It is abundantly clear that sacrifices offered by imperfect men never have and never will be sufficient to remove sins. In fact, even under the Old Testament—a revelation from Almighty God—the sacrifices of bulls and goats only reminded people of their sins. Note, the sins were not “rolled forward” as some wrongfully conclude. Rather, they were reminded of their sin and the need for a sacrifice to take it away…and that the animals did not do the job because they had to be offered again and again.

Instead, Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice for sins. He was divine and God prepared a body for Him. He came to do the will of God, “by which will we have been sanctified.” The sacrifice we offer now is our body as a living sacrifice to God; both in gratitude and duty (Rom. 1:1, 2).

In Hebrews 9:23-28, shows animals were sufficient for the earthly tabernacle and ministry of men, but not for the heavenly. Jesus had to offer His blood in the Holy Place, heaven. He did this before God for us, that is, on our behalf; once and for all.

Jesus appeared the first time to put away sin. The second time He will come apart from sin—not to bear man’s sin again, but to give us eternal salvation. Notice, this is for those who “eagerly wait for Him.” Are we eagerly waiting?

Hebrews 9:16-22 tells us the death of Christ was essential. The New Covenant could not be established without it. Remission of sins would be impossible if He did not shed His blood.

The first covenant was established with the blood of animals; the second with the blood of Christ. Hence, the latter is far superior to the former. Its requirements and our resulting obligations and gratitude reflect this. Let us honor the blood-sealed Covenant of Christ.

Hebrews 6:13-20, is all about the faithfulness of God. The contrast is the fickleness of some men (Heb. 6:1-12). God is not this way.

When God made a promise to Abraham, He meant it. Nothing could or would stop Him from keeping it. The Savior was sent into the world. He gave His life for us; to take away our sins. Now we have an anchor for our soul.

Jesus is in heaven, ruling and reigning at the right hand of God. He is our advocate before the Father. No matter what happens in life, our faith in Him cannot be taken away or the blessing promised stolen. As we maintain our confidence in Him, we are assured of His blessings and the promised rest. So, the troubles of life are troublesome, but they do not move us away from the promise.

Hebrews 6:1-12 is one of the more difficult sections of the book, maybe the most difficult.

The readers are admonished to move on; to grow beyond the basics of the religion of Christ. They are then warned about falling away (something related to a lack of knowledge and / or growth).

In the context, those in danger of falling away are those who are turning back to the Old Law. They obeyed the gospel, enjoyed spiritual blessings in Christ, but are losing trust in Him as the way of salvation. When one loses that trust in Christ, it is impossible to get them to repent. And, in their action they are crucifying afresh the Son of God. In such cases, they are “thorns and briers” fitted for destruction, not redemption.

The writer expressed confidence that the readers would not be among those falling away and exhorted them to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

In Hebrews 5:1-14, the writer begins a discussion about the priesthood of Christ, which is finished in chapter seven.

God appointed the priests of the Old Testament. They served to offer sacrifices for themselves and on behalf of men. Similarly, Jesus was appointed by God as high priest. However, Jesus did not offer a sacrifice for His sins—He had none. He only sacrificed for the benefit of men.

In the sacrifice offered, He learned obedience. He wanted there to be another way, but humbly submitted to the Father’s will and offered Himself on a tree. Thus, He was perfected as the Savior of man.

The writer digresses at this point and tells the Hebrews they ought to be more mature. This is true with many who have been Christians for any length of time. Study and application of God’s word are neglected, and therefore a person stands in need of teaching instead of being able to teach others.

On July 4, 2009, Rick Warren addressed the Islamic Society of North America. His speech included absolutely nothing offensive to Muslims. He did not rebuke them for their unbelief or even assert that they should take a hard look at Jesus as the Christ. Rather, he talked about Christians and Muslims working together on social causes. The impression he left with them is they are perfectly fine to reject the Christ and continue in their false religion.

I wrote an article about this that appeared in the September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine. One of the readers of the article sent it on to Rick Warren at Saddleback church. His Chief of Staff, David Chrzan, wrote a reply. You can find a review of one paragraph here. Another paragraph needs attention too because the preposterous claim to biblical purity is made by Chrzan on behalf of Saddleback and Warren.

The paragraph states:

Pastor Rick is Southern Baptist. While Saddleback Church may not look Southern Baptist to most casual observers, we are down the middle Southern Baptist in our theology and doctrinal statements. We are totally committed to reaching the unchurched and contemporary in our worship style, while remaining biblically pure.

“Southern Baptist” is something that cannot be found in the Bible. Never does the New Testament mention a “Southern Baptist” person or congregation. So, how can that be biblically pure?

