A Fearful Thing
‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’
‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’
The concept of pilgrimage is tremendously important to the Christian, especially today when an increasing number of evangelicals advocate being ‘culturally relevant’, exhorting us to be like the world.
‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’
Faith, says the Bible, is essential to finding the Lord, even though faith itself can accomplish nothing. So why is it the only way to approach God? Here is the Bible’s own explanation, showing the precise nature of Faith, and how it draws us to God.
‘By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.’
We often hear it said that the conscience is a religious invention, a myth, inherited from ignorant generations, But such shallow thinking is easily refuted. Here is the Bible speaking on how conscience is abused, and how it may be cleansed.
The meaning of faith, how it is acquired, and its role in salvation and then in the ongoing spiritual life. Astonishingly, terms are used such as ‘substance’ (or ‘foundation’) and ‘evidence’ as proof. Does our faith honour these powerful words?
‘Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.’
‘Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.’
‘For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace.’
The anchor is as old as ships, but is used as an analogy in the Bible only in this verse. Scores of ‘anchors’ are used to steady and inspire life in the world. But there is only one powerful and effective for the soul and for eternity.
‘But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.’
‘For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.’
‘Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.’
‘For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.’
‘For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’
‘Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.’
‘Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.’
‘Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.’
‘For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.’
‘Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.’
‘But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.’
‘And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.’
‘Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.’
‘For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?’
‘God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.’
A towering figure in world history, Moses achieved remarkable things while remaining uniquely untarnished and unspoiled by power. A turning point in life had led him to remove royal status to find life with God. Here is how this may be our experience today.
‘There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.’
‘There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.’
‘For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’
‘Let brotherly love continue.’ ‘I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’
‘Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’
‘God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 1 God, who at sundry times … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of … Continued
Should believers suffer many doubts and fears? Here is a sure footing for assurance – firstly what the Word does for us: its explanations and convicting power. Secondly, the approachability of Christ and His constant provision of needed help. Doubts cannot persist when God speaks and answers. Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 4 Let us therefore … Continued
The Bible speaks of the deceitfulness of sin, which acts like a person within us. People do not realise how manipulative and controlling sin is. Here is the secret work of sin in every life, and how only the Lord can deal with it. You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: The Subtlety of Sin, The … Continued
‘By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the … Continued
‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of … Continued
You May Be Also Interested in… Article: Why Did God Allow Sin And The Fall?Hymn: Come, ye sinners, poor and needySermon: The War Against Sin God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom … Continued
With great concern and sympathy the inspired writer warns that the ‘heart’ (encompassing mind, affections, will and conscience) may be luring us into unbelief or rebellion against God. Here are the dangers, and the only remedy for the power of unseen inner prejudice against God. You May Be Also Interested in… Sermons: The Folly of Unbelief, … Continued
You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: Testing Ourselves for Faith, The Astonishing Mercy of God He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of … Continued
The pre-eminence of Christ who condescended to be our scapegoat and Saviour. The accomplishments He foresaw. What He endured on Calvary’s cross, and how He maintained obedient faith through the deepest conceivable valley of death. All the lovingkindness of the Lord in one verse. Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed … Continued
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of … Continued
Guilt for sin must be forgiven for God to be found and Heaven reached. Here are our common objections and the remedies we propose for calming and silencing any feelings of guilt. But here also is God’s salvation – the only way – leading us to Him. You May Be Also Interested in… Hymn: Redeemed from … Continued
Of itself, faith has no merit or power to earn God’s favour, or to obtain life, yet it is vital to conversion. Here is what it is not, contrasted with what it is, showing what it believes and how it stretches out to receive salvation.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for the needs … Continued
Unbelief in the Gospel is described in the Bible as wilful and deeply damaging to us, whereas modern thought says it is reasonable critical thinking. Here is the Bible’s analysis of its cause and course, and how its cure is the greatest imaginable benefit.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons … Continued
Providence – God’s fore-provision for all His aims – creation and perpetuation of all, including salvation; how freewill fits in; God’s part in all troubles and the deep things they accomplish; the reasons for suffering and the mighty encouragements of Scripture.
At 40, Moses was a famous prince of Egypt, accomplished, admired and probably heading for the crown. But he left it all, preferring obedience to the one true God. Here are the factors which cause countless people down the centuries to take the same pathway.
