Hebrews 10.1-17
Today we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in our great nation. We remember and give thanks for those who have served and those who have given their lives that we might live free and have the privilege to enjoy the blessings of these United States. This is definitely a reason to celebrate.
A far greater reason for celebration is the freedom we have in Jesus Christ – freedom from sin, freedom from the curse, freedom from the bondage of Satan, and freedom eternal judgment. Additionally, we then can celebrate and enjoy the fullness of the freedom we have in Jesus Christ – freedom to know the Lord our God, freedom to know His redemptive love, freedom to know the joy of salvation, freedom to anticipate eternity in His holy presence, and so much more. This freedom is only possible because of the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the shedding of His blood, His cruel death and then triumphant resurrection.
In Jesus Christ we have been freed us from the Old Testament Law and the continual repetition of sacrifices, which was a laborious and tiring system. This system was never satisfying, as the blood of animals were not able to remove sin; they only provided a covering for what had been done. The necessary repetition of sacrifices was a continual reminder to the Israelites of their sinfulness and inability to be fully clean. The temporary satisfaction of forgiveness only lasted until they sinned again and needed to go once again to the altar. It was never-ending, never sufficient. How much different is the work of Jesus Christ who was offered as the perfect Lamb of God, providing a perfect sacrifice for sin, never having to be repeated. The prophecy came through Jeremiah that One would come to change the insufficient system and provide true and complete cleansing. Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin (Hebrews 10.17-18).
Through Christ, and only through Him, is there true freedom and absolute forgiveness of all sin; through Christ, and only through Him are sins removed, forgotten, and totally washed away. Through Christ, and only through His gracious sacrifice on our behalf is there no longer any offering for sin; nothing further needs to be done; nothing further can be done. There is no other sacrifice needed, none other is sufficient and none other necessary. He will not hold our sin against us; He will not judge us for our sin. Christ paid the price, He took our place; He fully and completely provided full atonement, doing what we are totally incapable of doing. Knowing our Lord does not hold sin against us, we, therefore, do not need to hold it against ourselves; it is past, and we are free from it. Having come to the Lord in faith, in confession and repentance, we are forgiven; we are cleansed; we are totally accepted and made the children of our Heavenly Father.
Fully forgiven – fully free – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 