Clear Conscience

7/11/14

Scripture

"This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings-- external regulations applying until the time of the new order." Hebrews 9:9-10

Observation

In this chapter, the author discusses how in the first covenant there were certain regulations for worship in an earthly sanctuary, the tabernacle.  There were rituals that God told His people to follow and if there was fault found, the high priest paid with his life.

Application

God is not looking for people that know what worship is supposed to look like.  He's not looking for people with the "external" practices of a Christian who are fluent in Christianese.  There is no gift and no external sacrifice that can take the place of a worshiper's cleared conscience in Jesus.  The new order, Jesus, is here! He paid with his life so that we could live a conscience-clear life.

Prayer

Lord, help me not put my energy and what "Christianity" is supposed to look like.  Help me focus on you and put all of my energy on our relationship and the things that you want to teach me that will help me grow in You.  Help me understand that having a clear conscience comes from you and that there is nothing that I can do on the outside to give me that peace that I have been forgiven and redeemed by you.  In Jesus name, Amen!