Messiah: From Concealed to Revealed

God’s plan of redemption to provide blood atonement through the coming Messiah is woven throughout the Old Testament in not only prophecy, but also in types, shadows, and patterns.  In Genesis, the first prophecy of a coming Messiah is revealed to Adam and Eve right before God killed an animal to provide clothing to cover their nakedness, for which they had become ashamed, after having sinned by disobeying God’s command to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:17

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

 

Perhaps if Cain had reflected on the death necessary to provide coats of skins for his parent’s disobedience, then he might have realized why God was pleased by Abel offering the blood of a lamb.

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Genesis 4:2-5

 

 

Through Abraham and Isaac, we’re also given a glimpse of how God would provide himself, through the Son of God, the Messiah, as an offering for sin.

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.  Genesis 22:2

And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Genesis 22:7-8

 

In Exodus, a spotless lamb was to be selected on the tenth day of the month and then killed 4 days later. The lamb's blood was then to be put on the doorframes for the death angel to pass over a house.  This foreshadowed how the Messiah would be offered on the “fourth” millennial day, to deliver his people from the bondage of sin.

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. Exodus 12:5-6

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8

 

To the same people that experienced the Passover in Egypt, God revealed his name, which today is translated as "Jehovah" in a King James Bible.  I’ve quoted the LSV below, to show the actual name, rather than the generic “Lord" seen in the KJV.

And God Speaks to Moses and says to him, “I [am] YHWH, and I appear to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty; as for My Name YHWH, I have not been known to them; Exodus 6:2-3, LSV

Therefore say to the sons of Israel: I [am] YHWH, and I have brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and have delivered you from their service, and have redeemed you by an outstretched arm, and by great judgements, and have taken you to Myself for a people, and I have been to you for God, and you have known that I [am] your God YHWH, who is bringing you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians; Exodus 6:6-7, LSV

 

As is illustrated above, the very name of God revealed the Messiah’s love for his creation of man and woman, which he made in his own image.  The ancient pictorial symbols of YHWH correlate to the Hebrew alphabet to interpret as, “Behold the Nail, Behold the Hand.”  How breathtakingly beautiful for God to identify his love for us so intimately through his name.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

 

The coming Messiah is prophetically foreshadowed in Leviticus through the lamb without blemish symbolism, by the shedding of innocent blood being the means for the atonement of sins.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:22

 

“Atonement” H3722: כָּפַר, kâphar, kaw-far'

1. to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation, cover over with pitch

2. figuratively to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel: appease, make (an) atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, to pitch, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile (-liation).

If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Leviticus 1:3-4

 

The blood atonement sacrifices were made on the "mercy seat."  They were done right atop the Ark of the Covenant, which God instructed how to be made when giving Moses the Law.  The presence of God dwelled in the Ark of the Covenant, in which is contained Aaron’s budding rod, the law given at Mt. Sinai, and the jar containing some of the manna that God provided to the Israelites, to eat while they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  These 3 elements in the Ark foreshadow the Messiah, who would come as the bread of life (manna), to fulfill the law for us as our unblemished perfect atonement (law given at Mt Sinai), in order to bring life (Aaron’s rod was self-sufficient like Jesus, who is the vine that gives life to his branches).

Interestingly, like the tree Jesus was crucified on, the branches from which Moses’ ark was created, and the wood from which Noah’s Ark was built; the Ark of the Covenant was not made out of pure gold, but likewise had a core made of humble wood.

And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. Exodus 25:10

 

Therefore, it’s of no surprise for God to have used an Ark made of wood to deliver Moses and Noah in a manner foreshadowing the coming Messiah’s deliverance at the crucifixion on a simple tree.  Per God’s instruction, the Ark was built with protective "pitch" covering the outside and inside to prevent leaks.  The Hebrew word “and shalt pitch” is the Hebrew word kaphar that also can be interpreted as "atonement."

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. Exodus 2:3

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. Genesis 6:14

 

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Acts 5:30

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9

Like God, who sealed in those being delivered in the Ark, the Messiah, who is our good shepherd, also seals his sheep in for protection, by being our door, and by sending the Holy Spirit to indwell the Body of Christ.  This indwelling of the Holy Spirit will be covered in more detail, further down below.

