Title: Hebrews 13:7-16 Our Altar
Contents
our altar
(Hebrews 13: 7-16)
There is no altar for offering sacrifices in the New Testament church. Because Jesus Christ offered His body as a sacrifice to achieve eternal atonement, there is no need to offer sacrifices anymore.
The New Testament church also has an altar. This is because the field of life of the saints who depend on the merits of the blood of Jesus Christ is the altar, and the life of the saints becomes a living sacrifice that is pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). What should I do to achieve a life that pleases God?
1. Imitate the faith of the martyrs
"Speak the word of God to you, think of those who led you, and watch the end of their conduct, and imitate their faith."
The leader here refers to the spiritual leaders of the previous generation. These are those who correctly proclaimed the Word of God during their lifetime, lived according to the Word, and ended their lives in the Word.
Although they died, the deeds of that faith are teaching us today. “He is dead, but by his faith he speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).
Why do we live a life of faith in a reconstructed church that seems insignificant? Isn't it because they believe that the faith of the forefathers who were martyred after refusing to worship at the shrine imposed by the Japanese Empire in order to keep the commandments of God was correct?
If we boast only of tradition and do not imitate that belief, just like the Pharisees who built tombs for the prophets and decorated the tombs of the righteous (Matthew 23:29), we too must hear fierce rebuke from Jesus.
2. Don't be drawn to other lessons
Although generations may change and circumstances may change, our beliefs cannot change. Because Jesus Christ, the object of our faith, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
There are many different lessons that attract people from time to time, but you should not be drawn to them.
The lesson that deceived many of the saints at that time was about food.
The minds of the church members were confused by the assertion that it was okay to eat food sacrificed to idols, the assertion that one should not eat unclean foods specified in the Old Testament law, and the fasting taught by the ascetics.
The writer of Hebrews urged the saints not to be swayed by this or that doctrine, but to harden their hearts with grace.
Even in this day and age, many false teachings and heresies abound.
Let us confirm the fact that we have received the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and that we have been saved through that grace, and let us not be shaken.
3. Let's go to him with that reproach
In the Old Testament times, priests served the altar and ate the sacrifices offered on the altar. However, they could not eat the sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of all the people or the sacrifices offered for the sins of the priests. The blood of the sacrifice was brought into the sanctuary by the high priest and sprinkled on the veil, and the meat was taken out of the camp and burned to ashes.
The Hebrew writer recalled Jesus Christ's crucifixion outside the gates of Jerusalem to sanctify the people, and interpreted the Jewish priests not to eat on the altar of the cross.
In other words, they said that they should not think of Jesus Christ as the material of their own profit, but rather go out to him outside the camp with insults.
This earth is not a place to dwell forever. While looking at the eternal city to come, we must bear the cross of insults with patience and come to the Lord.
4. Offer sacrifices that please God.
Believers who have the thrill of being saved by the blood of Christ should offer themselves as a sacrifice to God with thanksgiving. What will you give us?
(1) Praise: “Let us always offer sacrifices of praise to God through Jesus, which are the fruits of our lips that testify of his name.”⑮
(2) Doing good: Why did the Lord redeem us? “He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us, that we might become a people of his own, zealous for good” (Titus 2:14).
Put away lies and speak the truth We must forgive (Ephesians 4:25-32).
We must continue to love our brothers and do not forget to show hospitality, remember the prisoners and those who are oppressed (Hebrews 13:1-3).
(3) Sharing: Since everything I enjoy belongs to God, I should be thankful and share it with my neighbors. If you share it for your own honor or by force, it is not profitable, but if you share it with true love, God will be pleased.
* We must imitate the precious faith of the martyrs. Let us not be swayed by the trends and thoughts of the generation, lay the foundation on the right teachings of the Word, take up our crosses and follow the Lord, and always offer sacrifices of praise, good deeds, and sharing to please the Lord.