Where Does Sin Come From?

 

“For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged the natural sexual relations for unnatural ones, and likewise the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed in their passions for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. They are rife with envy, murder, strife, deceit, hostility. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, contrivers of all sorts of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, covenant-breakers, heartless, ruthless. Although they fully know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:26-32 NET

Sin does not emerge from a vacuum; it is rooted in rebellion. This rebellion took root in the Garden of Eden, the sacred space where God first dwelled with humanity. The source of sin was one of God's creations, often called the accuser. Although he is unnamed in the book of Genesis, his defiance in the spiritual realm seeped into the natural world, corrupting all that God had created. To frame this as merely a setback for God would be a grave understatement, especially in light of His unconditional love. Yet, the profound truth of God's omniscience—His complete knowledge of all things—assures us that this turmoil did not take Him by surprise. Despite the pervasive effects of sin, His love remains unwavering and constant.

While some of the behaviors Paul describes have their roots in the rebellion of angels and their abhorrent actions, the rebellious angels undertook to corrupt humanity—with sins such as homosexuality, bestiality, and the sinister mixing of human and animal DNA to create hybrids—their ultimate aim was to poison and pervert the sacred bloodlines of God's chosen people. They sought to usurp divine authority, attempting to become like God through fleshly means and bypassing the spirit of God. These critical insights can be found in the Book of Enoch.

Today, Paul speaks to the lingering influence of these rebellious angels, who no longer manifest as Nephilim but as demonic spirits and influencers. While one can eliminate a rebellious human or hybrid creature physically, their corrupted spirit remains, continuing to exert influence over humanity. People today remain vulnerable to the same demonic powers that once roamed the earth in the guise of giants and Nephilim—only now, their influence permeates our minds.

These malevolent forces strive to derail God’s plan to establish heaven on earth through human effort and natural means. Paul powerfully addresses this misconception: there is no physical way to manifest heaven on earth through human actions or mental ascent. He emphasizes that Jesus is the sole path to realizing God’s divine purpose, and this cannot be achieved through the flesh but only through the spirit of God.

When Paul mentions that men and women committed shameless acts and received the due penalty for their actions, he is speaking of the diseases that came upon them for their disobedience. For example, we tend to think of AIDS as a new disease and a result of homosexuality, but Soloman had it right “What has happened before will happen again. What has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new in the whole world.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 GNT

The question that gnaws at my heart is this: Why has God permitted corruption to remain active in our world, shaping it in ways that diverge from His original intention? I believe there is a profound purpose behind this—not merely a lapse on God's part. He longs for us to pursue Him and His glory, striving for a prize that far surpasses anything this world has to offer. He invites us to actively engage with His character.

Scripture reveals that we were originally created in God’s image, signifying a deep and intentional likeness to Him. Adam and Eve were fashioned in this image, existing in pure innocence before God, fully trusting in and relying on His presence each day. Yet, this likeness was imperfect because God intended for His created beings to reflect not just His actions by what He does but His very character by who He is.

Consider the firstborn son, steeped in his father's wisdom and traits, absorbing lessons that shape his identity. In Jewish culture, a son carries his father’s name, a profound symbol of identity, legacy, and reputation. In much the same way, we are called to reflect the very essence of our Creator. We must bear His name with gratitude and embody the character He desires to instill. Doing so invites others to recognize His greatness and share His fame as we engage with the world.

Paul powerfully illustrates the negative aspects of depravity by depicting the stark contrast apart from a holy God and the transformative power of divine intervention. These evil traits undeniably originate from rebellion—rooted in the corruption of the fallen angels who have long influenced humanity. Scripture boldly equates rebellion with witchcraft, highlighting its dangerous capacity to manipulate thoughts and actions.

