9:9
The writer re emphasises the point that the sacrifices and gifts of the Law could not actually achieve anything concrete. They could not clear our conscience. Why does our conscience need clearing? It is because we are guilty. But the good news is that through the cross our conscience is actually cleared. I guess that few, if any, of us fully appreciate the full extent to which the cross cleanses us. Now this absolutely does not mean we can do what we like and get away with it. That is not forgiveness, it is not what the cross is about. It means that if we repent we receive complete forgiveness.
9:10
These words remind me of a couple of sections of Scripture. One is Mark 7:1-20 where Jesus speaks of what really defiles a man, and the other is Romans 14:17 where Paul says the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The gospel is concerned with deep meaningful change in people.
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