Sunday School Lesson
Forgiveness offered through Christ
Rev. James Temples
Hebrews 9:11-18; 10:12- 18

In all of the religious systems of the world, there is some kind of hierarchy. The lowly ones must come before the great one who is higher in the system. This highest one has the final word in areas of their spiritual life or death. In the pagan systems, the gods are always angry. The adherents must do whatever is necessary to appease this anger. In the cults, the follower is expected to die for these gods - or at least for their cause - in order to reach their ultimate position.

This reaching for something higher than himself has caused humans to invent some kind of system of redemption. This instilled desire seems to be ingrained in every heart. This human need drives mankind to develop the fig leaf syndrome, some kind of manmade system to allow him or her to feel that they have soothed their own conscience regarding wrongdoing. Genesis 3:7. As appealing as this idea is to the humans, these efforts are never sufficient. These manmade systems do not satisfy this inner longing that is part of our nature.

The loving heavenly father sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to die for the sins of mankind. John 3:16. This means of redemption allows the lost race to know that there is eternal hope. However, each individualmust be willing to accept the divinely-provided help, if he or she is to receive the benefits of eternal salvation.

This message of salvation for the lost human race is the message of the gospel. Many people have given their lives in order for this message to go forth. However, the only one whose life has purchased eternal redemption is that of Jesus Christ.

At the time of the writing of the letter to the Hebrew believers, one teaching had reduced the ministry of Jesus Christ to, simply, the position of a superior angel. The writer of old wanted these believers to remember the real purpose of the coming of the savior to represent the sinner before the throne of our holy God. These early readers were familiar with the ministry of the levitical priesthood. Their work consisted of offering many sacrifices for the sins of the individuals and the nation. However, their sacrifices had to be repeated.

This ancient writer, it could have been the Apostle Paul, reminded these believers of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "But Christ being a high priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:11, 12.

The idea of a redeemer was part of the teachings of the Jewish society. The kinsman-redeemer was allowed to purchase property that had been sold under difficult circumstances to be purchased. This system allowed the land to remain within the designated tribe or family group. The ancient writer used this picture as he painted the scene showing the act of the high priest offering the sacrifice. The redeeming sacrifice was the blood of Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice for all mankind.

The Old Testament system called for animal sacrifices. Hebrews 9:13. Yet the ultimate sacrifice was the blood of Christ - "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God…" Hebrews 9:14a. The effect of this act becomes personal for each of us. This blood is able to "purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Hebrews 9:14b.

The writer of old used the legal setting of the last will and testament as an illustration of the redemptive work of Christ. "And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15. Death of the testator was and is necessary for the will to be probated.

The eternal work of Jesus Christ was not limited to his death, and the shedding of his blood. Yes, he was buried, yet he rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. John 19:30, 38-42; Matthew 28:2-6; Luke 23:50, 51; Acts 1:9. His eternal position is "even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34b, Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God…" Hebrews 10:12. This eternal position shows the ultimate victory for the one who gave himself for the sins of all mankind. Hebrews 10:13.

With the offering of the only begotten son of God, the sacrificial system was completed. "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14. It is important for all believers to understand that the perfection that has been purchased is the direct result of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, not from human effort nor personal ability. The Apostle Paul reminded the believers that our salvation is "Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9.

The Old Testament was given on tablets of stone. Exodus 31:18. This object was kept in the ark of the covenant. Hebrews 9:4. However, the New Testament was to be stored in a new medium. "…This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I wrote them…" Hebrews 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33, 34. The promise of old reaches to all believers "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10:17; Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19.

The writer of old wanted the readers and us to remember the completeness of this ultimate sacrifice - "Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin." Hebrews 10:18.

Earlier in his letter, this ancient writer wanted these readers to understand the completeness of this divine provision. In Christ's position of high priest and sacrifice, "…But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself…" Hebrews 9:26b. He continued, "And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:27, 28.

Yes, we all have this final appointment. What will be the verdict, as you stand before our holy God? Please accept the forgiveness that is offered through the ssacrifice of Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:7, 9. You can, presently, know inner peace, even in a troubled world. John 14:27.

Rev. James C. Temples' Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. A native of Early County, Rev. Temples taught in public schools 32 years and 10 years at Southeastern College of Assemblies of God, in Lakeland, Florida. He also served as pastor and evangelist during those years. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 1569, Auburndale, Fla. 33823; 863-965-0157. Email: jctjet@aol.com.

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