How can we apply the principle of atonement in our daily repentance? Leviticus 4:31 in Focus “Then he shall remove all of its fat, just as the fat is removed from the peace offering. The priest shall burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.” What the Atonement Offering Teaches • Sin always brings guilt that must be dealt with. • God Himself provides the means of cleansing. • A substitute life is offered so the sinner may go free. • Forgiveness flows from atonement, not from our effort or sorrow alone. Seeing the Cross Behind the Altar • Hebrews 10:10—“By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • 1 Peter 3:18—“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” The animal on the ancient altar prefigures the perfect Lamb who now makes every other sacrifice unnecessary. Daily Repentance Anchored in Christ’s Completed Work Because the ultimate atonement is finished, repentance today is not re-earning forgiveness; it is returning to enjoy what has already been secured. 1 John 1:9 shows how this looks: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Practicing Atonement-Shaped Repentance 1. Examine the heart each day in the light of God’s Word (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Confess specific sins without excuse: name them as God names them. 3. Trust Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, believing “it is finished” covers today’s failure too (John 19:30). 4. Surrender the “fat” of life—the best portions, the hidden motives, the cherished idols—placing them on the altar of obedience. 5. Receive forgiveness with gratitude, refusing to relive condemned memories (Romans 8:1). 6. Move forward in fresh obedience; restored fellowship always leads to renewed service (Titus 2:14). Guarding Against Common Pitfalls • Trying to self-atone by good works, emotional penance, or prolonged self-condemnation. • Treating grace cheaply by minimizing sin or delaying confession. • Letting guilt linger because feelings haven’t yet caught up with the fact of forgiveness. Walking in the Aroma of Forgiveness Leviticus 4:31 ends with “he will be forgiven.” Every day that promise echoes through the finished work of Christ. When we practice honest, atonement-rooted repentance, heaven still smells the pleasing aroma—now carried not by burning fat, but by the obedience, worship, and joy of God’s forgiven children. |
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