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Hebrews 10:1-18 (ESV)
Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
10 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices, there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Why is the law insufficient?
The law and its sacrifices are not perfect and can not bring about sanctification. Christ’s death was the perfect sacrifice and has sanctified us.
Lord, you are perfect in every way. You loved me before I was born, you have numbered and ordered my days. You give perfect peace and your love for me so perfect I can barely understand it. Oh Lord as I walk through my days may your Holy Spirit fill my heart and mind with all you have done for me, help me to live worthy of your love and sacrifice. I am so grateful Lord that you have freed me from trying to live under laws and sacrifices that only cause confusion and pain. Thank you, Lord, for the perfect sacrifice of yourself, freeing me from the penalty of the death I deserved instead of giving me the right to be known as your child and dwell in your house forever. Amen
(Today’s prayer submitted by Jo Schneider)