PART 2 - Explanation of the Role of Blood in the Old Covenant, and why it could not save us.
Under the Old Testament law, blood was used extensively in sacrificial rituals as a means of cleansing and atonement of sins. This was accomplished before the priest, through animals, since Jesus had not yet come as Savior of the world. This sacrificial ritual, symbolized that death and the shedding of blood is required to atone for sin. Lambs were sacrificed, which symbolized the coming Savior, Jesus, who is described in the Bible as "the spotless Lamb of God" who would, according to prophecy, be slain for the sins of the world". Isaiah's prophecy of a coming Savior, made some 500 years before Jesus was born and crucified, was fulfilled. In the end, Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for our sins. Animals were no longer needed, nor priests, as a New Covenant was made between God and man; that Jesus would be our only mediator between God and man, for our receiving salvation (1st Timothy 2:5). Jesus became our Ultimate High Priest and Savior.
Forgiveness of sins is not possible without a sacrifice that addresses the penalty for sin. Jesus' sacrifice was the necessary foundation for the forgiveness of sins. We are no longer under the Old Covenant laws of condemnation, but now under the New Covenant Laws, made possible by Jesus, by His saving grace. We are now in the "Age of Grace", made possible by Jesus Christ, whom fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament Law, through his perfect atoning sacrifice. Salvation is now achieved not by adhering to the old laws, but by receiving God's grace, through faith in Jesus, Savior of the world. As stated inEphesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast".
The New Covenant, established through Jesus' sacrifice, provides a more effective and COMPLETE means of forgiveness than the Old Testament system. Jesus' single sacrifice was, and is, MORE than sufficient to atone for the sins of all who will turn to him for salvation.
Here's Part 1, if you missed it:
https://similarworlds.com/thoughts/personal-feelings/5322861-Many-have-asked-Can-God-love-me-despite-my-imperfections
Forgiveness of sins is not possible without a sacrifice that addresses the penalty for sin. Jesus' sacrifice was the necessary foundation for the forgiveness of sins. We are no longer under the Old Covenant laws of condemnation, but now under the New Covenant Laws, made possible by Jesus, by His saving grace. We are now in the "Age of Grace", made possible by Jesus Christ, whom fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament Law, through his perfect atoning sacrifice. Salvation is now achieved not by adhering to the old laws, but by receiving God's grace, through faith in Jesus, Savior of the world. As stated inEphesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast".
The New Covenant, established through Jesus' sacrifice, provides a more effective and COMPLETE means of forgiveness than the Old Testament system. Jesus' single sacrifice was, and is, MORE than sufficient to atone for the sins of all who will turn to him for salvation.
Here's Part 1, if you missed it:
https://similarworlds.com/thoughts/personal-feelings/5322861-Many-have-asked-Can-God-love-me-despite-my-imperfections
