Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 12, 2022: SOAP #4604: Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews (NIV) 9:8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper. …
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

OBSERVATION:  The sacrifices of the Old Testament could not “clear the conscience of the worshipper.”  The inside of the worshipper is very important to God.  He knows that we cannot freely worship Him if we have a guilty conscience.  The Old Testament sacrifices were acceptable to God only because they were an illustration of the perfect sacrifice that was coming. 

But the perfect sacrifice, Jesus dying on the cross, was a spilling of sinless blood.  It cleanses the inside; it “cleanses the conscience.”

APPLICATION: I must receive Jesus as my and my Lord to enjoy the full benefit His death.  Knowing that the full effect of His death has been applied to my heart sets my conscience free from guilt.  The value of Jesus death on the cross more than covers the cost of my sins. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.  I confess my sins and receive your forgiveness.  I acknowledge you as my Lord.  Thank you for forgiving me.  Thank you for a clear conscience. I want to live my life to bring you joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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