The Gift of Salvation

Examined Verses:

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face Judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “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” Then he adds: "Their sin and Lawless acts I will remember no more” Hebrews 10:14-17

Good afternoon warriors,

Here are some reflections I have gained from meditating on chapters nine and ten of the book of Hebrews for today's devotional. The purpose of these chapters is to explain the gift of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Additionally, they discuss the covenant made through the blood of Jesus Christ.

In my walk with God, there have been times when I felt I couldn't add up to the man God wants me to be. My vision of a perfect Christian would be a monk living on an island in a temple. But that is far removed from what God expects of us. Some Christians were called to be monks, and some were called to be doctors, community activists, or lawyers. All of us are uniquely designed with the personality traits, skillsets, gifts, and talents necessary for God's plan in our lives.

God is our heavenly father, and "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103) That said, there is room for grace and forgiveness. God knows that we are not perfect and desires that we remain honest with him about our faults and flaws. That is why we can all confess and repent of our sins. It is not God's desire that we walk through life feeling condemned.

Self-condemnation and guilt are things that we all struggle with to various degrees. One of the primary sources of this kind of guilt stems from comparison. Comparison can also complicate our individual journeys. However, when you intentionally decide to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are no longer held accountable for the sins you've been forgiven for. It is critical to change as a Christian, but sometimes we get caught up in thinking that God wants us to be chained to our past. In addition, many of the changes we need to make are specific to God's calling and plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I love returning to these passages because they are beautiful reminders that Jesus Christ's sacrifice on Calvary has made us victors over the enemy once and for all. The reality is that no one is perfect. That is why Jesus Christ, pure and blameless, offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Thank you Jesus!

Finally, I would like to look at verse 14, which reads, "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." It is intentional that the verse reads those who are being made holy because we strive every day to become better people. But as we mature and strengthen in our walk we can stand behind the finished work of the cross and repent of sins for salvation.

Until next time

May the Light Remain within you,

Ryan