How does Christ's sacrifice fulfill the requirement stated in Hebrews 9:22? The Scriptural Requirement: Blood for Forgiveness “According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” — Hebrews 9:22 - Sin incurs real guilt; God’s justice demands payment. - Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11), so a life must be given in place of the sinner’s life. - Under the Law, animal blood provided a temporary, symbolic covering, pointing ahead to something greater. Why Animal Blood Was Insufficient - Repetition showed its limits. Priests “stand daily” offering the same sacrifices (Hebrews 10:11). - Animal life cannot truly substitute for human life; at best it was a shadow. - The sacrifices cleansed externally but could not cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 9:9). - They anticipated a perfect, once-for-all offering. Christ’s Sacrifice: The Perfect Fulfillment - Voluntary and personal: “The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). - Sinless substitute: “A lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). - Once for all time: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). - Fully satisfies justice: “God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25). - Establishes the new covenant: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). What His Blood Accomplishes for Us Today - Eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) - Cleansed consciences to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14) - Full forgiveness of sins—no further offering needed (Hebrews 10:18) - Bold access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19) - Release from the penalty and power of sin (Revelation 1:5) Living in the Reality of a Completed Atonement - Rest—no striving to earn acceptance; the work is finished (John 19:30). - Gratitude—continual praise for the “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). - Holiness—“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). - Witness—point others to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). |
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