Sin Offerings and the Profit Motive

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. – Hebrews 10:1 NIV

During the pandemic lockdown, Ruth was busy uploading fresh content each week for the YouTube channel of the church where she was working. They aimed to have four new elements each week; she did a short devotional video and a song video; and the pastor did a short sermon and one of his pre-lockdown messages which had never been uploaded before was added to their channel.

She asked me if I would consider doing a devotional. Despite producing content in written form here on a daily basis, video teaching wasn’t something I had ever considered.

When asked to do something like this, I think it’s important not to try to take on the mantle of deep theological exposition, but rather, to begin with (a) what you know or (b) what you’ve experienced.

One passage which has always stood out to me is Hebrews 10: 11-12.

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  NIV

The main point is these actions had to be performed on a repeated basis, as seen in contrast to Christ’s ‘once for all’ sacrifice. He said, “It is finished.”

It’s hard to read this, with its vivid description of priests performing the same sacrifices on a recurring basis and not think of the time Jesus intersected directly with those facilitating worship in the scene we normally call, “Jesus cleanses the temple;” or perhaps a progressive translation might use the header, “Jesus throws a fit.” It’s not pretty. He was truly going up against “the sacrifice industry.”

The story is told in all four gospel accounts. (each of those 4 words provides 4 links for those who wish to compare.) The synoptic gospels place this toward the end of the story, while John places it in chapter two. Does this mean this happened more than once? Some Bible scholars say yes, others say that John wanted to introduce the story earlier to demonstrate the “clout” or “authority” with which Jesus ministered.

I mentioned in the video I recorded that among the other things we do, my wife and I own a Christian bookstore. Many of these sprang out of what were called ‘Christian supply stores’ with a variety of materials for sale to facilitate worship. Today, the focus is more on books and music, but a few vestiges of those days remain, and one staple for the last 50 years, has been disposable communion cups.

They come in a box of 1,000 which at the time sold for $19.99 U.S. That means that every time a church of 100 people had a communion service, the store made a $2.00 sale. For a church of 50 people, that would be $1.00. Not exactly high finance. [Not that I’m letting the Christian publishing industry off the hook; there are other stories to be told, like VBS which is a multi-million dollar industry just in itself.]

Perhaps I fret too much over this minuscule profit.

However, what was going on in the temple was closer to robbery. Most people who grew up in the story know this it as “Jesus vs. The Money-changers.” If you’ve ever traveled, you know all about currency exchange. In this case, visitors who came a great distance, and weren’t able to bring a lamb with them would buy one, only after converting their money to temple currency. They would see the money-changers to buy local currency and then buy the lamb.

But what about the people who lived more locally and were able to bring a lamb with them? Were they equally ripped off?

The lambs were supposed to be without spot, wrinkle or blemish. I heard someone teach on this passage asserting that those in charge would look at those lambs and find them to be somewhat lacking. They would find some reason why it doesn’t pass the “spotless” test. They’d smile and say, “But we have one which is perfect we’ll sell you instead.” I don’t know how much give-and-take happened at this stage, since the families would have chosen their lamb with great care, but eventually, weary from travel and up against a system they couldn’t fight, they would cave in.

But later, the lamb that they bought — which wasn’t deficient — would be sold to someone else.

The spotless lamb of course is a type of Jesus, who was without sin.

[Pardon me for one brief tangent: If you grew up in church you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘without spot, blemish or wrinkle’ used in reference to the church. How does the description switch to us when it’s supposed to be about Him? The answer is that this is what it means when God imputes to us the righteousness of Christ. The phrase occurs in Ephesians 5:27 and is referring to sanctification. We now return to our devotional, already in progress.]

So Jesus does what Jesus does, and he clears the temple in what is called a prophetic act. The whole system, or to use the language I’m using today, the whole sacrifice industry is about to come to an end, and (in the synoptic accounts, speaking just later) Jesus says as much when he says, “It is finished.”

[But even there, if the timing in John’s gospel is right, it starts up all over again; a sort of microcosm of what the passage in Hebrews intends.]

And then in the economy of the language used in the Book of Hebrews, we’re reminded that this ended in him sitting “in the place of honor” (NLT) at God’s right hand.

Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. – Hebrews 7:27

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So I ended up making the video she requested. As I was wrapping up what you just finished reading, I said that would normally be the end of the story, but it occurred to me that YouTube being what it is there were possibly people who have never come under the covering of what Jesus did, and I encouraged them to contact the church hosting the video.

Of course, the internet being what it is, there may be people reading this here who have never asked God to include them under the covering of his sacrifice. If that’s the case, use the contact form (lower part of the page) here so we can help you discern the next steps you need to take.

The Last Beatitudes of Christ

I wanted to publish this Good Friday sermon on the relevant day. These notes were compiled by Paul based on a sermon give by Ruth Wilkinson.

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In Matthew 4:23-25, we see Jesus just before he gives his best known sermon. He has been teaching, preaching, healing, freeing those demon-possessed, and folks arrive from the north, south, east and west to listen to him, ask for his help, and in general, follow this rabbi.

And then…

5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him…

On this day, Jesus is in Full-On Rabbi Mode. He sat down with his disciples — not just the 12 apostles — on a hillside on a beautiful early summer Galilean day

Behind him, nestled in Galilean hills was Nazareth where he grew up.

In front, blue sky reflected in the waters of great Sea of Galilee; one dotted with clouds, the other dotted with dozens of fishing boats, small ferries, family craft.

Morning breeze from off the lake faded, as it would every day when outspoken by stronger wind coming down from Mediterranean behind him, perhaps occasionally blowing his hair into his eyes…

Rabbi Jesus sat between greening hills behind him, blue lake before, sunny sky above, he took a deep breath of that summer air, and people leaned in to hear…

² and He began to teach them, saying:

          Matt 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, (whose only wealth is YHWH God, entirely dependent on HIS provision)  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

                4 Blessed are those who mourn, (grieve over the spiritual bankruptcy of themselves, and of all of creation) for they will be comforted.

                5 Blessed are the meek, (true-self, without malice / inadequacy / condescension, wielding their strength with humility) for they will inherit the earth.

                6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, (long for God’s law to reign on earth, and in their own heart and mind) for they will be filled.

                7 Blessed are the merciful, (forgiveness for the guilty, compassion for the suffering) for they will be shown mercy.

                8 Blessed are the pure in heart, (utterly committed to the singleness of God’s purpose) for they will see God.

                9 Blessed are the peacemakers, (negotiate difficult space between people, between people and God, bringing us all closer together) for they will be called sons of God.

                10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, (in a world that revels in hatred and anger, becoming a target for assault of the Enemy against his greatest foe, because they love God’s law) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

But something struck Jesus’ disciples…

Rabbi Jesus was drawing on long tradition of ancient blessings like…

Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!
2 …blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the one who fears the LORD…,
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land

…However… Jesus’ blessings seem different… upside down.

What if your reply is

• I don’t want to be meek
• I don’t want to be make peace (Watched the news lately? That’s hard work!)
• I don’t want to mourn
• I don’t want to thirst
• I don’t want to be poor

If those are your responses; full marks!

“The Beatitudes are deliberately designed to shock us. If we’re not shocked by the Beatitudes, it’s only because we have tamed them with a patronizing sentimentality…” (Brian Zahnd)

Yes… Rabbi Jesus was

► Reminding disciples of God’s faithfulness; his love; his promise
► Reminding them of beautiful, powerful, proverbs
► Encouraging his followers toward
• the best of the best of humanity
• the best of the best of what awaits us in our life of obedience and grace…

That’s hard!!

Listening to Rabbi Jesus telling me how to live, I ask myself Who is this guy? What does he actually know about real life?

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. – Hebrews 4:15 NIV

The verse describes him as a High priest, which is someone important and powerful. It was a hereditary office, first established by God in the time of Moses.

Originally, it signified a religious leader; a person of honour who had the weight of being the only person in the nation permitted to stand face to face with Yahweh God, on behalf of the entire nation.

Historically, Israel was ruled by Kings and Priests together. Due to their long, complicated relationship with God they lost their king. The throne was empty and that leadership void needed to be filled.

So the High Priest began presiding over a senate of priests, law experts and heads of influential families. This became the Sanhedrin. This meant the High Priest was the de facto head of church and head of government.

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as High Priest rightly … Someone with power. Power over us. Power for us.

