How can we apply the principle of atonement in our daily lives? The Setting: Leviticus 16:9 “Then Aaron shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering.” Atonement Defined—A Holy Exchange • Sin brings real guilt and separation from God. • God provided a substitute—the sacrificial goat—so Israel’s guilt could be transferred and forgiven. • The cross fulfills this pattern once for all in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 Peter 2:24). Christ, the Greater Sin Offering • Leviticus 16 points ahead to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Because atonement is complete, we now live from acceptance, not for it. Daily Applications—Living the Atoned Life • Regular Confession – Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). – Name sin honestly; trust the cleansing already purchased by Christ’s blood. • Grateful Worship – Begin each day thanking Jesus for bearing your guilt. – Celebrate communion with fresh wonder (Luke 22:19-20). • Forgiving Others – Ephesians 4:32: “Forgive one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” – Release resentment; the debt has been paid at the cross. • Holy Living – “Titus 2:14: He gave Himself…to purify for Himself a people eager to do good.” – Choose purity, generosity, and integrity as fitting responses to costly grace. • Reconciliation & Peacemaking – Seek restored relationships; Christ’s atonement tears down walls (Ephesians 2:14-16). – Initiate apologies and bridge-building conversations. • Intercession for Others – Stand in the gap like Aaron, praying for family, church, community (1 Timothy 2:1-6). – Plead Christ’s finished work over their lives. Ongoing Assurance • Romans 5:9-10 promises we are “now justified by His blood” and “saved through His life.” • When doubts arise, point your heart back to the altar—Calvary—where the price was fully paid. |
    |