12. What does the Bible call the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf to buy us back from Satan and allow us to go free from the condemnation of the death penalty for sin? 1 Peter 1:18-19.
NOTE: ‘Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 519.
13. Knowing these things, what confidence may we have in God? Hebrews 10:19, 22.
NOTE: ‘Jesus invites, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29. Have you found this rest? If not, there is something for you to do. Do not rely on an experience that you had years in the past; it is your privilege to have a living connection with Christ now. Come to Him with brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit, praying for His grace. The melting power of God can do wonders in subduing the heart, and making it tender and impressible. You may come with full assurance of faith, and He will fill your heart with rest, and peace, and love.’ Gospel Workers, page 432.
LESSON INSIGHT: The sacrifice of our Saviour was once, for all; it does not require a daily re-enactment in the Mass, through the offices of an earthly priest. The Scriptural memorial of our Lord’s death is in the Lord’s Supper. Paul writes of it using the very words of Christ Himself. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. We too can have His life within us today, through the Holy Spirit, and, through His promise, eternal life to come. All has been made possible through His death but also by His resurrection and His living priesthood. The life of God is not in the Eucharist but in the Word of God, as we take it into our hearts, allowing it to guide us and keep us. It is through the priesthood of Christ, offering up His own blood, once, for all, that we can be forgiven, but also cleansed from all unrighteousness, ‘till we come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ’. Ephesians 4:13.