The Purpose Behind the Passion
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The Purpose Behind The Passion
The Purpose Behind The Passion
The Purpose Behind The Passion
Barnwell Church of Christ April 16, 2017
Good morning brothers and sister,
Good morning brothers and sister,
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
On last week we began a series of lessons about the power, the purpose, and the person of The Son of the Living God. That series we entitled: The Man, Christ Jesus. Central to the theme of this sermonic discourse is the premise that in order to maximize your potential as a man or a woman—in order to be all that God would have you or I to be—in order to live the abundant life; you and I must understand that such can only be accomplished through Christ Jesus.
Today more than any other day is perhaps the day in which Christ is most celebrated by those who identify themselves as Christians. Today you will find messages and monnicures, proclaiming on billboard, on television, in electronic media, and in church bulletins the world over—children saying speeches (examples: Jesus rose on Easter day, the angels rolled the stone away, etc.) all in celebrations/commemoration/consecration of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Those are two things, which should and must be commemorated; they are undeniable historical and doctrinal facts—.
I am resolute in my belief that If we comprehend not solely what happened but more clearly why it happened—and the far reaching result of what happened—then division would not be as rampant—attendance would increase—evangelistic efforts would multiply
Lesson Topic: The Purpose Behind the Passions
Purpose/Process/Peril
The life of Christ, his earthly ministry, miracles, parables and passions we visit the gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
But to find a detailed and succinct explanation for purpose behind the passions—we visit the book of Hebrews. No other book in the New Testament provides such an in-depth analysis of the (that which was achieved/executed on the cross) reason for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Inquisitive case (Socratic method)—examination of investigation wherein one is inclined to ask questions.
The first question that we seek to answer today is as follows: Why was it necessary for Christ to die on the cross at Calvary?
A Better Sacrifice
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Verse 1:
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
(Pause and explain)
Slide of the OT Tabernacle perhaps—a brief description of the OT tabernacle. What would happen is this—the priests would go into the first part of the tabernacle daily accomplishing the service of God (holy place); however, one time per year the high priest and only the high priest would enter into the second room (holiest of all—holy of holies—the most holy place) behind the 2nd veil and he would enter for the purpose of soliciting the forgiveness of God for himself as well as the people. This was referred to as the Day of Atonement—the only way that he could enter the holy of holies which represented to presence of God was by blood; therefore, the high priest had to make animal sacrifice (plural—look up)
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
This Old Testament process—tabernacle worship & the rituals of the covenant—had two major problems 1) it could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience , ; ) it was not faultless
1) we just read in verse 9 “that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience” For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. That is why the high priest had to offer the same sacrifice year after year for the sins of the people; 2) problem with the OT law was that the people couldn’t keep it —so something new had to come—continue…
The law was a “figure for the time then present…imposed on them until the time of reformation.”
We find further proof of this truth in Galatians:
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Since the blood of bulls and goats was not able to take away sins a better sacrifice was required.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, SACRIFICE AND OFFERING THOU WOULDEST NOT, BUT A BODY HAST THOU PREPARED ME: 6 IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES FOR SIN THOU HAST HAD NO PLEASURE. 7 THEN SAID I, LO, I COME (IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME,) TO DO THY WILL, O GOD.
This is a quotation from wherein the patriarch David speaks prophetically of the coming of Christ. Since the animal sacrifices and offerings were not sufficient—God required A BODY! That body is Christ—who was the priest and the sacrifice by the way—gave himself once and for all—for us!
Therefore the First purpose of the passion is that God required a better sacrifice which was Christ Jesus.
Therefore the First purpose of the passion is that God required a better sacrifice which was Christ Jesus.
(NOTE: Then baptism is mentioned For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.)
A Better Covenant
Purpose for His Passion is that He also died because we needed a better covenant. Inquisitive case: Inquisitive case: Is that the only reason that He had to die?
; But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Who decided to make a new covenant?
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Who is the HE who made the first covenant old?
For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
For finding fault with them, he saith, BEHOLD, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; 9 Not according the the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt…
Why did the new covenant—a better covenant require that Jesus die?
We don’t have to go very far to find the answer to that question. For where a testament covenant is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator him who made the testament/covenant. 17 For a testament is of force active after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all which the testator maker liveth.
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Let’s define a few terms before proceeding to be clear with respect to what the scriptures are saying: SLIDE 1) testament=a covenant or solemn agreement—will 2nd usage esp; 2) testator-the maker of the covenant; 3) force-active or valid.
Subsequently, the scripture is teaching the it was necessary for Christ to die in order for the New Testament to become binding and active—subsequently for the Old Testament to pass away.
Example: Letters of Testamentary—probate—will
Therefore the Second purpose of the passion is that God required a better sacrifice which was Christ Jesus.
Therefore the Second purpose of the passion is that God required a better sacrifice which was Christ Jesus.
Better Service
Better Service
Seeing that we have such a great high priest who has been for us aBETTER SACRIFICE and instituted a BETTER COVENANT built upon BETTER PROMISES--We should do better service:
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil ruin you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments principles of the world and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily in bodily form. 10 And we are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.
We need not add anything because we are complete in Him. What has happened is the addition of things—Easter. (What is the proper celebration of Christ’s death/burial/resurrection—we shall get to momentarily). (Or there is a reason) The reason that we are not to replace Christ’s instructions with the traditions or men/principles of the world in higher regard is explained a few verses later
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of any holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
That sounds very familiar…Hebrews aligns and says something similar that the law was about physical things: washings, etc. (Perhaps a bit of the Colossian letter’s context) 3
Remembrance and commemoration of the sacrificial death of the Savior of the world is merited and necessary;
Looking for love…. but in all the wrong places.
however, we should celebrate this memorial in the manner in which Christ commanded. That is as follows Quote I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you. The Lord Jesus…SLIDE THE LORD’S SUPPER
Conclusion
1. Better Sacrifice:
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
—the blood of Bulls and goats were not sufficient to cleanse the conscience and take away sins; they were rolled forward; subsequently the priest had to offer the same sacrifice on the Day of Atonement year after year. But now—…but now once in the end of the world (age) hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…DISCUSS THE “THIS” AND “AFTER THIS”
2. Better Covenant:
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
because the first covenant was not faultless there had to be a second one. In order to usher in a New Covenant—the death of the testator and maker of the covenant is required. When Jesus gave His body as a sacrifice for our sin—He took away the first covenant to establish the second (then said he, lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second). That’s why nothing can be added to this—requires death, resurrection, and reign.
3. Better Service:
God gave us a better sacrifice, better covenant, built on better promises. How is it that we feel that we shouldn’t do better than those under to old covenant. They broke the covenant. If we fail to live up to the charge of the better covenant then we put ourselves into a position to burdened with greater peril. …”For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” How is it that God gave us a better sacrifice—a better covenant—better promises…but we feel that it is okay for us to do worse? Give—Attended—Love—Honor traditions/feeling—over the facts. Somewhere it says ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. When we reject the truth this is what God has to say to those of us: 1) there remaineth no more sacrifice—rejecting Christ is over; 2) He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
The Hebrew writer uses the inquisitive case—he poses that question. What will be some of our excuses? I don't like the preacher—so long as the gospel is preached. Those people down there are hypocrites—wheat and the tares grow up together and I’ll do the separating.
what to do—previous verses in plus …How?