WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.060 I'm going to speak on atonement in the Old Testament. 00:00:04.299 --> 00:00:08.220 We're not going to go to the New Testament, maybe we might do that next week, but maybe not. 00:00:10.200 --> 00:00:19.339 And I find it just enormously helpful in thinking about how we are to interact with Islam, and I hope that you will find it helpful as well. 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:21.800 So what is atonement? 00:00:23.640 --> 00:00:29.000 Atonement is bringing people together after an evil has been done. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.259 Bringing people together after evil has been done. 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:40.719 And the Oxford English Dictionary shows the word developed from the idea of being at one in the early 16th century. 00:00:41.659 --> 00:00:44.640 So let me ask you, what is the worst thing you've ever done to another person? 00:00:45.700 --> 00:00:48.760 What is the worst thing that you've ever done to another person? 00:00:49.500 --> 00:00:54.620 And how could you ever be one with them after that? 00:00:54.619 --> 00:01:01.839 What would need to be done in order to make you both at one? 00:01:03.339 --> 00:01:04.599 And that is what atonement is. 00:01:05.640 --> 00:01:07.739 At a very trivial level, isn't it? 00:01:07.780 --> 00:01:13.659 We might buy someone a gift or cook them a meal or buy them flowers. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:18.459 In order to cool the heat of what we've done. 00:01:19.479 --> 00:01:22.719 When we do something to make amends. 00:01:23.259 --> 00:01:25.039 We're showing that it matters to us. 00:01:25.280 --> 00:01:27.039 We're showing that relationship matters. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:32.120 And we're showing, aren't we, something of the value of the person to us. 00:01:32.120 --> 00:01:34.980 But it becomes much harder, isn't it? 00:01:35.240 --> 00:01:37.040 The deeper the courage goes. 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:39.579 And the more that we've done wrong. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:42.780 The closer we are to the person. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:46.620 So the bigger the need for genuine atonement. 00:01:47.560 --> 00:01:49.620 For the two to become one. 00:01:50.939 --> 00:01:52.159 Is equal to it. 00:01:52.159 --> 00:01:56.979 When we've caused massive damage to someone. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:01:58.259 Lasting damage. 00:01:58.459 --> 00:02:01.459 When we've profoundly violated someone. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:06.359 The consequences or the cost of our wrong are very heavy, aren't they? 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:09.780 How can we ever look someone in the eye? 00:02:10.300 --> 00:02:12.400 If we've done them real wrong. 00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:17.579 The shame of our actions create a deep barrier. 00:02:18.019 --> 00:02:19.639 The shame that is on us. 00:02:19.639 --> 00:02:25.759 And the damage or hurt or loss that is suffered by the victim. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:27.119 Can't be easily ignored. 00:02:28.559 --> 00:02:34.219 It's not easy for damage and shame to be returned to us. 00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:38.000 In such a way that there's a genuine atonement to bring back together. 00:02:39.639 --> 00:02:44.159 An atonement seems to require that the damage done. 00:02:44.979 --> 00:02:48.439 Is somehow taken back by the person who did it. 00:02:48.439 --> 00:02:49.259 Can you understand that? 00:02:50.299 --> 00:02:54.779 That the burden and the pain and the suffering that has fallen onto the victim. 00:02:55.939 --> 00:03:00.019 Is placed back onto the person who caused the damage in the prison face. 00:03:00.020 --> 00:03:03.540 So think about criminal justice system. 00:03:04.320 --> 00:03:06.080 We might impose a fine, might we? 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:09.820 To bring a cost down onto the criminal. 00:03:10.740 --> 00:03:12.379 Or it might involve them going to prison. 00:03:12.540 --> 00:03:14.040 Or some community service. 00:03:14.660 --> 00:03:16.620 Or another form of loss or cost. 00:03:17.040 --> 00:03:18.100 And in those ways. 00:03:18.320 --> 00:03:19.360 The victim of the crime. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:21.420 The prisoner who's had the crime done to them. 00:03:22.200 --> 00:03:24.620 Is able to feel a sense of closure. 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:28.159 As the suffering that they've endured. 00:03:28.159 --> 00:03:30.539 Is passed back onto the criminal. 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:33.299 However it's rare isn't it? 00:03:34.259 --> 00:03:38.039 It's really rare that any real relationship is restored. 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:42.900 Any real relationship established between the criminal and the victim. 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:45.260 Most often. 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:47.420 Our justice system. 00:03:47.420 --> 00:03:48.800 It stops short doesn't it? 00:03:48.800 --> 00:03:49.620 Of real atonement. 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:51.319 There's not a onement. 00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:52.780 There's not a oneness. 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:56.300 A bringing together of the two parties into a union. 00:03:56.300 --> 00:04:00.500 Because that goes way beyond the ability of the courts or the police. 00:04:02.380 --> 00:04:02.920 So think about it. 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:03.760 Property damage. 00:04:04.600 --> 00:04:05.600 Or loss. 00:04:06.260 --> 00:04:07.240 That can usually be fixed. 00:04:08.700 --> 00:04:09.360 But people. 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:11.000 And communities. 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:12.660 They are much harder to fix. 00:04:13.640 --> 00:04:17.300 Hearts and minds can't be repainted. 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:19.699 They can't be glued back together. 00:04:20.780 --> 00:04:23.860 And so when you have caused real harm to someone. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:27.060 It is very costly to restore our relationship with them. 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:27.379 Isn't it? 00:04:28.460 --> 00:04:30.840 When we've defiled. 00:04:30.960 --> 00:04:32.400 When we've brought shame on a community. 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:35.759 Or destroyed the deep structures of our society. 