"Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
Psalm 119:89
This is Part 6 of a study in the Book of Hebrews.
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him…” Hebrews 3:1-2
The two previous lessons focused on “Jesus: The Apostle” and “Jesus: The High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant.” This week we will consider the High Priest of our Confession.
Definition of Confession: to assent; i.e. covenant acknowledgement; to give thanks; to promise
Confession means to speak words. Words are containers.
In Hebrew the definition of words is “things.” When God expresses His thoughts in words, they come to pass. That is why it is impossible for God to lie for what He says will certainly be.
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.’” Hebrews 6:13-14
God’s very oath is in this one word, “Surely.”
And this promise to Abraham and His Seed continues to be fulfilled today as Jesus is the Administer of the New Covenant.
God’s promises are containers of God’s will. The very universe was framed by God’s Word. Hebrews 11:3
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11
JESUS CHRIST: High Priest of our Confession
God sent Jesus, anointed Him and appointed Him to preach, save and deliver. He is authorized as Administrator of the New Testament to execute authority in heaven and on earth. All authority has been given to Him.
He is empowered to bring to pass the promises of God when His Brethren stand on them and walk by faith. Since faith is the victory that overcomes the world, faith is one of the main requirements to answered prayer.
“He watches over His Word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12
CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION--JESUS OUR SAVIOR
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
If you and I had not confessed, or spoken what we believed in our hearts, salvation could not have been solidified. Salvation, God’s welcoming hand to receive the sinner, is extended throughout the whole earth, yearning and calling for mankind to be reconciled to Him. The prophet Isaiah put it this way:
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you…” Isaiah 55:1-3
CONFESSION OF OUR SINS—JESUS OUR ADVOCATE
All Believers are under construction. Every Christian while on earth is in training. When we error and sin, we have an advocate with the Father.
“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
“For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17-18
Our sins are none of the devils business. They are between you and God. They need to be immediately brought before the one who knows all about them and has already shed precious Blood for you. Confess them with a heart desire to change. Ask the Lord for help. His Spirit is there to help and strengthen you. The result is that you will be completely restored to righteousness so you can be bold and unashamed to come into God’s holy throne room. Read John 1:5 – 2:22
This of course affects your prayer life big time, for boldness and confidence is a prerequisite to answered prayer. See John 5:14-15
CONFESSION OF GOD’S PROMISES—JESUS IS THE WORD
Just as confession was made unto salvation and confession of sins restores our fellowship with God, so too the on-going, life-long process of standing on the promises of God for the (promised) abundant life. “The just shall live by faith,” is not a suggestion but a requirement to receive God’s rewards. Read Hebrews 10:35 – 11:6
A BOOK IN YOUR MOUTH?
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9
God is such a wonderful Father, always desiring His best for us.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 Expectation is God’s Invitation!
When we read that scripture and believe it, it drops into our heart. When we begin to speak it, expecting it to come to pass, Father is pleased. Why? You are both in agreement. And He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him and stand on His Word. Through faith and patience we inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12
Our responsibility as His children is to learn to act on Kingdom ways of receiving His promises. The traditions of men will make the word of God have no effect…they’re valueless!
There is an old story about a Christian who boarded a ship to come to the United States. He had scrimped and saved for every penny just to buy the ticket. For days he had stayed in his small room to eat the measly items he brought to eat. The other passengers were out on deck as the ship approached America’s shore. One man asked if he had enjoyed the delicious meals that were provided by the ship line. “No, I did not have any extra money for that. All my funds were saved just to buy a ticket to get to the United States.”
“Oh, my dear Sir, no extra money was required for your meals. Your ticket included all your meals paid in full.”
Dear Saints, our salvation was purchased for us by our Savior and High Priest. Included in that salvation are rights, benefits, and privileges for the good life, but how can we receive an inheritance we do not know exists?
“I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
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