A Word of Encouragement

July 1, 2025

The Cross - Circa 1976

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Since the Law, with all its rituals, sacrifices, and celebrations, was only a picture of what was to come - Jesus' life, death and resurrection, - it could never make anyone perfect. If it could, they would not have to be repeated. The law served to remind us of our sin. (Hebrews 10:1-3) Paul wrote, "The Law was our guardian to lead us to faith and since faith has come, we no longer are under a guardian." (Galatians 3:24-25)

It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
	Hebrews 10:4

Under the Law, the priests ministered and offered sacrifices daily; But Jesus "offered one sacrifice for sins for all time!" (Hebrews 10:11-13)

With one sacrifice He (Jesus) made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
	Hebrews 10:14 (ICB)

"So, since we can enter God's presence because of Jesus' sacrifice, let us approach Him with a sincere heart, confident that He has forgiven us for ALL our sin. And encourage each other to love and good deeds - to live the way He wants us to live." (Hebrews 10:19-25 - Summarized)

But, then comes this warning:

If we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
	Hebrews 10:26-27

Does that mean if we deliberately sin, after we know the truth, we can no longer be forgiven - we are lost forever? NO! (See 1 John 1:9) It means, Jesus' sacrifice was the final sacrifice and there are no more to be made! (1 John 2:2)

Under the Law of Moses, anyone who sinned was put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Wouldn't someone who sins, knowing God's has forgiven Him through Jesus' sacrifice deserve a more severe punishment? (Hebrews 10:28-29)

For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
	Hebrews 10:30-31

Even though He has forgiven us completely,

God will judge us if we sin!

And it won't be fun!

Paul wrote, "We will all stand before God and everything we have done will be judged. If it was worthless, it will be burned up, and "If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) God's discipline is a terrifying thing! But He disciplines us because He loves us, (Proverbs 3:12)

Adoneinu - Lord Jesus - Thank You for Your love and forgiveness, help me live for You.

God will save my life. He will take me from the grave. Selah
	Psalm 49:15 (ICB)

He sacrificed for YOU,