Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible





All things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. He gave the ministry of reconciliation to us. God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ. He was not imputing their trespasses against them, for he had committed the word of reconciliation to us. We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God.

You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near. For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. read more.
So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility).

And all things are reconciled through him. He made peace through the blood of his atonement (of the stake). He reconciles all things, whether things upon the earth, or things in heaven. You were in the past alienated and enemies because your minds were on your evil works. But he (Christ) reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and without accusation before Him (God).

This means that he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, in order to offer a propitiatory sacrifice (pay atonement) (to make reconciliation) for the sins of the people.


For as many of you who were baptized into Christ put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one (united) in Christ Jesus. (John 17:21) (Ephesians 4:4-6)

John said: Master we saw some one casting out demons in your name. So we prevented him from doing this because he does not follow us. Jesus said: Do not forbid him for he that is not against you is for you.

John spoke up: Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in your name. We tried to stop him because he does not follow us. But Jesus said: Do not stop him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. read more.
Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

Since God gave them the same gift as he gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could oppose God? When they heard this they objected no more and praised God, saying: God has granted the people of the nations repentance to life.

Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had an intense (harsh) dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question. The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes). So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter. When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed (set apart) for the good news of God, He promised this long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. This is about his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who came from the seed of David according to the flesh. read more.
He was declared to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, respecting his name. You are among those called to Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God and called to be holy ones: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise. I am ready to preach the good news to you in Rome also. I am not ashamed of the good news; for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who exerts active faith (believes), to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

No flesh will be justified before God by works of the law. Knowledge of sin comes from the law. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. God makes people righteous through their active faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all. read more.
For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God being justified freely by his grace (as a gift) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God displayed Christ publicly as propitiation (atonement) by his blood through faith. It demonstrated his righteousness. It was through the forbearance of God that he passed by the sins that had taken place before. It showed his righteousness at this present season that he might himself be righteous, and the justifier of he who has faith in Jesus. Where is the boasting? It is excluded. Is it by law? Is it by works? No, it is by a principle of faith. We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.

We are justified (acquitted) (made righteous) by faith. And we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have access to grace (God's favor) by faith through him. This is where we stand. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). read more.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near.

There is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all and in all. As God's chosen, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness (humility), meekness (mildness), and long-suffering (patience). Tolerate (endure) (suffer) (put up with) one another, and forgive each other. If any man has a complaint against anyone, forgive them, even as God forgave you. read more.
Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection and unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.

The former commandment was set aside because it was weak and useless.

By calling this covenant new, he has made the first one old (obsolete). That which grows old and aged will soon disappear.


The words once more plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.




You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near. For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. read more.
So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near. We both have access to the Father by one Spirit through him.



There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.







May they all be united (in agreement) as one. Just as you, Father, are with me, and I am with you. Help them be united with us! That way the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me in order that they may be one even as we are one. I with them, and you with me, that they may accomplish complete unity. That way the world may know that you sent me and that you love them just as you love me.

For we have many members in one body and all members do not have the same function. These many members are one body in Christ, and every one, individually, is a member one of the other.


For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many and are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or people of the nations, whether we are bond or free; we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. read more.
If the foot should say: Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the ear should say: Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where is the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where is the smelling? Has God set the members of the body, every one of them, just as it pleased him? And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now they are many members, yet they are one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Those members of the body, which seem to be weaker, are necessary. And those members of the body that we think to be less honorable, we offer these more honors. Our less acceptable parts have more abundant acceptability. For our acceptable parts have no need. But God has assembled the body together, having given more abundant honor to the part that was lacking. There should be no division in the body. So the members should have the same care for each other. When one member suffers all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you who were baptized into Christ put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one (united) in Christ Jesus. (John 17:21) (Ephesians 4:4-6)


For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). read more.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near. We both have access to the Father by one Spirit through him. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens. You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and of the household of God.

In him each building fits together and grows into a holy Temple for Jehovah. (Zechariah 6:12)


This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ: until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.








Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.


Those who desire to make a showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised. This is done so they may not be persecuted for the stake of Christ.

The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. read more.
God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes).


Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say: To Abraham his faith was counted for righteousness. How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision: He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had while he was not circumcised. That way he could be the father of all those who believe, though they are not circumcised, that righteousness might be counted to them.

Is any man called being circumcised? He should not become uncircumcised. Is any called who is not circumcised? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God.

Titus was with me and he was not persuaded to be circumcised. He is a Greek. This occurred because of the false brothers brought in secretly. They came to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus. This was so they might bring us into bondage.

