Many of the Old Testament rites and ceremonies of the Temple would remain mysterious to us were it not for this Epistle. Here the Apostle, to whom the name Jesus was once anathema, shows that Jesus was the Son of God and therefore superior in all spheres to angels and men. No doubt in his days of spiritual ignorance and as a Pharisee he was not without the knowledge of the letter of the oracles of God, especially regarding the Priesthood which God instituted in Israel and which wielded such great influence among the people. Briefly, the Priesthood was expected to protect the purity and integrity of Israel. They were the Ministers of the Lord. The High Priest was viewed as the holiest man in Israel and the only one allowed to enter behind the veil of the Temple where the Ark of the Testimony was placed — this only once a year. Although this high office was of Divine origin its authority had become most oppressive by the time of Jesus Christ and by their arrogance the High Priests had brought order into confusion. Yet, in spite of this, the Jewish nation had an inbred veneration for this Mosaic institution which, to remove from the Hebrew Christian, was the formidable task of the Apostle. Here he was touching the very nerve-centre of their reverential respect, the very foundation of their religion and the tradition of their fathers.
It seems to me the Apostle primarily intended this Epistle for Jews who had embraced the Christian religion, but who were in danger of backsliding or even of worse apostacy. Hence the warning in the background of the chapter read. At the same time he encourages and exhorts them to hold on to the teaching they had received from him and the other Apostles, the teaching which they professed to believe (Chapter 3, verse 12).
Tonight as enabled, we would like to consider our text in connection with ourselves.
Firstly, the encouragement given.
Secondly, the duty to which we are called.
In the third place, a few remarks by way of personal application.
In the first place then: the Apostle makes it very clear in this Epistle that the order of the Levitical Priesthood is ended forever. The so-called Priesthood of the papacy therefore has no scriptural grounds whatsoever for its existence. Indeed, such an order as they have is cursed (Galatians 1:8, 9). It only promotes slavish fear in the hearts of the poor superstitious people under their yoke, and not encouragement. The Roman system is continually falling into grosser errors by holding more and more unscriptural views. Alas, there is so much indifference, if not worse, among so-called Protestants today that there is a very real danger of Romanism regaining her lost ascendancy in our country. But we, as a branch of the Visible Church, still have the encouragement of our text.
The Word of God clearly reveals our need of a High Priest to intercede for us because we cannot stand innocent before God owing to the guilt of our sins. This cannot be denied (Hebrews 2:2-4). As we are all under the sentence of eternal death, no mere man or woman can be our intercessor: “As by the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation . . .” Romans 5:18. But, blessed be God, He has in great love and mercy condescended to provide a suitable Priest, chosen by Himself, and to accept His work in the place of His people. “The forerunner is for us entered in, even Jesus, made an High Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Hebrews 6:20. So the Jewish Christians taunted by their opponents because they had no Priest or altar in their religion had no need to fear; neither does the Christian of our own day because we have a Great High Priest.
Much as we would like to dwell more on this glorious theme of the great encouragement given to us, time will not allow; and it would defeat the main purpose we have tonight, which is to dwell on the duty set before us and its personal application. But we may notice briefly (1) that everything that is needed for our salvation is found in this Great High Priest. The altar is His infinite pure Divinity which gives infinite value to all that He does and has done. The sacrifice is Himself as God in our nature without spot or blemish of sin; hence the necessity of the virgin birth, so that a perfect sinless obedience even unto death on the cursed cross could be rendered and accepted by a Holy and Just God. The Priest is One who is perfectly holy and blameless in His life. This Great High Priest although He died in offering Himself as a sacrifice in the room and stead of His people, arose from the grave through the power of an endless life (Hebrews 7:16-17). Not only so, but after revealing Himself to reliable witnesses He passed into the Heavens. O, what a great and glorious High Priest this is, of whom the heavenly choir sing — Lift up your heads, O ye gates: even lift them up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of Glory shall come in. Psalm 24:9. Yes, He is a Royal Priest having authority, divinely given, to enter into the very presence of God in the name of those for whom He suffered (Hebrews 9:24). He sits at God’s right hand in their name; not only to intercede for them as Priest, but to rule in them as King by His Spirit and Word. He is also to defend them from their enemies, however powerful they may seem (Psalm 110:1-2). (2) His Name is Great. O, how encouraging in the face of all that may seem so dark and mysterious in God’s providence when we have Jesus, the Son of God, at God’s right hand for us. How wonderful was the name Jesus to the infant church, to the Apostles, the Fathers, the Martyrs and the Covenanters of Scotland. Yes, not forgetting the Disruption Fathers of 1843, and the Fathers of our own Denomination who stood the testing time when the honour of Jesus was at stake. The Name and Glory of Jesus became precious to their souls when, in a day of grace, they came to know themselves as lost, ruined and hell-deserving sinners. They came to understand also the meaning of these words: “Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). How great He is who is called the Son of God! Here is where the greatness and glory of His Person is revealed — His equality with the Father as to His divine nature. Christ alone could say: “He that has seen Me has seen the Father.” What blasphemy the Roman system is guilty of when they by-pass the Son of God and give glory as saints to men and women who may be already in hell! Such a Son as Christ is has prerogatives and rights which are His alone: they can never be taken from Him nor shared. This latest blasphemy and gross sinful purpose of raising the so-called “Blessed John Ogilvie” to the status of Saint John is another proof of the changeless character of that God-dishonouring System, the Church of Rome. No, upon the doctrine of Jesus, the Son of God as the only Mediator between God and men hinges the full redemption of soul and body, and is fundamental to true saving faith.
