“For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 (NLT)

The Old Testament clearly shows examples on what had to be done if one committed a crime: the golden rule was “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth”. This was the law. The person who shed blood would likely to be killed; adultery was punished by the death sentence through stoning. Or to be forgiven sins, one had to kill an animal as a sacrifice, bring it to the high priest who, in return, would enter the Most Holy Place, once a year. This priest would then offer blood for his own sins and for the sins people had committed in ignorance. What a hassle? Waiting for a year to be forgiven for sins!!!

The symbol for the shed blood that brought forgiveness was completed through Jesus, who became a sacrifice for once and for all to complete the law. Aren’t you glad you no longer need to kill anything to be pardoned?

“Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people; so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant” Hebrews 9:13-15 (NLT).

“There is nothing we can do to make God love us any more, and nothing we ever do will cause Him to love us any less” (Pastor J.D. Grear). His love is unconditional; all we have to do is say “yes Lord, have your way.” He accepts you just the way you are: it’s not how many people you help per day, or how many times you pray, read His word, give, or how eloquent you are at educating people. In fact, God favors repented and obedient hearts. “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalms 51:16-17 (NLT)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV).

Jesus is the author of salvation. With him, we will not die. Death itself could not contain him. Therefore, death and hell have lost their stings, for the wrath of God was satisfied by Jesus ‘death on the cross in our place. This is my song; this is the truth and hope for the mankind.

God bless you