“Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” Hebrews 10:17-18
In this passage, the author of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah about God stating He will no longer remember the sins of the people. This quote came from a time when the temple still existed and the priests had to offer sacrifices. It was looking forward to the time of Jesus, when Jesus would remove the sins of all the people.
In most of the world the idea of offering animal sacrifices to cover or remove sins is virtually non-existent. Yet the practice of sacrificing because of sins happens a lot.
Many believers in the church know that they have sinned against God and have repented of those sins. However, they live their lives as though Jesus has not forgiven them.
It is often seen of a person who believes in Jesus, who has committed a sin, continue to ask God forgiveness for the same sin. When he prays he asks for forgiveness for a sin that has been repented of and forgiven two years ago.
Others will also punish themselves for the sin they did a long time ago. They might state that they cannot teach Sunday School because three years ago they did some “great” sin and therefore are not worthy to teach. Others will put themselves into some kind of hard ministry to make up for their sin, trying to please God.
Still others will try to give extra-large amounts of money in the offering to please God since they had sinned. Some will suddenly feel they must be a missionary to Africa, to pay God for their sins.
These are just some ways that people sacrifice today to God for their sins. God does not need your sacrifice for your sins. God just wants your repentance and obedience. Jesus paid for your sins. You do not need to pay for them again. What Jesus did was enough.
Be willing to accept the forgiveness that Jesus gives you and forgive yourself. Now work at living for God in what He has done for you and given you.
I pray today that you will know the forgiveness Jesus has given you; that you will no longer condemn yourself; that you will not try to pay for your sins; that you will turn from your sins; and that you will live your whole life for Jesus.
Leave a Reply