First, it tells us that there are already a lot of winners. A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Becuase we have the mind and character of Jesus once born again, and sin is as vile to us as it is to God. Speaking of winners, consider some of the witnesses who have already run their race with endurance. Propitiation means atonement. it incredibly is not an insult, it incredibly is only the reality. Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" I wonder how many kids started having Wheaties every morning thinking it some sort of magical athletic potion almost guaranteed to assure them their favorite position on the team. It takes faith. . I wonder how many kids started having Wheaties every morning thinking it some sort of magical athletic potion almost guaranteed to assure them their favorite position on the team. Thanks for the question. No compromise, jsut like Jesus. God had revealed to Adam and his descendants the way of true worship of the true and living God. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. The image is a figurative way to describe the faithful as encouraging us on our Christian journey. WE are to put away, … WE cant work our way to heaven, or buy it. 9 Answers. (HEBREWS 11:1). fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Angels are cheering. He is the culmination of God's disclosing of Himself to mankind. PPL want to count on grace to cover continued wilful sin, but in 1 John 3:9, we are told those born of God cannot sin. It is Jesus we look to and He is our example. Question: "What does it mean to ‘run the race set before us’ (Hebrews 12:1)?" Some understand the "cloud of witnesses" as being people looking down on us from Heaven. The word "name" is used, as it often is, to denote God himself. If I am hanging out the window of a burning building, and the firefighters are urging me to jump into the net, I might loudly insist that I am confident that they will catch me. God requires obedience, its not just a suggestion. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 12:1. τοιγαροῦν καὶ ἡμεῖς, τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων¸ ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἀμαρτίαν, δι ὑπομονῆς τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα. A foot race is probably the most often used figure from the not-so-wide world of sports in the first century, but boxing and wrestling are also used. IF YOU LOVE ME< OBEY ME. Just like when we first came to Jesus, we confessed our sins and repetned of the, that means saying Sorry and I wont do it anymore. (The Bible clearly warns us about what I call "pre-sin." In his parting prayer John 17:6, he says, "I have manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world." That may be fine for the Olympics, but not for life! This passage tells us several important things about the race of life (by the way, you have already entered this race; no backing out now; it's either win or lose). I heard a preacher say that angels and the spirits of people who have died are watching us from heaven sort of "rooting us on". 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 12 flow naturally from the end of chapter 11, providing a direct application of the points made in that passage. Hitherto he hath proposed unto us their example who had and professed the same faith with ourselves; now, he proposeth Him who is the author and finisher of that faith in us all. thats says it all, but there is so much more. The term witness could mean that the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 are witnesses to the truth, but the idea is probably that they are witnesses to the race that we are running. I want you to think about something here. once you're a Christian that follows the instructions of the Bible, you're able to in no way bypass to conflict. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 What Does Hebrews 12:2 Mean? Hebrews 2:7 "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:" “Angels”: Angels were given supernatural powers by the Creator. What Does Hebrews 1:2 Mean? It means the heroes of our faith are watching us from heaven, wittnesses to us that we should overcome as they overcome. It is not enough just to compete! He warns us not only about adultery, but also about lust. Our victor's crown (the first century equivalent to our gold medal) has not yet been awarded. It may be referring to people in general, especially unbelievers, watching us to see if we are really going to live a godly life. Publius. (HEBREWS 11:8). not that you will be perfect....but you get the idea...yes? He certainly did not know where all God would lead him, but he trusted God and so obeyed Him. Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about, As the Israelites were encompassed with the pillar of cloud, or with the clouds of glory in the wilderness, as the Jews say; (See Gill on 1 Corinthians 10:1), to which there may be an allusion, here, since it … Well, maybe it is for some champions. Answer Save. 11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Why do Christians believe that children are born in sin? We should be patiently trying to live a righteous life because Jesus died for us, rose, and is now at God's right hand. But there is a time God wil stop striving with us, and expects us to be faithful to Him as He is to to us. Click To Tweet The Holy Spirit leads us *out* of death and *into* freedom. The meaning is, that it would be a part of the Messiah's work to make known to his disciples the character and perfections of God - or to make them acquainted with God. LOOK AT THE WINNERS "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." That is not the correct interpretation. Future events proved Noah had been right, despite what probably involved facing years of scorn and ridicule by thoughtless and faithless neighbors. This is why humility is necessary; a willingness to say, not my will, but Thy will be done. WE arent to judge anyone, but to speak truth as we live it, and to pray for those that are still in open rebellion to God, thsoe that claim to believe and those that admit they dont. You can win this race! He despised the shame of the cross (pain, humiliation), knowing what His death on Calvary would buy; our redemption. WHy do ppl try to see how little they can do for God to get into HEaven, when in reality we should be saying< What else can we do for you Lord.? The picture is that we Christians are in an ancient arena running, and the faithful of all the ages are watching us. The people religion spiritually they believe jesus? ABEL WORSHIPED "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." So the writer of Hebrews is referring to the incarnation of God's Son at His First Coming. Jesus does not bypass to conflict, he could want you to coach the different cheek. It doesn't count if you cross the finish line going the wrong way! We must have faith to please God. The sisters and brothers that went before me, and have earned their rest, ran their race. God had promised good to Abraham, and Abraham believed God. Obey God reverently, and you know the answer! WHY? 11 months ago. Hebrews chapter 11 records many people whom God commended for their faith. The most important race of all is the race of life. "For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? There are many parallels to be found between the two. If I am afraid to act upon what I claim to be confident of, then I am not really confident, am I? What does Hebrews 1:1-2 mean? The great cloud of witnesses refers to those who had lived faithful lives in the past. True faith obeys God. Although parents generally try to do the best for their children, the correction we receive from our earthly mother or father is far from ideal. Personally, I'm not sure I believe that. If we lower the standards of what we consider a victory (say, I'll be satisfied if I make a million dollars or get all my kids through school or retire at 55) and achieve that goal we still have not won. We've only noticed four of them. The gift is free, but holding onto that prize takes some conditions. Who are the real winners in life? The interpretation is determined by the connection. Hebrews 12:2, NLT: "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. How do you think about the answers? We have lost everything if we fall short of heaven. To Roman Catholics, why do you believe Jesus died (read description)? You can sign in to vote the answer. (HEBREWS 11:16). Hebrews 12:1. In the blessed example of it, which is the suffering… [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original written texts of the Bible. Also, we should get rid of anything in our lives that hinders our walk with the Lord. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the “pioneer” of our faith. Lv 7. It should be unnecessary to have to say active confidence in the promises of God. We have yet to cross the finish line. WRAP-UP OF THE GAME "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. It explains that Jesus is the Mediator of a new, and better covenant, and that His service, sacrifice, mission and ministry surpassed everything that had gone before. Hebrews 12:1-2 . They rightly consider it an honor just to compete there. Until the desire to please God becomes stronger than the desire to please self, we shall be running our race taking one step forward and two steps back. He performed this. Strip down, start running—and never quit! We’ll see that the disciple’s life is a race that … If we cant lose our prize of salvtion, why so many scriptures that say hold on and dont lose it????? Relevance. Get your answers by asking now. 1 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in … But remember this: the end of your race, win or lose, is closer today than it was yesterday. Update: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. They are "witnesses" not in that they are watching us, but rather in that they have set an example for us...they are witnesses for Christ, and God, and truth. 1. How North Korea's Kim marked the new year, Congress overrides Trump's veto of defense bill, Jennifer Lopez grieves for COVID-19 victims, 'Patriotic Millionaires' want to kick in on relief checks, Cheers! We need to put off encumbrances which would weigh us down (this is why you do not see marathon runners wearing combat boots) and the sin which entangles us (tie your shoelaces tight so you do not trip) and look toward the joy of victory at the end of the race. Abraham obeyed God even when his immediate future was unsure, as far as he was concerned. They use to advertise Wheaties as the breakfast of champions. The point of Jesus' teaching is that we shuffle into sin. ABRAHAM OBEYED "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance, and he went out, not knowing where he was going." Still have questions? Most of what we face as believers is not as drastic as it could be (Hebrews 12:4), and God uses those experiences to "train" us into a deeper, stronger faith. The apostle here riseth unto the highest direction, encouragement, and example, with respect unto the same duty, whereof we are capable. What Does Hebrews 12:1 Mean? GOD FORBID was the resposne to continued sin because of grace. ... Hebrews is the book that showed believing Jews, that the New Covenant promised through Jeremiah, had been cut at Calvary. By Jon W. Quinn From Expository Files 5.7; July 1998. (HEBREWS 11:4). Hebrews 12:2. 