For The Word Of God Is Living...

Hebrews Chapter 4:12-16

God’s Living Word

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

4:12,13. The reason given for one’s careful scrutiny of his life involves the reality that God is intently scrutinizing it. His word is quick (living). This word is first in the Greek and is the emphasis. God’s word is not old or archaic; it is alive. It is not inept or inactive; it is powerful (active). It reaches into the inner secrets of man’s mind to discern even his thoughts and intents. Likewise, God’s eye sees man as though he were naked, unable to hide behind excuse or pretense. (taken from King James Study Bible) 

Our Compassionate High Priest

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

4:14,15. At this point the author begins his discussion of Christ as high priest. His priestly ministry is far superior to any other priest’s because of the intercession He provides. The earthly high priest, with fear, once a year gained access to the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies; Christ not only has access to but is seated in the very presence of God the Father. Yet prior to this position, He partook of man’s nature and temptations so that He might sympathize, yet without sin. To imagine that since Jesus could not sin He could not suffer, misses the point of the passage. Temptation can be a reality apart from sin. “God cannot be tempted with evil” (James 1:3), yet God is tried or tempted (Gr. Peirazo) by men (3:9; Acts 15:10). Yet, beyond the statements of this passage, He who was God, though made like man, could not sin (being impeccable); and indeed, He need not sin to be human. Before Adam sinned, he was completely human. The glorified saint will never again be able to sin, yet remain human. Temptation is greatest in duration and intensity when one does not accept the “easy” way out by sinning. If man’s temptation is greater when he endures it, surely Christ’s was great since He had no alternative, in His humanity, but to endure it.

4:16. Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest. The figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed. (taken from King James Study Bible)         

Does this not cause us to stand in awe?

This all powerful, holy God, who can see in us what we ourselves cannot see, loves us and came to be tempted, to suffer and die in our place that we might have eternal life. I stand amazed in His presence! (my comments here are so inadequate)