2. The ''perfection" of our privileges, as secured by it—
[This also the Apostle unfolds, though, alas! we have only time to specify one or two particulars. But through our great High-priest we receive a full and perfect and everlasting remission of all our sins. The forgiveness obtained by the Levitical sacrifices was only temporary. The very services by which it was obtained were only "a remembrance of sins" still unforgiven. But, " through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, we are sanctified once for all ;" yea, " by one oflTering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified"^." God himself engages, by covenant, and by oath, that " our sins and iniquities he will rememberno more^"
Through him, too, we are admitted into the immediate pre- sence of our God. Not a soul was admitted into the holy of holies, except the high-priest; nor he, except on one day in the year. But "into the holiest of all have we access by the blood of Jesus, by that new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail : and having him as our High-priest over the house of God, the Apostle says, " Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience™." There is not a sinner in the universe who may not thus come to the very mercy-seat of our God, where he shines forth in all his glory, provided only he come in the name of Jesus, and pleading the merit of the Redeemer's blood.
The highest possible elevation, too, of zvhich our nature is capable, is vouchsafed tinto us through the intervention of our great High-priest. We are every one of us made both kings and priests : for in Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female : all are on a level in this respect : all are partakers of the same privileges : all are now " a royal priesthood":" and all shall ere long join in that triumphant song, " To Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen °."]
What now shall I say, as an improvement of this subject ? I will say,
1. Press forward for higher attainments in know- ledge—
[Do not imagine that you know enough of the Gospel : there are in it unfathomable depths, which even the angels in
^ Heb. ix. 13, 14. and x. 10, 14. 1 Heb. X. 17. compared with Heb. viii. 10, 12. m Heb. X. 19—22. » 1 Pet. ii. 9. » Rev. i. 5, 6.