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24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 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 9:24-28 NIV Bible)
"Who am I to do this?" A question I ask myself whenever I am called upon to officiate at a special service, and especially a sacrament. I look at my hands and have repeatedly washed them but I ask if my heart is washed, and if my spirit is indeed ready to be God's represenative at this event. And then I say, "Thank You Jesus for doing this and allowing me to be involved in some small way."
The book of Hebrews presents a powerful theological perspective on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, contrasting it with the rituals of the old covenant. As we delve into Hebrews 9:24-28, we are confronted with profound truths about Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and its implications for our lives today.
Heavenly Reality vs. Earthly Ritual: The author emphasizes that Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary; He entered the very presence of God in heaven. This distinction underscores the futility of earthly sacrifices that could never fully atone for sin. As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves: Are we holding onto rituals or practices that lack real transformative power? Are we sometimes more focused on our religious duties than on the relationship with Christ that those duties should foster?
Finality of the Sacrifice: The concept of “once for all” is a cornerstone of our faith. Jesus’ sacrifice does not need repetition; it was sufficient for all time. This finality should encourage us to let go of guilt and shame that we often carry from our past. Instead of being bound by our failures, we are invited to embrace our identity as forgiven and redeemed children of God. How might we live differently if we truly believed in the completeness of His sacrifice?
Living in Anticipation: The passage concludes with a reminder that Christ will return—not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. This anticipation should invigorate our faith and our daily lives. Are we living in such a way that reflects our hope in Christ’s return? How do we share this hope with those around us, especially in a world that often feels hopeless?
This text invites us to reflect on our faith journey—encouraging us to prioritize our relationship with Christ and to be intentional about living out our beliefs in a way that honors His sacrifice.
PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary to offer Himself for our sins. Help us to grasp the fullness of His sacrifice and to live in the freedom it provides. May we let go of guilt and shame, embracing our identity as Your beloved children. As we await Christ’s return, ignite in us a passion to share this hope with others, reflecting Your love and grace in our daily lives. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time this week to reflect on the significance of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. Consider journaling your thoughts about how this truth can reshape your understanding of sin, guilt, and redemption. Identify one area in your life where you need to let go of past failures and embrace the freedom that comes from His grace. Additionally, find ways to share the hope of Christ’s return with someone in your circle—whether through conversation, an encouraging note, or a small act of kindness.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