When we come to the sobering realization that we are spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins, we uncover just how distanced we are from God's presence, revealing the stark reality of our spiritual depravity. Yet, in our most desperate moments, our Heavenly Father relentlessly pursues us, shining the illuminating light of His Spirit into our lives. This awakening has remarkable power, offering us the incredible opportunity to rise from our spiritual death and wholeheartedly embrace a new life in Christ.

Many people, in their self-righteousness, believe they can gain God's favor by rigidly following laws, rules, and ordinances. Yet, this belief only creates barriers between those who follow the law and those who know they can't. It fails to draw them closer to God than those who openly rebel. The undeniable truth is that we are all flawed, struggling with our negative proclivities. These imperfections create distance from God and our efforts to attempt to flawlessly adhere to the law or rules to live by only further that fact. Understanding this can help us connect more deeply with each other and with our heavenly Father.

Our imperfections led Jesus to sacrifice Himself, making us holy before our Heavenly Father by receiving Him as our savior. While achieving perfection in our physical bodies is impossible, we can allow the Holy Spirit to transform our minds to reflect Christ more fully. The Father yearns for us to embody His image; though our flesh may fade, our spirit and soul are eternal as long as we receive the gift of Jesus Christ only begins to illuminate. The presence of Christ dwells within us, promising the gift of eternal life. Through Christ, we have become divine beings—this extraordinary term signifies our elevated spiritual status, buoyed by the Holy Spirit. In embracing this truth, we gain immortality and the assurance that we will never truly die but live forever as God's sons and daughters.

Stephen Barnett

God's Wrath Truly Revealed

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness, because what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.” Romans 1:18-23 NET

The belief known as “penal substitutionary atonement” (PSA) asserts that all humanity faces God's wrath. However, this raises a crucial question: What does God's wrath signify when we consider His inherently loving nature? Can a God of profound love also express merciless anger?

Many secular scholars who analyze the biblical accounts of God's command for the extermination of specific nations during the early Jewish conquests, these scholars contend that these actions reflect divine injustice and capriciousness. However, this perspective often neglects the broader context of these nations and the rationale behind their destruction. Most, if not all, of these groups, were descended from a lineage profoundly corrupted by fallen angels, who intermarried with humanity and gave rise to fearsome hybrid giants. These angelic/human giants unleashed senseless and arbitrary violence, terrorizing and murdering innocent people without any justifiable cause. Understanding this context sheds light on the difficult decisions made during those tumultuous times.

The Book of Enoch tells us more the story of giants, also known as Nephilim, which correlates with the depictions of Genesys 6 and the Deuteronomy 32 worldview. These giants were depicted as wild, colossal beings driven by rage and insatiable appetites. Their relentless consumption of enormous quantities of food drained the vital resources essential for human survival. In their desperate hunger, some even resorted to cannibalism, illustrating the profound danger they represented to humanity. This portrayal underscores the dire threat these giants posed to mankind's very existence.

In the face of the relentless assault by the Nephilim, countless humans earnestly cried out to God for protection, appealing desperately and seeking salvation for themselves and their descendants from these fearsome hybrid killers. God empowered Israel to rise up and vanquish the giant clans in a powerful response, transforming the children of Israel into a beacon of hope and strength. Their sacred mission was to eradicate the tainted bloodlines of the Nephelim, ensuring the land would no longer be defiled by hybrid intercourse and that a pure, holy lineage would be restored once again.

To truly grasp the essence of God’s character, we must move beyond mere definitions and examine His nature from a deeper perspective. When understood in the context of His love, God's wrath reveals the depth of who He is. He does not desire to be a taskmaster but longs to be a source of unwavering love and acceptance. This longing is beautifully articulated in the Song of Solomon. Love is not what God does; more precisely, love is who He is.

God’s wrath is not a mere expression of rage intended for our destruction but a profound invitation to transformation through kindness and mercy, to remove offensive behavior that keeps us from knowing Him deeper. This transformative power of His wrath shines as a beacon of hope, revealing His unwavering desire to redeem and restore humanity with compassion rather than to punish us out of anger or inflict tyrannical suffering without reason. Thus, God's wrath transcends our initial perceptions; it embodies a character resolutely committed to loving and showing mercy to His creation, even amid rebellion and sin. If God had simply created us for punishment, He then would be unjust and tyrannical. This understanding invites us to embrace His mercy and desire transformation in our lives.

When we examine the concept of "wrath" in the Bible in relation to God, it reveals a profound idea of a "mental bent" or "impulse." This invites us to reflect deeply on what God's inclination reveals about His true character as portrayed in Scripture. Crucially, God's wrath is not a mechanism for punishing man since we, in our humanity, cannot measure up to His holy standards. Only God Himself can meet the perfection required of divine beings since we are inherently flawed.

Herein lies an extraordinary truth: Jesus is the only one who has met the demands of perfection. When we receive Him as our Savior, we experience a profound transformation, being seen as perfect in the eyes of God. This remarkable change occurs because Jesus resides within us, and we reside in Him by the power of the Holy Spirit, unlike the Nephilim who attempted to circumvent God’s plan and do it naturally through human reproduction. Embracing this powerful relationship with Jesus affirms our inherent worth and equips us with the confidence and strength to live out our faith in Christ, fully aligned with God's will and deepening our relationship with Him.

Jesus willingly endured unimaginable torture and suffering on our behalf, and it's crucial to understand the truth behind this: God did not inflict suffering upon Him; it was humanity that did. The torment and cruelty Jesus faced were not the actions of God but rather that of sinful mankind. If God is love, then what purpose does Jesus' suffering serve? Hebrews 5:8 (GNT) provides clarity: “But even though he was God’s Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient.” This verse illustrates the profound and transformative purpose of Jesus' suffering, emphasizing that it taught Him the invaluable lessons of obedience. Just as a son learns essential life skills (or apprenticing) from his Father through life experiences, so too did Jesus learn through His trials, reinforcing the depth of His divine relationship with His heavenly Father. It is again a matter of perspective rather than punitive substitutionary atonement. God loves because he loves, not because we earn or deserve it.

Paul powerfully asserts that God has revealed Himself through His creation since the dawn of time. God is not a distant mystery; the natural world's intricate complexity and breathtaking beauty make it abundantly clear that people are without excuse for denying Him. Before Jesus, individuals recognized God's existence through His creations but chose not to express gratitude, offer thanks, or to give Him the glory He deserves. Instead, they turned their backs on His Majesty, focusing inward and elevating themselves to the status of gods—a fruitless endeavor. This arrogance mirrors the mindset of many today, many who fail to recognize the true God as their ultimate source of life, preferring instead to worship their own self-made images or ideals.

Stephen Barnett

I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just as I already have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Thus I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”” Romans 1:13-17 NET

It is undeniable that Paul's journey to Rome was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Despite his deep yearning to connect with the Christian believers in Rome, he encountered persistent barriers that kept him from fulfilling this desire. These challenges were not mere obstacles; they clearly illustrated the Holy Spirit's protective hand, preparing Paul for the divinely appointed moment. This purposeful intervention was designed to serve the needs of the believers in Rome and propel the gospel message forward with greater impact.

Paul’s heartfelt desire to offer a spiritual blessing to the Roman church opens up many possibilities. In today’s context, this could be imparting spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, or increased faith. The possibilities are numerous and diverse. and of these gifts or others could significantly empower the local church on its faith journey. His encouragement alone might have been transformative for many congregations, enabling them to fully embrace the profound impact of God’s spirit. This would lead to physical renewal and deep spiritual empowerment, equipping them to live lives fully devoted to God’s divine purposes.

I strongly believe that Paul sought a direct and personal encounter with the believers in the church of Rome to vividly illustrate the transformative power of Christ that already existed in their lives. His goal was to make the reality of Christ Jesus unmistakably evident among them, enabling these young believers to truly know and experience Christ through their relationships with one another. Paul envisioned a dynamic community where the power of Christ was not only recognized but also profoundly displayed. In doing so, each believer could deepen their understanding and love for Jesus Christ while actively supporting and uplifting one another in that same divine love.

