Ultimate sacrifice ...

We read often in the Old Testament of the many ceremonies that were instituted for various purposes. For instance, if a person, or a group of people were to know the forgiveness of sins – this required the blood of an animal to be used for the ceremony of cleansing. Yet this needed to be repeated time and time again. It was only of a temporary nature.

The writer to the Hebrews clarifies that there is a change that has taken place. A new order has come to being, a new system. And this is quite different from what they had experienced in the past with the temporary measures they had to follow. Now Jesus has become the sacrifice (the required payment for the forgiveness of sin). However, His death is not something requiring a repeating of this same act. His death was the ultimate payment.

Have a look at Hebrews 9:13-15 (New Living Translation)

13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. 14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds[a] so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. 15 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

Does that mean that because of what Christ has done we have no responsibility any longer? As we don’t have to perform any sacrifices, is there no part for us to play? Actually, what it means is, with Jesus having made Himself the sacrifice, we purpose to live our lives in a manner that follows the example He gave us. Examining His character and the way He lived His life, we aim to live in this same manner. This shows an acceptance of the act He performed on our behalf in His sacrificial death upon the cross.

It is our choice to receive the gift of forgiveness through the acceptance of Jesus sacrifice. Will we choose to follow Him and live according to His purpose?