Highlights:

Jesus chosen by God to be our High Priest (Heb. 5:1-10). He (Jesus) became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him (5:9; Rom. 6:23).

How thankful we are that mercy is an attribute of God, for it is one of our greatest daily needs. Mercy is an expression of His desire to forgive sinners and deliver them from eternal hell. Mercy involves love and is a practical demonstration of compassion.

Because God is also holy, He must enforce the penalty for sin without respect of persons (I Pet. 1:17), and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). In the Old Testament, a sinless (unblemished) lamb took the place of an Israelite and was slain for his sin (Lev. 4:32). The devout Jew was continually reminded that the life of the flesh is in the blood: and . . . it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (17:11). A blood sacrifice was required because taking the blood was taking the life, thus paying the wages of sin. But the need for numerous sacrifices ceased in the New Testament. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Heb. 7:26). Jesus, who had no sin, could die for our sins. He died on the cross for our sins and became the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him (Heb. 5:9). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). By His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats . . . sanctifieth . . . the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot (defect) to God, purge (cleanse) your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb. 9:12-14).

It is the forgiving mercy of God that gives a Christian assurance of a continued relationship with Him, even though we so often fail to be all that we should be and rightly deserve His judgment. In turn, the true believer will express mercy in his relationships with others because the Spirit of God dwells in his heart. He has assured us in His Word: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matt. 5:7).

Put on therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (heartfelt compassion), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another . . . even as Christ forgave you (Col. 3:12-13).

Thought for Today:

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Prov. 28:13).

Cross References:

For Heb. 5:5: See Ps. 2:7. Heb. 5:6: See Ps. 110:4. Heb. 6:14: See Gen. 22:17.

Word Studies:

6:17 immutability of His counsel his purpose will not be altered.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Judith Anne Ross • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA) • Country: Malaysia (22.7 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Malay and English • All Christian witness to Muslims is illegal • 58% Muslim; 23% Buddhist/Taoist/Chinese; 8% Christian; 6% Hindu; 5% Sikh/Animist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently (Is. 62:6).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21