Friends in Christ Weekly Message
November 10, 2012

Christ did not enter the holy place (which is a copy of the true holy place) made by human hands, but into heaven itself, so that he now appears in God’s presence for us. He did not enter to offer himself over and over again, like the high priest enters the earthly holy place every year with blood that isn’t his. If that were so, then Jesus would have to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. Instead, he has now appeared once at the end of the ages to get rid of sin by sacrificing himself.
Hebrews 9:24-26 (CEB*)

I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of the various theories of atonement, but scripture clearly indicates that Christ's acceptance of his execution made a world of difference for us. This event put an end to the old sacrificial system, and opened the door to the possibility of our freedom from the curse of sin.

Christ's work was to tear down the barriers between God and ourselves. However, Christ does not force us to unite with God. In recognition of the great love shown to us, we are empowered to allow the Spirit of Christ to live inside us and transform us so that we can truly live in God's way, which is the only path to true fulfillment.

May each of us grow in understanding of God's great love for us shown through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May we increasingly throw off all those habits, attitudes and things which separate us from God, and allow ourselves to be transformed from the inside out.

Bill Samuel

* Common English Bible ©2011 Common English Bible.

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