When was the last time you sacrificed something for someone? Last week’s insight, we talked about sin – Are We Sinning? – and what it is the real meaning of it. On this week’s discussion, we will tackle the payment for our sins and compare it to how sins were cleansed in the Old Testament.
Scripture
1 Chronicles 5, 6 & Hebrews 10
Overview
1 Chronicles 5, 6 – are the two out 6 chapters in the book of chronicles that talks about the genealogies of the 12 tribe of Israel. “Every Israelites is important to God’s story, just as every member of Christ’s body is important to day“1. Chapters 5 deals with the descendants of Reuben, Gad and the tribes east of Jordan. While chapter 6 mainly talks about the priestly line, tribes of Levi.
Hebrews 10 – This chapter shows the superiority of Christ. Moreover, the title “Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All” encourages us not to drift away from our faith in Christ1.
Observation
1 Chronicles 6:49 KJV "But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar for incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make atonement for Israel…"
Hebrews 10:14 KJV "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Application
Before
“As Moses’ Teachings tell us, blood was used to cleanse almost everything, because if no blood is shed, no sins can be forgiven” (Hebrews 9:22)2. Sacrificial offerings were common in the Old Testaments. In fact, the first shedding of blood for sins happened in the book of Genesis. When God, Himself, made use of animal skin to cover Adam and Eve (3:21)2 after they have eaten of the fruit of the tree which was forbidden. The book of Leviticus (chapters 1-7, 9), talks about the different types of ceremonial offerings and what sacrificial animals were to be used by the Israelites. The high priests, line of Levi, performs the ceremonial offerings on behalf of the Israelites. LINK
One of these ceremonies is the Day of the Atonement (Yom Kippur), considered as the holiest day for the Jewish people. This day is held on 10th day of Tishri (September/October) basing on the Jewish calendar. Furthermore, this day points out to the forgiveness and cleansing of sins for the priest, Israelite nation, and tabernacle3. Part of the ritual was to have 2 goats, “one of which will be offered to God as a sin offering and the other will be the offered alive before the Lord to make atonement over it and be sent out to the wilderness“ (Leviticus 16:10)3.
Today
“… He (Jesus) said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)2. This verse in the bible is very significant and is the basis of Hebrews 10:14. Jesus’ life and death on the cross, ended the need for continuous sacrificial ceremonies. His death is the ultimate offering for man’s sins. Additionally, Jesus’ blood does not only covers our sins, like the animals blood do when sacrificed, but it washes away our sins entirely.
It is written in Matthew, “This is my blood, the blood of the promise. It is poured out for many people so that sins are forgiven.” (26:28)2. Isaiah then described how Christ’s blood will affect us when he wrote, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (1:18)2.
Remember, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)2. God wants us to live and be with Him. But we can only do this if we repent from our sins and turn away from living a sinful life. Further, we have to believe that Jesus died for us and that He is our Lord and Savior.
Prayer
Almighty Father, we glorify Your Name. We thanks You for sending us Jesus as our savior. Through the Holy Spirit we are drawn near to Him, He who takes away our sins and carried it as His own. We thank You Lord for we know we do not deserve your mercy because we are sinful. Yet, because You love us, You have provided us our redeemer. May the Holy Spirit defend us from the evil ones and to strengthen our faith in You through Jesus Christ. Amen.
REFERENCE
12012. Chronological Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
21989. King James Bible. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
32010. The MacArthur Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Publishing.
