Hebrews 10:8-10 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
When Jesus came, his teachings ethically and then personal sacrifice on the cross theologically showed that the sacrificial system was no longer needed. The destruction of the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70 added an exclamation historically to the end of the sacrificial system. The sacrificial system has a purpose for a time as a symbolic teaching tool for Israel about the plan of God for the salvation of humanity. The morals behind the law did not change but were deepened and were on our hearts through the Holy Spirit. By “deepened” I mean that that the Holy Spirit helps us apply the core principles behind the moral laws given in the old covenant. This was the will of God from the beginning of time. Jesus the incarnate Son of God came to carry out this plan. If we participate in this plan through faith, we will experience sanctification, cleansing from sin, empowerment to live holy lives as God desires. Jesus’ death is the instrument for sanctification. This is available to all people. Sadly, some people will refuse and go their own way. They will be like the ancient Israelites who turned their back on God’s promise at Kadesh Barnea. God’s promise is given in the gospel. The message is clear. People will refuse to accept this message of hope.
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