3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said, “Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but a body have You prepared for Me;

— Hebrews 10:3-5

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Romans 6:23

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

— 2 Corinthians 5:21

For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

— Philippians 2:13

Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

— 1 John 3:2

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God’s dealings with Israel reflect His desire to save people from sin’s destruction. God’s law graciously prescribed religious ceremonies for His people that addressed their sin and required faith and obedience but ultimately pointed to Christ. The corruption sin brings to humanity means all people are born in sin, unable to save themselves from sin’s damage. We need what God provides. Christ’s sacrifice provides a way of escape-salvation-for those who look to Him in faith.

Christ alone brings salvation, which believers experience and anticipate. First, Christ saves believers from sin’s penalty. He bore the costly and just judgment their sin deserved when He died on the cross. Second, Christ delivers those who trust Him from sin’s power. Though we believers still struggle with sin, the Holy Spirit enables us to obey God, shaping us to be more like Him. Hallelujah! Finally, Christ’s death promises a coming day when we believers will be completely restored and dwell with God eternally-rescued forever from sin’s presence.