ushered in

The book of Hebrews has always been a source of encouragement to me. I remember finally grasping the concept of the “old” vs. the “new” covenant at a younger age as taught in this book; understanding this revealed new depth for what Jesus really did for me. Even now, I continue to learn more and more about Christianity as I read this book.

Recently, the Lord has shown me a pleathora of things in Hebrews I have not seen in the past. In chapter 9 we see that offering sacrifices were merely external regulations – they did not (or do not) clear the conscience of the worshiper. But, Jesus changed all that through sacrificing Himself. Verse 12 says,

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.”

The results? Not only forgiveness, but a cleansed conscience so that we can serve the living God…

“How much more then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.”

Now, there are several lessons in this passage and in Hebrews in general. But the big thing God has revealed to me recently from this passage is this: I can serve Him with a clear conscience without fear or a feeling of inadequacy – sure, I am inadequate on my own – but through His sacrifice (which He paid once for all) He has “made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (10:14).

Sometimes I  approach or serve Him with a feeling of anxiety or fear because I know I’m not good enough – but Jesus, through His sacrifice, has changed that forever. Hebrews portrays a type of life for the believer in which we can come to Him boldly and serve Him with a clear conscience as a result of the ultimate sacrifice – the unblemished gift of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.