Forgiveness Without Sacrifice – Part 08

Forgiveness Without Sacrifice – Part 08

Lamb of God
Lamb of God

In this part of our  study of the forgiveness of sins without the need for an animal sacrifice, we  will take a look at the story of a paralytic who was healed by Jesus.  This  story is recorded in three Gospels: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke  5:17-26.

As we begin this portion of  our study, it is important to remember that this account occurs while the animal  sacrificial system was still in place in the Temple.  And, Jesus grants  this forgiveness prior to His death.

Furthermore, we need to  remember what Jesus said about His mission and ministry in Matthew 5:17:
17 “Do not think that I came  to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
NASU

Thus, what is taking place  must still be within the intent of the Law.  With this in mind let’s take a  look at what we are told in Matthew 9:2.

2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take  courage, son; your sins are forgiven.
NASU

Jesus healed this man and  forgave his sins because of a combination of his and his friends’ faith, alone.   There was no animal sacrifice.  Forgiveness was a gift of God’s grace just  as it had been with Abram in Genesis 15:6.

Such an incidence proves that  the sacrificial system was not the true intent of God that leads to forgiveness,  but only a concession, as it was when God granted it to Abram when he doubted  the promise of possessing the land.

There is something greater at  work here than the sacrifice of an animal and the shedding of blood.  It is  faith and love and compassion.

Go on to Forgiveness Without Sacrifice – Part 09

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