Wednesday: The Covenant and the Gospel
(Heb. 9:15-22)
There were strong consequences for violating certain biblical covenants. Yahweh warned Abraham that any male who was not circumcised would be cut off from the chosen (Gen. 17:14), and a litany of curses was directed toward those who refused to abide by the terms of the Sinai covenant (Deut. 27:11-26). Ultimately, those who violated the terms of the covenant would be punished with death (Ezek. 18:4). The same is true for the New Covenant: those who refuse to keep God’s law are also denied access to eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
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Read Hebrews 9:15-28. In what ways is the gospel revealed in these verses?
Hebrews 9:15-28 repeats the gospel story as it proclaims the part that Christ plays in securing the promises for believers. Verse 15 points out that Jesus functions as the mediator of the New Covenant who, through His death, offers eternal life to those who otherwise would face eternal destruction.
In verses 16 and 17 some Bible translations switch from discussing covenant and introduce the term will instead, even though the same Greek word is used. This brings in the whole idea of death, the death of Jesus for us. When viewed in that context, the passage reminds the believer that without Christ the covenant requires the death of each sinner. However, the sinner can be covered and then cleansed by Christ’s shed blood and thus be among those who eagerly wait His return (Heb. 9:28, NKJV).
Then we shall know that our own righteousness is indeed as filthy rags, and that the blood of Christ alone can cleanse us from the defilement of sin, and renew our hearts in His own likeness.-Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 29.
God Himself, in the person of Jesus, bore in Himself the punishment for our sins in order to spare us that punishment, which we deserve. What does this tell us about the character of God, and why we can trust Him, no matter our circumstances?
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Thanks be to God for He, in the person of Jesus, bore in Himself the punishment for our sins in order
to spare us that punishment, which we deserve.
We are just commissioned a simple role to play ie accepting Jesus Christ as our personal saviour. We should forsake things of the world as Paul highlights;Rom 12:2. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2Co 4:15-16 "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."
The death of Christ is refrected in the slain of a lamb every time someone commited a sin in the Old Testament. That death of Christ justifies every human being who claims and believes in it.
Thank God who died on the cross so that sinner like me can be redeemed from the curse attached to the old covenant.
While we cannot fully understand how it works, God felt every emotion and every pain that Jesus experienced because, God Is Jesus and Jesus Is God. While they are two seperate beings, they are so filled with love for each other, their spirits,(or hearts), exist in such harmony to know the others wants, wishes, and feelings without uttering a word. This is what God,(and Jesus ), offer humanity. The covenants God has made with man are designed to help man achieve their level of love and harmony. Anything less is a slap in the face of Jesus after giving His life to save you !
J.R. there is something known as the "mystery of the God Head". Why that name? Because many people do not understood that their is only one God. The Father, Son and Spirit = one. On the throne is one God, but their work is different. David stated, I delight to do thy will, oh my God, thy law is within my heart. That should be our desire also