Glory Shadowing The Mercy Seat, Of Which We Cannot Now Speak Particularly - Part 2278

"... 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: 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; [which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:4-10)

As we are witnessing here, the old covenant and law could not bring salvation -- the re-establishing of a personal relationship with God our Saviour -- to one and all, both Israelites and Gentiles. This is why the law (in this current dispensation of grace) is a schoolmaster, intended to bring us to Christ. Because within the law, we should recognize that each and every one of us have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.

It is in this context that we need the "but Christ" -- who was destined from the very beginning to bring forth a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands but by His own blood, wherein He entered in once into the holy place, to obtain eternal redemption for you and I. Why is this important? Because it is through the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, so that our conscience could be purged from dead works to serve the living God.

In so doing, He became the mediator of the New Testament, the Lord Himself pitching the tent so that we might experience His redemption plan, wherein He paid the price with His own blood for our sins. As a consequence, we should be so very thankful that we have a Lord God and Saviour who loves us -- His beloved creation -- beyond measure. And too, that His salvation plan was specifically established so that we would have eternal, everlasting life in Him.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which He hath purchased with that His own blood." (1599 Geneva -- Acts 20:28)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Authorized King James -- Acts 20:28)

Continuing in Hebrews 9 -- But Christ!

"But 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; 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.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies 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?

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 the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."

Moreover, He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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." (Hebrews 9:2-4)

It is for this reason that we who believe greatly rejoice in the Lord, our soul so very joyful in our God; for He hath clothed us with the garments of salvation. He hath covered us with His robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself with] her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)

So now, knowing that we can receive His free gift of salvation, knowing our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ as both our friend and Saviour, finish the course that He has established for us with joy, and the ministry, which we have received of the Lord Jesus -- "to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

Stand in the offering plate.