Heb 8:1-6 “Now of the Things Which we have Spoken This is the Sum” – Part 1

[Study Aired November 12, 2020]

Heb 8:1  Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 
Heb 8:2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Heb 8:3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 
Heb 8:4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 
Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 
Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Chapter eight of Hebrews is truly a synopsis of many of the main points that have already been written in the first few chapters of Hebrews as it states “Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum“, just as Peter states plainly that it is important to revisit “these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth” (2Pe 1:12).

2Pe 1:12  Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Reviewing and understanding what makes up our High Priest “who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” is a daily discovery that comes about by dying daily (1Co 15:31) and keeping under ourselves (1Co 9:27). 2Peter 1:1-11 discusses the fruit of the spirit that can be ours if God does in fact put His law “in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” of Jeremiah 31:33).

2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2Pe 1:5  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2Pe 1:8  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is what God is manifesting in the lives of those whom He is saving in this life through our Lord who is the “minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (1Co 3:16), and this salvation is unfolding as grace and peace are multiplied unto us “through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Pe 1:1).

2Pe 1:1  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through^G1722 the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2Pe 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through^G1722 the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through^G1722 the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (Joh 7:3)
2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (Heb 8:6).
2Pe 1:5  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [These verses in 2Peter 1:4-10 can be summarized with Titus 3:8].

Tit 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, (2Pe 1:12) that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

2Pe 1:8  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2Pe 1:11  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly (Joh 10:10, Psa 90:12) into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God is accomplishing these works in Christ or through Christ, and they were determined to be done from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4) through God’s elect who will be brought unto perfection on the third day (Luk 13:32). The works don’t perfect us; the works give evidence that we are being perfected, and the tree that is bringing forth this fruit that God is giving the increase too gives us hope (Luk 6:43-44, 1Ti 6:19) to continue on in His service believing that day will come when we will go unto perfection in a moment and in the twinkling of an eye (1Co 15:52).

This many-membered body which makes up the bride of Christ (Rom 12:5, 1Co 12:12, Rev 19:7) is being built up through^G1722 our High Priest who is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Christ is the one who is building the fitly framed temple that we are becoming which will enable God’s people to overcome the world through that gift of faith (Psa 127:1, Eph 2:20-22, Eph 4:13-16, 1Jn 5:4).

Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1Co 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Psa 127:1  A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

This chapter of Hebrews, as with all of God’s word, has been written to give us incentive to overcome and to realize the certainty of that victory to which God has called us through Christ as we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Pe 3:18) and learn to rest in Him as we continue to cast all our cares upon the One who is able “to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25).

2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Heb 8:1  Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 

On that day (Joh 14:20) you will know that this statement in Hebrews 8:1 is speaking about what is happening right now in the heavens of those who have Christ abiding in them (Col 1:27) making it possible for us to be raised in heavenly places with Him “who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Eph 2:6).

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

This message of knowing him “who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” is the primary message that God is revealing through the book of Hebrews unto those who believe (Joh 6:28-29), and Christ is our hope of salvation (Col 1:27). The summation of this hope-filled relationship we have with our Father and high priest Jesus Christ is condensed in this chapter that starts off by saying “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum“.

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

God is the one who is making His son known in our heavens so that we can believe in him and do the works that he did and even greater works than what Christ did. Those greater works involve being sent to spiritually heal those whom God drags to Christ in us (Joh 14:12, Joh 20:21, Psa 107:20, Joh 6:44).

Joh 14:12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Joh 20:21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Psa 107:20  He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Heb 8:2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Clearly Christ is the “minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle“, our high priest who is “…holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily”…”to offer up sacrifice”…   “for this he did once, when he offered up himself” (Heb 7:26-27 from last week’s study).

That “true tabernacle” is not the pitching of a tent which symbolically means our lives here, being temporary abodes that God is able to settle us in and make us spiritually comfortable in after we suffer awhile as Christ did before us (Lev 23:40-42, Heb 4:15, 1Pe 4:1, Isa 33:14-15, 1Co 10:13).

Lev 23:40  And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days [Php 4:4].

Lev 23:41  And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
Lev 23:42  Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:

Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Isa 33:14  The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Isa 33:15  He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

It is only those who are tried in the fire of God’s word through this life (1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 4:1) whose hearts will truly be changed so that we can spiritually come to know and be as our Lord (1Jn 4:17) who possesses all these spiritual traits of “He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.”

