May 27

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."—Hebrews 10:14.

THE law was only the shadow of good things to come; all its services and ceremonies formed but the threshold of that magnificent building of the Gospel temple, which is consecrated with richer blood, and more costly sacrifices, and associated with nobler designs. Paul argues the superiority of the Gospel to the law in a most masterly manner; and, among other considerations, he adduces the variety of sacrifices that were offered by the priests under the law, whereas Jesus our great High Priest has rendered a perfect atonement by one offering.

A GRACIOUS CAUSE. The sacrifice of Christ.

It was absolutely necessary. Sin rendered it so: it hid from us the Divine countenance, and shrouded our prospects in the darkest gloom and despair; and nothing could reconcile God to us but the death of his Son.

It was clearly prefigured. An importance is attached to the Jewish rites and ceremonies, only as they typified the grand atonement of Calvary. The church of God was then in its infancy, and these things were as so many pictures and hieroglyphics, which served but for that period: when our Saviour came, it had arrived at more mature years, and required no more those types, because it had a clearer manifestation of the Divine glory and grace: ere long it shall attain unto the stature of a perfect man, all childish things shall be put away, and the Deity shall no more be seen through clouds of incense and pillars of smoke, or the dark glass of ordinances, but face to face, without a veil between.

It was willingly made. He saw in dread array all the sufferings and agonies he was about to endure; yet he moved onward with firm step and steady purpose, exclaiming, "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" When in agonies in the garden, he said, "Not my will, but thine be done." When apprehended, he did not resist. When he suffered, he threatened not; and when reviled, he reviled not again. He laid down his life for the world.

It was infinitely sufficient. The Godhead of the Saviour made it so. Now was the sword of justice put again into its scabbard, only to be uplifted against those who despise the great salvation; mercy and truth now smile on the brow of the Great Eternal, and the way to glory is consecrated; the gates of paradise are opened, and the voice of the Father is heard, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."