How can we apply the promise of removing sin in our lives today? Setting the Scene Zechariah stands in the rubble of post-exile Jerusalem, watching the high priest Joshua clothed in filthy garments—symbolic of the nation’s sin. Into that moment God speaks: • “See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave on it an inscription,’ declares the LORD of Hosts, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:9) God promises a once-for-all act that cleanses His people completely. That promise reverberates into our lives today. The Promise Fulfilled in Christ • The “stone” anticipates Messiah. Peter connects Christ to the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-7). • “A single day” foreshadows the cross—“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14) • John points to Jesus and declares, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Because the promise is literally fulfilled in Jesus, the removal of sin is both a completed event and a daily reality for believers. Receiving the Cleansing Once for All 1. Repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). 2. Trust Christ’s finished work, not self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). 3. Receive assurance: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) Walking in the Ongoing Reality Though the penalty of sin is removed, its presence still battles within us. Scripture gives practical steps: • Confession: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Renewal of mind: soak in God’s Word daily (Psalm 119:11; Romans 12:2). • Spirit-empowered obedience: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Accountability: fellowship with believers who spur us on to holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Putting off / putting on: actively reject sinful habits and replace them with godly ones (Ephesians 4:22-24). Everyday Practices That Keep Us Clean ‐ Start the morning acknowledging Christ’s once-for-all cleansing. ‐ Throughout the day, quickly confess any known sin; receive fresh forgiveness without wallowing in guilt. ‐ Memorize key promises (e.g., Micah 7:19; Isaiah 1:18) to silence condemnation. ‐ End each day with gratitude that the “single day” of the cross still speaks over you. Hope That Fuels Perseverance • The same God who removed sin in a moment will one day remove its presence entirely: “We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him.” (1 John 3:2) • Until then, we press on with confidence: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6) The promise of Zechariah 3:9 is not a distant prophecy but a present, liberating reality. By resting in Christ’s finished work and cooperating with His ongoing work, believers today experience the joy of sin removed and lives made new. |
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