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Christ is supplying all our needs both physically and spiritually (Php 4:19) as a many-membered body, and Paul’s trade of being a tentmaker expresses this sentiment of working out your own salvation with fear and trembling while knowing that Christ is the one working in you, not just for you but for the building up of the other tents, or many members, that comprise the temple of God (Php 2:12-13, Act 18:3, Php 4:16-20).

Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling [pitch your tent (Joh 5:8) and bear the burden of others who are doing the same (Gal 6:2)].
Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Act 18:3  And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Php 4:16  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Php 4:17  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Php 4:18  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

These temporary structures that were called sukkahs or sukkot in the old covenant were constructed by the Israelites for the feast of tabernacles and remind us that we brought nothing into this life and can take nothing with us (1Ti 6:7). What we do take with us through this life, Lord willing, is the mind of Christ which resides in that tent which represents these earthen vessels (2Co 4:7) as He ministers to us as our high priest with “differences of administrations, but the same Lord” and diversities of operations”, but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1Co 12:4-14, Col 1:12-14). These good and perfect gifts were given from the Father of lights from above (Jas 1:17) and are ministered by Christ (1Co 8:6) so that we can all come into the same unity of the faith via the one who has determined to build us together “for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph 2:20-22).

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Jas 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1Co 8:6  But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through^G1722 the Spirit.

Heb 8:3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 
Heb 8:4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

The physical reveals the spiritual (Rom 1:20), and these high priests who were “ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices” in the flesh are types of what Christ would offer to His body in our heavens and not on earth “wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer” is speaking of what Christ can and will offer to those who have been ordained to have the faith of God which will be tried and tested so we can go unto perfection.

If “he were on earth” then we would yet know Christ after the flesh (2Co 5:16) and would still be found in our righteousness, which is what these “priests that offer gifts according to the law” symbolize for us today. As noted in the last couple of studies, Christ could not be a priest according to the law of Moses …and neither could we.

God willing, our life is presented as a living sacrifice worshiping God in spirit and truth “in the heavens” “and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man.” That time is come [in every age since Pentecost] for all who are being dragged to Christ “today” in these temporary vessels of clay which are being judged first (Rom 12:1, Joh 4:23-24, Joh 6:44, Mat 22:14, 1Pe 4:17).

2Co 5:16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

These high priests were “the example and shadow of heavenly things” and Mose’s “when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.“

There it is: examples, shadows, and pattern. In other words, not the reality that they were all pointing to, Jesus Christ (Col 2:17).

Col 2:17  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

To use a modern day example, we currently have a new building going up that is south facing from where we live, and you can be sure that blueprints are being constantly reviewed and analyzed to see that the building is going up according to the pattern that is on those prints. Our blueprints are the word of God (1Jn 4:6-7), and it is incumbent upon us that we “make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” knowing that the mount represents the things that are above and found in Christ, meaning His righteousness, His building of the temple, and not our own righteousness that deviates from the truth and naturally wants to lean unto our own understanding (Pro 3:5-6).

1Jn 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God is witnessing through the weak of the world that He can make his strength perfect through us and build up this holy temple to his glory and honour, and that is the great privilege and honour that has been given to very few in this life, and something for which we are to strive, not by our might or power but by the power that God will either give us or not give us (Zec 4:6, Rev 11:3, Rom 11:22, Rom 2:4).

Zec 4:6  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness [1Jn 4:17-18] of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Christ is the spiritual architect of this building called the body of Christ of which  we are all members, who are all being judged and worked with so that we can be fitly framed together to the glory of God (Heb 12:2, Php 1:6).

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

What replaces these high priests who were “the example and shadow of heavenly things” (1Pe 1:12, 1Co 10:11) is a “more excellent ministry” that Christ will mediate so that this “better covenant” which was founded upon “better promises” can be realized in those whose heavens are being cleansed today (Heb 9:23) as we lay hold of those promises which are exceedingly great and precious for that very reason (1Ti 6:12, 2Pe 1:4).

Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

1Ti 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God can give us the confidence that we need to be more than conquerors through Christ as our heavens are cleansed and our conscience (1Jn 3:20) is freed from the slavery that sin brings (Joh 8:36) as we’re given the power to endure (Php 4:13) until the end and be made ready as those saviours who will come up on Mount Zion to do the work that God has ordained from the foundation of the world for us to do (Rom 8:38-39, Oba 1:21).

1Jn 3:20  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Oba 1:21  And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.