2022-Q1-L9

2022-Q1-L9: Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice

Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 9:15, Gen. 15:6–21, Jer. 34:8–22, Eph. 3:14–19, Heb.7:27, Heb. 10:10, Heb. 9:22–28.

Memory Text: “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14, NKJV).

"Perfect" in Hebrews. God cannot create "character." Character is developed through the choices we, as volitional beings, make (i.e. use of one's will).

Hebrews 2:10: For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Hebrews 5:9: And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 5:14: But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 7:19: (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:28: For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 9:9: (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,

Hebrews 9:11: But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)

Hebrews 10:1: For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.

Hebrews 11:40: since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:2: ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

Perfecter (Greek: teleiotes). "one who brings something to a successful conclusion."

Hebrews 12:23: And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

"Perfect" notes

Perfect (telioo) occurrences 19 of 24 times in the NT. Perfect or perfection was important in the Letter to the Hebrews.

Definition1: When examined in context, “teleos” is most accurately translated in a variety of ways, since it has a variety of meanings m the New Testament, including temporal aspects ('"end" 01 "utter"), quantitative aspects ("whole'" as opposed to "part") and qualitative aspects ("mature." "blameless," "perfect").

Definition2: Vine tells us that these two Greek words mean "Having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect." Thayer's Lexicon of The Greek New Testament gives the following meanings: brought to its end, wanting nothing necessary to completeness; when used of men it means full-grown, adult, of full age, mature.

He became perfect in terms of "function." The experience of this suffering perfectly fitted Jesus to become our Savior and High Priest and King.

Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith (in God).

Frustration with the Law. The Old Covenant could reveal sin but it could never remove sin, and so it had to be removed. It gave no security. It gave no peace for a man never obtained a clean conscience. The Law revealed the problem, but did not provide the solution. We remained sinners.

No perfection possible under the Old Covenant. It always came short of completeness.

The concept of us being "made perfect" just like Jesus.

Jesus was already perfect in his divine and human nature. But he was made perfect as a sympathizer, as one having gone through trials and suffering and death. He came to understand and sympathize what we go through.

Beyond perfection: the meaning of [teleios] in the New Testament.

Notes (last week)

gospel. Gospel in the Greek evangelion means "good news." What is the good news? How man is to be restored.

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 18ff: Christ’s life represents a perfect manhood. Just that which you may be, He was in human nature. He took our infirmities. He was not only made flesh, but He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. His divine attributes were withheld from relieving His soul anguish or His bodily pains. We naturally long for sympathy and fellowship in suffering, and Christ felt this longing to the depths of His being.

DA 116.2: Ever since Adam's sin, the human race had been cut off from direct communion with God; the intercourse between heaven and earth had been through Christ; but now that Jesus had come “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), the Father Himself spoke. He had before communicated with humanity through Christ; now He communicated with humanity in Christ. Satan had hoped that God's abhorrence of evil would bring an eternal separation between heaven and earth. But now it was manifest that the connection between God and man had been restored.

DA 117.2: Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam's position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.

18LtMs, Ms 99, 1903, par. 15: Christ, the second Adam, came in the likeness of sinful flesh. In man’s behalf, He became subject to sorrow, to weariness, to hunger, and to thirst. He was subject to temptation, but He yielded not to sin. No taint of sin was upon Him. He declared, “I have kept My Father’s commandments (in My earthly life).” [John 15:10.] He had infinite power only because He was perfectly obedient to His Father’s will. The second Adam stood the test of trial and temptation that He might become the Owner of all humanity.

ST April 11, 1895, par. 6: O, cannot the sinner understand that Christ clothed his divinity with humanity, in order that he might reach humanity? Can he not see that Jesus lived the life that all the human race may live, and that no soul shall enter the portals of bliss unless he obeys the laws of the kingdom of God? Christ made the law of God binding upon every soul, in order that, through obedience to the divine precepts, man might be brought back to loyalty to God. Every sinner converted to God must live in conformity to all the commandments of God. Jesus lived among men, consuming himself by continual self-denial and in labors of love. The fact that Christ lived among men in human nature is a testimony to us that God is with us. God dwells in every abode, hears every word that is uttered, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every man, regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, brother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He understands our necessities, and his beloved Son is the channel through which his love, mercy, and grace shall flow to satisfy our need.

Christ is the "remedy for sin" (8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 22).

ST January 16, 1896, par. 2: Satan declared that it was impossible for the sons and daughters of Adam to keep the law of God, and thus charged upon God a lack of wisdom and love. If they could not keep the law, then there was fault with the Lawgiver. Men who are under the control of Satan repeat these accusations against God, in asserting that men can not keep the law of God. Jesus humbled himself, clothing his divinity with humanity, in order that he might stand as the head and representative of the human family, and by both precept and example condemn sin in the flesh, and give the lie to Satan's charges. He was subjected to the fiercest temptations that human nature can know, yet he sinned not; for sin is the transgression of the law. By faith he laid hold upon divinity, even as humanity may lay hold upon infinite power through him. Altho tempted upon all points even as men are tempted, he sinned not. He did not surrender his allegiance to God, as did Adam.