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Genesis 7:16

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

 

Before the judgment of the Tribulation starts, Jesus will catch up his sheep, so that they can be protected from his wrath.

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. Isaiah 26:20

 

The book of Psalms shows God as Israel’s deliverer, their coming Messiah, who would purge their sins.

 

Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Psalm 65:3

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Psalm 79:9

 

Let’s take a quick look as the “Crown of Thorns” placed on Jesus’ head during the crucifixion.  Jesus was reversing the curse by dying as our atonement on the cross, just like the substitutionary ram caught in the thicket to replace Abraham’s only son, who likewise to Christ, came by a miracle birth promised by God.

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Genesis 3:17-18

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Genesis 22:13

How the Messiah would accomplish that deliverance is shown in great detail in Psalms.

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Psalm 22:16

 

Long before Roman crucifixion ever became a form of capital punishment, prophecy had revealed that the Messiah would be forsaken, despised, scorned, and pierced in the hands and the feet; 

(To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.) My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalm 22:1

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

 

While being crucified on the cross, Jesus yelled out a phrase that should have caused the people around to remember Psalm 22.  If they had but made the connection, they would have known that Psalm 22 was being fulfilled before their very eyes.  Jesus was so despised that a murderer was freed instead of him.  They scorned him by mocking him to come down from the cross.  Modern science has discovered that "takotsubo cardiomyopathy," typically induced by extreme stress, causes water to pool around the weakened heart walls, which I suspect is why blood and water poured out from Jesus' pierced side and was why the Psalmist compared his heart to wax.  One might conclude that Jesus willingly gave up his spirit, while suffering with a "broken heart."  Additionally, the hyssop used to maliciously respond to his thirst was likewise foreshadowed in Psalm 22.

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. Psalm 22:6

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. Psalm 22:7-8

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. Psalm 22:14

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. Psalm 22:15

In fact, hyssop is also found with the blood of the lamb being put onto the doorframes, before the Passover in Egypt.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. John 19:29

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. Exodus 12:22

 

This “suffering servant” prophecy is also found in the book of Isaiah, which shows specifically how the Messiah would come to suffer and die as the acceptable Lamb of God, who would make atonement for all sins.

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isaiah 53:5-8

 

Through the angel Gabriel, God even revealed to Daniel the exact timing of when the Messiah would arrive.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Daniel 9:24

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Daniel 9:26

 

God also provided a prophet to bear witness of the Messiah’s arrival.  That prophet was John the Baptist, who’s ministry of preparing the way of the Lord was prophesied by Isaiah.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3

 

When John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, he was not only revealing to the people that Jesus was the Messiah, but also was pointing them back to the words of Isaiah’s prophecy mentioned above, which revealed the Messiah would come as a suffering servant, to die as a sacrifice for their iniquity.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:36

 

While John was baptizing Jesus, the truth of John’s identification of the Messiah was confirmed by the voice of God and the descending of the Spirit of God, in the form of a dove. 

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Luke 3:22

 

For these reasons, John’s “baptism of repentance” is of the utmost importance to understand.  His baptism of repentance solidified what the whole of the Old Testament prophets and law had foreshadowed.  The promised “seed” that would come from Eve, the lamb who would die for sins, the anointed one, was at hand.

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. Matthew 11:13

 

Paul and Mark show that John’s “baptism of repentance” was specifically stated to be a call to believe on the coming Messiah, for the remission of sins.  He was preparing the people of Israel to believe that the Messiah would bring about the remission of sins.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Acts 19:4

 

Talking directly about John's ministry, Jesus also connected belief directly to repentance.

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. Matthew 21:32

Repentance G3341: μετάνοια, metanoia, met-an'-oy-ah

1. change of mind, repentance

Remission G859: ἄφεσις, aphesis, af'-es-is: 

1. release from bondage or imprisonment 

2. forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty 

Believe G4100: πιστεύω, pisteuō, pist-yoo'-o

1. to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence

2. to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity

Having repentance “toward God” by believing on the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, as taught by John the Baptist, was the appropriate response of faith toward God that mankind was called upon to have, prior to the crucifixion.

