Scripture

For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Observation

The old system with its law and sacrifices was a dim shadow of what was to come. The sacrifices had to be repeated year after year because they could not provide perfect cleansing.

If they did, the sacrifices would have stopped for the worshippers would have been purified once for all time.

Sacrifices did nothing to purify, they just reminded people of their sins. The blood of animals cannot take away sin .

Christ said to God,”You do not want animals or sacrifices for sin, but you have given me a body to offer.”

Application

The sacrificial system of the Old Testament was imperfect. It could remind people of their sins. It could cover their sins. But it could do little to purify them from the sinful nature.

We are condemned to sin unless God changes our hearts. The animal sacrifices could not do this. But the sacrifice of Christ does.

The death of Christ on the cross demonstrates to us how much God loves us. He has given Himself up for us.

I see my Saviour on the cross dying for my sin, it makes me realise that sin is a big issue for God.

But His love also convicts me that my sin hurts Him and distresses Him. In my love for God, I do not want to hurt Him, and so my heart is changed.

Not only that, but God has given me the Holy Spirit to help me in my times of trial and temptation.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for taking away my sin and my desire to sin. Amen.