Preached at the SGAT meeting July 26, 2019 by Rev. Ivan Foster.
Scripture: Hebrews 9:12. "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us,"
In verse 23 the sacrifice of Christ is referred to as a 'better' sacrifice. The word means 'more excellent'. It comes from the root, 'strength, power', Luke 1:51.
The sacrifice at Calvary was FITTED. Hebs 9:9, 10:4, 14.
The sacrifice at Calvary was FUNCTIONAL. It did what the OT sacrifices could never do.
The sacrifice at Calvary was FRUITFUL. "By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
I would like to consider with you some matters about Calvary's sacrifice that make it better and more excellent than the OT types and shadows.
I. THE SAVIOUR'S SACRIFICE WAS MOST GLORIOUS
This is made evident by:
The many representations and types of it. What a variety of 'pictures' are presented of Calvary for it is so glorious that it is beyond adequate illustration.
*Animal, plus many other sacrifices.
*Numerous pictures amongst the people of God.
*Events in their life, are all employed as illustrations.
The solemn ceremonies surrounding the typical sacrifices. The incident with Uzza, 1 Chron 13:9-10, serves to illustrates the solemn and holy nature of the OT symbols.
The constant bringing of it before the people illustrates this. Every morning and evening as well as the numerous stipulated times of sacrifices. The 7th month illustrates this powerfully, Numbers 29:1.
These types were absolutely central to the life of Israel. It started every year, every month and every day!
II. THE SAVIOUR'S SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF HAS PURCHASED COUNTLESS RICHES FOR HIS PEOPLE
"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbsthey shall eat it," Ex 12:7-8. Almost every sacrifice provided food for feasting!
* The merits of Christ's blood have brought us back to God to dwell. Rev 22:3-4.
* The merits of Christ's blood have brought us before God to rejoice. Genesis 47:7, 2 Corinthians 1:2-4.
* The merits of Christ's blood have raised us up to God to reign. 1 Samuel 2:8; Romans 8:16-18.
* The merits of Christ's blood will raise us in His likeness. "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness," Psalm 17:15."But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord," 2 Cor. 3:18.
Who can comprehend this?
III. ETERNITY FOR THE BELIEVER ENTAILS THE ENJOYING OF THE RICHES OF THE CROSS
I mentioned already the feasting upon the sacrifices. The annual feasts were times of joyful fellowship and rest from labour and toil. See 2 Chronicles 30. What a wonderful picture of a future time of blessing for Israel.
The whole nation summoned to Jerusalem. Verse 5. Long neglected ordinance.
A great returning. Verses 6-9.
A humbled people purged away the idols. Vs 11-14.
There was cleansing, pardon and prolonged joy granted. Verses 17-23.
Time of perfect security. Exodus 34:23-24.
They feasted upon the king's provision. Verses 24-27.
This is a prophetic picture of that day when the Lord will gather redeemed Israel and cause them to feast upon the bounty of Calvary's riches.
It is also a picture of our, all of the redeemed, feasting eternally on the sweet fruits of the Saviour's "Better sacrifice"?