Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 5, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 10:1-22. This chapter concludes the author’s argument for the supremacy of Jesus. He makes a case for the insufficiency of the priestly sacrifices and explains how they were meant to remind the people of their sin. The priestly sacrifices could not cover sin, but reminded Israel of their shortcomings and pointed to a better covering in the sacrifice of Jesus. After this final appeal, the author breaks forth into a call to draw near to God and boldly pursue Christ as supreme over all.
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As we read Hebrews 10, we see that it is impossible for the bull and goat sacrifices to take away sin. If the blood sacrifices of animals were enough, then the priests would not have continued the practice. The only reason for the offering was to remind God’s people of their need for forgiveness of sin, and to create a desire for a sufficient atonement to come. Have you fully accepted the forgiveness of your sin through Christ Jesus?
The only sufficient atonement for sin was the blood of Jesus. Without accepting the forgiveness of ALL our sin through Christ’s shed blood, we continue to practice a works- based faith instead of a grace-based faith. This is not freedom, but rather slavery. We try to earn God’s grace and affection by doing good deeds or bargaining with Him. These are forms of “making sacrifices” to Him that are insufficient at best. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any areas of sin, shame, guilt that you are still holding on to.
In Hebrews 10:5-10, it is explained to us that God doesn’t want our sacrifices – He wants us to hear with “the ears He dug” for us. Are we seeking? Are we listening? Are we accepting? Have you allowed your ears to become plugged up or deafened to His word to you? Pray and ask Him to open your ears to hear!