ONCE AND FOR ALL

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
-2 Corinthians 5:21

All throughout the Old Testament, we read about the sacrifices that the people of God had to perform in order to restore their relationship and purity before God. The people would have to take an animal to the Temple where a priest would sacrificially kill the animal, and spread its blood on the altar. Once a year, the priest would perform a very special sacrifice to atone and cover the sins of the entire nation. It was through this blood that their relationship with God was restored, but the restoration would wear off and need to be repeated year after year.

Where did this all begin? In the Garden of Eden, humanity sinned against God. The Enemy came and deceived Adam and Eve to eat the fruit, which ultimately led to sin, and death entering into their body and the world. Through them, all of humanity inherited this fallen nature. The good news, however, is that despite humanity’s sin and continual rebellion against Him, God still pursues us.

The greater news is that He sent His Son to live a blameless life among humanity and fulfill the things promised throughout the Old Testament. He took sin upon Himself, died on the cross, and spilled His blood for our sins. His atoning blood does not wear out for those who place their faith in Him. No longer do His children have to sacrifice animals and spill any more blood on the altar. Instead, He did all of the work, whether we deserved it or not, and brings us into a restored relationship with Him.

This week, let’s recognize that we no longer have to sacrifice or spill blood to live in a restored relationship with God. Instead, let’s give thanks and place our faith in the One who paid the ultimate price: Jesus Christ.