Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.

In order for God to forgive sin, He required a life of an animal to be lost in substitution for the person asking forgiveness. This allowed the repentant person to be in unity and harmony with God.

In the new covenant, God didn’t change His mind. In Hebrews 9:22 it says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Instead of an animal sacrifice, God provided us a once-for-all sacrifice for everyone truly sorry for their sin. When we admit our sin and ask for His forgiveness, God grants that reconciliation between us and Him by the blood that Jesus shed willingly on the cross for us.

It’s called in Bible talk, “atonement.” That word means “to cover, purge, make reconciliation.” That’s what Jesus did. He made a way for us to be right with God again.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your willingness
to make a way for us to no longer be at odds
with our loving Father God.
May we never forget all You did for us,
our risen Lord.