focus on Christ #29
Jesus interpreted the Old Testament Scriptures through himself. The Old Testament is best interpreted through the more complete revelation of the New Testament just as the prophecies about Jesus are seen more clearly through his ministry on earth. The principle that Jesus used on the Road to Emmaus is clear and that is to let the New Testament interpret the Old Testament.
Focus on Christ #29
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
28) Scripture alone must determine doctrine
Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
While trained Christian pastors, teachers, and theologians are part of God’s plan for His church on earth, Scripture alone is sufficient and should be the guide for determining if the dogma contained in creeds and commentaries are so. Creeds and confessions of faith have great value, but they do not trump the teaching of Scripture. Logical theological deductions also do not trump Scripture. When Christians cannot reconcile creeds to Scripture, then Scripture must take precedence.
Focus on Christ # 28
While trained Christian pastors, teachers, and theologians are part of God’s plan for His church on earth, Scripture alone is sufficient and should be the guide for determining if the dogma contained in creeds and commentaries are so. Creeds and confessions of faith have great value, but they do not trump the teaching of Scripture. Logical theological deductions also do not trump Scripture. When Christians cannot reconcile creeds to Scripture, then Scripture must take precedence.
Focus on Christ # 28
Monday, August 31, 2009
27) Gentiles were included in the New Covenant
Acts 14:27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
God brought the new covenant church to the Gentiles through faith. While the old covenant was made with the physical nation of Israel, the new covenant was brought to every tongue, tribe, and nation. God’s plan of redemption from the foundation of the world was for Jesus Christ to redeem a people for himself by providing them atonement for their sin debt and His righteousness for their justification.
Focus on Christ #27
God brought the new covenant church to the Gentiles through faith. While the old covenant was made with the physical nation of Israel, the new covenant was brought to every tongue, tribe, and nation. God’s plan of redemption from the foundation of the world was for Jesus Christ to redeem a people for himself by providing them atonement for their sin debt and His righteousness for their justification.
Focus on Christ #27
Sunday, August 30, 2009
26) The Church of Jesus Christ began at Pentecost
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Whether the rock to which Jesus refers is Peter or his profession, it is clear that Jesus is speaking of his church as a future event. The nation of Israel was not the church. Although there was a remnant saved during the old covenant era, the church of Jesus Christ began at Pentecost.
Focus on Christ #26
Whether the rock to which Jesus refers is Peter or his profession, it is clear that Jesus is speaking of his church as a future event. The nation of Israel was not the church. Although there was a remnant saved during the old covenant era, the church of Jesus Christ began at Pentecost.
Focus on Christ #26
Saturday, August 29, 2009
25) Jesus made the old covenant obsolete
Hebrews 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
The old Mosaic covenant was a legal conditional covenant made with the physical nation of Israel only. It has been replaced with the new covenant, which is an unconditional gracious covenant made with believers from Israel plus every nation, tongue, and tribe on earth. The gospel of grace, which was preached to Abraham [Galatians 3:8], has been fulfilled by Jesus who is the mediator and guarantor of a more excellent and permanent covenant.
Focus on Christ #25
The old Mosaic covenant was a legal conditional covenant made with the physical nation of Israel only. It has been replaced with the new covenant, which is an unconditional gracious covenant made with believers from Israel plus every nation, tongue, and tribe on earth. The gospel of grace, which was preached to Abraham [Galatians 3:8], has been fulfilled by Jesus who is the mediator and guarantor of a more excellent and permanent covenant.
Focus on Christ #25
Friday, August 28, 2009
24) New Covenant members receive forgiveness
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
The sins of new covenant members are forgiven through their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus as the Lamb of God secured the blessings and suffered the penalty of the old covenant on behalf of all who come to him in faith. Praise God that Christians are no longer under law, but are under new covenant grace.
Focus on Christ #24
The sins of new covenant members are forgiven through their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus as the Lamb of God secured the blessings and suffered the penalty of the old covenant on behalf of all who come to him in faith. Praise God that Christians are no longer under law, but are under new covenant grace.
Focus on Christ #24
Thursday, August 27, 2009
23) All members of the New Covenant are saved
Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
This verse affirms the new covenant is made with believers only. The new covenant is comprised of regenerated believers from both Israel and all other nations. The old covenant was made with the physical nation of Israel and most were NOT spiritually redeemed. Only a remnant of the nation of Israel was redeemed [Romans 9:27]. THE DISTINCTION: The old covenant was with a single physical nation, while the new is with regenerated believers of all nations.
Focus on Christ #23
This verse affirms the new covenant is made with believers only. The new covenant is comprised of regenerated believers from both Israel and all other nations. The old covenant was made with the physical nation of Israel and most were NOT spiritually redeemed. Only a remnant of the nation of Israel was redeemed [Romans 9:27]. THE DISTINCTION: The old covenant was with a single physical nation, while the new is with regenerated believers of all nations.
Focus on Christ #23
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
22) The New Covenant applied through regeneration
Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
After the old covenant days, God promised a new covenant with the house of Israel, and in Ephesians 2:11-22 Paul explained that Gentiles would be brought into this new covenant. In the new covenant the laws, precepts, and ethics of God are written into the minds and hearts of His people. This is a reference to regeneration that makes believers spiritually alive and able to respond to God. It is about giving believers the motivation and ability to obey God and not just giving them the content of law that was written on tablets of stone. These regenerated believers will be the people of God with hearts of flesh rather than hearts of stone. This is grace and it enables believers through the power of the Holy Spirit to desire to be obedient to the commands of Christ [Romans 8:14].
