Truth Over Traditions

On his deathbed, Jacob bestowed the firstborn blessing upon Joseph by adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. Also, both Jacob and Joseph made their ancestors promise to relocate their bones to the Promised Land. Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on the faith of these two dying men, who looked to the future and embraced the promises of God. They are examples to Christians today. 

How could God say that Isaac blessed both Jacob and Esau by faith if Isaac was deceived? Pastor Hollandsworth delves into this fascinating text, demonstrating that Isaac awakened to his error and blessed both sons according to God’s will. Esau is a type of national Israel and those church-age believers who throw their inheritance to the wind. God warns His children not to follow the path of Esau.

Abraham’s pilgrimage of faith was a “bumpy ride” during his early years. He left a life of idolatry and living in Ur, only to become detoured in Haran for many years, a culture very similar to Ur. Pastor Hollandsworth describes how this patriarch, over time, learned to obey the Lord and separate from the world, sojourning as a pilgrim in Canaan land. Christians can learn much from Abraham’s life. 

God places great value on faith, desiring that people in every age trust Him and live uprightly. Pastor Hollandsworth looks at the faith of three antediluvian men – Abel, Enoch, and Noah – also pointing out how they serve as types of events in the future.

The just shall live by faith. Pastor Hollandsworth clarifies from Heb. 11, that this quote from the Old Testament is not a soteriological (salvation) statement, as Reformation theology claims. Rather, it is a matter of sanctification, which Hebrews refers to as the “saving of the soul.” Those who live righteously, by faith, will be rewarded by God, like those named in the great faith chapter. 

The book of Hebrews warns that believers who have been “illuminated,” yet continue in willful, defiant sinning, can reach the point where there is no more sacrifice for their sins. Pastor Hollandsworth demonstrates that this does not result in loss of salvation, but rather punishment and loss of Reward at the Bema. 

The widow of Zarephath was unique in her idolatrous Phoenician culture, in that she responded to God and His prophet in complete faith. Pastor Hollandsworth points out that she is an example of how we should reject wicked culture, trust in the Lord amidst crises, and give generously, even when resources are limited.

The writer to the Hebrews now shifts gears and begins to focus on practical application of the truths shared in earlier chapters. He reviews the blessings we have in Christ and what we should do with them. Pastor Hollandsworth draws attention to the faith-hope-love triplet in the text which should characterize Christian living, emphasizing the importance of provoking to love and good works.

Jesus left a will, sealed with His blood, known as the New Testament. It names two categories of heirs. First, are the redeemed, children of God who will be resurrected to live in His coming Messianic kingdom. Second, are those He deems worthy of additional firstborn inheritance. The will is presently in probate, which will conclude with distributions at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Most agree that Psalm 22 is a prophecy of Christ’s crucifixion, but what are the “strong bulls of Bashan” that surrounded Christ, “like a raging and roaring lion”? Pastor Hollandsworth exposes the supernatural aspect of these bulls, emphasizing Messiah’s victory over Satan through the resurrection, thus enabling believers to experience victory in the Christian life. 

The disciples of Jesus were initially clueless about Christ’s impending death. They expected Messiah to rule as King, not die. Pastor Hollandsworth describes how Jesus teaches His disciples about His coming death, with a view to their own need to die to self (take up their crosses) as His disciples. This truth applies to all believers throughout the church age and has serious ramifications for the future. 

The Old Testament tabernacle and later the temple, was a magnificent place of worship, full of symbolism that pointed to Christ. However, it was merely a shadow, representing the true and better tabernacle in heaven, which is New Jerusalem. Pastor Hollandsworth shows how believers can qualify to dwell there in the next age, which is the point of Christ's instruction in John 14:1-6. 

Although the New Covenant is for Israel and has not yet been launched, believers in Christ are already beneficiaries of New Covenant promises. Pastor Hollandsworth discusses Israel’s prophetic timeline – the 70 “weeks” of Dan. 9 – and the timing of the coming New Covenant, also emphasizing that it is so much better than the Old.

Jesus is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.” Pastor Hollandsworth explains that, in the context of Hebrews, this “salvation” is not referring to initial salvation by believing Jesus for eternal life. Rather, it is ongoing salvation of the soul unto reward for those believers who draw close to God in fellowship through Jesus Christ. 

This message is for mature audiences only. That is, the subject of Melchizedek will not be grasped by those who are spiritually immature, according to the writer of Hebrews. Pastor Hollandsworth reveals this Bible character’s identity and purpose, including his ministry to Abraham, making applications to the Christian life and the doctrine of kingdom inheritance.

After warning Christians not to apostatize in the previous text, the writer encourages the believers with four positive admonitions. Pastor Hollandsworth defines hope, explains how it is connected with inheritance in Hebrews, and why it should drive our everyday living.

Those who are on the pathway of soul-salvation (sanctification) in anticipation of the Judgment Seat are spiritually mature. But the evil one targets them for apostasy. Pastor Hollandsworth investigates the third warning in Hebrews, warning believers to beware of falling back into spiritual immaturity and losing their inheritance in the kingdom.

When Christians are too lazy to learn God’s Word and grow deeper spiritually, they become spiritual babies, satisfied with milk rather than meat. Pastor Hollandsworth talks about the vital importance of learning about kingdom inheritance, so we can be prepared to give a good account to Jesus at the Judgment Seat.