6/10/10 Hebrews 9
Sufficient Sacrifice
(Heb 9:26b)26b but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
The writer of the book of Hebrews is methodically showing his first readers, Jews who were considering reverting back to the laws of Judaism, that the first covenant has been made void. Some Jews or “Hebrews” as this book indicates were experiencing pressure and persecution to revert back to the Old Testament law and sacrifices after having learned of Christ work.
The writer describes the first tabernacle and its contents indicating that these were just mere earthly copies of what the perfect tabernacle was like. On the Day of Atonement which occurred one a year, the high priest would enter the tabernacle and then enter the Holy of Holies first sprinkling the blood of the sacrifices on the altar of incense and the ark of the covenant first for himself and then for the people (Heb 9:7).
But when Christ appeared as the high priest He did not just enter the mere earthly copy of God’s presence, but went right straight into heaven and brought a sacrifice far superior to blood of goats and calves, He brought His own blood.
His shed blood which was without blemish was offered to God for the sin of the people. God accepted his sacrifice which has resulted in obtaining eternal redemption and for those who have been call upon Him for salvation. Jesus sacrifice has proved to be sufficient once and for all. There is no longer any need for additional sacrifices, because you cannot improve on perfection. Jesus blood of the new covenant was offered without blemish, it was perfect. His blood satisfied the requirement of God’s just and righteous punishment upon sin and now those who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation look and await His second coming where He will come not to atone for sin, but to rightfully claim all those who are His according to the promise of eternal inheritance. Oh, come Lord Jesus.
Prayer: Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Jesus Christ who has atoned for sin through the flowing of His blood. Father, I thank you that you made a way through Jesus Christ that I may enjoy your forgiveness and presence. You are the all wise God who has made possible the fellowship between yourself and sinful people through the superior, sufficient, and spot-less sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thanks unto the Lord Jesus Christ for His sacrifice which has secured for eternity the redemption of all who trust Him for salvation. Worthy is the Lamb that has been slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (Rev 5:12). Amen.