Leviticus 4
v.13 “If the entire Israelite community sins… but the people don’t realize it, they are still guilty….” (followed by very lengthy & detailed ‘sin’ offering instructions.)
v. 22 “If one of Israel’s leader’s sins… but doesn’t realize it, he is still guilty” (followed again by very lengthy & detailed ‘sin’ offering instructions.)
Thoughts: When we do wrong, commit sins, we’re guilty whether we are aware of what we’ve done or not. According to God’s ‘justice’ plan, sin must and will be paid for. We have to take personal responsibility for our actions.
Proverbs 19:4
“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” (NLT)
Thoughts: Why does man blame God for his own foolish choices and the resulting consequences? Is it because we really don’t want to take personal responsibility for our actions? Or do we shift blame because inherently we know we can’t afford to pay the price?
Colossians 2
v.13-14 “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Thoughts: God in Christ did something for us that we could not do for ourselves. God has made things right “once and for all.” No more sacrifices, no need to blame God anymore. In fact taking personal responsibility becomes much easier for me as I realize that Jesus Christ has paid the price I could not afford to pay. He has satisfied God’s requirement for justice. Christ took all my sins with him to the cross… I am forgiven!!
paul
Sixty-six books in a year 