There are two postures which a believer can take. A believer is either ‘STANDING’ or ‘SITTING’! Hmm… There is a difference between a ‘standing’ believer and a ‘sitting’ believer. What posture are you taking? Are you ‘standing’ or ‘sitting’? Hmm….
I’m sure you are wondering what I mean by ‘standing’ and ‘sitting’ believers. Can I quickly take you on a refreshing Bible study through the book of Hebrews 10: 11-14? Let’s dive right in! The Bible says:
‘and every priest STANDETH daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices,…’ (Hebrews 10:11)
In the Old Testament, the priests were responsible for making atonements for the sins of the people. But the Bible emphasized that they
…’STANDETH’ daily in their ministry. (Heb 10:11)
This implies that the sacrifices they offered could not wipe off the FUTURE sins of the people. Hmm… Their sacrifices could only wipe out their ‘PAST’ and ‘PRESENT’ sins! They must offer the same sacrifices daily in order for the people to be ‘holy’ daily! Hmm….This is why the Bible says:
‘and every priest STANDETH daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices,…which can NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS.’ (Hebrews 10:11)
Listen: the Bible uses the word ‘STANDETH’ to explain a ministry which could never TAKE AWAY SIN! It could only wipe off the previous sins BUT it couldn’t TAKE IT AWAY ONCE AND FOR ALL!
Now we have seen the meaning for ‘standing’… What about ‘sitting’? Hmm… Follow carefully as we read the next verse to the one we read earlier!
‘But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered ONE sacrifice for sins forever, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God.’ (Hebrews 10:12)
Wow! Can you see that? The Bible used the word ‘SAT DOWN’ to explain the ministry of Jesus Christ for the Believers! The priests could not SIT down because sin was NEVER finished! But Jesus SAT DOWN because His sacrifice cleared away sin: past, present and FUTURE! Hence, He SAT DOWN! In fact, two verses later, the Bible made a striking statement which I wish every preacher would quote every time they teach the word!!!
‘For by one offering hath He (Jesus) PERFECTED FOREVER them that are sanctified’! (Hebrews 10:14)
Oh! Did you see that! The day you became ‘born again’, you were PERFECTED FOREVER!!! Hmm… And Jesus SAT DOWN to prove to you that you are really eternally secured! Funnily, many believers today are still ‘standing’!
A ‘standing’ believer represents believers who think it is by their ‘works’ that they would receive justification and blessings from God! They do all they can to make God love them. They offer sacrifices of ‘works’ to get divine approvals! They are believers who still operate under Law. They strive to obey the Ten Commandments just to hear God say to them: this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased! Hmm….
Now listen carefully: the Bible explains that the day you became born again, you were ACCEPTED in the BELOVED! (Eph 1:6). You are not God’s BELOVED because of your ‘works’ of righteousness! You became God’s beloved because you Believed in the finished work of Christ on the cross for you!
The Elder brother of the prodigal son is a good example of a ‘standing’ believer! When the prodigal son returned and the Father was throwing a party for him, the elder brother ANGRILY said to the Father:
‘…Lo, these many years do I SERVE thee, neither TRANSGRESSED I at any time thy COMMANDMENT…’ (Luke 15:29)
This guy was still offering the sacrifices of the priests! Even though he was a son, he still had the mentality that he has to STAND daily to minister to God! His Father’s reply is so striking!
‘And He (the Father) said unto him, Son, thou art EVER with me and ALL (not some but ALL) that I have is THINE’! (Luke 15:31).
Hmm… the Father was simply telling this guy: Why are you still STANDING when you ought to be SITTING! Instead of him to SIT DOWN and enjoy the blessedness of being a son, he still wants to PERFORM in order to BECOME!Hmm….
Now listen carefully: the day you got born again, God gave you a new posture as a proof of your eternal salvation!
What was the posture? Is it a ‘standing’ position or a ‘sitting’ position? Let’s find out!
‘God hath raised us up together, and made us SIT together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus’! (Ephesians 2:6)
Wow! Listen carefully: God made you SIT with Jesus so as to prove to you that your sins are TOTALLY forgiven!
The more you understand how much you have been forgiven, the more you will be empowered to love God more (Luke 7:47) and to go and sin no more! (John 8:11). ‘Standing’ believers TRY to get by their obedience what God is giving to them FREELY! (Rom 8:32)
I hope you had a nice time going through the book of Hebrews 10 with me. In conclusion, see what vs 10 says:
‘…we are SANCTIFIED THROUGH the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE AND FOR ALL’! (Heb 10:10).
I believe you know what ONCE AND FOR ALL means! You are TOTALLY forgiven: past, present and FUTURE! And your redemption is ETERNAL! (Heb 9:12). Therefore, SIT DOWN!!!
Do you remember Psalm 110:1? Hmm…
‘The LORD said unto my Lord,…SIT DOWN….at my right hand….till I make thine enemies thy FOOTSTOOL’!
Wow! Now listen carefully: until you SIT DOWN, God cannot make your enemies your FOOTSTOOL!
Therefore, SIT DOWN!!! Hallelujah!
Never forget that…
Until you SIT DOWN, God cannot make your enemies your FOOTSTOOL! (Ps 110:1)
Therefore… SIT DOWN!!!
Amen.
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