Hebrews 10 That is why, when Christ [a] came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’” [b]ab

Hebrews 10 8 First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

The Gospel in Visible Light Hydrogen Alpha Rick Wright 3 rd Sunday of Advent (C) December

What is the Sun? Only one way? Visible light Solar Dynamics Observatory Many other kinds of light Other ways… are all the Sun

What is the Sun? Only one way? Visible light Solar Dynamics Observatory Many other kinds of light Other ways… are all the Sun

Hebrews 10 5 That is why, when Christ [a] came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’” [b]ab

Book of (Letter to the) Hebrews Who wrote it? Christian community is struggling Not persecuted by the government Social (and economic?) problems with family / friends / neighbors Christians tired and discouraged The salvation we have from God in Jesus is greater than anything else Therefore… do not give up! Be faithful to Jesus!

Including the Old Testament?!? The salvation we have from God in Jesus is greater than anything else… Including the Old Testament (and religion of ancient Israel) The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. (Hebrews 10:1-2) Hebrews compares old to the new Old includes laws of Moses (from God)

Hebrews 10 That is why, when Christ [a] came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”a

Old Testament and Jesus Old Testament is first part… of a larger story Even Old Testament points forward (to Jesus) Jesus says “Look, I have come to do your will, O God” Jesus obeys will of God so perfectly We no longer need old ways of dealing with sin

Hebrews 10 First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

How Hebrews sees Jesus To do the will of God So perfectly… he gives up his body in life and in death (the cross) What God wants = for us to be holy In Christ… God forgives us… heals (forgives) us… welcomes us into his presence