Morning Message: By One Offering

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "By One Offering"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In Hebrews 10, it is clearly affirmed that animal sacrifices were insufficient for clearing our guilt for sin. In the early verses of Genesis 3, the first couple was lured into sinning against God, first Eve, and then Adam. At verse 21, an animal sacrifice was made, and God made them coats of skins to cover their nakedness. They had been other-oriented, but because of sin, they became self-oriented, and self-aware. This was the fulfillment of Satan’s promise to become as God; to know good and evil.

While the animal skins covered over their nakedness, the skins could not remove the stain of sin in their hearts. They were made outwardly presentable each other, but the stain remained. They were inwardly corrupted in the heart. The proof of this came in Chapter 4 with their sons, as Cain murdered Abel. Pride and jealousy reared its head between the brothers. Abel died, and Cain fled to the east, away from God, and away from accountability.

The corruption of man worsened: Genesis 6: 5 - “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” That stain of sin had corrupted every human heart, without exception. And even the flood of Noah could not wash it away.

Nonetheless, animal blood sacrifices continued for the outward atonement of sin, but it wasn’t until the Prophets began to speak of God giving us new hearts that true hope might provide for the stain of sin to be washed and changes take place. The Jews called God unfair, but the Holy Spirit tells us in 1 John 1, that God is indeed just and fair. When we choose to be accountable to God, we find Him to be “faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (the stain!). It all happens through the blood of Jesus Christ: By faith, accountability, and by faith, forgiven, and by faith, cleansed of even the residue of that stain of sin, and by faith, the promise of our eternity with Him.

“Jesus answered (Nicodemus) and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto Thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 10:1-20 - "By One Offering"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

To help us understand the significance of what we’re looking at today, let's review again about the book Hebrews: who it was written to, and why it was written.

Hebrews is a letter written to a primarily Hebrew-Christian audience. The original recipients of this letter (sometime around the year 65 AD) had grown up in Judaism, and at some point, converted to faith in Jesus Christ.  They were well familiar with “The Law of Moses” – the old covenant system that God established with his people after he rescued them out of slavery from Egypt. We know that they were under pressure from others in their community, perhaps family or friends to return back to the Law of Moses.

The author, perhaps Paul, perhaps another writer, encourages the Hebrew believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ, then in great detail explains how the Old Covenant differs from the New Testament of Christ.  The Old Covenant, the Law of Moses, has nothing to offer them, it was only temporal.  More importantly it does not lead to salvation and eternal life. 

The Old Covenant system was only ever meant as an example, symbol, copy, shadow, model, an illustration of God’s full plan for his people – not the real thing. The Levitical system was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins.  It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah. It was meant to show us our sinfulness, and that to be right with God, faith was necessary and a substitute sacrifice was the required payment for our sin. Jesus came as that substitute and performed the final sacrifice, the one The Law was hinting at, and as such, that old covenant is no longer necessary, and therefore it is no longer in effect. As a result, we can now draw near to God through Christ with full assurance of forgiveness! 

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Shadow (10:1) - The Greek term translated " shadow" refers to a pale reflection as contrasted with a sharp, distinct one.  The term behind "very image," on the other hand, indicates an exact and distinct replica (cf. Colossians 2:17).

Perfect (10:1) - This term is used repeatedly in Hebrew to refer to salvation.  As much as those living under the law desired to approach God, the Levitical system provided no way to enter His Holy Presence (cf. Psalms 15:1; 16:11; 24:3, 4).

Conscience of Sin (10:2) - This is the same word translated "conscience" in verse 22; 9:9; 13:18. If sin had really been overpowered by that system of sacrifices, the Old Testament believers' consciences would have been cleansed from condemning guilt (cf. v. 22).  There was not freedom of conscience under the Old Covenant.

Remembrance (10:3) - The Old Testament sacrifices not only could not remove sin, but their constant repetition was a constant reminder of that deficiency.  The promise of the New Covenant was that the sin would be removed and even God would "remember" their sins "no more" (8:12, quoting Jeremiah 31:34).

Not Possible (10:4) - The Levitical system was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins.  It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah (Galatians 3:24) in that it made the people expectant (cf. 1 Peter 1:10).  It revealed the seriousness of their sinful condition, in that even temporary covering required the death of an animal.  It revealed the reality of God's holiness and righteousness by indicating that sin had to be covered.  Finally, it revealed the necessity of full and complete forgiveness so that God could have fellowship with His people. 

