But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Hebrews 9:7 (NIV)

Animal sacrifices were a daily part of life for the Israelites before the glorification of Christ. Once per year, the high priest would offer a sacrifice for himself and for the people. All of these sacrifices were a reminder of the people’s sin and their connection to God. However, we could also see them as a reminder of their separation from God because the sacrifices of animals did nothing to clear the consciences of the people.

Along comes Jesus, the Son of God. A man without sin who dies for all of the world’s sins.

So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)

As Christians, our sins are forgiven and have been atoned for by the shed blood of Jesus. However, sin is part of our nature; no one is without sin. Subsequently, when we go to God in prayer, we ask for forgiveness for our sins. Colossians gives us this insight.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)

Why do we continually seek forgiveness if Christ died once for all of our sins? Does this mean we are like those Israelites whose consciences could not be cleansed by the shed blood of animals? No, when we pray to God and ask for forgiveness, we seek sanctification. We must also repent when we ask for forgiveness. Where is the sincerity, otherwise? What does 1 John 1:9 tell us?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Unlike the Israelites, whose sin could never be atoned for through the blood of animals, we know that our sins have been atoned for through the glorification of Christ. Therefore, when we sin, we repent of that sin to live sanctified lives before God. However, until we leave this place, we are prone to sin.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

Advertisement