Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: why it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. I. GOD'S ORDINATION OR APPOINTMENT GIVES RULES, MEASURES, AND ENDS UNTO ALL SACRED OFFICES AND EMPLOYMENTS. Whoever undertakes anything in religion or divine worship, without it, besides it, beyond it, is a transgressor, and therein worshippeth God in vain. II. THERE IS NO APPROACH UNTO GOD WITHOUT CONTINUAL RESPECT UNTO SACRIFICE AND ATONEMENT. The principal end of sacrifices was to make atonement for sin. And so necessary was this to be done, that the office of the priesthood was appointed for it. III. THERE WAS NO SALVATION TO BE HAD FOR US, NO NOT BY JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, WITHOUT HIS SACRIFICE AND OBLATION. It was of necessity that He should have somewhat to offer, as well as those priests had of old according to the law. IV. As GOD DESIGNED UNTO THE LORD CHRIST, THE WORK WHICH HE HAD TO DO, SO HE PROVIDED FOR HIM, AND FURNISHED HIM WITH, WHATEVER WAS NECESSARY THEREUNTO. V. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BEING TO SAVE THE CHURCH IN THE WAY OF OFFICE, HE WAS NOT TO BE SPARED IN ANYTHING NECESSARY THEREUNTO. VI. WHATEVER STATE OR CONDITION WE ARE CALLED UNTO, WHAT IS NECESSARY UNTO THAT STATE IS INDISPENSABLY REQUIRED OF US. So is holiness and obedience required unto a state of reconciliation and peace with God. (John Owen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. |
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