Two Verses


Let it be stated at the outset that this teaching has been written under the guidance of the Lord God Almighty, the Creator of all things, who manifested His Presence on many occasions to this imperfect servant, often in the wee small hours, revealing passages and verses from His word.
There has been at least one miracle that I am aware of; that when searching for a certain passage in the book of Matthew one was found in chapter eighteen but it was not the one that I was seeking. On enquiring of my wife who was in the next room if she could remember, I came back to renew the search and found the Bible pages turned to chapter ten and there, the first verse that my eye fell on was the one needed.
This is not the first time that this has happened, and hopefully not the last.
Why did this miracle occur?
For His glory! That we may comprehend that He is God, the Living God, the Creator of all things, who cares for us, and who wants you to understand.
Hallelujah!

Here we go:: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.; (Hebrews 9:14-15)

These two verses are the key that allow us to open a door of understanding in our hearts to a dark room full of sparkling spiritual jewels that can be used to obtain entry into God's favour now, and fully into His presence in time to come.

Christian, you who already experience some of God's grace, enjoy what you are about to read and pass the knowledge on because you are a God-ordained proclaimer and shall be held accountable for what you do with what you have freely received.
Inquirer, seek and you shall find. Act upon God's moral law and be rewarded by the Living God.

Taken somewhat in broader context, the brightness of the revelation becomes clearer.: Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.; (Hebrews 9:6-17)

For an even broader picture, study also Hebrews chapters eight to eleven.

Verse fourteen above contains five foundations of the Christian faith:

As we know from studying the e-book "Heart of the Gospel" on this web site¹ and Hebrews 9:22, "without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins."
Through the blood sacrifice of the Son Himself in our stead², we, when we first believe this fantastic Truth, are converted from a carnal outlook on this life to a spiritual outlook, accepting Jesus as our Master, and God as our Creator, asking God the Holy Spirit to take up residence in our bodies to comfort us and guide us as we so ask - for His good pleasure.
What we now do with this wonderful new freedom is up to us. If we are not lazy, but prepared to show others in unbelief what they are missing, we become Ambassadors for Christ and can call on the Holy Spirit to help us do what God the Father requires of us - that the Father be glorified in the Son through the Holy Spirit because of our loving obedience. This becomes clear when studying John chapter fourteen.: But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.; (John 14:31)
Jesus led by example.

Jesus offered Himself who was without spot or blemish
Moreover, God requires that the sacrifice whose blood must be offered in place of our own must be without spot or blemish. A sign in the Old Covenant that those offering the best of the flock were truly repentant. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled this requirement in God's eyes.: For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,)to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.; (Hebrews 10:1-10)

Please bear in mind that Jesus was unhappy about offering Himself because of all the pain and condemnation to come and could have just refused to go on with it, but this was the only way that we could be redeemed from Adam's sin.

Purge your conscience
What are we going to do with this exceedingly great gift of forgiveness by another for our past sins:: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;; (Romans 3:25); But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.; (2 Peter 1:9)

Carry on sinning?: Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.; (1 Corinthians 10:6); For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,; (Hebrews 10:26)
Or believing unto righteousness:: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.; (Romans 10:9-10)
You see, the first part of becoming a Christian is to understand, believe and confess⁴ what Jesus did for us on the cross. Then, when we believe that God raised Him from the dead we become saved. When we believe this joyfully we start living a profitable Spiritual life under the tutorship of Christ Jesus Himself through the Holy Spirit.: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.; (Romans 8:6-12)

To serve the Living God
To serve someone we have to put their interests above our own not so? Usually for gain.
For example if you are a domestic servant you will labour to do your mistress's will. If a motor mechanic you will repair the vehicle that the owner brings to you. Or a lawyer you shall draw up a testament to the requirements of the testator.
Always to the best of your ability? If not, the word will go around and you will eventually be without work, without income to feed your dependants.

So it is to serve the Living God. When I first believe that God the Son offered up Himself for my eternal benefit, that He came down from Spiritual Heaven to physical earth to serve the Father for the sole purpose of saving me whom the Father (and Son) loves: when the magnificence of His sacrifice is revealed and I fall down in utter helplessness and repentance - I shall be saved instantly.
What many people do not understand is that God has done all that is necessary for each of us to be with Him one day.
To achieve that goal we must "run the race" that God has set before us because He needs us to be His willing servants in this evil physical world.
To do what He requires.
Not for gain - although this will come - but for love. A love that God will show us if we search for it.: And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.; (Deuteronomy 15:12-17)
Our duty: 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.; (John 17:14-26); And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.; (Acts 15:8-12)
Die to self (worldly values) and be prepared to live by the values that God has indicated in His word, then ask and it shall be given.
You will always know a reborn Christian because he is no longer thinking of himself all the time, but tries to help others, just as Jesus helped him. He or she is full of good works.: If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.; (John 14:15-20); But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.; (John 14:26); But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:; (John 15:26); But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.; (John 16:4-12)

Perhaps this rather mysterious passage now becomes a little clearer:: And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.; (Luke 17:6-10)

Works
: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.; (John 15:1-8)

Well, some professing Christians have no works. They go to church on a regular basis "ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth" (2Ti 3:3-7). They are spiritually dead, avid worshipers of the news hour, and God rejects them resulting in separation from His presence and banishment to everlasting punishment.
They disregard what Jesus did for them

An abler pen than this one wrote:
When a man or woman accepts the payment God has made for them in Christ, the whole wealth of heaven is theirs; their debt is cleared. Those who deny that debt, or acknowledging it do nothing to avail themselves of the payment made on Calvary, must face at last an unyielding Judge and an everlasting prison.

Then we have wicked works, dead works and good works.

