SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1938
SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1938
Mr. M. W. Biggs.
Beloved Brother, — As regards notes of meetings in which I had part during my recent visit to Great Britain and Ireland, those of Birmingham, including several others, are in course of publication. I have sent today to Stow Hill, most of the notes of the Irish meetings, the balance — about 15 in all — to follow shortly, God willing. Besides these, I have most — nearly all — of the other English notes and those from Scotland. I shall, please God, look through these in view of a third volume — if this be thought necessary. The Lord will direct and help in every way, I am assured.
The interest seemed to increase as the meetings continued. I trust it keeps up in Great Britain — I have confidence it does, and my prayers go up for all the dear brethren engaged in the great service of ministering a portion of meat to Christ’s household. I find a remarkable interest here, also ability for service developing.
As regards Hebrews 8, I am assured the Lord will make the truth clear. Verse 4 cannot be used to set aside the force of Hebrews 2: 17 and 9: 11, 12. Chapter 8: 4 clearly refers to what was legal, God still owning what continued at Jerusalem. That the Lord acted as Priest in the true — not yet legal — sense while literally on earth is unquestionable.
I have no doubt the cleansing of the leper illustrates Hebrews 8: 4-the Lord said, “be thou cleansed” — involving priestly service — but He did not act as an official priest, owning still those who had this place. The same outward position existed when the letter to the Hebrews was written. The court of the [p. 133] tabernacle referred to the earth — where the altar was and where the sacrifices were offered, and Christ’s priesthood included this. The whole position including the earth is contemplated in chapter 2 and propitiation by our High Priest was certainly made on the earth. But heaven dominates, Christ being there, and this is stressed in view of the deliverance of Jewish believers. Peter speaks of those of the dispersion — a position or circumstance literally on earth — as a holy priesthood.
The above remarks bear on Hebrews 8: 3. It is a high-priestly matter as is chapter 2: 17 and chapter 9: 11, 12. I believe, as said at Birmingham, that chapter 8: 3 to chapter 10: 22 is a view collateral with chapter 2: 17, the latter treating mainly of Christ’s Person as Priest; the former of His offering, linking with it the new covenant. Speaking of chapter 8, J.N.D. says, ‘This new priesthood exercised in heaven implies a change in the sacrifices and in the covenant. This the inspired writer develops here, setting forth the value of the sacrifice of Christ and the long-promised new covenant. The direct connection is with the sacrifices. Chapter 8 in this respect is clear and simple’. (Synopsis, Volume 5, page 284). It is evident that the “somewhat” in his mind refers to the fundamental sacrifice of Christ. At any rate I am assured that what we as priests offer through Christ is not great enough as a characteristic offering of our High Priest as over against the “gifts and sacrifices” of the high priest of Israel.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.