Read Leviticus 4
What is interesting here is that this reading starts out (v. 1-12) providing for a way for the high priest to atone for his own sin. Because the priests and even the high priest are humans, they were all sinful. But we are told in Hebrews that Jesus is the High Priest who is sinless. He does not need to atone for his own sin (See Hebrews 7:27). Therefore, he can offer himself as the sacrifice, once for all, for the forgiveness of us all. Jesus is the Victim, Jesus is the Priest. And we are made right with God through him.
Read Romans 4
In this chapter Paul begins to make a big deal about this faith. He goes back to Abraham and talks about how he is justified by faith. He points out (and we saw this when we studied Genesis in September and October) that Abraham was given the promise in Ch. 12, then in Ch. 15 we hear that Abraham believes and it was "credited to him as righteousness." Then it is in Ch. 17 that Abraham is given the sign of the covenant, circumcision. Therefore, faith came first. Abraham was already in a covenant relationship with God, already a recipient of the promise before Abraham did any works of the law (that is, being circumcised).
Therefore, we are not justified by the law, Paul says, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul will continue to build on this idea all the way throughout the book. In chapter 8 we'll see that there is now no condemnation for "those who are in Christ Jesus."
That means you and me. I'm glad it doesn't depend upon works. Not that I don't want good works, I do. And not that I am going to use this free gift of God as an excuse to sin. No! Some accused Paul of preaching that it was ok to do that. But Paul said in our reading yesterday that their condemnation is just (3:8). We should not go on doing evil. But I am glad it doesn't depend upon works because I have so many sins and so few good works. How do I know how many works are good enough for God. So, yes, I'm glad that I am saved in spite of what I've done.
Our salvation is all by grace through faith. It doesn't matter if we are blood-descendants of Abraham or not. It doesn't matter if we are circumcised or not. It doesn't matter if we are male or female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile. It is by grace through faith.
Tomorrow, Paul will build on this and explain some of the practical benefits of being a child of God by grace through faith.
Until then, we rejoice in the free gift of our salvation!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today. That God for saving you, despite all your sin and all your failings. thank God that Jesus took the pain and punishment of our death and hell for us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would enable you to always appreciate this gift and live in Christ to God's glory. Ask God to help you seize every opportunity today to let the light of Christ shine.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
How much of the sin atoning done in Leviticus has cultural implications? Just from reading how serious and detailed it is, I can understand why the Pharisees would be so meticulous in keeping the law.
ReplyDeleteOf course, they ignore the Messiah, I understand.
Not sure exactly how to answer that, so I'll pretending you are wondering out loud... : )
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, the Pharisees weren't meticulous enough. Jesus spends a good portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) explaining the true meaning of the Law. The Law permitted divorce, but the true intent is to have a Godly marriage. The Law says "do not commit adultery," but Jesus points out that the Law really means "do not even look at someone lustfully." The true heart of the Law is to love God perfectly and love the neighbor perfectly.
So really the Pharisees were not meticulous enough. So it is certainly Good News to hear (as we do all over Romans) that we are saved by grace, not by works of the Law.
I'm good at wondering aloud.
ReplyDelete