Week Thirty-Two, 2017
“THE SACRIFICE”
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. – 1 John 2:2 NIV
In the marine world, they call it a sacrifice. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit the need, but all have one thing in common. They attract electrolysis away from other metals.
In the case of a ship, seawater acts as an electrolyte and transfers the electrons from the zinc anode by oxidizing it over the steel plate and making a protecting layer. If the metal is more active it will be easily oxidized and will protect the metallic compound by making it act as cathode. The anode will corrode first sacrificing itself for the other compound and it is thus called sacrificial anode.
To protect metal below the waterline, zinc sacrifices have to be replaced often as they corrode away, in order to safe surrounding metals from being eaten away by electrolysis.
There is a spiritual parallel here. All of us are sinners and the sin of the world can destroy us, but God sent His only Son, not only for our sins, but for the sins of the world.
When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all wickedness (I JN 1:9) and to take them upon His shoulders to protect us from the sins rampart in the world. He is our sacrificial lamb.
When we confess our sins – If, from a deep sense of our guilt, impurity, and helplessness, we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our iniquity, his holiness, and our own utter helplessness, and implore mercy for His sake. Jesus died for us. He is faithful, because to such he has promised mercy, and just, for Christ has died for us, and thus made an atonement (sacrifice) to Divine justice.
He is the sacrifice for our sin and protects us from judgment we otherwise would deserve.
When He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, not only does God forgive our sins, but purifies our heart. He is the ultimate sacrifice for eternity.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 NIV
***
SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Creation
An atheist scientist came to God and said, “We’ve figured out how to make a man without you.”
God said, “OK, let me see you do it.”
So the atheist bent down to the ground and scooped up a handful. But God stopped him and said, “Oh, no you don’t. Get your own dirt!”
QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Remember that the person who gossips with you, will gossip without you and gossip about you.
If we are going to be a bridge to the world, we have to be willing to be walked on. Ken Whitten.
Our educational system teaches us how to make a living, but it does not teach us how to live. C. S. Lewis.
***
Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read at TheLife.com and Thoughts-About-God.com. You can subscribe directly to those on their respective websites.
Your feedback is welcome and if you want to be taken off the mailing list a simple e-mail will do it. Feel free to pass this along to others and to contribute your ideas and thoughts. Address all items and comments to [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2017.
©2017 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618