Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 1, 2009
Topic: God


The Real God

There are some shaky and inaccurate beliefs about God in our world today. Many people don't have any idea who God is or how to relate to Him. They might believe God is distant and unconcerned. Or that you and I are on our own in the universe. Some might even insist that God didn't create men and women--that we just evolved.

But instead of listening to what some people say, let's listen to what God says. If you want to know the real God, the God who is in charge of everything, you need look no further than the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say

The whole Bible, all 66 books of it, is God's Word given to us. So all of it is useful for finding out about who God is and what He desires of us. But let's look specifically at Hebrews 1:1-3.

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets"(Hebrews 1:1, ESV). God speaks to us. This verse specifically talks about the prophets that relayed God's messages. Many of those prophets also wrote down God's words and those writings form much of our Old Testament. God's words given to the prophets were meant first for the Jewish people--but then for us also.

"But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom he also created the world"(Hebrews 1:2, ESV). More recent than the prophets, God spoke to us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the creator of the world and the heir of all things. Jesus speaks to us the words of God.

"He [Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high"(Hebrews 1:3, ESV).

Not only is Jesus the creator of the universe, He is also the forgiver of our sins. Jesus "upholds the universe by the word of his power." And later in Hebrews we see that Jesus is "able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives make intercession for them"(Hebrews 7:25, ESV).

He is the Lord of all creation and Savior of our souls. He is the One who scattered the stars in the heavens and has numbered the hairs on our heads. He is God, the second Person of the Trinity, and a friend we can draw near to. Why would we need anything else?

My Thoughts

As you read Hebrews 1:1-3, think about the following questions:

Knowing that God is creator of all things, what does that say about human origins?

What does God do in these verses to demonstrate His love for us?

Why is it important to you and me that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father?

My Part

God has used the words of Psalm 139 to comfort and encourage many people since David wrote it nearly 3,500 years ago. This psalm is one of the most beautiful descriptions of God's intimate care and involvement in our lives. Read through Psalm 139 and pick out a couple of verses that really speak to you. Take those verses and write them out on paper in big letters. Decorate it and hang it up where you will see it often. If you prefer, use a computer and word processing program.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 2, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Jesus above Angels

Angels are popular today. Nearly every major newspaper and magazine over the last few years has run a story about angels. And, of course, many stores offer angel statues, angel jewelry, angel pictures, etc. In fact, a few years back a survey discovered that there are more than 140 stores in the United States that specialize solely in angel paraphernalia.

While angels are certainly a reality, do they deserve all the attention they're receiving these days? Let's look at what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16 ESV).

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen"

(Romans 1:24-25 ESV).

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 ESV).

    * Who created the angels?
    * What happens when people focus on that which was created rather than the Creator?
    * What is the true purpose of angels in their relationship with humans?

My Thoughts

Today's fascination with angels borders on worship. Do you find yourself more attracted to angels than Jesus? Memorize Hebrews 1:4. The next time you're tempted to buy another "angel item," remind yourself who is better--angels or Jesus.

My Part

Take a look around your home and garden. You may also want to consider the jewelry you wear. Is there any indication that angels may be holding a more prominent place in your life than Jesus? Consider removing items that might distract you or others from the Person who should be the primary focus of your attention and adoration.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 3, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Better Than Angels

Americans are fascinated with angels. Seventy to 80 percent of Americans believe in angels--including guardian angels. The TV series Touched by an Angel was watched by 24 million people during its nine-year run.

Unfortunately, the same enthusiasm doesn't hold true when it comes to a biblical view of Jesus. Only about nine percent of adult Americans understand the true significance of our Savior.

This lopsided view becomes especially important when we see what the Bible says about Jesus and angels.

What Does God Say?

Read the following verses from the Book of Hebrews and indicate how Jesus differs from the angels.

    * Hebrews 1:1-4
    * Hebrews 1:5
    * Hebrews 1:6
    * Hebrews 1:7-8
    * Hebrews 1:13

My Thoughts

While it may be appropriate to appreciate the ministry of angels, keep in mind they are only doing what God has instructed them to do (Hebrews 1:14). Jesus, on the other hand, chose to take on human flesh, to live among us and, finally, to die for our sins. No one forced Him to do any of those things against His will. As He told His disciples:

"The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded " (John 10:17-18, NLT).

