Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
Verse Concepts
The promise made to Abraham and his offspring that he should inherit the world, did not reach him through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Verse Concepts
Christ, I mean, became a servant to the circumcised in order to prove God's honesty by fulfilling His promises to the fathers,
Verse Concepts
For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you.
Why, it is as with Abraham, he had faith in God and that was counted to him as righteousness. Well then, you see that the real sons of Abraham are those who rely on faith. Besides, Scripture anticipated God's justification of the Gentiles by faith when it announced the gospel beforehand to Abraham in these terms: All nations shall be blessed in thee. read more.
So that those who rely on faith are blessed along with believing Abraham. Whereas a curse rests on all who rely upon obedience to the Law; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not hold by all that is written in the book of the law, to perform it. And because no one is justified on the score of the Law before God (plainly, the just shall live by faith, ??12 and the Law is not based on faith: no, he who performs these things shall live by them), Christ ransomed us from the curse of the Law by becoming accursed for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a gibbet), that the blessing of Abraham might reach the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promised Spirit. To take an illustration from human life, my brothers. Once a man's will is ratified, no one else annuls it or adds a codicil to it. Now the Promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it is not said, 'and to your offsprings' in the plural, but in the singular and to your offspring ??which is Christ. My point is this: the Law which arose four hundred and thirty years later does not repeal a will previously ratified by God, so as to cancel the Promise. If the Inheritance is due to law, it ceases to be due to promise. Now it was by a promise that God bestowed it on Abraham.
So that those who rely on faith are blessed along with believing Abraham. Whereas a curse rests on all who rely upon obedience to the Law; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not hold by all that is written in the book of the law, to perform it. And because no one is justified on the score of the Law before God (plainly, the just shall live by faith, ??12 and the Law is not based on faith: no, he who performs these things shall live by them), Christ ransomed us from the curse of the Law by becoming accursed for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a gibbet), that the blessing of Abraham might reach the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promised Spirit. To take an illustration from human life, my brothers. Once a man's will is ratified, no one else annuls it or adds a codicil to it. Now the Promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it is not said, 'and to your offsprings' in the plural, but in the singular and to your offspring ??which is Christ. My point is this: the Law which arose four hundred and thirty years later does not repeal a will previously ratified by God, so as to cancel the Promise. If the Inheritance is due to law, it ceases to be due to promise. Now it was by a promise that God bestowed it on Abraham.
Now if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring; in virtue of the Promise, you are heirs.
Verse Concepts
Surely it is written in the Law that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave-woman and one by the free-woman; but while the son of the slave-woman was born by the flesh, the son of the free-woman was born by the promise. Now this is an allegory. The women are two covenants. One comes from mount Sinai, bearing children for servitude; that is Hagar, read more.
for mount Sinai is away in Arabia. She corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for the latter is in servitude with her children. But the Jerusalem on high is free, and she is 'our' mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O thou barren who bearest not, break into joy, thou who travailest not; for the children of the desolate woman are far more than of the married. Now you are the children of the Promise, brothers, like Isaac; but just as in the old days the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit, so it is still to-day. However, what does the scripture say? Put away the slave-woman and her son, for the son of the slave-woman shall not be heir along with the son of the free-woman. Hence we are children of no slave-woman, my brothers, but of the free-woman,
for mount Sinai is away in Arabia. She corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for the latter is in servitude with her children. But the Jerusalem on high is free, and she is 'our' mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O thou barren who bearest not, break into joy, thou who travailest not; for the children of the desolate woman are far more than of the married. Now you are the children of the Promise, brothers, like Isaac; but just as in the old days the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit, so it is still to-day. However, what does the scripture say? Put away the slave-woman and her son, for the son of the slave-woman shall not be heir along with the son of the free-woman. Hence we are children of no slave-woman, my brothers, but of the free-woman,
spiritual Development » Select reading, heb 511-14, 61-16
On this point I have a great deal to say, which it is hard to make intelligible to you. For you have grown dull of hearing. Though by this time you should be teaching other people, you still need someone to teach you once more the rudimentary principles of the divine revelation. You are in need of milk, not of solid food. (For anyone who is fed on milk is unskilled in moral truth; he is a mere babe. read more.
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Let us pass on then to what is mature, leaving elementary Christian doctrine behind, instead of laying the foundation over again with repentance from dead works, with faith in God, with instruction about ablutions and the laying on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal punishment. With God's permission, we will take this step. read more.
