In what ways can we seek forgiveness and atonement in our daily lives? The Call to Bring Something to God “Then he is to bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.” (Leviticus 5:6) The verse pictures a worshiper coming with an offering that costs something, handing it to the priest, and receiving atonement. Though we no longer bring livestock to a tabernacle, the pattern teaches us how to seek forgiveness and atonement each day. Seeing the Pattern Fulfilled in Christ • Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • John 1:29—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” The priestly ministry and the animal substitute point forward to Jesus, our perfect and final guilt offering. Because His blood truly removes sin, we can now approach God anytime, anywhere. Daily Ways to Seek Forgiveness and Atonement 1. Honest Confession • 1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Keep short accounts with God: as soon as the Spirit convicts, name the sin plainly, without excuses. 2. Genuine Repentance • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” • Turn from the sin and take practical steps to avoid repeating it. 3. Trusting Christ’s Finished Work • Hebrews 9:14—His blood “cleanse[s] our consciences.” • Refuse the lie that repeated failures place you beyond grace. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice is sufficient. 4. Restitution Where Possible • Luke 19:8—Zacchaeus returns what he stole plus interest. • When sin hurts others, pursue reconciliation and tangible repair; it demonstrates sincerity. 5. Ongoing Submission to God’s Word • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” • Daily Scripture intake aligns desires with God’s and guards against future guilt. 6. Participating in Corporate Worship • Hebrews 10:25—do not neglect meeting together. • Hearing the gospel, singing truth, and sharing the Lord’s Supper keep our hearts tender and grateful for Christ’s atonement. 7. Extending Forgiveness to Others • Ephesians 4:32—“Forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” • A forgiven person forgives; harboring bitterness contradicts the atonement we claim. What Changes When We Live This Way? • Freedom from crippling shame (Psalm 32:1-2). • Clearer fellowship with God (James 4:8). • A credible witness to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). • Deeper joy and gratitude, because every act of confession sends us back to the cross where our guilt was paid in full. |
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