2024-01-31 “We have an altar”

Hebrews 13:10  “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

Under the Old Testament Law Service, “an alter” was built by men, upon which sacrificial offerings were made to God.  When our Lord said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39), the phrase, “the scriptures”, includes the teachings of offerings made upon their alters.  John The Baptist referred to Him as the Sacrificial “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).  And, John the Apostle described Him as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:18) and saw Him as “a Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6) and heard those in Heaven singing “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” (Revelation 5:12).  We are told that our Lord Jesus Christ “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).  Our Lord tells us, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15) and “I lay down my life, that I might take it again” (John 10:17).  Paul tells us that “by the obedience of one [Jesus Christ] shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).  Peter tells us that “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just [Jesus Christ] for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (I Peter 3:18).  Thus, it is clear that “Christ” offered Himself to God the Father to pay our sin-debt.  In His Offering, He offered a singular Sacrifice (Himself), and in His Offering He forever cleansed and justified His people before God the Father.  While still on the Cross, He declared “It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30); that is, He fully, finally, and forever “finished” the Sacrifice necessary to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).  The Jewish and Roman authorities crucified Him, but He gave His own Life.  Therefore, Jesus Christ is our High Priest, Who offered Himself upon the “alter” of His own will and purpose to redeem His people.  He alone is our “alter” upon which He offered Himself; thus, we bow before Him and worship Him and serve Him and look to Him for grace to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).  The Old Testament alters prophetically pointed to Him, these alters have filled their purpose.  The modern manmade alters and sacrificial acts cannot save or deliver anyone; but, our Lord on His “alter” did!  Now, it is certain that “We have and alter” upon which our Lord Jesus Christ “finished” everything necessary to “save his people from their sins”!