Because we, the human race, rejected God’s direction soon after our creation, we were cut off from entering His presence, except through the substitution of an innocent victim. Therefore, the Old Testament laws of sacrifice were established for that era of time; the tabernacle with all its statutes and ordinances was erected and practiced, but still the people could only approach God through the mediation of the priesthood. Even then, only the High priest could enter the immediate presence of God, and that but one day a year, carrying the blood of that substitutionary victim amidst the smoke of incense (Genesis 3:1-24 & Hebrews 9:1-10). But God had a better plan, of which the Old Testament provision was but a shadow! Because He knew man would fall into sin, His plan was already in place before it happened (1 Peter 1:20). Hebrews 9:11-15 shows us that in activating this plan, “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come…” dare we say better things, since “He is also mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6), and with the advent of this new covenant, Jesus removed the separating barrier (Mark 15:37-38) so that all “those who come to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25) can once again enter God’s immediate presence, because through Jesus God can say, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Have you received Jesus as your substitute, your Savior? I mean have you personally received Him, not just in general knowledge of Him, but in a personal life-changing encounter. If not, you can do so right now by calling out to Him, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

The Better Plan

-By Rose Hill

Long ago when people came to worship Him,

They had to sacrifice a lamb to atone for sin.

The precious little lamb had to die,

So the people to God could draw nigh.

Now Jesus came and was our precious Lamb,

With His sacrifice there was a better plan.

The Lamb of God shed His precious blood,

So we can now draw near to God.

Thank you God for your better plan,

I’ll worship you the best I can.