In his message based on Hebrews 10:1-39, Pastor
Art Maclang, our guest speaker, talked about the new and only way
to salvation. This way became possible through the once-for-all
sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became a
man to offer His blood as atoning sacrifice for our sins.
A. Fulfilment of the Prophecy
Verses 1 to 4 explained the requirement of the burnt offerings under
the Mosaic Law in cleansing man's sins. Such burnt offerings were
considered:
- temporary
- outwardly
- reminder of sin
However, because of man's unrepentant heart, burnt
offerings became sacramental, commercial and artificial. This did
not please God.
Verses 5 to 15 discussed Jesus Christ's offering
of His own body. By this alone can men be made holy and have the
right relationship with God. His death on the cross was once, final
and only way to man's salvation.
Verses 16 to 18 described the testimony of the
Holy Spirit pertaining to the justification for sin. The Holy Spirit
puts the laws in our hearts and writes them on our minds.
B. Assurance of Salvation
Verses 19 to 21 give us the assurance that Jesus Christ is our only
salvation.
- blood of Christ
- way of Christ
- prayer of Christ
Jesus Christ's work did not end on the cross. He
is our intercessor in Heaven, reminding the Father that we are now
totally new creation cleansed by the blood of Christ.
Verses 22 to 24 serve as an invitation:
- Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance
of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty
conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
- Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who
promised is faithful.
- Let us consider how we may spure one another on toward love
and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together...but let
us encourage one another...
C. Perseverance of the Faithful
Pastor Maclang said that verses 26 to 31 warn about the danger of
deliberately committing sin. These are hypothetical statements,
he said, that should be examined deeply. The verses particularly
warn about treating as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant
and insulting the Spirit of grace.
Verses 32 to 34 describe the perseverance of the
faithful despite being insulted and persecuted.
Finally, verses 35 to 39 exhort the believers to
hold on to their faith, because He is coming to save us and bring
us our rewards - in Heaven!
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