Holy Communion
~ Pastor Thuamminlian
As we partake in the Lord’s communion, let us study the word of God in Romans 3:21-26. Firstly we need to ponder again and again the sufferings and redemption that Jesus had shed on the cross for us. In the end of Romans 1, the sins of Gentiles were widely discussed and how God had turned away leaving them on their own. But in the next chapter, the word condemns all the people of lawlessness despite some community having distinct laws and rules. It even pointed out that those who were supposed to abide by their laws and those who considered themselves righteous were called outright unrighteous and lawless. So, then what is the relevance of law? Does this mean that salvation is not by the law?
In the 3rd chapter, it clearly states that Salvation is not earned through law (Romans 3:21). It is only through Faith in Jesus Christ that one can earn salvation. This was in contrast to the earlier beliefs/system of Israelites where keeping and fulfillment of the law saved them. But now a belief in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins is the way to salvation. Everyone falls short of His Glory and by His Grace we are made Righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. Why was there a need to Crucify Jesus on the Cross? Couldn’t he just forgive all the sins of the world and let the crucifixion passed? These are questions worth thinking about.
However, God cannot go back on his word as He had already said that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. In the book of Hebrews, it is written that the Israelites would use to sacrifice lambs for atonement of sins by chanting out their sins on the lamb. They send one lamb to the wilderness and kill the other lamb. The blood is put in a cup and the priest would bring the blood to the holiest of the temple. The priest would cleanse himself of any sins before entering the inner temple. Sacrifices for the whole of Israelites would be done once in year by the Priest in this manner.
However when Jesus died on the cross, the curtains inside the temple broke in half and there is no longer a need for the priest to enter the inner temple. Because Jesus brought his own blood and sacrifice it for all of us sinners to the Father. This atonement is not just for one year as being done by the priest but it is once and for all, made for eternity. And we are saved because of it. Redemption is done. We are really blessed by this redemption. Lastly, on the last supper Jesus reminded the disciples how weary he is and broke the bread in half to signify his body and raise the cup to signify his blood. Jesus’ blood marks the end of old-testament and birth of new-testament. Let us reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus and his blood for our redemption. Although it is a mark of sacrifice, let us reflect on our lives and sins. Do we still value the sacrifice he has done for us? Let us ask God to find within us our sins and weakness. Let us cleanse ourselves and pray before him for his mercy and guidance.
Gamchiam | Feb 23, 2020 Sermon Video Sermon Audio Photo Gallery
