Our Eternal High Priest

The Worthy Response to Grace

(Hebrews 9:22-28)

‘I don’t need to worry about salvation because I believe in the blood of Jesus. The problem is already resolved. Now, sin holds no significant meaning in my life. Regardless of any sins I commit, God is so full of love that He will forgive everything.’

1. The Meaning of Blood
“I have been saved by the blood of Jesus!” This phrase does not imply that there is a life-saving element in Jesus’ blood itself. What we must first consider upon hearing ‘the blood of Jesus’ is Jesus’ death. We are now able to live blessed lives because we have been freed from sin, and this liberation was made possible because the Lord paid for our sins with His death.

2. The Reason for Forbearance
God is not the One who simply dismisses sin lightly, pretending not to see it. God never forgives sin. Strictly speaking, God did not forgive our sins; He took upon Himself the punishment that was meant for us. God accepts us, but not because He is content with us. Originally, God does not naturally delight in us. Rather, He is in a position where He must endure His wrath towards us. God accepts us because we are in Jesus Christ.

3. The Attitude of the Tax Collector
For this reason, we must not treat God as if He were blind. What we need is the attitude of the tax collector, who, not daring to lift his eyes to heaven, prayed, “God have mercy on me, a sinner.” He deeply understood that he had no right to stand before God and humbly placed himself under the merit of the blood, earnestly hoping for God to be propitious. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore and even mock God’s grace. Let us repent and respond worthily to the Lord’s grace. Let us prepare for the Lord’s second coming with repentant hearts.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim