Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's reading: Hebrews 10:1-8

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming---

not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never,

by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year,

make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Hebrews 10:1

The law can never, never make us perfect.

Following the rules. Checking the list:

• devotional reading (check)
• daily time of prayer (check)
• Sunday school (check)
• worship (check)
• money in the offering plate (check)

year after year, will not save us.

Do not murder, do not steal, do not lust after your neighbor's spouse or stuff, do not take the Lord's name in vain, do not dishonor your parents, do not lie... following God's commandments will not get us into heaven.

The law is shadow. Not substance.

Only Jesus --- His sacrifice, His resurrection, His Way --- saves.

The law reveals something better on the horizon. Freedom from sin. Freedom from lists. Freedom from the law. For the law just reminds us we can't keep it. We fail... over... and... over...

Jesus fulfilled the law for us. Came to offer His life to us.
Have you offered your life to Him?

This week, set yourself free from the law.
Invite Jesus to be your life.
Simply follow Him.

Lord, set me free from the law of list keeping that cannot save.

I long to find true freedom, true salvation, in You.

I give my life to You. Lead me. Live through me.