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:37.420 Putting things back together. 00:04:38.699 --> 00:04:40.500 Restoring corporate life. 00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:42.400 Well it's not simple at all. 00:04:43.840 --> 00:04:45.920 So let's actually look at the cost of atonement. 00:04:47.080 --> 00:04:47.720 What is atonement? 00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:49.480 It is a bringing back together. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:50.740 Into what? 00:04:51.620 --> 00:04:52.800 What is the cost of atonement? 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:55.100 Well the difficulty and the cost of forgiveness. 00:04:55.420 --> 00:04:57.020 Is rarely understood. 00:04:58.340 --> 00:04:59.660 Is rarely understood. 00:05:00.740 --> 00:05:02.439 How costly forgiveness is. 00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:04.139 Until we've actually got to do it. 00:05:06.160 --> 00:05:08.900 The Truth and Reconciliation Committee in South Africa. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:12.420 You'll remember that in the aftermath of apartheid. 00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:15.120 And in the following years. 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:19.080 There was a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. 00:05:19.079 --> 00:05:24.659 And they had to confront some of the darkest truths about the evil committed over the years. 00:05:26.399 --> 00:05:27.899 When hateful things are done. 00:05:29.539 --> 00:05:32.639 And when hateful things are done so mercilessly. 00:05:32.699 --> 00:05:34.779 And when the damage goes very deep. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:39.979 The nature of those crimes mean that things can never be put right. 00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:40.459 Can they? 00:05:40.459 --> 00:05:42.519 Lives were lost. 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:44.459 Mines were destroyed. 00:05:46.039 --> 00:05:47.299 Communities were torn apart. 00:05:49.099 --> 00:05:50.359 I read in preparation for this. 00:05:50.639 --> 00:05:53.039 There was a powerful incident when there was a woman present. 00:05:55.279 --> 00:05:56.919 Was in that commission. 00:05:57.539 --> 00:06:02.500 When the man who had been part of the security forces in the 1980s. 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:03.659 Told how he'd kidnapped. 00:06:04.599 --> 00:06:05.599 And how he'd tortured. 00:06:06.459 --> 00:06:08.279 And how he'd murdered her husband. 00:06:08.279 --> 00:06:11.739 She'd known what had happened to her husband. 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:14.099 But she actually sat there. 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:16.919 And she heard his confession. 00:06:17.479 --> 00:06:18.539 From the man who did it. 00:06:20.239 --> 00:06:21.679 When it originally happened. 00:06:21.759 --> 00:06:23.139 The woman was there from the younger children. 00:06:24.799 --> 00:06:26.419 And this terrible knowledge. 00:06:26.659 --> 00:06:27.859 And pain and anger. 00:06:27.979 --> 00:06:29.099 The years went by. 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:33.399 And she somehow began to deal with all her anger. 00:06:33.399 --> 00:06:34.059 And her pain. 00:06:34.060 --> 00:06:36.139 And at the hearing. 00:06:36.319 --> 00:06:39.459 It was the man who'd originally did these things to her husband. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:40.920 Confessed all that he'd done. 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:43.839 At the conclusion of his testimony. 00:06:44.019 --> 00:06:45.339 The woman got up from the gallery. 00:06:46.399 --> 00:06:47.879 She walked over to that man. 00:06:48.840 --> 00:06:50.639 She put her arms around him. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.019 To tell him that she forgave him. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:54.759 And we're amazed by that. 00:06:54.899 --> 00:06:55.040 Aren't we? 00:06:56.100 --> 00:06:57.439 We are moved by that. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:02.500 We realise how incredibly difficult it would be. 00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:03.779 To be at one. 00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:06.980 With somebody who'd done so much wrong to us. 00:07:08.019 --> 00:07:09.540 How could she be at one. 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:10.879 With such a man. 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:12.379 Who'd destroyed her family. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.519 Who'd done such a thing. 00:07:14.279 --> 00:07:15.519 What about all the hurt. 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:17.300 And all the pain that he's caused her. 00:07:18.459 --> 00:07:21.699 If it wasn't going to fall onto that criminal man. 00:07:22.019 --> 00:07:23.319 Where was it going to fall? 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:26.040 The truth is. 00:07:26.219 --> 00:07:27.259 That extraordinary woman. 00:07:27.420 --> 00:07:28.459 She had bought the pain. 00:07:29.579 --> 00:07:31.159 She'd bought the pain for herself. 00:07:32.399 --> 00:07:35.240 And she was prepared for it to fall on herself. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:38.219 And for it to remain on herself. 00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:42.159 So that she could set that man free from his terrible crimes. 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:45.939 And that incident gives you and I. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:48.320 A profound window onto the cross of the Lord Jesus. 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:53.340 Why it costs the very blood of God. 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:53.960 Can we say that? 00:07:54.940 --> 00:07:58.100 In order to set us free from this terrible offence. 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:01.320 And the shame that our actions are your actions. 00:08:01.420 --> 00:08:02.480 That my actions have caused. 00:08:04.140 --> 00:08:07.200 If we've done wrong to one another. 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:11.580 And if we're ever going to be at one with that person. 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:14.540 Then the damage that has been done. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:15.600 Must be confronted. 00:08:16.780 --> 00:08:18.020 And it must be counted. 00:08:19.080 --> 00:08:20.120 And it must be carried. 00:08:21.780 --> 00:08:25.740 Both in terms of the harm that has been caused to the other person. 00:08:26.700 --> 00:08:29.960 And the shame and the corruption and the guilt that is upon us. 00:08:31.700 --> 00:08:33.560 In the case of an amazing South African woman. 