MAY 01, 2024
Topic: THE CROSS IN REDEMPTION
Text: Hebrews 9: 11-15
Memory Verse: “Heb. 9:15 – “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance”.
The matter at stake was the effect and consequences of sin, inherited by the Adamic nature through which physical and spiritual death came into the world (Rom. 5:12-14). The good Lord wanting to deal with sin gave the laws through Moses to affirm the first covenant with Abraham. Alas, sin still reigned regardless of the law, because by the law itself, is the knowledge of sin (Rom 3:20); sin took advantage of the law to deceive us, using the various commands which were in form of ceremonial sacrifices (Rom. 7:10-13; Heb. 9:13), yet resulting in spiritual death!
Not one human can ever be reconciled to God by meritoriously keeping the law (Rom 3:20). However, thanks be to God, for Jesus Christ who “offered Himself” (Heb. 9:14b) and became propitiation and atonement for our sins, releasing us from both the grips and power of the law of sin and death (Rom. 7:6, 25), from which no one could have redeemed us (Acts 4:12).
The cross therefore is a constant reminder of a Redeemer and Saviour: redeeming us from the curse of the law, offering Himself as “a curse” (Gal. 3:10,13); redeeming us from shame and suffering and from eternal death to eternal life!
O Christian, rejoice that you have been bought with a “high price” (1 Cor. 6:20) by reason of the cross, so that you can be reconciled to your estranged Father. You were not redeemed with silver or gold, but with the spotless blood of the sinless Jesus, shed right there on the cross (1 Pet. 1:18-19); He being your peace, demolishing the middle wall of separation, thus bringing you face to face with your God (Eph. 2:14-16).
What would you do, dear Christian knowing this? Offer your sacrifices of praise continually, let your old nature be crucified just as he was (Rom. 6:6) and finally let the world and its allure be crucified to you, and you to it (Gal. 6:14).
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, no one took Your life, You willingly gave it to save and redeem a wretched sinner like me. Thank You that sin has lost its power and grip over me, and I, who was once an enemy of God, is now reconciled to Him and now I am His child. Receive my thanksgiving Lord, in Jesus’ name I ask it.