No More Need for Sacrifices

This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.

Hebrews 9:9 (NIV)

A man once told me that he would get up at 4:00 a.m. to read Psalm 23 and that, every night before bed, he placed his open Bible by the door—a way to protect himself and demonstrate his devotion to God and His Word. I explained to him that praying at a specific time is not enough to capture God’s attention; it is not the time that interests God, but the disposition of our hearts to obey Him and walk according to His precepts. Thus, an open Bible by the door would protect neither his family nor his home, for it is not the book that protects, but God Himself. My response was perceived as an insult to his convictions.

What this man was doing amounted to a pointless ritual. These are the people the Bible describes as merely religious. They all believe they must perform some act to catch God’s eye. In the Old Testament, God required priests to observe rituals—such as animal sacrifices—to sanctify and purify themselves in His sight. In reality, however, those sacrifices did not truly purify the people; it was the act of obedience that led God to accept them despite their sin. Thanks to Jesus Christ—who offered Himself as a sacrifice for us—we no longer need to offer sacrifices to receive God’s forgiveness. His death on the cross secured that forgiveness for us.

If sacrifices or rituals could truly erase our sins, we would retain no memory of them. Yet, we often look back on our past faults or sins with remorse. This remorse or regret reminds us that we do not deserve God’s forgiveness. That is why we must confess our faults before Him with a humble heart. No action or sacrifice on your part can erase the traces of your sins, but your faith in Jesus can. It is not what you do that will draw God’s attention or forgiveness to you, but rather your faith in His Son; open your heart to Him and turn away from religious rituals.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.