My Daily Pause

Hebrews opens with the writer explaining the superiority of Christ over all of the devices of the Jews – the law, the prophets – Judaism in general. The Jews worked hard to discredit Christ as the one they were expecting, but many came to realize the truth.

For those who were weakened by the efforts of the Jews to discredit Christianity, the writer opened the letter with seven reasons that they should recognize Christ’s authority and his qualifications as the King of kings.

The Credentials of Christ

Hebrews 1:2-3 packs seven things to look for in Christ:

1. He was appointed heir of all things (Psalm 2:8, Hebrews 1:5)
2. The world was made through him (Colossians 1:16, John 1:3, Genesis 1:26)
3. His excellence of character (John 1:14) – This is noted in Hebrews 1:3a as his radiance or effulgence
4. He is the image of God (Hebrews 1:3b)
5. He is a sustaining force (Colossians 1:16-17)
6. He purchased our sins (1 Corinthians 6:20)
7. He sits at God’s right hand (1 Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 8:1)

Through every conceivable right of lordship, Christ is in authority. The Bible is brimming with proof that should encourage the faithful student to continue to follow him. This is the primary reason that reading your Bible is so important – it causes your faith to grow. (Romans 10:17) The seven credentials of Christ listed in Hebrews 1 are points that are continuously proven throughout the Bible – Old and New Testaments. Having these proven time and time again is what gives us solid hope. (Hebrews 11:1)

Sacrifice of Isaac – Caravaggio – 1603

Ephesians 2:8-9 is the corner stone for those who build a case for salvation by faith only. The whole idea of “salvation through faith only” was started by Martin Luther, who was born in 1483. Since there is no evidence of the concept prior to that, we might say it is a “new” idea. But you see, Luther had a problem with his theory. The problem was the book of James. He insulted James and tried to cast doubt as to whether it was even a book of the Bible. James 2:24 says that man is not justified by faith alone. (This is also the only place in the Bible where the words “faith” and “alone” or “only” appear side by side!) James also says that faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

Five Points that Counter “Faith Only” Doctrine

I just want to leave here a list of things to think about if you have need to debate the Gospel’s plan of salvation vs. the invented “faith only” route to salvation. These thoughts should be sufficient for negating Ephesians 2:8-9 as the proof text for “faith only” doctrine

1. In Ephesians, the works Paul mentioned were words of the Law of Moses.
2. In James’ letter, he is talking about works of faith.
3. John 6:29 shows us that faith is a work
4. Romans 2:6 is very clear that the judgment will include an account of our deeds.
5. In Hebrews 11, a list of faithful men had to act on their faith to please God.

Faith is a necessity of salvation, to be sure. It is also a necessity to teach and follow the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27)

Here is an exhaustive listing of the places in the Bible that mention “faith only” (Or “faith alone” depending on your version)

1. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. – James 2:24 KJV

Yes that’s it. The complete and unabridged list. While faith is a very important part of salvation, is it not the only part.

Please see my page on the Gospel Plan of Salvation for more.

Paul opens 1 Corinthians with some thoughts about the comfort of God. Paul’s attitude was that through our sufferings, we learn patience, we learn how to be thankful for the good times and how to be a comfort to others. (See also Romans 5:3-5)

Comfort is a key topic in the Bible. Here are a few scriptures you can lean on when you need them:

1. God comforts us (1 Corinthians 1:3-5)
2. We should carry our load, but look for opportunities to help each other when it is needed. Galatians 6:1-2,5
3. Jesus has peace to offer in a world of trouble (John 16:29-33)
4. Work to bear fruit, abide in Christ and his joy will abide in you (John 15:1-11)
5. How to get the ultimate peace: rejoice, prayer, thinking good things (Philippians 4:4-9)

Daily Bible reading for April 9

God gives Moses instructions for the guilt offering. Isaiah denounces a corrupt Israel. We share in the comfort of Christ as we also share in the sufferings.

Psalm 99
Leviticus 5:14-6:7
Isaiah 3-4
2 Corinthians 1:1-11

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Paul commands the weekly collection. We are to give in relation to our gains for the week or “as we have prospered.”

We can keep this command with several attitudes. How we handle our money, especially in relation to giving,  is covered throughout the Bible and should be something we take seriously.

Do you give with the attitude of:

1. The Rich Young Ruler? (Mark 10:18-22)
2. Judas? (John 12:3-6)
3. Ananias and Sapphira? (Acts 5: 1-2)
4. Barnabas? (Acts 4:36-37)
5. The Poor Widow? (Mark 12:41-44)
6. David? (2 Samuel 24:24)

One of the best expressions of our trust in God is to put giving at the top of our budget and not at the bottom – Where we are giving from our leftovers!

I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing – David