The Daily Word of Righteousness

Clearing the Conscience of the Worshiper, #8

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. (Hebrews 10:1)

"Make perfect those who draw near to worship." It is our point of view that forgiving our sins does not make us perfect. If we are to be perfect in God's sight we must be reconciled to Him not only in the legal sense of having our sins forgiven, but also in the actual sense of having become a new creation. The new righteous creation must come forth. Every aspect of the old sinful nature must be removed. All things in our personality must be made new and all must be of God, if we are to be perfect in His sight.

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. (Hebrews 10:2-4)

Why was the Apostle Paul, as expressed in the seventh chapter of the Book of Romans, still distressed concerning his sinful nature? Not because he did not believe his sin was forgiven when the priest made the atonement with the animal sacrifice, but because sin was still present with him. Therefore the Law of Moses was causing the sin to become apparent, and Paul in his conscience experienced the death of guilt and separation from God.

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. (Hebrews 10:11)

Sins were forgiven through the Old Testament sacrifices, but the sins themselves were not taken away by the Law of Moses.

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, (Hebrews 10:12,13)

The Lord Jesus Christ was offered on the cross of Calvary on behalf of the sins of the whole world. Since that time numerous people have reached up by faith and have gained the benefits offered through that blood atonement.

However, the enemies of God still reside in those who have been forgiven. Now the Father is empowering the Lord Jesus to make His enemies in His people His footstool. We have come to such an hour.

To be continued.