Title Hebrews 10:1 - 22
Contents Main text: Hebrews 10:1 - 22
*** Incomplete (1 to 2 cuts)
The law may teach the blessings of “good things to come,” which are to come through Christ, but by itself it has no perfecting power. If you read the text, you can see how the people of the Old Testament acted during the sacrifice. No matter how many sacrifices they made, there was no hope, and no matter how many sacrifices they made, there was only a feeling of despair that was never satisfied. Here we can realize that blind religious devotion means nothing unless it is founded on true knowledge. We may pretend to have good faith, but it is by no means the true image, and it cannot make me whole. How is my religious life? Are you living a life of shadowy hypocrisy? Or am I meeting God in my life?
*** Unable to take away sins (verses 2-2-7)
In the Old Testament times, sacrifices did not have the power to cleanse sins, so sacrifices could not solve the problem of sins of conscience. This is an issue that applies to us as well. I spend a long time confessing my sins, but I still experience the same miserable condition as the first time. But maybe it's because I'm not really determined to turn away from sin and lead a righteous life. Even sometimes, when I turn around after I have left all my sins on Jesus, I come back with the burden again. Once we receive the forgiveness of sins from God, our faces can no longer be miserable, but from the depths of our souls overflowing with true joy, we have no choice but to praise for our forgiveness. How is my heart and facial expression right now?
*** Obedience to God's will (verses 8-10)
Why did God accept Jesus' sacrifice? It is because our Lord obeyed the Father's will. Jesus lived a life of obedience, strictly following the will of the Father. Perhaps there has never been, and never will be, such obedience. Only through Christ, who was willingly obedient in the will of God, we are sanctified. The living sacrifice of sacrifice offered in obedience is what God wants to please. Those who come out to worship in the spirit must not come out with personal self-interest. Rather, we should be able to confess, “Look, I have come to do your will.” These are the kind of people that God uses aloud. Do you have a plan or vision you want to achieve? Then I must obey God's will for my life.
*** There is only one way (verses 11-18)
Even today, some tribes on this planet offer sacrifices to idols for the well-being and peace of their families, appease demons, and bow down to them. However, no matter how many sacrifices are made, it will never solve the fundamental problem of human beings. That is sin. If it were not for the gospel of Jesus Christ, we would still be lost in our sins and not even know what the hope of eternal life was. Jesus died on the cross to offer an eternal sacrifice, and now he awaits the day when his enemies will be judged. Now I have to find a way to turn those who are opposing God and come to Him. Do you believe that atheists and people of other religions cannot have everlasting life unless they believe in Jesus? So, what can I do to save my neighbors and friends?
*** Let's go forward with confidence (verses 19-22)
We need to meditate deeply on how wonderful the High Priest Christ has done for us. After Jesus sacrificed His body and shed His blood, He made it possible for us to enter the Holy of Holies through a new mountain road that was opened in his camouflage. Moreover, since this moment is also interceding for us, we no longer need to tremble in fear before our master like a disobedient servant. Since we have become children of God, let us come to the Lord with confidence and joy. However, even these privileges have some limitations. Only those who first have confidence in their faith and have had their conscience cleansed by Christ can enjoy this privilege. Next, we must approach God with a sincere heart. It is impossible to obtain that privilege through prayer ceremonies or church attendance alone. Only people of sincere faith are accepted by God. Do I have this confidence? Wherever I am and what I do, is my heart completely turned to God?