Questions for Littles: When there is a testament, what does it require (v16)? What is a death required for (v17)? With what was the first covenant started (v18)? What does v19 say Moses spoke to the people? What did He sprinkle to show that the book of the covenant was now in effect? What did Moses say while He was sprinkling the book (v21)? What can’t we have forgiveness without?In the sermon this week, we learned the background behind Matthew 26:28, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
This is vitally important to us for the cleansing of our consciences. If we were just filthy, it would be enough for us to be washed clean. But our consciences don’t just accuse us of being unclean or unworthy. Our consciences accuse us of being guilty.
It would not be enough for us to be enabled to worship for a little while, knowing that we are about to die and be punished for our sin. We need more than just cleansing and acceptance. We need forgiveness—the remitting of our sins, the canceling of our debts against the justice of God.
There were different substances that God had given for cleansing. Water was sufficient for that at some point. But water isn’t enough for starting a covenant, and water isn’t enough for the forgiveness of sins.
We needed blood: the blood not of bulls and goats but Jesus’ blood, shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins!
Jesus’s blood has taken away our sins! But it has also done one more amazing thing: it has made absolutely sure, forever and ever, every blessing of God to us, as He has promised.
A covenant had to be established with a death. It required the display of the penalty for breaking a life-and-death bond between two people. The word “testament” in v16-17 is exactly the word “covenant”—and it’s useful to us that that we still use the word when we say “Last Will and Testament.”
The provisions of such a document do not go into effect until the death has occurred.
So also the book of the covenant of Moses. So also all the promises of God that are “yes and Amen” in Christ.
He had to die, not only so that we could receive the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus also had to die so that we could receive the blessed rewards for His obedience. And that was the greatest obedience: to drink the cup that established the covenant… the cup of the wrath of God and the death of cross.
Precious blood! Precious death! It has secured everything for us! How precious is it to you?
Where do we savor the preciousness of what Christ has done for us? Do you do that there?Suggested Songs: ARP191 “I Love the Lord” or HB448 “’Twas on That Night”
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