And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (Hebrews 10:11-14 ESV)
To compare is to consider at least two different things in light of their similarities and differences. In these verses the author of Hebrews uses comparison to highlight the following:
Similarities
- sin - is is the ever present enemy of both God and man and as such is something that must be dealt with
- sacrifice - sacrifice is the method of dealing with sin as prescribed by God
- mediator - the sacrifice for sin requires a mediator to mediate between God and man
Differences
- frequency - the OT priests offered sacrifices repeatedly pointing to futility whereas Christ made one sacrifice pointing towards efficacy
- posture - the OT priests remained standing indicating their work was never finished and therefore was fruitless whereas Christ sat down indicating His work was finished and therefore effectual
- sufficiency - the OT priests' sacrificing could never take away sins and therefore ultimately failed whereas Christ's sacrifice has perfected His people and is deemed efficacious
Our sin required a sacrifice administered by a mediator. The OT cultic system and its priests ultimately failed as their endeavours where fruitless and futile. Christ's NT covenant and sacrifice was effectual, and efficacious.
This points to Jesus Christ as the matchless and unchallengeable priest and sacrifice of a superior covenant. That's our Saviour.
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