“But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3-4).

In the Old Testament the Day of Atonement was a day in which the people brought sacrifices to atone for all the sins of the past year. In fact, they didn’t only offer sacrifices for the past year but for all the past years. In a striking contrast with what we have now in Christ the writer of Hebrews says that each sacrifice of the Old Testament was a “reminder of sin.”

Imagine what it would be like to annually face the failures of our pasts. Jesus has brought us a better way. He not only forgives our sins but chooses to forget them. When we come to Jesus in faith our past failures are completely cleansed and forever washed away.

It’s just another example that the writer of Hebrews points out when describing how much better life is now that Jesus has come to redeem us. The blood of bulls and goats was a temporary remedy before the Cross. Now Jesus has come and, by His death, has provided a permanent cure for sin. We can all say, “Hallelujah!” for that.