Jesus: The atoning sacrifice 

       “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” 
- Revelations 5:9 (NKJV) 

When we hear the word sacrifice today, our minds often go to noble acts in everyday life: 

• A friend skipping a fun outing to care for a sick loved one. 
• A parent working two jobs to provide for their child’s education. 
• Someone giving up a personal dream to help their family in crisis. 

These are beautiful examples of love in action. Sometimes, we also associate sacrifice with financial giving – either to others or to God. 

But what truly is a sacrifice? 

What Is Sacrifice? 

At its core, sacrifice is giving up something valuable for the sake of someone or something greater. It always carries a cost – whether time, money, comfort, or even life itself. Sacrifice can be physical or spiritual. 

Jesus embodied the ultimate sacrifice in every sense. He not only gave His body to be nailed to the cross, but also gave His very life so that we might live. 

“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” – Hebrews 10:10 (NIV) 

The Atoning Sacrifice 

An atoning sacrifice is one offered to repair a broken relationship, especially between humanity and God. It is a substitute that bears the punishment for sin, removing guilt and restoring fellowship. 

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:2 (NIV) 

Jesus has already paid it all.

This is what Jesus accomplished on the cross: He stood in our place, bore our punishment, and declared us forgiven. Through Him, we not only receive a “second chance”, but also a brand-new identity. It’s not simply a “get-out-of-jail free card”; it’s as if you were never guilty to begin with. That’s the power of His sacrifice. 

What This Means for You 

Maybe there are things you’ve never told anyone. Maybe there are regrets that still whisper shame in your heart. Perhaps you’ve asked God for forgiveness, but you struggle to forgive yourself. Those memories, those “what ifs,” creep back in and weigh you down. 

But here’s the truth: Jesus has already paid it all. No sin is too deep for His mercy, no addiction too strong for His power, and no heart too broken for His healing. 

Today, you can be free. All you need to do is open your heart and ask Him. He is the atoning sacrifice – and He is calling you to come, without fear, without shame. In Him, you will find the peace and rest your soul has been longing for. 

What a privilege we have in Jesus – the sacrifice who makes us whole.  

Song 

Jesus paid it all, 

All to Him I owe; 

Sin had left a crimson stain, 

He washed it white as snow. 

Jesus Paid It All by Elvina M. Hall (1865) 

Prayer – Lord, I thank you for Your sacrifice for me and for atoning for my shortcomings. I receive grace to accept Your love, and I receive healing where I’ve been hurt. I declare sin no longer has a hold on me and from this day, I am free (Amen). 

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Bible in 1 year: Isaiah 39-40; Colossians 4