Repentance Toward God: 

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Acts 19:4

However, mankind is now also called to have faith “toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” What exactly does that mean?  Well, I believe faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ is typified in scripture as a fully persuaded belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection being God's substitutionary atoning sacrifice for mankind, when Jesus, the Messiah, took upon himself the penalty of the world's sins, by the offering of his own innocent life in our place.

Faith Toward our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

 

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21

When combined together, "repentance toward God" and "faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" represents faith in God's now fully revealed gospel, which was typically only understood in part and by few, until preached through Holy Spirit-inspired men of God, after the crucifixion.  This once concealed, but now revealed gospel was planned before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), to the praise of the glory of his grace (Ephesians 1:6).  Concealing the magnitude of what would be accomplished through the cross, was used by God to cause the enemy to do what the enemy would NOT have done, if the result had been fully understood. 

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8

 

Jesus had a better baptism to provide after his victory over death.  Beginning in the upper room on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the room and sat upon each of them, appearing as "cloven togues like as of fire" (Acts 2:3).  This marked the beginning of the "Church" which is not a building, but rather is best described as the body of believers, who have believed the gospel of salvation.  This current "Church Age" is a time when the Holy Spirit has been sent to baptize those with such faith, into the "Body of Christ" and thereby into the Messiah's eternal life.  Those "in Christ" are borne again, being now fully identified with the Messiah; having been crucified with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.  Jesus is the head of the church and the Saints are his body.  This is an incomprehensible blessing that God made possible through his death, burial, and resurrection.  Woe, woe to those who deny Christ and the riches of his grace!

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Ephesians 1:12-15

 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:22-23

 

Today, the Holy Spirit’s sealing baptism still remains in effect.   However, please be warned, the very soon coming redemption of the purchased (Acts 20:28) possession, for those baptized into Christ, will end this age of grace with the departure of the Saints being caught up to God.  Then the time of Jacob’s Troubles (Jeremiah 30:7), Daniel's 70th Week (Daniel 9:27), will be at hand.  

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

 

The scriptures reveal that redemption always has been, and always will be, obtainable only through "faith" (Hebrews 11:4-13) by God's grace.  However, during this coming time of Jacob's Trouble, the Holy Spirit will operate differently, such as was during the Old Testament ages; expect that additionally those taking the Mark of the Beast will be forever damned.

Current Dispensation: 

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Soon Coming Dispensation: 

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

Many speculate that the mark will perhaps defile one's humanity, due to having one's God-given image corrupted through the acceptance of the Mark of the Beast.  This would mirror well with Satan's previous attempt to corrupt humanity (Genesis 6:2, Genesis 6:4, Genesis 6:9) "as in the Days of Noah" through the angel's taking of women to produce giant "Nephilim" offspring.  Interestingly, people are currently trying to figure out how to use nano lipids to induce a DNA change from a double helix to a triple helix chain.  Beware of those quantum dot digital tattoos likely coming in the future, as a means to connect oneself to the image of the beast.  Regardless of what form the mark of the beast takes in the future, the Bible's truth still remains that those who take the mark will eventually spend forever in the Lake of Fire.  That is surely one baptism that nobody should want as their eternal state of existence.

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:11

Unfortunately, most “grace” teaching churches, in the context of salvation, confuse the meaning of repent.  Instead of teaching “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”, what is errantly taught is “repentance from the act of sinning” + “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” or sometimes they even just teach repentance is turning from the act of sinning.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

 

The tragedy of these errors is that false gospels (2 Corinthians 4:4, Galatians 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 2 Corinthians 11:15) are being presented to those hearing such a message, which makes faith in that message unable to save the individual.  They’re being told that to be saved they must effectively change their mind about their sins, by trying their best to stop sinning, by doing a 180 degree “turn” away from their sinful nature.  This “turn” from sin is then defined as “repentance.”  Such preachers, who say salvation is a free gift, are actually teaching that salvation is not a free gift, but rather is an agreement made as one commits to obeying the law (by turning from sin) as a prerequisite for God to agree to bless that person with his “free” gift of salvation.  This is the rubbish thinking that Paul addressed extensively in the Book of Galatians, when the early Christian Jews wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised and therefore identify with them as law keepers!