But at the same time…

He was Rabbi; an honorary title given by community, in recognition of a life dedicated to God’s Law. The model was Ezra.

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Note the requirements:

1. Learn,
2. Live,
3. Teach.

Jesus was recognized as Rabbi… by supporters, opponents (even when they were mad at him); men, women; rich and powerful; ordinary people.

He was recognized as a teacher, not only because of what he had learned but because of the life he lived.

1 John 3:16-17 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our sisters and brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

“Laid down his life for us”… But he didn’t die until he had first lived for us.

As a Rabbi, he was only entrusted with the authority to preach what he had been seen to live.

In the end, Jesus lived what he had preached. He lived his beatitudes…

Compare these sound bites from the nice, sunny day on the hillside to sound bites from the story we remember today:

On a good day…
■ Surrounded by devoted followers…

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

To people he knew would abandon him…
• “Stay… keep watch with me.”

■ With friends, and in the sunshine…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Alone, by the light of a nearly full moon…
• “…your will be done. Not mine.”

■  With his sight filled with peaceful blues and greens…

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God.”

Exhausted, eyes squinting against torches in the darkness…
• “No more of this! Put away your sword.” And he touched [his enemy’s] ear and healed him.

■ Seated in a place of peace and familiarity…

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

Standing bound and at sword point…
• Before the high priest; before Pilate; before Herod: Jesus remained silent and took it.

■ Teaching with the authority of a Rabbi…

“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth”

Submitting to the authority and powers of this world; and the world beyond…
• “Don’t you think that I could call on My Father to send legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled …?”

■ In comfort and in safety…

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” 

In pain, and helplessness…
• “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
• “Father forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.”

■ With his years of ministry ahead of him…

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” 

Having done everything that was asked of him…
• “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (quoting Psalm 22)

■ With the summer sun on his back…

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

With the sun refusing to shine on him…
• “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

…And with these words, He breathed his last.

Who is this guy? What does he know about real life?
Only absolutely everything.

So today we gather, to consider his cross.

The cross of one who has the power of a High Priest to pass judgement and the authority of a Rabbi to tell us how to live. Who lived this life, just like we do.

Putting up with the guy in the next seat
Finding that peace is hard work
Experiencing grief that just feels like grief
Feeling thirst that just feels like thirst

Who was… “tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.” (Hebrews)

He knew us that well… and still chose to die for us. And he still offers us this invitation…

Matt 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.

That is our invitation.

To learn and to live. Just like Jesus

To take up our cross… every day. Carry it every day. Surrender our lives every day. Die to ourselves every day.

To follow him into the tomb every day… and — spoiler alert! — back out again into life.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

 

 

The “Priest” the World Needed Then, and Needs Now

^{NIV.Gen.14.18} Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, ^19a and he blessed Abram…

Of all the various names mentioned in scripture, one that especially captures the imagination of readers is Melchizedek. The reason is simply the way he is introduced and then recurs several times in both the First Testament and the Second Testament.

Today we’re back for a third time with Bruce Green writes at A Taste of Grace. Clicking the header which follows will link you to his site where this first appeared. Then, at the bottom of the article, there is a link to shorter second part which ties the references to Melchizedek together.

Just What We Needed (1)

The Hebrews writer has mentioned Melchizedek three times (5:6,10, 6:20), so he’s prepared his audience for the deeper dive of chapter 7. The priesthood of Jesus is the linchpin in his presentation of Jesus (“priest” is mentioned 40 times in the book with 19 of those occurring in chapter 7), so with the discussion of chapter seven we’ve moved to the heart of Hebrews.

Melchizedek is mentioned only twice outside of Hebrews—Genesis 14:17-20 and Psalm 110:4. The Genesis text provides us with the historical information concerning Melchizedek. It is brief but fascinating. After rescuing Lot and defeating the four kings, Abraham is met by the king of Sodom and Melchizedek. He is identified as the king of Salem and a priest. He brings out bread and wine to Abraham and blesses him and praises God. In return, Abraham gives him a tenth (a tithe) of what he has.