I believe that Paul sought to unveil the profound simplicity of the gospel, allowing it to flow unencumbered by the chains of rules and regulations that instill bondage and fear. As someone deeply versed in the law and its demands, Paul understood this reality intimately. He boldly urged people to leave the law behind, abandon the burdensome physical practices of compliance, and instead listen to and obey the Holy Spirit as He inspires each heart. This obedience to the Spirit, who guides, comforts, and empowers us, opens the door to true freedom, overflowing joy, and deep, abiding love. In the light of God’s perfect love, there is no place for fear to thrive.

Paul's calling was so powerful that it defined his identity and served as the driving purpose of his life. As a former Pharisee, God transformed his extensive knowledge of the law into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. This profound change opened his eyes to his unique role: uniting the very nations that had been cast aside by God at the Tower of Babel. Unbeknownst to him, he was not just the first to embrace this calling, but the pioneer of missionary work among the Gentiles. Paul's extraordinary mission continues to inspire us today, enabling us to experience God's boundless love and receive the gift of salvation extended to all who believe.

Paul's unwavering confidence in the gospel of the Kingdom was not just a personal conviction; it was his relationship with Jesus that propelled him into a vital mission that would change the course of history. He saw the seventy nations surrounding Israel not merely as distant lands but as the rebellious, long-lost, rejected nations of Babel, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 32. The powerful message of the gospel is that God longs to restore every nation through Christ. Paul’s vision was laser-focused, shaped by his own knowledge and experience and the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. He did not contemplate other world continents or their expanding populations, as those realities were outside his awareness at the time.

Yet, emboldened by Paul's example, countless others answered the call to foreign missions, transforming Paul’s singular journey into a dynamic collective movement. This remarkable evolution from a personal quest to a global mission continues to flourish today, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of Paul’s efforts to reach nations near and far.

The powerful message of the gospel is that we stand in the righteousness of Jesus Christ rather than relying on our own. He sacrificed His life for us so that we could truly live through Him, made alive by His precious blood. We have no reason to feel ashamed of the gospel; instead, we can embrace it with the same confidence as Paul, knowing that this message of salvation is potent and available to everyone, not just a select few. Each person is cherished by God, treated as a treasure individually and collectively, in ways we are only beginning to grasp. Unlike our love, which can fluctuate with our moods and emotions, God's love remains steadfast and unwavering. God is love—simple yet profound—and His character is unchanging; He is who He is, and His love is constant and everlasting.

The powerful truth that Christ dwells within us underscores a profound reality: we were once spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins, but through Jesus, we are restored to vibrant spiritual life. Just as a corpse cannot utter a word, a dead person cannot possess faith; it’s utterly impossible. Yet, Christ brings us to life, allowing us to fully acknowledge our fallen nature while experiencing a miraculous rebirth that transcends human understanding. This transformation is nothing short of being born again into a dynamic new existence in Christ.

In this powerful rebirth, we are empowered to stand boldly as sons and daughters of God, immersed not in solitude but connected as integral members of a larger spiritual family. We are joint heirs with Jesus, sharing in the immeasurable treasures of God’s unfathomable love for us. This life-altering gift offers us hope and purpose that surpasses our wildest dreams, reminding us of the profound depth of God’s love for each and every one of us daily.

Stephen Barnett

The Heart Of A Servant

“First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, is my witness that I continually remember you and I always ask in my prayers, if perhaps now at last I may succeed in visiting you according to the will of God. For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually comforted by one another’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:8-12 NET

Paul opens his message by joyfully celebrating the Roman church and its powerful testimony of faith. He firmly establishes himself as an apostle to the church, sharing how he has transformed from a known persecutor to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. With heartfelt sincerity, Paul shifts the focus to his earnest intercession for the believers in Rome, reflecting his profound concern and commitment as he continually remembers them in his prayers.

