Monday 10, June 2013
TEXT: LEVETICUS 5:10
A story was told of severe famine, pestilence and untimely death in an idolatrous community in the seventeenth century. Hundreds of the inhabitants died of hunger, epidemics and malnutrition. Worse, the plague of locusts ravaged and devastated the entire plantation in the community. The only option they had then was to offer a virgin as sacrifice to appease the gods.
Of course, the ungodly atonement offered them no permanent solution because the way of transgressors is hard. Only Christ’s atonement is both perfect, pure and possesses the capacity for permanent atonement.
In the Levitical period, mandatory atonement for forgiveness of sin and cleansing from all defilement were prescribed. Different kinds of animals were used for sacrifices. This was done to appease God and retain fellowship and communion with Him.
The entire body of sacrifices during the Old Testament dispensation could not help the sinner unless he brought his offering with an attitude and disposition of repentance and readiness to make confession. Christ’s death on the cross has replaced animal sacrifices. At the same time, confession of sin and deep contrition are necessary conditions for atonement and reconciliation even today. Of course, Christ’s death will be of little value, unless we take steps to repent and follow Him wholeheartedly.
It is the simplicity of the gospel, received entirely by faith, that has the capacity to make the vilest offender who truly repents to receive unconditional pardon from God.
Thought for Today: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sin”.
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