Lesson 16: Consider the Troubled Israelite

Let us imagine that we stand near the altar in the temple court, as a troubled Israelite comes with his sacrifice. He leads a goat along to the place of the oblation. The priest examines it carefully, and finding it without any outward blemish he commands it to be slain. The offeror himself puts the knife to its throat, after laying his hand on its head. Then it is flayed and cut in pieces, and all its inward parts carefully inspected. Pronounced perfect, it is accepted and certain parts are placed upon the fire of the altar. The blood is sprinkled round about the altar and upon its four horns, after which the priest pronounces absolution, assuring the man of his forgiveness.

This was but "a shadow of good things to come," and could not actually put away sin. That unblemished animal typified the sinless Savior who became the great Sin Offering. His blood has made full and complete payment for iniquity. All who come to God through Him are eternally forgiven.

If the Israelite sinned against the Lord, on the morrow he required a new sacrifice. His conscience was never made perfect. But Christ's one offering is of such infinite value that it settles the sin question eternally for all who put their trust in Him. "By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." To be sanctified in this sense is to be set apart to God in all the value of the atoning work and the personal perfections of Christ. He is Himself our sanctification. God sees us henceforth in His Son. Is not this a wonderfully precious truth? It is something man would never have dreamed of. God alone devised such a plan. He who believes His testimony regarding it has full assurance of faith.


He does not know he is saved because he feels happy. But every true believer will be happy to know he is saved. Confidence based upon an emotional experience would leave one in utter bewilderment when that emotion passed away. But assurance based upon the Word of God abides, because that Word is unchangeable.

Note, sin is not forgiven just because a sacrifice is made. Sin is not forgiven by God through His love. His justice must be fully satisfied for His righteousness to remain pure. Sin can only be forgiven as the penalty for it is paid. The blood of the animal could never pay such a price because the animal could never choose to do so. Jesus, however, could choose to be the sacrifice, and therefore could pay the price for sin because He Himself had no sin for which He must first pay. Through His sacrifice on our behalf, the debt of sin is paid so that the righteousness of God is fully satisfied and perfect justice has been accomplished. Our only debt for our sin is now to Jesus Himself who paid that price on our behalf. Only He can forgive us – and all He asks of us is that we choose to call on Him, give ourselves to Him, and love Him for what He has done.

Thought Question:
Our salvation has been completely paid for by Jesus on the Cross. What should we do?
Is this an emotional decision?