Without Shedding of Blood

Hebrews 2:9-18

Most people have no conflict with the idea that wicked people deserve judgment. The idea of punishing evildoers is almost universal. Deciding who deserves punishment, on the other hand, is more difficult. Rarely does anyone acknowledge having done anything wrong. And even when they do, it isn’t considered that bad. For example a thief is often heard to say it is the victim’s fault because he shouldn’t have allowed me to get it if he wanted it. Similar logic is used to justify sexual crimes, murders, and many other wrongs. Almost no one considers themselves as sinners, although the Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3: 10-12 is even more emphatic. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death;”, that death is the natural consequence of sin. Romans 5:12-14 makes it clear that we became subject to death as a result of Adam’s sin, even though our sin might not be like his, and regardless of any law forbidding our actions.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” (Romans 5:12-14)

Since every sin required a death penalty, man could only partially pay for his sin. He needed the guilt to be taken away. Hebrews 9:22 explains what would be required for that to happen. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Only someone who had not sinned could pay for all the sin, and purge that guilt by his death. All natural humans were sinners, so God had to provide someone greater than that.

In order to die, and pay for sin, it was necessary that a form lower than the angels be selected, so Christ was chosen to become a man, born a natural birth, but conceived by a supernatural act so that he would not be infected by sin, thus being able to purge our sin. In order to be completely human, he had to be able to experience all our temptations and sufferings as well.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:9-10)

Because he is completely and perfectly human, Christ is one of us, accepting us as his brothers and sisters, having our humanity in common. It was only possible by his becoming human.

“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:11-18)

Because he has experienced our temptations, he is able to reach out to us in ways that those who have never experienced those trials and temptations cannot. Most modern politicians are wealthy compared to the average people. Most have been lawyers or from rich families, never experiencing what it is like to have little or nothing. As a result they think that health care or education are the biggest concerns at the present time. They provide money to buy cars or houses when people are in danger of losing the home they have. They do not understand that providing shelter and food must be taken care of, before other things can even be considered. They are confused by people’s resistance to their ideas. They haven’t considered that if you don’t survive to use it, it is of no benefit.

Because he has experienced our temptations and problems, Christ can understand our real problems and why we respond the way we do. His directions and commands will always contribute to our situation, rather than complicating it.