Focus on Christ #22
After the old covenant days, God promised a new covenant with the house of Israel, and in Ephesians 2:11-22 Paul explained that Gentiles would be brought into this new covenant. In the new covenant the laws, precepts, and ethics of God are written into the minds and hearts of His people. This is a reference to regeneration that makes believers spiritually alive and able to respond to God. It is about giving believers the motivation and ability to obey God and not just giving them the content of law that was written on tablets of stone. These regenerated believers will be the people of God with hearts of flesh rather than hearts of stone. This is grace and it enables believers through the power of the Holy Spirit to desire to be obedient to the commands of Christ [Romans 8:14].
Focus on Christ #22
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
21) The New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant
Hebrews 8:9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
The new covenant is not like the old covenant made at Mt. Sinai. It is a completely new and that is why Paul can say in Romans that believers are not under law but under grace. Israel was a chosen physical nation with many privileges and blessings, but it was not a spiritually redeemed nation as Paul points out in Romans 9:8. Since they did not continue in the old covenant, God showed no concern for them. [for more see first comment]
Focus on Christ #21
The new covenant is not like the old covenant made at Mt. Sinai. It is a completely new and that is why Paul can say in Romans that believers are not under law but under grace. Israel was a chosen physical nation with many privileges and blessings, but it was not a spiritually redeemed nation as Paul points out in Romans 9:8. Since they did not continue in the old covenant, God showed no concern for them. [for more see first comment]
Focus on Christ #21
Monday, August 24, 2009
20) The New Covenant
Hebrews 8:8 For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
Hebrews 8:8-12 repeats what the prophet Jeremiah stated in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The book of Hebrews interprets this new covenant through the ministry of Jesus Christ who was declared prophet, priest, and king with power. In the passage above, it was prophesized that a new covenant would be established with Israel. This new covenant is not a different administration of the same covenant, but a NEW covenant that replaced the Mosaic covenant.
Focus on Christ #20
Hebrews 8:8-12 repeats what the prophet Jeremiah stated in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The book of Hebrews interprets this new covenant through the ministry of Jesus Christ who was declared prophet, priest, and king with power. In the passage above, it was prophesized that a new covenant would be established with Israel. This new covenant is not a different administration of the same covenant, but a NEW covenant that replaced the Mosaic covenant.
Focus on Christ #20
Sunday, August 23, 2009
19) Jesus fulfilled the Law to redeem His people
Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Jesus is the promised redeemer of the Old Testament prophecies. He perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses to provide righteousness for his people and He died on the cross of Calvary to make atonement for their sin. Believers take hold of this redemption through faith alone.
Focus on Christ #19
Jesus is the promised redeemer of the Old Testament prophecies. He perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses to provide righteousness for his people and He died on the cross of Calvary to make atonement for their sin. Believers take hold of this redemption through faith alone.
Focus on Christ #19
Saturday, August 22, 2009
18) The final outcome
Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
In this verse Paul states the results of the mindset of unbelievers verses believers. For unbelievers the outcome will be physical and spiritual death. For believers the outcome is eternal life and peace. Believers not only have peace with God, but also peace of mind. Physical death is nothing but a door from physical life to spiritual life. Death has no sting for believers.
Focus on Christ #18
In this verse Paul states the results of the mindset of unbelievers verses believers. For unbelievers the outcome will be physical and spiritual death. For believers the outcome is eternal life and peace. Believers not only have peace with God, but also peace of mind. Physical death is nothing but a door from physical life to spiritual life. Death has no sting for believers.
Focus on Christ #18
Friday, August 21, 2009
17) It is all in the mind
Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Paul is making a clear distinction between believers and unbelievers. The difference in this verse is what they have their minds set on. The unbeliever is interested in temporal worldly things that do not last. The believer’s mind and focus is on spiritual things that are eternal.
Focus on Christ #17
Paul is making a clear distinction between believers and unbelievers. The difference in this verse is what they have their minds set on. The unbeliever is interested in temporal worldly things that do not last. The believer’s mind and focus is on spiritual things that are eternal.
Focus on Christ #17
Thursday, August 20, 2009
16) Jesus purchases redemption and changes hearts
Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
The righteous requirements of the law have been fulfilled in believers because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ who perfectly upheld the law of Moses. Believers are in Christ through faith and are distinguished from unbelievers because they walk according to the Spirit. The character and life style Christians verses non-Christians are contrasted in this verse.
Focus on Christ #16
The righteous requirements of the law have been fulfilled in believers because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ who perfectly upheld the law of Moses. Believers are in Christ through faith and are distinguished from unbelievers because they walk according to the Spirit. The character and life style Christians verses non-Christians are contrasted in this verse.
Focus on Christ #16
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
15) Jesus paid it all
Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
Due to the sin nature inherited from Adam, human beings could not meet the legal requirements of the Mosaic Law. However, God provided through His son, Jesus Christ, a second Adam who met the laws demands and condemned sin on the cross of Calvary! Jesus provided the righteousness and also paid the sin debt of all who are in him through faith.
Focus on Christ #15
Due to the sin nature inherited from Adam, human beings could not meet the legal requirements of the Mosaic Law. However, God provided through His son, Jesus Christ, a second Adam who met the laws demands and condemned sin on the cross of Calvary! Jesus provided the righteousness and also paid the sin debt of all who are in him through faith.
Focus on Christ #15
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