Set Apart for God
Photo by Billy Leivon on Unsplash
Sacred—Set Apart for God by Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice
Religion, by definition, is a set of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of gods. The Latin root of this word carries the idea of constraint and practice, even to restrain or tie back.
Many religions focus on adherence to traditions, rituals, and rules along with other implied expectations. A religious person practices these things with the hopes of becoming more spiritual and acceptable by whoever or whatever is worshiped.
Sacred is a common term related to religion. It describes a sense of holiness or devotion. Something sacred is devoted or set apart for service or worship. It can also refer to people who are set apart for service or worship.
What does it mean to be "set apart for God?" Christians refer to this as holiness or sanctification. Holiness, sacredness, or sanctification are God's work in us, not our work for Him.
It's not a religious act, but it is a work of God in those who submit their lives to Him and His Spirit dwelling in them. When applied to a person, the process of becoming holy is called sanctification.
All of this religious stuff sounds pretty exhausting and intimidating, doesn't it? Here's some good news.
Jesus has set His followers free from all this effort, once and for all! Not so we can do as we please, but to free us to live a life that pleases Him.
Scripture Text
We have been set apart as holy because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do by sacrificing his body once and for all.
Every day each priest performed his religious duty. He offered the same type of sacrifice again and again. Yet, these sacrifices could never take away sins. [vss 10-11]
However, this chief priest made one sacrifice for sins, and this sacrifice lasts forever. Then he received the highest position in heaven. Since that time, he has been waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool.
With one sacrifice he accomplished the work of setting them apart for God forever. [vss 12-14] (Hebrews 10:10-14 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 10]
Key Phrase —
With one sacrifice he accomplished the work of setting them apart for God forever.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What made it possible for believers to be "set apart as holy"?
What did the priests under the Law do over and over, yet unable to accomplish?
How does what Jesus did as a chief priest contrast with the other priests?
What do you see is the major emphasis of these few verses? [hint — it's repeated three times]
Things to Consider—
Why keep repeating the same thing over and over if it isn't effective and has little lasting value? This is the nature of religion.
No religion, no effort at goodness, no philosophy or system of discipline can make a person better or more righteous than what Jesus did once for all. What Jesus did “once for all” is key to understanding the importance and power of His atoning death.
Why try to improve on perfection? Our efforts at goodness are futile. Why not choose what is perfect and guaranteed for eternity? This is the battle we struggle with when our selfish nature insists on its own will.
As followers of Jesus, Christian believers are set apart, made holy by the work of Jesus on the cross, through the power of His resurrection living in us. It's the Holy Spirit's transforming work in our hearts and minds that makes us holy.
Here, in verse 12 (see text above), is a reminder of the opening declaration at the beginning of Hebrews—
After he had cleansed people from their sins, he now holds the honored position—the one next to the majestic God the Father on the heavenly throne. (Hebrews 1:3c)
True righteousness and sanctification are not the result of good behavior and good intentions but are based on a genuine, personal relationship of trust. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, as He brings transformation in us.
We need to rely on the power of God at work in us rather than strive to be “better Christians.” Exchanging our efforts for Jesus' perfect work is wise. Sacred in a genuine sense. It’s spiritual common sense.
What will you choose today?
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
How would you describe the idea of being holy or set apart (IYOW)?
Why do you think we all seem to default to some type of religious effort?
Have you experienced the conflict between self-effort and trust in your own life?
How are you currently learning to trust Jesus and His perfect work in your daily life?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
