Superior Sacrifice
In the Old Covenant the sacrifices of animals did not eternally cleanse people from sin. Now in the new covenant there is a superior sacrifice in Jesus Christ. First we will show that there was a need for this better sacrifice in Christ Jesus. Secondly we will see who the provider of this superior sacrifice was. We also will see the sufficiently of this better sacrifice. Now last not only can we come into the presence God, but we are commanded to enter His presence with confidence because of Christ Jesus. The Old covenant sacrifice was not sufficient so by the grace of God there is a new covenant and a perfect sacrifice.
First we will look and see if there was a need for a new better sacrifice. Animal sacrifices did not provide true remission of sin. These sacrifices where just a shadows of what was to come. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things (Hebrews 10:1a)
“The law and the ceremonies and rituals together were only a pale shadow of the things Christ would bring. They were form without substance. They portrayed something real, but were not themselves real.” (John Macarthur)
Also these sacrifices in the Old Covenant could never give the sinner access to God. In fact only the high priest could go into the Holy of Holies once a year for a short time. Indeed, these priests in the Old Covenant could not bring the people inside the veil. So there was a need for a new better sacrifice that would give the people access to God. Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and no one can go to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6) Since this is true how did anyone under this covenant know God. They placed their faith forward on Christ, that God would provide a sufficient sacrifice for their sins. We believe by faith backwards on Christ the superior sacrifice.
Now we will look at the Supplier of this superior sacrifice. After Adam and Eve had eaten of the fruit and fallen into sin in the Garden of Eden. Our God pursued them and supplied the sacrifice for them. He also clothed them in the sacrifices skin. This is an incredible portrait of what was to come in Christ. The same God humbled Him self and pursued man. He then supplied Himself as the ultimate and final sacrifice for His bride. He then clothes His children in the righteousness of Christ. This is the only reason we can stand before a Holy God. Indeed, with out the work of Christ we would have no chance to ever know the Father. The blood of animals did not satisfy the requirements of the Father so He provided a superior sacrifice.
4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; 6 IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND {sacrifices} FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE. (Hebrews 10:4-6 NASB)
What good news it is that there is a sacrifice that is sufficient enough to satisfy the Father eternally. One question I believe must be asked. Who did Jesus come to save us from? Our-selves, this is true but there is more. Jesus Christ came to save us from His on wrath. God being a Holy God, He must judge sin. He therefore had to supply a sacrifice that would cancel out his wrath for those who would believe on Christ. So the Father not only supplies the sacrifice He also supplies the Faith to believe in the sacrifice. It is all from the Father “Amazing grace how sweet the sound. I once was lost but now I am found was blind but now I see. ” (John Newton) Apart from Christ we have no hope.
In Hebrews 10 we see that Christ sacrifice is all sufficient. He has sanctified us once and for all. “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” The word sanctified in this verse means to be set apart for Gods use. Also in Hebrews 10:11 we see that every priest had to offer sacrifices daily for sins. “Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;” (Hebrews 10:11 NASB) However we see in Hebrews 10:12-13 Christ Jesus did it once and for all “but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.” What wonderful news. It would be so great if we would start living from this truth and quit trying to obtain righteousness trough works. Christ Jesus’ sacrifice was all sufficient and sanctified us once and for all. In one since we are completely sanctified, but also sanctification is an on going process as well. “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 NASB) Sanctification is a guaranteed thing for those who know truly Christ. So Christ Jesus’ sacrifice is all sufficient where the sacrifices under the old covenant where only temporary. It is truly good news that we have an all sufficient sacrifice.
Lastly I want to look at how now we can now come into the presence of God boldly because of Christ Jesus sacrifice. Before the new covenant under Christ a priest must cleanse himself and confess all sins before going into the Holy of Holies. Now we can walk into the presence of God Boldly because of Christ Jesus’ superior sacrifice. Not because of our on merit because we are now clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus. We often come before God with my head down very timidly. We are commanded to enter into the Father’s presence with confident in Christ Jesus’ sacrifice. “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,” (Hebrews 10:19 NASB) It is such a wonderful truth that we will always have access to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Christ Jesus has become sin on our behalf so that now in Him we are the righteousness of God the Father. Praise God for the living and all sufficient eternal sacrifice Christ Jesus.
In conclusion we now have a superior sacrifice in Christ Jesus. The sacrifices in the old covenant where only temporary and had to be done yearly. Now with Jesus Christ sacrifice the need for a sacrifice has been satisfied once and for all. The incredible thing is that the person who required this sacrifice was also the person who supplied the sacrifice. What a wonderful God. We can now enter the presence of God at any time. Not only can we come into His presence, we are commanded to enter His presence with confidence. Jesus Christ sacrifice is all sufficient and it was provided by the Father. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NASB)