As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order. Today’s devotion included Hebrews 10:9-10: “then He said, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:9-10. (Emphasis added).
“Christianity” can be divided into two groups, using the term very loosely and not in a way that confirms that everyone in these two groups is truly a Christian. Although there are these two groups, there is a wide range in each group and some movement in and out of each other’s group. First, there is the group of those who focus on “we” and what “we” should do. This group tends to be Arminian a/k/a non-Reformed. Second, there is the group who focuses on “God” and what “God” has done. This group tends to be Calvinists a/k/a Reformed. The purpose of this short post is to briefly and generally consider the existence of these two groups and their focus and how they each might approach this Scripture. However, if you want to read more in depth about how important it is to believe and teach the true doctrine of salvation – Click here to learn how Calvinism is the true doctrine of salvation .
For example, the Arminian a/k/a non-Reformed group in their review of this Hebrews 10:9-10 passage and other similar passages would tend to focus on “we” and what “we” should do. They would tend to focus on our knowledge of God’s will and our performance as to whether or not “we do God’s will”.
On the other hand, the Calvinists a/k/a Reformed in their review of this Hebrews 10:9-10 passage would tend to focus on “God” and what “God” has done. They would notice the emphasis on God’s will by the phrase “By this will”. They would notice that this phrase “By this will” gives credit to God the Father for our sanctification even though the means is “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”.
The first point of this post is to “paint in broad strokes”, because there may be some who dismiss the Calvinists a/k/a Reformed as “just a small group of Christians”. Although Calvinists a/k/a Reformed may be small in numbers, there is this fundamental and important sharp contrast of focus between the groups that deserves thoughtful consideration, rather than a quick dismissal of the smaller group.
The second point of this post is to emphasize this phrase “By this will” as teaching that “God’s will” should be considered as something that has been accomplished or will be accomplished such that it deserves praise and glory from us, just because it is God’s will. We don’t need to wait until “God’s will” is accomplished or totally revealed and understood. We should praise God and glorify God for His will without waiting to see whether or not it will be accomplished or totally revealed and understood.
Yes, we should praise and glorify God for what He has done such as the following Scriptures state:
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.
Then all men will fear, And they will declare the work of God, And will consider what He has done.
Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.
We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Emphasis added).
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 