God’s remedy for the problem of sin

First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:8-14 NLT

Christ’s sacrifice is complete and permanent. Forgiveness was made possible through our Lord Jesus Christ. His sacrifice at the cross provided access to those who appropriated their new life in Christ. Now believers can experience the joy and privilege living the life God gave them, endure and persevere in righteous living even in times of persecutions, bearing one another’s burden. Relationship with Christ produces the ability to endure persecution. Receiving Christ’s offer of new life is the only remedy a person has in order for sin to be forgiven. Because of Christ’s obedience, He fulfilled the will of God. Our identification with Christ because we have placed our faith in Him and what He had accomplished on the cross on our behalf, made us part of the fulfillment of God’s will. The Lord Jesus Christ did not obey the Father’s will begrudgingly. In fact, there was even a sense of joy due to His obedience when Christ went through suffering. “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (Hebrews 12:2). This is the heart of Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross; the joyous obedience to fulfill God’s will. This is what God requires of every believer; their wholehearted worship and a resolve to be obedient to the Father’s will. God did not want animal sacrifices from His children. The only acceptable sacrifice is our obedience to God. So, if you know that God is calling you to do something but you are unwilling to follow, you are not living the life He wants you to live by. Not only that Christ’s sacrifice at the cross paved the way for us to experience salvation, it also provided as the reason to pursue godliness and holiness. “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (Hebrews 10:10).

Blessings,