Hebrews 5:2 continued

Hebrews 5:2 cont

Purified from all unrighteousness

We need to continue with this verse simply because its meaning can pile condemnation on all of us who are aware that we have indeed sinned intentionally and dared to defy the commands of the Lord. Let’s repeat that the ancient Israelites had no way out of this dilemma, they were scarred for life if their sins were public. But it was also the knowledge that God knew everything about them that must have filled them with dread! In fact, we have seen exactly how the Lord God reacts to defiance in the previous 2 chapters of this Epistle. Chapter 3 goes into great detail in describing the disobedience and open rebellion of a whole generation of Israelites who were excluded from the Land of God’s rest because of their behaviour. Their sin was not one of ignorance but of open defiance. Many of those Israelites must have spent their lives pondering their foolishness, wondering if they would ever find absolution and fearing the judgement that was to come. There was no way out for them!

And yet, there were exceptions. David had a very public and defiant relationship with Bathsheba that involved not just adultery but also a plot to dispose of her husband, Uriah. David was still accepted and blessed by the Lord, but he was not allowed to build the Temple in Jerusalem, this honour was passed on to the son of His illicit relationship – Solomon! God shows us that He is still a God of grace for those who are truly repentant. (David’s repentance is described in detail in Psalm 51). So, where does that leave us? We have all sinned and most of us have sinned deliberately knowing that we are breaking God’s Law and defying His commands. 

Isaiah 53 gives us a blinding and history-changing insight into the offering of Yeshua and what He achieved for us at the cross. Presumably the Jews continue to hope for complete absolution from the Messiah who they are still awaiting? Verse 4 of this ground-breaking chapter uses the words translated “transgressions” and “iniquities.” “He was wounded because of our transgressions and bruised because of our iniquities.” The Hebrew words here describe sins that are committed with the intention of angering God! In other words, Jesus Christ died to forgive all sins be they committed in ignorance or intentionally! Thus, John could write, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify us from ALL unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 

 

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