Part 4 of 15 - The Blood as Seen In Hebrews

This Article is part of a multi-part Study Series called The Blood Of Christ & The Forgiveness Of Sins.

The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, speaks from the perspective of his familiarity as being a Jew. He writes concerning a proper understanding of the animal sacrifices prescribed by God to cover Israel’s sins; comparing the value of these animal blood sacrifices with the blood of Christ’s sacrifice.

(To learn if Paul is the writer of Hebrew or not, go to: http://www.artlicursi.com/articles/who-wrote-book-hebrews )

Hebrews 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 every year, 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.

Today under grace, we must simply believe that Jesus’ one offering of his blood was sufficient payment before God for ALL the sins of mankind. Thereby, God has forgiven us, providing the believer with “eternal redemption.” Our redemption by the blood of Christ is good forever – 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 this cleansing of sins by Christ’s blood shed for us. Thus, Paul wrote here 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; being cleansed by the blood of Christ, we can now have boldness to enter the presence of God the Father 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 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, 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.

In Hebrews 1:3 we read how the Lord Jesus Christ, “when He had by Himself purged our sins, SAT DOWN on the right hand of the Majesty on High.”

Hebrews 10 tells us why Jesus “sat down.”

“Every priest standeth, daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same SACRIFICES, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS: But this man [Christ] AFTER HE HAD OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS FOREVER, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God …FOR BY ONE OFFERING HE HATH PERFECTED FOREVER THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED” (Heb.10:11-14).

The phrases “sacrifice for sins foreverand perfected forever speaks of the fully sufficient work of Christ to take away all sins – past, present and future – ALL sin. The word “perfected” is the Greek “teleios,” meaning “finished,” “completed,” or “consummated.” Jesus’ shed blood ever speaks on our behalf.

We should note that there were several articles of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle; there was the Table of Shewbread, The Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense, but there no chair. The priest could not sit down, for the work of redemption was not yet finished under the Old Testament. The Priest’s daily sacrifices only emphasized the fact that “it is NOT possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Heb.10:4).

All that was available before the cross of Christ was for those believers to have their sins “covered” by continual offerings of the blood sacrifice of animals.Blessed (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he … whose sin is covered (concealed). Psalm 32:1

Only the blood of the Jesus as the “Lamb of God” that sins could be expiated or “taken away.” The offering of His own blood and life “finished” the works of redemption. “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30) Hebrews 9:12, (below) speaks of everlasting redemption – we are forever redeemed by the blood of Christ. Paul then also writes this. “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:18). This eternal salvation and forever redemption by the forever taking away of our sins is the basis of our “helmet of salvation.” This helps us keep our heads about us when we fail or fall short during our sojourn on earth wherein we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

Thus Paul could write; “But This Man [CHRIST JESUS] SAT DOWN,” because by His death on Calvary — by that one offering — He paid for all our sins and “obtained eternal (Gk., aionios, everlasting) redemption for us” (Heb.10:12; 9:12).

This is why Paul, by divine inspiration, now insists that salvation is now only available “by grace,” that “it is the gift of God,” received “by faith” alone, and “not of works, lest any man should boast.” The finished work of Christ negates any need of the “works” of man toward salvation.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost (Spirit).

God has much for His people to do, but before we can do anything for Him we must receive Him. We receive Him by trusting Him for our salvation; then we also may rest in the finished work of Christ cross on our behalf. Thus we are to cease” from relying upon self-effort to obtain salvation.

Hebrews 4:9-10 THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD. 10 … he also hath CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS

God is satisfied with Christ’s payment for sins and together the Father and the Son are depicted as seated in heaven because the work is done. And now God would have us to simply trust Him and enter into His rest.