00:08:33.560 --> 00:08:36.860 She not only carried that pain and that anger for so many years. 00:08:36.940 --> 00:08:39.160 But when she finally met the criminal. 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:42.319 At great personal cost. 00:08:42.860 --> 00:08:45.379 She bore the full weight of his crime. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:47.319 On her own shoulders. 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:48.399 She hugged him. 00:08:49.339 --> 00:08:50.879 And she forgave him and set him free. 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:53.579 And thirdly. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:54.919 Atonement is necessary. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:58.939 Because we must be at one with the Lord God. 00:08:58.940 --> 00:09:01.060 What is atonement? 00:09:01.160 --> 00:09:03.580 It is bringing together those who are apart. 00:09:04.520 --> 00:09:05.580 What is the cost of atonement? 00:09:05.680 --> 00:09:06.620 It is very costly. 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:08.580 And someone has to bear the cost. 00:09:08.920 --> 00:09:10.100 But atonement is necessary. 00:09:10.240 --> 00:09:12.560 Because we must be at one with the Lord God. 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:15.760 Atonement comes clearly into focus. 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:17.800 When we see that woman walk over from the gallery. 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:19.720 And hug that guilty man. 00:09:20.280 --> 00:09:21.720 She was prepared. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:23.680 To be at one with that man. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:25.500 Even though he had done so much evil to her. 00:09:25.900 --> 00:09:26.460 And her family. 00:09:26.460 --> 00:09:28.660 In order to hug that man. 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:31.879 She had to pay a very heavy price in her own heart. 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:33.060 And mind. 00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:36.180 And yet in that embrace. 00:09:36.340 --> 00:09:37.840 In that physical union. 00:09:38.180 --> 00:09:39.000 There is atonement. 00:09:40.820 --> 00:09:43.480 And atonement is necessary with the Lord God. 00:09:43.580 --> 00:09:44.900 Because he is determined. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:48.139 To be at one with humanity. 00:09:48.139 --> 00:09:51.080 So let me show you that. 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:51.720 The Lord God. 00:09:51.819 --> 00:09:52.879 Right from the garden of Eden. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:54.319 Right at the beginning. 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:56.199 Is determined to meet with humanity. 00:09:56.199 --> 00:09:57.639 On a face to face basis. 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:01.360 Adam and Eve walked with the Lord. 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:02.059 In the garden. 00:10:02.980 --> 00:10:05.199 Adam and Eve talked with the Lord God. 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:05.819 In the garden. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.080 He created the entire universe. 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:09.919 In order to kind of have that. 00:10:10.419 --> 00:10:11.080 Marriage union. 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:12.819 With humanity. 00:10:13.379 --> 00:10:14.500 To meet in a hand. 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:15.500 Where all is forgiven. 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:18.120 Where there is only love. 00:10:18.200 --> 00:10:20.500 No matter what pain and betrayal there may have been. 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:23.419 And atonement is necessary. 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:26.379 Because the Lord God is determined to visit you and I. 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:28.460 To confront us. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:31.080 To bring us face to face with him. 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:33.560 Because we have a destiny. 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:34.980 To stand before him. 00:10:35.040 --> 00:10:36.379 You and I will stand before him. 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:41.100 We were created to be at one with him. 00:10:42.879 --> 00:10:44.220 Therefore atonement. 00:10:44.780 --> 00:10:46.220 Atonement is necessary. 00:10:48.180 --> 00:10:50.420 We don't need atonement. 00:10:51.160 --> 00:10:53.180 When we have a problem with the inland revenue. 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:53.520 Do we? 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:56.000 Or the traffic lease. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:58.700 There is no need. 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:00.960 For me to be at one. 00:11:01.580 --> 00:11:02.600 With the inland revenue. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:02.960 Is there? 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:05.700 And I suspect the feeling is mutual. 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:06.399 If you ask them. 00:11:07.440 --> 00:11:08.399 The inland revenue. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:09.279 What do they require? 00:11:09.559 --> 00:11:11.019 They require me. 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:12.919 To submit my paperwork. 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:15.580 And then to submit to their demands. 00:11:15.659 --> 00:11:15.980 Got they? 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:18.679 And if I fail to do so. 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:19.659 The inland revenue. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:21.019 They will punish me with fines. 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:23.500 And if I persist in my defiance. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:25.159 The inland revenue. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:27.159 Will then require my imprisonment. 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:28.820 But at no stage. 00:11:28.919 --> 00:11:30.320 Do we need to talk about atonement. 00:11:30.460 --> 00:11:31.120 With the inland revenue. 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:32.980 The fines. 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:34.019 The imprisonments. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:35.220 The threatening letters. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:35.919 The reminders. 