In what ways can we seek forgiveness and atonement in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Leviticus 5:10 records three short statements: • “And the second bird he must offer as a burnt offering, according to the ordinance.” • “In this way the priest will make atonement for him” • “for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.” What God Taught Israel • Sin required a sacrifice—an innocent life stood in for the guilty. • Blood was necessary for atonement (cf. Leviticus 17:11). • The result was full, objective forgiveness by God’s decree. How This Points to Jesus • The sacrifice foreshadows Christ: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • His finished work secures eternal redemption, but it also shapes daily living. Daily Pathways to Forgiveness and Atonement 1. Confession – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us …” (1 John 1:9). – Name the sin without excuse; agree with God about it. 2. Repentance – Turn from the sin and toward obedience (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Faith in Christ’s Blood – Trust that His sacrifice is sufficient, just as Israel trusted the offered bird. 4. Restitution and Reconciliation – Where possible, make wrongs right (Matthew 5:23-24). 5. Ongoing Fellowship – Confess to trusted believers and pray together (James 5:16). 6. Worship and Thanksgiving – Express gratitude in song, study, and communion, honoring the One who forgives. 7. Forgiving Others – Extend the mercy you receive (Ephesians 4:32). Scripture Connections • Psalm 32:1-2: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven …” • Psalm 32:5: “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and You forgave …” • Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses …” Putting It into Practice • Start each day with honest self-examination. • Speak confession aloud to God, grounded in 1 John 1:9. • Take swift action—apologize, repay, restore. • Keep short accounts; don’t let unconfessed sin linger overnight. • Celebrate communion thoughtfully, remembering the greater sacrifice behind Leviticus 5:10. Closing Thoughts Atonement is no longer about birds on an altar; it is about Christ’s once-for-all offering. Yet the pattern remains: sin is serious, blood has paid the price, and God invites us to walk in daily, tangible forgiveness as we confess, repent, and trust the Savior who “will be forgiven” us. |
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