Rest Assured

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.’ Hebrews 10:1-7

Beautifully spoken words from the lips of Christ are "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased...Here I am- it is written about me in the scroll- I have come to do your will, O God (v 5-7)". There's a sweet surrender woven into his obedience. The way we approach him was changed in his willingness.

because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.


A single sacrifice made us perfect forever. Our perfection is not of ourselves, but from perfect blood poured out in willing obedience.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (19-22).

We can come before him, in the Most Holy Place, with humble confidence- a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, cleansed of guilt, and being washed with pure water. Assured. Sprinkled. Washed. Hallelujah!

The author goes on to write, Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (23-25). Hold. Consider. Encourage.

Ladies and Gents, out of our assurance, our sprinkling, and our washing we should hold, consider, and encourage. I pray today that each of us would hold fast to our hope, consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds, and encourage each other. Do you find it interesting that we are told who we are in Christ and then told to consider and encourage each other? Knowing the two greatest commandments, it makes sense that the author would point us to Christ and then to each other (Matthew 22:37-39).

Decide today not to forget what Christ sacrifice opened up for us. Approach His throne with confidence- not in yourselves, but in His blood- and consider/encourage the people He puts on your path.

In His Name,
Jennifer