Guaranteed Forgiveness

Daily Reading: Leviticus 3-4

Scripture Focus: And the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin which he has committed, and he shall be forgiven. (Leviticus 4.35b)

Devotional Thought: I have spent time with various friends in court. It's not a fun place to be, but I have to admit, it is interesting! One thing that I find amazing is the failure of many defendants to take advantage of various offers by the judges. "If you will do this, then the court will..." Everything is provided for by the court except for the cooperation of the defendant. At that point, the judge's hands are tied. He or she has done all they can. If the defendant chooses not to cooperate, the sentence must be pronounced.

In the book of Leviticus, we read how God graciously provided atonement for the sins which people committed. When a person by faith fulfilled his end of the deal, then "he shall be forgiven." There was no question on God's part. God stood ready to forgive. "The priest shall make atonement for him..." The priest - on behalf of God - did the "work" of the sacrifice. The worshiper had only to put faith in the actions of the priest, who fulfilled God's side of the equation.

We have a Priest who has made atonement for our sins. It is Jesus Christ the Righteous. We only have to put our faith in the work of this Priest. When we do so, "We shall be forgiven." Hallelujah! If sins in the Old Testament were forgiven based on the sacrifice of lambs and rams, of birds and bundles of grain, think about how effective is the sacrifice of God's Son on the cross! There is no doubt as to the effectiveness of that sacrifice! Forgiveness is guaranteed!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for providing the perfect sacrifice for my sins. By faith I receive your perfect forgiveness and consecrate my life to you. Help me to live in ways that honor your sacrifice today. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! 5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, 6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! (Psalms 105:1-6)