His deep desire is to meet with the Roman church, witness firsthand the richness of Christ revealed in their lives, and impart a spiritual gift that will uplift and empower them. This has always been Paul’s mission: to see the reality of Christ alive in his fellow believers, foster a spirit of mutual encouragement, and share the boundless love of Jesus among them.

While the exact origins of this vibrant community are somewhat unclear, it is widely believed that Romans who witnessed the transformative events of Pentecost returned to establish the Christian church in Rome, likely within a synagogue setting.

Scholarly perspectives suggest that individuals who encountered the gospel in distant places, such as Asia or Greece, enriched the Roman church. This influx of diverse backgrounds and experiences from Jewish and non-Jewish believers created a unique tapestry of faith within the Roman church.

A crucial historical factor to consider is the remarkable growth of the Roman Christian community. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in the mid-50s, the community was relatively small, even with the addition of Jewish believers. However, by the time of the catastrophic fires under Nero in 64 CE, this group had grown significantly, attracting enough attention for Nero to target them as scapegoats for the disastrous fires in Rome that he himself had caused. Remarkably, the Roman Christian community expanded considerably in less than a decade.

The book of Romans highlights the significant role of the church in Rome and Paul’s mission to inspire and guide this growing community. Paul addresses profound themes of faith, justification, and the essential relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, making a compelling case for unity and understanding within the body of Christ.

Paul's primary objective in writing this treatise is to visit the thriving Church in Rome, offering them essential physical and spiritual encouragement. He aims to actively participate in the dynamic growth of God's kingdom within their community, sharing vital insights on maintaining a robust and faithful congregation, even amidst the challenges posed by Roman authorities and certain Judaizers—Christians intent on preserving Jewish customs within the Church.

With powerful conviction, Paul declares in this writing that the laws and ordinances of the Old Testament have been fulfilled through Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. There is no longer any need for further sacrifices for sin or the practice of circumcision; we are completely cleansed through the sacrifice of Jesus. Paul passionately underscores the extraordinary freedom we have received in Christ—a freedom forged by His death, empowering us to flourish in our faith with unwavering confidence.

Paul’s unwavering love for Jesus, vividly expressed through his leadership and selfless service to the Church, is a compelling example of authentic servanthood. His life radiates his love and devotion to Christ, urging us to emulate that spirit of love and service. In today’s world, the Church is vital in illuminating God’s love, and we desperately need leaders like Paul—individuals who not only exemplify Christ’s love but also inspire us to boldly walk in their footsteps to make a difference in the lives of others.

Stephen Barnett

Welcomed In

“From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according to the Holy Spirit by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received grace and our apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles on behalf of his name. You also are among them, called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!” Romans 1:1-7 NET

Paul opens his letter with a powerful declaration, identifying himself as a devoted slave of Christ Jesus. He humbly sets aside any credit for his status as a Pharisee, despite the extensive training he received under Gamaliel, which positioned him as a master rabbi in the Sanhedrin and bestowed upon him considerable influence. He considers all of this as nothing compared to the privilege of knowing and sharing Jesus with others.

What makes Paul's message revolutionary is its focus on the Gentile population. God spoke directly to him about the urgent mission of restoring the disenfranchised nations—those outside the Jewish community—back to Himself. Paul’s message is taken directly from Deuteronomy 32. He boldly proclaims that Jesus Christ is not merely the Messiah for the Jews but is, in fact, the Savior for all humanity. This transformative message, powerfully presented in his opening lines, makes the book of Romans unique and profoundly significant, particularly for non-Jews.

