The Mystery of Sacrifice

the same capacity for evil that we condemn in others also dwells within our own hearts. The ancient practice of sacrifice confronted this reality head-on. When an animal was offered for sacrifice, it represented the person but even more importantly, it represented the sin that the person committed. You see, it is the sin that has to be dealt with. The death of the sacrifice means two things: the one who sins deserves the punishment and that the sin within the person must be put to death. This wasn't merely symbolic; it was a declaration that sin cannot be overlooked or excused. The death of the sacrifice acknowledged what we often refuse to admit: our sin deserves judgment, and something must die for us to live.

But sacrifice was never just about death—it was about the purification that follows. Blood represents life, full life, pure life. The blood of the sacrifice, sometimes sprinkled on the person, represented the purification of the person. The blood imparted clean life in place of a corrupt existence. This blood didn't simply cover past wrongs; it created the possibility of walking the righteousness path and experiencing peace with God. The sacrificial system made space for transformation, allowing people to move from death to life, from chaos to order, from separation to fellowship with God. Life is what we want in place of sin, and the sprinkling of blood declares that such transformation is possible—that God and His people could dwell together in peace.

The Bible is a unified story pointing to Jesus. This is particularly true of sacrifice.  Peter declares,  "Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness" (1 Pet 2:24). Here we see the complete picture: dying to sin and rising to new life. Like calling "do-over" in a child's game, Jesus offers a complete restart—but now with divine help through the Holy Spirit. We need God's grace both to forgive our past and to empower our future. Jesus provides both. While we obsess over our failures. Jesus focuses on our potential for righteous living. Have you been looking backward, unable to move past your sin? Jesus can break that cycle! When you are forgiven, you are forgiven. As Hebrews promises, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary" (Heb 10:17-18). Jesus isn't interested in shaming us or keeping a record of wrongs to weaponize later. His sacrifice was complete and final. Jesus’ last words on the cross sum it up: "It is finished"(Jn 19:30) We don't have to remain trapped by our past. Jesus forgives freely and empowers completely. Focus on the new life He yearns to give you. Don’t flog yourself for past sins. It won’t do you any good. Jesus has already put sin to death. Follow Jesus into the good life.

Blessings,

Jonathan