The Daily Word of Righteousness

A Giant Step Forward, #19

When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert. (Leviticus 16:20-22)

The atonement of forgiveness has been preached for the two thousand years of the Church Age. Now it is time for the atonement of the removal of sin from the Church. The removal of sin is symbolized by the scapegoat.

The sprinkling of the blood of the first goat represents the first aspect of the atonement, that is, the cleansing of the Most Holy Place and the Tent of Meeting, and the entire congregation. This is what the Lord Jesus meant when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you." We now are able to approach God because of the cleansing of the Most Holy Place in Heaven by the atoning blood of the Lamb of God, and because of the cleansing of the people.

The second aspect of the atonement took place as the sins of Israel were put on the head of the scapegoat. The scapegoat carried on itself the sins of Israel "to a solitary place." This means our sins not only are forgiven but are to be removed from us—not the guilt of our sins but the sins themselves, the sins that have bound us.

But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat. (Leviticus 16:10)

Atonement (reconciliation) is made not only by the shedding of blood but also by removing the sin; not the guilt of the sin, but the sin itself.

Reconciliation to God comes through the atoning blood of the cross of Calvary.

Reconciliation to God comes also as the power of Jesus Christ removes the bondages of sin from us and puts them in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.

Redemption from the hand of the enemy is not complete when there is only forgiveness. We must be delivered from the power of sin; otherwise we will keep on sinning and never will be permitted to remain in the Presence of God.

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."  "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."  Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (II Corinthians 6:17-7:1)

God receives us, not only on the basis of forgiveness through the blood atonement but also as we cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. We have been forgiven. Now we must be delivered from every work of Satan.

To be continued.