Paid in Full!

God’s Word: Hebrews 10

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

The Old Testament plan of forgiveness was achieved by the offering of animal sacrifices. With the coming of Christ in the New Testament, He became the perfect sacrifice to perfect people who were very imperfect. His death put an end to the animal sacrifices because he became the “once for all” sacrifice on your behalf—providing you with forgiveness of sins—past, present and future. His stamp of approval on you is PAID IN FULL.

The Old Testament shows you what sin was. The New Testament shows you how to rid yourself of the guilt of that sin—through belief in Jesus death on your behalf—as payment for your sin.

So now that you are free from the guilt of sin—now what? You no longer need to “work” to achieve forgiveness but that does not mean you are free to do whatsoever you please. Suppose you were guilty of a crime that demanded you pay restitution of everything you had. Someone stepped forward and offered to pay your restitution in full so you could go free. Would you not spend the rest of your days doing good for that person, not merely to pay them back, but to show your deep appreciation? That is exactly what Jesus did on your behalf—paid in full!

While Jesus is here in heaven preparing a place for you, He has stated that He takes your treatment of all others personally. You can show your appreciation for His death, His paying in full your debt of sin, by doing good for others, forgiving them, being patient, serving them, loving them—as though you were doing it for Christ. Actually–you are.

God’s Question for Me: Will you treat others with the same love and forgiveness that Jesus offers you?

God’s Promise to Me: “I’ll forever wipe clean the slate of their sins.”

My Prayer to God:

Adoration: What a beautiful and simple plan. Christ paid in full our guilt of sin and wiped our slate clean. He asks no restitution only that we “pass on” the good deed of forgiveness to others. How can I refuse to forgive another and expect Christ to forgive me? It’s amazingly simple.

Confession: The plan is simple but we simply refuse to carry it out. We get to thinking Christ loved us because we are so loveable—His very favorite. We think that it is all about us. I am sorry God that I forget about Christ’s sacrifice so easily when it comes to living for others instead of myself.

Thanksgiving: If I forgave each and every perceived offense it wouldn’t even begin to pay Christ back for his sacrifice on my behalf. Thank You that even though You know I am unable to really live this out fully—You see my heart and forgive my shortcomings.

Supplication: Help me to see the face of Christ in every other human I come in contact with. Every kindness, every smile, every good deed I do unto Him. Oh that I could really live this out.

My Song to God: Jesus Paid It All! (Elvina Hall 1865)

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”