Blood Sacrifice
Submitted by Ben on February 19 2002 19:04:35
In reply to Another angle submitted by Jules on February 19 2002 14:35:56
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Hi Jules, I have often pondered this whole issue as well. Why didn't God just forgive people without someone having to be sacrificed if he is all powerful. I have heard one explanation, one which I am not totally sold on but I'll still share it. It comes from Josh McDowell, the well read Christian apologetics author. He bases his concept on the simple statement by Paul in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[ 6:23 Or through] Christ Jesus our Lord." Looking at the Jewish tradition of animal sacrifice Paul recognized the fact that God had long ago established a blood sacrifice solution for sin. God is perfect as we know and he created us in his image, yet allowed us to be imperfect. It is a dissonance to God's character for there to be life short of perfection. For whatever reason (I can't claim to understand God of course) the only way for God to tolerate any imperfection was through a scapegoat, that is the shedding of blood by a being other than the being who sinned. Someone must shed blood, even if it is substitute. This system was well understood by the Jews, a flawless segue into death on the cross. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this. You are not alone. Love, Ben |
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