Atonement

Some things strike me here as I read this passage.

First, the Holy Place, the tabernacle, and the altar were considered stained by the sin of the people.

Some people wonder why God can’t just allow anyone into heaven. The reason is that sin stains whatever it touches. That’s how powerful it is.

But the blood of Jesus is even more powerful, purging away even the deepest sin.

Second, the High Priest had to be specially clothed when bringing the blood into the tabernacle. On his turban, was written, “Holy to the Lord,” as he took the guilt of the people upon himself (Exodus 28:36-38).

And on his shoulders and over his heart, he wore the names of the people whose guilt he bore (Exodus 28:9-21).

In the same way, Jesus, when he entered the true tabernacle in heaven, was Holy to the Lord, set apart for his Father’s purpose, taking our guilt upon himself.

On his shoulders and over his heart, he bore the names of all he died for. And his was a perfect sacrifice. As such, it was never to be repeated again. As Peter puts it, it was a “once-for-all” sacrifice. (1 Peter 3:18)

And our atonement, the purging of all our sin, was all accomplished by him.

We don’t atone for ourselves. Atonement is made for us. Our high priest goes into the Most Holy Place, and does all the work for us. All we can do is rest in the work Jesus has already done for us.