“Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it was 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.” Heb 9:26-28.
How confident are you that God has completely accepted you as you are? What is it that God expects and demands of you? Are you even a little afraid to pray, to make requests of God, thinking that God will not hear you because you recognize your own weaknesses and failures? Do you ever wonder if God is satisfied with you as His child? Are you worthy to be His child?
The Old Testament (testament is sometimes referenced as covenant or agreement), which contained the law with all the animal sacrifices and other rules, was not God’s ultimate answer for sin. During the time the Old Testament was in effect, the Jewish nation (unto whom God gave the Old Testament) was required to perform various sacrifices, burnt offerings, washings, and other duties that had to be executed in very precise ways. And, the fact that the offerings and services were conducted repeatedly demonstrated that these acts were not the final sin resolution. These were merely placeholders, waiting for the culmination that God planned from the very beginning. Hear the writer of Hebrews explain:
“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.” Heb 10:8-10.
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God … For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Heb 10:11-14
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb 10:16-17.
The writer was quoting and explaining an Old Testament prophecy. He indicated that God neither planned nor expected the sacrifices and burnt offerings of the law to be the final answer to the problem of sin. That is why a body was prepared (Jesus Christ) to die. By the death of Jesus, the first covenant (the Old Testament) was eliminated and the new (the ultimate) covenant was established. This new covenant is the final resolution. The writer states that because of the one offering of the body of Jesus Christ, we are set apart (sanctified) for all time. He also stated that by one offering (Jesus) God has made the final sin resolution for those who believe (are sanctified). The statement “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” demonstrates conclusively that the final sin resolution was completely accomplished.
Because of that final sin resolution, because of God’s ultimate answer, we can come boldly to God,
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest (Jesus Christ) over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Heb 10:19-22.
How confident are you that God has completely accepted you as you are? Jesus Christ resolved your sin problem by His one sacrifice. There is nothing left for Him or you to do. And, when He returns He will not bring your sins back with Him.
What is it that God expects and demands from you? Jesus Christ completed the work. Jesus Christ effected the resolution. You are merely a recipient.
Are you even a little afraid to pray, to make requests of God, thinking He will not hear you because you recognize your own weaknesses and failures? The writer to the Hebrews encourages you to come boldly. The writer lets you know that you are accepted and welcomed by God.
Do you ever wonder if God is satisfied with you as His child? Jesus Christ resolved any and all of the issues that would prevent God’s satisfaction. He will not remember your sins. If you understand and believe that, you should realize He could not be dissatisfied.
Are you worthy to be His child? Why would God plan and execute such a resolution for your sin problem if He did not think you worthy? Whether you feel worthy is not the question.
Break the Bread 