Post 21 of Study: Hebrews 2, finishing up

 The beauty that is Hebrews 2 has not been fathomed, but I will make this my last post for now on this chapter, or really, 10-18. Three observations. 

"For both he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one." Other than WOW!, let's see this word "sanctifies." First, it's in present tense; it's in process. When does it end? death? maybe? Second, it is active voice for Christ and passive voice for us; sanctification is being accomplished on us and for us, not by us. Third, we misinterpret what sanctifies means. It means "set apart." It has the sense of "set apart for holiness" but if we get too focused on the holiness part we might miss something. We might become self-righteous, and Heaven knows we don't need any more self-righteous Christians right now (cue John MacArthur tweets and comments, especially about women.) We are set apart for use. We are set apart for identity, and for eternity, and for protection. Finally, "....are all of one." Another Wow. His identification with His people, His faithful, His children, His followers, is that tight. 

Second observation. "He is the faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." We pass over the word, and call it atonement, although in the Old Testament all atonement was temporary, and this word means finished. It's used in four other NT places, Romans 3:25, I John 2:2, I John 4:10. At this link, R.C. Sproul explains the idea more fully than I can here. The point is that God is satisfied by this act of sacrifice. We don't particular like the idea that God's wrath against sin has to be satisfied or placated, but such is the meaning. It is one of the areas of faith we have to submit to rather than hold on to modern notions of God not being wrathful about sin and rebellion. Let's remember that man's sin is what causes suffering, not the other way around. 

Third, lest we get off course in this talk about placating God's wrath, see v. 18: For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. The incarnation and sacrifice mean Christ is there to help us in our temptation, which should not be lowered to the idea that we won't eat the brownie on the buffet table. These people were being tempted to leave their journey of faith in Christ because of intense persecution; they could literally be turned into human torches by the Roman Empire. Christ went through that level of persecution and suffering, and is able to say to us, "I did this, you can too. I'm totally identified with you, I'm your Big Brother, I've learned what it's like for you humans. I am here to help."