12/08/2025
We can’t enter into heaven and 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 alone, and that covenant of grace comes only by our belief in God’s acceptance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our blood sacrifice and atonement for sin. Only through Jesus can we be redeemed, forgiven, perfected, and sanctified. Only through Him can we truly claim the covenant of God’s 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 as we stand before God in judgement. In Jesus Christ 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, we can strive to live in purity and perfection; we can make physical and mental sacrifices, and we can attempt to earn our eternal life and glory in 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.
Once we accept the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus 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 we at that place of frustration in our own attempts to achieve perfection and find ourselves ready to trust in the sacrifice of Jesus alone? Are we ready to open our eyes to the covenant of grace that God desires for us and longs for us to enter into with Him? Well, then let’s humble ourselves before Jesus Christ, and come to our Father’s table; it is here that we can at last dine with God as His children and the heirs and joint heirs with Jesus. It is here that the promise of the covenant of grace will become a reality, and our sins and lawless deeds be absolved and we will be forgiven..
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 fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I trust in the covenant I have entered into through Him. I, of myself, am unworthy Lord, but by believing in the blood of Jesus Christ, and entering into 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 and allow me to enter into your covenant of grace as I stand before you… perfected in your Son and by your love. Your grace is sufficient for me Abba, even as the redemption of Jesus is sufficient for the absolution of my sin. Hold me lovingly to your bosom Father and call me your child... this is my desire, this is the realization of my faith, and belief… this is my greatest longing. Praised be your name forever and Holy, Holy, Holy are you who not only forgives but now forgets the sinful life I once lived.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
Amen!
Rich Forbes