"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, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2)
And this we will do -- going on unto perfection, if God permit. You see, within the Word, there are understandings that come when we press into our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) Of course, the Word and the Spirit must agree, which is why we are called to study the Word to shew ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. (II Timothy 2:15)
But also, one of the promises of the Lord that we learn is that when we trust in Him by faith, we can have blessed assurance that this great high priest that passed into the heavens is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Indeed, He was in all points tempted like as we are -- yet without sin. It is for this reason that we can therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and grace to help us in the time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
But not just in our time of need in the earthly, but also, in understanding His Word. His promises. His endless and abundant love for His beloved creation. His grace and kindness wherein God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) Indeed, when we truly understand that His mercies are renewed every day for those who love Him, and that His love never leaves nor forsakes us, we can begin to step out in faith. Like a child learning to stand upright and walk, we will falter somewhat. But the good news is that every single time we fall, we have a Saviour who will walk with us through the tough times.
Remember, the poem where there was only one set of footsteps on the beach? That is the kind of Saviour we serve. The King of kings and Lord of lords who gave Himself for you and I on that old rugged cross, a tree that He Himself created. And we are to behold His glory! He became the Author of eternal salvation unto them that obey Him.
Why? Because it became Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. To this end, He shed His precious, holy blood on that cross so that you and I could rest in Him, an high priest who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.
By so much then, Jesus made a surety of a better testament -- an unchangeable priesthood, wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:22-28)
"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. For in that He Himself had suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2: 17-18)
"For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren ..." (Hebrews 2:11)
The Son of man is the Lord of glory, and He Himself who made the world was in the world, and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18; John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) The Word made flesh.
Who being the brightness of glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)
It is for this reason that we who believe in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:22-23)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
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