Monday 28 April, 2014

1 Comment/in /by

Hebrews 10:11-18

11 Day after day every priest stands and does his special duties. He offers the same sacrifices again and again. But they can never take away sins. 12 Jesus our priest offered one sacrifice for sins for all time. Then he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time, he waits for his enemies to be put under his control. 14 By that one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also gives witness to us about this. First he says, 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts. I will write my laws on their minds.” (Jeremiah 31:33) 17 Then he adds, “I will not remember their sins anymore. I will not remember the evil things they have done.” (Jeremiah 31:34) 18 Where those have been forgiven, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Imagine what life was like under the old system of dealing with sin. I do something wrong, someone tells me about it, I feel guilty because I want to be right with God, I get a lamb or goat for my sacrifice and take it to my Priest. He slaughters the animal. I feel free for a moment – maybe a day or two. I sin again. The whole process starts over.

This Easter I want to think deeper about what Jesus did on the cross and how my response to Him should change. I do something wrong and feel guilty. I come before God empty handed – just humbly confessing my sin because I long to be right with Him. He looks at the cross and sees the debt is payed by Jesus. ‘You’re free’ He says. But then He goes and gives me His Holy Spirit. He washes me and makes me perfect v14.  He fills my heart and mind with His word so I know how He wants me to live v16.  He forgives my sins – plural, ie all of them, past, present and future v17. He says no more sacrifices are required. You are clean!

Dear Heavenly Father, I am in awe of the immeasurable love You have for me.  By sending Jesus to die as a sacrifice our sin I am completely clean, guilt free. I can enjoy an unbroken friendship with you for all eternity starting from today. Thank you with all my heart. Amen

Written by Boudy vanNoppen

1 (reply)
  1. David Newton says:

    It has always amazed me the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. This contrast is reflected in our Old and New testaments of the Bible.
    The ‘old’ is highly technical and very complex with many, many rules and regulations. The ‘new’ is highly relational. There is only one rule. Jesus pays for the consequences of my stupidity.
    If properly understood there is only one response. ‘Gratitude’.

    Thanks Boudy, I always enjoy your observations!

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