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:38.139 They are not designed to make us one. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:39.320 They are not. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:42.259 They are not designed to bring about. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:43.720 A relational unity. 00:11:44.279 --> 00:11:45.220 Between myself. 00:11:45.340 --> 00:11:46.220 And the tax office. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:48.519 I don't love the tax office. 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:50.580 And the tax office does not love me. 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:53.279 Rather the letters. 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:54.500 The threats. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:55.299 The fines. 00:11:55.460 --> 00:11:56.139 The deadlines. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:58.159 They are intended to force. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:00.600 Not only by submission. 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:02.259 To the tax demands. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:05.500 But also that others might look. 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:07.559 And they might learn submission. 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:09.100 From my example of being caught. 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:09.840 Prosecuted. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:10.679 And punished. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:15.080 Atonement is a serious. 00:12:15.299 --> 00:12:17.279 As a serious category of thought. 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:19.440 Atonement only matters. 00:12:19.879 --> 00:12:21.759 Atonement only becomes relevant. 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:23.759 When personal relationships. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:23.759 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:26.480 And fellowship. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:27.899 And friendship. 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:28.879 Are at the center. 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:33.419 And that is why atonement. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:36.500 Has got really no place in Islam. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:38.960 Because Allah. 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:41.819 Is the God of the inland revenue. 00:12:41.820 --> 00:12:45.060 That is the kind of God he is. 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:48.900 Atonement is never going to be an important idea. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.800 In Islamic thought. 00:12:50.400 --> 00:12:52.080 Because there is this great difference. 00:12:52.160 --> 00:12:53.060 Between Allah. 00:12:53.320 --> 00:12:54.260 And his creatures. 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:54.539 Allah has. 00:12:54.539 --> 00:12:54.819 Allah has. 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:54.819 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:59.779 Allah has. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.960 No direct contact. 00:13:02.080 --> 00:13:02.679 With humanity. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:05.960 Allah had no direct contact. 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:06.700 With humanity. 00:13:06.860 --> 00:13:08.720 Even when he was communicating the Quran. 00:13:09.720 --> 00:13:11.600 Even with his most valued prophet. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:12.019 Mohammed. 00:13:13.659 --> 00:13:14.899 In paradise. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:15.879 According to Islam. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:18.059 There is no personal contact. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:18.539 With Allah. 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:20.259 There is no. 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:22.080 Union with Allah. 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:24.420 That would be horrific to their thinking. 00:13:26.560 --> 00:13:27.820 The only thing there is. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:28.320 Is submission. 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:32.120 Peaceful harmony. 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:33.400 That comes. 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:34.320 When creatures. 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:37.240 Are totally submitted. 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:39.340 Submissive to the will of Allah. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:42.340 If human beings. 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:43.500 Fall out of line. 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:45.580 With the command of Allah. 00:13:46.040 --> 00:13:48.139 The situation is really easily remedied. 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:50.320 By turning around. 00:13:50.800 --> 00:13:51.680 And by repenting. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.800 Human beings. 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:55.220 Come back into submission with Allah. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:57.440 So you decide. 00:13:57.780 --> 00:13:58.580 That you. 00:13:58.940 --> 00:13:59.899 Cannot cope with Ramadan. 00:14:00.139 --> 00:14:01.300 So you eat a sandwich. 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:02.180 In the middle of the day. 00:14:02.620 --> 00:14:04.060 What is the answer for that? 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.180 Well. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.480 You do more Ramadan. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.400 You just do it for longer. 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:09.759 You fast for longer. 00:14:12.699 --> 00:14:13.519 And Allah. 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:14.860 In his free mercy. 00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:16.600 Can forgive. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.639 The offence. 00:14:17.959 --> 00:14:18.220 Maybe. 00:14:19.079 --> 00:14:20.000 Or the disobedience. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:22.139 In fact. 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.279 Surah 22. 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:23.699 37. 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:24.720 Says. 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:26.459 That the blood sacrifice. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:27.860 Has no relevance to Allah. