Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is 1 Peter 1:18-19

1 Peter 1:18-19 Since you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Through Christ, God has given us so much that we will spend eternity in awe of the wonder of His love and mercy. He has given us the gift of repentance, by which we can come to Him through the blood of Jesus, confess our sins and receive cleansing. This is a most wonderful gift. We repent because we recognize that we cannot maintain a right relationship with God while we cling to our sins.  As the Holy Spirit convicts us of our shortcomings, He directs us to the cross, our altar of sacrifice, our place of atonement. That altar is a place that we must visit daily and receive cleansing from anything that separates us from God's holiness.  

In the Old Testament sanctuary, the altar was the first thing that was encountered when anyone entered. It was the place where the sinner's sin was transferred to an innocent lamb, and that spotless lamb, who had harmed no one, was sacrificed for the sinner; the just for the unjust. The blood of the lamb was shed for the sinner and the lamb was consumed on the altar of sacrifice. The lamb represented Jesus Christ who took our sins upon Himself and willingly gave His life for us. Through the blood of that sacrifice, we make peace with God. He beckons us to come to Him and receive the cleansing power of His blood. Whenever our lives have been soiled with the stain of sin, His arms are open to receive every repentant heart and He never turns us away. Through repentance we can receive His atoning blood once again and be washed, made holy and enter boldly and blamelessly into the presence of Almighty God. He offers us no resistance; we should offer Him no excuses.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim