A Reminder and a Remedy
Hebrews 10 is such a great chapter of the Bible. The first half of this chapter describes how Jesus is a much better “sacrifice” than the animal sacrifices of the Jewish tradition. Why the animal sacrifices? Why all the blood and the smell and the ever present aroma of death? Animal sacrifice was not some ritual that God’s people adapted from pagan people around them. God established this sacrificial system. Other pagan cultures would have copied what God established, not the other way around. Why did God do this? The writer of Hebrews tells us very plainly in verses 3-4: 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. The continual sacrifice of the Old Testament was a constant and continual reminder of the sin of the people, both individually and as a nation. Yet, animal sacrifices were a reminder, not a remedy. But when Jesus laid down His life, His sacrifice was not a reminder. His sacrifice was a remedy. Here is what we read in verses 11-14: 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. I get chills when I read: “after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God”. Jesus’ sacrifice was a remedy, a complete remedy…no need to do any more. No more bulls or sheep or turtledoves need die as a reminder, the remedy has been provided. Jesus’ one offering of Himself has perfected FOREVER, those who are being sanctified. What a great verse.
Beloved, please don’t underestimate what Jesus offers to you. Please don’t try to use some other way to pay for your sin. Jesus is the only remedy…perhaps this post can serve as a reminder for all of us!