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.620 But that piety. 00:14:30.959 --> 00:14:31.720 And repentance. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:33.480 Doing Ramadan for longer. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:34.779 Or other such things. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:35.939 Well. 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:37.939 That may bring down. 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:40.139 The free mercy of Allah. 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.019 Allah. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:43.079 Allah does not have. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:44.179 Anything like. 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:46.039 The personal relationship. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:47.779 With his creatures. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.879 That the biblical Lord God does. 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:52.539 The God of the Bible. 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:54.699 Has eternal relationships. 00:14:54.699 --> 00:14:55.559 Within himself. 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:57.240 The father. 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:58.579 Loves the son. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:14:59.600 In the unity. 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.360 Of the spirit. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:02.740 But this same. 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:04.240 Relational life. 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:05.419 That is the. 00:15:05.580 --> 00:15:07.139 That is the very foundation. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:09.200 Of God's covenant relationship. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.000 With you and I. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:13.100 And when we go to the foundation. 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:14.100 Roots of the Bible. 00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:15.340 And we ask. 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:17.419 Why did the triune God. 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:18.500 Why did the Trinity. 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:20.220 Create the heavens and the earth. 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.200 Why? 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.379 Why did God create us? 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:25.060 It comes back to the issue of relationship. 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:29.399 So what is the fundamental language. 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:30.439 That the Bible uses. 00:15:30.599 --> 00:15:32.039 To describe the relationship. 00:15:32.039 --> 00:15:33.659 Between the Lord and his people. 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.639 Think about it. 00:15:36.959 --> 00:15:38.819 What is the fundamental language. 00:15:39.019 --> 00:15:40.579 Used to describe the relationship. 00:15:40.579 --> 00:15:41.759 Of the church. 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.599 God's people to the Lord God. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.639 Let me tell you what it is. 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:45.899 It is marriage. 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.719 It is love. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:49.879 Union. 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:51.200 Intimacy. 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.440 Trust. 00:15:53.560 --> 00:15:54.080 Betrayal. 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:55.620 Jealousy. 00:15:56.040 --> 00:15:56.460 Passion. 00:15:58.100 --> 00:15:58.899 It is preparing. 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.460 For a divine wedding feast. 00:16:00.540 --> 00:16:00.779 Like this. 00:16:00.920 --> 00:16:01.360 All this morning. 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:03.440 And right at the beginning. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.120 Of the Bible. 00:16:04.540 --> 00:16:05.540 The Lord God said. 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:06.560 It is not good. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.700 For man to be alone. 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:09.860 Apostle Paul. 00:16:09.920 --> 00:16:10.560 In Ephesians 5. 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:11.100 Reminds us. 00:16:11.180 --> 00:16:12.200 That he wasn't just. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.120 Speaking of Adam. 00:16:14.420 --> 00:16:15.600 But in a much. 00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:16.960 Deeper sense. 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:19.519 The Lord God. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.480 Is talking about. 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.440 God's son. 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:23.540 And the desire. 00:16:23.660 --> 00:16:24.720 To find a bride. 00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:25.320 For him. 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:27.340 The church. 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:28.440 The gathered body. 00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:28.960 Of saints. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:30.180 From across the world. 00:16:30.340 --> 00:16:31.660 Down through the ages. 00:16:33.840 --> 00:16:34.100 And so. 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:35.220 For these reasons. 00:16:35.660 --> 00:16:36.139 Atonement. 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:38.320 Is always. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:38.780 Going to be. 00:16:38.900 --> 00:16:39.420 Absolutely. 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:40.180 Central. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:42.660 And the Bible. 00:16:42.780 --> 00:16:43.100 Is going to be. 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:43.700 Passionate. 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:44.280 About. 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.080 Atonement. 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:47.519 Atonement. 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:48.440 And atonement. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.600 Lies at the center. 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.440 Of our faith. 00:16:52.680 --> 00:16:53.360 When a husband. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:53.759 And wife. