Once and for all phenomenon (part two)

 

3. A perfect sacrifice for sins

The third once and for all phenomenon is the perfect sacrifice for sin that can present the worshiper perfect, holy and irreproachable in the sight of the Father. For it is written, “Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these (the blood of animals), but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another ---He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:23-26).

With regards to the previous sacrifices we are told, “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:1-4).

But now once for all, Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice so now, we have been admonished saying; “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled 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 10:19-23).

The implementation of this third once and for all phenomenon is the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness, but this act is being perpetuated by the cup of the New Covenant which gives us the boldness and access to the throne of grace.

4. An Eternal High Priest

The fourth once and for all phenomenon is that of having a perfect, sinless, eternal High Priest who will intercede on our behalf. For the Lord has sworn and will not relent, ' You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek' "), by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.’

“ For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, un-defiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever” (Hebrews 7:21-28).

The implementation of this once and for all phenomenon is the office of Jesus Christ as our eternal High Priest, who, as High Priest is appointed to offer both gifts sacrifices on behalf of the people, for it is written; “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins,” And, “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer” (Hebrews 5:1-3; 8:3).

So then, we have once and for all, (1) Jesus Christ the Creator of all things coming in the flesh and paying the price of sin for all humanity. (2) Giving humanity access to the Most Holy Place which was not accessible while the first earthly tabernacle was still standing. (3)  Offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sins and, giving us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink. (4) Officiating as or Eternal High Priest making intercessions on our behalf.

To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph