Monday, April 6, 2020
Scripture – Hebrews 9: 11-15 (NIV)
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, 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. 12 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, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifersprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
The Perfect Sacrifice
by Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien
The people of Israel had sought the presence of God for generations. They had leaders and teachers who would help them to grasp the impact of sin, the separation it brings from the holy God. They were guided through symbols and ceremonies that helped them understand the forgiveness of God.
And yet the symbols and ceremonies were all passing. They needed redoing every year. They would cover many sins, but the effects faded fast and were locked in time and location – only the High Priest, only on the Day of Atonement, only in the Holy of Holies
Then in God’s perfect time, in the fulness of time, the way of salvation was made visibly available to all.
It was as if we had a black and white map of how to be saved from sin. And then Jesus stepped in, three dimensional, full color, not only to give directions, but to be the direction.
Total, complete, for all time … Jesus is the complete story, the perfect way to God.
Arise My Soul
Salvation Army Songbook #242
1.
Arise, my soul, arise,
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice
In my behalf appears;
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
2.
He ever lives above
For me to intercede,
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead;
His blood atoned for all our race
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
3.
Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers,
They strongly plead for me.
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die.
4.
The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed one;
He cannot turn away
The presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.
5.
My God is reconciled,
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child,
I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh
And, “Father, Abba Father!” cry.
Charles Wesley
“God and God Alone”