This morning in my Bible reading I was reminded why I am so grateful for what Jesus accomplished for me (and you) when He died for our sin on the cross!
Under the old system, described in the Old Testament, a human high priest, burdened with the same sin we all bear, was required to offer sacrifice for sin. A single sacrifice for sin was not adequate – many sacrifices were required and had to offered repeatedly. The only authorized place for offering the sacrifices was a sacred place – the tabernacle or temple. Sacrifice had to be provided at the sinners own expense… I could go on…
Now read these words from Hebrews and be grateful!!
“Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever!
“Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the Living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins… for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.“
(From Hebrews 9:11–22 New Living Translation)