12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? The Bible often employs figures and symbols from athletics to describe the life of faith, and with good reason. Saving faith runs life's race in obedience of God's will because it firmly believes in the victory which God promises to the winners. Hebrews 12:2, CSB: "keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2. It means we’d better get on with it. awesome. (HEBREWS 12:1,2). In Matthew 5 Jesus warns us not simply about murder, but also about anger. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. How do you know the Bible is 100% accurate? What Does Hebrews 12:29 Mean? This does not mean the same thing as at the last of these days (Hebrews 1:2), which is the end of the first period denoted by these days, but the conclusion of the first and the beginning of the second period, at which Christ appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. His free-will, sacrificial offering on the Cross is the climax of God's plan to redeem His fallen race. They do not feel too bad when they do not win a medal because they never really expected to. However many times we are told to trust the Lord and the Bible tells us that Jesus is the Lord. Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith. Saving faith worships God according to His word. Answer: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Click To Tweet Hebrews 11 isn't simply the hall of faith—it's our family tree. They use to advertise Wheaties as the breakfast of champions. Jesus is also the “perfecter” of our faith—He is the one who brought it to completion. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. WHen we trust God, we obey Him, WHen we lvoe HIm, we obey Him. It means the heroes of our faith are watching us from heaven, wittnesses to us that we should overcome as they overcome. He did not just start it; He finished it. This assurance and conviction is active confidence placed in the promises of God. IF we say we are born again and we live in sin, then we fool ourselves, as we are not born again. After explaining many heroic examples of faith, as well as instances of persecution, the writer refers to this collection of evidence as a "great cloud of witnesses." When Jesus comes again, will the events of that day also prove you right? We are in their shoes. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own." Hebrews 11:1-3 New International Version (NIV) Faith in Action. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2. They have continual access to the throne of God (Job 1:6; 2:1; Rev. Hebrews 12:1-2 1. vs. 2 WE must not look to the other contestants in this race to God, but look only to Jesus who endured the cross, and who now sits at the right hand of the thorne of God. remember??? What constitutes a victory? Hebrews 12:1-2. So if we do that, and then go back and live in Sin, how are we still saved.? (HEBREWS 11:5). What is the quintessential doctrine that all of Christianity is based on? Today, we’re going to look to Jesus in Hebrews 12:2. Though Cain was religious and worshiped God as well, his worship was rejected because it was not of faith. Eternity draws ever nearer. These facts of history should inspire Christians to endure persecution, as well as to struggle against sin. He alone is the Mediator between man and God for none can approach the Father - except by means of His dearly beloved Son. ... Hebrews gives us a wonderful list of people who are commended by God for their faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the … The verse goes on to explain just how He finished. (v1) - "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (v2) - 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.". i'm thinking about becoming a christian, is there anything i should do? Some people go to the Olympics knowing they will not win. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Does this mean, Ye have not yet become a martyr church, suffering death in Christ’s cause; or does it mean, Ye have not yet resisted sin in deadly earnest? What does "everything that hinders" mean in your life? What does Hebrews 12:1 mean? It is a catalogue of men and women, named and unnamed, that stand as witnesses to lives that honoured the Lord – men like Abraham, who looked for a city, whose Builder and Maker is God; women like Sarah, who consider God was faithful to keep His promise. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. I think it's pretty clear. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] This passage of Hebrews encourages Christians to "hold fast" (Hebrews 3:6) despite persecutions and hardships. English Standard Version Update. Hebrews chapter eleven lists quite a few who made it into God's "Hall of Fame." Sin does that, we think we make a little progress, but it easily makes us take 2 steps back. Second, it tells us that to win, we must follow certain basic procedures. What Does Hebrews 12:10 Mean? Oh how I love these verses. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). It is like a vine that catches around our leg and gives in a little just to pull tighter. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." 5:11), and are not subject to death. Significantly, Hebrews does not refer even once to the books of the Apocrypha. Stimulus checks: What if your bank account is overdrawn? Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 12:1-11 The Message (MSG) Discipline in a Long-Distance Race. by Cooper P Abrams III : INTRODUCTION: Many times we use clichés in preaching such as "Trust Jesus." WE are to put away, lay aside anything that seperates us us from God, such as sin, an dlet us run with pateience the race that is set before us, meaning to run the same race as Jesus did, living a life of holiness, purity and obeying The Father as He did, to perfection, so we dont lose the prize of salvation that was given to us. Another necessary part of running life's race successfully is seeking to please God. The meaning of Hebrews 1:2 is that at the very termination of the times in which God is speaking to man, He speaks, not through the prophets, but in His Son, Who is "the Word" (Jn 1:1-2). But that particular phrase or arrangement of these two words is not found in Scripture. people are watching you and if your saying your a christain. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him (HEBREWS 11:6). Hebrews 12 begins by applying all of the details given in chapter 11. He is the one who made the way into the Holy of Holies so that the rest of us could follow into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19–20). What does Hebrews chapter 12 mean? What does Hebrews 12:14 mean? But if I cannot bring myself to follow through and jump, then I really lack confidence. Third, it tells us that our best example to follow is Jesus as He lived His life, overcoming obstacles such as the shame of the cross, and reached the throne of God. ... but our heavenly Father does it from the point of our salvation, for our certain good, in order that we may become sharers in His own, holy character. Hebrews 12:1.By a bold but rhetorical figure, the apostle, in the beginning of this chapter, represents the patriarchs, judges, kings, prophets, and righteous men, whose faith he had celebrated in the preceding chapter, after having finished their own labours, combats, and sufferings with honour, as standing round and looking on the believing Hebrews while running the Christian race. ENOCH PLEASED GOD "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death...he obtained the witness before his being taken up he was pleasing to God." GOd doesnt sit in heaven, eager to boot us out, He lovingly persists with us and love us enough to keep trying. (HEBREWS 11:13,14). What does Hebrews 3:1 mean? This great cloud of witnesses all affirm that the race is winnable and the victory is worth it. anything else is only wearing a christian label and giving God lip service, and YES He does know the heart. New booze tariffs about to take effect, Packers suffer major loss days before season finale, Groundbreaking rapper, producer MF Doom dies at 49, Legal pot and more: 5 laws taking effect in 2021, Biden certification in Congress likely to be contentious, Suit against Masterson goes to 'religious arbitration'. Are we to be concerned about more than sin? Hebrews 3:1, CSB: "Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession." There are many other witnesses who have run the race who are referred to in Hebrews chapter eleven by name. Directly after that, Hebrews mentions that we should run the race with patient endurance. What should be the number one goal of Christians in this new year. NOAH PREPARED By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household..." (HEBREWS 11:7). Likewise, if my faith in God is limited by the same kind of doubts which cause me to disobey His word, then I really do not have saving faith at all, despite my claims to the contrary. Does the GOP platform conflict with the teachings of Jesus? It does not just mean a quick banana peel like Mario Cart that makes you stop a second. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The book of Hebrews frequently uses the word "therefore" in order to connect various thoughts. I am now to run mine. God bless you VIrginia. " He is an example of obedient faith. The Old Testament (GENESIS 6-9) records how Noah carefully obeyed every direction God gave him. If I can keep my eyes on Christ, follow the ways of God, and not let the distractions of the world "beset me", that is the race I want to run, and finish. What other kind of confidence is there? This verse says he reverently prepared an ark. Jesus is the full and final revelation that God has given to man. Abraham is most certainly not an example of faith alone! What does Hebrews 12:1 mean? Previously, the writer of Hebrews listed dramatic examples of God's use of faith. Notice what it takes to win the everlasting prize. He is the one who blazed the trail. (MATTHEW 16:26). Well, maybe it is for some champions. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, &c.] Not with bodily eyes, for at present he is not to be looked upon in this manner, but with the eye of the understanding, or with the eye of faith; for faith is a seeing of the Son; it is a spiritual sight of Christ, which is at first but glimmering, afterwards it increases, and is of a soul humbling nature; it is marvellous and surprising; it transforms … -Hebrews 12:1 . Just pray and leave it to God and, lets all be sure we live it ourself. Click To Tweet. We are now engaged in the race they have already finished. It is these people who are the "cloud of witnesses." We are told to live like HIm, be like Him, speak like HIm, and when we do we hold onto the free prize of salvation. All the ingredients to a race are there; there is the starting line, practice, rules, obstacles, competition, drop-outs, winners, losers, finish line, victory celebrations and the agony of defeat. 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