Monthly Archives: November 2023

When a Christian feels that reading about Jesus as a High Priest is not important, the reason behind this is that churches today don’t focus much on the topic of sin. In many congregations, the comprehensive exploration of the concept of sin is nonexistent, with a heavy focus on more uplifting or self-centered messages. Consequently, conversations surrounding the role of Jesus as High Priest, particularly in relation to sin and atonement, appear disconnected to the regular church attendee. We ought to keep the truth of the atonement central as it has profound theological implications for sin, redemption, and the transformative power of faith in our spiritual journeys.

In the Old Testament, particularly in the Mosaic Law outlined in the book of Leviticus, the concept of sin is central to the understanding of the relationship between God and the people of Israel. Sin was, and still is, viewed as a violation of God’s commands and a breach in the covenant between God and His chosen people. The atonement rituals carried out by the high priest in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement were designed to address and remedy the consequences of sin.

The work of a high priest entering the Holy of Holies to atone for Israel is outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus, with a significant focus on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The process involved several specific rituals and symbolic actions aimed at seeking forgiveness and cleansing for the sins of the people of Israel. The high priest played a central role in mediating between the people and God during this solemn and crucial event.

Entering the Holy of Holies was no easy task; it required extensive preparation and posed a high risk of death for the high priest. Here are some of the activities associated with the role of the high priest in the atonement process.

1. Timing: The high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This day was set apart for the atonement of the sins of the people, and the high priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies played a central role in this ritual.
2. Preparation: Before entering the Holy of Holies, the high priest had to undergo a period of purification and preparation. This included ritualistic washings and wearing special garments, which symbolized purity and consecration.
3. Sacrifices: The high priest had to bring specific sacrifices, both for his own sins and for the sins of the people. This involved the sacrifice of a bull for the atonement of the high priest’s sins and a goat for the sins of the people.
4. Incense and Blood: The high priest would bring burning incense into the Holy of Holies, creating a cloud that would veil the mercy seat, representing the presence of God. Additionally, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animals on the mercy seat and before it, symbolizing atonement and purification.
5. Atonement for the People: The high priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies was for the purpose of seeking forgiveness and atonement for the sins of the people. This ritual emphasized the need for divine forgiveness and reconciliation between God and His people.
6. Rope and Bells: According to Jewish tradition, a rope was tied around the high priest’s ankle when he entered the Holy of Holies. In case the high priest was not properly prepared or had sinned and God’s presence struck him dead, others could pull him out without entering the sacred space themselves. Bells attached to the high priest’s garments would make noise as he moved, providing an audible signal of his activities within the Holy of Holies.

In the context of Hebrews 4:14, the mention of Jesus as a high priest who has ascended into heaven is significant. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, not only offered himself as a sacrifice for sin but also did something that no earthly priest could ever do: He entered into the heavenly sanctuary, presenting his sacrifice before God on behalf of humanity. The writer of Hebrews asserts that we have a stronger reason to steadfastly hold onto our faith in God compared to the Old Testament believers, as we now have a superior High Priest. Jesus is far superior for the following reasons:

1. Perfection and Holiness: The high priests of the Old Testament were humans and were themselves subject to sin. In contrast, Jesus is described as sinless and morally perfect (Hebrews 4:15). His perfection makes him an ideal and holy High Priest.
2. Eternal High Priesthood: Unlike the mortal high priests of Israel, Jesus holds an eternal priesthood. Hebrews 7:24–25 emphasizes that Jesus continues as a priest forever, having an unchangeable priesthood. This eternal nature sets him apart from the temporary and limited priesthood of the Old Covenant.
3. One Sacrifice for All: The high priests in the Old Testament had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, year after year. However, Jesus offered a single, perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity through His own death on the cross (Hebrews 9:26–28). His sacrifice is considered complete and sufficient for all time.
4. Access to God: The high priest of Israel could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to intercede for the people. Jesus, as the High Priest, provides believers with continual access to God’s presence. Through His sacrifice, believers can approach God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
5. Mediator of a Better Covenant: Jesus is seen as the Mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The Old Covenant, represented by the Mosaic Law and the Levitical Priesthood, is contrasted with the New Covenant established through Jesus’ blood. The New Covenant brings complete forgiveness and an unshakable relationship with God.
6. Heavenly Sanctuary: While the high priests of Israel served in earthly tabernacles and temples, Jesus entered into the true, heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 9:11–12 describes Jesus entering the Most Holy Place in heaven with his own blood, securing eternal redemption.
7. Sympathy and Understanding: Jesus, having taken on human form, is described as sympathetic and understanding of human weaknesses and temptations (Hebrews 4:15). This empathy makes Him a compassionate High Priest Who can intercede on behalf of humanity effectively.
8. Superior Sacrificial Blood: The blood of animals sacrificed by the high priests in the Old Testament could only symbolically cleanse sins. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, offered His own blood, which is infinitely more valuable and efficacious for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:14).