Notes (general)

Atonement with God. To be made at-one with God. To be restored to fellowship with God. Atonement was achieved through substitutionary death. The guilt and death I deserved was substituted by the greater righteous and precious life of the Son of God.

10LtMs, Ms 21, 1895, par 15: God gives us a probation in which we may prove whether or not we will be loyal to Him. Christ calls upon us to lay our sins upon Him, the Sin-bearer, that we may represent God. But if we refuse to let them go, taking the responsibility ourselves, we will be lost. We may fall upon Christ, the living stone, and be broken, but if that stone falls upon us, it will grind us to powder.

11LtMs, Ms 21, 1896, par. 22: They were living upon the doctrines, customs, and maxims, which had been, and were still, repeated by the Jewish rabbis; and their experience in spiritual things was after the order and character of this food. They did nor receive and eat the words of Christ as hungry men eat temporal food. They did not drink in the truth of His words when He said that He was the life of the world. They did not bring the truth into their practical life, and their souls were not strengthened, revived, and conformed to the life and character of Christ; the useless forms, multitudinous exactions, man-made ordinances and commandments of the Pharisees were exalted by them, and therefore they had no root in themselves.

19LtMs, Lt 83, 1904, par. 10: The love that God has shown in sending Christ to this world to die for us is an argument sufficiently strong to lead men to be reconciled to God. Those who, notwithstanding the great price paid for their salvation, continue in sin will reach at last the boundary line of mercy. Then the Lord will show Himself strong to punish. He forbears till He sees that forbearance will be of no avail.

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 29: A great price has been paid for the redemption of man, and none who are untruthful, impure, or unrighteous can enter the kingdom of heaven. If men do not make Christ their personal Saviour, and become true and pure and holy, there is only one course for the Lord to pursue. He must destroy the sinner, for evil natures cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. Thus it is that sin, if not destroyed, will destroy the sinner, just as Satan designed it should.

Christ came to glory the Father's name. "I have glorified your name..." (John 17). It had to be done by answering Satan's accusation of God not being consistent and just. In order to prove God true, Jesus had to experience the worst treatment, yet still show faithfulness toward God.

14LtMs, Lt 50, 1899, par. 8: There is an actual relation existing between sinful man and his God. The price has been paid for his redemption. He has been bought with a price. But the salvation of the sinner depends upon his personal union with Jesus Christ. Pure and undefiled religion is not guess work, but a practical, living experience. Christ never promises a smooth path for His followers to travel in. God sets before each a life of trial in obedience to His will, and as Christ lived not to please Himself, so His followers will not live to please themselves.

T31, 169.3: Man by wicked works alienated himself from God, but Christ gave his life that all who would, might be freed from sin and re-instated in the favor of the Creator. It was the anticipation of a redeemed, holy universe that prompted Christ to make this great sacrifice.

Hebrews 8:3: For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.

Hebrews 9:23: Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Atonement Theories.

Notes from 3ABN

If you are guilty, you ask for mercy. If you are innocent, you as for justice.

Notes from Hinsdale

Sacrifice. Has always been the symbol of salvation. See Genesis chapters 3 and 15. It was the sacrifice and/or promise God offered.

9T 185.4: And Christ has been made our Judge. The Father is not the Judge. The angels are not. He who took humanity upon Himself, and in this world lived a perfect life, is to judge us. He only can be our Judge.

Romans 5:18 (REV). So then just as one transgression resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one act of righteousness resulted in righteousness that brings life for all people.

Romans 5:18 (Greek): through (dia) one trespass unto all men results in (eis) condemnation, so also through (dia) one righteous act unto all men results in (eis) justification of life.

Ibid. dia (#1223) means "through." eis (#1519) means "resulting in." The one trespass was the conduit through which the result of condemnation came, and the one righteous act was the conduit through which the result of justification to life came.

Romans 5:19-21: For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christ's righteous life is "imputed" to us when we believe. God forgives the trespass against God. "Against Thee only have I sinned." Forgiveness means being set free from guilt.

2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

God is seeking man. John 6:44, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." Psalm 14:2, "The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God." John 4:23, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." LUke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

DA 175.4: And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon.

DA 175.5: The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour.

The free will. It is really the "free won't" since our choice involves the rejection of God's free gift. "We won't have this man rule over us."

SC 27.2: The sinner may resist this love, may refuse to be drawn to Christ; but if he does not resist he will be drawn to Jesus; a knowledge of the plan of salvation will lead him to the foot of the cross in repentance for his sins, which have caused the sufferings of God's dear Son.

Before salvation people are running after sin. After salvation sin will be running after people.

Luke 22:29-30: and I assign [diatithemai, appoint by covenant] to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The faith of Abraham. It involved trusting (Genesis 15:6) and testing (Genesis 22:12).

NT faith. Faith not works (Romans 4) and the manifestation of faith by works (James 2). The first is the origination, the second is the authentication. The first is the claim, the second is the proof.

