The first section of the Tabernacle upon entering it was the altar. Worshipping God starts with dealing with our sins. No one can approach God with sin because God is holy, and He doesn't tolerate sin in His presence. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God had to lead them out of there because of their sins. God told Adam and Eve that the consequence of their sin was death. As a result, they have to die for their sins in order for them to have fellowship with God. Since God loved Adam and Eve, He allowed certain animals that do not have defects to be sacrificed on their behalf. The blood of the animals temporarily covered their sins; thus, it allowed them to restore their fellowship with God. God taught Adam how to build an altar made from a stack of stones. Adam then taught his children, and his children taught the next generations. When God tested Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham built an altar made of stone on Mount Moriah. However, when God commanded Moses to build an altar for the Tabernacle, the altar was upgraded to bronze for durability and movability (see the altar of the Tabernacle).
When people brought animal sacrifices to the Tabernacle for their sins, the priests would slaughter their animals on the tables next to the altar; then they would sprinkle the blood of their animal offerings on the four corners of the altar then burn the flesh of the animals on the altar. The lives of the animals were taken on behalf of the people's sins. Since the blood of the animals could only cover the sins and could never take away sins, people had to constantly offer animal sacrifices in order for them to be forgiven of their sins (Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 10:4). If God wanted us to be with Him forever, He had to provide another sacrifice that would wash away our sins forever. As a result, Jesus came to replace the animal sacrifices by dying on the cross for our sins. Hebrews 10:9-10 says, "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 and for all."
Jesus came to carry our sins on the cross so that our sins could be washed away forever (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus' blood washed away our sins (1 John 1:7). So, no matter what sins we have done, we can be forgiven of our sins because our Lord Jesus died for our sins. There is always forgiveness on the cross, for there is no sin that Jesus' blood cannot wash away.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did Jesus die on the cross? Do I believe that God can forgive whatever sin I have done? What should be my attitude when I am reminded of the cross?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, I confess to you all my sins with a sincere and repentant heart. You have forgiven me because of my Lord Jesus' death on the cross. Thank you for washing away all my sins so that I can be acceptable in your presence. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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