As you enjoy this free study, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us as a monthly donor? Love God Greatly is made possible by faithful women who give so others can grow in God’s Word. If this ministry has encouraged you this past year, your generosity helps us continue sharing God’s Word with women here in the United States and around the world—free of charge.
“So also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.”
Hebrews 9:28
Into the Text
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a daily reminder of the weight and consequences of sin. Every offering and every drop of blood was a picture of just how serious sin was and how desperately people needed a way to be made right with God.
Day after day, year after year, innocent animals were brought to the altar. Their lives were given as temporary coverings for sin. But no matter how many sacrifices were made, they could never fully cleanse the heart. The work of the sacrificial system was never finished. The guilt still lingered because the sacrifices could not cleanse the heart.
But then Jesus came.
Our perfect, sinless Savior stepped into the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals but with His own precious blood.
And with that one act of love and obedience, He accomplished what no priest or sacrifice ever could. He bore our sins. He lifted them off of us and onto Himself. He removed our sin forever. Our debt was paid completely. It was finished.
Sweet friend, if you find your heart weary from trying to earn God’s love or still struggle carrying sin from your past, hear this today. Jesus bore all your sins to the cross. You don’t have to continue to try to offer a sacrifice of guilt or shame. You don’t have to earn forgiveness. In Him, you are forgiven. You are covered, and you are free.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for doing what I never could—bearing my sin and making a way for me to be right with God. Help me to rest in your finished work and to live each day in your freedom of grace. Amen.