The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think
twice when they see one on a church. But unfortunately, familiarity with
the symbol can actually get in the way of understanding what it truly
means. So let’s stop to consider how Jesus became the bearer of sin.
We begin with Scripture written long before Jesus was born. Genesis, the first book of the Bible, explains how man chose to disobey God. Because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their descendants are all born under the curse of death, having inherited a sinful “flesh” nature.
In Leviticus, God’s laws for the Jewish nation included observance of
Yom Kippur, the day each year when the Israelites fasted, prayed, and
sacrificed an animal to atone for sin. In essence, the goat would bear
the wrongs done by the people and suffer the penalty that divine justice
required.
Centuries later, Isaiah prophesied that a Savior would atone for
transgression once and for all (Isa. 53:5, 8; Heb. 7:27). After another
700 years, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who
would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
The Messiah had come, though He was totally different from what the
people expected--so much so, in fact, that they rejected Him and
requested His crucifixion.
In all, God gave 613 laws through Moses. But none of us can perfectly
follow even the Ten Commandments. In fact, one reason He gave us these
rules is to show us our need for a Savior (Ps. 19:7; Gal. 3:24).
Meditate on those commands (Ex. 20:1-17), asking God to speak to your
heart.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
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