Sunday after the Ascension – Wednesday

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. – Hebrews 10:12.

The faithful Jews of the Old Testament worshipped God aright.  Their worship throughout was a Christ-worship.  There is no other true worship, and never has been, but the worship made in the name of Christ.  But the worship of the Old Testament consisted in types that foreshadowed Christ and pointed to Christ.  The sacrifices of the Old Testament were types of the sacrifice of Christ, foreshadowing the sacrifice of Christ, and pointing to it.  Hence these sacrifices had to be continually repeated, since in themselves they could not take away sins.  But Christ has offered one single sacrifice, the sacrifice of Himself.  That is valid forever.  It has taken away all sins of all men and of all times.  In proof and public confirmation thereof, Christ now sits at the right hand of God.  “But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come… by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:11-12).

So, you see that God made public acknowledgment to the fact that the sacrifice of Christ truly took away all sins and is valid forever, in that He set Christ, who, in our stead and in the stead of all the world, was to atone for all the sins of the world, and really did atone for them, at God’s right hand.  All the world has been redeemed and reconciled to God through that one sacrifice of Christ, which is valid forever.  If you would be altogether certain of your redemption, of the atonement for your sins, of your salvation, of the forgiveness of your sins, of life and eternal happiness, then look neither here nor there, but look upon Christ, who sits at the right hand of God, for He offered one sacrifice for sins, which is valid forever.

Behold, there is your redemption, your atonement, your salvation, the forgiveness of your sins, your life and your eternal happiness, at the right hand of God, fully acknowledged, confirmed, sealed, and ratified by the divine Amen.  We see the Lord glorified, and find all the gifts which He has obtained, only through the Word which He has given us.  Procured upon the cross, these blessings are proffered alone in the Gospel and the Sacraments of the New Testament.  Continue to look in on-going faith to this Word.  Continue to look in faith to the Lord’s Supper and Holy Baptism, because through these means we obtain the fruit of our Lord’s triumph.  This look, this look alone, will continue to kindle and preserve the right, true, certain, unconquerable, living, mighty, strong, all–conquering faith in you.

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, who did offer the one sacrifice for sins forever, and in proof of this, Thou sittest at the right hand of God, grant me continuing grace, through Thy Word, to look upon Thee, and, in unwavering faith, to recognize in Thee my salvation, and henceforth to look for no other sacrifice for sins, and to offer nothing but sacrifices of thanks, the fruit of my lips, giving thanks and singing praises to Thy name.  Amen.

“Paschal Lamb, by God appointed, all our sins on Thee were laid;

by almighty love anointed, Thou hast full atonement made.

Every sin may be forgiven, through the virtue of Thy blood;

open is the gate of heaven, peace is made ‘twist man and God.

—

Jesus, hail, enthroned in glory, there forever to abide!

All the heavenly host adore Thee, seated at Thy Father’s side.

There for sinners Thou art pleading; there Thou dost our place prepare;

ever for us interceding, till in glory we appear.”

   (Hymn 367, st. 2-3; TLH)