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:54.660 Have been torn apart. 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.320 Through adultery. 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:56.040 Betrayal. 00:16:56.160 --> 00:16:56.700 And divorce. 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:58.019 The pain cure. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.600 Is very deep. 00:17:00.540 --> 00:17:01.440 And it's very. 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.080 Very costly. 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:02.400 Isn't it. 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:03.040 If they are ever. 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:03.840 To be won again. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.539 And we usually. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:07.000 Assume. 00:17:07.100 --> 00:17:07.660 That when there's been. 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:08.700 Such a severe. 00:17:09.100 --> 00:17:09.539 Separation. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.140 That that. 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:11.299 That can never. 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:11.840 Be repaired. 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.700 In human terms. 00:17:14.120 --> 00:17:14.440 And yet. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.059 The living God. 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:15.480 Is prepared. 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:16.420 To pay any price. 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:19.620 He is even. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.140 Willing to pay. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:20.620 The price. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.200 Of his own. 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:21.640 Life. 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:22.120 And blood. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:23.800 To bring. 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.279 Atonement. 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:25.080 And restoration. 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:25.840 And reconciliation. 00:17:25.840 --> 00:17:26.820 Between himself. 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:27.420 And his bride. 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:27.980 And God. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:28.600 And humanity. 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:32.220 I first. 00:17:32.300 --> 00:17:32.640 Looked at. 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:33.060 Islam. 00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:33.500 This summer. 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:35.560 The two things. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:36.259 That kind of. 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:36.779 The big. 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.740 Culture shock. 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:39.400 And although. 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:39.960 I knew them. 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:40.700 I never really. 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:41.519 Thought about them. 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:42.180 One. 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:42.519 Is. 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:43.240 Is first. 00:17:43.340 --> 00:17:43.980 The concept. 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:44.960 Of a totally. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.360 Unitarian. 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:47.059 God. 00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:49.940 There's no trinity. 00:17:50.099 --> 00:17:50.640 There is. 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:50.960 There is. 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:51.460 One. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.500 Solitary. 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:53.039 God. 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:56.240 But secondly. 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:56.660 The thing. 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.079 That I found. 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:58.220 So alien. 00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:00.620 Is this idea. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.079 That Allah. 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:02.079 Has no direct. 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:02.579 Contact. 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.240 With humanity. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.220 It came to me. 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.920 Is a real shock. 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:07.079 That. 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:07.819 The system. 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:08.339 Of belief. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.120 Of Islam. 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.039 Is worded out. 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:10.720 With Allah. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.519 Remaining. 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:12.799 Profoundly. 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:14.380 Isolated. 00:18:14.600 --> 00:18:15.079 In his own. 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:15.920 Transcendence. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:16.299 There's no. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.180 Relationship. 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.819 And grasping that. 00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:20.380 I'm really happy. 00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:20.900 To understand. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.539 Why there's no. 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:22.319 Real need. 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:22.880 For a token. 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:23.740 In Islam. 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:25.779 And so. 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:26.640 If you talk to. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.480 Muslims. 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:27.779 That might. 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:28.620 Accepting the Lord Jesus. