Redemption Decided Before the World Was Framed - Part 568

It is for this cause Jesus is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)  As a consequence, we are now justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.  (Romans 3:24) 

Jesus' precious blood was shed on the cross so that we -- you and I -- could be justified freely by the grace of Jesus.  Justified even though we were without merit. Justified even though none of us were deserving of His grace. The Bible states that we have all sinned -- each and every one of us -- and fallen short of the glory of God.

This is why God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-14) So that our sins and transgressions could be covered with His blood as if we were righteous people capable of adhering to the strict ordinances contained in the Law under the old covenant. The promise of salvation decided before the world was framed. 

The shedding of Jesus own blood -- His sacrifice -- was the sufficient atonement necessary for our sins. As a consequence, we are no longer bound under the constraints and chains of the law. Jesus, at the moment of His death removed all the barriers that existed between God and man. The veil that up until this point had served as a barrier between God and man was rent from top to bottom. (Hebrews 4:14-16) 

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51) 

And from the very moment the veil was torn, our Lord God and Saviour became our High Priest. He was making a way for you and I to enter into the Holy of Holies. Never again would our creator who loved us so much from the beginning of time dwell in a temple made with hands. (Acts 17:24, Luke 13:35, Hebrews 9:8-13) He wanted to dwell in our hearts. Indeed, Jesus was establishing a new covenant for His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Therefore, there is no other mediator between God and man, except Christ Jesus. In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." 

Hebrews 10 expands on this point. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil that is to say, His flesh. And having a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

Therefore, be confident "in whom we have redemption -- through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever -- is faithful and just. Stand in the offering plate.