The Sacrificial Lamb

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If animal’s blood could actually erase sin-debt, we’d still be offering those frequent sacrifices and Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. Yet we must remember that though the act itself had no saving power, the ritual of sacrifice was God’s idea (Leviticus 4). He established such offerings as a powerful illustration of the seriousness and penalty of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He offers.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 27, 2019.

What was Jesus thinking?

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What if you saw that an accident was about to happen that would involve you and the one person you care most about in this world and that it would result in the loss of life, but you see a way that you could save your loved one, however, it would mean the loss of your life. An act of sacrifice would mean that your loved one could go on living. That is what Jesus was thinking about when He went to the cross to give up His life (Luke 23:26-49). His sacrificial act was carried out on your behalf.

Ignoring the Word

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Putting together a toy or a piece of furniture rarely goes as smoothly as expected. This is especially true if we don’t read the instructions. Perhaps they’re too long or difficult to understand, so we ignore them. Then we wonder why the project doesn’t turn out right. This is how many believers live the Christian life. They try to figure it out without referring to God’s Word. The Bible is too long, they think. But ignoring the Word of God is dangerous. When we stop reading Scripture and applying its principles, we don’t just stand still; we actually start drifting away from God. If you desire to glorify God and overcome worries, fears, and sin, the Scripture must be your priority. Reading, studying, and applying the Word may require sacrifices, but the reward of knowing your Savior better and living a life pleasing to God is worth it. Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, October 6, 2021.

At His Disposal

As Christians our bodies are separated unto the Lord, and we no longer make claims as to how or when or where we serve.  As living sacrifices we can no longer ignore the King’s desires with the excuse that “my time” is precious to me.  All that we are is placed at His disposal.

Commentary from, “You Are Gifted”, Bible study by Ken Hemphill.

It Is Finished

Nothing else is required to pay for our salvation.  It has been completed by Jesus.

To be saved, all we must do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins.

If you have questions, there is more about Jesus and our salvation here

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 18, 2020.

Highest service

Salvation is not an end in itself.  The believer has been freed from sin to serve God, saved to serve.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Hebrews 9:14.

Sacrifice

This verse is filled with the language of substitution.  The Servant suffered not for His own sin, since He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26), but as the substitute for sinners.  The emphasis here is on Christ being the substitute recipient of God’s wrath on sinners (2 Corin 5:21; Galatians 1:3,4; Hebrews 10:9,10).  He suffered the chastisement of God in order to procure our peace with God.  The stripe that caused His death has brought salvation to those for whose sins He died.  Peter confirms this in 1 Peter 2:24.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Isaiah 53:5.

Praise and Thanks

As seen throughout the book of Hebrews, sacrifices were extremely important under the Old Covenant.  Under the New Covenant, God desires the praise and thanksgiving of His people rather than offerings of animals or grain.  Since New Testament believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5,9), they have offerings of praise and thanks to God (Romans 12:1).

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Hebrews 13:15.