Tuesday, September 7
Read Hebrews 10
Think About It:
Animal sacrifices could never completely deal with human guilt. God did promise forgiveness to believing worshipers (Leviticus 4:20-35), but this was judicial forgiveness and not the removal of guilt from people’s hearts. People lacked that inward witness of full and final forgiveness. They could not claim, “I have no more consciousness of sins.” If those worshipers have been “once purged” they would never again have had to offer another sacrifice.
So, the annual day of Atonement did not accomplish “remission of sin” but only “reminder of sin.” The annual repetition of the ceremony was evidence that previous year’s sacrifices had not done the job. True, the nation’s sins were covered, but they were not cleansed. Nor did the people have God’s inward witness of forgiveness and acceptance.
Yes, there was a desperate need for a better sacrifice because the blood of bulls and of goats could not take away sins. It could cover sins and postpone judgment, but it could never affect a once and for all redemption. Only the better sacrifice of the Son of God could do that.
But in reality, the secret of victory was in their faith and patience. We have met this combination of grace’s in Hebrews 6. It is here that the writer introduces the text of around which Hebrews is written: “The just shall live by faith” (10:38). But we can be confident! As we walk by faith, our great High Priest will guide us and perfect us!
Family Time:
- What does it mean when Jesus says He has put His law in our hearts and minds?
- Why do you think it says we should not forsake assembling together (gathering with other Christians)? (verses 23-26)
- Read verses 37-38. How does God feel about those who pull back or don’t follow Him? Read verse 39. Does this verse describe you?
