From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2023 at 5:48 AM

Subject: 2-1-23 THOUGHTS

2-1-23   THOUGHTS

It’s a discussion of covenants.  The Old is used to show the BETTER of the New. The old was the tutor to bring us to the new.  The priests of the old are compared to the High Priest of the new.  Verses 11-12 below tell the story!  It’s the story of the Son of God saving us and making a way into the presence of God!  (See Heb 10:18-23)  A child of God with a clean conscience who serves his God, is the result.  We must see the fullness of this reading.  

Heb 9:1-14    Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.  2  For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.  3  Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 4  having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5  and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.  6  Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship,  7  but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. 8   The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9  which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,  10  since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation. 11  But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12  and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13  For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14  how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

My Prayer:
Father, the wonder of you saving us, is beyond our ability to comprehend.   We can but give thanks as we praise your name.  Help us to diligently study Christ and your grace, mercy and love.  Please may we have the clean conscience you speak of, as we serve you in Christ Jesus.  As Jesus has allowed us into Your Presence, we ask that we may abide there.  Teach us keen awareness,  and impute to us what is needed,  for us to know You in the present tense.  May we grow in faith as we pursue a closer walk with You.  

In the name of our Savior,     Amen.