"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." - Hebrews 9:11-14
I woke up this morning with this on my mind. On the Day of Atonement, the Jewish High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies. He would then offer a sacrifice for the people of the nation of Israel with the blood of the spotless lamb on the Mercy Seat on the top of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark contained a jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant (the Ten Commandments). By pouring the blood of the lamb on the Mercy Seat the wrath of God for the sins of the nation would be satisfied.
"Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." - Hebrews 2:17
Propitiation means to satisfy the wrath of God - think mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. Christians around the world just celebrated Easter, the day that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was raised from the dead. His blood was poured out as an offering, once for all. He was established as the eternal High Priest making intercession eternally for those who place their faith in Him. Just as the Jewish High Priest offered the sacrifice for those of the Jewish faith, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for those who are born again by faith, people of all nations, once for all.
"He [Jesus] has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself." - Hebrews 7:27
That is what we celebrated yesterday. And, just like Christmas, the world has an alternative to focus on. It celebrates Easter with eggs, candy and a bunny rabbit in honor of their god - self. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween. But what can wash my sins away? Easter is about the Cross.
"without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." - Hebrews 9:22
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - 1 John 1:8
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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