Behold, I Paul say to you, that, if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision. He is under obligation to obey the whole Law. You who seek to be righteous by Law are separated from Christ. You have fallen away from grace. read more.
For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision means anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. You were running well! Who hindered you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion did not come from him who calls you. A little leaven, leavens (ferments) the whole lump. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view. And he that troubles you will bear his judgment, who ever he is. But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then has the stumbling block of the stake been done away?

Remember that you were once people of the nations in the flesh. You are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision, in the flesh, made by human hands.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

Remember that you were once people of the nations in the flesh. You are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision, in the flesh, made by human hands.



For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision anything, but a new creature is.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.





We have been discharged (released) from the law. We have died to that by which we were held. So we serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.


Their minds were blinded. Until this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It is not revealed to them that Christ voided it. But to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their heart. When one turns to God, the veil is taken away.


Those who live through (in union with) (because of) Jesus Christ have no condemnation. [They do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.] The law of the Spirit gives us life through (with) (because of) Christ Jesus. It has set me free from the law of sin and death. God did what the Law could not do, because human nature was weak. He sent his own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering and do away with sin. So he condemned sin in sinful human nature. read more.
God did this so that the righteous requirements of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature.

Do you not know, for I speak to men who know the law, that the law has dominion (jurisdiction) over a man as long as he lives? Law binds the married woman to her husband while he lives. But if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband. So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she will be called an adulteress. If the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man. read more.
Brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ; that you should be joined to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit to God. When we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit to death. We have been discharged (released) from the law. We have died to that by which we were held. So we serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! I had not known sin except through the law. For I had not known coveting except the law had said: You should not covet. But sin, finding occasion, worked out in me through the commandment all manner of coveting. Apart from the law sin is dead. I was alive apart from the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. The commandment, which was to life, this I found to be to death. For sin, finding occasion, through the commandment deceived me, and through it killed me. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good. Did that which is good become death to me? God forbid! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good. This way sin might be shown to be sin. Through the commandment sin could be recognized. For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am fleshly and sold under sin. I do not understand what I am doing. For what I want to do I do not do. What I hate, I do. But if what I do not want to do, I do, I consent to the law that it is right. Now then it is no longer I that do it, but the sin that dwells in me. I know that good does not live in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. If I do what I do not want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it. Instead, it is the sin that lives in me. I find that this law is at work. When I want to do what is good, what is evil is the only choice I have. My inner person delights in the law of God. However I see a different law at work in my body. This law fights against the law that my mind approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin that is at work in my body. Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ! So then I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin.

Yet we know that a man is not righteous by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be righteous by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law. The works of the law justify no one. We sought to be righteous in Christ. And we were found to be sinners. Is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. If I build up again the things that I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. read more.
I, through the law, died to the law that I might live to (for) God. I have been impaled with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh (physical body) I live by faith. This is the faith that is in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself up for me. I do not reject the grace (totally undeserved gift) of God: for if righteousness is [gained] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. read more.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

When we were children, we too were held in bondage. We were slaves to the arrangement of this world. When the full time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. read more.
Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So you are no longer slaves but a son. And as a son God has made you an heir. However at that time, you did not know God. You were in bondage to things that are really not gods at all. Now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and poor fundamental things? Do you want to slave for them all over again? You observe days and months, seasons and years. I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).

You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near. For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.

The former commandment was set aside because it was weak and useless.

By calling this covenant new, he has made the first one old (obsolete). That which grows old and aged will soon disappear.


The words once more plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.




Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

I, through the law, died to the law that I might live to (for) God.

We know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those under the law. Every mouth may be stopped and the entire world may become liable to God for punishment.



For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision anything, but a new creature is.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.





We have been discharged (released) from the law. We have died to that by which we were held. So we serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.



For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision anything, but a new creature is.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.





We have been discharged (released) from the law. We have died to that by which we were held. So we serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.


If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances: Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch. These are the precepts and doctrines of men. read more.
These have, indeed, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body. But these are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.


For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision anything, but a new creature is.

Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.

The first covenant had ordinances for divine service, and an earthly sanctuary.

Listen to the word of Jehovah (YHWH), you rulers of Sodom! Pay attention to the Law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. Who requires you to trample on my courtyards when you appear in my presence? read more.
Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies! I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They are a burden to me. I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do good (well) (right). Seek justice. Correct oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows.