In the second place let us notice: ### The duty to which we are called.
“Let us hold fast our profession.” The Jewish Christians had professed the name of Jesus and believed in Him to the saving of the soul (Hebrews 10:39). We possess nothing more precious than our souls. Jesus Himself evaluates the soul of man and sets it over against the whole world! (Matthew 16:26). In times of persecution, we believe, these words of Christ had a strengthening effect on our suffering Fathers when the world offered its various forms of riches, honours, pleasures and friends. But in heavenly wisdom, they calmly weighed both issues — the gain and loss of each course. No wonder then that their motto was, none but Christ.
The word profession here is the same word as used in the third chapter where the Apostle speaks of Christ in His superiority over all as the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (verse 1). In the Greek it means confession. Some scholars assert that it properly means: our joint agreement, while others, acknowledgement. To the unconverted Jew, this new religion was aimed at the destruction of their own religion and must be opposed at all costs. Hence, the exhortation of the Apostle to hold fast. Now, this joint agreement was to acknowledge the truths of the Gospel before all and sundry. The Apostle was not one to announce the truths of the Gospel in a colourless presentation so as to confuse rather than edify, as the Arminian preaching does in its many forms. For instance, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarians, Roman Catholics and some so-called Protestants all maintain that they have the truths of the Gospel. Fathers and brethren, let us not be so vague in our profession of the truths of the Gospel, or in the presentation of the same. What do we mean by the truths of the Gospel? I fully agree with the formula used by some to represent the Gospel and that we must experience the same in the salvation of the soul, namely, the three Rs — Ruin by the fall; Redemption by Christ; Regeneration by the Spirit. I personally prefer one given by another, because to me, it gives a fuller view of the truths of the Gospel, i.e. T.U.L.I.P. — Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistable grace; Perseverance of the Saints. It also gives a broader panorama of the doctrines of Truth as stated in the Westminster Confession which we profess to be the Confession of our faith.
Arminianism is God dishonouring and finds its stock rooted in the soil of the Declaratory Act of 1892, which became law in 1893, causing the distinctive stand of the Free Presbyterian Church by Deed of Separation. We believe that the doctrines of the Apostles were the same as we stand for today, and that they are not only God-exalting but absolutely logical. They are rooted in Scripture as the infallible, inerrant and verbally inspired Word of God — thus saith the Lord.
(1) T — He says man is totally ruined and spiritually dead. Sin has made man totally incapable of raising a finger to save himself. He is utterly dependent on God’s Grace alone for salvation.
(2) U — Man was born in this awful condition while at the same time, it cannot be denied “some believe and some believe not”; and that the Scriptures ascribe this faith to God’s gift, this must point to election. Consequently, as man is in no condition, by nature, to believe; then this election must be unconditional on man’s part, or as the Scriptures testify — an Election of Grace.
(3) L — Further as Christ, being God, could not fail in His mission to save and atone for the sins of His people, this fact points to a limited atonement, and not a universal one. If Christ died for all men, then He has failed in His work; for many of the human race are lost. Perish the thought that Christ, the Son of God, could ever fail!
(4) I — Again, as it is in time man must believe to the saving of the soul, and he cannot exercise this saving faith because he was born spiritually dead; therefore he must be born again. This power Scripture ascribes to God, the Holy Spirit; who by breathing spiritual life, through His Word, into the soul enables it to embrace Jesus Christ, by faith, as a Saviour freely offered in the Gospel. This power is irresistible.
(5) P — Finally, as far as full redemption is concerned, Scripture testifies that Christ has been promised this election of Grace as His own seed and wholly accepted by God; effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit; so such will persevere to the end and be glorified (Romans 8:30).