Note from It Is Written

Pay with our life. The payment of sin is death—the loss of blood. To hold onto sin is to hold onto ultimate death.

Life in the blood. Why the need for an animal sacrifice? Why not any kind of gift, like Cain's? Answer: Because it involved "life". It was the life of the sinner that needed salvation. It was the life of Jesus that was offered.

The Law is unmoveable. Justice must be fulfilled. Satan demanded justice.

DA 761.4: In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned. Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the law of God, and defied His will, Satan exulted. It was proved, he declared, that the law could not be obeyed; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God's favor. God could not be just, he urged, and yet show mercy to the sinner.

DA 762.2: The law requires righteousness,—a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can “be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26.

SUNDAY. Why Were Sacrifices Needed?

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:26 (ESV): 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:22 (Phillips): Moses also sprinkled with blood the tent itself and all the sacred vessels. And you will find that in the Law almost all cleansing is made by means of blood—as the common saying has it: “No shedding of blood, no remission of sin.”

Romans 3:21–26 [God justifies us by offering Jesus]

From the lesson: The Son of God, however, offered Himself as a Substitute. He died in our place so that we “may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15, 26, ESV; Rom. 3:21-26). That is, He was going to uphold the sanctity of His law while at the same time saving those who broke that law. And He could do this only through the cross.

Notes:

Remission. Definition: the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.

The bigger question is: Why did Jesus have to die? Why couldn't God find another way? This is what Jesus prayed for in Gethsemane.

If Satan were in charge, how would he rule? If Satan took over the lives of the innocent, how would he treat them? If Satan were supreme, how would he manage the universe? This question was answered at the cross. Satan's full measure of hell was hurled in Christ.

Our Example. Jesus fulfilled what the Law required as a man in sinful flesh, in order to offer man an Example of how one can live a blameless life.

The righteousness of God (Romans 3:21-26). God can do right in saving us, by offering Christ. This legitimizes God's action.

MONDAY. Diverse Kinds of Sacrifices

From the lesson: The sacrificial system involved multiple elements. The sanctuary sacrifices teach us that the experience of salvation is more than just accepting Jesus as our Substitute. We also need to “feed” on Him, share His benefits with others, and provide reparation to those whom we have wronged.

Burnt (or holocaust) offering. Complete consumption of the sacrifice. Jesus emptied himself (Philippians 2:5-8).

Grain offering. Gratitude towards God's provision and sustenance (Leviticus 2).

Peace offering. Christ provides peace.

Sin (or purification) offering. For remission of sins. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV): 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.

Guilt (or reparation) offering. Recognition of the sinner's responsibility to provide reparation or restitution.

TUESDAY. Jesus’ Perfect Sacrifice

Hebrews 7:27 (ESV): 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

From the lesson: Jesus, however, offered Himself “once for all” a “single sacrifice” (Heb. 10:10, 12-14, ESV) that cleanses our consciences (Heb. 9:14, Heb. 10:1-10) and puts away sin (Heb. 9:26). Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the sacrifice of animals because Jesus was the Son of God (Heb. 7:26-28), who perfectly fulfilled God’s will (Heb. 10:5-10).

WEDNESDAY. The Cross and the Cost of Forgiveness

Hebrews 9:22-23. Hebrews 9:22–28 (ESV): 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. 23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

From the lesson: In the Israelite system, cleansing from or atonement for sins occurred in two phases. During the year, repentant sinners brought sacrifices to the sanctuary, which cleansed them from their sin but transferred the sin to the sanctuary, to God Himself. At the end of the year, on the Day of Atonement, which was the day of judgment, God would cleanse the sanctuary, clearing His judicial responsibility by transferring the sins from the sanctuary to the scapegoat, Azazel, who represented Satan (Lev. 16:15-22).

This two-phase system, represented by the two apartments in the earthly sanctuary, which were a pattern of the heavenly sanctuary (Exod. 25:9, Heb. 8:5), permitted God to show mercy and justice at the same time. Those who confessed their sins during the year showed loyalty to God by observing a solemn rest and afflicting themselves on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31). Those who did not show loyalty would be “cut off” (Lev. 23:27-32).

THURSDAY. Judgment and the Character of God

Romans 1:16–17 (ESV): 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 5:8 (ESV): 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

From the lesson: The forgiveness of our sins implies two phases in Jesus’ mediation in the two apartments of the heavenly sanctuary. First, Jesus removed our sins and carried them Himself on the cross in order to provide forgiveness to everyone who believes in Him (Acts 2:38, Acts 5:31). On the cross Jesus won the right to forgive anyone who believes in Him because He has carried their sin. He has also inaugurated a new covenant, which allows Him to put God’s law in the heart of believers through the Holy Spirit (Heb. 8:10-12, Ezek. 36:25-27).

Notes:

Dual atonement. What is the nature of this dual atonement?

First atonement. Forgiveness of sins.

Final atonement. Blotting out (cleansing) of sins.

FRIDAY. Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Calvary,” pp. 741-757; “It Is Finished,” pp. 758-764, in The Desire of Ages.