Hebrews 8 and 9 (6)

Introduction
The sacrifice Jesus made of His own life has “put away sin” once and for all. Here is reason to rejoice. What better restcould we want than to have the burden of guilt, shame, and judgment lifted from us once and forever? Jesus paid a terrible price to secure this rest. We must make sure that the restwe seek is that which God offers through the better sacrifice of Jesus.

Meditate on Psalm 22.1-21.

Read Hebrews 9.23-28.

Think it through.
1. The sacrifices carried out under the Old Covenant (“these”, v. 23), were effective to cleanse both the furnishings of the tabernacle and those who offered the sacrifices. But they could only cover sin and its consequences; they could not remove it. It was necessary to repeat “these” over and over. But Jesus, our great High Priest has appeared not in an earthly tabernacle, but in the very throne room of God (Zech. 3), bringing “better sacrifices than these.” He did this “for us” (v. 24). He did this “once at the end of the ages.” What was the effect of this (v. 26)? What does this mean? Why is this Good News? How does this relate to the rest God has prepared?

2.  The writer reminds his readers indirectly that they will die and face the judgment of God one day (v. 27). Why does he mention this at this point? Why was it important to remind his readers that everyone must face the judgment of God? What happens at the judgment? How does this relate to the rest God has prepared and the sacrifice Jesus accomplished? What does it mean to “eagerly wait” for Jesus? The writer says that when Jesus appears “a second time,” it will be “for salvation.” Does this mean we can only know whether we are saved when Jesus comes again? What doesit mean, and how should it admonish and encourage us who believe?

Meditate.
“For also Christ became as if a sinner, inasmuch as he took on the sins of the whole world and claimed them as his own. But then he paid the penalty that was owed, the punishment belonging to sinners. At last he will come with his Father’s glory, no longer as a sinner, no longer ‘reckoned among the lawless.’”Oecumenius (sixth century AD)

“It should be noted, of course, that he bore the sins of many, not of all: not all came to faith, so he removed the sins of the believers only.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6.9-11

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for bearing my sins in Your own Body, and for putting away sin from me so that I…

Pray Psalm 22.1-18.
As you pray, enter into the suffering of Jesus so that you experience in Him the greatness of His suffering and the power of His sacrifice to put away sin from you. Give thanks to God for such an indescribable gift!

Psalm 22.1-8, 12-18 (St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
Upon the cross of Cal’vry He suffered ‘neath the rod; 
Alone, He cried out, “Why have You forsaken Me, My God?”
As day to bitter darkness turned, the Savior of the blessed
Cried, “Father, answer Me, I pray; restore Me to Your rest!”

Despised by men, the Savior was more a worm than man. 
They shrieked, “He trusted God, let Him redeem Him if He can. 
Let God deliver Him if He indeed delights in Him!”
Thus mocked they Jesus as He died in pain and anguish grim.

Like raging bulls they bellowed, like lions set to feast.
Each gaping mouth raged loudly like an all-consuming beast.
Like water slipped His life away, disjointed hanged He high; 
His tongue clung to His jaws as He prepared His heart to die. 

His foes, like dogs around Him, with glee did gloat and stare.
They pierced His hands and feet; they stole the garments He did wear.
Though not a bone was broken as He promised in His Word, 
Yet, wounded for our sins, thus died creation’s sov’reign Lord.

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.