Our Common Confession

"The multitude of your sacrifices-- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats." Isaiah 1:11

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are explicit that sacrifices offered through priests cannot take away sins.

“And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Heb 10:11, 12).

With Christ’s propitiating death, all righteousness is fulfilled and there is no other way to the Father but through Jesus Christ. His priesthood is unique in that He is both High King, High Priest, and the appointed sacrifice.

Even circumcision, which was essential to the identity of the Jew, is not salvific in and of itself. Eve the strictest observance of the Sabbath will not gain us merit in God's eyes. Unless there is a heart commitment of faith to God these accomplish nothing. Instead, they can become a boast and an expression of self righteousness.

“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom 2:29).

Faith in the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be substituted with ritual and ceremony, though these can be used of the Holy Spirit to draw us closer to God and to deepen our understanding of God's love.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:14)

Saints throughout the ages have made this common confession: That Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners. All must repent and put their trust in Him alone. In Jesus Christ is hidden the great mystery of godliness. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Related: Prayer That Saves