To Be One in Christ: We Have Treasure in the Jars of Clay(15)-8

To Be One in Christ: We Have Treasure in the Jars of Clay -- the Series of Explanation and Analysis of Scripture (15) - 8

The Explanation and Analysis of the Verses in Chapter 8 of HEBREWS

It is edited and compiled under the guidance of Holy Spirit. All thanks, praises and glories be to God!

The Supremacy of Christ: (V) The accomplishments of the new covenant are greater than those of the old covenant (8:1-10:39)

1. A greater mediator (8:1-13)

(1) Christ is our high priest who serves in the sanctuary in heaven (8:1-2)

(2) The priests of the Old Testament serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven (8:3-5)

(3) Christ is mediator of the new covenant which is superior to the old one (8:6)

(4) The old covenant is inferior to the new covenant (8:7-9)

(5) The new covenant is superior to the old covenant (8:10-13)

A. in the new covenant, God will put His laws in His people’s minds and write them on their hearts (8:10)

B. in the new covenant, God will make people be closer to Him (8:10)

C. in the new covenant, God will make people know more about Him (8:11)

D. in the new covenant, God will solve the problem of men’s sins completely (8:12-13)

The Supremacy of Christ: (V) The accomplishments of the new covenant are greater than those of the old covenant (8:1-10:39)

The preceding verses have proved that the high priest of the new covenant is greater than those high priests of the old covenant. It is because the priest of the new covenant is anointed with an oath of God, and became the priest in a superior order, also the high priest Himself is holy, blameless and pure. In this paragraph, the Bible further proves, how the accomplishments of the new covenant are more practical than those of the old covenant. The new covenant is not something with only the outward appearance and undeserved reputation, but can really be active and effective to guide people to God. In this paragraph, the accomplishments of the new covenant that are greater than those of the old covenant are shown from 3 aspects listed as the following:

1. A greater mediator (8:1-13)

The primary theme of this chapter is to prove that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, and has replaced the old covenant. And Jesus Christ, is the mediator of this superior new covenant. It can be discussed from 5 viewpoints listed as the following:

(1) Christ is our high priest who serves in the sanctuary in heaven (8:1-2)

In these two verses, it tells us three things:

HEBREWS 8:1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

(NOTES)

A. We should know the main point of what we are saying:

The author who is the servant of God especially reminds the believers the main point in what he is saying in the previous verses; that is, we already have such a perfect high priest --Christ, and as mentioned above, He is holy, pure, exalted above the heavens, in the order of Melchizedek, and became the priest with an oath of God. This verse proves that the purpose of all the above verses is to let the believers know Jesus Christ is their primary need and of the most importance. All those who testify about Christ, no matter which historical character or event they cite, they should do the same as the author of this book, and make others know that Christ is the first among all the deeds of these people, and also He is most important to men; only the witnesses with such purpose can please God.

Note that, here, the main point is not that “we do have such a sanctuary” or “we do have such a law”; but is that “we do have such a high priest”. In the Old Testament, the law and sanctuary is most important; in the New Testament, what is most important is the high priest -- Christ Himself. When we have such a perfect high priest, the better laws and sanctuary will be really beneficial to us. Firstly, we know Jesus Christ rose from the dead; when we have such a high priest, He puts better laws in our minds and writes them on our hearts, and brings us into the better sanctuary.

B. We should know that such a high priest sits down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.

In the Old Testament, the priests always stand no matter they serve in the courtyard, Holy Place or the Most Holy Place. There is no chair in the whole tabernacle to let the priest sit and have a rest; all the priests must stand to serve God. However, our high priest who serves in the real tabernacle in heaven, He already sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. It is because the accomplishments of those sacrifices offered by the high priests who serve in the tabernacle of the Old Testament, are temporary and superficial, and need to be offered continually. What they serve, are all incomplete. However, as to our high priest of the New Testament, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. ”, “who has been made perfect forever.” Therefore, He sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, for He has accomplished the redemption of the sins once for all.

In (1:3) of this book, it has talked about that Christ sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (see the notes of (Heb 1:3) ). It also shows that He has achieved absolutely victory on the cross and has already defeated the devil completely, so He can sit to have a rest. This is not only His own glory; but also the glory of God --“the Majesty in heaven”; and also is the comfort and guarantee to those who regard Him as their high priest.

C. We should know that such a high priest serves in the sanctuary in heaven

HEBREWS 8:2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.

