Series: Jesus Is Better- The Better Sacrifice [#1]
THE SUPERIOR SACRIFICE
Hebrews 10:1-18
Introduction:
In showing the superiority of the New Covenant, we have seen the author discuss the better promises, the better sanctuary, and now we will look at the better sacrifice. We are shown in this passage a contrast to the Old Covenant sacrifices in the clearest of terms.
Hebrews 10:1-4 (NIV)
“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
The superior sacrifice:
1. Its need.
Animal sacrifices…
? Did not provide true remission of sin.
“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming.” It and sacrifices were a “copy and shadow” of the heavenly things and they symbolized what Jesus would actually do.
The “good things” included such things as Jesus’ better sacrifice and the better hope. The sacrifices did not make the worshippers “perfect” in regard to the conscience. The repetitive nature of the sacrifices prevented this.
Animal sacrifices…
? Provided a reminder of sin.
Every year there was the constant reminder of sins. It was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Their purpose was to impress upon the people their need, and to foreshadow what would one day be accomplished in Christ.
Hebrews 10:5-9 (NIV)
“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, `Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'" First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.”
The superior sacrifice:
2. It’s provision.
? It was provided by God.
Burnt offerings and sacrifices did not meet God’s ultimate desire; but what did meet God’s desire, was God providing Himself.
? It was offered freely by Christ.
Christ came as prophesied to do the will of God and here we see a striking difference between Christ’s sacrifice and the animal sacrifices. The animals were sacrificed against their will but Jesus freely offered Himself in accordance with His Father’s will.
? It established a New Covenant.
In doing the will of His Father, Jesus has taken away that 1st covenant and is the mediator of the new covenant.
Hebrews 10:10-18 (NIV)
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.”
The superior sacrifice:
3. It’s all-sufficiency.
It provides true remission of sins. With true remission of sins, there is no need for repeated sacrifices for sin.
Conclusion:
By providing complete sanctification and remission of sins, the sacrifice of Jesus is truly “The Superior Sacrifice”.
