The Cost of Forgiveness

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

I’ve mentioned before the Bible Read-Thru program our pastor introduced us to a few months ago.  In each reading, we’re encouraged to ask the questions “How does God reveal Himself?” and “How do I apply this to my own life?”  “How do I need to change?”

It’s been easy to see how God reveals Himself in Genesis as the Creator of all things. We learn how He chooses Abraham to be the father of many nations, His chosen people of Israel.  And we read in Exodus about His miraculous delivery of the Israelites from bondage as slaves in Egypt. The miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the provision of water in the wilderness, manna and quail for food.

Last week it was time to start Leviticus.  I have to admit I was tempted to skip this book.  (I wonder if I’m not the only one who might feel like that!)  I knew from reading it a long time ago that it was all about the instructions for sacrifices and offerings, what to eat and what not to eat, etc. But then I remembered that this book is as much a part of God’s Word as every other book, and it must have been included for a reason.  So, I prayed and asked God to show me what He wants me to see as I read.

In reading just the first 10 chapters so far, I began to see more clearly the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. As the people were instructed to regularly bring animals to be sacrificed as sin offerings, they would be reminded of their sins and the need for forgiveness from their holy God.

I am convicted by my casual attitude toward my own sin.  I like to focus on God’s grace and mercy to forgive when I simply confess my sin and receive His forgiveness.  1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I’m convicted about how often I take that for granted!

I’m reminded now to stop think what my forgiveness cost God and His Son Jesus. We no longer have to bring animal sacrifices for our sin.  God was willing to sacrifice His own Son as the perfect Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world!  My sins!  Jesus was willing to offer Himself as that sacrifice.  Jesus said to His disciples as He was being arrested in the Garden, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26: 53).  Jesus willingly surrendered to the plan to be crucified – to shed His blood and die on the cross as the only sacrifice that could pay for the sins of the world.

So, as I continue reading Leviticus, I want to remember the ultimate cost that was paid for my forgiveness.  I want to be more deeply filled with gratitude that Jesus was willing to pay that price.  I see His love that made him willing to go to the cross so that all who believe in Him and receive Him as their Savior can live in a personal relationship with Him now, and throughout all eternity.

What does He ask of His followers now?  He wants us to live in loving obedience to Him and follow the plan He has for our life.  His Word is filled with His will for our lives and how He wants us to respond to Him with love and worship, with our whole heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37-39).

We see this in Romans 12:1-2:

Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Did you need the reminder (like I did) about what it cost God the Father and Jesus His Son to forgive your sins?

How will you respond to this truth?

You may want to write a prayer expressing your gratitude.

If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, you can ask Him right now.

All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Ask the Lord for a friend who believes in Him who can help you in this decision.