Since Genesis has more than its share of interesting people who pop on and off the scene (think Laban, the pharaohs of Abraham and Joseph’s time, Potiphar and his wife, Tamar, the cupbearer, the baker, etc.), I don’t know that Melchizedek’s mention is all that noteworthy in the larger context of the book. It is interesting but seemingly insignificant. That’s where Psalm 110:1-4 comes in. This is a messianic psalm written by David (Matthew 22:43), and it tells us the kind of things we would expect until we get to v. 4 where we’re told that God has sworn and will not change His mind that the Messiah will be a priest “forever in the order of Melchizedek.” And that must have sent every Jewish scribe and scholar to their Genesis scroll to reread the part about Melchizedek because he had been invested with great significance.

When we get to Hebrews 7 then, we’re reading inspired commentary on Psalm 110:4. It’s the Spirit revealing to us exactly what it means to say that Jesus is a priest “forever in the order of Melchizedek.” He tells us:

• Jesus is both a king and priest (v. 1),
• He is without beginning or end (v. 3)
• Jesus blesses Abraham’s seed, i.e., those who have the faith of Abraham (v. 1, 2:16),
• Jesus is the king of righteousness (v. 2)
• Jesus is the king of peace (v. 2).

With this, he accomplishes the first part of his presentation (to show how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek). The rest of the chapter is devoted to showing that since Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood, Jesus’s priesthood is as well. Formally laid out, it looks something like this:

• Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood (v. 4-10).
• Jesus’ priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek. (v. 1-3)
• Therefore, Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood (v. 11-28).*

With this avalanche of evidence he presents, you can see why the writer was anxious to talk about Jesus being a priest after the order of Melchizedek. His presentation is powerful because it features multiple lines of evidence, so it has a cumulative effect. It is also profound because of its predictive nature. It is like a treasure that was buried in the text of Genesis, partially uncovered in  Psalms and then laid out in full display in Hebrews.

For the original recipients of the letter who were discouraged and perhaps even doubting, it was just what they needed to restore their confidence. The writer shows them how their own book clearly forecast Jesus—He had always been the plan of God! It just as clearly shows how the Levitical priesthood pales in comparison to Him. There is only one conclusion—Jesus is the Messiah and the high priest they needed.

“Such a high priest truly meets our need” (v. 26).

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*The superiority of Jesus’ priesthood is shown in several ways:

• He was symbolically tithed to by the Levitical priests through Abraham (v. 9-10),
• His priesthood brings perfection (v. 11, 28),
• He brings a better covenant (v. 12, 18-19, 22)
• His priesthood is based on character, not genealogy (v. 13-16, 27),
• He was appointment was accompanied by an oath (v. 20-22),
• His priesthood is permanent (v. 23-24),
• His ministry take place in heaven (v. 26),
• His sacrifice is superior (v. 26-27),
• He truly meets our needs (v. 25-26).

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Don’t miss part two of this two-part article. Click the header below to read

Just What We Needed (2)

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If you came here because of the WordPress search engine tag words, we included two that we felt helpful.

Click here to read about Biblical typology.

Click here to read about Christophanies. Note that today’s author is not saying that the High Priest was in fact the second person of the trinity (Jesus) himself, but some believe that.

Aaron: The Significance of the Symbols

We return once more to the site My Morning Meal, written by Peter Corak. I found this article really brought to life a passage I had perhaps rushed through previously. Clicking the header which follows will take you to where we located it.

Aaron Shall Bear

Reading in Exodus this morning. And what catches my attention, and imagination, is a phrase repeated four times in the instructions concerning the priest’s garments.

The uniform to be worn by Aaron was, to say the least, pretty elaborate. And, I’m thinking it must have weighed a ton. No light weight, sweat resistant, high-tech stretch fabrics here. Instead, multi-layered garments of thick coarse yarn and fine linen. Supplemented with onyx stones for the shoulders and twelve precious stones interwoven within the breastpiece. Add to that chains of pure gold attaching this to that through rings of gold, and I’m thinking this is a pretty weighty garment.

But it’s nothing compared to the weight of what it signified. The weight born by the priest before the LORD in the Holy of Holies.

And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance.

(Exodus 28:12 ESV)

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD.

(Exodus 28:29 ESV)

And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly.

(Exodus 28:30 ESV)

It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

(Exodus 28:38 ESV)

Aaron shall bear.

