WE HAVE AN ALTAR!

The people of God are blessed with a degree of participation never known before the glorification of Christ Jesus. In salvation, we become capable of imbibing the Divine Nature--a requisite to eternal life.

"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." (Heb 13:9-14).

Devotion 5 of 12

THE GLORIOUS AFFIRMATION

A provision has been prepared for the saints of the most high God! "We have an altar . . . " An effective sacrifice has been provided for us! It is a sacrifice that pleases God, and will also please us. The Father is satisfied with this sacrifice, and those who partake of it will also be satisfied! The altar is effective because of this situation. A sacrifice that pleased God but brought no benefit to man would not be appropriate. One that gave apparent advantages to man, but was rejected by God would bring disadvantage to those embracing it. We have no such altar!

It Is Accessible

By saying "we HAVE an altar," the Spirit is emphasizing the accessibility of the provision. It can be appropriated, and its benefits can be enjoyed. This is not a philosophical altar, known only through profitless imaginations. It is not a vaporous idea incapable of changing the condition of those embracing it. An altar that cannot be accessed by those to whom it is presented has no value. "We HAVE an altar."

It Is Satisfying

An altar that is accessible but ineffectual is not what we need! The altar within the tabernacle outer court was accessible, but what was offered upon it could not take away sin (Heb 10:4). It is not so with our altar! What God has provided CAN be enjoyed--personally and satisfyingly enjoyed! It touches the heart of the matter because it is for us! "WE have an altar."

Some have no right to eat

The Spirit accentuates the glorious privilege of those in Christ Jesus. They participate in something the loftiest servants of all could not enjoy before Jesus. Of the altar to which we have access, it is said, " . . . from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat" (NIV). The immediate reference is to the High Priests of old. They could not eat of the greatest sacrifice of all--the sin offering. Thus it is written, "The clay pot the meat is cooked in must be broken; but if it is cooked in a bronze pot, the pot is to be scoured and rinsed with water. Any male in a priest's family may eat it; it is most holy. But any sin offering whose blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place MUST NOT BE EATEN; it must be burned" (Lev 6:28-30, NIV). The sin offering was to be consumed by fire--no part of it could be eaten. No personal identity with the sacrifice, no participation in the atonement. Under the Law, the sin-offering was for God, and God alone!

There is another facet of this truth that is being emphasized by the Spirit. Early believers were particularly tempted to return to a system of Law for justification. Rules and regulations are attractive to those that are willing to walk at a distance from God. The Spirit penetrates their sterile minds by recalling God-ordained procedures. At the height of routine, strict prohibition was enforced. The greatest of all sacrifices "must not be eaten." In the shadows of the ancient sacrificial system, God was highlighting an essential element of salvation. Something would be accomplished in Christ that could not be accomplished by Law. Those for whom the sacrifice was made would be able to imbibe the sacrifice Himself! Glorious truth!

Let all who seek refuge in a Law-system take note. You cannot serve the Law and consume the sacrifice for sin! You cannot be absorbed with routine, and be refreshed by Jesus. It is not that it will not happen--it CANNOT happen! Those who seek justification by law "ARE fallen from grace" (Gal 5:4).

An approach to God based upon law is not a minor error! An attempt to so come to God inducts a situation where "faith has no value and the promise is worthless" (Rom 4:14, NIV). The Word of the Lord is precise on this matter, giving no room for the flesh whatsoever. "I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly" (Gal 2:21, NASB). It is not possible for a condition to be more serious!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You in Jesus' name for removing me from the Law that condemns, and giving me to Jesus who saves!

-- Tomorrow: SPIRITUAL SHALLOWNESS --