And If Ye Be Christ's - Part 774

Too often we focus on the first covenant -- the things of the Old Testament without giving proper attention and focus to the new covenant, wherein is our salvation. For those new to the faith, the old covenant included ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary, a made tabernacle, candlestick and table, and shewbread (which is called the sanctuary).

"And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people." (Hebrews 9:1-7)

The next couple of verses state, "The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing -- which was a figure for the time then present -- in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." (Hebrews 9:8-9)

Why not? Because he "which stood only in meats and drinks and divers washings and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation" could not obtain lasting eternal redemption for people. Even with annual blood sacrifices, the people's sins could not be forgiven to the point that their consciences would be clear.

In other words, the law which was the schoolmaster under the old covenant could not suffice. In fact, for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written: "Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written not in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith but the man that doeth them shall live in them. BUT Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:1-14)

This is why "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building -- and 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 9:11-12)

Once and for all, Jesus shed His precious blood on a cross for our transgressions -- never to be remembered again when we seek Him by faith. Indeed, He gave Himself (He who knew no sin became sin) that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. (Galatians 1:1-5)

The question asked? "For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh -- how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

How much more indeed? And for this cause, "He 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 -- for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of a testator ... So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation ... For the law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect." (Hebrews 9:15-28; Hebrews 10:1)

So why then did Paul, an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ) admonish the Galatians saying, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."

But now that the seed has come -- the Christ -- God in the flesh -- is the law then against the promises of God? The scriptures state, "God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law ... but the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:16-22)

This is the promise given to those who believe on Jesus and seek His righteousness with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.

"Wherefore the law WAS [for the believer and IS for the unbeliever] our schoolmaster to bring us into Christ, that we might be justified by faith. For after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-28)

"And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) Let him that have ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.