Sacrifice Part 2 of 3

Read Hebrews 9:11-28
Title in NIV: The new covenant and the sacrifice of Christ's blood.

Last week I discussed the earthly tabernacle . This week the topic is the heavenly tabernacle. Remember the tabernacle in Moses' day was only a shadow of the heavenly tabernacle. Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-2) so Christ has access to the heavenly tabernacle. When it was time for him to fulfill scripture, He went through the heavenly tabernacle. He came with his own blood to the Most Holy Place once for all. His sacrifice is far more superior than the blood of goats and bulls. Jesus' sacrifice cleanses our conscience from our sinful acts so we can serve the Lord.

I have two thoughts on that last sentence. If Jesus' sacrifice cleanses our conscience why do we hold on to feelings of shame and guilt. When we get our heart right with God (repent and ask for forgiveness), we should believe the Word and have a clean conscience. Our guilt and shame should vanish. We should strive to do what Philippians 3:14 says, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead... press toward the goal." This says to not live in the past  and let it go. Forget it, learn from it and strive to do better.

In a lesson my preacher asked the audience to describe their relationship with God in one word. People said, "Savior", "Redeemer" etc. Those are true and good words, but my word was different. My word was STRIVE. To strive involves movement. To strive involves pressing forward. To strive involves learning, wrestling, struggling with concepts and allowing God to teach you what He wants. I strive to always move forward and step in His steps.

Vs. 15.Christ became our mediator when he gave himself for us. We do not have to rely on an earthly priest to send our messages to God. We can talk to God directly through Jesus Christ. He died for us to set us free from the the sins committed under the first covenant.  Those who accept Jesus Christ's gift receive the promise of eternal life. We don't earn eternal salvation, we accept it like a Christmas gift. But, we have a responsibility when we accept it: "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11, John 5:14). We have to allow God to change our hearts and we will if we are sincere. We can fake it, but God sees our heart. Examine your motives for your actions.

I like the parallel to a will in vs. 16. Heirs do not get their inheritance until a person dies. Well, Jesus already died so we have the promise of eternal life. Do we live like we have eternal life in our future? We should try. Even in Mosos' day, an animal had to die so the will could be carried out. His will for the people was forgiveness (vs. 22).

Vs. 27-28 "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Are you waiting for Him? Do you yearn for his coming? Do you consider yourself part of the Kingdom that He is coming back for? I believe all who proclaim the name of Christ and strive to know Him every day are part of the Kingdom. He wants us to bring everyone who will accept Him to the kingdom, too (every one). Be a kingdom servant and share the good news so the kingdom overflows!! As Jesus sacrificed for us, we should willingly sacrifice for him. What can you sacrifice for Him? Not to gain brownie points, but because your heart overflows with concern for the lost, struggling and wounded and you despratly want them to know the Redeemer, the Healer and the Savior.