By Shane Kastler
In the Old Testament we are told about the sacrificial system that the Jews were to incorporate. In addition to daily animal sacrifices there was an annual sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. On this day, the High Priest would take a bull and two goats that would be used in the ritual. The bull was for the sins of the High Priest and his household. One goat would be sacrificed for the sins of the people; while the other goat would be let go in the wilderness. Known as the “scapegoat” this animal would have the guilt of sin symbolically transferred to it before it was sent out into the wilderness.
While these practices seem odd to us today, they pointed to and symbolized the true sacrifice for sin that Jesus would one day make. The first goat was killed as a substitute for the people. Likewise, Jesus died on the cross to pay the eternal penalty for the sins of those who trust in him. God, being perfectly righteous and holy, demands a payment for sin. And Jesus, being the Son of God, and thus perfectly righteous and holy; is the only one qualified to make the payment. Jesus lived a life of sinless perfection, then died a sacrificial atoning death that was acceptable to God the Father.
The “scapegoat” also symbolizes the work of Christ. For in the death of Christ the “guilt” of sin is transferred to Christ from believers. Though we are all “guilty” as sinners before God; we can rest and trust that Christ took upon himself the guilt of those who trust in him. For the Christian, Jesus takes their guilt and punishment, and he grants them his perfect righteousness. If you are truly a follower of Jesus, then you have a righteous standing before God, based upon the life of Christ. We get credited for his perfection and he gets credited with our sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The only danger with this amazing transaction is that there are some people who assume they belong to Christ when they do not. If you don’t truly know and love the Lord, then don’t be deceived into thinking your sins are paid for when they are not. If you do know and love the Lord, then your life will reflect that in every aspect of your being. No longer will you crave sin, but rather you will crave holiness. No longer will you live for this life, but rather you will desire to be in the presence of Christ. While you still get entangled in sin, it is no longer master over you. Jesus is your new master and he takes your guilt away.
If Jesus is truly your greatest love and treasure, then you need not fret about death, nor what awaits beyond the grave. You will one day be with Jesus and that condition will last forever. You also need not beat yourself up with the guilt of your past sins. They are paid for and Jesus has removed your guilt. Learn from the past and live a holy life in the future, constantly looking to Jesus for the comfort and strength that only he can provide.
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