How can we apply the concept of atonement in our daily lives today? The blood behind the veil “He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, and do with it as he did with the blood of the bull—he shall sprinkle it on the mercy seat and in front of it.” (Leviticus 16:15) What the Day of Atonement pictured • Substitution: an innocent life offered in place of the guilty (Leviticus 17:11). • Cleansing: blood sprinkled on the mercy seat removed sin from God’s sight. • Access: once the blood was accepted, the high priest could stand before God on behalf of the people. Fulfilled in Christ • Hebrews 9:12—Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21—He became sin for us so we might become God’s righteousness. • 1 John 1:7—His blood “purifies us from all sin.” Living in the good of atonement • Daily repentance & faith – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). – Rely on the completed work of the cross, not self-effort (Hebrews 10:14). • Secure identity – You are forgiven and accepted (Ephesians 1:7). – Approach God with confidence, not fear (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Grateful worship – Offer praise “continually” (Hebrews 13:15). – Remember the price paid every time you gather at the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Pursuit of holiness – Atonement frees us to “deny ungodliness” (Titus 2:11-12). – Live as a “royal priesthood” showing God’s excellence (1 Peter 2:9). Keeping short accounts with God 1. Begin each day asking the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Acknowledge sin immediately; thank Christ for bearing it. 3. Replace confessed sin with obedient action (Romans 6:11-13). Extending grace to others • Forgive as you have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). • Seek reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). • Bear one another’s burdens, reflecting Christ’s sacrifice (Galatians 6:2). Worship and witness shaped by atonement • Serve with a cleansed conscience (Hebrews 9:14). • Speak of the cross naturally—Christ’s atoning work is the heart of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3). • Live generously; atonement shows God spared no cost for us (2 Corinthians 8:9). Hope for the future “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10). The same atoning blood that saved us guarantees final restoration: • No condemnation now (Romans 8:1). • No separation ever (Romans 8:38-39). • A new creation coming, where atonement’s effects are fully seen (Revelation 21:3-4). Walk each day conscious that the blood sprinkled once for all still speaks—cleansing, reconciling, empowering, and anchoring every moment in Christ’s perfect atonement. |
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