OCTOBER 27 READING…HEBREWS 10
The writer begins this chapter by stating the truth that the sacrifices of animals were never sufficient to atone for the sins of mankind. These sacrifices were a shadow of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus, who was to come. The animal sacrifices were offered in obedience by faith. They were offered year after revealing the faith of God’s people, as they looked forward the coming Messiah who would make all things right. They were never meant to be an end unto themselves, but to lead to Messiah. Jesus came and his death perfected (completed) the sacrifice. Jesus established the new covenant in His blood, there is no other covenant…and no one can go back to the old covenant, for that is disobedience.
This being true we need to hold fast to Jesus, and nothing else. He has removed that which separated us from God, our sin (this is the symbolism of the curtain tearing in the temple at Jesus’ death). We have in Jesus one who is both the sacrifice, and our High Priest. Therefore, we are told to gather together to encourage each other in our great faith. We are also called to live by faith. We were saved by faith, we are to continue to live by faith. Faith is not a force, and is not based on a quantity…but is based on its quality. Faith is our response to God’s initiative. God is always the first mover in faith, and we are called to respond to Him. This faith is a life-long response to God…we must not become either impatient or wearing. God is always faithful to those who live by faith.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…HEBREWS 11