Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
"And the oath that he swore to our forefather Abraham,
Verse Concepts
For the promise made to Abraham and his descendants that the world should belong to him did not come to him or his descendants through the Law, but through the uprightness that resulted from his faith.
Verse Concepts
I hold that Christ has become an agent of circumcision to show God's truthfulness in carrying out the promises made to our forefathers,
Verse Concepts
For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers."
Just as Abraham had faith in God and it was credited to him as uprightness. So you see, the real descendants of Abraham are the men of faith. The Scripture foresaw that God would accept the heathen as upright in consequence of their faith, and preached the good news in advance to Abraham in the words, "All the heathen will be blessed through you." read more.
So the men of faith share the blessing of Abraham and his faith. For there is a curse upon all who rely on obedience to the Law, for the Scripture says, "Cursed be anyone who does not stand by everything that is written in the Book of the Law and obey it." That no one is accepted as upright by God for obeying the Law is evident because the upright will have life because of his faith, and the Law has nothing to do with faith; it teaches that it is the man who does these things that will find life by doing them. Christ ransomed us from the Law's curse by taking our curse upon himself (for the Scripture says, "Cursed be anyone who is hung on a tree") in order that the blessing given to Abraham might through Jesus Christ reach the heathen, so that through faith we might receive the promised Spirit. To take an illustration, brothers, from daily life: even a human agreement, once ratified, no one annuls or alters. Now the promises were made to Abraham and his line. It does not say, "and to your lines," in the plural, but in the singular, "and to your line," that is, Christ. My point is this: An agreement already ratified by God cannot be annulled and its promise canceled by the Law, which arose four hundred and thirty years later. If our inheritance rests on the Law, it has nothing to do with the promise. Yet it was as a promise that God bestowed it upon Abraham.
So the men of faith share the blessing of Abraham and his faith. For there is a curse upon all who rely on obedience to the Law, for the Scripture says, "Cursed be anyone who does not stand by everything that is written in the Book of the Law and obey it." That no one is accepted as upright by God for obeying the Law is evident because the upright will have life because of his faith, and the Law has nothing to do with faith; it teaches that it is the man who does these things that will find life by doing them. Christ ransomed us from the Law's curse by taking our curse upon himself (for the Scripture says, "Cursed be anyone who is hung on a tree") in order that the blessing given to Abraham might through Jesus Christ reach the heathen, so that through faith we might receive the promised Spirit. To take an illustration, brothers, from daily life: even a human agreement, once ratified, no one annuls or alters. Now the promises were made to Abraham and his line. It does not say, "and to your lines," in the plural, but in the singular, "and to your line," that is, Christ. My point is this: An agreement already ratified by God cannot be annulled and its promise canceled by the Law, which arose four hundred and thirty years later. If our inheritance rests on the Law, it has nothing to do with the promise. Yet it was as a promise that God bestowed it upon Abraham.
And if you belong to Christ, then you are true descendants of Abraham and his heirs under the promise.
Verse Concepts
For the Scripture says that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave-girl, and one by the free woman. But the child of the slave-girl was born in the ordinary course of nature, while the child of the free woman was born in fulfilment of the promise. This is an allegorical utterance. For the women are two agreements, one coming from Mount Sinai, bearing children that are to be slaves; that is, Hagar read more.
(and Hagar means Mount Sinai, in Arabia), and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for Jerusalem is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For the Scripture says, "Rejoice, childless woman, who bear no children, Break into shouting, you who have no birth pains! For the desolate woman has more children than the married one!" Now we, brothers, are like Isaac, children born in fulfilment of the promise. But just as then the child born in the ordinary course of nature persecuted the one born through the influence of the Spirit, so it is today. Yet what does the Scripture say? "Drive the slave-girl and her son away, for the slave-girl's son shall not share the inheritance with the son of the free woman." So, brothers, we are children not of a slave but of one who is free.
(and Hagar means Mount Sinai, in Arabia), and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for Jerusalem is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For the Scripture says, "Rejoice, childless woman, who bear no children, Break into shouting, you who have no birth pains! For the desolate woman has more children than the married one!" Now we, brothers, are like Isaac, children born in fulfilment of the promise. But just as then the child born in the ordinary course of nature persecuted the one born through the influence of the Spirit, so it is today. Yet what does the Scripture say? "Drive the slave-girl and her son away, for the slave-girl's son shall not share the inheritance with the son of the free woman." So, brothers, we are children not of a slave but of one who is free.
Covenant » Of God with men » Confirmed with an oath
"And the oath that he swore to our forefather Abraham,
Verse Concepts
Therefore, God in his desire to make it perfectly clear to those to whom he made his promise, that his purpose was unalterable, bound himself with an oath, so that by these two unalterable things, which make it impossible for God to break his promise, we who have taken refuge with him may be greatly encouraged to seize upon the hope that is offered to us.
