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When (Jesus) had BY HIMSELF PURGED OUR SINS, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb1:3b King James Version)

cf.

When (Jesus) had MADE A PURIFICATION OF SINS**, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb1:3b)

 [**καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος]

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I have focussed on a single verse (in fact half a verse) for this post as it is crucial to a right understanding of the mystery of the Cross and what Jesus achieved for us at Calvary. Most reading this are likely know that the New Testament was written in Greek, whilst those who have studied this dead language with its lack of punctuation will know that texts can be ambiguous in terms of how they should be translated. That especially applies to word order. For example, the above KJV translation (or should I say mistranslation) understands the “by Himself” to be relating to the Hebrews writer’s statement concerning the Cross whereas most translations  assume it more likely pertains to the previous statement regarding sustaining all things (v3a).

KJV – An invalid translation

That anomaly is debatable and therefore excusable whereas how the KJV continues its translation is neither. It has deceived many including myself in the past, inferring that the sins of believers were purged at Calvary. What the Greek actually relays is that a purification for sins was provided by Christ’s death on the Cross. “καθαρισμὸν” is a noun not a verb. Sins were not purged (verb), a purification (noun) for sins was provided. We have to avail ourselves of it – the blood must be applied (Jn6:53-58). And there is no reference to “our sins”. It’s not your sin, not my sin, not His chosen people’s sin – simply SIN! That, incidentally  is why John could write: “Christ Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world” (1Jn2:2).

The multifaceted mystery of the Cross

This is vast subject so I can only briefly summarize. As just quoted from 1Jn, Christ’s death was an atoning sacrifice for all humanity. It propitiated God’s anger at sin in the world. Through subsequent sacramental participation, it provides a means of cleansing (purging) sin in individual believers (1Jn1:7). And more mysteriously for many, it provided the means by which the world and its people could ultimately be reconciled to God. In Paul’s language: “Having made peace through the blood of His cross, God would reconcile all things to Himself by Christ, whether they be things on earth or things in heaven (Col1:20).

🎶Born to raise the sons of earth… 🎶

Jesus’ death on the cross is I believe the most important event in universal history. It  brought about the means by which the seemingly disastrous events at Eden could be remedied. Mankind fell, whilst Satan fell for a trap. That seeming catastrophe for mankind brought about a future re-ordering of species – through the Word of God’s incarnation as a Man. The sons and daughters of earth shall not only be reconciled to God in pre-Edenic innocence, but starting with those who are given a second birth whilst still in mortal flesh they shall ultimately be raised to glory and divinity. This will be considered shortly for it pertains to Heb2:5-12 and will be introduced in the next post concerning Jesus’ standing amongst the angels (1:4-9).

Reconciling with the rest of Scripture:

The Little Book of Providence, freely available as a PDF file at https://richard777.blog/free-download-of-pdf