The Reformation motto we look at this week is Solus Christus—we are saved by the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This became important to the Reformers because it is biblical. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 2:5). [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The whole book of Hebrews tells how Christ is better, more excellent, than other things. His sacrifice is better than the sacrifice of the Old Testament. In fact, the Old Testament sacrifice is effective because it points to the person and work of Christ.

In the time of the Reformation, there were some abuses in the church that needed to hear the clear Word of God that we are saved by Christ alone. It is a free gift from God. We still need to hear this because we resist receiving a free gift from God. Our pride refuses to believe that we are unable to atone for our own mistakes. We hate to be obligated to anyone, even to God. We think that we can give God a little something in order to make him think that we are not that bad after all. This is unfortunate, because the more we try to "help" God the more we make a mess of it. Jesus himself taught that there was no way to earn favor with God. If you did everything perfectly, you could only say, "I am an unprofitable servant for I have only done my duty." The prophet Isaiah described our righteous acts as "filthy rags" (Is. 64:6).

You are not saved by your own works. You are not partly saved by your own works. You are not saved by the works of family members. You are not partly saved by the works of family members. These impress God as much as a pile of filthy rags. You are saved by the person and work of Christ alone.

Even the Old Testament sacrifices were not given to atone for our sins in and of themselves. The Law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves (v 1). They pointed to the sacrifice of Christ that was to come. Those who trusted in those sacrifices also trusted in the thing they pointed to—Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The sacrifices kept three things in front of the people: 1) they are sinners and need forgiveness; 2) without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin; 3) God provides a way for us to be forgiven.

How do we know that the temple sacrifices did not in themselves put an end to sin? They were animal sacrifices and it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (v 3). Also, they needed to be repeated over and over. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins (v 11). Contrast this with Jesus, who as high priest and sacrifice offered to God once and for all the atonement for human sin. But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God (v 12).

What has Jesus’ death done for those who trust in him by faith? They have been made perfect (v 14). That is a legal definition. They have been forgiven. They have been justified before God. Nothing but the death of Christ is able to really atone for your sins. And since Jesus has died for his children, what more can they do to add to that? If you have been forgiven by Christ, you have been forgiven indeed. There is nothing else that can be done and nothing else that needs be done to save you.

Our response to that is "Hallelujah!" We are saved by Christ alone. Not Christ and doing this good deed. Not Christ and giving that gift. Not Christ and this indulgence. Not Christ and anything else. You are saved by Christ alone. If the Son of God has made you free, you are free indeed. And your sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. And where these have been forgiven there is no longer any sacrifice for sin (v 17). There is no need for any sacrifice or payment because Christ has paid it all for you on the cross of Calvary. There is nothing more that needs to be done for your forgiveness forever. Our confidence is in the finished work of Christ alone.

Let me ask you a question. If you appeared before God today and he asked you why should I let you into my heaven, what would you say? "God, I have lived a good life. I have done many good things in your name. I have been faithful in church." These are good things, but they are not good enough to get you into heaven. They do not contribute to you getting into heaven. The only thing that is enough to get you into heaven is what Christ has done for you and only what Christ has done for you. Nothing else will do. Nothing else need be done for you, forever. Are you trusting in Christ today? Trust in him completely.