ONLY JESUS’ BLOOD ATONES FOR SINS

The biblical Word of God teaches: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [atonement] of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). In the Old Testament, God accepted the sacrificial blood of animals, in tabernacles and temples, as atonement for sins (Leviticus 16). In the New Testament, God sacrificed the blood of his Son Jesus Christ on a cross as the final atone for sins (John 3:16)–In Hebrews 10, God’s Word affirms that the blood of the Son of God replaces the blood of animals as the way of atoning for sin forever (Hebrews 10).

GOD GAVE JESUS’ BLOOD TO ATONE FOR  SIN

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).

The Bible says God was not pleased with the blood of animals sacrificed for people’s sins, which only “ceremonially…sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.” But he was satisfied with “the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” Hebrews 9:13-14).

The Son said: “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.”  He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:8-10).

When Jesus died on the cross, “at that moment the curtain of the temple [where sacrifices for sins had been offered] was torn in two from top to bottom” ((Matthews 27:51).

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; …but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:24-25).

JESUS CONFIRMED GOD’S NEW-ATONEMENT-COVENANT 

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

SOME SEEK TO REESTABLISH THE  OLD WAY OF ATONING

The following are some current religious teachings that promote the passe idea of reestablishing the Old Testament way of atoning for sin: 

A section of the morning daily Shacharit prayer is called Korbanot, and is mostly devoted to recitation of legal passages relating to the sacrifices. Based on Numbers 28:1–15.

Chapter 5 of Mishnah Zevachim is then read. This chapter provides a concise overview of all the sacrifices and many of their laws. It was included in the siddur at this stage because it discusses all the sacrifices and the sages do not dispute within it.

Yehi Ratzon (Ending) The study session concludes with a prayer (“May it be thy will…) for the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem and the resumption of sacrifices. (…that the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant our portion in your Torah and there we shall serve you with reverence as in days of old and in former years. And may the grain offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasing to God, as in days of old and in former years.” (Sources from Wikipedia).

OTHERS DISREGARD OR MARGINALIZE THE ATONING BLOOD OF JESUS

NEW AGE/NEW SPIRITUALITY TEACHERS and  their adherents believe “there are others ways than Jesus to God in heaven”–A member of my family said they believe this. Nevertheless, this way of thinking is contrary to what the biblical Word of God says. The Bible states:  “There is no other name under heaven [than Jesus] given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). And Jesus said,  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

PROSPERITY PREACHERS and their followers marginalize or minimize teachings about sin and the atoning blood of Jesus. They teach more about “wealth, health and earthly success.” Evidently, they have “a form of  godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5)

BIBLE-BELIEVERS SEE JESUS’ ATONING BLOOD AS  ETERNALLY ESSENTIAL

Born-again believers see the blood of Jesus Christ as eternally essentially. They believe and act on the following things as being of primarily importance in being saved by his atoning blood:

• All have sinned and need to believe in the sacrificial blood of the Son of God for forgiveness, and for avoidance of the death of eternal separation from God (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16-18).
• God gave his Son, as a Lamb without blemish or sin, as a sacrifice for the sin of the world (Isaiah 53:5-7; John 1:29).
• Without the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22; John 14:6).
• The Holy Spirit who is given to whoever repents and believes in Jesus Christ, helps repentant believer to live according God’s will (John 14:15-17; Acts 2:38).
• And the Spirits empowers Believers to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected, that others may be saved from sin by his atoning blood (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). 

The Bible tells us, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9). And through the atoning blood of his Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, our loving God prepares us to live with God in heaven forever (John 14:2-3).