(NOTES)

This verse illuminates that the tabernacle in the Old Testament that is set up according to the instructions of God, is only the typology of the true tabernacle in heaven. The tabernacle on earth is material, temporary and moved frequently. However, the tabernacle in heaven is spiritual, our permanent hometown, and the imperishable dwelling place. The tabernacle on earth is set up by men, by the weak men being as the ministry and according to the weak regulations. However, the true tabernacle in heaven is set up by God, and Christ became the ministry after He has overcome the devil who holds the power of death. In the tabernacle on earth, there is a curtain to separate the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place; however, in the true tabernacle in heaven, there is no separation between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. It is because Christ has opened the way to the Most Holy Place, so that we can come to God with confidence. He Himself is the “tabernacle”. We live in Him to be one with Him (Joh 17:21). He also lives in us, for we are the temple of God (1Co 3:16-17, 2Co 6:1).

Although He already sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, has accomplished the work of redemption once for all, has defeated the enemies, and waits for His enemies to be made His footstool, He is still the ministry in the true tabernacle in heaven, accepts the prayers of those who trust in Him, and intercedes for them (7:25).

(2) The priests of the Old Testament serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven (8:3-5)

In the above verses, since it mentions that Christ is our high priest in the true tabernacle in heaven, those Hebrew believers might raise such a question that: Since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, should this high priest in heaven have something to offer? Here, the author further explains that it is not that this high priest didn’t do the offerings, but what He offered is different from the high priest of the Old Testament. In fact, those of the Old Testament serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven, which is the typology of the work of what the high priest in heaven. Here, it can be discussed from 4 aspects:

A. Christ is like the high priests on earth have something to offer:

HEBREWS 8:3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.

(NOTES)

This verse does not mention what this high priest offered; however, according to (7:27), it is known that He offered Himself once for all and accomplished the redemption all in once. However, here, it does not mention that; it is because what is emphasized here is the point that Christ also has something to offer as those priests on earth. The author expected the Hebrews who received this letter would question why Christ does not like the priests on earth to do the offerings. Therefore, the author especially shows his agreement that “it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer”. That is, Christ also should have something to offer. However it is not necessary what Christ offered is the same as what those priest offered -- the cattle and sheep as the sacrifices. It will be discussed in details what He offered in the next two chapters.

The apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Rome that: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. ” (Rom 12:1) It is because in the New Testament, we who take Christ as our high priest, also become a royal priesthood (1Pe 2:9). Therefore, we should also have something to offer; and what we offer is not cattle and sheep, but should offer our bodies as living sacrifices. This offering is not the sin offerings, but is a natural reaction to the kindness, mercy and love of God and to please God.

B. Christ is not the high priest on earth; what He offered is certainly different from the high priests on earth:

HEBREWS 8:4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.

(NOTES)

If then He were still living on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are already priests who offer the gifts in accordance with the Law. Also, according to the law, Christ did not belong to the tribe of Levi, and could not be the priest. However, since Christ is at the sanctuary in the true tabernacle as the ministry, and is different from those priests on earth who offer the gifts prescribed by the law, of course, what He offered is different from what the priests on earth offer. Since what Christ offered is superior to and more perfect than what those high priests from men’s world offer, how could people still stick to and be limited by the old concepts and think that Christ should offer the sacrifice in the same way as those high priests from men’s world?

C. The priests on earth serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.

HEBREWS 8:5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

(NOTES)

From one viewpoint, this verse shows that what the priests on earth serve is only “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven”, and it is to make it easier to let men understand the truth that will be revealed. Before Christ was born, died, rose up and ascent heaven to be our high priest in the true tabernacle in heaven, God through Moses set up the tabernacle in materials and all kinds of services to instruct men how to commune with God and serve God; also with this material tabernacle and the services as the typology, God make men be able to understand the value of the work of the redemption of Christ, and the importance and significance of that He became the high priest for us in heaven. Therefore, Christ became our high priest in the heaven and offered Himself as the sacrifice; that is the reality that is shown by the services of the priests on earth. Thus, what this high priest in heaven serves is certainly far above the priests on earth, and does not need to be serve in the same way as them.

From another viewpoint, this verse shows that although what the priests on earth serve can not be comparable to what the high priest in true tabernacle in heaven serves, what they did is not completely useless; for it is used by God to show the shadow of what is in heaven. However, people should not ignore the true existence due to seeing the shadow first.

