Jesus Christ Our Sacrifice

Introduction

If you look closely, you will see that in between my eyes is a scar. This scar is 28 years old, so it is fading somewhat, but it is still visible.

I have various scars on my body. Some I know how I got, some I don’t. This one I will never forget.

I’m 7 years old and my cousin and I decide we want to dig a hole. So we go outside and prepare to dig a hole. We soon discover a problem.

We have no shovel. We can’t find a shovel anywhere. All we could find was a hammer. Being the brilliant and creative lads we were, we decided that the claw end of the hammer would be perfect for digging. That decision made, we set to work.

Things went really well, right up until they didn’t. We had developed a system, Travis would drive the claw into the dirt, I would drag the dirt out. Well, the claw got stuck on a root. So as I went down to clear the dirt, Travis heaved up with all his might and smacked the flat side of the hammer right into my forehead.

So every time you think to yourself, he’s a little odd, just remember that I've been hit in the head a few times.

There are good solutions to problems and there are bad solutions. When a solution doesn’t work, a better solution is needed.

The Jewish Law prescribed a detailed sacrificial system that would deal with the sins of the Israelites.

The passage we will consider today will demonstrate that this solution to the problem of sin, doesn’t work. A better solution is needed.

Jesus Christ is God’s perfect sacrifice.

Through Christ sin is permanently dealt with.

Understanding the sacrifice of Christ empowers transformed living.

1. The Need For A Sacrifice vv. 1-10

If God gave the law and the sacrificial system, why is a new sacrifice necessary?

According to Galatians, God never intended the sacrificial system to deal permanently with sin.

The purpose of the Law is to display our need of a savior and make us desperate for His deliverance.

These first 10 verses give us 5 reasons we need a sacrifice.

Reason #1…

a. Because The Law is insufficient vv. 1-2

READ vv. 1-2

If the Law could take away sin, there would be no need to offer sacrifices on a continual basis.

The continuance of the sacrifices demonstrates the insufficiency of the law to finally and permanently deal with sin.

This is a logical argument. If the sacrifices dealt with sin, they would only need to be offered once.

The first line in v. 1 tells us that the law was never intended to remove sin.

The first line in v. 1 tells us that the law was never intended to remove sin.

The first line in v. 1 tells us that the law was never intended to remove sin.

It only has the “shadow of good things to come.”

The overall point of these verses is to let us know that something is lacking in the sacrifices the Law demanded.

Perfection is lacking. Purity is lacking. The removal of sin is lacking.

What does this teach us?

Sacrifices that must be repeated are insufficient.

Therefore, the Law is insufficient.

Reason #2. We need a new sacrifice…

b. Because the sacrificial system is counterproductive v. 3

The sacrifices do not remove sin. They do not bring purity. They do not bring perfection.

Instead, they remind us of our sin.

This is counterproductive if we understand the goal of the law and sacrifices to be dealing conclusively with sin.

What we must understand is that this verse perfectly states the purpose of the Law.

The whole point is to remind us that our sin remains!

Even if the sacrifices are offered, even if the rituals are observed, sin remains because we continue to sin.

We need a sacrifice that is sufficient to take away all sin, past present, and future.

What does this teach us?

A better sacrifice is required.

The Law is insufficient, the sacrificial system is counterproductive.

Reason #3. We need a new sacrifice…

c. Because animal sacrifices are incapable v. 4

The blood of animals cannot remove sin.

They can cover past sin, but they cannot take it away. Why not? Because they are not equivalent.

Scripture is very clear that animals and humans are not equal. Therefore, since my death is the penalty for my sin, an animal’s death will not cover that.

The death of another human is required. But it must be an innocent, unblemished, sinless human.

The Sacrifice must meet God's standard.

What is God’s standard? Perfection.

Insufficient, counterproductive, incapable.

Reason #4. We need a new sacrifice…

d. Because God wills it vv. 5-7

Sacrifice and offering won’t satisfy God’s demand! He takes no pleasure in burnt offerings or in sacrifices for sin.

When Christ came into the world He was given a body. He took on flesh and dwelt among us.

He comes as He was foretold.

He comes as the suffering servant, as the lamb of God to take away the sin of the world!

He comes to do the Father’s will.

This means that Christ comes voluntarily and willing submits Himself to the plan laid out in eternity past!

The Sacrifice must be willing.

We need a sacrifice because the old sacrifice is insufficient, counterproductive, and incapable. We need a new sacrifice because that is what God has willed.

Reason #5. We need a new sacrifice…

e. Because God has a solution vv. 8-10

Verse 8 is a repeat. The things that are offered according to the Law were not what God desired and He has no pleasure in them.

