12/08/2023
We don’t enter into heaven to live an eternal life because we deserve it. That kind of thinking is based upon our own vanity and arrogance. Our salvation and everlasting life is sealed by covenant, and that covenant comes by God’s acceptance of the death of Jesus Christ as our blood sacrifice. Only through Him can we be redeemed, perfected, and sanctified. Only through Him can we claim the covenant of grace.
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:14 ESV
One worthy offering; there is no other that can save us; no other that can wash us clean of sin... no other that can make us worthy before God. In Jesus we are cleansed of sin, and the covenant of grace is realized.
“"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."”
Hebrews 10:16-17 ESV
This is the final word on sin. No other sacrifice is required, no other offering of body or blood is either needed or accepted by God. When we come to the table of Jesus Christ in communion we are taking into ourselves His body, and His blood, which serves as the physical manifestation of our spiritual faith, and becomes the foundation of our belief in His sacrifice. This is our assurance of His perfect provision, and of our salvation through grace.
“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”
Hebrews 10:18 ESV
So you can strive to live in purity and perfection; you can make physical and mental sacrifices, or you can attempt to earn your eternal life in glory by other ways, but all of them are of no avail. There is only one perfect and acceptable sacrifice, and it is the sole means of forgiveness and grace… Jesus. Once we accept His life, death, resurrection, and ascension as our firm belief, and after we claim the redemptive power of His blood as our lasting and perfect sacrifice, then the covenant of grace with God is entered into.
“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:22-23 ESV
One sacrifice, one faith, one forgiveness, and then boundless grace. Are you at that place of frustration in your attempts to achieve perfection where you are ready to trust in the sacrifice of Jesus? Are you ready to open your eyes to the covenant of grace that God desires for you… no… that He longs to enter into with you? Well, then humble yourself before Jesus Christ, and come to His table; it is here that you can at last dine with God. It is here that the promise of the covenant of grace becomes a reality, and your sins and lawless deeds are no more.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the provision you have made for me through the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ. I thank you Father for His perfect offering in atonement for my sins and wrongdoings, and I thank you for your promise of covenant with me... the covenant of grace and forgiveness. I accept in faith, and in truth, the full gospel of Jesus Christ, and I trust in the covenant we have entered into through Him. I, of myself, am unworthy Lord, but by the blood of Christ, and your Holy Grace, I am perfected, and able to stand before you. Holy Father see me now, bathed in the blood, and clothed in the righteous body of Christ’s sacrifice. Find me purified, and desirous of your grace Merciful Father, and enter into covenant with me as I stand perfected in your Son. Your grace is sufficient for me, even as the redemption of Christ suffices for my sin. Take me to your bosom Father, and call me your child... this is my desire, this is the realization of my faith, and this is my greatest longing. Praised be your name forever.
Rich Forbes