Thou Wouldest Not (10:5) - God was not pleased with sacrifices given by a person who did not give them out of a sincere heart (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-25).  To sacrifice only as a ritual, without obedience, was a mockery and worse than no sacrifice at all (cf. Isaiah 1:11-18).

A Body Hast Thou Prepared for Me (10:5) - Psalm 40:6 reads, "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required."  The Greek translators regarded the Hebrew words as a figure of speech, in which a part of something signified the whole, i.e., the hollowing out of ears was part of the total work of fashioning a human body.  And ears were selected as the part to emphasize because they were symbols of obedience as the organ of the reception of God's Word and will (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22).  Christ needed a body in order to offer Himself as the final sacrifice (2:14).

First . . . Second (10:9) - The old, repetitious sacrificial system was removed to make way for the new, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who had obediently done God's will (cf. 5:8; Philippians 2:8).

Sanctified (10:10) - Sanctify means to "make holy," to be set apart from sin for God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3). When Christ fulfilled the will of God, He provided for the believer a continuing, permanent condition of holiness (Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Body (10:10) - Referring to the His atoning death, as the term blood has been used to do.

Standeth (10:11) - In 2 Chronicles 6:10, 12, Solomon sat on his throne as king, but stood at the altar when acting in a priestly role.

Footstool (10:13) - This is another reference to Psalm 110:1.  This prediction will be fulfilled when Christ returns, and all creation acknowledges His lordship by bowing at His feet (Philippians 2:10).

Perfected (10:14) - This involves a perfect standing before God in the righteousness of Christ.

Brethren (10:19) - The writer addresses his Jewish brethren with an invitation to leave behind the Levitical system and to appropriate the benefits of the New Covenant in Christ.

Boldness (10:19) - Meaning "confidence," an important emphasis in the epistle.  Because of the high priestly ministry of Christ and His finished sacrifice, the Hebrews can enter boldly into the presence of God. 

New (10:20) - In Greek, this word originally meant "newly slain," but was understood as "recent" when the epistle was written.  The way is new because the covenant is new.  It is not a way provided by the Levitical system.

Living Way (10:20) - Though it is the path of eternal life, it was not opened by Christ's sinless life; it required His death.  The Hebrews were invited to embark on this way which is characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them (cf. John 14:6; Galatians 2:20).  The Christian faith was known as "the Way" among the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 9:2) as well as among the Gentiles (Acts 19:23). Those receiving this epistle understood quite clearly that the writer was inviting them to become Christians - to join those who had been persecuted for their faith.  True believers in their midst were even then suffering persecution, and those who had not committed themselves to the Way were asked to become targets of the same persecution.

Morning Message: A Better Sacrifice

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Better Sacrifice"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As God made man in His own image, Satan’s plan is to make man as rebellious against God as he himself was, and is to this day. Satan’s first victims were Adam and his wife Eve. Judgment befell them and they were cast out of God’s beautiful garden. Genesis 5:1-5 follows with an explanation of how sin was passed down to Adam’s third son, Seth. And as it was passed down to him, it was passed down to all, because although Adam was made in God’s image, he fell into sin, and was no longer in God’s image.

Cain learned in Genesis 4 that his pride got the best of him. And after murdering his brother Able, he cried to God, “…My punishment is too great for me to bear!” and he ran from the Lord, rather than admitting his offense and taking responsibility for Able’s death, and his own jealousy because his sacrifice was insufficient for God’s required sacrifice.

I shudder to think of where Cain is today! Nevertheless, it was a blood sacrifice that covered over the knowledge that sin brought with it. Coats of skins covered over Adam’s nakedness, and ended his embarrassment and guilt for his and Eve’s sin. That’s recorded in Genesis 3:21, and in verse 22, God’s word has come true as He declares that Adam and Eve now knew the difference between good and evil.

This was the beginning of blood sacrifices for sin. But it fell short of obliterating sin. All through the seven covenants of the Old Testament, blood sacrifices were made, bringing us to the eighth covenant were God sent Himself in human form to be the one sacrifice that actually made a difference for humanity. In the New Covenant, God simply asks men to believe on His Son, and acknowledge His atoning work on the cross. It IS that simple! Then, God restores His relationship with man by man’s choice to believe in Jesus.