The question must then be asked, what was the point of all that sacrifice?

To demonstrate how serious our sin is. The Law condemns us all under sin so that we understand our need of a Savior!

The Law serves to limit sin, expose guilt and shame, and punish lawbreakers. It revealed to us our desperate need of a Savior and our own inability to earn righteousness.

All this is revealed in .

So it is not that the Law had no purpose, the point is that the Law couldn’t accomplish the removal of sin. God had a different solution for that.

Christ again confirms that He came to do the Father’s will. God is ending the Law because He has a better plan! Remember, Christ is the fulfillment of the Law.

God’s will was to send His one and only Son as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

All who believe in Christ are sanctified through His offering.

Christ was offered once for all! That is God’s solution!

The Sacrifice will permanently deal with all sin.

This is the will and plan of God. This is His solution for sin.

A once for all solution.

Sing with me…

#175 “Hallelujah, What A Savior” (vv. 1-3)

Having described the need, we turn to…

2. The Provision Of A Sacrifice vv. 11-18

God is perfect. Amen?

Therefore, everything he provides is perfect.

When God provided a sacrifice to finally and permanently deal with sin, it was not a partial provision.

There are three provisions we learn of in this next section.

#1…

a. Providing a sufficient sacrifice vv. 11-13

I love the contrast here.

Making offerings daily. Sacrificing repeatedly and accomplishing nothing.

These sacrifices cannot deal with sin. They will never take it away.

This shows us the futility of attempting to deal with sin on our own.

Apart from Christ sin cannot be dealt with!

But…

Into this scene of tragedy and hopelessness steps Jesus Christ!

He offers one sacrifice.

What sacrifice does He offer?

Himself. We will learn later in the passage that His blood, and His body were offered to take away sin!

Christ offered one sacrifice for sin forever. Then He sat down because His work was done!

Now our Savior awaits the day when His return will put a final end to the presence of sin.

Jesus’ sacrifice is infinite and eternal.

There is nothing else required. All who trust Christ will be saved and saved forever.

His provision is sufficient for all!

That is what Christ provides.

#2…

b. Providing a continual perfection v. 14

Again, in contrast to the continual offerings of the Law; Christ offered Himself once.

Through His one sacrifice He perfects those who believe.

Perfected - τελειόω (teleioō) complete; perfect; finish. To perfect v. — to make complete of its kind and without defect or blemish. Finite verb, perfect, active, indicative, third person, singular.

Perfected - τελειόω (teleioō)

This is what the sacrifice of Christ accomplishes in those who believe! It makes us without defect or blemish!

As we are made holy, set apart for God’s use, we are perfected.

Christ’s sacrifice makes believers perfect.

We are no longer sinners, we are saints. We are those who have been called by God for His purpose and glory! Act like it!

Christ provides us with a sufficient sacrifice and continual perfection.

#3…

c. Providing a complete forgiveness vv. 15-18

One of the awesome things about this passage is the presence of the trinity. Christ is seen offering Himself in submission to the Father’s will, the Father is seen willing the sacrifice and death of Christ for sin, and the Holy Spirit is here as the Father’s guarantee that all He has promised either has or will be done.

The promise made to the believer is that God will write his law in our hearts and minds. This is what happens as we read, study, and memorize Scripture.

The Word of God changes how we feel and how we think.

The second part of the promise is that God will no longer remember our sin.

The author of Hebrews is quoting Jeremiah. But that isn’t the only place the removal of our sin is mentioned. Turn to (p. 691).

(p. )

(p. 691)

Psalm 103:8–12 NKJV

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

We serve a merciful and gracious God! He is full of kindness and compassion. We do not get what we deserve. Instead, we are given forgiveness.

Because our sins have been forgiven and forgotten, there is no more need for animal sacrifices.

When God forgives it is not partial. Either we are completely forgiven, or we are not forgiven at all.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

#175 “Hallelujah, What A Savior” (vv. 4-5)

It is not just the past or the present. It is all sin.

Sing with me…

#175 “Hallelujah, What A Savior” (vv. 4-5)

A sacrfice was needed. The old sacrifice could not deal with sin. So God provided a new sacrifice in the person and work of Christ.

So, what should we do about it? We turn finally to…

3. The Response To A Sacrifice vv. 19-25

The previous sacrifice was not enough. A new sacrifice was needed.

According to His eternal plan and purpose, God provided a better sacrifice in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

He has provided eternal salvation and perfection to those who trust in Him.

The author of Hebrews now turns to how the believer ought to respond to the work of Christ.

