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"That He might sanctify the people with His own blood."

Text: Hebrews 13:12b

THE PLACE OF CHRIST

The doctrine of grace cannot be separated from the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the entire epistle of Hebrews the writer strenuously and extensively wrote about the place of Jesus. In the following text he once again highlights Jesus’ role.

“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people
with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.”
Hebrews 13:12

1. Outside the gate

a) This is reference to the ritual of sanctification.

b) In the Old Testament Levitical system there was an elaborate ritual of offering of an animal “outside the gate” (Cf. Leviticus 4).

c) In New Testament practice the high priest collects the blood of the slain animals and brings it into the sanctuary for sin (Hebrews 13:1b).

d) The slain animal is burnt outside the gate.

2. Therefore Jesus also

Jesus was the perfect Antitype!

3. That He might sanctify His own people

The sanctification that Jesus offered “His own people” was not a ritual! He Himself would be the Person who would bring about true and full sanctification!

4. With His own blood

Jesus shed His own blood to bring about full and true sanctification!

5. Suffered outside the camp

a) This was a reference to Jesus’ suffering at Calvary.

b) The “camp” would thus be a reference to Jerusalem.

A FULL APPRECIATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION

Our salvation in Christ may be summarised in this manner:

1. Justification (where we are declared righteous) comes from God’s free grace.

2. Sanctification (where we are made righteous) also comes from God’s wonderful grace in Christ Jesus.