Introduction
Memory Text: “For
by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified”
(Hebrews 10:14, NKJV).
The cross, which to the Jews symbolize curse and shame,
turned to be the emblem of Christianity, that is why Paul called the gospel
“the word of the cross”. This week’s
lesson will be on the cross as it is put in the Hebrews.
Why were sacrifices needed?
The destiny of those who break the covenant is death,
however out of God’s compassion and love; He introduces the sacrifices of
animals, so that our sins and the consequences may be taken away. “Without the
shedding of blood, there is no remission [of sin]”. The sacrifice will serve to
uphold the sanctity of the law while at the same time saving the transgressors
and this is only possible on the cross.
What was Paul’s prayer request in behalf of the Believers?
Paul’s prayer request in behalf of the Believers was for
them to be able to comprehend the width, length, depth and height of Jesus’
love that passes understanding.
How do the diverse sacrifices help us to understand the magnitude of God’s
love for us?
1.
The Holocaust or burnt offering that required
the whole animal to be consumed on the altar symbolizes that Jesus’ life was
consumed for us. He was completely emptied.
2.
The grain offering was a gift of gratitude to
God’s provision of sustenance for His people. Which symbolizes the bread of life,
which is Jesus, through whom we have eternal life.
3.
The peace or fellowship offering implied a
communal meal with friends and family to celebrate the well-being provided by
God. Christ’s sacrifice provided us peace and we eat Jesus' flesh and drink His
blood as a way of participating in Jesus’ sacrifice.
4.
The sin or purification offering provided expiation
for sins. This pointed forward to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that
replaced the sacrifice of animals for the remission of our sins.
5.
The guilt or reparation offering provided
forgiveness in cases where reparation or restitution was possible. It tells us
that God’s forgiveness does not free us from the responsibility to provide
reparation or restitution where possible to whom we have wronged.
6.
The sanctuary sacrifices teaches us that we need
to feed on God’s word, it is not just enough to accept Jesus as our substitute.
Why is Jesus; sacrifice described as perfect?
1.
Jesus’ sacrifice was offered once for the complete
remission of our sins, who lives forever, whereas the Priest offered sacrifices
daily, many animals were to be sacrificed and the Priests are subject to death
themselves.
2.
All varieties of Old Testament sacrifices found
their fulfillment at the cross.
3.
Jesus’ sacrifice provides nourishment for our
spiritual life because it provides examples for us to observe and follow
How does the earthly sanctuary depict the heavenly sanctuary and what
Christ is doing for us there?
The cleansing of the earthly sanctuary in the Old Testament
helps us to understand what Jesus does for us in the heavenly sanctuary. The
sanctuary is a symbol of God’s judgment and when the Israelites of old sinned,
they transferred their sins to the sanctuary, which is later transferred to the
scapegoat that will be sent to the wilderness at the end of the year. The same thing applies to the heavenly sanctuary, our sins are transferred to the
heavenly sanctuary and because Jesus' blood is for the remission of sins, He
cleanses the sanctuary of our sins. However, who does not transfer his/her sin
to Jesus is cut off.
What two phases does the forgiveness of our sins imply in Jesus’ mediation
in the two apartments of the heavenly sanctuary?
Firstly, Jesus removed our sins and carried them Himself on
the cross in order to provide forgiveness for everyone who believes in Him.
Secondly, the second phase in the ministry of Jesus consists of Judgement; its
purpose is to show the righteousness of God in forgiving His people.
In Conclusion,
Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, He was offered only once for the remission of our sins in contrast to the continuous animal sacrifices that were practiced in the Old Testament. The only way we can be saved is to believe in Jesus and through His sacrifice, He can cleanse us from our guilty stains. The Holy Spirit has been provided to help us to be faithful Christians and I pray that we all accept Jesus so we will not be cut off in Jesus’ name.
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