We are still on Hebrews 13:20-21 which states this in the KJV: "Now the GOD of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His Will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Now I would like to back up within this chapter to verses 7 through 10 where we find this in the KJV: Hebrews 13:7 -10 of 7 - 16 "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of GOD: Whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; Not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. For we have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle."
Now to see what the "Mirror Study Bible" has to say about this passage of: Hebrews 13:7-10 "Be mindful of those who guide you in the revelation of GOD'S word; Follow their faith, consider the conclusion of their lives. (Do not follow a counterfeit! This would be someone who fakes faith while actually living the law.) Take your lead from Jesus. He is our reference to the most complete life. In Him yesterday is confirmed today and today mirrors tomorrow. What GOD spoke to us in Christ is as relevant now as it was in the prophetic past and will always be in the eternal future! ( Jesus is same yesterday, today, and forever; There is a history to our salvation that carries more authority and relevance than anything that ever happened in our past, or anything present in time or still to happen in the future. Imagine the enormity of eternity in His sameness before time was; And we were there in Him all along! Romans 8:34 What further ground can there possibly be to condemn humanity? In His death He faced our Judgment; in His Resurrection He declared our restored innocence (Identity and integrity as we will soon see); The implications cannot be undone! He now occupies the highest seat of authority as the executive of our redemption in the Throne room of GOD. (Rom. 8:1, also 4:25) The heavens declare His Glory, night to night exhibits the giant solar testimony that is mathematically precise, revealing that GOD knew before time was the exact moment He would enter our history as a man, and the exact moment the Messiah would expire on the Cross and be raised from the dead!) Do not be swayed by distracting speculations. Any influence foreign to what grace communicates, even if it seems very entertaining and carries the Christian label, is to be shunned. Feast on grace; Do not dilute your diet with legalism. There is no nourishment left in the Mosaic Law. What's the use of being busy but not blessed? ( Legalism includes any form of self-sacrifice or self effort with the illusion of gaining further favor from GOD or improving your spiritual standing before GOD.) For us there is only one alter and one sacrifice; We can never again confuse Him with the rituals of the old redundant systems. It seems that some would like to eat the meat of their own sacrifices and at the same time indulge in the benefits of Grace. This is not possible. ( It is like trying to go opposite directions at the same time.)
With all that is herein stated I will in our next post draw from some of the old testament scriptures that prove our Identity / integrity being renewed by redemption's work. From Ezekiel, Psalms and Jeremiah, to name but a few.
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