Slices
Prepare
You come into God’s presence now because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Listen to (or sing!) the song, ‘Once Again’.*
*M Redman, Capitol CMG Publishing, 1997
Bible passage
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy.
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies 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,
and I will write them on their minds.’
17 Then he adds:
‘Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.’
18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
Explore
The writer to the Hebrews has made it clear that the endless sacrifices required by the law could not deal with sin. But Jesus, with the one act of offering himself, has dealt with sins decisively. Look back through chapters 7–10 to see how often the writer uses ‘one’, ‘once for all’. He hammers the point home.
The Old Testament priests stood, working continually (v 11). Christ sits (v 12). His one sacrifice means the job is done. And the work he has done is breathtaking in its scope and effectiveness. Christ’s death 2,000 years ago is an offering ‘for all time’ (v 12). It stretches back to cover past sins and stretches forward to cover the sins to come.
Its potency never wears out: Christ’s one sacrifice continues to cover sin – your sin and my sin – every day (vs 14,17). We don’t need to offer sacrifices any longer. Nor do we need to do anything to win God’s approval. Christ has done it all!
Not only that but God’s Holy Spirit now transforms God’s people from the inside out, purifying our thoughts and transforming our desires (v 16), so that we can enjoy our relationship with God.
Respond
Consider what Jesus has done. Reflect on how his Holy Spirit is transforming you. See how much God loves you! Rest in his love!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Lamentations 3–5; John 20
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Pete Croall, Mission Enabler in our South team, as he seeks fresh ideas and new opportunities to share Jesus’ message effectively. Ask that God would give him clear direction, inspire innovative approaches and empower him to pursue boldly every chance to advance the kingdom.
