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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “A sacrifice once for all”, an act of slaughtering an animal as an offering to a deity for thanksgiving, propitiation or atonement, and sanctification. A sacrifice once and for all is an everlasting offering that can atone for the sins of humanity and sanctify them. We shall reflect on the fact that Jesus represents the sacrifice offered once for all for those who believe in Him to be saved.

Beloved in the Lord, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and priceless sacrifice God made once for all for the propitiation or atonement and sanctification of the sins of those who repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In the old covenant or order, the Israelites were commanded by the law to make an annual sacrifice of atonement with animals. The writer of Hebrew reminded his Jewish Christian audience that those sacrifices were not complete. “But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll — I have come to do your will, my God.’” (Hebrews 10:3-7) In words, Jesus’s body replaced the animals, and the cross became the altar where he offered His body for the atonement and sanctification of not only the Jews who believe in Him but also anyone who accepts Him as Lord and Saviour. God did not use the blood of animals to express His love for humanity, but “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18) The burden of guilt and repetitive animal sacrifice that only guarantees temporary or annual cleansing of sins has been replaced by Jesus “one and only” son of God has been sacrifice once and for all for those who are willing to live a life of righteousness and sanctification through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Surely, “… he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10)

It is also important to note that Jesus is not only the priceless and everlasting sacrifice, but He is also the holy, perfect and sinless High Priest whom we must depend on for our total sanctification and redemption. “Day after day, every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again, he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. (Hebrews 10:11-15) Jesus is our impeccable High Priest, through Him we are assured of God’s grace, mercy, sanctification, holiness and salvation. This is the uniqueness of the New and Everlasting Covenant made with those who are in Christ.  “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. (Hebrews 10:16-18) This is the Good News we believe in and also preach to the world for the salvation of many. God has saved us from the burden of making animal sacrifices that can not save, and has sacrificed His only Son for our salvation. This son has become our only dependable High Priest, Lord and Saviour through whom we are made holy and empowered through the Holy Spirit to live a life worthy of our calling.

In summary, we have discovered that Jesus represents the sacrifice offered once for all for those who believe in Him to be saved. Again, we are reminded that He is not only the priceless sacrifice but also the impeccable and dependable High Priest who is our hope for the eternal glory. Shalom.

PRAYER

Thank you, Jesus, for making an eternal sacrifice on our behalf and also being our dependable High Priest. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to live a life that is worthy of our calling and salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.