CHRIST IS SUPERIOR
Jesus’ true identity as God is revealed in Hebrews. He is the ultimate authority; greater than any other religion or any angel. He is superior to any Jewish leader, such as, Abraham, Moses or Joshua and any priest as well. Jesus, the Christ of God, is the complete revelation of the Father.
Christ alone can forgive sins and has secured that forgiveness by his brutal death on the cross. We can find true peace and tranquility by believing in Christ; in addition we can find peace with our Maker and find real meaning for life. There is no substitute, no alternative for Christ. The only way to find truth, which has and will continue to pass the test of time, is to sell out to God. It’s a choice. There are an abundance of other paths to take, but none will ever lead you where you need to go. Notice I said ‘need’, not want. That’s because where we want to go may not always be the best option. We must trust God at all times or seriously, why bother being a Christian at all.
HIGH PRIEST
The High Priest represented the Jews before God in the OT. Jesus links us with God. There is no other way to reach God. The sinless life of Jesus made him the ideal substitute to die in our place.
Jesus makes us a guarantee ... that we will always have open access to our Heavenly Father. Christ intercedes for us so that we can boldly come before God with our needs. When we have sinned and as a result become weak spiritually, being filled with guilt, we can still confidently come to God for both forgiveness and help.
SACRIFICE
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of all that OT sacrifices represented ... God’s forgiveness of sin. Since Christ was totally sinless; perfect in every way, then he was the perfect sacrifice for our sin, for his perfection allows for every sin, past, present, and future, to be forgiven.
Jesus’ death removed our sin, which kept us from God’s presence. The key is accepting his sacrifice for ourselves. By believing in Christ we are no longer found guilty, but rather cleansed and made completely whole. His sacrifice clears the way for us to have eternal life.
MATURITY
The Christian life isn’t just believing and being forgiven. We must move forward as a new creature. Scripture tells us that at that point old things have passed away and all things have become new. We are to begin to grow our faith. Thru our relationship with Christ we can live blameless lives, develop maturity, and be set apart for God’s special use.
We aren’t instantaneously mature, it takes time. It requires a daily commitment and a willingness to serve in the name of Christ. Spiritual maturity enables us to avoid worldly temptations and concerns.
FAITH
Faith is the confident trust in God’s promises. His greatest promise is that we can be saved thru Christ. If we trust Jesus to forgive us completely and totally, he will transform us into that which God foresaw in us from the beginning of time. A life of obedience and complete trust is very pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
ENDURANCE
Our faith enables Christians to face trials. Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God even when we are under fire. Endurance builds character in us and leads us to spiritual victory.
We can be victorious in our trials if we don’t ever give up or turn our backs on Christ. Stay true to Christ and pray for endurance.
Up next we will compare the Old and New Covenants. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Source: The Life Application Study Bible.
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