Once for all, that is the
way the writer of Hebrews describes the sacrifice of Jesus. Instead of the high
priest repeating the sacrifice time and time again with the blood of bulls or
lambs or doves Jesus’ blood is once for all. While that is something I know and
believe I will have to admit that when it comes to my own sin I operate more
like the high priest than Jesus. And I’m not even a very efficient high priest
for often the sins of the past haunt my present and I find I have to offer the
sacrifice of guilt or shame time and time again. As much as we might struggle
with forgiving others it is forgiving ourselves that presents the bigger
challenge. When Martin Luther felt the pangs of guilt and shame for sins of his
past or present he would exclaim “I am baptized” to be reminded that he was
loved by God and forgiven of sins past, present and future. So if you are
troubled today by the sins of the past and tempted to offer the sacrifice of
guilt one more time take these words to heart. Once for all.
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