A New and Living Way

The old way had been in effect since Genesis.  It was a dead way.  Animal sacrifices over and over and over because sin flowed non-stop from a sin nature we inherited from Adam (and Eve), the first sinner(s).

The old way was designed to remind us that the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  Bloody death.  Ritual sacrifice and a high priest to do it…imperfectly.

Until there was a new and living way opened by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

Dispensing with the old way of sacrifice, Jesus was crucified for us. 
And now there is a new and living way.

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,

This new and living way comes with a new to-do list.  Not the old way of trying to remember and keep the whole law perfectly and a myriad of sacrifices to make up for failures.  Away with that impossibility!  Now there’s a new way.  A new priest.  And new things to do in response to the new way:

• Have confidence:  22 “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
• Be steadfast in faith:  23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
• Be multipliers: 24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”
• Be a community of worshipers: 25 “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,”
• And be encouragers to finish well:  “but encouraging one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The old dead way did not do any of that.  It was individual and it was dead.  It was riddled with doubt since it was all dependent upon man’s imperfect effort.  The new and living way inspires so much more because it is perfect. 

A tell-tale sign of someone who has not put their trust in the new and living way
is how much energy is devoted to earning something that cannot be earned. 

Do you know the freedom of trusting in this new and living way?
If so, what will you do on this new to-do list … today?