An attempt by climbers in 1936 to scale the north face of the Eiger is depicted in the film North Face. Two German mountain climbers, Toni Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser, battle the elements and other challenges during their ill-fated attempt to be the first team to reach the summit. In one powerful scene, Andi must cut his own rope and fall to his death in order to spare Toni’s life. Tragically, just a short time later Toni succumbs to the freezing conditions.
Andi’s sacrifice to save his friend was exemplary. But, sadly, Toni still died. Jesus’ sacrifice for us, however, allows us to be set free from guilt and spiritual death forever (Hebrews 10:10). He alone could do what countless sacrifices of the past could not.
In Leviticus 1, one of several sacrifices that God required under the old covenant is presented. The burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3) was an offering of atonement to cleanse and restore worshipers from the guilt of their sin. It’s interesting, however, that this required sacrifice actually reminded God’s people of their ongoing struggle with sin.
The people were required to sacrifice a male animal with no defects (Leviticus 1:3,10). But these imperfect “perfect” sacrifices needed to be done year after year. God would accept the death of the animals as a means of purifying His sinning people (Leviticus1:4). But later, their sin would lead them back to the altar once again.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was the only one who could provide atonement for our sins—for He was truly perfect. And “by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14).
If you’ve received Jesus as your Savior, you’re no longer under the curse of sin and death. Because of Jesus’ perfect “forever” sacrifice, your guilt has been replaced by God’s grace.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Esther 1:1-22
More:
Read Hebrews 9:11-14 for a greater understanding of why Jesus needed to go to the cross and what He accomplished there.
Next:
If you’ve been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice, why is it important that you don’t continue to feel guilty for sins He’s forgiven? What does Jesus’ death on the cross mean to you?
Gene on May 2, 2013 at 7:29 am
Tom, you are hitting on the foundations of what Jesus has done for us. I have a family member who is struggling with Jesus as the atonement for our sins. Atonement is a “religious” term, but your words spell it out clearly. I’ve been praying about how to discuss this issue with him and this can help –please pray for me as I open the door in this conversation.
tom felten on May 2, 2013 at 8:38 am
Gene, praying for you and your family member. So glad the post helped a bit. Yes, our atonement—our reconciliation with God—has been made possible only through Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf (Hebrews 10:10).
yemiks1 on May 2, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I can’t imagine how many sacrifices I would have offered since birth
…countless!
WHAT A LOVE!
tom felten on May 2, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Amen. What great love God has shown to us!
mike wittmer on May 3, 2013 at 8:19 am
This is what it’s all about, isn’t it? I think I would appreciate Jesus even more if I had such tangible reminders of my sin. I need to think about this some more–what do we have today that can impress upon us what Jesus has done for us? Is this purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
tom felten on May 3, 2013 at 8:40 am
Good thought, Mike. Sharing the bread and cup together is a vital part of remembering Jesus and His sacrifice. He told us, “Do this to remember me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).
winn collier on May 4, 2013 at 7:22 pm
I just read a story of another Alpine triumph (with a tragedy included) – and Into Thin Air is one of my very favorite books. There is something about these tales of sacrifice and courage (and sometimes foolishness) that gives us windows into deep truths.
daisymarygoldr on May 29, 2013 at 2:21 am
Forever sacrifice means it is a one-time event for all of eternity and Christ cannot be crucified again. Which means if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no more sacrifice that will cover these sins (Hebrews 10:26).
True; God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, once for all time. And God’s will is for us to be holy and stay away from sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3). So, after being forgiven if we continue to sin over and over in the same area, we will continue to feel guilty because we ‘are’ guilty.
To help people get rid of guilt, some teach self-forgiveness. This will not in any way eliminate guilt because there is no such thing as forgiving yourself. Every sin whether committed in one’s own body or against another is ultimately against God. So we need to ask others or God to forgive us. Lingering guilt is a clear indication the person has not really experienced God’s forgiveness. To receive, we must accept.
And the reason why many are unable to accept is because God’s forgiveness involves an interchange. Jesus Christ takes away our sins and in exchange covers us with His righteousness. How can He take away sin if we are not willing to forsake it? Whenever we sin, it is important to not only confess but also forsake our sins (Proverbs 28:13). No matter how dark the sin, when we confess and walk in His light the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all wickedness. There is no more reminder of past sin as we begin to live with the consciousness of Christ, our Righteousness.
Without a clean break from the past, people doubt God’s forgiveness and also lack the assurance of salvation. Unconfessed sin along with unresolved guilt is a great hindrance that keeps Christians from enjoying true freedom of God’s forgiveness. Instead of confronting their own guilt, such individuals recoil every time the specific sin is mentioned and accuse other Christians or the Pastor or even Satan for taking them on guilt trips. And to accommodate this inconvenience, sermons are conveniently tweaked to tickle the ears. God’s grace is not a permit to sin but the power to change.
Sometimes guilt does not disappear because the person is filled with worldly sorrow to experience remorse or regret that leads to more sinful addictions or eventually suicide as in the case of Judas. Neither Peter nor any of the Apostles lived in the grip of guilt for past sins. Godly sorrow leads to repentance, reconciliation and restoration of a right relationship with God and others.
And finally, the blood of Jesus Christ takes away our sins but not the consequence of sin. However, for the forgiven child of God even while suffering the most painful consequence, there is no guilt but— only gratitude. When we experience God’s forgiveness, our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. And “Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.” 1 John 3:20