Grace Remix by Paul Ellis Read Free Book Online Page B

Luke 18:32, and John 19:1.

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    ESCAPE TO REALITY – GREATEST HITS VOL. 4

    What is Hebrews really saying?

    In my view, the Hebrew author of the epistle to the Hebrews meant to say something like what
    we see in the Hebrew proverb, namely:

    For whom the Lord loves he disciples (he trains, instructs and nurtures), just as a father the
    son in whom he delights. (Hebrews 12:6, my paraphrase)

    This may be a better translation than the one we have in our English Bible because it satisfies
    three tests: (1) It is consistent with the revelation of God the Father given to us through Jesus the
    Son, (2) it is consistent with many other scriptures indicating that God delights in his children
    and that he cares enough to train and disciple us, and (3) it fits the encouraging context of
    Hebrews 12.

    A word after

    It is cavalier of me to take a scripture I cannot reconcile with the gospel and say, “It was
    translated wrong.” Goodness, why don’t I just do that with every tough scripture?
    But hand on heart, this is the only time I have done this and I believe I have solid Biblical
    grounds for doing so. If Hebrews 10:26 is a quote from the Old Testament, then it’s an
    inaccurate one, as anyone can see. That alone should give us pause. We might then ask, “Which
    is the best translation of the Bible?” Easy question. Jesus is! The Living Word is the best
    translation of the written word.
    Can you imagine Jesus scourging those he loves? Can you see him wrapping a flagellum
    around the backs of one of his disciples? Of course not. It’s preposterous! Then why do we think
    the Father would do it? As a wise person once said, if it’s not true of the Son, it’s not true of the
    Father. (See Hebrews 1:3 if that makes no sense.)
    “Wait a second, Paul. Didn’t Jesus make a whip of cords and drive the money-changers out
    of the temple?” Actually he drove out the animals . “He made a whip out of cords, and drove all
    from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle” (John 2:15a).
    Jesus was very smart. He knew that you don’t need a whip to clear out merchants and
    money-changers. A herd of stampeding oxen will do the job nicely.

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8. Fear and Trembling
    Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now
    much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
    (Philippians 2:12)

    This is a verse that works preachers love to quote. They use it to say that salvation is something
    to work for and that we must tip-toe fearfully through life lest we upset a wrathful God. It
    sounds spiritual, but it’s an anti-Christ message that insults the Spirit of grace.
    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Jesus did it all! His work was perfectly perfect and
    completely complete. Because of his sacrifice you have been made perfect forever. As he is, so
    are you in this world. Rest in him.

    Work out your own salvation…

    What does it mean to work out your salvation? Salvation literally means deliverance,
    preservation, safety, as well as salvation. It is a picture of a new life where all your needs—your
    need for forgiveness, deliverance, healing, provision—are supplied according to his riches in
    glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
    On the cross Jesus provided for your complete salvation, healing, and deliverance. If your
    old way of life was characterized by poverty, curses, and never enough, then your new life in
    Christ is one of abundance, blessings and more than enough.
    “But Paul, I don’t see it. I’m not healthy. I’m not prospering. I’m not overcoming.” Then
    work out in faith the good gift that God has placed within you. In him you lack nothing.

    Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly
    realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3, emphasis added)

    God has already blessed us with every blessing in Christ. If you have Christ, you have
    everything