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:29.460 They see. 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.600 The death of Jesus. 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:31.600 As a problem. 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:32.160 Don't they? 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:34.140 But we see. 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.920 The death of Jesus. 00:18:35.120 --> 00:18:35.799 As the. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:36.759 Great solution. 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:41.039 I want to show you this. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:42.000 By looking at. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:42.359 Atonement. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.019 In the Old Testament. 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:43.359 Okay. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.160 And I want to look. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:45.980 At just three ways. 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:47.039 That the word is used. 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:49.519 The first way. 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.240 That the atonement. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.460 Is used. 00:18:51.460 --> 00:18:52.119 In the Old Testament. 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:52.940 Simply means. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:53.400 To cover. 00:18:54.359 --> 00:18:54.900 To cover. 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.279 And so. 00:18:57.400 --> 00:18:58.059 From the very beginning. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.779 The Lord God. 00:18:58.879 --> 00:18:59.519 Came to confront. 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.279 And to meet with. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:00.960 Adam and Eve. 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.720 Face to face. 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.359 And they tried. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:04.779 To make. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:05.660 Coverings. 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.740 To hide their shape. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:08.879 They tried. 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.559 To make. 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:10.420 Atonement. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:12.839 So that they. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.559 Could face. 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:14.119 Each other. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:14.920 So that they. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.379 Could be one. 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.099 With each other. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.039 And they. 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:17.619 Could be one. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.400 With the Lord God. 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.279 Yet the fig leaves. 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:20.079 Didn't feel enough. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.359 To it. 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.259 And so they hid a bush. 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:24.619 They hid a bush. 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.319 Rather than. 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:25.920 Be at one. 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:26.819 With the Lord Jesus. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.180 The eternal son. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.200 Would come to meet them. 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:29.759 In the garden. 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:30.400 And speak to them. 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:31.079 Face to face. 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.339 They felt. 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:33.980 The need. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.740 Of a covering. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.240 Because the Lord God. 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.940 Was coming to meet them. 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:39.000 Their own. 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:39.640 Fig leaves. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.500 Were not enough. 00:19:42.620 --> 00:19:43.000 And so. 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:43.620 The Lord God. 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.299 Killed animals. 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.400 And made animals. 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.279 Skin coverings. 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:46.700 For them. 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:49.640 His atonement. 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.680 His covering. 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:51.900 Came at the cost. 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.700 Of blood. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:52.740 God. 00:19:54.360 --> 00:19:55.140 In other words. 00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:55.860 In order for them. 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:56.340 To be one. 00:19:56.340 --> 00:19:57.100 With him again. 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.759 It is going to be costly. 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:00.799 In order for God. 00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:01.779 To overlook. 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:03.360 What they had done. 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:03.740 For him. 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:04.819 To embrace them. 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:05.360 And for them. 00:20:05.360 --> 00:20:06.360 To feel no shame. 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.080 In his presence. 00:20:07.340 --> 00:20:08.160 It was going to cause. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.259 A great deal of pain. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.940 Even ending in blood. 00:20:11.080 --> 00:20:11.440 And death. 00:20:13.600 --> 00:20:14.360 You see the same thing. 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.200 In Genesis 4. