“…In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:14 NKJV
Right from Genesis and throughout the Old Testament, we see God proclaim His plan for salvation, redemption, and forgiveness of sins of the human race. Several verses of the Bible speak about the coming of the Messiah and the work He was set to do, down to the very last detail. (Genesis 3:15, Numbers 21:8-9, Isaiah 53)
A major representation of this in the book of Leviticus chapter 16, where the Israelites were required by the Lord to sacrifice certain animals as offerings of atonement for all the sins of the Israelite nation. The sacrifice was to be offered over and over again, year after year.
This offering represented Jesus who would be offered as a sacrifice to take away the sins of the world. The difference between the animals in the Old Testament and the Lamb of God is that Jesus’ sacrifice was perfect, offered one time and for all time. This means that what Jesus did those many years ago is still valid to us today. He doesn’t need to come and die again!
The blood of Jesus was shed to forgive us and to redeem us from our sin. In view of this, we can’t stand before God on account of anything we have done. Our righteousness is described as filthy rags before the Lord. (Isaiah 64:6)
Paul, in Ephesians 2:4-7, lets us know that it was only because of God’s extravagant mercy and love toward us that we are redeemed, not by anything we did. In verse 13, he adds “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” How powerful!
Forgiveness is only by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we are to come before God on the basis of His sacrifice. We are not to depend on our ability or assumed morality but on the finished works of Christ. Feeling bad for what we have done is not enough, God requires that we believe in Jesus.
The good news is that there is no sin too bad, no life too far gone for the blood of Jesus to redeem. Just like God said through prophet Isaiah, “…Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT)
Dear friend, the sacrifice of Jesus is enough for you. It is sufficient for your needs of salvation, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. Accept it and rejoice in it.
Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 35-36