Instruction
Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-25
In Hebrews 10 the author writes about the necessity of continual
sacrifices to atone for the many sins of God’s people. It also says that the
offerings were ultimately ineffective. The text of this reading tells us that
Jesus’ sacrifice was the single sacrifice that was needed to atone for sins.
This assurance gives us confidence to draw near to God and encourages us to
live in ways that display our hope by our actions as we look ahead to Jesus’
return. The function of the text is to make us think of our eternal hope in
Christ as motivation for our daily living and confidence of our eternal life.
Teaching
The proper punishment for sin is death. God’s people offered
animals’ lives to pay for their sins, but the sacrifices, in and of themselves,
could not satisfy the debt. Only Jesus’ death could fully pay the price for
sin, and that benefit could only be received by faith. When faith moved the
offering of sacrifices, there truly was forgiveness – not merely because of the
action, but because of the promise of God.
Faith alone takes hold of the benefits of Jesus’ death and
resurrection for us. That faith also changes the believers’ interaction with
the world. They have confidence before God that causes them to hold fast to the
confession that Christ died for them. They are also motivated to do good works
and to encourage others to do them; not to earn salvation, but because they
have received salvation. They are drawn to worship God by that faith, and they
long for the Day when sin is finally finished and eternal life is theirs.
Life
Have you ever heard an actor ask, “What is my motivation?”
This reading speaks to our motivation as disciples of Jesus. Our motivation is
the fully satisfying forgiveness Jesus won for us. The amazing salvation we
have by faith in Him motivates us. It sets us free from having to satisfy God
by our works and allows us to do good works because of love and the hope we
have because we are forgiven.
There are many voices around us – some of them in our own
minds – saying, “This is too good to be true. Surely something must be required
of us.” However, we are urged to, “hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” God is faithful, so we are
confident.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You gave Yourself as the sacrifice that fully
satisfies God and cleanses us from our sins. Our hearts have been sprinkled
clean. Our consciences are clear because of You. We are forgiven in You.
Thank You for such generous and great forgiveness. Thank You
for removing the need to offer sacrifices for sins and for giving us confidence
to stand in the Father’s presence.
Please continue to forgive us as we fall short. We do not
worship You as we ought, nor do we do the works of love that we should do. Wash
us once again!
O Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith so that we hold fast to
the confession of our hope in Jesus. Draw us together to worship our God and
Father through Christ. Make us bold in love and good works, especially as the
Day of Judgement draws near. Amen.
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