Theology Thursday
19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:19-22
The sin of Adam & Eve left a great question hanging in the air. How can there be both justice and mercy for sinners? God’s holiness and majesty demands that there is a penalty for disobedience and rebellion. To simply forgive would be ‘cheap grace’ as if a great crime has not been committed. But God is merciful as well as just.
But how can He be without cheap grace? Well, there is a hint in Genesis. After pronouncing His justice, God covers Adam & Eve’s shame in garments of skin. Now how do you get garments of skin? It requires the death of an animal. This is usually understood as the first sacrifice for sin.
This principle of sacrificing an animal for the sins of humans is enshrined in the Mosaic law. God institutes a system of sacrifice so that His people can be considered righteous in His eyes. The blood of unblemished birds, goats, bulls and sheep are offered to the Lord in place of the death of humans for their sins. God’s justice is meted out on an innocent other. But only for a time until new sacrifices must be made.
Of course, this principle finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God who will make a once and for all sacrifice of Himself. Christ is the unblemished human sacrifice who suffers the justice of God on behalf of sinners. His sacrifice is able to cover the sins of all who would trust in Him not for one year, but forever.
In Christ, God is both just and merciful.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is just and merciful. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who is our sacrifice for sins. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others respond appropriately to Christ.
Hebrews 9:19-22
The sin of Adam & Eve left a great question hanging in the air. How can there be both justice and mercy for sinners? God’s holiness and majesty demands that there is a penalty for disobedience and rebellion. To simply forgive would be ‘cheap grace’ as if a great crime has not been committed. But God is merciful as well as just.
But how can He be without cheap grace? Well, there is a hint in Genesis. After pronouncing His justice, God covers Adam & Eve’s shame in garments of skin. Now how do you get garments of skin? It requires the death of an animal. This is usually understood as the first sacrifice for sin.
This principle of sacrificing an animal for the sins of humans is enshrined in the Mosaic law. God institutes a system of sacrifice so that His people can be considered righteous in His eyes. The blood of unblemished birds, goats, bulls and sheep are offered to the Lord in place of the death of humans for their sins. God’s justice is meted out on an innocent other. But only for a time until new sacrifices must be made.
Of course, this principle finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God who will make a once and for all sacrifice of Himself. Christ is the unblemished human sacrifice who suffers the justice of God on behalf of sinners. His sacrifice is able to cover the sins of all who would trust in Him not for one year, but forever.
In Christ, God is both just and merciful.
For Today:
- Do you see the mercy and justice of God in Christ?
- Do you see how great His mercy is to you?
- How could you respond to the mercy of God today?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is just and merciful. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who is our sacrifice for sins. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others respond appropriately to Christ.
Posted in Theology Thursday
No Comments