Be aware, as well, that angels can be deceptive. Paul warns us that Satan can disguise himself as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). In Galatians, the apostle implies that angels (those who fell with Satan) are capable of perpetrating a false gospel (Galatians 1:8 ). As a result, those claiming their teaching comes from an angel should be treated with caution.

My Part

Take some time today to think about the superiority of Christ over the angels. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving and praise that it was God, not an angel, who purchased your salvation.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 6, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Better Than the Law

The law for a child might be, "Don't run into a busy street, even to get your favorite ball." Now that law was not meant to keep your little one from having fun but to protect him or her.

God gave us the Law. But Jesus gave us something much better. First, let's look at why God gave the Law.

What Does God Say?

Why did God give us the Law in the first place? The Bible tells us simply and clearly.

Look up Galatians 3:19 and Romans 5:20 (NLT) and answer the following questions.

    * Who gave the Law?
    * To whom was the Law given?
    * How long was the Law designed to last?
    * What became more and more abundant as people sinned more?

So, then, what was the problem with the Law God gave us? Nothing. The problem was our disobedience, our inability and unwillingness to obey.

"Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, 'You must not covet'" (Romans 7:7, NLT).

So, trying to be good, trying to follow all the rules and regulations of religion, was a losing battle. Because the Law showed us how sinful we were, what was originally intended to be a guide and a help, now condemned us.

"So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good (Romans 7:10-12, NLT).

My Thoughts

So, God's Law which is holy and right showed me how sinful and disobedient I really am. I fool myself anytime I think I can be good enough to please God by trying harder not to sin or I can be OK with God simply by following the rules.

"For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will" (Romans 8:7, NLT).

What, then, is better than the Law? What does the Bible reveal that is wonderful news?

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:21-22, NLT).

"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God--something the law of Moses could never do" (Acts 13:38-39, NLT).

    * What difference does Christ make in our lives, in living in a way that pleases God?
    * Write out the differences and star those that are cause to praise God.

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." (Romans 8:3, NLT).

"But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit" (Romans 7:6, NLT).

My Part

Memorize Galatians 2:20. Ask God to help you live this out daily in your life.

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 7, 2009
Topic: Faith/Trust


Who's Better Than Jesus

You know, my first thought when I looked at the title of today's study (Who's Better Than Jesus) was of Abbott and Costello's classic comedy routine, Who's On First? In that routine, the comedy was built around a misunderstanding: The first baseman had the unusual nickname of "Who." Now, there may have been very few men like "Who" when it came to playing first base (or Abbott and Costello when it came to comedy). But when it comes to restoring our relationship with God, there's no one like Jesus.

Many people make that mistake, though; and the result isn't comical, it's tragic. Nothing and no one is better than Jesus. And when we put our trust in anything other than Him, the results will be disastrous.

What Does the Bible Say

In Hebrews we've seen how Jesus is better at providing everything you and I really need.

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6, NKJV).

Jesus is the author of a better covenant--essentially the terms of our relationship with God. Under the Old Covenant, yearly sacrifices were required to cover the sins of the people. But Jesus died once to pay for sins once and for all time. All of us can now have a relationship with God knowing that when we trust Christ, He washes away our sins forever. Apart from Jesus, a relationship with God would be impossible.

Jesus also provides hope. "On the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:19, NKJV). A lot of movies and novels will make much of the fact that hope will sustain a person in even the darkest times. But in those stories the hope is usually for family or a return home. How much more powerful is the hope Jesus brings! "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19, NKJV).

Many people make promises to us, but only Jesus can supply everything we really need. He's the only One we can truly trust.

My Thoughts

So, what are your thoughts? Is it easy or hard to believe that Jesus is better than anything we can put our trust in? What have you seen that makes it easy? What makes it hard? What is one specific thing you can do today to show Jesus you trust Him?

My Part

Take an inventory of how trusting Jesus has made your life better. As you think of these blessings, turn them into praise. Thank God for everything He's done for you. Let the memory of God's faithfulness in the past fuel your trust in the future.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 8, 2009
Topic: Jesus


God's Plan

It's easy to look at the events leading up to Jesus' Crucifixion and conclude that things went horribly wrong, that Jesus wandered into Satan's trap and died as a result. The Bible tells a very different story. Jesus' death and Resurrection were part of the plan all along.

