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Theological terms: Atonement: To make reparation (amends, compensate) for some crime, sin or fault Substitution: Take the place of. A replacement. Expiation: To pay the penalty of, the removal of a sin by the payment of a penalty. Propitiation: To appease or placate the wrath of a person. (God). Biblical Necessity - Quote from Richard Lee, East Midlands School of Christian Ministry. ‘Forgiveness can only come through the shedding of blood.’ Hebrews 9:22. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness Divine Necessity - Quote from Richard Lee, East Midlands School of Christian Ministry. ‘Following The Fall (Adam and Eve) God was faced with an enormous problem. How could He, a Holy and Just God save guilty sinners and yet at the same time remain totally Just and Holy?’ Answer: The Cross. Romans 3:25-26. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Quote from ‘Our Daily Bread ‘ published by RBC Ministries. A little boy had just been tucked into bed by his mother, who was waiting to hear his prayers. But he had been naughty that day, and now it was bothering him. So he said, "Mama, I wish you'd go now and leave me alone. I want to pray by myself." Sensing that something was wrong, she asked, "Bobby, is there anything you ought to tell me?" "No, Mommy," he replied. "You would just scold me, but God will forgive me and forget about it." That little boy understood one of the greatest salvation benefits of all—the reality of sins forgiven. Hebrew 10:17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. Psalm 103: 8 - 12 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Quote from Life Application Study Bible on Psalm 103:12. Page 1009. East and West can never meet. This is a symbolic portrait of God’s forgiveness – when he forgives sin, he separates it from us and doesn’t even remember it. We need never wallow in the past, for God forgives and forgets. We tend to dredge up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are to follow God, we must model his forgiveness. When we forgive another, we must also forget. Otherwise, we have not truly forgiven. A Time For Reflection Is there anything in your past that keeps dragging you down with guilt? Has someone done something to you that you just can’t let go? Is there someone who you need to ask forgiveness and say sorry? David Whittall On The Road For Jesus.
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On The Road For Jesus |