October 15 THE TRESPASS OFFERING "And you, being dead in your trespasses... He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:13, NKJV). The sacrificial system of ancient Israel provided five special offerings and sacrifices (see Leviticus 1:1 - 7:38). Especially important for the expiation of sin were the sin offering and the trespass offering. The former represented forgiveness of sins directed against God; the latter represented forgiveness for misdeeds and offenses against other human beings. These offerings prefigured the great sacrifice of the "Lamb of God" who alone could take away the sin of the world (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:7). In and of themselves, they had no power to take away sins (see Hebrews 10:4, 11) nor could they "clear the conscience of the worshiper" (Hebrews 9:9, NIV). These offerings could not set the sinner free. They were only types pointing to the great anti-typical offering for all sins committed before and after the cross. All the offerings and sacrifices met their fulfillment in the death of Jesus Christ, who "loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2, NIV). For this reason Christ is alluded to as the "Trespass Offering." The only efficacious offering for our sins and trespasses is Jesus (see 1 John 1:7). Because of His supreme love, Jesus "gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2, NIV). Hence, He is our trespass offering as well as our sin offering. He is the adequate, all sufficient sacrifice for all our sins and misdeeds. "Christ gave Himself for the saving of a lost world... He withheld no part of the price, but gave Himself as a complete offering, a sacrifice fragrant with the incense of His righteousness."--Signs of the Times, June 15, 1904. My Prayer Today: Lord, I claim anew the sacrifice of the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. Amen.