Scripture
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.
Reflection
Once and for all.
The original audience of the book of Hebrews was Jewish Christians who due to persecution and not wittnessing Christ’s return in their lifetime, caused them to wonder if they had made the right choice to follow Christ and if they should perhaps consider returning to Judaism.
Due to the target audience’s culture and religious background, we see the author time and again compare how things were in the Old Covenant with how much greater things are now in the New Covenent – now that they are in Christ. To go back to Judaism would imply that what Jesus did on the cross was not enough to forgive their sins.
Anything else that says we need to do something else or more to be saved is taking away from what Jesus did on the Cross. When we believe in Christ, he makes us completely right with God. Obedience and service to Him comes out of a loving relationship with the Father, and that pleases Him, but we can’t be saved by any other means or good deeds.
Remember Christ paid it once and for all (Su).
Thoughts for the day
- How often do you feel you need to do more or something else to fully receive Jesus’ forgiveness?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you can share this message with?
Prayer
Pray for those who are spiritually lost that they may surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ and receive salvation in His name.
