Thursday, November 10

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

“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.  But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.  For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:11-14)

In this passage, the author of Hebrews highlights Jesus's once-for-all service as the Great High Priest.  Under the sacrificial system then active under Jewish law -- whose reference here strongly suggests that the Temple in Jerusalem still remained standing, dating this letter at pre-70 AD -- the nation's priests would offer sacrifices continually as atonement for sin.  Still, the passage explains that these offerings "can never take away sins."  Their continual offering underscored that limitation.

Yet, Jesus offered just "one sacrifice" -- His body and blood -- and "has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."  "Made perfect" refers to our justification, the one-time assignment of forgiveness to those who trust in Christ for salvation.  When we come to Jesus in repentance, this turning of our hearts by admitting our sin and declaring our desperation for Him brings us peace with God, our reconciliation with Him.  Christ's sacrifice was indeed that powerful! (Colossians 2:13)  2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that we have now become a new creation in Christ.

How about the second part:  "who are being made holy"?  If our justification occurs immediately, why the need for a continual process towards holiness?  We understand from the Scriptures -- and real-life experience -- that becoming a disciple of Jesus doesn't immediately transform every thought, attitude, and action.  We struggle and strive to become more like Christ.  Yet, we are not alone in this pursuit; rather, the Holy Spirit refreshes, renews, and strengthens us towards progressive sanctification.  This fitting to become more Christ-like defines the Christian's experience.

To paraphrase Hebrews 10:14, reflecting back on the Potter's House, we are "set free and made ready by the death of Christ and are being fashioned into His desired shape for us each day."  We rejoice in what we have already received, but we also find great joy in seeing God's purposes revealed in our lives.  We join with Him in that effort through submitting to Him, trusting in Him, and acknowledging Him.  He will then direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to serve as a once-for-all sacrifice on our behalf, winning our freedom.  Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit so that we may become more and more transformed and conformed into the image of Christ.  Strengthen us today to reflect more of Your character, and bring greater joy into our lives as we submit to Your good purposes.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.