July 31, 2023
You have a tragic, irreconcilable problem. You are a sinner (and so are we all). We came into this world separated from God, sinners by birth. But we are also sinners by choice. And our sin bears the ultimate result: it separates us from God. This is the worst penalty, for we were designed to live on God, and it’s impossible to find life without Him.
EARLY PICTURES
In the Old Testament (Covenant), God established a way that men’s sins could be forgiven. Priests were given who would offer sacrifices on our behalf. These unblemished lambs would bear the people’s sins before a holy God, rendering them forgiven and cleansed.
But it wasn’t the lamb; it was the One they represented that did the saving. The Old Testament saints were forgiven and cleansed before God by looking FORWARD to the coming Messiah. They trusted in Him and Him alone to save them.
BUT GOD
In the New Testament (Covenant), God made a more lasting, eternal covenant with those who would come to Him. And it was all accomplished, once again, through His Son.
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. (Hebrews 7:23-26)
Look at the description of our Advocate. He is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.” Pause and meditate on each word and phrase, pregnant with meaning and truth. Realize who He is and how sufficient He is to save us.
Now look at what He is doing. He saves forever “those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” He stands eternally before God for us. There is never a lapse in time, a moment where our forgiveness and standing before God is in danger.
As we have come to Him in faith, seeking forgiveness and salvation, He says to the Father, “This one can come because I have paid their price. My blood has been shed for them. They can enter in!” Think of this: He is at the Father's right hand right now as your Eternal Advocate and Intercessor!
And now, fall down on your knees and worship Him! Oh, what a Savior! How what a Friend! Oh, what a Christ!
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