What role does Jesus' death play in the redemption of transgressions? The Setting: From Shadows to Substance - Hebrews 9 paints the picture of the earthly tabernacle with repeated animal sacrifices that “can never, by the same sacrifices offered continually year after year, make perfect those who draw near” (Hebrews 10:1). - Those sacrifices were shadows, anticipating a once-for-all sacrifice that could truly cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 9:9, 14). - The first covenant exposed sin and required blood, but it could not fully remove guilt; it merely covered it temporarily (Leviticus 16:34). The Heart of Hebrews 9:15 “Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” Key truths packed into this single sentence: 1. Christ stands as the Mediator—a go-between who represents God to humanity and humanity to God. 2. His death triggers the benefits of the new covenant. 3. That death specifically redeems from “the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” 4. The result is the secure gift of “the promised eternal inheritance.” Why Death Was Required - Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Death satisfies divine justice; life must be given for life. - Hebrews 9:16-17 explains that a covenant (likened to a will) takes effect only after the testator dies. Christ’s death activates every promise of the new covenant. - Isaiah 53:5-6 foretells a substitutionary atonement: “He was pierced for our transgressions… the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” How His Blood Redeems Past Transgressions - The phrase “transgressions committed under the first covenant” includes every sin that accumulated from Sinai onward—sins covered by animal blood but awaiting full payment. - Romans 3:25 notes that God “presented Him as an atoning sacrifice… to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished.” - Jesus’ death reaches backward as well as forward, gathering every violation into one comprehensive act of redemption. The Scope of Redemption—Past, Present, Future Bullet-point sweep of what His death accomplishes: - Past: Cancels the record of debt nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). - Present: Cleanses the conscience “from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14). - Future: Guarantees “the promised eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15), secured by the resurrected, living Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4). Living in the Good of This Redemption - Confidence: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19). - Freedom: “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). No lingering guilt needs to chain the believer. - Worship: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Gratitude fuels wholehearted devotion. Summary Snapshot Jesus’ death is not merely an inspiring example; it is the decisive, blood-sealed payment that: • Satisfies God’s justice. • Releases sinners from every past and present transgression. • Activates the everlasting promises of the new covenant. • Grants an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. |
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