The Way Of Salvation 

In the Old Testament, God told the Israelites, “Every firstbornThe firstborn refers to the birth order and a special position of precedence. He received a double inheritance and had a special position of precedence. The term firstborn is also... More of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstbornThe firstborn refers to the birth order and a special position of precedence. He received a double inheritance and had a special position of precedence. The term firstborn is also... More of man among your sons you shall redeem” (Ex 13:13).

Travel back in time with me about 3000 years. A priestThe priests in the Old Testament were fully occupied with serving God. They offered the ordered sacrifices and were thus the link between the people and God. They had to... More is talking to a poor Israelite about the little donkey standing beside them. The poor man says, “Can’t you make a merciful exception for me just this once? This is my firstbornThe firstborn refers to the birth order and a special position of precedence. He received a double inheritance and had a special position of precedence. The term firstborn is also... More donkey, and although I know what God’s law says, can’t its life be spared? I can’t afford to lose this little animal.” 

The priestThe priests in the Old Testament were fully occupied with serving God. They offered the ordered sacrifices and were thus the link between the people and God. They had to... More says, “God’s law is very plain. Unless the death of a lamb redeems the donkey, its neck must be broken.” 

“But I don’t have a lamb.” 

“Then go buy one. The lamb or the donkey must die.” 

The Israelite sadly replies, “Then it’s hopeless because I can’t afford a lamb.” 

Another man who overhears the discussion approaches the poor Israelite and says, “Cheer up! I have a little lamb that is without spots or blemishes. Although it means much to me, I will give it to you.” Away he went, and soon both donkey and lamb were standing side-by-side. Then the lamb is placed on the altarPlace of sacrifice, i.e., place where a sacrifice is made. The Old Testament knows both the personal erection and use of an altar (usually made of earth or stones) and... More, its blood is shed, and the fire consumes it. 

The priestThe priests in the Old Testament were fully occupied with serving God. They offered the ordered sacrifices and were thus the link between the people and God. They had to... More turns to the poor man and says, “You can take your donkey home. Its neck will not be broken because the lamb has died in its place. Your donkey can live and righteously go free, thanks to your friend.” 

This little story gives us a picture of a sinner’s salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More. God’s claim against sinThe Bible carefully differentiates between sin and sins. • Sin: the evil power at work in man that causes him to engage in sinful activities (Rom 7:17, 18). God pronounced... More demands a “broken neck” – a righteous judgment on you. The only alternative is the death of a Substitute approved by God. No matter how hard you try, you cannot meet God’s requirements. However, God Himself provided the Lamb in the person of His beloved Son, Jesus ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More. John the Baptist referred to Him as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sinThe Bible carefully differentiates between sin and sins. • Sin: the evil power at work in man that causes him to engage in sinful activities (Rom 7:17, 18). God pronounced... More of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More” (Jn 1:29). 

Jesus went to Calvary’s cross “as a Lamb to the slaughter” (Isa 53:7). There He “suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). He “was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justificationAn act that God performs on guilty people who were under his judgment of condemnation. God declares people who believe in the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus to be... More” (Rom 4:25). God does not reduce His judgment against sinThe Bible carefully differentiates between sin and sins. • Sin: the evil power at work in man that causes him to engage in sinful activities (Rom 7:17, 18). God pronounced... More when He forgives the sinner (Rom 3:25-26). Jesus had to pay the penalty in full. 

How do you answer this question: “Do you believe on the Son of GodThe term "Son of God" in the singular always refers to the Lord Jesus. On the one hand, He is the only begotten (unique) and eternal Son of God, who... More?” If you reply, “I have found Him to be the One I can safely trust as my Lord and Savior,” then God credits you with the full value of Jesus’ sacrificeA sacrifice/offering to God (or deities in pagan religions) that differed in occasion, purpose, and form. The most important sacrifices required by the Old Testament law include burnt offerings, grain... More. 

God’s love, the glory of His precious Son, and the salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More of the sinner are all bound together. What a bundle of graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More and glory! God’s own Son does all the work, and you and I – poor, guilty sinners who believe in Him – get all the blessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Ps 34:3).