2002-01-01
Good Morning Faithful Ones,
HE 9: 1-10: 39 reveals many wonderful teachings on the subjects of the old covenant and the new covenant. That is why I am led to focus today’s message on this wonderful passage from the book of Hebrews. As God’s covenant partners, we need to better understand the improvement that the Covenant of Grace is over the old Covenant of Law, as well as the information about heaven that is revealed here. Some people ask: Why bother studying history when it’s already happened, and there is nothing we can do about it? The reason for this is so that we can have a deeper appreciation of where our beliefs came from, the lessons mankind should have learned from history, and the culture out of which our Lord and Savior was reared. One more reason for taking the time to look into these matters is to see how consistently just, fair, compassionate, and patient our Lord has always been and will always be. And, finally, there is the need for us to be motivated to want to be good covenant partners with our Lord Who loves us so much.
HE 9: 1 tells us that the old covenant had rules and a man-made place for worship. When we compare this to the heavenly place of worship, we will see how the man-made one is a shadow of what is in heaven. HE 9: 9 tells us that the animal sacrifices of the old covenant system of worship can’t bring perfection to the believer. God knew that this old system of worship would last only until a new covenant was in place (9:10-11). (9: 13) tells us that all the animal sacrifices would do was to take away ritual impurity. Moses offered animal blood to seal this covenant (9: 19-20). The pouring of blood is necessary for there to be forgiveness of sin in both old and new covenant worship systems (9: 18, 22). The Jewish Law is not a full and faithful model of the real things, but only a faint outline of the good things to come (10: 1). The repeated sacrifices remind people of their sins, but don’t take them away (10: 2-4). We know from history that the animal sacrifices of traditional Judaism were discontinued in 70 AD when the Romans sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. While traditional Jews today aren’t practicing animal sacrifices, there is a movement afoot in Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, equip it, train temple workers, and re-institute animal sacrifices. When and how this will happen is unknown, since the plan is to build the new Temple on the Temple Mount already occupied by two Moslem mosques with a third on under construction. The blood that was poured ushering in the Covenant of Grace, which replaced the Covenant of the Law, was that of Jesus Christ making His once-for-all, sufficient sacrifice on the cross for us.
Christ’s blood shed opened the heavenly Holy of Holies and brought eternal salvation (9: 12). The blood of Christ does much more than remove ritual impurity for us. It sealed the new Covenant of Grace and brought something never before available-eternal forgiveness for past sin (9: 14-15). This raises the question: What happens if we sin now? God does offer us forgiveness if we slip once in a sin that isn’t too serious and immediately repent and stop sinning. However, in the case of heinous sin or the choice of a lifestyle of sin, the outcome is quite different. People in this category from God’s point of view have put distance between God and themselves that lead to second death. (10: 26) tells us that we must stop sinning, as there is no other sacrifice that will remove that sin once we know the truth. Those who persist in sin will be judged and destroyed (10: 27). The point is made, “how much more is the punishment those who know the truth and choose to sin will get.” God’s punishment of these sinners is something we should all fear (10: 29-31). God’s will for us is to endure in faith (10: 36-38).
These wonderful chapters of Hebrews have more to say on the Jewish priest, the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, and on heaven. These will be subjects for tomorrow’s message. However, we need to see the real value to our lives of the covenant relationship we are in with God. Of course, attaining eternal forgiveness and eternal life are the obvious benefits. But, we must not only look at the goal, but at the process of reaching that goal in our lives. In our interpersonal relationships, I believe that God’s way is for us to be open with each other and forgiving when there have been problems between us. That is the way He wants us to interact with Him too. The ACTS format for prayer has been a great blessing in my life. In case it’s new to you, let me reiterate what this acronym means, encouraging us to pay to attention to the order of its elements: A = adoration; C = confession; T =thanksgiving; S = supplication. God gets what He deserves from us first. Only after that, do we plead for the things for which we want to ask Him. If we stay grounded in His word, He will give us the discernment to know His will. Then in accordance with JN 15: 7, we can ask for whatever we want in His name, and our loving Abba will give it to us. Now, that Dear Ones, is real love!
PRAYER: O Lord, our understanding of both the old and the new covenants can help us have insight into the depth of Your love, patience, and compassion for us. The improvements of the Covenant of Grace over the old Covenant of the Law can be clearly seen. One step further will be the improvement in our lives when we are finally with You in heaven. Instead of needing Christ to be our Advocate and Intercessor, we will be able to come to You in humility face to face. And yet, we will always have Your Son’s love too. That kind of joyful, close relationship with You will bring us eternal peace and serenity. We come before You today to acknowledge Your wonderful plan for us, to accept our responsibilities as Your covenant partners, and to express our total acceptance of Your position as the Lord of our lives. We know that You bless us abundantly for being true to Your teachings and in prayerful, continuous communication with You. We offer You our adoration and confess our sins before You, as we know we are sinners who are helpless and lost without You. The gratitude we feel for Your presence in our lives cannot be quantified. Our minds and hearts are open to Your direction, and we pray for Your protection, provision, and guidance in our lives. The forgiveness You have offered us through Christ’s Atonement refreshes our lives and allows us to begin the process of being perfected and prepared to come to You when He calls for us. We humbly pledge You our loyalty, trust, obedience, honor, glory, praise, and utmost thanksgiving. We are blessed by Your presence in our lives every day. In Christ’s name, amen.
As I mentioned above, tomorrow’s message will deal with the Jewish priest, the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, and heaven. Please know that each of us is surrounded by angels sent by God to care for us. That is one more manifestation of His profound love that makes whatever challenges we must face unable to defeat those who endure in faith. Peter and I send you our love too.
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn