Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. - Hebrews 10:11-12 (HCSB)
Today, we celebrate Good Friday, the day Jesus cried, "It is finished." I love that phrase. It has such a finality to it. Do you know what Jesus did, after coming back to life and eventually ascended to heaven? He sat down. Really, the writer of Hebrews actually mentions that Jesus took a seat. Why?
The Savior is seated. Do not let this fact be mistaken for laziness or inattention. He is seated because His work is finished. Under the Jewish religious system, the priest stood, performing the same rituals and sacrifices over and over again. This system was never intended to forgive sins. The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). The priests’ repetitive sacrifices only served to remind people of their sins over and over.
Then Jesus came. He fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). He offered Himself as the payment for humanity’s sins... one time, forever. He achieved what the Law never could. He achieved righteousness for the human race. He became our substitute. Then, Hebrews 10:12 tells us, He sat down.
He sat down because His work was finished. In contrast to the standing priest, offering temporary sacrifices and reminding people of their sins, Jesus sat down after offering a permanent sacrifice that removes people’s sins. This is phenomenal news.
This is revolutionary, even controversial. No more sacrifices. No more guilt. No more attempts at self-righteousness. We really don't have a clue how significant this event is. A seated Savior means total forgiveness. A seated Savior means that, once you are saved, He remembers your sins no more. He forgets your past... and your future. This is not an easy thing to accept; it sounds too good to be true. We always want to add something to the equation. Self-righteousness has always been mankind's problem, and I daresay it always will. Perhaps that's why I've listened to sermons that said (quite literally), "If you keep sinning, your Savior may finally give up on you and bring you home." That scared me to death. I daresay that most of my life I've lived in fear that God would get tired of my continual struggle with sin and "turn off the lights."
That's a shame, because it's a lie. It's a lie from Satan, the father of lies. It's a lie designed to keep believers in bondage and has deceived many a dear child of God.
Either it's finished or it isn't.
My friend, if you've placed your faith in Christ, you're forgiven. I mean, really forgiven, okay? He took care of all the sins you committed before you came to Him. And guess what? He's already forgiven you for what you'll do tomorrow. That's the Gospel. You know that habit you can't break? The sin that has haunted you for years, causing you to doubt your salvation countless times? The same one that fills your heart with shame every time you ask God for forgiveness, just hoping He'll give you "one more chance"? He forgave that too. And when He looks at you. He sees righteousness. Righteousness. As a believer, you are righteous in God's sight. Don't feel very righteous? That's ok. All He sees is Jesus! You're covered.
He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (HCSB)
His work is finished. Rest in that today. Don't let anyone guilt you into thinking it's up to you now. It never was, and it never will be.
Oh, and by the way, if you just happen to be reading this and you are not a believer... I don't know what you've heard or what you've been told about God, but somebody lied to you about Him. Maybe they were just confused. Your sins can be forgiven, too. If you run to Jesus, He won't be angry with you. He'll forgive you too. Just ask Him.
By His Grace,
Adam
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