What Does the Bible Say?

After His Resurrection, Luke records a conversation between Jesus and two men on the road to Emmaus. "And he [Jesus] said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:25-27, ESV).

Moses was most known to the Jews as the man to whom God gave the Law. Moses and his brother established the sacrificial system at God's direction. The author of the Book Hebrews would later explain how the imperfect sacrifice of animals to atone for sins was a foreshadowing of a perfect future sacrifice: the sacrifice of Jesus.

Old Testament Scripture, like the following verse from Isaiah, includes descriptive prophecies to describe Jesus' suffering and the redemptive nature of His sacrifice.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, ESV).

Let's look further at what Isaiah 53 has to say about Jesus.

My Thoughts

As you read through Isaiah 53, think about the following questions:

1. Why is it important to understand that Jesus' death was part of the plan?

2. How has His sacrifice brought "peace" to your life?

3. How has He brought "healing" into your life?

4. When you think of His sacrifice, do you feel amazed? Humbled? Grateful? Write down 2 or 3 adjectives to describe how you feel.

My Part

Of all the Gospel writers, Matthew seems most concerned with showing Jesus as the One foretold in the prophecies. Over the next week read through the Book of Matthew and find all the places where Matthew quotes an Old Testament author. A good study Bible will help you find these verses.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 9, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, God


Jesus Is God

Why can't people of all religious faiths accept that one faith may have as much validity as another? That's an insurmountable difficulty for Christians. Why? Because only Christians claim that the founder of their faith, Jesus of Nazareth, while fully human, is also fully God.

And this belief, that Jesus is God, sets Christianity apart from all religions and philosophies and contradicts their teachings. That Jesus is God is one of the most taught and affirmed truths in the Bible

What Does God Say?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is God. Read the following verses and answer the questions:

          o Colossians 1:15-17
          o John 1:1-4
          o John 1:14,17

1. How does it help you to see Christ as a "visible image of the invisible God"?
2. What kind of things does the Bible say God the Father created through Christ?
3. Who holds all creation together?
4. Who is referred to as "the Word" in John 1:1-4?
5. What does it mean to you that "His life brought light to everyone"?
6. How was the Law given to us?
7. Through whom did we receive God's unfailing love and faithfulness?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus proclaimed Himself God. Look at:

          o John 10:30
          o John 8:42
          o John 14:9-11

Now, answer these questions:

   1. What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father?
   2. Who sent Jesus into the world?
   3. Jesus said you would love Him if what?
   4. Jesus doesn't speak on His own initiative but whose?

          o The Bible teaches clearly that the followers of Jesus said He is God.

Matthew 14:33 and Matthew 16:16-17 are the verses that tell us that. Read them and answer these questions:

   1. How did Jesus' disciples reveal their belief that Jesus was God's Son?
   2. What caused the people to believe that Jesus was "the Prophet we have been expecting" (NLT)?
   3. How did the disciples' description of who Jesus is differ from the description the people gave?
   4. Who revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Son of God?

          o The Bible teaches clearly that the enemies of Jesus believed that Jesus said He is God.

You'll find that recorded in John 10:31-33; John 8:42 and John 8:58-59. Read those verses and answer these questions:

   1. What question did Jesus ask the Jews who were preparing to stone Him?
   2. Why were they going to stone Him?
   3. Where did Jesus say He had come from?
   4. Why did Jesus hide Himself?

My Thoughts

What do you think? Do you believe that Jesus is God? Would you say that to be a Christian, you must believe what Jesus said about His identity? If you do believe it, the Bible assures you:

"All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God" (1 John 4:15, NLT).

My Part

If you do not confess that Jesus is God, you exclude yourself from God's family. It is God's truth that Jesus, His Son, is God. And it pleases God when we believe that truth--and it is the only way to salvation.

"For God in all his fullness
      was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
      everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
      by means of Christ's blood on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, NASB).

If Jesus is God, and He is, then He was telling the truth when He said He had the power to forgive sins and when He said that He is the only way to God and heaven.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 10, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Something Better

Here's an exciting opportunity. You just won first prize at the opening of the new bank. You have three minutes, 180 seconds, to carry out of the vault as much cash as you can. What you carry you can keep. But in fact there are two vaults: one filled with $5 bills and the other with $100 bills. In which vault do you begin? Duh!

