Lord's Supper Preparation

John 19:28-30 - What is finished?
Answer:  the WORK necessary for our salvation.

Question:  Before the cross, how could man approach an unapproachable God?

Answer:  Old Testament Pictures  (picture prophecies)

I.  Mediator and Substitute Sacrifice.  Sacrifice brought to the altar, priest offered it to God on person's behalf.  Made him 'right' with God.
Christ was the PERFECT mediator.

II.  Temple Barriers -

When Christ died,
#1.  barriers were removed  - Matt. 27:50-51, Heb. 10:19-20

#2.  Sacrifices were fulfilled - Heb. 7:27, 9:11-12, 9:25-26 - "once for all"

#3.  The bridge was built - 2 Cor. 5:18-19

Note:  the work was extensive.  It required MANY pictures to describe it/illustrate it.

Another picture:

III.  Layer Cake - the cake = salvation (in broadest sense)
                        - the layers - individual aspects of salvation or of His work)
Examples:
(Words used by Christian Apostles, Theologians to describe toe work of Christ/Cross)

Ransom = purchase freedom  example:  kidnapped
Mark 10:45

Redemption = buy back  example:  Pawn shop  But!! Sold 'Self!! 1 Pet. 1:18-19

Substitution - in place of /stead of.  3 Cor. 5:21

Remission, Forgiveness, Cleansing - a debt resolved, pardoned, excused, satisfied
1 John 1:9

Propitiation = to appease (satisfy) wrath, anger.
1 John 1:2  (atoning sacrifice)

Expiation = more than forgiven = Removed!!  Example:  Scapegoat

Justification - act by which declared NO longer guilty.  Therefore, in right standing - Rom. 4:25

Sanctification - separated, set apart ... from and to

Reconciliation = relationship restored!!

Glorification - the eventual and final state of the believer

All adds up to:  SALVATION  (layer cake)

Add  (1)  Efficacious - having the power to produce the desired effects - Heb. 7:25 - Able to save completely, to the uttermost, totally!!!
The Resurrection was the proof that He was who He said He was and did what He said He did

 and   (2)  Voluntary - Christ didn't have to do this.

The "Layers" should lead us to:
(1)  a Recognition  ... of the extent of His work(s)
(2)  an Appreciation ... for what He's done for us.

Therefore:
(3)  an approach .. come the 1st time.   Then, come often times.

One more picture:  ie:  Example:  On the TABLE!   The bread, the juice, the crown of thorns.  Matt. 26:26-28
This we commemorate, celebrate tonight.  1 Cor. 11:27-28

(1)  how we do it.
(2)  who should do it - Christians
(3)  note of "worthiness" - 1 Cor. 11:27-28  None are worthy.  Speaking of "unworthy" manner!!

Closing Scripture:  Heb. 4:14-16