In the Old Testament, the forgiveness of sins was symbolized through the annual Day of Atonement, where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. This was a temporary solution, as the sacrifices had to be repeated every year. It was a reminder of the people's constant need for forgiveness and their inability to fully atone for their sins on their own.
However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, the concept of remission of sins was introduced. This refers to the complete removal of sins, not just a temporary covering. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As John the Baptist declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
The book of Hebrews explains this further, stating that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was shed for the forgiveness of sins, but in the New Testament, it was the blood of Jesus, the perfect and spotless Lamb, that was shed for the remission of sins.
The forgiveness of sins in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of the remission of sins through Jesus Christ. The sacrifices offered by the high priest were a temporary solution, but the sacrifice of Jesus was once and for all. As Hebrews 10:14 says, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
The forgiveness of sins required the continual offering of sacrifices, but the remission of sins was a one-time event that has eternal consequences. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our sins are not just covered, but they are completely removed. As Psalms 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
The forgiveness of sins was limited to the people of Israel, but the remission of sins is available to all who Repent of their sins and are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ according to Acts 2:38. This is the ultimate act of love and grace from God, that He would offer the remission of sins to all.
In conclusion, the forgiveness of sins and the remission of sins may seem similar, but they have significant differences. The forgiveness of sins was a temporary solution, while the remission of sins is a permanent and complete removal of sins. The forgiveness of sins was limited to the people of Israel, but the remission of sins is available to all who Repent and are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. Let us be grateful for the remission of sins that we have through Jesus and strive to live a life worthy of His sacrifice.
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