He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12
God made a covenant with Israel when, through Moses, He led them out of Egyptian slavery. A designated place of worship was given to this nation, a Tent, the Tabernacle. God resided with His people, but His people did not have direct access to Him. Once a year the high priest went into the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary, covered in the blood of goats and calves, to make atonement. This was an annual ritual to remind the people of their sins. It was limited and had no power of redemption. The bondage of sin and human nature was never broken.
Jesus, the Christ, God’s Son, became the perfect sacrifice. With love He voluntarily gave His life to set all men free from sin’s consequence. Through Jesus’ blood, sin is wiped away. Through His death we all can have eternal life.
Today we title churches The House of God. They are exactly that. They are the representation of God with us in a living, active and powerful way. Those who gather there are the Body of Christ, the community of believers, those who by faith are saved and lay their lives down as a living sacrifice so that others may feel God’s love and find redemption.
Have a Terrific Tuesday,
Gretchen