“This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."” :

This verse cites it as the evidence that when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was warned by God, that he must make everything according to the pattern shown him on the mountain by God; it shows that the service is merely as a pattern and as a foreshadowing of what has its true existence and reality in the heavenly sanctuary. God showed to Moses the pattern. In the like manner, before Christ became the high priest in heaven, God also showed people on earth a pattern and shadow first.

(3) Christ is mediator of the new covenant which is superior to the old one (8:6)

HEBREWS 8:6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

(NOTES)

A. superior ministry

“But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs” :

This verse clearly separates Jesus Christ from those priests on earth in verse (8:4-5), and gets back to the topics that He is our high priest in heaven in verse (8:1-2). Since the service of those priests on earth is only a copy and shadow of service of the priest in heaven and is inferior to what is in heaven, thus, has Jesus Christ received the ministry in heaven just as the typology shown by the priests of the Old Testament? This verse shows that indeed He has received the superior ministry.

B. superior mediator

“as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one” :

“as” connected the two things that “the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs” and that “the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one”. How He has received the superior ministry, so He has become the mediator of the better covenant. He is worthy of being our high priest, because He is worthy of being the mediator of the better covenant. He takes the work of mediator of the covenant between God and men, which is worthy of His superior ministry of the high priest. As to those high priests on earth, since they are not worthy of being the superior mediator between God and men, they certainly can not become the superior high priest.

How Christ became the mediator -- the mediator of the better covenant through His merits of redeeming people by his death; so He became the superior high priest through his offering of his body to accomplish the redemption of us once for all. Therefore, He is the high priest for us in heaven, and is completely different from the priests in men’s world.

“mediator”

that is, intercessor, advocate and guarantor.

According to (Gal 3:20): “A mediator, however, does not represent just one party;”, it is apparent that “mediator” represents both parties of God and men. Only Christ can be the mediator between God and men, because He is God and also once became man, and died to redeem men. Therefore, He can be the guarantor in front of God for our sins, so that to make those who believe in Him may receive “the promised eternal inheritance” (Heb 9:15); He is also the guarantor in front of us for the righteousness of God; since He has received the punishment for our sins, God will not punish those who have accepted His merits of redemption (Gal 3:13-14; Rom 7:6). In this book, the word of “mediator” has been used for 3 times (8:6;9:15;12:24), and all of them talk about that He is the guarantor of the superior new covenant; only through the guarantee of His blood, we may receive the portion from the new covenant.

C. better promises

“it is founded on better promises”:

This verse explains the reason that the new covenant is better. How come this covenant is better? It is because this covenant is founded on better promises. The promise is better because:

(a) the Holy Spirit of Christ is promised to the believers (Joh 14:15-27; Act 2:33; Gal 3:14, Eph 1:13);

(b) it is a promise regarding the eternal life (Tit 1:2; Heb 4:1; Heb 9:15; 1Jo 2:25).

To keep the promise, it is not only by the strength of oneself; but also by the spirit, by Christ who is the author and perfecter of our faith and the help of the Holy Spirit (Heb 8:10; 12:2; Gal 5:25; Rom 8:16).

Note that: this verse shows that the new covenant is superior to and better than the old covenant from 3 aspects:

A. has the superior high priest;

B. has the superior mediator;

C. has better promises.

(4) The old covenant is inferior to the new covenant (8:7-9)

The verses from verse 7 to verse 13 all continue the verse 6, and prove that the new covenant is better than the old covenant. Since Christ is the mediator of the better covenant, the superiority of the new covenant to the old covenant must be illustrated. Here, it first cites the words from the Old Testament to prove that the old covenant is inferior to the new covenant; then it proves that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant.

HEBREWS 8:7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

(NOTES)

“first covenant” refers to the old covenant; “another” refers to the new covenant. This verse from the reverse side tells that there is defect in the old covenant; if there is no defect, why need to seek the new covenant? Since it is necessary to establish the new covenant, it proves there is defect in the old covenant. However, note that, the saying that the old covenant has defect does not mean that the law itself is incomplete. The law is the content of the old covenant. However, the whole covenant includes not only the content of the covenant itself, but also the two parties involved in the covenant. Although the content of the covenant itself is complete and holy, if one party in the covenant does not keep the words of the covenant, regarding the whole covenant, there is a defect and it is not successful. Therefore, the reason that the old covenant has defect, is not because there is any unfaithfulness on the side of God or God’s words are incomplete; but because of the weakness on the side of men, who did not obey the covenant established. Just as what is said in verse 9: “they did not remain faithful to my covenant”. The new covenant does not have this inadequacy. It is because it does not depend on men themselves only to obey the law, but by relying on the Spirit of Christ in us to live a life; “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sins and death. ”(Rom 8:2). “Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption”(1Co 1:30).