The apostles were the early church disciples with the extraordinary privilege of meeting Jesus face-to-face and walking alongside Him. While Paul was not one of the original twelve, he underwent a remarkable transformation following a powerful encounter with Jesus on his journey to Damascus. (Acts 9) Initially intent on discrediting Jesus, this pivotal moment not only changed the course of his life but also introduced him to the very figure he had sought to eliminate from the Jewish community. The significance of this experience was profound; Paul was personally taught by Jesus Himself, as revealed in Galatians 1:11-17, during a three-year stay in Arabia and Damascus before beginning his ministry.

Paul's self-identification as an apostle is truly astonishing. His encounter with Jesus was unlike any other, setting him apart from the original twelve apostles; it took place through a profound personal revelation. In this extraordinary experience, Jesus not only taught Paul for three years in Arabia but also unveiled the depths of scripture, which Paul viewed as a legitimate qualification for his apostleship. He fervently believed that he had been chosen by Jesus to proclaim the gospel to those beyond the borders of Israel. This divine calling was unprecedented and unique, unlike anything that had occurred before, and Paul stood at the epicenter of this transformative mission, inspiring countless others with his unwavering commitment and passion for Jesus.

Paul's remarkable self-sufficiency exemplified his resourcefulness and determination. He was uniquely chosen to proclaim the gospel of God, a sacred mission entrusted to him by Jesus Himself. With his exceptional skills as a tentmaker, he diligently earned his own living, ensuring he did not place a burden on those he encountered. Yet, his true calling and life's work lay in passionately preaching the gospel and planting churches. This vital mission was further empowered by the loyal support of individuals God brought into his life.

If Paul had been a boxer, the knockout combination of his message would consist of his powerful declaration of his calling and a profound definition of who Jesus is, clearly articulated in the early verses. Paul boldly asserts that the gospel was promised long ago, revealing Jesus as the fulfillment foretold by the prophets in the holy scriptures. He presents Jesus from two compelling angles: on one hand, as a descendant of David, a tangible human figure; and on the other, as the Son of God, exalted in power through the Holy Spirit by His resurrection from the dead. This remarkable dual nature of Jesus is a cornerstone of Paul’s message, illuminating his identity and the true essence of who Jesus is.

Paul does not seek personal recognition in his message; instead, he aims to inspire a shared sense of apostleship among his audience, rooted in his experience with Jesus. By referring to it as “our” apostleship, he passionately invites his listeners to encounter Jesus in the same transformative way he did and to receive their unique calling directly from Jesus. At the heart of Paul's message is the powerful theme of grace, the very force through which we are saved and empowered to fulfill our divine purpose. He firmly believes that God, in His vast greatness, is poised to expand His church and reach others in the same direct and impactful way that Jesus reached out to him.

Paul opens with the declaration, “to those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints,” a powerful affirmation that reveals God’s heart is now wide open to the Gentiles. After generations of exclusion that began with the Tower of Babel, during which many were distanced from the true God of creation, God is now actively drawing all people back to Himself through Jesus, restoring their connection with their creator. This profound truth is at the core of Paul’s message, which is why he dedicates significant attention to acknowledging that these Gentiles in Rome are indeed called to be saints— a remarkable opportunity that was previously beyond their reach. Paul enthusiastically praises his audience as God’s chosen ones, mirroring the call he himself received from Jesus, thus reinforcing the breathtaking inclusivity of God's grace.

Stephen Barnett

God Will Equip Us To Do His Will

“Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you briefly. You should know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you. Greetings to all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with you all.” Hebrews 13:20-25 NET

The closing benediction of the book of Hebrews powerfully encapsulates the core message presented throughout the book in just a few sentences. It boldly declares that our God is the God of Peace, reinforcing the profound truth that “every kind of blessing and good” flows from God who loves us wholeheartedly. This assertion shatters the misguided belief that God exists solely to impose punitive judgment, a narrative rooted in human control that ultimately fails to recognize the true purpose of divine grace: to liberate us from the bondage of sin.

