What is of intrinsic importance is
for us to know the rationale, the objective and the importance of this
offering. For example,
we have been duly instructed saying: “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.”
Now in relation to Jesus Christ our
Eternal High Priest we have been duly instructed saying; “For every high priest is appointed
to offer both gifts and sacrifices; Therefore, it is necessary that this One
(referring to Jesus Christ) also have something to offer” (Hebrews
5:1; 8:3).
What we also need to bear in mind
and consider is the rationale and purpose for this offering which is stated as
follows; “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into
the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of sins.” And you, who once were alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His
flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in
His sight.”
And last but not the least; “This
is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is
light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with
Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.’
“But if we walk in the light as He
is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (Colossians .1:13-14, 21-22,
1John1:7).
So, the question is, at what time
and by which mechanism do we receive redemption through His blood the
forgiveness of sins so as to present us holy, blameless and above reproach
before the Father?
This offering is so important to
God that He instructed Moses saying; “Give this command to the Israelites and
say to them; “My offering, My food [bread] for My offerings by fire, My
pleasing odor, you shall take heed [be careful] to offer to Me at its due
season” (Numbers
28:1-2).
Not only can it be confirmed that
Jesus Christ is indeed that fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, but Jesus
Christ also confirmed the fact that He is the bread of God which comes down
from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:33).
The irony of truth is, since no one
can say “I have no sin” or “I have not sinned:” No one therefore can present
him/herself before the Father without a sin offering being offered on his/her
behalf. This offering is not offered automatically, but by the individual’s
free will because there is no respecter of persons with God (Leviticus.
1:3-4).
The appointed times to offer to God
His food, the bread for His offerings, His sweet-smelling aroma has not been
left to chance, or left in limbo as to how often is often, but it is clearly
defined as morning and evening for the regular daily offering known as a
thanks-giving offering, on the seventh Day Weekly Sabbath as a peace or
fellowship offering), on the New Moons (the beginning of a new month), and on
the annual Festivals which the Lord regards as My Feasts as a peace fellowship
offering, (Read Numbers Chapters 28 and 29).
A common mistake make by most
believers is that, they do not realize that forgiveness, and cleansing of sin,
are entirely two different processes that are intertwined to each other. It is written; “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness.
Understanding spiritual things are
not beyond man’s comprehension since, “What may be known about God is plain to
them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His
eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from
what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans1:20).
Consider this for a moment, a
person who spills milk on the floor, broke the glass, begs for forgiveness, and
grants forgiveness, is he/she automatically negated from cleaning the messy
floor? Absolutely not! Without picking up the broken pieces of glass, clean the
floor with water and detergent, the floor remains unclean and hazardous. In
like manner, confession without the application of the blood of Christ through
the cup of the new covenant which Christ instituted on the night before He was
led to be crucified, there is no forgiveness.
Also, an offense or a transgression
is not resolved simply by acknowledging one’s guilt and confessing to a Lawyer.
The matter is resolved only when it is brought before the Magistrate or Judge,
where the lawyer intercedes or pleads on behalf of the offender.
In like manner, sins are not
forgiven unless Christ intercedes on our behalf. He does not need daily, as
those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for
the peoples for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. But like
every high priest He is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices on behalf
of our sins, and this offering is the bread of God and the cup of the new
covenant of His blood which only can satisfies the will of God.
To be continued
With brotherly love
Lucius Joseph
https://www.amazon.com/author/luciusjoseph
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