Aaron was to carry, take, lift up, support, and sustain. The weight of Aaron’s garment had direct correlation to the weight of Aaron’s responsibility to bear the sons and daughters of the exodus before the LORD of their deliverance.

He would bear their names, on his shoulders and on his heart, before the Lord regularly. Bringing the people of Passover before the God who had made provision for them to be passed over. A reminder, a memorial, of the people God had redeemed through the blood of a lamb. Aaron would carry symbols bearing the names of the tribes of Israel. And when He saw them, God would look afresh upon the people — each one, name by name — who He had led out of Egypt with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God providing Himself a perpetual reminder of the people He had promised for Himself.

Aaron would also bear the judgment of the people. Not judgment as in divine punishment, but judgment as in divine discernment, determination, and direction for a set apart people. With a heart for their good and God’s glory, not only would Aaron bear the peoples names before the Lord, but would bear the LORD’s will concerning their ways.

Lastly, Aaron shall bear any guilt for the peoples’ less-than-holy holiness. With “Holy to the LORD” born on the front of his turban, he would compensate for the blemishes of well-intended sacrifices. He would stand in the breach of offerings which came up short, though offered sincerely. It was because he stood in the gap, that the worship of a less than perfect people could be a sweet-smelling savor to a thrice holy God.

God would remember His people. God would lead His people. God would look past His people’s imperfect worship. All because Aaron shall bear. All because the high priest would carry God’s people into God’s presence. He would take them, lift them up, support them, and sustain them as they sought to walk with God in their midst.

Jesus is our High Priest.

► A merciful and faithful High Priest in the service of God (Heb. 2:17).
► A great High Priest who has passed through the heavens (Heb. 4:14).
► One who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15)
► and bridge the gap because He is “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens” (Heb. 7:26)
► Even now “seated at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in heaven” (Heb. 8:1).

Aaron shall bear . . . the remembrance of God’s people, on his shoulders, over his heart, and upon his head into the presence of God. A picture that, in like manner but to a far greater degree, Jesus shall carry His people too.

Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

What wondrous grace. To God be the glory!

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Diversions:

We’ve seen Bible verses that frequently become memes. And we’ve seen lists of the most looked-up Bible verses at online Bible platforms. This is different. It’s a list of frequently occurring verses posted by Chinese Christians for Lunar New Year.

The Sacrifice Industry

My wife has been busy uploading fresh content each week for the church’s YouTube channel. They aim to have four new elements each week; she does a short devotional video and a song video; and the pastor does a short sermon and one of his pre-lockdown messages which has never been uploaded before is added to their channel.

She asked me if I would consider doing a devotional. It wasn’t something I had ever considered.

I think it’s important not to try to take on the mantle of deep theological exposition, but rather, to begin with (a) what you know or (b) what you’ve experienced.

One passage which has always stood out to me is Hebrews 10: 11-12.

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  NIV

In other words, these actions had to be performed on a repeated basis, as seen in contrast to Christ’s ‘once for all’ sacrifice.

It’s hard to read this, with its vivid description of priests performing the same sacrifices on a recurring basis and not think of the time Jesus intersected directly with those facilitating worship in the scene we normally call, “Jesus cleanses the temple;” or perhaps a progressive translation might use the header, “Jesus throws a fit.” It’s not pretty. He was truly going up against a “sacrifice industry.”

The story is told in all four gospel accounts. (4 links provided for those who wish to compare.) The synoptics place this toward the end of the story, while John places it in chapter two. Does this mean this happened more than once? Some Bible scholars say yes, others say that John wanted to introduce the story earlier to demonstrate the “clout” or “authority” with which Jesus ministered.

I mentioned in the video I recorded that among the other things we do, my wife and I own a Christian bookstore. Many of these sprang out of what were called ‘Christian supply stores’ with a variety of materials for sale to facilitate worship. Today, the focus is more on books and music, but a few vestiges of those days remain, and one staple for the last 50 years, has been disposable communion cups.

They come in a box of 1,000 which sells for $19.99 U.S. That means that every time a church of 100 people has a communion service, the store made a $2.00 sale. For a church of 50 people, that would be $1.00. Not exactly high finance. [Not that I’m letting the Christian publishing industry off the hook; there are other stories to be told, like VBS which is a multi-million dollar industry just in itself.]

However, what was going on in the temple was closer to robbery. Most people who grew up in the story know this it as “Jesus vs. The Money-changers.” If you’ve ever traveled, you know all about currency exchange. In this case, visitors who came a great distance, and weren’t able to bring a lamb with them would buy one, only after converting their money to temple currency.

But what about the people who lived more locally and were able to bring a lamb with them? Were they equally ripped off?

The lambs were supposed to be without spot, wrinkle or blemish. I recently heard that those in charge would at those lambs and find them to be somewhat lacking. They’d smile and say, “But we have one which is perfect we’ll sell you instead.” I don’t know how much give-and-take happened at this stage, since the families would have chosen their lamb with great care, but eventually, weary from travel and up against a system they couldn’t fight, they would cave in.

But later, the lamb that they bought — which wasn’t deficient — would be sold to someone else.

The spotless lamb of course is a type of Jesus, who was without sin.

[Pardon me for one brief tangent: If you grew up in church you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘without spot, blemish or wrinkle’ used in reference to the church. How does the description switch to us when it’s supposed to be about Him? The answer is that this is what it means when God imputes to us the righteousness of Christ. The phrase occurs in Ephesians 5:27 and is referring to sanctification. We now return to our devotional, in progress.]

So Jesus does what Jesus does, and he clears the temple in what is called a prophetic act. The whole system, or to use the language I’m using today, the whole sacrifice industry is about to come to an end, and (in the synoptic accounts, speaking just later) Jesus says as much when he says, “It is finished.”

And then in the economy of the language used in the Book of Hebrews, we’re reminded that this ended in him sitting “in the place of honor” (NLT) at God’s right hand.

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In the video, I said that would normally be the end of the story, but it occurred to me that YouTube being what it is there are people who have never come under the covering of what Jesus did, and I encouraged them to contact the church hosting the video.

Of course, the internet being what it is, there may be people reading this here who have never asked God to include them under the covering of his sacrifice. If that’s the case, use the contact form (lower part of the page) here so we can help you discern the next steps you need to take.

 

 

 

 

Only One Sacrifice Could Effect a Momentous Achievement

Deborah (named after the prophetess) is a retired doctor now living in Swansea, Wales; a Christian for over 40 years, and an avid reader of the Bible. This is our first time featuring her writing here. To discover more, click the title below and then look around at some of the other articles.

Focus on Jesus: He is the ultimate sacrifice

“Fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1)

Hebrews 9:1-10:18

The worship of the old covenant took place in the Tabernacle (and, later, the Temple, which was constructed in a similar way) The sanctuary was divided into two rooms by a heavy curtain. In the outer room, the priests would perform certain duties (such as burning incense and tending the lamps); but they could not enter the inner room, where God was present. Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, was the high priest allowed to enter the Most Holy Place – provided he took with him the blood of sacrifice to sprinkle onto the lid of the Ark.

Thus the very nature of Tabernacle worship bore witness to its inadequacy. God was not really approachable; even while living symbolically in the midst of His people, He remained at a distance, and access to His presence was severely restricted. There was an impenetrable barrier between the first and second rooms that no amount of animal sacrifices could break down. This symbolized the real barrier between human beings and God – which was never a physical barrier in a building but an internal, spiritual barrier located in the conscience. And so it could not be removed by the physical rituals of the old covenant.

But the death of Jesus has changed everything!

“He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, so obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11,12)

What made the difference was the nature of the sacrifice that He offered and the location where He offered it. For He alone was able to enter God’s actual presence in heaven – not once a year, but once for all. And the death that He presented as atonement was not that of an animal but His own. Thus He paid the full redemption price for all God’s people – a price for which nothing in this world would have been sufficient (I Peter 1:18,19).

The animal sacrifices had to be endlessly repeated because they never actually achieved anything. “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4) But Jesus was a willing, rational and morally perfect Victim, and His sacrifice was accepted by God – which is why it will never need to be repeated (Hebrews 10:14). He had to die only once to save everyone!

Only one sacrifice could effect this momentous achievement – but now that it has been made, there is no need to repeat it or add to it. It is ‘the sacrifice to end all sacrifices’; the old system has been abolished at a stroke. The real, heavenly sanctuary has now been cleansed, signifying that God has forgotten our sins and that we shall be welcomed into His presence. We can neither be shamed by them now, nor condemned for them later! So while the repetition of the old covenant sacrifices was a reminder of sin’s continuing dominion (Hebrews 10:3), the repetition of the Lord’s Supper is for us a reminder of sin’s definitive removal.