Conclusion

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus as our flawless High Priest, the call to cling firmly to Him takes on profound meaning. His perfection, eternal priesthood, and sacrificial love offer a source of unwavering hope and assurance. The invitation to cling firmly to Jesus is an invitation to trust in a High Priest Who not only understands our weaknesses but has triumphed over them. In embracing this truth, we find not only forgiveness for our sins but also a steadfast anchor for our souls. May we continue to draw near to Jesus, holding fast to the assurance that in Him, we have a High Priest Who sympathizes, intercedes, and reigns with unmatched perfection. As we cling firmly to Jesus, our flawless High Priest, we discover a foundation for our faith that withstands the tests of time and eternity.

The concept of the blessing of Abraham has deep historical and religious roots within Christianity. Often, it is perceived as a promise of material prosperity—a misconception that has prevailed in most interpretations. However, it is essential to recognize that, in the context of the New Testament, the blessing of Abraham has nothing to do with mere material wealth. This week, we will delve into the nature of this blessing and explore why it is not about material prosperity.

The Spiritual Nature of the Blessing

1. Paul’s perspective

“Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith — just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’  So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” – Galatians 3:5-9 (ESV).

Galatians 3:5–9 is a passage from the New Testament that holds great theological significance in understanding the blessing of Abraham. It is part of the Apostle Paul’s argument in his letter to the Galatians, where he addresses the issues of legalism, faith, and the role of the law in the Christian faith.

In truth, the blessing of Abraham is fundamentally a spiritual blessing. In the biblical narrative, the essence of Abraham’s faith and obedience is pivotal. Genesis 15:6 states that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” This declaration underscores the significance of faith as the key element in receiving the blessing. The blessing of Abraham is not about accumulating riches but about establishing a right relationship with God through faith.

The Abrahamic blessing emphasizes divine favour, guidance, and protection in the believer’s journey of faith. This spiritual aspect of the blessing is closely linked to the idea of a covenantal relationship, where God promises to be with His people, guiding them through life’s challenges and offering His presence as a source of comfort and strength. This spiritual guidance goes beyond any material possessions.

The truth that Paul was communicating in Galatians 3:5–9 was that salvation is not earned through a checklist of actions but rather through a genuine and unwavering trust in the Saviour Jesus Christ. Abraham’s life journey, as recorded in the book of Genesis, shows an imperfect man enjoying a right relationship with God through his faith in a God who justifies all who place their trust in Him. Despite his imperfections and moments of doubt, Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises became the cornerstone of a solid relationship characterized by righteousness. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the blessing of Abraham.

2. Peter’s perspective

“You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” – Acts 3:25 (ESV).

Acts 3:25 is a verse from the New Testament that is part of a sermon given by the apostle Peter following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. In this verse, Peter is addressing a Jewish audience, explaining the significance of Jesus Christ in the context of their faith and God’s covenant with their ancestors.

Peter emphasizes that the Jewish people are inheritors of the covenant God made with their forefathers, particularly the covenant made with Abraham. This covenant, originating in Genesis 12:3, declares that through Abraham’s seed, all the nations of the world will be blessed. This covenant was passed down through generations, and Peter is reminding his audience of its enduring significance.

We can easily see that Peter’s unequivocal message to his audience was not that their future prosperity as millionaires was guaranteed. Instead, the contextual essence of his address underscores the message Peter was imparting. The message is that justification can be achieved through faith, as opposed to reliance on one’s works, predicated on a steadfast belief in Jesus. This is the blessing that Abraham enjoyed.

Why the Erroneous Interpretation?