Paul, Silas, and the Philippian jail after an earthquake, “Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” - Acts 16: 30, 31

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 9:15-28 - "A Better Sacrifice"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 9 is deeply connected to Jesus Christ as it emphasizes His role as the High Priest of the New Covenant. Jesus’ sacrifice is presented as superior to the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant. His blood cleanses the conscience and secures eternal redemption, contrasting sharply with the temporary and external cleansing provided by the blood of animals. Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary underscore His unique and ultimate role in God’s redemptive plan.

Why did Jesus have to die? Why did Christ’s blood have to be spilled? I mean, was there no other way to save sinners?

If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not the first. His disciples did. Matthew 16 reports that when “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things … and be killed …. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord!’” (16:21–22). Translation: “There has to be another way!”

Israel’s leaders saw Jesus’s death as proof that he was not the Messiah for which they were waiting. As he hung on the cross, Luke records that they “were sneering at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if this is the Christ of God, his Chosen One’” (Luke 23:35). “It can’t be him. Our Deliverer doesn’t die! That’s not needed.”

Paul admits the message of “Christ crucified” is “a stumbling block” to some and “foolishness” to others—a confusing and oxymoronic idea (1 Cor 1:23). “If God had a master plan of cosmic restoration, it wouldn’t include a murdered Saviour.” But it did and it does.

But why? Why did Jesus have to die? In the second half of Hebrews 9, the author addresses this question, highlighting the necessity of Christ’s death and the life-shaping difference it makes for Christ’s followers, followers like you and me.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Mediator (9:15) - A mediator is one who mediates, that is, one who acts as an intermediary to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute. There is only one Mediator between mankind and God, and that is Jesus Christ.

Death (9:15) - blood sacrifices. In some of the Old Testament biblical covenants, sacrifices were involved. Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant established by his death, which redeems sins committed under the old covenant and allows those who are called (believers) to receive the promised eternal inheritance. This new covenant replaces the first covenant, making a sacrifice that provides a permanent redemption for transgressions, unlike the temporary, symbolic sacrifices of the past.

Redemption (9:15) - When used by the New Testament writers, this word, and its related term, lutrosis, signify redemption. Redemption reflects the act of freeing, releasing, or buying back by paying a ransom price. The ransom price for humanity's sin is death. Yet, Christ paid this ransom price through His own sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18, 19) and thus freed us from the bondage of sin, to be brought back into the family of God (Galatians 3:13, 4:5).

First Testament (9:15) - Mosaic covenant or the covenant of law (Exodus 19:1-20:21). The Old Covenant was a set of “external regulations applying until the time of the new order” (Hebrews 9:10). Upon Jesus’ death and resurrection, the external regulations gave way to an internal change of heart (see Galatians 6:15). The Old Covenant was fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves” (Hebrews 10:1). “The reality . . . is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:17). The New Covenant involves a superior ministry (of Christ), is “established on better promises,” and is, in fact, “superior to the old [covenant]” (Hebrews 8:6).

They Which Are Called (9:15) - The effectual calling related to salvation, which in this context refers to Old Testament believers.

Promise of the Eternal Inheritance (9:15) - Salvation in its fullness.

Blood (9:18) - Death in verses 15, 16 is replaced by blood. The term is used to emphasize the violent aspect of His sacrificial death.

Water, Scarlet Wool, and Hyssop (9:19) - Items used at the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12:22) for sprinkling of blood, and in the ritual cleansing for lepers (Leviticus 14:4, and in the red heifer ceremony (Numbers 19:6). These elements were a part of the sprinkling of blood in the covenant ceremony described in Exodus 24:1-8, though not mentioned there.

The Book . . . the People (9:19) - The consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood is the only other occasion in the Old Testament when any persons were sprinkled with blood.

Almost All (9:22) - There were a few exceptions, Water, incense, and fire were also used to purify. Those who were too poor to bring even a small animal for sacrifice were allowed to bring fine flour instead (Leviticus 5:11).

Blood . . . Remission (9:22) - "It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul" (Leviticus 17:11). Very similar to Christ's own words (Matthew 26:28). "Shedding of blood" refers to death. Remission (meaning forgiveness is the emphatic last word in this section.

Patterns (9:23) - The earthly tabernacle and its vessels were only symbolic replicas of the true heavenly tabernacle (8:2), and they were also made unclean by the transgressions of the people (Leviticus 16:16).

Better Sacrifices (9:23) - Christ's superior sacrifice is a major theme in 9:13-10:18. The many sacrifices of the Levitical system were to be superseded by better sacrifices that would be represented in the one, all-inclusive, perfect sacrifice of Christ.