The Bible speaks of a spiritual and moral gulf between God and mankind which can only be bridged by a mediator, Who must be divine as well as man. Here is the record of Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished to be our Saviour.
The spiritual warfare described, and Satan’s attempts to undermine and draw into sin, worldly concerns, coldness, complacency and doubts. How perspective, assurance and zeal is gained, and the promises, in a sense, be inherited now. Here too is the significance of God’s ‘oath’.
Calvary and covenant unite to move hearts of God’s people to love and dedicated service, an outcome vastly more valuable than theoretical consent.
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to … Continued
The existence of the conscience has invincible proof, but much modern thinking hates and rejects it, claiming it is merely a remnant of brainwashing. Certainly it may cause much trouble, even illness, but here is God’s way for the conscience to be cleansed.
‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For … Continued
The Bible speaks of an appointment that all will keep, when we shall stand before God to give account for our lives. Here is the role of memory (largely submerged now) that is revived for that decisive day. Here also is Christ’s way of deliverance.
Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of … Continued
‘Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with … Continued
A single study about fellowship drawn from a range of scriptures, covering the command and duty to love fellow believers, the hindrances and gains, personal attitudes and encouragements for advance in the mutual ministry and pleasure of friendship.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own … Continued
Assurance blesses the mind and also the emotions or feelings. Here are the forms it takes and what it feels like. Also, how the mind may function spiritually even when feelings fail to cooperate, and how assurance is lost, recovered and maintained.
‘By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it … Continued
School of Theology Preparatory Devotional Address
To be observant and receptive to the applicatory and devotional potential of the Word, the eye and the heart must be primed by the practice of spiritual communion with Christ.
Pre-eminently a reasoned appeal for living by faith, Hebrews is also a manual of Old Testament interpretation. The modern (mistaken) approach sees the epistle as a tirade against unbelieving Jews. The traditional approach sees so much more.
‘For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a … Continued
Only God can purge the conscience. Here is why, and how He does it. Animal sacrifices could not do it; they were only illustrations of what God would do. Other religions proclaim no Saviour. Here is how we may know that our guilt is removed.
Holiness comes only by God’s help. Why atheists cannot improve. Believers may resist God’s work in them. Here are the good works we were converted for, with hindrances and helps. The importance of giving all glory to Christ (and the tragedy of evangelical celebrity culture).
This inspired prayer for the people begins by lifting up Almighty God, an all prayer must. The God of peace is extolled, the resurrected Christ, His authority over his people, His work as Shepherd, His all-accomplishing blood, and the covenant everlasting. Here are the assurances.
The attitude of believers toward this doomed world; compassion but not restoration; in it but never of it; the stance of the Lord and of Bible history; soul-winning our great aim. Also, the central place of praise, and how we offer it in Christ’s name.
Here – the doctrines of the faith are an anchor to avoid drift. Grace must be held to as the exclusive way of salvation; it cannot hold fellowship with ‘works’. Proof that O.T. food laws have ceased. Reasons why Christian must never be ‘culturally progressive’; loyalty to God is at stake.
Ways to remember great lessons of the spiritual life and doctrine; how undershepherds ‘rule’ as guides not by personal authority, but by faithful, applied preaching. What is not meant by the words ‘obey’ and ‘submit’ (v17) and the vital true sense.
Covetousness is a fierce spoiler of a believer’s experience of the Lord. Here are its forms and effects, how it becomes an act of worship, and the remedies to be used to combat it. Here, also, are Christ’s glorious kindnesses toward His people.
Blood signifies violence, death and sacrifice – the blood of which was applied. Blood is emotive, showing the lengths to which Christ went for His own. Was atoning blood shed at Gethsemane or Gabbatha? How do we defeat Satan by the blood? Did Christ take His blood to Heaven?
The climax of incentives to holiness is revealed as the greatness of the cause we serve. For we are not called to the Mosaic order, but the Gospel age; to the kingdom that shall never fall. Here are its contrasting and glorious features – and our duties.
Good churches are soon corrupted and disabled by indifference to holy living, so believers are to watch over each other, thankful that they are not under the Old Testament order, but the altogether better order of Christ’s people, bound for the heavenly Jerusalem. Here are the mighty differences.
