JESUS FULFILLS THE LAW
Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet. For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
Hebrews 10:11-14 (NLT)
It is finished.
Jesus said this on the cross right before He died. His perfect life was coming to an end, and His sacrifice complete. Three days later, He would rise from the dead, conquering sin and death forever. Because of this redemptive work, we operate under the new covenant. No longer do we have to sacrifice animals over and over for our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice paid the debt for once and for all.
No longer do we have to live up to the law. God knew when He gave it that we wouldn’t be able to fully satisfy the requirements. Jesus alone perfectly satisfied the law, and then, with His death and resurrection, He established the New Covenant. We are no longer under law but grace. Consider the words of Paul in Romans 6:14-15 (NLT): Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
So, let us embrace this grace! Rather than striving and failing over and over in our own power, let us rest in the finished work of our Savior. He is our High Priest and Mediator for all time (see Hebrews 4:14-16). In the song It is Finished by Hillsong, we find the following lyrics:
It is done, it is finished Christ has won, He is risen Grace is here
Love has triumphed over death forever
Hallelujah! Amen!
APPLICATION: Cease your striving. Come to the end of yourself. Trust fully in the redemptive work of Christ. It is finished. What would it look like to recognize this more fully in your life?
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of grace. Help me to cease relying on myself and trust fully in the redemptive work of Jesus. Cover my heart, soul and mind with your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?