The Necessity of Christ’s Death (Heb

The Necessity of Christ’s Death
Hebrews 9:15-22
I. To Ratify Our Atonement (v.15)
A. Christ’s death removes our sins, not just covers our sins. (v.15)
a. Why the New Covenant is Better than the Old Covenant
1. The Mosaic Covenant could only point out one’s sins, not cleanse the conscience. (cf., 9:13-14)
2. The Mosaic Covenant could only cover sins. Christ’s death removed sins of all believers.
II. To Release Our Allotments (v.16-21)
A. The death of Christ granted our eternal allotments which include forgiveness of sin and an eternal inheritance. (v.16-17)
a. Two facets of the Covenant:
1. Covenant - as it relates to unconditional promises.
2. Covenant - as it relates to a will or testament.
B. Blood was shed as a means of enacting the benefits of the covenant. [cf., Ex 24:3-8] (v.18-21)
III. To Remove Our Affliction (v. 22)
A. Christ’s death ensures that our sins are forgiven. [cf., Mt 26:28]
a. How Christians Experience God’s Forgiveness
b. How We Can Draw Near to God:
1. Study the Word of God. You can’t practice what you don’t know. (Psalm 119:11)
2. Allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:16; Gal. 5:16-24).
3. Become active in the Christian disciplines of prayer and service. Prayer keeps us connected to God and using our talents, knowledge, and resources to serve God’s kingdom will keep us from engaging our energies in sinful behavior. (Rev. 12:11).
Point to Ponder:
If God’s sole means of salvation is based on the shed blood of His Son - something infinitely precious to Him - then how would one expect Him to respond to those who seek His approval and favor by law-keeping and their best efforts to please Him? This is what these Hebrew Christians, and many today try to do in thinking that they can offer something other than faith alone in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sin. Nothing is more offensive to God than for men to seek His favor apart from the shed blood of Jesus.
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 122.
Ibid., 122.
Ibid., 124.