Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 16:11-14.

“Then Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and for his household, and he shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself.  He shall take a firepan full of coals of fire from upon the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground sweet incense, and bring it inside the veil.  He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the ark of the testimony, otherwise he will die.  Moreover, he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side;  also in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.”  Leviticus 16:11-14.

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In contrast to Aaron who had to repeatedly offer up sacrifices to “make atonement for himself and for his household”, Christ did not need to offer sacrifices for His own sins, because Christ was without sin.

“For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;  who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.”  Hebrews 7:26-28.

“And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.  For it is attested of Him,

“YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER
ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” Hebrews 7:15-17.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15.

Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?

A. For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous;  and yet more powerful than all creatures;  that is, one who is also very God.  Heidelberg Catechism.

The Scriptures show that we have such a mediator and deliverer in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16.