In what ways can we seek personal atonement and purification today? God’s Pattern of Atonement: Leviticus 16:16 “In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place, because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites—whatever their sins. And he is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting, which abides with them in the midst of their uncleanness.” Israel’s continual sin produced uncleanness; blood had to be shed to cover it. The Day of Atonement pointed forward to a once-for-all solution that would reach every heart, not just the sanctuary. Christ, Our Perfect High Priest Hebrews 9:11-12—“He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” Hebrews 10:10, 14—“By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all… For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified.” Romans 5:9—“Having now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!” Christ fulfills the Levitical pattern, offering the only sufficient atonement to remove both guilt and defilement. Receiving Atonement Personally Faith response that rests on Christ’s finished work, not personal merit • Repent and believe the gospel (Acts 2:38). • Confess sins honestly—1 John 1:9: “He is faithful and just to forgive… and to cleanse.” • Receive baptism as an outward sign of inner washing (Romans 6:3-4). • Trust the ongoing advocacy of Jesus—1 John 2:1: “We have an Advocate with the Father.” • Participate in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of the blood that “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24). Practices That Deepen Daily Purification • Scripture intake—Ephesians 5:26: Christ cleanses “by the washing with water through the word.” • Prayerful self-examination, echoing Psalm 51:2: “Wash me… cleanse me.” • Walking in the light—1 John 1:7: as believers “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” • Yielding to the Spirit—Titus 3:5: “the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” • Fellowship and accountability—Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to gather, encouraging holiness. • Practical obedience—James 4:8: “Cleanse your hands… purify your hearts,” turning from sinful patterns. Living as Cleansed People • Grateful worship, offering ourselves as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). • Pursuit of holiness—2 Corinthians 7:1 calls for cleansing “from every defilement of body and spirit.” • Servant love flowing from a pure heart—1 Peter 1:22. • Hopeful anticipation of final perfection—1 John 3:3: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” |
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