No brainer, right? You choose the one with the best return. And the same is true when we want to hear from God. God has used many ways in the past to communicate with us, but now He has provided the best way of all. Let's see what that might be.

What Does God Say?

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2, ESV).

What does this verse say about the ways God has spoken to us? What are some of the ways that God has made His Word known in the past? Your answers might include: creation--humankind, the world; men--like poets, preachers and prophets; circumstances; events and conscience (the "oughtness" within).

Today God speaks to us through His Son. What are the advantages of hearing from God through His Son?

"The words that I [Jesus] say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works" (John 14:10, ESV).

Jesus also taught us that He and He alone, was the way to God: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6 NKJV).

My Thoughts

Now, you may ask, don't other religions and philosophies say they’re the way to life or the way to God? While they may claim something like that, there is one huge difference between Christianity and all the others--in Christianity Christ says not only "here is the way" but also I give you the power to live that way.

When you have Jesus teaching you the very words of God, and you have Jesus enabling you to live God's way, then you have something much better than any other religion or philosophy that has ever existed.

My Part

Want know what God says? What to know what God's will for your life is? Want to know how to have a personal relationship with God? Take your Bible, go to the Gospels, read about what Jesus said and did--and you'll discover for yourself the very words of God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 13, 2009
Topic: Jesus


The Greatest Prophet

What do people do that irritates you? Maybe a lot of things. But according to one survey, a majority of people consider the most obnoxious personality trait in others is "a lack of dependability." In other words, they can't be trusted to do what they say they will do.

God pointed to dependability as an essential mark of every genuine prophet. Moses warned the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 18:22 (ESV), "When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him."

Today's Bible study will show you how Jesus Christ is a true prophet--infinitely greater than all the other prophets of God.

What Does God Say?

When the prophet Moses spoke, he uttered the very truths and promises that he had heard from the Lord. One of God's promises to His chosen people is found in Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (ESV): "I will raise up for them a prophet like you [Moses] from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him."

There were many remarkable prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Daniel and John the Baptist. All of them spoke boldly in the name of the Lord, but the great Prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy 18 is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority" (John 7:16-17 ESV). What Jesus says is totally dependable because He not only speaks God's words. He is the complete revelation of God in the flesh. He is the God-Man, the Way, the Truth and the Life. All that He says about the past, present and future is absolutely dependable. Why would you not listen to a prophet like Him who fully reveals God's message, character and will?

My Thoughts

God gave some revealing titles to some of His Old Testament prophets. Look up these verses and write down what the prophet is called in each one:

    * Haggai 1:13
    * Amos 3:7
    * Jeremiah 17:16

Now, find the following Scriptures and jot down how Jesus fulfills each of those descriptions:

    * Luke 4:32
    * Acts 3:13
    * John 10:11

My Part

Do you think dependability and integrity are as necessary in the life of today's Christian as they were in the lives of the prophets? Consider carefully 1 Peter 2:11-12 and ask yourself if you are demonstrating that kind of life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 14, 2009
Topic: Salvation


Superior Rest

Have you thought much about your own death? Since death's entrance into the world, the thought of it has produced confusion and distress in the souls of men and women. Being concerned about their own deaths caused people to come up with differing views on how to get into heaven.

What Does God Say?

The Pharisees in Jesus' day believed it was essential to follow all the rules and laws to get into heaven. There are still those who believe living according to a set of rules will assure them a place in heaven when they die. According to the 1993 National and International Religion Report, 88 percent of Catholics and a large number of Presbyterians who share their "faith" believe that if people are good and do good things, they will earn a place in heaven.

But how does it really work? Can you please God and get into heaven by trying daily to follow the rules and be a good person?

Let's see what God says.

Read Matthew 11:28-30 and answer the following questions:

   1. How can you get "rest for your soul"?
   2. How does Jesus describe Himself in these verses?
   3. What do you have to take upon yourself?
   4. What promise does Jesus give if you accept His invitation?

