Redemption Accomplished
“Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” —Hebrews 7:17
Read Hebrews 7:11-28
The promise is fulfilled. Salvation’s work is done: Justice with mercy reconciled, And God has raised His Son. His death procured thy peace; His resurrection thine: Believe; receive the full release; ‘Tis signed with blood divine. (Joseph Hart, Hymn 487:3)
This hymn states, “Salvation’s work is done.” Nothing can or must be added to it. The High Priest, who entered the heavens, has satisfied God’s demands by shedding His own blood. Earthly high priests had to offer sacrifices every day for their own sins. Whenever Aaron entered the Holy Place, he first had to make offerings for his own sins, and then for the people (Hebrews 7:27). But the Lord Jesus saves completely those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). He is a complete Saviour; no merits of ours are needed.
And really, what could you add? Whatever you do is stained with sin. Self-love motivates us; if we could, we would do anything to enter heaven. However, the beautiful thing is that only faith is required. Of course, faith will involve your whole life. It means denying yourself. Your affections and desires will be focused upon God, so that you might love Him above everything else. As a consequence, your behaviour and conversation will also change. Your life will consist of giving praise and thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus for what He has done on your behalf.
Do you understand that God only requires us to believe?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.