HEBREWS 8:8 But God found fault with the people and said : "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

(NOTES)

Here, “the people ” refer to those who do not keep the covenant in the Old Testament. “found fault with” means showing its inadequacy. Therefore, “God found fault with the people ” indicates that God found the inadequacy and defect of the people; and He said to them: “"The time is coming," declares the LORD , "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. ” (Jer 31:31).

These verses are cited from (Jer 31:31-34). The author cites the words of the prophet as a proof that the defect of the old covenant is foreseen much earlier before establishing the new covenant; and to establish the new covenant is in the plan of God from the very beginning; therefore, God through the Israelites to proclaim it to the Israelites in ancient times in advance.

HEBREWS 8:9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.

(NOTES)

The old covenant is made by God with the forefather of the Israelites; it is made by God with the Israelites who were brought out of the Egypt on the Mount Sinai, and all the gentiles have no share of it (Psa 147:19-20; Exo19:3-6; Deu 7:6-16). It is for the purpose that the Israelites would be the chosen people for God among all the nations, and set apart from all the nations. The laws and commandments were given to them especially, and are their special procession (Psa 147:19-20;78:5;Deu33:4). They should observe the Sabbath for the generations to come as a sign of the covenant (Exo 31:12-17). Therefore, the old covenant especially concerns the house of the Israelites, and does not directly concern the Christians, but only as the indirect teachings. God does not ask the Christians to abide by the old covenant, for the old covenant is not made with the believers nowadays, we are only related to God in the new covenant. (The so-called new covenant is because it is relatively new by comparing with the covenant that is made by God with the Israelites on Mount Sinai -- the old covenant. The Hebrew believers were under the old covenant before; now because of the redemption of Christ, they are under the new covenant -- the new covenant that one could be saved through the grace by the blood of Christ. The “first covenant” is the first; therefore, it is called the old covenant. The covenant that comes later and replaces the fist covenant is called the new covenant. As to those Christians of the gentiles, before they believed in LORD, they do not know God completely and never made any covenant with God before. Once they are saved, they are under the covenant through the blood of Jesus -- the new covenant -- they are only relate to God under this covenant. Therefore, as to them, there is no such a comparison of the old covenant and the new covenant. It is because they only make one covenant with God. Before the rebirth, they made no any covenant. )

Therefore, as to the etiquette and regulations, we do not have the obligations to observe them according to the written code, but should accept the teachings from them according to the spirit. The laws passed on by Moses are the regulations for those living under the law. As to those who are under the new covenant, they live according to the teachings of Christ and also the teachings passed on by the apostles; and these teachings include all the requirements on the morality of the laws passed on by Moses, and the category of these teachings are more wide-spread, stricter and more proper to apply, and are not limited by the regulations proclaimed in writing (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14).

However, God make the new covenant with the house of the Israelites; the new covenant is not like the old covenant made with their forefathers that only concern the house of Jacob, but concern all “who are called”(9:15). The new covenant not only concern those in the body of Israelites, but also concern those who become true “Israelites” through faith (Rom 2:28-29; 7:19-20; 4:12). “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).

“I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt”:

This verse is to describe how deep the love of God is to the Israelites, and also how much they fall to live up to the love of God. They dare to make covenant with God, but they can not obey the covenant, so that they are scattered to all the nations. For many times, we also make the determination without putting it into practice; admire the noble spiritual-life, but can not live up to that level, for we do not know how to enjoy the rights of the new covenant yet.

(5) The new covenant is superior to the old covenant (8:10-13)

These verses talk about that the promise of God in the new covenant is better than the old covenant from 4 aspects:

A. in the new covenant, God put His laws in His people’s minds and write them on their hearts (8:10)

HEBREWS 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

(NOTES)

The law of the old covenant is written on tablets of stone; but the new covenant is written on tablets of human hearts. Here, “put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts” indicates that God give to the believers the Spirit of Christ -- the Word of God (Rev 19:13), so that they can understand the meaning of His words and keep it in mind, and make them desire for the word of God and are able to put it into practice. If the words of God do not enter one’s mind and occupy his mind, it is impossible for him to do the words of God sincerely. It is because before one put the words of God into practice, he must be moved and impressed by the words of God in his heart, then he will do according to it. The apostle Paul said to the church of Corinth: “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. ” (2Co 3:3). Therefore, the advantage of the new covenant is that it is not limited by the outward written code, but by the Spirit of God through the truth who moves and guilds men’s hearts, so that men will be moved and understand the real meaning of it and put it into practice sincerely. They won’t feel it as a heavy burden when they do it, but do it sincerely. Thus, the words of God not only are written on the book, but also are alive in the life of the believers.

