Part 4 of 16 -

Paul Writes to the Hebrews

The Apostle Paul writes in his epistle to the Hebrews, speaking from the perspective of his familiarity as a Jew. He writes concerning their Jewish heritage and a proper meaning and understanding of the animal sacrifices prescribed by God for Israel ’s sins in the Old Testament – to cover the sins of the people.

Paul goes on speaking of these sacrifices in the light of the “revelation” that he received directly from the ascended Christ; speaking of the tremendous difference between the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant and that of Christ’s cross. Paul makes clear to the Hebrews that the blood of animal sacrifices of the old covenant law, which were offered repeatedly, were not able to actually take away sins.

Hebrews 10:3-4 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ⁴For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Now we must simply believe that Jesus’ one offering of his blood was sufficient payment before God for ALL the sins of mankind (Mark 3:28). Thereby, God has forgiven us, providing the believer” eternal redemption.” Our redemption by the blood of Christ is good forever – eternally, such that we cannot be lost.

Mark 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men…

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  

Now, all we must do is simply believe to receive cleansing by His blood shed for us. Thus, Paul spoke of the necessity of “faith” when he wrote to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Forgiven sins are gone (past, present, and future sins), and once sins are remitted then there is no more offering needed – Christ’s one offering of His shed blood is sufficient for all time.

Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.  

Paul tells the Hebrews, and us, that we can now have boldness to enter the presence of God by the work of the shed blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Peter confirms the efficacy of Christ’s blood, writing to the scattered sheep of the house of Israel . Only Christ’s blood remits sins, whereas there traditional animal sacrifice offerings of Israel do not redeem men.

1Pet 1:18-19 … ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (manner of living) received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Paul tells the Gentiles that it is via Christ’s cross that God forgave us of all sins, then making us alive. No matter what we have done - God has already forgiven all our sins.

Colossians 2:13 (KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (enlivened) together with him, having forgiven you all (Gk., pas, all being past, present and future) trespasses (sins)

Paul here speaks of the believer's justification in Christ versus the impotence of the Law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39 NKJ Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man (Jesus) is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; ³⁹and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Paul says the members of the body of Christ.  Romans 6:14b…for ye are not under the law, but under grace.