We read in Hebrews 7:26-27 (Amplified) that, "(Here is) the High Priest (perfectly adapted) to our needs, as was fitting-holy, blameless, unstained by sin, separated from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens." Verse 27 says, "He has no day by day necessity, as (do each of these other) high priests, to offer sacrifice first of all for his own (personal) sins and then for those of the people, because He (met all the requirements) once and for all when He brought Himself (as a sacrifice) which He offered up."
Hebrews 8:1 (Amplified) says, "Now the main point of what we have to say is this; we have such a High Priest, One Who is seated at the right hand of the Majestic (God) in heaven."
The old covenant priest was always standing before the altar offering sacrifice "for himself and for all of the other people." Our High Priest, once He offered Himself, sat down at God's right hand, the place of power.
Just like God rested on the seventh day of creation, Jesus sat down and rested. It wasn't because They were tired, but because They were finished. There was nothing left to be done.
Ephesians 2:5-6 (Amplified) says that, "Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; (He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him) for it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation)." Verse 6 continues, "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
The Father rested on the seventh day because His work was finished. Jesus sat down as High Priest because the sacrifice and offerings and the old covenant work were finished, so He rested. We are raised up together with Him. We can be seated as He is seated and we can rest in our salvation because it is finished.
There's nothing left for the believer to do, but rest in what Jesus has done. John 6:28-29 (Amplified) says, "Then they said, what are we to do, that we may (habitually) be working the works of God? (what are we to do to carry out what God requires)?" Verse 29 says, "Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you; that you believe in the One Whom He has sent (that you cleave to, trust in, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger)."
When we believe in the One Whom He has sent, we can rest in our Salvation. Everything that was needful to life and godliness has been already made available. The only thing we're required to do, is rest with Him and in Him.
What can we done ton improve on what Jesus has already done? Can we do any works or anything by our own efforts to make our salvation more complete? Can we read more, pray more, study more, do more good deeds, light more candles or dress more in a certain way or abstain from more meats or foods to make our salvation more complete or even more assured? Our salvation in Jesus is already so complete and eternal, that Jesus sat down. There is no longer anything required to make us in right standing or give us more grace and mercy with God. We only need to believe and rest like He has rested.
2Timothy 2:5 (Amplified) tells us to, "Study and be eager and do your upmost to present yourselves to God approved (tested by trial) a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing (rightly) handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth."
We are called to study and to understand the Word and not to be in bondage to traditions. We're called to understand what our Lord has done so we can live in it and thereby give Him glory in it. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and God has become our Father, our salvation is settled in heaven forever. The only difference in God's people is some have studied to know what has been given to them and some have not. One is no more saved than the other and none are more the children of God than the other. The only difference between God's children is that some have studied the covenant out of respect for Jesus and some have not studied.
Romans 8:16-17 (Amplified) says that, "The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit, (assuring us) that we are children of God." Verse 17 says, "And if we are (His) children, then we are (His) heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him); only we must share His sufferings if we are to share His glory."
If we rest in our salvation and do not constantly be fearful of being rejected, then we can begin studying what is included in our inheritance in Him. When we receive what He's given us by faith and not works, we glorify Him in His perfect sacrifice. Some have learned that healing is provided in our salvation and some haven't. Some have learned that peace is part of our salvation and some have not. Some have learned that power and authority were part of our salvation and some have not.
For all those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, all these things have been freely given. We all share in this inheritance equally as joint heirs with Christ. The only difference in our lives is that some study to know (not because we must do something to obtain them), but in order to honor Him in those things He gave His life for me to have. If it was important enough for Jesus to die for, then it should be important enough to receive.
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