We are given three responses.

Response #1…

a. The response of purified intimacy vv. 19-22

We can enter the holiest! We have access into the Holy of Holies because of the blood of Jesus Christ!

This is the place where only 1 man, the high priest, was allowed to go once a year! In the Holy of Holies the High priest entered the very presence of God.

The high priest would wear bells on his robe and a cord tied to his ankle so that if sin was found in him and he was struck dead they could get him out!

When Jesus Christ died on the Cross the temple veil split in two indicating that access to the holy of holies was available to all!

When we place our faith in Jesus Christ we are washed by His blood. Our sin is purged. We are able to come into the very presence of God!

This is the new and living way, the new veil that separates us from God is bridged in Christ!

He is our High Priest! He grants us access!

And so the plea is for us to draw near!

We can enter the presence of God with boldness, so beloved, draw near.

We have full assurance of faith. We have been washed and purified.

Draw near.

This is why Christ has cleansed us, this is the purpose! Draw near!

The sacrifice of Christ gives us access to God.

What a privilege we have to enter the presence of God through the blood of Jesus.

Response #2…

b. The response of unwavering confession v. 23

As we draw near to God we find the strength necessary to stand firm for Him.

Ephesians teaches us that our ability to be unwavering despite trials and persecution is tied to our dependence on Christ!

That’s what the armor of God is all about.

We must recognize that everything comes from the Lord. Plant His Word in the soil of your life and as it takes root, change will happen.

God is faithful. It is His faithfulness that enables our own.

We have been promised eternal life in the presence of our triune God. He will be faithful to that promise.

As we anticipate His coming, we stand firm.

Because God is faithful we stand unwavering.

This word confession has the idea of stating our allegiance.

Because God is faithful, we stand before the world and declare that we belong to Jesus!

That is our confession. We confess the steadfast hope of the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ!

Until that day comes, we stand firm.

We have access to God. We have the ability to stand firm.

Response #3…

c. The response of corporate vitality vv. 24-25

The body of Christ is vital and healthy only as it gathers and grows.

We are encouraged here to challenge one another in two areas. Love, and good works.

Does the body of Christ need to work on its love? Amen.

Does the body of Christ need to do good works? Amen.

Those two things happen as we meet together and challenge one another.

We are to assemble more and more as the return of Christ draws near. Why?

Why would we need more opportunities for love, good works, and growth?

Because those things will get harder as the end draws near.

To be healthy, a body needs all its members.

When a member is missing, injured, or inactive, it cripples the whole body.

A body is healthy when its members are working together as God designed!

This is true of the body of Christ.

The Christian life is not meant to be solitary. It is meant to be lived in community.

Christ gave Himself for us. How will we respond? We respond with intimacy, draw near! We respond by proclaiming Christ! We respond by strengthening our brothers and sisters.

I want to teach you a new song.

“Take Me In”

Turn with me to . This is a time for believers to remember the price that was paid. To be reminded of the penalty of sin. Taking part of communion does not save you. This is simply a way for us to be reminded of what Christ has done. If you know the Lord as savior this morning, please join us in bread and juice as we remember Jesus Christ. These are only symbols, they represent the body and blood of our Savior. Examination – verses 26-32

OBSERVANCE OF COMMUNION

The Bread (His Body) vv. 23-24 #406 “My Hope Is In The Lord” (chorus only)

For me He died, for me He lives

And everlasting life and light He freely gives

The Cup (His Blood) v. 25 #358 “I Am Thine, O Lord” (chorus only)

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord

To the Cross where thou hast died

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord

To thy precious bleeding side

Conclusion

There is only one sacrifice that is sufficient to pay for sin.

This sacrifice was planned by God in eternity past.

This sacrifice is God-ordained solution to the problem of sin.

Nothing else can save us! Nothing else can deliver us!

Only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross can take dead sinners and make them eternal saints!

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

The blood of Jesus Christ makes all who trust Him perfect.

The blood of Jesus Christ grants complete forgiveness to all who believe.

Oh precious is that flow that makes me white as snow!

#210 “Jesus Paid It All”

No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Being cleansed, perfected, and forgiven, it is only natural that we lay ourselves at the feet of Jesus.

It is only natural that we lay ourselves on the altar as living sacrifices to God!

We draw near!

We proclaim Christ!

We gather together to fellowship, encourage, and grow.

Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, gave Himself for you and me.

May our response be total commitment to our redeemer.

#210 “Jesus Paid It All”

Hebrews 10:1-25

Hebrews 10:1–25 NKJV

1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ” 8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.