We have just considered the contrast, in Hebrews chapter 12, between Law and Gospel -- under the figure of two mountains, Sinai and Zion. The gospel brings us to Mount Zion. It is not a place of fright, terror and dread, but rather of fulfillment and celebration, the fulfillment of all dreams and aspirations. But wait. God is no domesticated deity, either. He is not at our disposal, in need of our services, incomplete without our company, indifferent to our rejection. "See to it that you do not refuse him who is speaking" (Heb. 12:25). If those who rejected God's voice from earthly Sinai … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
MOUNT ZION — GOSPEL
Mount Sinai represented Law, but Mount Zion represents Gospel. As believers in Christ, says the author of Hebrews in 12:22-24, we have come to: * Mount Zion -- the joy of believing Israel, the place of God's Presence, the location of inspiration, blessing and peace (many Psalms). * The city of the Living God (which, unlike Sinai, cannot be touched) is the Heavenly Jerusalem, inhabited by tens of thousands of angels, the general assembly (literally, "panegyeric" -- a FESTIVE assembly where orations are made and worthy people honored (remember chapter 11?). * The "church" (literally … [Read more...]
MOUNT SINAI — LAW
Hebrews 12:18-29 provides a great comparison and contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion -- two mountains which represent Law and Gospel, Moses and Christ. Both mountains are "awful" in the original sense of that word -- inspiring awe in the beholder. That they have in common. But how different they are, as well! The author's description of Mount Sinai is taken from Exodus 19-20 in the Old Testament. Moses brought the people to Mount Sinai, which shook and bellowed out smoke deep and dark. Then Moses went up into the mountain alone, to receive the Law from God himself -- symbolized in … [Read more...]
OLD TESTAMENT ENCOURAGEMENT
In the remainder of Hebrews chapter 12, the author moves quickly through the Old Testament again, selecting for a final exhortation texts from the Writings, the Prophets and the Law respectively. It is as if (s)he says, "Why, the whole Bible is full of this message! Read it anywhere and see what you find!" Hebrews 12:5-11 quote from Proverbs 3:11-12 concerning parental discipline, and apply the principle to our heavenly Father's dealings with us. You may view your hardships under that figure, the author implies. Difficulty is really divine discipline, he says, which God intends and will use … [Read more...]
FAITH ENDURES
For the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "faith" involves seeing the unseen, and it leads preeminently to endurance during one's pilgrimage through this present world (Heb. 10:39). Hebrews chapter 11 illustrates such enduring faith, as the author leads us through a believer's hall of fame -- from A(bel) to Z(achariah) [unnamed but probably referenced] in the Old Testament, but also including the unnamed Maccabean martyrs between the Testaments. The first part of this chapter discusses faithful people who prevailed against great odds -- the kind of outcome we all enjoy. The second part … [Read more...]
JESUS’ SACRIFICE — THEREFORE
The Epistle to the Hebrews is gospel-packed. Sadly, it is often overlooked in the modern church. Consider the strength to be found, for example, in Hebrews, chapter 10. After discussing the all-sufficient and eternally-atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (see gracEmail at www.edwardfudge.com/gracemails/jesus_obeyed_for_you.html), the author of this Epistle steps back to ask "so what?" This is the response. SINCE we have confidence (Heb. 10:19), and SINCE we have a great priest (v. 21), LET US draw near (to God) (v. 22), LET US hold fast (our own hope) (v. 23), LET US consider (each … [Read more...]
Suffering, Success and “The Day of Salvation”
"Suffering" and "success" do not appear often together in public today -- and often not in the church -- but they do in the Bible. In this article, which was first published in PresentTruth magazine (Vol. 42, June 1978), Edward shows how human desperation and powerlessness provides the opportunity for God's saving activity -- and how these counterparts are central to the gospel itself. Also available in pdf format: Suffering, Success and "The Day of Salvation" In this day of "success"-oriented religion focused on fleshly desires, human efforts and carnal pride, the story of Paul and his … [Read more...]
What Calvinism and Arminianism Have In Common
Lost in a thicket of Arminian and Calvinist debate, we sometimes lose sight of the grand truths we hold in common... By Edward Fudge Some Christians focus on points about which believers differ. Edward focuses on what they share in common. There is no getting around the fact that Calvinists and Arminians understand scriptural teaching in ways which are humanly irreconcilable. Yet even they share far more truth in common than either side frequently thinks. This article by Edward was first published in Christianity Today magazine. Also available in pdf format:What Calvinism and … [Read more...]
The Saving Love of God
by Edward Fudge (Also available in pdf format: The Saving Love of God) Sometimes the most powerful messages are also the most simple. This gospel article looks at two texts in the gospel of John which even children can understand, but which adults will never completely fathom. As Jesus presents it, God's love is passionate, personal, powerful, perpetual, profuse, perilous. Originally published in Wineskins, November/December, 1999. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Such a simple … [Read more...]
THIN PLACES
Sometime during our lives we all will likely experience a moment so transcendently beautiful that time seems to freeze and the world stands still. The trigger for such a moment can take a thousand forms: a piece of music or a work of art; great literature read aloud; the contemplation of pure math. More often it is the scent of honeysuckle, a perfect sunset, or the face of a child. Marital intimacy can become such a sacred pathway, as can at times a simple and truthful prayer. Celtic Christianity saw each such experience as a sign of God's grace--a "thin space" or "thin place," where opaque … [Read more...]