INTRODUCTION

John 1:29–34
In our previous study, we saw the fall of man and its consequences. The greatest consequence of a life of sin is eternal damnation. God is holy and eternally opposed to sin. As God cannot have fellowship with the sinner on earth, so the sinner is eternally banned from His presence in heaven. It is therefore necessary that a solution must be found for the problem of sin.

From the very onset of man's fall, sacrifice for sin commenced (Gen. 3:21). Cain's offering was rejected for lack of blood, while Abel's was accepted because blood was shed (Gen. 4:3-5). The blood of the lamb was the token of God’s covenant and redemption of Israel (Exodus 12:3-13). The entire Old Testament redemption scheme was based on blood (Exodus 29:38-46; Leviticus 4:32-35). The New Testament is also based on blood — the blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28; Heb. 9:22). Man can never reform himself enough to merit God's acceptance. Pardon must come from God through faith in the appointed sacrifice — blood (Leviticus 17:11; Heb. 9:22).

SUB TOPICS:

1. Human Remedy to The Sin Problem
2. Atonement In the Old Testament
3. Christ: The Perfect Sacrifice for Sin

HUMAN REMEDY TO THE SIN PROBLEM

Since the fall, man has always invented methods to cover or explain away sin (Gen. 3:7-13). These include self-righteousness, excuses, denial, and idol worship. Many still hope to reach God by:

1. Commandment keeping: Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16. Law points us to Christ; it cannot save.
2. Moral living: Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 64:6. Morality cannot erase inherited sin.
3. Religious observances: John 3:1-8. Ceremonies cannot save.
4. Good works: Luke 16:15. Many “good” works are self-serving.
5. Heredity: Ezekiel 18:4. No one inherits righteousness; each must believe personally.

From David’s case in Psalm 51:1-12, we note that covering sin leads deeper into guilt (Prov 28:13). True repentance seeks mercy, cleansing, and renewal by the blood. Only through sincere confession and faith in the atoning blood can sin be forgiven (Isaiah 45:22).

ATONEMENT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Atonement (“at-one-ment”) means covering sin so man can approach God (Leviticus 16). On the Day of Atonement, the substitute bore the sinner’s guilt, the scapegoat carried sins away, and the high priest served as mediator. Yet the Old Testament scheme was temporary — a shadow of Christ (Heb. 9:7-10; 10:1-9).

CHRIST: THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR SIN

The Old Testament foreshadowed God’s ultimate solution. In Christ, we have the fulfilment (Gen. 3:15). Jesus is our:

• Substitute — He died in our place (Rom 5:6-8; 1 Pet 3:18).
• Sacrifice — He shed His blood once for all (Heb. 10:11-12).
• Sin-bearer — He carried our sins (Isa 53:5-6; John 1:29).
• Suppliant — He is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5).

Christ is the perfect Sacrifice for sin. There is no other name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Look to Jesus and live (John 3:14-16).