Victory is Ours!

“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17-18

We have been looking at the reasons Jesus came to earth: (1.) to recapture our lost identity, (2.) to identify with us, (3.) to release us from bondage, and lastly - (4.) to restore us from defeat. The emphasis of verse 17 is Godward, Jesus in the role of high priest satisfies God’s righteousness. In verse 18 the emphasis is manward, in the fact that as our high priest He comes along side us to aid us who are tempted. There are three things you must know -

1. Only Jesus can save us.
He is the One and only Savior.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”John 14:6

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

2. Jesus understands us.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

3. Victory can be yours.
He died to set you free. He came to give you life, but you have to receive it.

Make note - There is a difference between believing and receiving. I can believe and still go to hell...Or...I can receive this gift of life found only in Jesus Christ. Christ is the only hope. You can receive Him or reject Him, but you can’t ignore Him.

“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.’” Hebrews 3:12-15

Don’t harden your heart. Today, thank God for your salvation or receive it. To God be the glory!