Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace."
Text: Ephesians 2:15
SCRIPTURE EXPLAINING SCRIPTURE
The idea of God abolishing the old system contained in “the law of commandments” was very difficult for the Jews in the days of Paul to understand, let alone accept. But the apostle Paul was not the only one who propounded and defended this theological position. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews also boldly propounded this glorious truth. Let us consider the following text from Hebrews.
“Previously saying, ‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings,
and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them’
(Which are offered according to the law),
then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’
He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
HEBREWS 10:8-10
1. Reference to “the law of commandments contained in ordinances”
There was clear reference to the “law of commandments”. The references are unmistakable. Note the reference to “sacrifice and offerings, burnt offerings and offerings for sin.”
2. “No pleasure in them”
Did God really take pleasure in the slaughtering of animals in worship? It would be a mistake to think that God actually enjoyed the slaying of animals. The killing of animals for worship purposes was to reinforce an important truth to ancient Israel. Precious lives had to be sacrificed in order to obtain atonement for sin.
However, ancient Israel seemed to fail to comprehend this great truth. What was worse, the nation concluded that the mere act of sacrificing animals constituted worship. The wonderful and pure religion that God had given His people had degenerated so badly that God decided to abolish that system. He took no pleasure in the worship that ancient Israel had made it become.
3. Replacement of the old system
The old system had to be abolished before a new one could be established. When Christ came “in the flesh” and died on the Cross, He effectively “took away the first” system.
4. Initiation of the new system
The new system was established the moment the old one was abolished. No longer would anyone be considered sanctified through the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. Sanctification was given “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ”.
5. “Once for all”
Only ONE sacrifice was necessary. The sinless body of the Lord Jesus Christ was that Perfect Sacrifice that God accepted as totally sufficient for the atonement of sin. In and through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, the New Covenant was established. In that Covenant, both Jew and Gentile are sanctified in and through the Body of the Lord Jesus.