November 12, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-25
In Hebrews 10 the author writes about the necessity of continual sacrifices to atone for the many sins of God’s people. It also says that the offerings were ultimately ineffective. The text of this reading tells us that Jesus’ sacrifice was the single sacrifice that was needed to atone for sins. This assurance gives us confidence to draw near to God and encourages us to live in ways that display our hope by our actions as we look ahead to Jesus’ return. The function of the text is to make us think of our eternal hope in Christ as motivation for our daily living and confidence of our eternal life.
Teaching
The proper punishment for sin is death. God’s people offered animals’ lives to pay for their sins, but the sacrifices, in and of themselves, could not satisfy the debt. Only Jesus’ death could fully pay the price for sin, and that benefit could only be received by faith. When faith moved the offering of sacrifices, there truly was forgiveness – not merely because of the action, but because of the promise of God.
Faith alone takes hold of the benefits of Jesus’ death and resurrection for us. That faith also changes the believers’ interaction with the world. They have confidence before God that causes them to hold fast to the confession that Christ died for them. They are also motivated to do good works and to encourage others to do them; not to earn salvation, but because they have received salvation. They are drawn to worship God by that faith, and they long for the Day when sin is finally finished and eternal life is theirs.
Life
Have you ever heard an actor ask, “What is my motivation?” This reading speaks to our motivation as disciples of Jesus. Our motivation is the fully satisfying forgiveness Jesus won for us. The amazing salvation we have by faith in Him motivates us. It sets us free from having to satisfy God by our works and allows us to do good works because of love and the hope we have because we are forgiven.
There are many voices around us – some of them in our own minds – saying, “This is too good to be true. Surely something must be required of us.” However, we are urged to, “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” God is faithful, so we are confident.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You gave Yourself as the sacrifice that fully satisfies God and cleanses us from our sins. Our hearts have been sprinkled clean. Our consciences are clear because of You. We are forgiven in You.
Thank You for such generous and great forgiveness. Thank You for removing the need to offer sacrifices for sins and for giving us confidence to stand in the Father’s presence.
Please continue to forgive us as we fall short. We do not worship You as we ought, nor do we do the works of love that we should do. Wash us once again!

O Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith so that we hold fast to the confession of our hope in Jesus. Draw us together to worship our God and Father through Christ. Make us bold in love and good works, especially as the Day of Judgement draws near. Amen. 

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