My Thoughts

Imagine spending your life striving to figure out how to please God. Imagine differing voices promoting their own points of view on heaven. Imagine living before the time of Christ and having no Savior who has given "rest" from the haunting thoughts about where you will spend "forever."

Now, consider one of the criminals who was crucified next to Jesus. Read Luke 23:40-43 and answer the following questions:

   1. One criminal rebuked the other for his treatment of Christ. What reason did he give?
   2. What did the criminal who rebuked his counterpart ask Jesus?
   3. What was Jesus' response to him?
   4. Write out four adjectives to describe the man's feelings when his burden of guilt was lifted, and he was assured he'd spend eternity in heaven.

My Part

Jesus takes a huge concern off your minds: He gives rest from worry including about where we'll spend eternity. All we are required to do is "Come" to Jesus. We have to believe on God's Son and receive Him into our lives. Then every time we anticipate our lives after death, we'll have rest from any worry about future life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 21, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Christian Living/Situational, God


Knowing God

How do you go about getting to know someone better? You spend time with them. You learn what they like and what they don't like. You talk with them. But what about God? Can we get to know God the same way we get to know other people? Can we actually personally know God? Let's dig deeper into His Word to see what it has to say about knowing God.

What does God Say?

"And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, 'I know God,' but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:3-6, NLT).

"The Father and I are One" (John 10:30, NLT).

"Where is your father?" they asked. Jesus answered, "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father" (John 8:19-20, NLT).

In light of these verses, ask yourself the following questions:

Is it possible to know God and not know Jesus?

What does the Bible say about someone who claims to know God but doesn't follow the commandments?

How do we show God that we love Him?

My Thoughts

Some people think that since we can't see God, we can't really know Him. How, again, do you get to know someone? It's by spending time with them, right? You don't get to know someone because you can see them; it's spending time with them that helps you get to know them. To get to know God, you must spend time with Him in prayer and through reading His Word. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I really know God personally (have I asked Jesus to be my Savior), or do I just know about Him?

Am I spending quality time with Him each day?

My Part

Like any relationship, the one you have with God demands your time and effort. Spend time with God every single day. Get to really know Him by reading the Bible and spending quality time in prayer.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 22, 2009
Topic: Salvation


Better Life

There are a lot of things I need to renew regularly: my driver's license, my magazine subscriptions, my medical prescriptions and my home owner's insurance (to name just a few). But when it comes to my salvation, that's permanent.

What Does the Bible Say

It wasn't always like this though. The author of Hebrews tells us about a time when men and women had to seek atonement from their sins regularly. It was when the Jewish people lived under the Old Covenant, the Law of Moses.

"For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near" (Hebrews 10:1, ESV).

On a certain day, the high priest of Israel would make a sacrifice and the sins of the people would be covered. But one year later, he would make another sacrifice and the year after that and the year after that....The sacrifice of goats and bulls was never enough to permanently remove the stain of sin--only to temporarily cover it. As a result "in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin every year" (Hebrews 10:3, ESV).

It's one thing to live with the constant responsibility of renewing your licenses, prescriptions and insurance but imagine having to constantly renew your salvation. What a depressing life! But cheer up, we can have a better life.

"But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God....For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:12,14, ESV).

What the blood of bulls and goats couldn't accomplish, the blood of Jesus did. After Christ had removed our sins with His blood, we read that, "he sat down." His work was done. There is no more need for sacrifices; no renewals are necessary.

When we ask Jesus to cover our sins with His blood, He does it. They are gone forever. As a result, we can have a better life knowing that no matter how bad we mess up, our salvation is secure.

My Thoughts

As you read Hebrews 10:1-3 and 10-14, think about the following question:

Have you ever felt like you had lost your salvation? What does Hebrews 10:12,14 say about this issue?

My Part

Find a good Bible dictionary or a reputable Bible website and look up the following words: Atonement; Sanctification; Forgiveness. What do each of those words mean? How do they relate to the life of the believer?

See Below....

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From Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Atonement

This word does not occur in the Authorized Version of the New Testament except in Rom_5:11, where in the Revised Version the word “reconciliation” is used. In the Old Testament it is of frequent occurrence.

The meaning of the word is simply at-one-ment, i.e., the state of being at one or being reconciled, so that atonement is reconciliation. Thus it is used to denote the effect which flows from the death of Christ.