Under the laws of the old covenant, men were held prisoners by the law (Gal 3:23). Under the new covenant, the law is inside the people to make people live a life of Christ (Php 1:21). In the old covenant, God brought the Israelites out of the Egypt; in the new covenant, God will bring the “Egypt” out of our mind.

B. in the new covenant, God will make people be closer to Him (8:10)

The old covenant made the Israelites be the chosen people of God on earth. However, the new covenant with Jesus Christ as the mediator, can make those who are redeemed be the heavenly people of God, so that men and God have closer spiritual relationship; it is not an outward relationship, but is to make men really become the children and people of God on the status and in practical life.

“I will be their God”; this verse is enough to include all the blessings. God who created all things is “their God”, what are they afraid of ? “ they will be my people. ”; this verse also includes all the duties of men; including all the attitudes of entrustment, obedience, reverence and dependence. Since we are the people of God, is there any reason that we could be slightly against or not rely on His will? Therefore, we should trust in His every arrangement, be obedient to every will of Him, and in all circumstances and at all the time, we should completely revere and worship Him and give glory to Him.

C. in the new covenant, God will make people know more about Him (8:11)

HEBREWS 8:11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

(NOTES)

Here, “No longer will a man teach his neighbor”; implies that it is no longer necessary to teach the people of the regulations one by one. The Jews used to list as much as 613 laws and commandments. Thus, even those who often hear the teachings of the laws, sometimes also need to ask their neighbors, brothers or priests. However, since the laws of the new covenant is put into people’s minds, also the believers do everything based on the top principle of love, and are taught to understand the will of God through the Spirit of truth, they certainly do not need to refer to the laws one by one to understand the will of God. In fact, as to the Israelites in the Old Testament, although Moses taught them the laws of God, and God did many marvelous deeds for them, their hearts still went astray, and did not know God’s ways (3:10). However, under the new covenant, through the teachings of the Holy Spirit in mind (1Jo 2:27), they will all know God through Holy Spirit, from the least of them to the greatest.

D. in the new covenant, God will solve the problem of men’s sins completely (8:12-13)

HEBREWS 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

(NOTES)

The biggest characteristic and accomplishment of the new covenant, is to solve completely the problem of men’s sin. Only the mediator of the new covenant -- Jesus Christ’s blood can completely redeem men’s sins (Heb 9:15); make God forgive men’s wickedness and “will remember their sins no more”. It is not like the priests of the Old Testament, their sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins (10:3). Note that, in this verse, “will remember their sins no more”; it is not only to forgive, but also to forget; “will not remember their sins any more” , indicates to completely forgive. Therefore, the grace that those in new covenant receive is complete. The topic of redemption will be continued in the next two chapters.

From verse 10 to 12, it mentions the word of “I will” for three times. It is the privilege of the new covenant. All these graces are what God Himself will give to people; it is Him who prepared the salvation for men; it is Him who will put the laws into men’s hearts, and let the new life of Christ live in us to be our LORD; our responsibility is to accept, trust and obey, and by relying on LORD, live the life of Christ.

HEBREWS 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.

(NOTES)

This verse is the summary of this paragraph, and get back to the topic in verse 6 about “better promises”, to prove that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Since God proclaimed, at the times of the prophet Jeremiah (the above words were cited from (Jer 31:31-34)), about making a new covenant; thus, the first one has been made obsolete; “and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear”. When the author was writing this letter, Jerusalem was not destroyed yet. However, after a few years, the holy city and holy temple were destroyed, and the whole system of the old covenant indeed ended in nothing, which confirmed these words inspired by the Holy Spirit. (It has been mentioned a little in the notes of verse (8:1) that in the times of the Old Testament, the sanctuary is more important than the priest; once the sanctuary was destroyed, the whole system was destroyed and abandoned. However, in the new covenant, what is most important is that the high priest Himself is perfect. Since we have such a perfect high priest who has ascent the heaven, no matter there is visible holy temple or not, the service will not stop. The believers themselves become the temple of God. )

“Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1Co 3:16)

“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." ” (2Co 6:16)

Reference:

1. Zhongdao Chen: “The Lectures on the Bible Studying of the Letters in New Testament”.