Figures (9:24) - The earthly "holy places" in the tabernacle were only types of the heavenly abode of God.

The Judgment (9:27) - A general term encompassing the judgment of all people, believers and unbelievers.

Second Time (9:28) - On the Day of Atonement, the people eagerly waited for the high priest to come back out of the Holy of Holies. When he appeared, they knew that the sacrifice on their behalf had been accepted by God. In the same way, when Christ appears at His Second Coming, it will be confirmation that the Father has been fully satisfied with the Son's sacrifice on behalf of believers. At that point salvation will be consummated.

Without Sin (9:28) - The phrase testifies to the completed work of Christ in removing sins by His sacrifice at His First Coming. No such burden will be upon Him in His Second Coming.

Morning Message: No More Shadows

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "No More Shadows"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Picking up at the last verse of 8, “…the old is ready to vanish away,” chapter 9 begins with a reality check. It is a most remarkable verse, and the Holy Spirit is directing His remarks to the Jews, specifically those who had become believers, but also to every Jew who reads this Epistle.

It is a reminder of what still lingers today; Jewish believers wanted to meld the old traditions of Judaism into the new realities of Jesus worship. Today, they call themselves Messianic Jews. Yes, they recognize that Jesus fulfilled the Old Laws and was indeed the Messiah, but not quite coming to the realities that Paul wrote about in Colossians, that the ordinances of the Law were dead, and nailed upon the Cross of Jesus. They were a shadow of things to come.

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians speaks also of the Old Laws being dead in 5:17 - “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

Literally, in modern vernacular, the old things have died; Look! All things have become new! Even more meaningful, when we are “in Christ” as Believers, we are to let those shadows of promise become awash in His light, and disappear, seeing the face of God in the face of Jesus Christ, the true light of the world! We know that light dispels the darkness, and shadows disappear. We are no longer looking through a glass darkly, we see Him clearly!

Shadows only give us a two-dimensional shape of objects. The new reality is in 3-D human form, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God-with-us! It is important to know that whether your background is Jew or Gentile, heathen or skeptic, agnostic, or atheist, if you find yourself in Christ, you are a Christian. No longer are you a Messianic anything, You are a Christian.

To see a shadow, we must look down at the ground, or at a wall. Look UP to see Christ, as we wait for Him! 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 9:1-15 - "No More Shadows"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The central theme of Hebrews 9 is the supremacy of Jesus Christ’s high priestly ministry and the New Covenant, established through His own blood. The author systematically contrasts the earthly Tabernacle, its repetitive rituals, and its temporary animal sacrifices with Christ’s entry into the true, heavenly sanctuary and His one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice. This comparison demonstrates that the Old Covenant was merely a shadow, a temporary and symbolic system, which has now been fulfilled and replaced by the superior, eternal reality brought by Christ.

The writer begins this section by taking us on a tour of the tabernacle. The author gives a brief description of the tabernacle, to which some fifty chapters in the Old Testament are devoted, including the tabernacle service (cf. Exodus 25-40). Remember that the writer concluded with the thought that the first covenant was obsolete because it was man-made, the articles in the temple symbolized something greater to come, it was inaccessible to the people, it was temporal and was an external ministry.

Next the writer shows us how and why the heavenly sanctuary is far superior to the earthly tabernacle.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sanctuary (9:2) - This is the Holy Place, the first room of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:33).

Candlestick (9:2) - The writer tells us that inside the earthly tabernacle was the candlestick or lampstand. Jesus is the true light of the world (John 8:12) and those who are in his family are also to lights (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-15).

Table of Shewbread (9:2) - Each Sabbath the priest would remove the old loaves and put fresh loaves on the table. The old loaves were eaten by the priests, and these loaves were called “the bread of presence.” Only the priests could eat the bread, and it could only be eaten within the tabernacle. Jesus called himself the "Bread of Life" who is given to the whole world (John 6). This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:50-51)

Holiest of All (9:3) - This is the Most Holy Place where the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat dwelt - the place of Atonement (Exodus 26:33, 34).

Golden Censer (9:4) - This is best understood as the gold altar of incense. (See Exodus 30:1-10; 40:5, 26, 27). Though it was outside the Holy Place (Exodus 30:6), the writer of Hebrews pictures the golden altar inside the Most Holy Place because uppermost in his mind is its role in the liturgy of the Day of Atonement.  On that day, the high priest brought incense from that altar into the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:12, 13).  The altar of golden incense marked the boundary of the Holy of Holies as well as the curtain.  The high priest went beyond the altar of incense only once a year.

