Freed from Sin

Through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, we are truly freed from sin—no longer bound by rituals, but made clean once and for all.

“The Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come … can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, make those who approach perfect … In those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins.”—Hebrews 10:1–3 NASB

Today at sundown begins the Day of Atonement—a special day on God’s calendar. While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God told Moses to set aside one day every year in which they were to be unusually serious. Humbling themselves before God, they were to dedicate themselves to contemplation, prayer, and self-examination. No one could work or eat. To demonstrate how serious this was, those who did not humble themselves were to be “cut off from His people” (Leviticus 23:27–32).

After the high priest made atonement for himself and others, he sacrificed a goat as an offering for sin. Then a scapegoat was sent into the wilderness, symbolically taking with it the sins of the people. These actions of the priests could not make anyone perfect, for their sacrifices had to be repeated every year.

This most sacred day was a preparation for the work of Jesus. He became our High Priest for all time, and through His sacrifice, “We have been sanctified … once for all” (vs. 5–10).

The Day of Atonement is our annual reminder that God is perfect and holy, and we need to confess our sins and be cleansed. Humble yourself before Almighty God. Be serious about being clean in His sight.

Remember all that Jesus has done for you. Worship Him! Serve Him! In gratitude, offer yourself as a “living and holy sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

Reflection Question: How can you honor Christ today for freeing you from sin?