I just started reading Hebrews. I love my Bible because it gives introduction to each Book historically as well as point out Themes and Megathemes contained within so I can grasp what God would have me understand.

I’ve often wondered how Jesus’ sacrifice could forgive my sins. We have all heard the words so often that if we aren’t careful they become rote like 1 plus 1 equals 2. Words. When you think about those words on a more personal level can you ask yourself are there times when you’ve done something you are not proud of and wish you could make right, take it back, never have done it in the first place? Are there sins you feel cling to you and make you unworthy?

In ancient Israel God made a way for His people to atone for the sins they committed individually and as a nation so they could know He forgave them. He didn’t leave them without a way to feel forgiven. He loved them too much and knew their need for forgiveness. The animal sacrifices were instituted to be a physical way they could know they were forgiven. Blood was shed but the animals were to be killed quickly and humanely, no suffering. Those sacrifices were a reminder of their need for their sins to be forgiven and a way to be right with God.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:1-3.

He provided purification for sins. In the explanation at the beginning of Hebrews, is this: In the Old Testament, the high priest represented the Jews before God. Jesus Christ links us with God. There is no other way to reach God. Because Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, he is the perfect substitute to die for our sins. He is our perfect representative with God.

The ceremonies in the Old Testament pointed to the only sacrifice that could atone for our sins, yours and mine and every person. The High Priest had to first offer a sacrifice for his own sins before he could represent the people before God. How could he not? He was human and he sinned as do we all.

How are my sins forgiven, and yours? We go to the beginning of all things. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5. The Word, Jesus Christ, made all things and made the way for me and you and all people to be forgiven…not just forgiven but to live.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.

Jesus, the Lamb of God. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! Revelation 5:13. The animals offered by ancient Israel could not do what Jesus did. They foreshadowed the only sacrifice that could take away our sins.

Why does this matter? How can it not? We live in a world that is broken. I have been so blessed to live in a country that enjoys tremendous freedom that can be so easy to take for granted. In contrast are people who live in fear, danger, horrible need; so have most people who have ever lived. I see the world and the problems brought right into my home in the news. There is so much sin. You and I have a High Priest who has overcome the world that is broken. The Lamb of God who takes away our sins. He offers to walk beside us so that we are not overcome by anything this broken world throws our way. He tells us the same thing He told each of His disciples…Follow me. He told the Pharisees It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Matthew 9:12-13. Hosea 6:6. That’s you and me and every person who has ever lived….sinners. God desires mercy so He made a way for us to be forgiven and then to walk with Him out of the darkness.