The interpretation of the blessing of Abraham being material, emphasizing worldly wealth and prosperity, appeals to many preachers and their audiences for the following reasons:

1. The Desire for Prosperity: One of the main reasons preachers interpret the blessing of Abraham in materialistic terms is the natural human desire for prosperity. Many people aspire to have financial security, good health, and comfortable lives. Preachers recognize this yearning within their congregations and quickly conclude that a message that promises material blessings can resonate strongly with the audience. Given that their congregations are equally greedy for material gain, this misleading message is readily accepted and embraced hook, line, and sinker.
2. Tangible Evidence of Faith: In a materialistic interpretation of the blessing of Abraham, wealth and success are seen as tangible evidence of one’s faith. Preachers argue that God rewards those who faithfully follow His teachings with material blessings. This interpretation motivates individuals to strengthen their faith and dedication to their religious beliefs in the hope of receiving these blessings.
3. Marketability: The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is extremely marketable. It attracts larger audiences and financial support for religious institutions. Preachers understand that messages promising financial prosperity can draw more people to their congregations, leading to increased donations and church growth.
4. Popularity and Competition: In the competitive world of religious leadership, preachers are under pressure to attract and retain members. The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is a response to this competitive environment. Preachers feel compelled to provide what their congregations want to hear, even if it means preaching a heretical doctrine.

Conclusion

The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham in preaching is undoubtedly influenced by the desires and expectations of congregations. Preachers recognize the natural human desire for prosperity and security, and they often tailor their messages to address these aspirations. The misinterpretation of the blessing of Abraham has given rise to individuals who, as false believers, engage in Christian activities solely to attract material wealth rather than striving to embody the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, the blessing of Abraham lies in being placed in right standing with God, not through religious and good works but by having faith in the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Prosperity Gospel, an impious doctrine that has gained prominence in recent decades, is a heretical gospel that focuses on material wealth, financial success, and the idea that God rewards faith with financial prosperity. This theological viewpoint, however, bears a striking resemblance to the biblical story of the Golden Calf, an idol worshipped by the Israelites in the book of Exodus. This week we shall explore the similarities between the Prosperity Gospel and the Golden Calf, highlighting the dangers of equating faith with financial gain and the potential consequences for individual believers.

1. Materialism and the Prosperity Gospel

“So Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me’” – Exodus 32:2 (ESV).

The Prosperity Gospel preaches a message that places an inordinate emphasis on material wealth and financial success. Adherents are often told that faith and prayer can lead to prosperity in this world, both financially and in terms of health and success. While there is nothing inherently wrong with desiring material well-being, the Prosperity Gospel takes this to an extreme, suggesting that financial success is not just a blessing but a divine right.

The Prosperity Gospel’s focus on materialism closely resembles the Israelites’ actions in the biblical story of the Golden Calf. In Exodus 32, when Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, the Israelites grew impatient and created a golden calf to worship. Their motivation was driven by a desire for a tangible, material representation of the divine. Similarly, the Prosperity Gospel encourages believers to seek a tangible, material representation of God’s blessings in the form of wealth and prosperity. This fixation on materialism diverts attention from deeper spiritual matters and values. In John Piper’s words, “[Material] prosperity cannot be proof of God’s favour for this is what the Devil promises to those who worship him.”

2. A Creation by Religious Leaders

“And he [Aaron] received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’  When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, ‘Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord’” – Exodus 32:4-5 (ESV).

The story of the Golden Calf reveals a significant parallel with the dynamics of the Prosperity Gospel. In both cases, it is evident that leaders played a pivotal role in crafting and promoting these concepts to draw the crowd’s attention away from a more traditional and spiritually centred figure. Just as the Israelite leaders encouraged the creation and worship of the Golden Calf to draw the crowd to themselves away from Moses and his moral God, so have the proponents of the Prosperity Gospel drawn congregants away from Christ to themselves, promising earthly riches and success. Modern-day pastors attract followers by redirecting their devotion and focus from Christ and His teachings that touch on the supremacy of spiritual wealth, the dangers of greed, and Christ’s call to generosity and self-sacrifice for those in need. They replace Christ’s teachings with a more self-serving, materialistic approach, emphasizing their personal authority and influence.

3. Moral Laxity

“And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play” – Exodus 32:6 (ESV).

The religion centred around the Golden Calf in the biblical narrative had the troubling ability to combine the worship of God with loose moral living. While the Israelites initially intended to use the golden calf as a symbol of God, their revelry and indulgence showed how a false religion curtain-raises for moral laxity. The festivities that accompanied the worship of the calf, as described in Exodus 32, included feasting and revelry, indicating a disregard for the moral and ethical standards that God had given them through Moses.