But the word is also used to denote that by which this reconciliation is brought about, viz., the death of Christ itself; and when so used it means satisfaction, and in this sense to make an atonement for one is to make satisfaction for his offenses (Exo_32:30; Lev_4:26; Lev_5:16; Num_6:11), and, as regards the person, to reconcile, to propitiate God in his behalf.

By the atonement of Christ we generally mean his work by which he expiated our sins. But in Scripture usage the word denotes the reconciliation itself, and not the means by which it is effected. When speaking of Christ's saving work, the word “satisfaction,” the word used by the theologians of the Reformation, is to be preferred to the word “atonement.” Christ's satisfaction is all he did in the room and in behalf of sinners to satisfy the demands of the law and justice of God. Christ's work consisted of suffering and obedience, and these were vicarious, i.e., were not merely for our benefit, but were in our stead, as the suffering and obedience of our vicar, or substitute. Our guilt is expiated by the punishment which our vicar bore, and thus God is rendered propitious, i.e., it is now consistent with his justice to manifest his love to transgressors. Expiation has been made for sin, i.e., it is covered. The means by which it is covered is vicarious satisfaction, and the result of its being covered is atonement or reconciliation. To make atonement is to do that by virtue of which alienation ceases and reconciliation is brought about. Christ's mediatorial work and sufferings are the ground or efficient cause of reconciliation with God. They rectify the disturbed relations between God and man, taking away the obstacles interposed by sin to their fellowship and concord. The reconciliation is mutual, i.e., it is not only that of sinners toward God, but also and pre-eminently that of God toward sinners, effected by the sin-offering he himself provided, so that consistently with the other attributes of his character his love might flow forth in all its fulness of blessing to men. The primary idea presented to us in different forms throughout the Scripture is that the death of Christ is a satisfaction of infinite worth rendered to the law and justice of God (q.v.), and accepted by him in room of the very penalty man had incurred. It must also be constantly kept in mind that the atonement is not the cause but the consequence of God's love to guilty men (Joh_3:16; Rom_3:24, Rom_3:25; Eph_1:7; 1Jo_1:9; 1Jo_4:9). The atonement may also be regarded as necessary, not in an absolute but in a relative sense, i.e., if man is to be saved, there is no other way than this which God has devised and carried out (Exo_34:7; Jos_24:19; Psa_5:4; Psa_7:11; Nah_1:2, Nah_1:6; Rom_3:5). This is God's plan, clearly revealed; and f that is enough for us to know.

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From Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Sanctification

Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom_6:13; 2Co_4:6; Col_3:10; 1Jo_4:7; 1Co_6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1Co_6:11; 2Th_2:13).

Faith is instrumental in securing sanctification, inasmuch as it

(1.) secures union to Christ (Gal_2:20), and

(2.) brings the believer into living contact with the truth, whereby he is led to yield obedience “to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.”

Perfect sanctification is not attainable in this life (1Ki_8:46; Pro_20:9; Ecc_7:20; Jam_3:2; 1Jo_1:8 ). See Paul's account of himself in Rom_7:14-25; Phi_3:12-14; and 1Ti_1:15; also the confessions of David (Psa_19:12, Psa_19:13; 51), of Moses (Psa_90:8 ), of Job (Job_42:5, Job_42:6), and of Daniel (Dan. 9:3-20). “The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father's loving hand, which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves.”, Hodge's Outlines.

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From Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Forgiveness of Sin

One of the constituent parts of justification. In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and that on account of the work of Christ, i.e., he removes the guilt of sin, or the sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath on account of it. All sins are forgiven freely (Act_5:31; Act_13:38; 1Jo_1:6-9). The sinner is by this act of grace for ever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins. This is the peculiar prerogative of God (Psa_130:4; Mar_2:5). It is offered to all in the gospel. (See JUSTIFICATION.)


Justification

A forensic term, opposed to condemnation.

As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom_5:1-10).

It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom_10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2Co_5:21; Rom_4:6-8 ).

The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a “condition,” not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom_1:17; Rom_3:25, Rom_3:26; Rom_4:20, Rom_4:22; Phi_3:8-11; Gal_2:16).

The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification (q.v.); and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom_6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (Rom_6:14; Rom_7:6). (See GALATIANS, EPISTLE TO.)