24 January 2023

Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshippers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin?

From Hebrews 10:1-10, NRSV

The author continues with his now familiar theme of the complete and permanent salvation that has been gained through Christ’s sacrifice. It may seem that he is being critical of the practice of animal sacrifices made under the Old Covenant. Perhaps what he is saying is not that the Old Law was “bad” but that it was insufficient. The very fact that these sacrifices had to be repeated meant that they did not bring about total cleansing from sin. These practices under the Old Covenant were but a foreshadowing of the good things to come where there is no longer a need for sacrificial offering because we have been cleansed “once and for all”.

• • How do you suppose these words were received by people who had spent most of their lives in obedience to the Jewish Law? 
  • What difference does Christ’s loving obedience on the Cross make to the way you live?

You may like to spend some time in prayer before a Crucifix, remembering what Christ’s loving obedience achieved you you and for all.