Likewise, the Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on material success and financial prosperity, is lax on the issue of sin. This theological framework frequently downplays the importance of addressing and repenting for one’s moral transgressions, focusing instead on the acquisition of wealth and personal gain. By promoting the idea that financial success is an indicator of God’s blessing, it inadvertently encourages a disregard for the significance of personal responsibility, accountability, and the moral consequences of one’s actions. This lax approach to sin leads to a superficial faith that prioritizes material prosperity over genuine spiritual growth and moral rectitude, potentially missing the central message of repentance and forgiveness that is integral to Christianity. In their book Prosperity: Seeking The True Gospel, Michael Otieno Maura et al, write: “Some preachers are making promises of worldly prosperity to men and women and leading them far away from the Lord Jesus Christ and the genuine gospel that is found in the Bible. So widespread is this false teaching that many people may not even realise that they have been influenced by it.”

4. False Converts

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered around him” – Exodus 32:26 (ESV).

Moses’ call to separate the faithful from the false demonstrates the presence of false converts within the Israelite congregation. Not all who had escaped from Egypt were truly devoted to the Lord’s commandments and covenant. The fact that Moses needed to make this proclamation underscores that many among the people had never given their allegiance to the true God and, consequently, had been swayed by the allure of the Golden Calf. Their commitment to the one true God was superficial, and thus they were easily led astray. Hence, the existence of the Golden Calf functioned as a mechanism to unveil the spiritual corruption within the Israelite nation, revealing the presence of insincere adherents.

In a manner analogous to the situation involving the Golden Calf, the Prosperity Gospel exposes the sad reality that the Church, encompassing both its congregation and clergy, is populated by individuals who do not genuinely adhere to the true Gospel. The Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on the pursuit of material wealth and success as a sign of divine favour, has spawned false believers in our churches today. It fosters a distorted version of faith, where individuals are drawn primarily by the promise of financial prosperity rather than a genuine, wholehearted commitment to the teachings of Christ. In his book Apostasy! Jeff Kluttz writes: “I have no doubt that those who are in pursuit of material wealth, health, glory and godhood will continue to gather around the Word-Faith message. But if your desire is for true spiritual regeneration and eternal glory, the WoF [Word of Faith] doctrine has nothing to offer you. Its teaching is devoid of a right gospel.”

In this context, the pursuit of wealth can become the primary motivation for adherents, overshadowing the importance of selflessness, compassion, and genuine spiritual growth. This distortion can lead to a shallow, self-serving faith, where individuals may claim to be believers but often prioritize personal gain over the core principles of humility, service, and love for others that are central to the Christian faith. The Prosperity Gospel’s focus on material success produces a form of faith that is more about personal enrichment than a true, transformative relationship with God.

5. The Consequences

“Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made” – Exodus 32:35 (ESV).

In the biblical story, the worship of the Golden Calf had severe consequences for the Israelites. God’s anger resulted in divine punishment, highlighting the dangers of straying from the true path of faith. In a similar vein, the Prosperity Gospel can have detrimental effects on both individual believers and society as a whole.

Just as God’s judgment was pronounced upon the followers of the Golden Calf in the biblical account, a similar judgment awaits all who subscribe to the Prosperity Gospel. This is because a faith centred on the pursuit of prosperity, where personal gain takes precedence over spiritual growth, compassion, and ethical conduct, is a false faith. True believers are characterized by a deeper commitment to the values and teachings of Christ that include humility, selflessness, and a genuine relationship with God rather than an unwavering pursuit of material wealth. To false prosperity gospel believers Jesus has this to say: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” – Revelation 3:17-18 (NIV).

Conclusion

In their book Prosperity: Seeking The True Gospel, Michael Otieno Maura et al, write: “The prosperity gospel distracts people from the God-centred truth of the gospel. It diverts their focus away from the death of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. It distracts from the substitutionary atonement, the crucified life, and holiness. It obscures the great future hope of Christ’s return and the age to come when we will be with Him.”

The Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on material wealth, bears a striking resemblance to the biblical story of the Golden Calf. Both place material gain at the centre of religious faith, leading to the idolatry of wealth and potential negative consequences for individuals and society. While it is essential to seek spiritual and material well-being, equating faith with financial success can be spiritually and morally hazardous. In our modern world, it is essential to recognize the potential pitfalls of the Prosperity Gospel and reevaluate the true priorities of faith and ethical living.