The necessity of Christ’s death on the cross
This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies—physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established. So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 9:9-12
The death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross was the only means so that salvation from sin could be obtained. In the new covenant, He provided the meaning and fulfillment of the sacrifices that took place in the tabernacle. His death guaranteed divine blessings for those who appropriated His sacrifice on their behalf. The old covenant could only restrain individuals who go through the rituals and will only be good for outward purification. The power to resist evil will always be weakened by sinful nature. “The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins” (Romans 8:3). What the law could not do Jesus did so we could have a new heart and be freed from the bondage of sin. “Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come.” His death on the cross acquired blessings described from the passage as “good things” for those who have come to know Him as Lord and Savior. But Christians have to always draw themselves to His throne of grace and should not forget what God provided for them through His blood shed on the cross. “Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:22-23). His blood shed on the cross was far more precious than any other form of sacrifice for “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.” His sacrifice was enough to secure the salvation for sin and never needed repeating. If you have a relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior, do not take for granted what He accomplished on your behalf at the cross. “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