For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself,
Verse Concepts
spiritual Development » Select reading, heb 511-14, 61-16
I have much to say to you about this, but it is difficult to make it clear to you, because you have become so slow of apprehension. For although from the length of your Christian experience you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very elements of Christian truth, and you have come to need milk instead of solid food. For anyone who is limited to milk is unacquainted with Christian teaching, for he is only an infant. read more.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
Let us therefore leave elementary Christian teaching alone and advance toward maturity. We must not be always relaying foundations, of repentance for wrong-doing, and of faith in God, with the teaching of baptism and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and final judgment. And we will advance if God permits it. read more.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
Faith » Trial of
they are to show that your faith when tested is found to be more precious than gold, which though it is perishable is tested with fire, and they will bring you praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Verse Concepts
Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he stands the test, he will be given the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Verse Concepts
for you know that the testing of your faith leads to steadfastness,
Verse Concepts
When anyone hears the teaching of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and robs him of the seed that has been sown in his mind. That is what was sown along the path. And what was sown upon the rocky soil means the man who hears the message and at once accepts it joyfully, but it takes no real root in him, and lasts only a little while, and when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, he gives it up at once. read more.
And what was sown among the thorns means the man who listens to the message, and then the worries of the time and the pleasure of being rich choke the message out, and it yields nothing.
And what was sown among the thorns means the man who listens to the message, and then the worries of the time and the pleasure of being rich choke the message out, and it yields nothing.
for there will be greater misery then than there has ever been from the beginning of creation until now, or ever will be again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would have escaped, but for the sake of God's people those days will be cut short. "If anyone says to you at that time, 'Look! here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it, read more.
for false Christs and false prophets will appear, and they will show great signs and wonders to mislead God's chosen people if they can. Here I have told you beforehand.
for false Christs and false prophets will appear, and they will show great signs and wonders to mislead God's chosen people if they can. Here I have told you beforehand.
The ones on the rock are those who receive the message joyfully when they first hear it, but it takes no real root. They believe for a little while, and then in the time of trial they draw back. And what falls among the thorns means those who listen and pass on, and the worries and wealth and pleasures of life stifle them and they yield nothing.
We always have to thank God for you, brothers, as it is right that we should, because your faith is growing so wonderfully and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. As a result, we ourselves speak of you with pride in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in the face of all the persecutions and troubles you are having to endure. This is a proof of God's justice in judging, and it is to prove you worthy of the Kingdom of God, for the sake of which you are suffering,
Show 1 more verse
For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him.
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
I have much to say to you about this, but it is difficult to make it clear to you, because you have become so slow of apprehension. For although from the length of your Christian experience you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very elements of Christian truth, and you have come to need milk instead of solid food. For anyone who is limited to milk is unacquainted with Christian teaching, for he is only an infant. read more.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
Let us therefore leave elementary Christian teaching alone and advance toward maturity. We must not be always relaying foundations, of repentance for wrong-doing, and of faith in God, with the teaching of baptism and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and final judgment. And we will advance if God permits it. read more.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
Oath » Attributed to God
"And the oath that he swore to our forefather Abraham,
Verse Concepts
For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers."
And who was it to whom God made oath that they should not be admitted to his Rest, if it was not to those who had disobeyed him?
Verse Concepts
For the Law appoints to the high priesthood men full of imperfection; but this utterance about the making of the oath, which came long after the Law, appoints a son, fully qualified to be high priest forever.
Verse Concepts
Therefore, God in his desire to make it perfectly clear to those to whom he made his promise, that his purpose was unalterable, bound himself with an oath,
Verse Concepts
Show 10 more verses
For we who have believed are admitted to that Rest, of which he said, "As I made oath in my anger, They shall never be admitted to my Rest!" And yet God's work was finished at the creation of the world,
Verse Concepts
But as I made oath in my anger, They shall never be admitted to my Rest!"
Verse Concepts
and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, that there should be no more delay,
Verse Concepts
for God took no oath in appointing the old priests, but he made oath to his appointment, when he said to him, "The Lord has sworn it and he will not change; You are a priest forever!"
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Growth
I have much to say to you about this, but it is difficult to make it clear to you, because you have become so slow of apprehension. For although from the length of your Christian experience you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very elements of Christian truth, and you have come to need milk instead of solid food. For anyone who is limited to milk is unacquainted with Christian teaching, for he is only an infant. read more.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
But full-grown men have a right to solid food, for their faculties are trained by practice to distinguish right and wrong.
Let us therefore leave elementary Christian teaching alone and advance toward maturity. We must not be always relaying foundations, of repentance for wrong-doing, and of faith in God, with the teaching of baptism and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and final judgment. And we will advance if God permits it. read more.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
For it is impossible to arouse people to a fresh repentance when they have once for all come into the light and had a taste of the gift from heaven, and shared in the holy Spirit and felt the goodness of the word of God and the strong influences of the coming age, and yet have fallen back, for they crucify the Son of God on their own account, and hold him up to contempt. Ground that drinks in frequent showers and produces vegetation that is of use to those for whom it is cultivated receives God's blessing. But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is thought worthless and almost cursed, and it will finally be burned. But about you, dear friends, even though we say this, we are sure of better things that promise salvation. For God is not so unjust as to forget the work you have done and the love you have showed for his cause, in giving help to your fellow-Christians as you still do. But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope, so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises. For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself, and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers." And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him. For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.