Wicked works are done by servants of Satan. They will be found by reading the headlines on one or two pages of the local newspaper.
Many professing Christians believe that wicked works are only done by wicked people. Good, everyday people also have wicked works. We are not dealing here with what we each consider are wicked works, but what God says are wicked works.: I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.; (1 Corinthians 5:9-13); Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;; (Colossians 1:13-23); Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.; (2 Peter 3:17)

Dead works are those done by good people but unsaved who think that they are Christians; possibly Sunday School teachers, the organist in the Church etc.: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.; (Hebrews 6:1-3)
For example:: Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.; (Luke 13:23-28); Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.; (Romans 10:1-4)

Good works are done by reborn Christians, humble servants of Christ who do not seek their own glory, who bear His mark on their ear lobes, who have the Living God living inside their bodies, have received good Spiritual gifts and they allow God to do the works and receive the glory. Hallelujah!: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:; (Ephesians 4:1-18); And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.; (1 Thessalonians 5:12-24)

Through the eternal Spirit
The physical nature of the sacrifice of the body of Jesus of Nazareth satisfied the statutes of the Old Covenant, and also of a Spiritual nature signifying the new birth possibilities.
Once His body was dead, He needed God's Power to resurrect it. Jesus now has a Spiritual body. The second Adam. The perfect Adam.
Here we see that it was through eternal the Spirit (the uppercase S signifying God).
It would therefore seem that "the eternal Spirit" is the same person as the Holy Spirit.
This was done for us by a Loving God who cannot condone sin and so provided us with a Spiritual Scapegoat.

This is purposely out of chronological order because it is a whole new subject that must be understood separately.
It is still only dimly seen by this writer, perhaps the Lord will reveal more to you so that you can praise and glorify Him personally.
We see from the passage before us that Jesus of Nazareth needed the aid of the eternal Spirit when offering up Himself.
Jesus of Nazareth was a physical man such as you and I, and also the declared "only begotten Son" of God. This in itself is a mysterious saying that has strong spiritual connotations going back to Abraham and Isaac.
Jesus knew as a boy that He was one with God and sent for a purpose (Lu 2:49) and yet He did not know the details even when His public ministry started (Lu9:22 & 31). Also, it was not the Holy Spirit that showed Him but Moses and Elijah.
Also, in John 14:16 to 17 and 26 we see that Jesus would "give" the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit to take His place.
We also note that the Holy Spirit already dwelt with unconverted men at the time.: Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.; (Luke 9:1-2); If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.; (John 14:15-18)
We now come to a radical new issue. I always thought that Jesus would send the Holy Spirit when He returned to Heaven. However it is possible that the eternal Spirit was always here but not perceived by worldly people (see Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30; Isaiah 40:13; John 1:5). Moreover, Jesus says in John 14:18 that He will come to us. Surely more evidence of the oneness of the Godhead.
Now we come to the reason why this portion is out of chronological order.
We must understand that our Covenant Representative who spilt His own blood in place of our own for our sins is the Person of the Godhead who forged the link between God and man.
In other words, when we understand what a blood covenant is and when we abandon trying to do good for the purpose of earning brownie points and give ourselves back to God without holding anything back, throwing ourselves down on the floor and pleading with God to help us in our sinful state, knowing that we cannot do it by our own power, crying hosanna⁵, then the compassionate Loving God will allow the Comforter to come in to our bodies and teach us of Himself. He will "give" the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to each of us.
We shall be converted.
We shall become new creatures. Everything we do from day to day shall be tinted and flavoured with God. Hallelujah ! ! !
We shall be reborn of the Spirit.

So, we see that Jesus of Nazareth offered His blood (life) to God through the Spirit.
God offers us eternal life with Him through the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the line of communication and power from God.

God can legally now come into Satan's kingdom because at last He has an acceptable Covenant Representative with mankind in Heaven (1Peter 3:8)
For example Daniel could not be reborn of the Spirit because he had no Covenant Representative: Gabriel was sent to him. The same for Mary the mother of Jesus.
Is the Holy Spirit our line of communication with God when we pray to Him?
God heard Daniel's prayers immediately but the answer took some time to come back.: Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.; (Daniel 10:12-13)
Look at this:: And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.; (2 Chronicles 16:7-9)
Here's more:: And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.; (Zechariah 3:6-9); Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.; (Zechariah 4:5-10); And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.; (Revelation 5:6)

However, once we each willingly accept servanthood to Jesus Christ we are under His power and protection. Everything we do from now on is for our loving Master (see Isaiah 32).
Because of the Covenant that Adam made with the god of this world, God, in His perfectness cannot override it, even though He is omnipotent.
Thus, once God has a loving willing servant living in this evil world, He can use this servant for His purposes.
He uses the eternal Spirit, speaking directly into the hearts of His servants.: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.; (Matthew 10:16-20); Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.; (Matthew 18:18-20); Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;; (Romans 1:1-3)

Verse fifteen.
Because Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the requirements of God the Father concerning the Covenant of His blood. He is the acceptable Covenant Representative for mankind, the Son of man.
Those who fulfil this Covenant at this present time shall have their names placed in the Lamb's book of life and when the time of Judgement comes, those whose names are included will bypass the judgement of God because Christ Jesus, our High Priest, shall say "Father, he is Mine."

And, the reward is not of this world but an inheritance looking into the future.

It is amazing how much can come out of two verses, not so?

¹www.hosanna.org.za
² Stead: (to act in someone's stead), service, avail, advantage: to stand someone in good stead; to be advantageous to someone.
³ Purge: to purify, remove impurities from; to expiate [to make complete atonement for]. Something you do, God will not do it for you.
⁴ Confess: to acknowledge while under duress.
⁵ Hosanna: A prayer or cry for help.
: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.; (Hebrews 9:27-28)
: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.; (Hebrews 11:6)