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I Am Barabbas
Article by StaffTo some, Barabbas is nothing more than an interesting detail in Christ's trial. His presence during that event holds significant implications for us.
Limited Atonement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prospect of atonement and salvation is available to everybody, but only those called by the Father—not by an evangelical altar call—are eligible.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Four): Atonement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Day of Atonement emphasizes humanity's universal sinfulness, necessitating a divine solution. All humans from infants to seniors are incapable of redeeming themselves through charitable deeds or sacrifices. No human or animal offering has the capability to atone for sin. For this reason, the Creator God, Jesus Christ, became human, living sinlessly, offering Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, paying for the sins of all humanity, fulfilling the role of the ultimate sin offering. As the most solemn of the biblical feasts, this event points to the High Priest and atoning sacrifice. Leviticus 16 describes a two-goat ritual: one goat represents the payment for sin, while the second goat carries sins away, symbolizing sins total removal. Isaiah 53, as well as passages from the New Testament in Romans, Hebrews, Matthew, John, and I Peter all substantiate Christ's dual role in shedding His blood and bearing away sins, thereby reconciling humanity to God. This sacrifice grants access to Almighty God, enabling believers to pursue spiritual maturity under the guidance of Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ's sacrifice is only the beginning. Our Savior commands believers to strive for spiritual perfection, aligning themselves with God's will, yielding to Him as their Shepherd and High Priest.
Christ Coming in the Flesh
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn and other biblical authors emphasize that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a human being. Jesus had to be fully human to die for human sins.
Understanding the Azazel Goat
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe goat for azazel (complete removal) bore the sins of the nation out of sight. Jesus Christ likewise had our iniquities laid on Him, and He bore them.
The Two Goats of Leviticus 16
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first goat is a blood sacrifice to cleanse the altar. The second goat—the 'azazel' or 'complete removal'—is led away and freed (not bound by a chain).
What is Atonement?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Man's estrangement from God is wholly man's fault. Atonement denotes the way harmony is achieved, making the entire world at one or reconciled with God.
How Did They Overcome? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThose whom God has called understand the importance of overcoming, but how do we overcome? In Revelation 12:10-11, God describes those who will overcome.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, before He created Adam and Eve, preternaturally planned the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity from the curse of sin and death.
To Do Your Will, O God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe necessity for Christ's death stems from God's holiness and absolute intolerance of sin and His obligation to judge righteously.
A Hidden Mystery in God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBefore anyone can have fellowship before God, the obstacle of sin must be eliminated, which is a permanent barrier between us and God.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fourteen): Israel Redeemed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs a winnowing process in selecting those who will enter the Millennium. The process includes punishment for Israel's failure to serve as priests.
A Worthy Manner?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsWhy does it mean to observe the Passover in a worthy manner? It is not about works. It begins with realizing the depth of our sin, yet our focus must go beyond this.
Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe timing of Christ's crucifixion does not coincide with the Passover, but instead lines up with the covenant God made with Abraham, marking a major fulfillment.
The Cursed Redeemer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.
Passover, Obligation, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChrist's redemption obligates us to obey and serve Him. We show our gratitude for this priceless gift by doing good in acts of love and service to others.
Passover (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.
The Price of Your Life
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingFilms try to depict the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, but have all fallen short of presenting the full dimensions of the event—the price of our sin.
Debt and Obligation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live in a time when people have acquired a weak sense of obligation to family, society, or nation. Because sin cannot be undone, all are debtors to God.
A Priceless Gift
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's children look no different on the outside, but God has given them something inside, something spiritual, that makes them special to Him.
What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe second death is an event beyond physical death. It disproves the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, yet demonstrates God's perfect justice.