All Bible quotations are from the NIV

The Ministry of Christ as High Priest

•••by Russell Young

Although all believers have heard of the ministry of Christ as high priest, this ministry is often not well understood even though it is essential for a person’s eternal salvation.  The duty of the high priest is to represent humankind in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices (Heb 8:3) for sins. (Heb 5:1)

The ministry of the high priest was first practiced in the sanctuary of Jewish tabernacle worship and we are told that the earthly sanctuary was a copy of the heavenly sanctuary. (Heb 8:5) It had two sections.  The priests carried on their prescribed ministry in the Holy Place which was the outer room. They carried out the ceremonies and rituals of the earthly tabernacle in accordance with God’s instructions.  They offered animal sacrifices on a daily basis for the sins of the people as they were acknowledged by the confessor; that is, for known sins.

Only the high priest entered the inner room, the Most Holy Place, and only once a year.  His duty was to offer a sacrifice “for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.” (Heb 9:7, NIV)

Since the earthly pattern is a copy of that which is practiced in heaven, it can be seen that there are two kinds of sins…those known and those committed in ignorance.  Both kinds need to be addressed before our holy God. The commission of sin is serious business and needs to be recognized as such.  The believer as priest (Rev 1:6) can offer the prayer of confession and repentance before God and like tabernacle worship he needs to do this as he becomes aware.  Paul wrote: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9, NIV) Sin separates.  (Isa 59:2) Paul confirmed the hope of the repentant sinner under the New Covenant.  “But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is our atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn 2:1, NIV)

The believer cannot confess and be purified concerning sins about which he is unaware.  It is the role of Christ as high priest to plead his blood for cleansing sins committed through the believer’s ignorance.

The writer of Hebrews has encouraged the believer concerning the power and authority of Christ, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Heb 7:25, NIV) Christ is able to save completely because he intercedes for the believer in regard to confessed sin and for sins committed in ignorance.

There is condemnation, however, for those who willingly continue to sin. “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that consumes the enemies of God.” (Heb 10:26-27) It is revealed that God will bring his vengeance on those “who have trampled the Son of God under foot, who have treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace.” (Heb 10:29) The believer is to “work out his or her own salvation with fear (terror) and trembling.” (Phil 2:12)

As high priest, Jesus represents his brothers and sisters to the Father.  He is an advocate (1 Jn 2:1) for the person who does not deliberately continue to sin.  An advocate pleads the case of the offending one.  He examines the circumstances of the offense and the position of the law.  Using these, he presents a defence if it can be found.  There is no defence for the person who deliberately or knowingly continues to sin since through his divine power he has been given all that is needed for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)

The ministry of Christ needs to be understood and respected.  His Father, who allowed him to suffer on the cross will not allow his Son to be trampled under foot.  Teaching that promotes the thought that all sin and sinning was addressed at the cross is error and those who live as though sin is no longer of concern to them will one day suffer the wrath of God for their disregard.

Christ came to defeat the work of Satan and to create a holy people. (Heb 12:14, NIV) It is in this matter that Christ as high priest is essential.  The New Covenant is a covenant of the Spirit and not of the law.  Sin is revealed in the believer’s life according to the Spirit’s enlightenment and he reveals sin specifically and individually according to the stage of transformation that he is carrying out in the believer.  Not all sins are revealed at the same time; the believer remains ignorant of some.  Those that are made known however, are to be confessed in order for cleansing to take place and for the believer to gain victory over their practice.  Those about which the believer is unaware will be advocated by Christ as high priest.  Because of this Paul has emphasized the ministry of the Spirit. “And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:4, NIV) The Spirit reveals sin on his schedule.

The high priest of tabernacle worship offered sacrifices and Christ also must offer sacrifices to God.  Paul stated that he was given “the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:16, NIV) The cleansed and transformed believer is the acceptable offering.

The goal of Christ is to keep and to present the transformed sinner to his Father, perfect and holy, as his own brother and sister and his ministries as Spirit and as high priest are essential to that accomplishment.