A low state of spiritual love, fervour, service and assurance may be speedily remedied by the blessing of God, and here is how. Here also is the duty of peace with worldlings, and the necessity of inward purity for a deep awareness of the Lord – by faith.
Here are the depths and riches of the Father’s training of His people, representing His affection and plans for them. We may neglect it, becoming subject to the firmer disciplines here noted. How may we tell between chastisements, and afflictions for other purposes?
Famously called ‘the greatest fight in the world’ these verses show us how the hearts of believers may be kept zealously loyal to their high calling. Here is what it means to ‘consider Him’ and to keep ourselves from fainting in faith, and strong in passion for souls.
How God validates our faith in the eyes of others, if sin is laid aside. Also, how Christ regarded His debasement as temporary, and non-obstructive to the securing of joy for the redeemed, and how we should esteem our effect upon souls higher than our trials.
The most magnificent passage of proofs from Bible history that faith in Christ and a loyal, prayerful life brings from our lives a ‘good report’, i.e.- the witness of God that we are His. Here are the faithful, what they did, and the corresponding deeds today.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for the needs of … Continued
Unbelievers (and backsliders) see nothing, but faith views Christ in His Word and Work. Here are many ways in which we ‘see’ Him, especially His Person, power, affections and plans. We must view His all-surpassing qualities constantly, and do so with prayer, trust and submission.
Moses believed a centuries-old promise of deliverance for Israel, and renounced royal life to serve God. His sacrifice was immense, as were also the results. He looked away from earthly rewards, and looked to spiritual gain. Here are the applications for us today.
Are we living as strangers and pilgrims, a vital concept for the Christian journey? Throughout the Bible this is the rule, and here are its hardships and its many comforts, together with biblical dos and don’ts, and the resulting spiritual gains and benefits.
Four great examples of how faith sees Truth, believes and obeys it. Isaac responded with trembling, Jacob obeyed a unique insight, Joseph secured a 400-year testimony, and the parents of Moses performed a dangerous yet vital act with calm certainty. Here are enduring applications.
True faith produces obedience and obedience is the proof of true faith. Strangely, today, much right doctrine does not always lead to obedience. Here are God’s objectives in the proving of Abraham by the offering of Isaac, showing parallels with our provings by the Lord.
Sarah did not at first believe that she would conceive, but then faith was formed. Here is how it operated in the work of God to establish the line and church of Christ. Here also are the reasons why God employed miraculous means, with applications to us.
This is the story of Abraham’s God-given saving faith that compelled him to answer God’s call. What made such an impression on him, how did he respond, and what was the basis for his ongoing faith? Here also are the parallel influences in believers today.
In a single verse both saving and keeping faith are presented in the life of Noah. Here is his ‘illumination’ about future things, his careful response, his obedience, his devotion to the Seed Royal, and his witness – all showing he is an heir of righteousness by faith.
From Abel to Enoch we see how our faith may speak on earth long after we die, and what it means to walk with God. Here sixteen features of being in communion are swiftly reviewed to help motivate and encourage believers to live by faith.
Faith, for a saved person, is the capacity to see beyond the reach of human vision and sense, to perceive as real and certain, matters revealed by God in his Word. Here are faith’s benefits and enemies, and how it must be exercised and enabled to grow.
A two-part hallmark being first, conscientious concern for righteousness. False faith becomes indifferent to sin, but here is the difference between false faith and backsliding. The second mark is the acceptance of Christian priorities and trials. Here also are the joys of true faith.
Inspired steps for fruitfulness and assurance that track the symbolic duties of the high priest. Here is counsel on: 1) drawing near to God, 2) obtaining cleansing, 3) affirmation and witness, 4) watching over others, 5) gathering for worship and instruction, 6) weighing our remaining time.
Further proof that Old Testament Jews knew that their ceremonial worship were both lessons on grace and prophecy of Christ’s work in signs. Here, also, the greatness of Christ is presented, and His present work of subduing all things by conquering hearts and progressively frustrating His enemies.
One of the purposes of Hebrews is to convince readers that the Old Testament saints actually knew that their worship was typical and figurative of the work of their coming Messiah. Here are aspects of the wonder and riches of the atonement to move believing hearts.
