CHRIST'S SACRIFICE - ONCE FOR ALL

Christ’s Sacrifice – Once for All

One of my favorite times of the year is right now. As I sit and think about the activities of the week of Passion, I am overwhelmed by feelings of awe, wonder, thankfulness, and unworthiness. It all begins with Palm Sunday. The crowds gathered to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem by waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (John 12:13)!” The celebration quickly turns to sorrow when the disciples are told by Jesus that soon He will die. “You are going to have the light just a little while longer (John 12:35).” The week seems to fly by as you read the scriptures in John. Ministry highs like the washing of the disciples’ feet are coupled with the lows of betrayal. The praises of the people are soon exchanged with the curling screams to “Crucify Him!” Then our Lord was hung on a wooden cross and brutally killed. Our perfect Christ paid the cost for my sin and your sin. I was the reason He was crucified. You were the reason He was crucified. Was this sacrifice enough? The people of God had been offering sacrifices for ages. What makes this sacrifice greater than those? Why do we no longer need to offer sacrifices like they did all through the Bible?
The author of Hebrews addresses these questions in chapter 10. In the Old Testament, the sacrifices that were made were “annual reminders of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (vs.3-4).” An animal cannot possibly be a completely adequate substitute for a human being. We are made in the image of God; animals are not. “Therefore, Christ came into the world (v. 5a).” By Jesus coming and laying down His life for us, the first established set of offerings was put aside. All these offerings were in place to point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. By this, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (v. 10).” Notice it does not say “once for some” but “once for ALL.” Jesus’ sacrifice was enough.

“And all of You is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love,
And all I have in You is more than enough.”

On another note, today is the 2 year anniversary of Edie Burgess as our Worship Ministry Assistant. Please take the time to email (edieburgess@fbccanton.org) or call (770.479.5538 ext.1324) and let her know how much you appreciate all the hard work she does.

I can hardly wait for Easter Sunday Morning!

Aaron Hodges

P.S. I am still in awe of what you all allowed God to do through you last Sunday night!