Pastor Bob DuPar
November 9, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:11-28; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 27:11

Observation

“Then I said, ‘Ah, Sovereign Lord! They are saying of me, ‘Isn’t he just telling parables?” Ezekiel 20:49

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.”
Hebrews 9:14

“…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22

“For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. …Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:24, 28

Application

Sometimes people receive the message which God gives us as if it were a myth – merely a story. It’s difficult to relate the truths of Scripture with those who view God’s Word as simply optional advice.

Yesterday’s reading in Hebrews 9:9 told us that the old sacrificial system was unable to “clear the conscience of the worshiper.” Today we read in Hebrews 9:14 that the blood of Christ is able to cleanse our consciences “so that we may serve the living God.” The purpose of a clean/clear conscience is not so we can indulge deeper in sin with no remorse, but rather that we might serve the living God!

Christ is superior to the earthly high priests because: 1. He never needs to be replaced since He lives forever to eternally intercede for us. 2. His sacrifice is perfect. 3. His sacrifice is Himself and not an animal. 4. His sacrifice is “once-for-all” and never needs to be repeated. 5. He intercedes for us in God’s very presence rather than in a man-made structure. 6. His sacrifice cleanses our conscience.

Prayer

“Lord, I am waiting for You to bring Your promised salvation. How awesome it will be to be forever in Your presence – never to be separated.”