We've all had to sacrifice something at one time or another in our lives. When we think of "sacrifice," the thought of giving up something we enjoy for a good reason comes to mind. For example, the sacrifice of certain foods, drinks, and habits in order to reach a desired weight-loss goal.
Other common types of sacrifices might include sacrificing a portion of your daily time to read the Bible, spend more time with the family, or work towards that finishing that college degree. No matter the reason, a sacrifice is a something that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Although there are some sacrifices that are bigger than others, none is greater than the Great Sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ. He sacrificed his own life on our behalf. Christ didn't suddenly come up with this idea. He was sent to earth with this specific purpose by God (John 3:16).
Because of our sin, the only way to make atonement (reparation) for ourselves to God was by the offering and sacrifice of specific animals, and the shedding of their blood. This is pointed out time and time again throughout the Old Testament. But, these blood sacrifices served as only partial atonement for sin. Furthermore, they needed to be repeated.
The symbolic shedding of blood as an atonement for our sin foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate, "once-for-all-time," sacrifice. It is important to mention that without the blood, there is no forgiveness. In order for atonement to be possible there had to be shedding of blood and loss of life (Leviticus 17:11).
Whereas, atonement was represented by the blood of sacrificial bulls and goats in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ became the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins in the New Testament, We were set free from the consequences of sin by His sacrifice on the Cross in our place.
This doesn't mean that sin has ceased to exist, it means that it no longer has a death grip on us. Those that believe Jesus Christ is Our Lord and Savior, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God in Heaven as our Mediator, have been cleansed from sin.
Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for the sins of all humanity. We certainly didn't deserve it. He shed his blood because of his infinite love for us. Through His blood we were given freedom and life (1 John 2:2). His was the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 12:1; Psalm 40:6; Ephesians 5:2
Prayer: Dear Jesus, by the shedding of Your blood You have given me life eternal; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Kim
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