Our God operates through the powerful blood of the eternal covenant. Jesus willingly gave His life and shed His blood to establish this covenant from the very foundation of the earth. While we may perceive it as a singular moment in time, the eternal covenant has always existed from God’s perspective, for He transcends the limitations of time and space that constrain us.

This everlasting covenant is an extraordinary promise made by God between Himself and humanity. It defines His divine plan and purpose for us, revealing that we were created in His image and tasked as His precious sons and daughters to reflect His character of love in the world. Embracing this truth empowers us to fulfill our role in reflecting His character of love in the world.

Jesus is powerfully depicted as the great shepherd of the sheep, which is a metaphor for the fact that He physically rose from the dead to become or embody our salvation. Through His triumph over sin and death, Jesus ushered in a transformative new and better way of living that invites us into a deeper relationship with God. While the physical effects of death may bind us to the constraints of time, Jesus transcended these limitations by revealing Himself as eternal—an extraordinary being who embodies both God and man. This profound truth may be difficult to fully comprehend, yet it reminds us that we are His beloved children, redeemed at an unimaginable cost.

Yet one more thing is mentioned in these last verses of benediction: “that He may equip us to do every good thing according to His will”. We tend to think that it is always up to us to utilize our time, energy, and money to please God, but that is not what it is saying. We are equipped by God with His resources in every good thing. Jesus clarified it when He spoke to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26.

Merely doing good deeds for God isn’t enough; what truly matters is the condition of our hearts and our understanding of our real treasure. Are we pouring our passion into our possessions or placing our trust in the One who holds us in His hands? Take a moment to reflect on the rich young ruler: he meticulously adhered to the scriptures and followed the laws, yet his actions were driven by a cold sense of obligation rather than a heartfelt connection with God.

We must actively challenge ourselves to recognize how God is powerfully at work through others and commit to being vessels of His blessings. By fully embodying His love, we can elevate those in need from their struggles and become transformative agents of change in their lives. This journey is not solely about our individual efforts; it’s about the incredible impact God can achieve through us, stirring a profound heart of compassion within each of us. Let us rise as instruments of His grace—a dynamic force for transformation that uplifts us and leaves a lasting mark on the world around us.

We are called to be Jesus’s hands and feet in ways that profoundly transform not only those we serve but ourselves as well. This is what truly pleases God: engaging in acts of service with genuine purpose that result in visibly changed hearts and lives.

The writer adopts a humble yet earnest tone, appealing to readers to bear with his message as a show of respect for their time. He passionately implores his audience to listen closely, accept his words, and take them to heart. This heartfelt appeal underscores his commitment to profoundly impacting Hebrew listeners with vital insights about their faith and relationship with God. Furthermore, he highlights the letter’s brevity, reminding us that while it carries the weight of a theological treatise, his goal was to deliver a concise yet powerful exhortation that resonates deeply with its audience.

While often labeled an “epistle” or “letter,” the Book of Hebrews serves far more compellingly as a sermon or homily—a profound theological treatise rather than a mere historical or biographical account. Scholars widely recognize its distinctive structure and powerful message, emphasizing Christ’s unparalleled superiority and the fulfillment of Old Testament practices. The book’s primary goal is to instruct and inspire its readers to deepen their faith, understand the nature of Jesus, and appreciate the transformative superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. Hebrews itself powerfully describes its mission as “paraklēsis,” encompassing consolation, an exhortation, a sermon, advocacy, and even intercession, making it a vital source of encouragement for believers.

Stephen Barnett

Let Us Continually Offer Up A Sacrifice Of Praise To God

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name. And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to conduct ourselves rightly in every respect. I especially ask you to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.” Hebrews 13:14-19 NET

The writer powerfully asserts that we lack a permanent city in our present age, living instead in a world steeped in sin and destruction. This world is consumed by fleeting desires rather than the eternal truths of heaven. Yet, our hearts long for a city that is to come—a city ruled by Jesus, the new Jerusalem, or as it is also known, the new Zion, the very place where Jesus dwells. The expression "daughter of Zion" serves as a vivid personification of Jerusalem, rich with meaning in and prophetic literature found in Isaiah, Psalm 9:15, and Zechariah 9:9. This phrase encapsulates the profound relationship between God and His people, the land, and the Temple.