Sparkling verses that review the riches of O.T. times to show how much people were shown about God’s holiness and the provision of redemption through the coming Saviour. The symbols have gone, but the record of them stirs and deepens our perception of how much we owe.
Surveying the points of superiority of Christ’s high priesthood over that of O.T. high priests powerfully stirs our gratitude and indebtedness. Likewise, the superior excellence of the covenant of grace increases our love, dedication, and anticipation of future blessing.
Faith is repeatedly described in the Bible as the key to finding Christ in a living, personal way. Here is the biblical definition of faith, how we get it, what it must believe, how it is expressed, and the great reward it secures.
Prophecies about Christ and His work included the foretelling of His high priestly work, and the passing of the Levitical priesthood – which was symbolic and unable to atone for sin. Here are great characteristics of Christ represented by Melchisedec, and also by David’s related prophecy.
Spiritual certainty is here based on a forward-looking, heavenly view of life. It is when being with the Lord is kept in view, and becomes our chief motivation for holiness and service, and our chief consolation, that assurance is maintained strongly to the end.
Some Christians devour doctrine, but stand still in personal sanctification, separation from the world, and service. Here is the call to fully-formed maturity. Do we long for our lives to make some return to Christ for the incomprehensible price He paid for us?
After showing the superior sympathy of Christ over His Old Testament type – the high priest – this chapter challenges dullness of hearing. The cause is failure to personally prove Christ. The learning, deepening life depends on a truly obedient, non-worldly walk.
Senses in which the Word is ‘living’. Its power in conversion and in sustaining a spiritual walk. Its unmatched power in ministry, never to be displaced by drama or film. Implications of a unique term ‘throne of grace’, and the rules of prayer, for mercy first, then help.
Here is deep concern for souls, conversion being defined as a rest. Rich terms and appeals are here explored. Salvation is said to have been in place and ready for the Fall. The literal promised land was also a picture of spiritual rest which was preached alongside.
Understanding how the heart (mind-affections-will) may lose spiritual sensitivity and strength, and how these may be restored and maintained. Keeping church and world distinct, and why Christian works of compassion are different from the heresy that Christ calls us to restore the world.
Here is the Bible’s definition of moral wrong, together with surprising insights, forgotten and unknown by today’s society. Here also is the extraordinary scope and power of sin to control us and cause eternal condemnation,and the only solution, provided by Christ our Saviour.
Reflecting on the Lord, to maintain a strong manifestation of our conversion and hold on Christ. Keeping up assurance, witness, and anticipation of glory by ready response to every scriptural challenge. How to hear the voice of Christ in His Word, and to keep the heart.
The range of Christ’s sufferings on Calvary; how divine attributes met there; being brought as children to glory; and other insights into Christ’s love. Plus the twofold purpose of His sufferings: (a) atonement (b) to show that he has tasted our every trial, and will help us.
The inspired writer urges the spiritually vague to faith, and speaks of the greatness of salvation, the signs of the apostles, the ministry of angels, and David’s prophecy of atonement. Here also are explanations of Christ dying for ‘every man’, ‘tasting death’, and how we ‘see Jesus’.
A majestic letter showing the glory of Christ, and how the Old Testament ceremonial is fulfilled in Him. Here is Christ’s divine nature and work, and our privileges drawn from many uplifting passages. Here too the errors of future society and churches are predicted, with a call to holiness and blessing.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before … Continued
Given by God, faith suddenly brings to life the realities of the Gospel and we come to Christ. It also has a rational aspect here explained. Then it must be exercised and increased as life goes on, and this famous, inspiring passage shows how we must do this in all circumstances.
Full chapter _____________ Hebrews 9 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the … Continued
‘Refuge’ is a significant Bible word, echoing the cities of refuge set up by Moses for people fleeing from ‘mob’ justice. But these cities also illustrate how we must all take refuge in Christ’s salvation to escape our deserved justice for rebellion against God. Help for seeking souls.
The Bible says that unbelief in God is our willing choice, and an act of antagonism toward Him. Is this reasonable? This passage presents the case from God’s point of view, showing why we disbelieve, how this affects us, and how God saves us.
Moses was already a ‘man of God’, when he chose to leave his royal life for God’s service, but his choice vividly highlights the issues in responding to the call of the Gospel – the call to Christ and to eternal life. Here are the cries of both dissuasion and persuasion.