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. Galatians 6:13

 

The Galatians, who could never fulfill the law, had returned to their own self-righteous attempts to fulfill the law through their own law keeping, rather than by standing in faith that the Lord Jesus Christ had fulfilled the law for them.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

 

Not only did Jesus fulfill all of the law by keeping the law throughout all of his life, but also, he permanently fulfilled the Levitical atonement requirements for us, by dying as our sacrifice.

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:27

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:12

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

 

My friends, “turning from sin” is not biblical repentance seen under the New Covenant. The salvation of one’s soul comes by having faith in the Messiah’s sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection, when Jesus, who is the Messiah, the Lamb of God, shed his innocent blood and died on the cross and rose again in victory over death.  Christ’s baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ is the only way to be saved.  This “turning from sin” by obeying the law, is negatively described in Hebrews 6:1 as “dead works.”  We’re called to change our mind about trying to please God though the “dead works” of trying to keep the Old Covenant, the law.  

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Hebrews 6:1

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:13-14

 

Throughout the book of Hebrews, Paul addressed the Levitical rituals that the professing Jewish Christians had trusted in, before their faith in Christ.  He shows how Christ’s once and final sacrifice has superseded and was much better than that old Levitical system.

Stated another way, for those borne again in Christ, who were baptized into his death, burial and resurrection, the law has become dead to them and the keeping of the law has become dead works to them.  If you’re teaching people that God’s salvation is received by turning from one’s sins, please stop focusing on fulfilling the law and instead rest in faith toward Jesus Christ by believing in his finished work.  Rest in true repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, by believing that Jesus the Christ (aka Messiah) has reconciled you to God through his death, burial, and resurrection.  Please cease calling on the unsaved to do that which you yourself did not do to be saved (assuming at one point you were saved by grace alone through faith alone); don’t be like the foolish Galatians to whom Paul was addressing, who had forgotten God’s grace.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Galatians 1:6

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

 

Let's take a quick look at those who had not repented from their dead works, but rather were still clinging to them, even at the judgement seat.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23

 

In a nutshell, “perfection” is found only by grace through Jesus' imputed righteousness.  Perfection is not found by our striving to obey the law, by our sorrow over the wicked evil we’ve done, by our hatred of sins, by our commitment to live a godly life, but yet that is what most preachers want you to believe is necessary to be saved!  They’re calling for the mixing of God’s all-encompassing “It Is Finished” sacrifice, with “dead works!”

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

 

So why do many well-intending preachers believe "turning from sin" is biblical repentance?  Well, the Nation of Israel was constantly turning away from God by breaking the law that he had given to them.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; Deuteronomy 30:17

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. Deuteronomy 11:28

 

Therefore, God called them to turn back to him, by turning from wickedness to obedience by keeping his laws, in order for the Nation of Israel to be forgiven of their sins committed by breaking God’s laws.

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. 2 Chronicles 6:26-27

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: 1 Kings 8:35

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. 2 Kings 17:13

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Ezekiel 18:30

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. Deuteronomy 4:29-31

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 30:10

 

Unfortunately, the old covenant, the Law, was a covenant of death and was only a shadow of good things to come. It failed to make anyone perfect because nobody could keep it.  Therefore, God’s holy covenant of the law, worked only to prove mankind’s sinfulness and inability to satisfy it. Basically, through the law the world’s need for the Messiah as our blood atonement was strongly manifest.

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 10:1

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24

 

To the praise of the glory of his grace, we can be forever thankful for God’s love towards us and willingness to replace the law with a new covenant.  A covenant cut not by the shedding of animal blood, by the shedding of the Messiah's very own blood, which was provided at just the right prophesied time, for the sins of the world, by Jesus who fulfilled the law where we could not.  There's a reason his name in Hebrew means Salvation!

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Colossians 1:20-22

 

Better than any animal blood atonement, Jesus is the perfect high priest, whose once and final blood sacrifice has brought complete reconciliation!

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

 

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:6-7

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

 

We’re not even under the law anymore.  Being washed in the precious blood of our high priest, Jesus the Christ, has made us “unblameable and unreproveable,” which means God is “not imputing” our trespasses against us!  Sharing this “ministry of reconciliation” is part of the good news that the body of Christ is responsible to share.  Jesus can in righteousness grant this reconciliation that removes us from being under the law because he fulfilled the law for us.  

