“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24).
TEXT — Hebrews 9:24-28
In his “Knowing Christ”, Craig Glickman says that when Lincoln’s body was brought from Washington to Illinois, it passed through Albany and was carried through the street. They say a black woman stood upon the curb and lifted her little son as far as she could reach above the heads of the crowd and was heard to say to him, “Take a long look, honey. He died for you.” So, if I could, I would lift up your spirit to see Calvary. Take along look; He died for you.”
Today’s passage lifts up the sacrifice of Jesus Christ so we can take a long look at how He died for us. The writer dwells on the perfection and superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Although God instituted the Tabernacle and its Levitical sacrifices, they were temporary measures until Jesus Christ would come to fulfil all they foreshadowed. The text highlights some limitations of the Levitical system and its services. Its tabernacle was earthly, and the sacrifices were repetitive, as they could not fully atone for sin.
In contrast, Jesus, our perfect High Priest, has entered the heavenly tabernacle, offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin. This sacrifice is perfect, sufficient, efficacious, and final – never to be repeated. The sacrifice of Jesus has accomplished what the Old Covenant could not do in securing forgiveness and redemption for us.
The benefits of Christ’s perfect sacrifice are further expressed in His three appearances for believers, as stated in the passage. He appeared first at His incarnation and died to take away our sins. Having satisfied the claims of God’s justice, all who believe in Him are justified. At present, He appears before the Father as our Representative and Intercessor. In the future, He will appear to give final salvation to all expecting His coming. But those who reject the perfect sacrifice of Christ will face judgment after they die. Reflect on these and respond appropriately to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.
Thought for the day
Don’t hold on to the shadow while the reality is here.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
I am so blessed. Thank you Jesus