2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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HOLDING FAST THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Hebrews 10:19-25
1 Thessalonians 5:23
“And the very God of peace
sanctify you wholly …”
HOLDING FAST THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
The perfection that is in Christ consolidates the profession of faith. The writer exhorted on the need to hold fast the faith. He gave guidelines on the application of the truth in Christ.
The reasons for holding fast the profession of faith, he said, is that now believers have boldness to enter the holiest place by the blood of Jesus Christ. In the previous order, the entrance to the holy of holies was only by the high priest. It was a solemn and fearful occasion for even the priest himself was not sure if his offering would be accepted. All of them had to repeat the same ritual every year. That repetition was an indicator that there was no sufficiency in their regular offerings.
The writer highlighted that the new and living way had been consecrated for believers. This comes with a great reward: the assurance that all sins are forgiven through the shed blood of Christ and there is no need for repeated sacrifice. The veil separated the holy place and the holy of holies. But believers are able “to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Heb 10:19). This again confirms the picture of the redemption in Christ as represented in those Levitical ceremonies.
The high priest was a minister in the temple that carried out the requirements of the law. When the Lord Jesus Christ came He fulfilled all the representation in the old ceremonies. He was the High Priest as well as the sacrifice. This fulfilment is the completion of the picture given of the life and work of Christ in the Law. The writer wrote at a time when there was no positive reception in the Jewish community. When there is no guidance of the Holy Spirit, the preaching of the gospel is received carnally and thus will not benefit the hearers. However the work of Christ stands to bless those who respond positively through the working of the Holy Spirit.
THOUGHT: There is assurance of complete sanctification in Christ.
PRAYER: Father, sanctify me ever in the blood of Christ.