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Jesus the Priest
Uniquely among world religions, Christianity tells us that we cannot offer atonement for ourselves. We could pray continually, afflict ourselves physically, and do many other penitential acts, but we would still not achieve atonement for ourselves. Only the perfect sacrifice ...Read More
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Christ Our Mediator
In His vocation as the Mediator, Christ not only sacrifices Himself to God, but He also “lives to make intercession” for us (Heb. 7:25). Christ prays for His people according to the perfect will of God, which means that we ...Read More
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Baptism and Forgiveness
Do you have trouble believing that God has forgiven you in Christ? Look to the water of baptism. Every time we see a baptism administered, we should be reminded of God’s promise to cleanse and forgive. The water of your ...Read More
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Christ Resurrected
We understandably think readily of the cross when we consider the saving work of Christ because the atonement pays for our transgressions and cleanses us from sin. But Christ’s resurrection is equally important. Without His resurrection, Christ’s death would have ...Read More
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Particular Atonement
Christ died for all kinds of people; that is what passages telling us that He made propitiation for the world mean (1 John 2:2). But Jesus did not die for everyone without exception. God chose a particular people, including men ...Read More
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Christ Our Priest
We find it difficult to know how to pray for ourselves, but Christ does not have that problem. He prays for us perfectly before His Father such that if we trust in Him, we cannot fail to persevere in faith. ...Read More
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The Covenant Of Grace Fulfilled
The process of God’s writing His law on our hearts begins in this life but is not completed until our glorification. Christians grow slowly but surely in their willingness to obey and to repent for even the smallest sins, and ...Read More
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The Trinity and Atonement
Touching His divine nature, it was impossible for Christ to die. Touching His human nature, Christ could and did die. Christ could atone for our sin because He was truly man, but He was offered up for our salvation by ...Read More
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Salvation or Condemnation
Believing the gospel is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. Following Jesus in a life of obedience does not save us, but it proves whether we have faith (James 2:14–26). Thus, we must believe and be baptized (Mark ...Read More
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The Priest Who Sacrifices Himself
Other religions besides biblical Christianity tend to prescribe methods for individuals to atone for their sins. Biblical Christianity stands apart in saying that we cannot atone for our sins. But it also says that Christ has offered the perfect atonement ...Read More