Lecture Notes: Understanding Sin and Atonement

Key Concepts

• Sin and Dwelling on Sin

  • Dwelling on regret is akin to dwelling on sin and not on God.
  • Dwelling on temptation strengthens it.

• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

  • Central to the Bible and linked to the Messiah.
  • Two aspects: the sacrifice and the scapegoat.

The Two Goats of Yom Kippur

• Sacrificial Goat

  • Represents atonement through sacrifice.

• Scapegoat (Azazel)

  • Represents the removal of sins into the wilderness.
  • Symbolizes confession of sins and their removal from the people.

The Significance of Confession

• Confession as a Release

  • Hebrew word for confess is "yadada" meaning to throw.
  • Confession is a way to rid oneself of sin.

• Role of Messiah

  • Messiah (Jesus) takes away sins, allowing for the release of guilt and shame.

Practical Application

• Power of Release

  • Atone by confessing sins but also release them.
  • Live in freedom, not bondage.
  • Forgiving others equates to personal release.

• Living in Atonement

  • Apply holy practices to everyday life.
  • Regularly release sin and guilt.

Maintaining Freedom

• Avoid Feeding the Scapegoat

  • Do not dwell on sin or temptation.
  • Starve the temptation; do not indulge it.

• Forgiveness and Letting Go

  • Forgive and forget others' sins to avoid personal bondage.
  • Be proactive in not letting sin return; send it away persistently.

Insights from the Sacrificial System

• Symbolism of Two Identical Goats

  • One goat sacrificed, one goat released (sin and guilt).

• Role of High Priest in Atonement

  • Confession over the scapegoat symbolizes the removal of collective sins.

Important Messages

• God’s Call for Freedom

  • Salvation involves a continuous release from sin.
  • Live as a new creation, free from past failures and condemnation.

• Practical Steps for Believers

  • Continually confess and release sin.
  • Do not harbor guilt or regret.

Conclusion

• Christ's Atonement
  • Jesus as both the sacrificial lamb and the scapegoat.
  • Embrace freedom and release in everyday life.