Once for All

Text: Hebrews 9:23-26

Theme: Christ did it better than all priests before him as the final solution for our sin.

Key verses: “…the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals. For Christ…entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal…now, once for all time, he appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.”(v. 24-26).

What God said to me: Dwayne, you want to ignore your indiscretions. You want to act like your sin didn’t happen and doesn’t matter to me. Wrong. It did happen; I did see it, and it does adversely affect your fellowship with me. Confess and forsake it now. My Son invested way too much for me to allow sin to slide. He gave his very life’s blood on the cross. His sacrifice was “far better” than the blood of animals. His entering the Holy of Holies was far better than that of the priests who had to enter every year. His appearance was final. Once of all Christ removed sin by his own death. He was the perfect sacrifice. No one else even came close. Celebrate this truth. Be eternally grateful that before you were even born and while you were yet sinful, Christ died for you. Never forget or depreciate the fact that you are being transformed into my image day after day by my Spirit–exclusively because of my Son’s sacrifice. You are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; you have spiritual blessings beyond your wildest imagination, all due to the love my Son has for you, enough for him to suffer and die. No, I do not–I will not–ignore your transgressions. Your sin is ever before me. However, once you confess and repent, I am faithful and just to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. I see Jesus’ blood applied to your heart and life. He is the reason you are righteous in my site. He is the only reason…

What I said to God: Thank You, Lord and Savior. What an awesome and forgiving God You are. Help me live today and everyday in response to Your sacrifice and in light of Your imminent return!