Hebrews 7-10
December 30, 2014


Most of this passage can be explained fairly simply, even though it seems convoluted when I read it.  Apparently there is a Sanctuary in heaven that is the model for the one that Moses built.   Moses was given very specific instructions as to what to build and how to design it.   He didn't come up with any of the ideas on his own.
In the tabernacle that Moses had constructed there were many special items, each one was used only in the tabernacle, and no where else.   The rules for how each of these items were to be used were also handed down from God thorough Moses, to the priests.  There were specific punishments if any of the rules were broken.   God told the people that if all the rules were followed, then He would bless them, and take care of them.   If they broke the rules, then they would lose His favor, and incur His wrath.
The primary activity in the tabernacle was the sacrifice.  It was the offering that men gave to God, presented for them by the Priests.   The priests had to present the offerings, because God set it up that way.   The priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people.   They offered for themselves because they weren't perfect either.   Ordinarily you couldn't even appear before God to offer a sacrifice (since you were impure) but God permitted the priests to do it.  However, no one else was allowed, only the priests.
The priests had very specific rules about how the sacrifice was to be offered.  One of those rules concerned the blood of the sacrifice.  The blood had to be taken into the holiest part of the tabernacle, and sprinkled on all parts of the altar.   The blood was the only part of the sacrifice that would cause God to overlook the sin of the people, and again show them His favor.

Here's the good part:   God never intended for the blood of an animal to take away sin, He set that system up so that we would use it, and then recognize the significance of His Son when He came.   Jesus dying for our sins was always the plan to take away sin.  Everything else in the law was simply to help us understand how big of a mess we were in.   The rules God handed down simply proved that we couldn't do it on our own.  Every one of us is guilty, no exceptions.   Since it was God's plan from the beginning,  obedience to the sacrificial system disconnected the sins from the person.   They were still there, they still needed to be paid for, but they weren't on the account of the people who obeyed the law.

When Jesus died, He died for all sins.,. past, present and future.   He is the perfect sacrifice.   Since He never dies, there never needs to be another "high priest" like their used to be.   He is the last one we will ever need.    So now we really don't need the law (as it pertains to sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins)   The way that God is pleased these days is by repentant hearts and changed lives.

That's why Paul says "don't forget to keep meeting together".  We need to gather and encourage each other, pray for each other and enjoy one another's company.   While we are together we can praise God together, which should bring us great joy.    It's not a matter of going to church so you can make it into heaven....it's more like going to church because you're on your way to heaven, and church is about as close as it gets.   (when it's being done right!!)

My friends at church are my true family.  I understand and appreciate them, and they truly understand and appreciate me.  They love me, forgive me and work with me.  I simply could not EVER ask for a better family.   The love of God overflows from them to me, and I am blessed when I am around them.      I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no idea how anyone goes through the trials of life, or even the successes of life without a church family to share those experiences with.

Christ paid for our sins, it's over.  We can be free to be together both here and for eternity.
The great High Priest has united us all, just as the earthly priests used to do in the past.


Praise the Lord!

PR