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:4

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; Ephesians 2:15

 

Imputed Righteousness  

Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, so that his righteousness could be given to all who believe.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 3:13

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. Deuteronomy 21:23

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

Not Under the Law = No Imputed Sin

Can a Christian sin?  Yes, Christians can and do sin.  Can those sins be held against us by God?  No, God is not holding sins against Christians, because their life has already been fully known by God and their sins paid for by Jesus Christ the Messiah.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:11

 

To those who are redeemed, having been already baptized into Christ through faith in the gospel, consider carefully before you drop to your knees to confess your sins before God, in order to “ask for forgiveness.”  By doing so, you’re disagreeing with God that there is sin that Jesus didn’t already atone for at the cross.  Instead, through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), let us reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11).  Let us stand in faith thanking God for already setting us spiritually free from the penalty and dominion (Romans 6:9) of those sins; that we may by faith walk in newness of life.

For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:13

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Psalm 32:2

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:8

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:15

Imputed Righteousness by Faith (Not the Law!)

The gospel is the good news of Jesus' sacrifice alone being the propitiation for the sins of the world, to all who believe it.  The gospel is not a lifestyle to be followed, but rather is good news to be believed; Christ's life to be received.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:21

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:2

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

This once and forever eternal payment for our sins is all made possible because of the sufficiency of his blood shed for our sins and his own willingness to take the penalty of our sins upon himself.

Propitiation” G2434: ἱλασμός, hilasmos, hil-as-mos'

1. a means of appeasing 

2. a propitiation, atoning sacrifice 

3. atonement

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:25

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

Let us stand firm on the rock of our salvation, being fully persuaded that Christ, who is faithful in all things, gives as promised a new life and identity to those that believe he is the Messiah, who died, was buried, and rose again. His blood was more than sufficient.

 

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians 5:18

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

The wonderful blessing that is the New Covenant was hidden in plain sight, but yet not revealed until at the right time.  Today is our day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Today the Messiah has been revealed.  Believe on him.  Believe in the shedding of his blood.  Believe in his death, burial, and resurrection.  The testimony of his word is true.  It’s life.  The cross has always been YHWH's only plan of salvation.

Just as there was only one way into the Tabernacle that God had built, there is only one way to enter into God’s presence to receive atonement: that way is by grace alone through faith alone in the blood of the Lamb.  Have faith in I AM.  Have faith in YHWH.  Have faith in Jesus the Messiah, who came and died on that cross in YOUR place.  Have faith in God’s love for YOU.  

Consider wisely he who has declared the end from the beginning.  The Aleph (Alpha/Beginning/strong bull) and Tav (Omega/End/cross) testify to the Messiah coming as a suffering servant, as is recorded throughout all of the scriptures.  It’s ALL true and the roaring lion of the tribe of Judah—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—is coming again so very soon!  Only God declares the end from the beginning.  Only God could have orchestrated the prophetic revealing of his Word over thousands of years into one cohesive theme that not only tells in advance what has now and will still happen, but also does so in a way that shows his character, nature, and love for all of mankind.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16

 

Thank you, Jesus, for offering yourself on the mercy seat for our sins.  May we be swift to share the good news of the gospel, for the ministry of reconciliation that you have so graciously called us to receive and share.  May all praise and glory and honor be yours alone forevermore.

If you wish to share this web address via a QR code, this below image can be used.

Recommended Articles about Repentance:

• "Repentance Old Testament" Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, Volume 2, No. 1 -- Spring 1989
• What is Repentance? (Unsealed.org Discussion Board Thread)
• Salvation In Romans 10:9-13: Clarified by Its Dispensational Context (Thomas L. Stegall)

For those wanting to download this document as a Word .doc, here's a link.  The document also has some extra study content at the bottom that makes a case for the names YHWH and Jesus Christ being both mathematically and also scientifically connected to the human body; and other science & math related evidence showing the Word to be faithful and true.  We are created in his image!

•   Messiah: From Concealed to Revealed & Messiah: The Source of Life

Boy Reveals Jesus in every book of the Bible

Newer Post Older Post