Sin and atonement

SIN and ATONEMENT

Scriptural Facts Versus Dogma

Q: Is it true that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin?

A: No. The bloodless meal offering atoned for sin. (Leviticus 5,13). The half shekel money offering atoned for the souls of the Children of Israel (Exodus 30,11-16). The Scapegoat which bore all the iniquities of Israel was sent away alive into the wilderness (Lev. 16,21-22). Aaron’s incense atoned for the people, and stayed the plague (Numbers 17,2).

Q: Is there an alternative to the carnal sacrifice?

A: Yes. The practice of mercy and truth atones for sins (Proverbs 16,6). Obedience to YHVH’s Word is preferable to sacrifices (1Samuel 15,22). Prayer is an acceptable substitute for the sacrificial act (Hosea 14,3).

Q: Does Scripture teach us that someone other than ourselves can atone for our sins by dying in our stead?

A: On the contrary. The Bible says: «Every man shall be put to death for his own sin» Deuteronomy 24,16. «The soul that sinneth, it shall die». Ezekiel 18,3-4. «Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of my Book» Exodus 32,33. Scripture does state, however: «The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; and the faithless comes in stead of the upright.» Proverbs 21,18. This does not mean that the righteous die to atone for the sinners. (Compare Exodus 32,31-33.)

Q: Did not the Servant of YHVH described in Isaiah 53 die for the sins of others?

A: No! It pleased YHVH to permit the Servant to suffer and be oppressed ONLY to see IF he were willing to offer his life as an offering. If the Servant is ready to do so, he is rewarded with «seed» (numerous descendants) and a long life! (verse 10). What is described here is a process of trial and purification, and NOT an innocent person being punished by a capricious deity for sins committed by others!

Q: How, then can we regain life, overcome the wages of sin?

A: Let Scripture speak for itself: «Again when I say to the wicked, thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin and do that which is lawful and right… he shall surely live, he shall not die, none of his sins that he hath committed shall be remembered against him.» Ezekiel 33,14-19.

Q: Is man capable of satisfying the requirements of the Law?

A: «For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too hard for thee, neither is it far off.» Deuteronomy 30,11.

Q: What is good, and what is required of us?

A: Only to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with our Creator (Micah 6,8). To love YHVH and observe His Commandments. (Deuteronomy 10,12-13).

«Therefore choose life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed»!! Deuteronomy 30,19

For more information see:

What Must We Do to be Saved??

Submitted by:

Mordecai Alfandari