Ark of the Covenant (9:4) - Finally, the most important piece was the ark of the covenant. On the top of the ark of the covenant were the cherubim of glory covering the mercy seat. This was considered the throne of God where God met with his people (Exodus 25:10-22; Psalm 80:1; 99:1). On the day of atonement the high priest sprinkled blood upon this mercy seat. It is an interesting visualization when we remember that the two tablets of stone, the Law, was inside the ark of the covenant. Therefore, the law was covered by the mercy seat, which on the day of atonement, was covered by blood. Jesus is the atonement for our sins, the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2). Everything in the earthly tabernacle was simply a symbol for a future, greater reality found in Jesus.

Not Without Blood (9:7) - This is the first of many references to the blood of sacrifice.  The term is especially central to 9:1-10:18 where it identifies the deaths of Old Testament sacrifices and of Christ (cf. vv. 12:14).  The shedding of blood in and of itself is an insufficient sacrifice.  Christ had not only to shed His blood, but to dies.  Hebrews 10:10 indicates that He gave His body as the sacrificial offering.  Without His death, His blood had no saving value.

A Figure (9:9) - Figure or Symbolic. The Greek words is parabole, from which the English word parable is derived.  The Levitical system was a parable, an object lesson, about what was to come in Christ. 

Conscience (9:9) - This term refers to salvation.  The sacrifices of the Old Testament did not remove the offerers' guilty conscience or provide them with full forgiveness for their sins (cf. 10:1-4).  It was only "symbolic" of something else that would - namely Christ.  The conscience is a divinely given warning device that reacts to sin and produces accusation and guild that cannot be relieved apart from the work of Christ.  At the time of salvation, it is quieted from its convicting ravings, but it is not deactivated.  Rather, it continues its work, warning the believer about sin.  Believers should seek a clear conscience. 

Carnal Ordinances (9:10) - The Levitical ordinances regulated the visible actions without changing the inner man (10:4).

Reformation (9:10) - The Greek term means "restoring what is out of line."  All things are set straight in Christ.  The reformation is the New Covenant and its application.

Good Things to Come (9:11) - The reference appears to be the "eternal redemption" (v. 12).  

Goats and Calves (9:12) - Only one of each was sacrificed on the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16:5-10).  The plural here represents the numbers sacrificed as the Day of Atonement was observed year after year.

By His Own Blood (9:12) - A better translation would be "through His own blood."  The same phrase is used in 13:12.  Nothing is said which would indicate that Christ carried His actual physical blood with Him into the heavenly sanctuary.  The sacrificer was also the sacrifice. 

Eternal Redemption (9:12) - This word for redemption is found only here and in Luke 1:68; 2:38.  Its original use was for the release of slaves by payment of ransom.

Ashes of a Heifer (9:13) - It is said that, in the history of Israel, only six red heifers were killed and their ashes used.  One heifer's ashes would suffice for centuries since only a minute amount of the ash was required.

Unclean (9:13) - The Greek term is literally "common" or "profane."  Not that it was ceremonially unclean, but that it was not sanctified or set apart to God.  The word was used in Jesus' discourse on what defiles a person (cf. Matthew 15:11, 18, 20; Mark 7:15, 18, 20, 23), in the Jews' complaint that Paul had defiled the temple by bringing Gentiles into it (Acts 21:28), and in reference to the meats that Peter had been invited to eat (Acts 10:15).  According to the mosaic regulation, the red heifer's ashes were to be placed "outside the camp" and used in a ceremony for symbolic purifying from sin (Numbers 19:9; cr. 13:11-13). 

How Much More (9:14) - Superior to the cleansing capability of the ashes of an animal is the cleansing power of the sacrifice of Christ.

The Blood of Christ (9:14) - This is an expression that refers not simply to the fluid, but the whole atoning sacrificial work of Christ in His death.  Blood is used as a substitute word for death.

Offered Himself (9:14) - Christ came of His own volition with a full understanding of the necessity and consequences of His sacrifice.

Dead Works (9:14) - The works are dead because the unregenerate are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), their works are worthless and unproductive (Galatians 2:16; 5:19-21), and they end in death (Romans 6:23).

To Serve the Living God (9:14) - Salvation is not an end in itself.  The believer has been freed from sin to serve God, saved to serve (cf. Romans 6:16-18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).  The contrast between dead works and the living God (cf. 3:12; 10:31; 12:22) is basic.