How can we apply the concept of atonement in our daily repentance practices? Leviticus 4:20—A Snapshot of Atonement “He shall do the same with this bull as he did with the sin offering bull; thus the priest” • A substitute life is offered for guilty people. • Blood is applied, pointing to the cost of sin. • The priest stands between the sinner and God, securing forgiveness. Christ, Our Perfect Sin Offering • Hebrews 9:22: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Romans 3:25: “God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood…” • Every Old-Testament altar foreshadowed the cross; Jesus completes the pattern once for all. Bringing the Atonement Into Daily Repentance • See sin as God sees it—serious enough to require blood. • Confess quickly; hold nothing back. • Rest your faith in the finished work of Christ, not in your own resolve or emotion. • Receive forgiveness; lingering guilt after confession denies the sufficiency of the sacrifice. Simple Practices for Everyday Life 1. Daily self-examination before Scripture and Spirit. 2. Name specific sins; avoid vague generalities. 3. Make restitution when others were harmed (Luke 19:8 sets the precedent). 4. Thank God out loud for the cleansing blood of Jesus; gratitude cements assurance. 5. Choose obedience in the very area you just confessed—turning from sin toward righteousness. Shaping the Heart • Humility: recognize need for grace. • Sincerity: no half-hearted apologies. • Faith: trust the promise, not feelings. • Reverence: treat God’s holiness with awe. Scriptures to Keep Near • Leviticus 4:20 (see above). • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” • Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart…” |
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