The reminder in the shadows

Shadows are reminders of the true forms.

This past weekend, we looked at Hebrews 10:1-4. This is a beautiful short reminder of what Christ has done for us.

The passage begins with a double parallel: the first is between the shadow and the real thing, and the second is between repetitive sacrifices and a single sacrifice offered once for us. These parallels remind us of the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice for us, showing that we can add nothing to the salvation He has given us.

This observation then pushes us to the second half of the passage, which tells us that bulls and goats cannot do what Christ has done for you. To understand the significance of this, we have to understand who Christ is, that he is fully man and fully God. Only in this nature can he redeem fallen humanity and unite men and women to God.

But the author has another point in mind - he tells us that the old sacrifices were a reminder of Israel's sin. We can often be blissfully unaware of our sin, so it's easy to see why the first covenant would require a regular reminder of this reality. But there's something more significant happening here. The word used here is the same word that Christ uses when he institutes the Lord's supper and says, "Do this in remembrance of me." Like the sacrifices of the first covenant, Holy Communion is a regular reminder, not specifically of our sin, but of Christ's grace and who you are in Him.

Reflection questions:

1. What are some ways you are prone to thinking you can add to your salvation?

2. Are there any sins that you make into a part of your identity?

3. How can regular reminders of who you are in Christ help amend your answers to the first two questions?