11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Leviticus 17:11 (NIV)
22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)
Shortly after Adam and Eve sinned, blood was shed for the covering of their mistakes. Later in Moses’ time, God gave yearly instructions on how to atone for the sin of the people. For all of time sin has been costly. Sin requires death – the shedding of blood.
Things haven’t changed. Still today, God requires that the penalty of sin be paid. The difference is that God sent His Son to be the perfect sacrifice, once and for all. Jesus’ blood covers the sin of the world – every person, every sin, every day, for all time. Jesus’ blood was enough. Jesus’ death satisfies God’s requirements.
The catch to having this freedom from the price of sin and the bondage that sin holds us in, is that we must come to Jesus and surrender our ways to His way. We must call on the name of Jesus. We must admit we are sinners. We must believe that Jesus’ death is all sufficient. He is the Son of God and takes away our sins. We must commit to live our lives His way and not our own.
It’s as simple as a short heartfelt prayer:
Dear God,
I admit I am a sinner. I mess up, I miss the mark of perfection by a long shot. I believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He paid the price of my sin. Jesus, I invite You into my life to be my Savior. Would you come into my heart and lead my life? Help me to live Your ways and not my own. Thank You Jesus, Amen.