How can we apply the principles of atonement in our daily lives? Opening the Text “Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” Leviticus 16:7 Why Two Goats? • One goat would be sacrificed; its blood carried into the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:9, 15). • The other, the scapegoat, would symbolically carry Israel’s sins into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:10, 21-22). • Together they picture substitution (a life given) and removal (sin sent away)—fulfilled perfectly in Christ. Core Principles of Atonement • Substitution: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • Cleansing: “If we confess our sins, He…will cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). • Access: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Reconciliation: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Bringing These Principles Home 1. Admit the need—sin is real and deadly. 2. Trust the substitute—Jesus paid fully; nothing to add. 3. Enjoy forgiveness—guilt has been carried away. 4. Walk in close fellowship—access to God is open every moment. 5. Extend reconciliation—treat others as God has treated you. 6. Share the story—point people to the One who bore their sin. Practical Steps for Today • Begin each morning by thanking God that your sin-debt is settled. • Keep short accounts: quickly confess wrong thoughts, words, or actions. • When tempted to rehearse old guilt, remind yourself, “The scapegoat has gone; those sins are removed.” • Approach God boldly in prayer, worship, and Bible reading—His presence is your home. • Practice visible forgiveness: release grudges, seek peace, restore broken relationships. • Serve sacrificially—since Christ gave Himself for you, offer time, resources, and love for others. • Speak the gospel naturally: in conversation, kindly explain how Jesus became our atoning sacrifice. Living Out the Gift Atonement is not a distant ritual but a daily reality. Because the perfect Substitute has both paid for and removed sin, you can live cleansed, confident, and compassionate—showing the world the power of the cross in every ordinary moment. |
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