Many object by saying that if we hold these doctrines we cannot preach a free offer of the Gospel. If it is meant that we cannot appeal to man’s free-will to accept Christ, certainly we cannot; and do not let us lead men along that dangerous and soul-destroying path. But if it is meant that we cannot offer Christ indiscriminately to all that hear the Gospel; we deny that. No preacher knows who the elect are, therefore we must preach and offer Christ to all. The atonement is sufficient in value to save all and, so it is preached to all. The fact that man is “dead in trespasses and sins” should be no obstacle, because God has commanded to preach to all (Mark 16:15). Let us take the illustration of the fearful condition of Israel shown, by vision, to Ezekiel as recorded in that prophecy, chapter 37:1-14. There we see the prophet commanded to preach to very dry bones. Did he begin to “reply against God”? No, he did as commanded; and what a wonderful result! He wisely left the issue to God. Yes, many a soul has been arrested and enabled, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to lay hold on Jesus Christ, by faith, through the preaching of the free offer of the Gospel. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We must never forget that man is a rational creature and therefore responsible to God for all his sins. His inability is sin itself! O may God bring this home to us while we are in time! While the Pelagian interpretation of man’s will is extremely dangerous to immortal souls and most dishonouring to God, we must remember, logical as the system of doctrines known as Calvinism is, that a mere intellectual understanding of them is not enough to save our souls. No, we need an experimental knowledge of them, evidenced by our life, walk and conversation in this present world.
It is also, we believe, clear in Scripture that the Apostles exercised the same form of Presbyterian government, worship and discipline that the Free Presbyterian Church practices — albeit we are painfully aware of failings and infirmities. We subscribe to the whole contents of the Westminster Confession of Faith because we are persuaded that these documents are founded on, and are agreeable to, the Word of God. Opposition can be expected because Truth and error have always opposed one another, and have done so since Cain opposed his godly brother, Abel, and slew him. So, if the Truths of the Gospel have to be kept alive in our midst in this fearful day of backsliding, it is by holding fast to them in opposition to those who try to “wrest” them, as Scripture says, to their own destruction. If they pull us over to their side we will be the losers, and the characters of our faithful Fathers will have been stigmatized.
Now, in the third place: ### A few remarks by way of personal application.
First of all, fathers and brethren, let me speak to the Ministers of Christ among us. In writing to the Corinthians Paul introduces himself as a divinely appointed messenger of Christ. By this divine calling Paul, and all others called in the same manner, was honoured above other men. There is no more honourable calling in the world than this one: No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron (Hebrews 5:4). It carries with it a most solemn responsibility, as the minister of Christ is expected, commanded by God, not only to preach the Gospel and govern His church, but to be an example to all within and outside as how they should live. Should we then be ashamed of this high office? Are we not, as the Apostle says, Stewards of the mysteries of God? (I Cor. 4:1), even although we carry this treasure in earthen vessels, and are despised by many? What does the Apostle mean by the mysteries of God? He means, we believe, that as the truths of the Gospel were opposed to carnal reasoning they were mysterious to the unbeliever until they were opened up, by the Spirit, to the enlightened understanding and became treasures indeed! Many in our day, run who have not been called, and alas, make this very evident to the detriment of the cause of Christ. But where the called messenger is, he is made a source of spiritual blessing for the people to whom he is sent. We believe firmly that when the Lord sends His messenger to a people, the messenger has work to do. The fruits may not be apparent immediately, but, as Paul himself so often wrote, the day will declare it. Let us therefore hold fast to our profession as ministers of Christ and not be ashamed to show all and sundry that we are ministers, therefore stewards of the mysteries of God. O, how high is the honour bestowed upon such! Who can conceive what a blessing is bestowed upon the true stewards of the mysteries of God. The Eternal God has put into the hands of a worm of the dust the precious treasures of His house. Well may He say to the slothful or unfaithful steward, cursed be he that doeth the Work of the Lord deceitfully (Jeremiah 40:10). God forbid then that we as ministers of Christ in the Free Presbyterian Church would be found belittling the solemn responsibilities placed on our shoulders to hold fast.
Now, here I may speak a few words to my younger brethren in the ministry. I speak to myself at the same time. When beginning and before constituting, by prayer, our Presbytery meetings, the fifth chapter of the first Epistle of Peter is often read. It is so, because it is written especially to “the elders which are among you . . .” In the first verse the tried and experienced Peter speaks of the office which should carry with it the gravity, wisdom and humility of mind that commands respect and was so perfectly found in their Master. But in the fifth verse he speaks primarily of age in the office. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder . . .” He exhorts the young to be “clothed with humility” and gives a very solemn reason for it when he writes: For God resisteth the proud. O brethren, what a fearfully solemn matter it is to have God resisting us. We may resist the ordinance of God and command the applause of the world, that is, the professing world. But what will that be at the end if God has been resisting us? Let us seek the humility of grace to learn by the experience of our elders who have gone through temptations we know nothing of, and we will receive more grace to overcome all.
