But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Hebrews 10:3, 5, 6
In the yearly sacrifices of the Old Testament, there was a
reminder that sin had not been removed from the presence of God, but in
the single sacrifice of Jesus Christ, there ceased to be the mention of
sin because sin had once and for all been taken away from the presence
of God. John the Baptist said of Jesus Christ, behold the Lamb of God
that takes away the sin of the world. In a manner of speaking, what
really stands between man and God is not sin, but unbelief because Jesus
took the sin of the world away. What will damn the souls of men will be
their unbelief.
Now, those who draw near in worship do not contend with sin
as those who came to worship did in Old Testament. Even the high priest
had to offer sacrifice for himself and for the people before
approaching God in worship. He did this because sin had not been
removed, but now that sin has been removed by the single sacrifice of
Jesus Christ, all who believe can draw near to God in worship, having
had their conscience cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Sacrifices and offerings of bulls and goats were not
pleasing to God, therefore, He prepared a body for His Son. It is the
sacrifice of this body which the Father prepared for His Son that became
the offering that could successfully take away sin from God's presence.
The repeated offerings of the Old Testament was proof that sin
remained, but now, there is no need for the repeated sacrifices of the
old order because of the once and for all perfect sacrifice of the body
of Jesus Christ on the cross. Hanging on the cross was the perfect body
which God prepared to be an everlasting sacrifice for the sin of the
world.
Toni
