Sermon Direct Link
10/12/25
Rev. Clint Smith
Jesus’ superiority as the Mediator of a new and eternally lasting covenant is central to God’s message. Christ appeared once, died once, and His death served as the final judgment on sin. Therefore, His Second Coming will not be for additional atonement. Just as it is appointed for each person to die once, Christ has already died and will return—not to bear sin again—but to judge the unbelieving world and to bring the fullness of salvation to those who eagerly await Him. Jesus Christ is the victorious Completer of God’s plan to judge sin and save His people. Colossians 1:14-20
In the Old Covenant, God established a beautiful system of divine worship, with every article and ceremony in the earthly sanctuary pointing directly to Jesus. He must be worshipped according to God’s way. John 4:24
Although God accepted animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, the people were flawed individuals striving to meet a holy standard, and their efforts always fell short. While their sacrifices held significance, they were ultimately insufficient to remove sin. In His grace, however, God provided a better sacrifice, His Son. John 3:16
As High Priest, Jesus entered the holy places made by God and offered His own blood as the better sacrifice to take away sins, rather than merely covering them. He did this in the very presence of God, in Heaven, before all of Heaven’s hosts.
Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, unlike the repeated sacrifices offered by priests. His sacrifice was perfect and fully accepted by the Father. Through His death, He dealt with sin and overcame death, which is the consequence of sin. In response, we continue to worship Jesus by offering ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1,2; Galatians 2:20
It is appointed for men to die once, and after that, to be judged. But because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, believers have received perfect salvation. We no longer need to fear death, for we will be raised to new life. We no longer need to fear judgment, for by grace through faith, we are delivered from sin. We will not be condemned for sin because we are forgiven and made righteous through the blood of Jesus. When He comes again, it will not be to judge the sin of those who have been redeemed. 1 Corinthians 15:20–21; Ephesians 2:8–9