Wisdom and the Better Sacrifice

Wisdom cries in the streets, not to amuse the curious, but to turn the simple into obedient men. The same Wisdom who stood with God before the earth was made has now given the one sacrifice that the old offerings could never accomplish. As Clement says, “For He was the Wisdom in which the Sovereign God delighted. Proverbs 8:30 For the Son is the power of God, as being the Father's most ancient Word before the production of all things, and His Wisdom.” Therefore when Hebrews tells us that animal blood could not take away sins, it is teaching us to leave shadows and cleave to the Son Himself.

If such a sacrifice has been given, then our worship must not be empty. We are not called to stand near holy things while keeping a careless life. We are called to draw near with clean hearts, hold fast the confession, stir one another up to love and good works, and refuse the cowardice that shrinks back. The man who has heard Wisdom's voice must become a doer: steadfast in prayer, plain in speech, generous to the needy, and patient under reproach.

The battles of David also warn us. Great victories do not end the need for vigilance. Enemies rise again; giant men still appear after earlier triumphs. So too, after repentance, old sins may return to challenge the soul. Yet the people of God must not despair or grow soft. Christ has opened the living way; therefore let us endure. Since the true offering has been made once for all, let us cast away the works of death and present to God the obedience of living men.