“To Void Sins” ( Hebrews 9:28, WYC ) by Carley Evans

“so Christ was offered once, to void the sins of many men [for to void, or do away, the sins of many men]; the second time he shall appear without sin to men that abide him into health.”

Bishops (priests) acting in the old covenant (testament) offer the blood of bulls, goats, lambs repeatedly, year and year in order to cleanse themselves and the peoples of sins. In the new covenant (testament) Jesus as the only Bishop (Priest) offers Himself once, not to cleanse but to void (to do away with) the sins of many.

Christ plans to return “without sin” to His people who “abide Him into health.” What does that mean? “Without sin?” Jesus becomes sin on the cross; when He appears a second time, He no longer carries the sins of the world for He voids these on the cross by His own blood.

Christ’s sacrifice is not repeatable. Nothing need be added to it; and certainly nothing may be taken from it!

“Exhort With All Purity” (1 Timothy 5: 1-2, KJV ) by Carley Evans

Jesus says to His disciples, “If your brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3, KJV) Jesus also says not to expect thanks from God for doing those acts “which are commanded you.” (Luke 17:10) Instead, Jesus contends, you ought to “say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which is our duty to do.'” (Luke 17:10)

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear,” says Paul to Timothy, who is a minister of God.

In the New Testament, these are the only scriptures which direct anyone to rebuke another Christian — in both cases, the persons commanded to perform the admonishing are ministers or apostles appointed by Jesus or God the Holy Spirit. In other cases, God calls us not to judge one another. Instead we are to be gentle with each other, teaching what we know and being open to what we may learn from someone else. Jesus suggests settling with others before situations get out of hand.

Paul warns Timothy, “Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; and the younger men, as brethren; the elder women, as mothers; the younger, as sisters; with all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2, KJV)

Rebukes are sharp; exhortations gentle. Rebukes are reserved for those God calls into full-time ministry, those who are specially called. Exhortations are for all Christians, as long as they are approached with care and with a loving spirit.

“An Obligation To Love” ( Romans 15: 1-2, HCSB ) by Carley Evans

“Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

 

“Therefore,” says Paul, “let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)

 

If we are strong, we may be able to genuinely say “that nothing is unclean in itself.” But if we are weak, we may find our conscience pricked by that very act another finds acceptable, perhaps even finds suitable. If we are weak, we may protest against the other. If we are strong, we are to bear up under this protest. In a sense we are to deny what we know to be true –“that nothing is unclean in itself” — and avoid participating in that activity in the face of the one who is weak. In this way, we (who are strong) will not harm the one who is weak.

 

James say, “Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!” (James 5:9)

 

Peter says, “Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you are called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)

 

“Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

 

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)