Scripture Reading(s)
Hebrews 9:11-15
9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation),
9:12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified,
9:14 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 worship the living God!
9:15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.
Reflections
In the old testament days, it was customary that when one would come and offer a sacrifice such as a goat or calf as a way of confessing their sin. There was also a very specific place in which this would take place and you as the one confessing, would not be able to offer the sacrifice on behalf of yourself. The priest, would enter into the designated place and offer it for you. Most importantly, it was only the priest that was allowed to enter in, no one else had the authority or permission to enter.
In this passage we see how when Jesus Christ came to die for us, He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His blood was worth more then that of a goat or calf. His death covered our sin and because He is the true High Priest. He offered up himself as a means for us to be forgiven of all of our transgressions and wrong doings.
Now, we no longer have to offer up animals as a means of confession. Our sin is dealt with and the times that we do fall, we are now able to come to Jesus Christ with an open heart, confessing our sin and receiving the free gift of His Grace and love. For those who have not yet accepted the message of the Gospel, you’re also free to come and accept His everlasting love and grace in your life. You also have the opportunity to confess that you are in need of a loving Savior who died for your sin so that you would not have to pay the penalty.
He paid a debt that we could not afford to give because there is nothing that we could have done to erase our sin. Our sin is what separates us from God and in order to bring us into an eternal loving relationship with Him, He died to show just how far He is willing to go for you and I. He is the all sufficient Savior who is still waiting for many to come to Him with a repentant and open heart, ready to receive His Grace.