[Jesus] entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. —Hebrews 9:12
Did you know that in the Old Testament the Hebrew people had a system for having their sins forgiven? In order for them to be delivered from their sins, they had to sacrifice an animal without blemish or defect.
Can you imagine if it were still like this today? If we had to arrive at the temple with a dove or lamb knowing that soon we’d have to do the same thing again? And worse, we’d never feel completely free from guilt.
It’s not possible for the blood of animals to take away sin (Heb. 10:4). The only way was through the blood of Christ (9:25–26)—the Lamb without blemish! That is what atonement means, to free a guilty person through sacrifice. The work of Jesus on the cross was a final and complete sacrifice! Now we will never be guilty before God because of the One who gave His life for us.
Make it Personal
Thank God for paying the price for your sins, and ask Him to help your life be an instrument for pointing others to Him.