We can read where the people of God, Christians, were referred to as the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “churches of Galatia” or “church of the Thessalonians” (Gal. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1). The latter designations describe churches by their geographical location. The other two describe the church with reference to ownership or headship—God and Christ. Other terms are found in the Bible to describe God’s people, both collectively and individually, but you will never find “Southern Baptist.” Again, we submit, it is impossible to be “biblically pure” and “Southern Baptist.”

Further, Warren and Saddleback are not just “Southern Baptist,” but “down the middle Southern Baptist.” That screams “moderate!” In other words, they are not conservative Sothern Baptist, but among those who are compromisers. From our perspective Saddleback is misrepresenting itself here. Since they compromise with Christ-denying Muslims, they are extremely liberal Southern Baptists, not “down the middle.”

On Saddleback’s web site, under the “What We Believe” section, it professes multiple things that are biblically impure.

This is what they say about salvation and baptism: “Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith,” and “baptism does not save you.” The Bible plainly teaches that faith alone does not save you. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). It also says baptism does save you. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21). Rick Warren and Saddleback say baptism does not save you. The Holy Spirit and Peter say it does. Which is biblically pure?

Saddleback’s site also says, “…the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.” The Bible says we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Why the warning if it is impossible to fall? The fact is a Christian can fall from grace, as the Galatians did. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Too, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Saddleback and Warren say you cannot lose your salvation and there is nothing you can do to keep it. The Bible teaches you can fall from grace and you must put forth effort to secure your final salvation. Who do you think is biblically pure; Warren and Saddleback or Paul and the Holy Spirit?

It is ridiculous for anyone to claim biblical purity while at the same time teaching and practicing the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9). Sadly, many will not examine Warren’s teaching because of his popularity and the messages he presents are so non-offensive. This is the devil at work, getting people to drop their guard and accept error. Let us not be in that number (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).

In Hebrews 3:7-19, we are told what it really means to be in unbelief. It is not reserved for people who do not believe in God. Unbelief does not mean complete denial of God’s commands. Rather, denying part of what God says is just as much unbelief as atheism.

The Israelites were led out of Egypt into the wilderness. They believed God existed and followed His commands / leading to leave the land of bondage. They witnessed the miraculous plagues, saw the wonders of Sinai, and heard His voice. Still, they were disobedient when it came to entering the promised land.

The writer makes it clear that failing to heed this one command of the Lord was a failure to believe His promise. It was those who did not obey that did not believe that rebelled and paid for it with their life.

The admonition to us is: Do not follow their example! Though we may believe in God, confess Jesus as the Savior, and declare the Bible to be God’s word, we can have an evil heart of unbelief. If we deny baptism is essential to salvation, we are in rebellion (Mk. 16:16). If we doubt God gives us either the strength or ability to overcome temptation, we are in unbelief (1 Cor. 10:13). In such a state, we will suffer under the wrath of God. Let us not be in that number.

Hebrews 3:1-6 tells us three things about Christ.

1. Christ is the Apostle of our heavenly calling. He is the one sent by God to call us to redemption and heaven. Jesus is the ambassador for God.

2. Christ is the High Priest of our heavenly calling. He is the one who offered the ultimate sacrifice and the one who stands between us and God.

3. Christ is a faithful Son over the House of God. The Father has turned over authority to the Son who rules the house with complete fidelity.

We are part of the house of the Son if—big if—“we hold fast.”

Another point of interest, at least always to me, is Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.” Men understand this principle when it comes to buildings, homes, cars, towers, etc. However, too many see the infinitely more complex and diverse universe as an astronomical accident. How can this be? Willful ignorance and denial.

If I believe a log cabin in the woods was built by someone, then I must believe the home of humanity was built by Someone. If not, I am dishonest.

Hebrews 1 establishes the deity of Jesus. Hebrews 2, particularly verses 5-18, shows His humanity.

Hebrews 2:1-4, tells us the law given by our Lord is not something to be dismissed out of hand, treated like it is from man, or even hold it on the same level as the Old Law delivered by angels. Rather, it is the Law of Christ given by the Son of God through His hand-picked representatives. It was confirmed by miracles and is preserved for us to this day.

The Son of God, though greater than the angels, was made lower than them. He came to this earth to sacrifice Himself; “that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9). He died for all, not a few elect. He died to redeem us from our sins.

The writer also interweaves the idea that His humiliation led to His exaltation. He was crowned with glory and honor. All things are subject to Him; save death which will happen in the end (1 Cor. 15:22-28).

May we ever be thankful for a triumphant, self-sacrificing Savior.

For the record: We cannot fully explain how it could be that a being was both divine and human at the same time. We cannot explain how our soul dwells in our body. However, we believe both because the Bible lays out evidence for both.