Jun 1976 - Q & A

What are the first principles of Christ (Heb. 6:1)?

It is suggested that these are set out in verses 1 and 2 of this chapter, namely foundational doctrinal truths of the faith. The author of the epistle had been commenting sorrowfully on the failure of Israel in the past as the people of God, through disobedience and unbelief. Having moved on in the latter part of chapter 4 and the early part of chapter 5 to the High Priestly work of Christ for a present day people "after the order of Melchizedek", he pauses as it were from 5:11 to the end of chapter 6, to give a warning about the true spiritual maturing required for the appreciation of the great sanctuary truths he is coming to, and about the judgement which may befall those who go back spiritually; it is hard to stand still in spiritual things. He then proceeds in chapter 7, where he left off in chapter 5, with Melchizedek.

Is the offering of "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet. 2:5) the same as the offering of "a sacrifice of praise to God continually" (Heb. 13:15)?

The persons addressed in Peter's first epistle are described as "a spiritual house" and also as "a holy priesthood". In the latter relationship they "offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ". This refers to the collective worship of God's people. "Spiritual sacrifices" would include "the sacrifice of praise". It is suggested, however, that the passage in Heb. 13:15 has a wider reference and includes praise for our Lord Jesus Christ which should arise from the lips of God's saints day by day. It may be noted that our sacrifice of praise is to be continual, meaning very frequent, not continuous which means uninterrupted. There is thus divine provision for the weakness of the flesh, whereas there are heavenly beings who render tireless and unremitting worship to God (Rev. 4:8).

unknown | Jun 1976
Question And Answer