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Writer's pictureJohnathan Hopkins
Mar 72 min read

"From Sacrifices to Salvation: Understanding Atonement in the Old and New Testaments"

Compensation for Sin and Atonement


1. Before Christ:

In the Old Testament, God established various ways to address sin and provide atonement for His people. These methods included:

  • Sacrifices and Offerings: The Israelites offered animal sacrifices as a way to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. These sacrifices symbolized the transfer of guilt from the sinner to the innocent animal. The blood of the sacrificed animals served as a temporary covering for sin (Leviticus 17:11).

  • Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Once a year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle or temple to make atonement for the sins of the people. This involved offering sacrifices and sprinkling blood on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:15-16).

  • Repentance and Turning to God: The prophets, including Hosea and Jeremiah, called the people to repentance. They urged Israel to return to the Jehovah, confess their sins, and seek forgiveness (Hosea 14:1-2; Jeremiah 31:33-34).

  • God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: Jehovah consistently showed mercy and forgave sins when His people genuinely repented. He promised to blot out transgressions and remember sins no more (Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34).


2. After Christ:

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice was made. Here’s how it changed the dynamics of compensation for sin:

  • Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus, the sinless Lamb of Jehovah, willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His death on the cross fulfilled the requirements of justice and love. Through His blood, our sins were forgiven (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).

  • Imputed Righteousness: When we accept Jesus as our Savior, His righteousness is imputed to us. Jehovah no longer sees us as guilty but as righteous because of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

  • Forgiveness and Forgetfulness: Just as in the Old Testament, Jehovah forgives our sins. However, through Jesus, He goes beyond forgiveness. Jehovah remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). Our past sins are removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:11-12).

  • Grace and Eternal Life: Through Christ, we are freed from the condemnation of sin. Instead of eternal separation from Jehovah, we receive eternal life (Romans 6:23). Sin no longer has dominion over us; we serve the Lord Jesus (Romans 6:12-14).


Conclusion:

Jehovah’s grace and mercy are evident throughout both Old and New Testaments.

So, when you pray for forgiveness, rest assured that God not only forgives but also forgets, allowing us to experience true reconciliation and freedom in Christ.




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