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,
Faith » Trial of
that is only to prove your faith is sterling (far more precious than gold which is perishable and yet is tested by fire), and it redounds to your praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Verse Concepts
Blessed is he who endures under trial; for when he has stood the test, he will gain the crown of life which is promised to all who love Him.
Verse Concepts
sure that the sterling temper of your faith produces endurance;
Verse Concepts
When anyone hears the word of the Realm and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart; that is the man who is sown 'on the road.' As for him who is sown 'on stony soil,' that is the man who hears the word and accepts it at once with enthusiasm; he has no root in himself, he does not last, but when the word brings trouble or persecution he is at once repelled. read more.
As for him who is sown 'among thorns,' that is the man who listens to the word, but the worry of the world and the delight of being rich choke the word; so it proves unfruitful.
As for him who is sown 'among thorns,' that is the man who listens to the word, but the worry of the world and the delight of being rich choke the word; so it proves unfruitful.
for there will be sore misery then, such as never has been from the beginning of the world till now ??no and never shall be. Had not those days been cut short, not a soul would be saved alive; however, for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. If anyone tells you at that time, 'Here is the Christ!' or, 'there he is!' do not believe it; read more.
for false Christs and false prophets will rise and bring forward great signs and wonders, so as to mislead the very elect, ??if that were possible. (I am telling you this beforehand.)
for false Christs and false prophets will rise and bring forward great signs and wonders, so as to mislead the very elect, ??if that were possible. (I am telling you this beforehand.)
Those 'on the rock' are people who on hearing the word welcome it with enthusiasm, but they have no root; they believe for a while and fall away in the hour of trial. As for the seed that fell among thorns, that means people who hear but who go and get choked with worries and money and the pleasures of life, so that they never ripen.
We are bound always to thank God for you, brothers ??it is proper that we should, because your faith grows apace and your mutual love, one and all, is increasing. So much so, that throughout the churches of God we are proud of you, proud of the stedfastness and faith you display through all the persecutions and the troubles in which you are involved. They are proof positive of God's equity; you are suffering for the realm of God, and he means to make you worthy of it ??6 since God considers it but just to repay with trouble those who trouble you,
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For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised.
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
On this point I have a great deal to say, which it is hard to make intelligible to you. For you have grown dull of hearing. Though by this time you should be teaching other people, you still need someone to teach you once more the rudimentary principles of the divine revelation. You are in need of milk, not of solid food. (For anyone who is fed on milk is unskilled in moral truth; he is a mere babe. read more.
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Let us pass on then to what is mature, leaving elementary Christian doctrine behind, instead of laying the foundation over again with repentance from dead works, with faith in God, with instruction about ablutions and the laying on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal punishment. With God's permission, we will take this step. read more.
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,
Oath » Attributed to God
of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
Verse Concepts
For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you.
And to whom did he swear that they would never enter his Rest? To whom but those who disobeyed?
Verse Concepts
For the Law appoints human beings in their weakness to the priesthood; but the word of the Oath appoints a Son who is made perfect for ever.
Verse Concepts
God, in his desire to afford the heirs of the Promise a special proof of the solid character of his purpose, interposed with an oath;
Verse Concepts
Show 10 more verses
For we do enter the Rest by our faith: according to his word, As I swore in my anger, they shall never enter my Rest ??although his works were all over by the foundation of the world.
Verse Concepts
so I swore in my anger, 'they shall never enter my Rest.'
Verse Concepts
and swore by Him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, "There shall be no more delay;
Verse Concepts
Previous priests became priests apart from any oath, but he has an oath from Him who said to him, The Lord has sworn, and he will not change his mind, thou art a priest for ever.
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Growth
On this point I have a great deal to say, which it is hard to make intelligible to you. For you have grown dull of hearing. Though by this time you should be teaching other people, you still need someone to teach you once more the rudimentary principles of the divine revelation. You are in need of milk, not of solid food. (For anyone who is fed on milk is unskilled in moral truth; he is a mere babe. read more.
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Whereas solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by exercise to distinguish good and evil.)
Let us pass on then to what is mature, leaving elementary Christian doctrine behind, instead of laying the foundation over again with repentance from dead works, with faith in God, with instruction about ablutions and the laying on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal punishment. With God's permission, we will take this step. read more.
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,
For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned. Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith. For in making a promise to Abraham God swore by himself (since he could swear by none greater), I will indeed bless you and multiply you. Thus it was that Abraham by his stedfastness obtained what he had been promised. For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,