Our office-bearers are also exhorted to hold fast their profession. They also have been honoured, in God’s providence, not only to be called out of the kingdom of darkness, but He has brought them into the ruling office of His house. Here they profess to stand alongside the ministers of Christ in preserving the purity and order of these treasures. In doing so he must himself value what is committed to his custody so as to preserve it from deterioration. Fearful is the condemnation passed on the slothful servant in the parable of the talents: “Thou wicked and slothful servant”. Brethren, you have taken solemn vows in the presence of God, men, angels and devils, so the vows of God are upon you. Let us remember God will not be mocked, so hold fast to your profession which includes your solemn vow to assert, maintain and defend these doctrines, and our form of government. Not only do you profess to believe the Confession of Faith as grounded on the Word of God; but that it is the confession of your faith.
Our members in full communion are to be exhorted to hold fast their profession. They profess to have a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and to be in joint agreement with the above profession, that is, the Word of God as it has been stated above, and the Westminster Confession of Faith as their subordinate standards. So, Christ and all that belongs to Him is precious in your sight. You are here, dear friend, and many a secret groan arises from your heart in relation to your own unfruitfulness and over how low the cause of Christ is in our day. Ah, dear friend, here is a sweet meat for unbelief. Some of the propositions of the mere professing world may seem very plausible, and if unbelief is not checked it will draw your mind away after them. The few in number to which you belong seem to be helpless in face of the vast majority opposed to us. Remember the experience of the Psalmist when he cried — the floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice: the floods have lifted up their waves (Ps. 93:3). Yes, but he did not stop there, but looked to the Lord when He carried on saying, The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea (V.4). Again, when he exhorts Israel to remember the everlasting covenant the Lord made with them in which He promised: Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; when they were but a few men in number: yea, very few, and strangers in it (Ps. 105:11, 12). His eyes were toward the faithful God who had promised, as our eyes must be when we hold fast our profession.
We have adherents also to be exhorted. They may say — but I do not profess. This is a favourite excuse to escape remonstrance for some sin they are committing or duty they do not perform. But, My dear friend, we take it that most, if not all, here are baptised into the visible church. Now Baptism is one of the two Sacraments in the church of Christ. The word sacrament was taken up by the ancient fathers from the oath by which the Roman soldiers were sworn to their duty, and they were not admitted to be soldiers until they had solemnly taken that oath or sacrament. Parents who have had their children baptised in our church have sworn that they believe the doctrines of the Word of God to be true, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith has been accepted by them as their subordinate standards. Also they have, in their profession, promised to abide by certain rules based on the Word of God; and have professed to appreciate the distinctive stand of the Free Presbyterian Church in its separation from the Declaratory Act Free Church of 1893. These vows and promises are made in the presence of God, angels, men and devils.
It is to be feared that some do not like mention made of the Declaratory Act. But, if such really valued their souls and the souls of others they would prayerfully examine this Act in the light of Scripture. They would see the untold harm it has done, and is still doing to souls who are under its influence. The Truth can do no wrong because it is God’s Truth: and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32): sanctify them through Thy truth Thy word is truth (John 17:17). Only error can destroy, and surely we cannot be censured by right-minded people when we try to warn our people of such destruction (See James 5:19). The Declaratory Act is full of erroneous teaching and we appeal to our young people to study our recently published “History” — especially the supplement at the end of the book. Approach it with an unbiassed mind; compare it with the Word of God in a prayerful manner; then make up your mind. I guarantee you will not be lead astray.
In conclusion, the nature of the Church of Christ is an outgoing one; it was made so by commandment of the Lord Jesus, the only Head of the Church (Mark 16:15). Hence we should all support and encourage all the committees of our church appointed for this purpose. Church Extension — Dominions and Overseas — Jewish and Foreign Mission. Indeed I have much sympathy with all who have this formidable task, they need much encouragement. Scotland itself has, to a great degree, lost its Christian character, and those who aim at extending our witness here need our prayerful support. This, by no means, excludes our kith and kin overseas; poor souls in Rhodesia; and those who are groping, as it were, their way out of the church of Rome in Italy. We have great blessings and privileges handed down to us by our faithful fathers; let us not only hold fast to them but make a greater effort to share them with others, and not only prayerfully but practically. Our dear friends in Holland ought to put us to shame. Let us consider what we have spent on ourselves and compare it with what we have given toward the spiritual welfare of those mentioned above. The Lord has encouraged us in our extension in the past few years; let this be an incentive to give and work harder, leaving the issue to Him of whom it is written “— God giveth the increase”.