The Holy Spirit revealed that the way into the Most Holy Place was not open while the tent was still in use. This is a symbol that points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.



For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.



You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near. For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. read more.
So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility).

All things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. He gave the ministry of reconciliation to us. God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ. He was not imputing their trespasses against them, for he had committed the word of reconciliation to us. We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God. read more.
He made the one who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf. That way we might become the righteousness of God in him.

While we were yet weak, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die. Perhaps for the good man some one would even dare to die. But God demonstrates (commends) his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. read more.
Much more, now justified by his blood, we will be saved from the wrath of God through him. While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son. Being reconciled, we will be saved by his life. We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (restoration) (atonement) (divine favor).

The Law is a shadow of the good things to come. It is not the actual things. The continual yearly sacrifices can never make those who worship perfect. If it could, it would cease to be offered. Once the worshipers were cleansed they would have no awareness of sin anymore. These sacrifices are an annual reminder of sin. read more.
It is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins. When Christ came into the world he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but you have prepared a body for me. You have no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.' Then I said: 'I have come in the scroll of the book. It is written about me, to do your will, O God.' Then he said: You did not want nor did you approve of sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin; which are offered by the Law. He also said: I come to do your will, O God. He takes away the first in order to establish the second. We are sanctified by his will through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily, serving and offering time after time the same sacrifices. Yet they can never take away sins. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting until his enemies are placed as a stool for his feet. With one offering he has perfected those who are sanctified forever.

Give thanks to the Father, who made us partakers of the inheritance of the holy ones in the light. He rescued us from the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love (the Son he dearly loves). We have in him our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. read more.
He is the image (likeness) (representation) of the invisible God. He is the firstborn (Greek: prototokos: childbirth, offspring) of all creation. All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and through him all things originate. He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning (commencement), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (first place). It was the good pleasure of the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell. And all things are reconciled through him. He made peace through the blood of his atonement (of the stake). He reconciles all things, whether things upon the earth, or things in heaven. You were in the past alienated and enemies because your minds were on your evil works. But he (Christ) reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and without accusation before Him (God).

We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor for suffering death. By the grace of God he tasted death for every man. It was appropriate that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, should bring many sons to glory, to make the Chief Agent of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all from one. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. read more.
He says: I will declare your name to my brothers; in the middle of the congregation I will sing praises to you. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold, the children that Jehovah has given me. (Isaiah 8:18) Since the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also took part of the same things, that through death he might destroy him that had the power to cause death, [Satan] the Devil. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. He does not help the angels, but he helps the seed of Abraham. This means that he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, in order to offer a propitiatory sacrifice (pay atonement) (to make reconciliation) for the sins of the people.


Moses killed it and took some of the blood. Using his finger he put it on the projections at the corners of the altar, in order to dedicate it. He then poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. In this way he dedicated it and purified it.


Seventy weeks (seventy sets of seven time periods) are decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish transgression and to make an end of sin, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.


And all things are reconciled through him. He made peace through the blood of his atonement (of the stake). He reconciles all things, whether things upon the earth, or things in heaven. You were in the past alienated and enemies because your minds were on your evil works. But he (Christ) reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and without accusation before Him (God).

This means that he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, in order to offer a propitiatory sacrifice (pay atonement) (to make reconciliation) for the sins of the people.

All things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. He gave the ministry of reconciliation to us. God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ. He was not imputing their trespasses against them, for he had committed the word of reconciliation to us. We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God. read more.
He made the one who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf. That way we might become the righteousness of God in him.

You must take one sheep out of every two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. You must sacrifice them with grain offerings, burnt offerings, and fellowship offerings to make peace with Jehovah,' declares the Lord Jehovah.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near. read more.
We both have access to the Father by one Spirit through him.


Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.

The former commandment was set aside because it was weak and useless.

By calling this covenant new, he has made the first one old (obsolete). That which grows old and aged will soon disappear.


The words once more plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.


You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near. For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. read more.
So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near. We both have access to the Father by one Spirit through him.

They did not understand this illustration Jesus spoke to them. Jesus explained: I am the door of the sheep. Thieves and robbers came in place of me but the sheep did not listen to them. read more.
I am the door. If any man enters through me he will be saved. He will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man owns no sheep. He is not the shepherd. He sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep. The wolf snatches them, and scatters them. He leaves because he is a hired man and does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me. Just as the Father knows me I know the Father! I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I will also bring them. They will hear my voice and they will become one flock, one shepherd.