…it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said… “Behold, I have come to do your will.” …And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:1-18
In mathematics, satisfying a problem’s necessary conditions is required before the problem can be solved, and satisfying its sufficient conditions guarantees the problem’s solution. Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross, according to our verses today, triumphantly proclaims that our Lord’s sacrifice was entirely sufficient for the atonement of our sins and reconciles us to God. After proclaiming the sacrifices of bulls and goats were “but a shadow of the good things to come,” and could “never . . . make perfect,” “to take away sins,” these sacrifices did not satisfy the necessary conditions of the problem of sin. They were insufficient, needing repeating yearly, reminding people they were still sinners estranged from God. Psalm 40:6–8 tell us it was God’s plan that animal sacrifices were to point toward an ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who came in the flesh and died on the cross in our stead, became that ultimate sacrifice. His once-and-for-all-time sacrifice with the promise of remission of sins and a renewed relationship with the Father was secured. That is God’s promise in the new covenant, written on believers’ hearts, and prophesied in Jeremiah 31. Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was necessary and sufficient, completely and totally effective in atoning for our sins. So why would one follow a religion that requires sacrifices that are never effective? Why would one turn his/her back on God’s grace in an attempt to earn God’s favor, which can never be accomplished? These questions are asked by the writer to the Hebrews. Yet, people do that when they think that God will not accept them unless they try harder, behave better, or perform good deeds to make up for wrongs. We must remember that everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is forgiven his sins and brought into a right relationship with God. Having been saved, Christians serve the Living God by lovingly, willingly doing the Will of God in this life and throughout eternity.
Source: S C Ball April 8, 2024
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