In what ways can we apply the principle of atonement in our lives today? At a glance: Leviticus 1:4 “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.” Why the ancient gesture still matters • A worshiper placed his hand on the animal, identifying with it. • The innocent substitute died; the guilty went free. • God accepted the sacrifice, covering sin and restoring fellowship. Fulfillment in Christ, our once-for-all sacrifice • John 1:29 — “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 10:10 — “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • 1 Peter 2:24 — “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” The principle is unchanged: innocent blood secures guilty sinners. What the altar foreshadowed, the cross accomplished. Living out the principle of atonement today 1. Receive and rest • Place the “hand of faith” on Christ, trusting His finished work (Romans 5:1). • Reject every impulse to earn acceptance; enjoy the security He provides (Hebrews 4:16). 2. Practice honest confession • 1 John 1:7–9 — the blood continually cleanses, making daily transparency possible. • Keep short accounts with God; call sin what He calls it. 3. Offer grateful worship • Hebrews 13:15 — “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • Thank Him specifically for sins forgiven, guilt removed, conscience cleansed. 4. Live as a “living sacrifice” • Romans 12:1 — present your body, your time, your resources. • Sacrificial service: putting others first, choosing obedience when it costs. 5. Extend forgiveness and pursue reconciliation • Ephesians 4:32 — “forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” • The cross becomes the standard for how we treat those who wound us. 6. Carry the message of reconciliation • 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 — entrusted with “the ministry of reconciliation.” • Share how God’s atonement answered your guilt; invite others to lay their hand on the Lamb. 7. Cultivate holy living • 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As He who called you is holy, so be holy.” • Atonement doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers victory over it. 8. Celebrate regularly at the Lord’s Table • 1 Corinthians 11:26 — “you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” • Remember, rejoice, and realign your life with the cross. When the principle takes root • Guilt gives way to peace (Romans 5:11). • Fear dissolves; sonship grows (Galatians 4:6-7). • Relationships heal as forgiven people forgive. • Worship deepens, because the price of access is never forgotten. A closing snapshot The worshiper in Leviticus stepped away from the altar forgiven, head high, heart light. Today we walk away from Calvary the same way—because the perfect Lamb was accepted on our behalf. Live in that freedom, and let every aspect of life echo the wonder of His atoning grace. |
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