Keeping in mind that Paul describes us as the temple in which Jesus rules and reigns, essentially, this profound relationship is more about what Jesus does in our lives to form us more fully into His image and eventually meet and draw in the Jewish people. More than anything, God wants everyone to become aware of His love for them and save all of mankind, for He died for everyone. But the reality is not all will receive the gift that Jesus offers, and God will not force anyone to receive Him.

Paul powerfully illustrates in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, that we are the temple where Jesus rules and reigns. This profound relationship highlights how Jesus works in our hearts and lives, fully transforming us into His image. His mission is not just for us, but also to draw the Jewish people to recognize their Messiah. God’s deepest desire is for everyone to embrace His incredible love and to experience His salvation, for He sacrificed Himself for all of humanity. However, we must acknowledge a crucial truth: not everyone will receive the precious gift that Jesus offers, and God respects our freedom to choose, never forcing anyone to welcome Him into their lives.

When Jesus truly reigns in our hearts and lives, we encounter a profound realization of His sacrifice—one that is utterly complete and all-encompassing, for His sacrifice completed all things, and nothing is left undone. This revelation fills us with awe and gratitude. The only gift we can offer Him is the heartfelt praise and worship that rises from our lips. Through His atonement, we are reconciled to God, leaving us with no choice but to acknowledge His name and bless Him for the incredible sacrifice He made on our behalf.

God is pleased with such sacrifices of praise on our part, it demonstrates our gratitude for Jesus' life and what He accomplished on our behalf.

In like manner, we are to submit to our leaders, for they watch over our souls. Allow them to serve with Joy without complaining, for this is to our benefit. But in the same vein, if leaders choose to deny and attack those who love Jesus and attempt to make us deny the love of God that resides in our hearts by speaking against Jesus, then we must serve God rather than man, and be willing to offer ourselves as Jesus did as conscientious objectors, not as radical freedom fighters.

We are called to honor and submit to our leaders as they are responsible for guiding our well-being. It is essential that we allow them to serve with joy and without complaints, as this creates a positive environment that benefits us all. Yet, we must remain vigilant in our hearts. If our leaders choose to deny or attack those who love Jesus, or if they attempt to pressure us into rejecting the love of God by speaking out against Him and demanding we do the same, we are compelled to a higher duty. In such moments, we must stand firmly with God rather than with man. Just as Jesus exemplified unwavering commitment to His purpose, we, too, should become steadfast advocates for our faith, upholding our convictions with courage and clarity rather than resorting to physical conflict or radicalism.

The writer earnestly appeals for heartfelt prayers for a clear conscience for both him and his ministry team. He is determined to navigate their words and actions thoughtfully, ensuring they remain free from any bondage of the law or the burdens of guilt that could undermine their testimony in Christ. Moreover, he passionately seeks prayers that God will pave the way for his return to this cherished Hebrew fellowship, a community he holds close to his heart and longs to reconnect with deeply.

Prayer is our powerful weapon and a vital means of connecting with God. It is the channel through which Christ bestows blessings upon others. God's intent for our lives is to expand our horizons, not limit them, to bring the reality of His kingdom into the lives of those around us. This transformation occurs not through force or punitive measures but through grace and mercy.

It is essential to recognize that God's judgment on humanity is rooted solely in grace and forgiveness—an extraordinary gift that we do not deserve but can receive freely. We must shift our perspective on punitive judgment to align with God's vision, embracing His boundless compassion rather than the limited viewpoints we have been taught through the law. The law was fulfilled in Christ, and we are no longer bound to it as long as we remain in the love of God in Christ. 

Our new city awaits and calls to us.

Stephen Barnett