| Hebrews 6:19-20 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” |
Absolution from our sins changed in far superior ways than we could ask for or imagine through Jesus’s sacrificial act 2,000 plus years ago. In the centuries before Jesus’s cruel death on a cross, atonement was complex and based on the 613 commandments of the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 16 describes the dogmatic specifics of preparing animal sacrifices and the way the presiding priest was to bathe and dress. The acts of atonement were conducted solely by the high priest in the temple’s inner room, the Holy of Holies. Partitioned off by a curtain, the room entrance was limited to one day a year. Everything changed upon Jesus’s death as Mark 15:38 tells us “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Through the shedding of His own blood the very complex process of atonement was replaced by a simpler but deeply profound and everlasting one. Starting with our accepting of the risen Christ as our Savior and throughout our walk as believers at any time and in any place, we can go directly to Jesus to seek forgiveness of our sins. Dear Heavenly Father, We stand in awe that You sent Your one and only son, Jesus, to carry the burden of our sins. Although our words fall short in expressing our gratitude, we thank you that Jesus is our firm and secure anchor. In the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.
Phyllis Hooten
