Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
[Hebrews 4:14-15 KJV]
Many Christians say their sins are forgiven without truly understanding what that means. God carefully arranged the sacrifice of His Son to provide for our freedom from His wrath and our growth in His love. These terms will help to explain so great a salvation. (Hebrews 2:3)
Redemption refers to making payment for something. Jesus' sacrifice freed us by paying the penalty for all sins of all time.
Forgiveness is the removal of a burden. At the cross, our guilt burden and punishment were borne by Jesus Christ.
Justification means God declares us not guilty because our sin burden has been removed and replaced by righteousness.
Reconciliation refers to enemies who are brought into fellowship. Our sinful nature makes us enemies of a holy God, but because Jesus' sacrifice brings us justification, we are reconciled to our Father.
Sanctification means made holy. As the Holy Spirit in us works to "reprogram" fleshly patterns of thinking, we become increasingly free from the presence of sin in our life. God polishes our jagged edges until we each become a shining jewel.
Access. Prior to Jesus, only the High Priest could enter God's presence in the Holy of Holies. But the Savior's death tore the veil shielding the Holy of Holies in the temple. With that symbolic gesture, God announced that we are all free to enter His presence because of Jesus' sacrifice.
The more we understand about what was involved in Christ's sacrifice and the gift of salvation, the more grateful we should be.
From In Touch Ministries
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