The Bible tells us that under Levitical law, an animal had to be offered every year to atone for the sins of the people. That word atone means «to cover» and it’s used continually throughout the Old Testament.
But let me tell you something exciting. It’s never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the Cross is a different word altogether. It doesn’t just mean «to cover»–it means «to remit; to do completely away with something.»
Do you know what that meansí It means there is no longer a sin problem. Jesus solved it!
When you made Him your Lord, He didn’t just cover your sins, He put you into right standing with God and recreated you by the Spirit of God as if sin had never existed.
Many believers haven’t fully grasped that magnificent truth. Are you caught up in what I call sin consciousnessí Do you keep thinking of yourself as sin stained instead of blood washed?
«Well, after all Brother Copeland, I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.»
No, you’re not. You were an old sinner, but grace changed you forever into the very righteousness of God. You are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus! As far as God is concerned, your past life is forgotten. It died the death of the Cross.
Think about that. Let it sink into your consciousness until you rise up boldly and receive the freedom from sin that’s yours in Christ Jesus. Receive the righteousness that only the Lamb of God can give.
Scripture Study: Hebrews 9:11-26