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:17.700 Abel and Cain. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.460 They bring their offerings. 00:20:18.580 --> 00:20:18.920 To the Lord. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:20.059 And Abel brings. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.019 The offering. 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:22.079 Of the fat portions. 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:22.920 Of the firstborn. 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:23.519 Of the flock. 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:24.839 And it's preferred. 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:25.940 Over the. 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:26.980 Well. 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:27.819 The fig leaves. 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:28.720 Of Cain's offering. 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:31.079 And when we read. 00:20:31.139 --> 00:20:32.079 How Abel offered. 00:20:32.180 --> 00:20:33.599 Not just any animal. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.559 But he offered. 00:20:35.660 --> 00:20:36.619 The fat portions. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:37.379 Of the firstborn. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:37.779 Of the flock. 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:38.759 Particularly those sheep. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:39.299 Or goats. 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.639 It's almost as if. 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:41.139 You're in the middle. 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:41.859 Of Leviticus. 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:45.160 And we can only assume. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.359 That that is a copy. 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:48.339 Of the animal offering. 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.420 That the Lord God. 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.099 Had made for Adam. 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:50.359 And Eve. 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:51.279 In the previous chapter. 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.539 There's some primal knowledge. 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:55.439 Of the living God. 00:20:55.479 --> 00:20:56.119 And his way. 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:56.839 So it's. 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:58.419 It's intuitively. 00:20:59.079 --> 00:20:59.479 Obvious. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.899 To the first human beings. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.299 Nevertheless. 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.839 The lesson is clear. 00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:05.559 What is the lesson? 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:08.439 To be one with the Lord God. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.839 To make an offering. 00:21:09.959 --> 00:21:10.659 That soothes. 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:11.459 Or heals. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.539 Or atones. 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.359 Is painful. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.099 Bloody. 00:21:14.339 --> 00:21:14.779 And faithful. 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:17.479 It's so simple. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:19.360 It really is. 00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:20.000 So very. 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:20.920 Very simple. 00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:21.779 How can wrong. 00:21:21.860 --> 00:21:22.420 Be covered over. 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:25.339 How can we bury. 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:25.980 The crime. 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:27.059 And its consequences. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.759 So that we can. 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:28.599 Move on. 00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:31.700 If our victim. 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:32.900 Always sees. 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.700 Or feels. 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.360 The evil. 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:34.860 We have done. 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.799 How can we cover it? 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.940 Or how can they. 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:38.559 Express. 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:39.380 Their hurt. 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:40.039 In such a way. 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:41.099 That we can be one. 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:42.400 So that we can embrace. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:42.980 In genuine. 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:43.680 Unity. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:43.840 Unity. 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:45.019 What can be done. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:46.539 So that neither of us. 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:47.539 We never think about. 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:48.539 What's happened before. 00:21:49.340 --> 00:21:49.779 Atonement. 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:50.580 Covers. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.299 Evil. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.180 It cannot just. 00:21:52.360 --> 00:21:52.740 Ignore it. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:56.220 And in our experience. 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:56.960 We know. 00:21:57.060 --> 00:21:57.380 Don't we. 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.980 That that is very costly. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:01.340 And it's very painful. 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.560 To put a wrong. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.480 Behind us. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.240 And move on. 00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:06.840 In true. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:06.880 In true. 00:22:07.320 --> 00:22:07.759 Reconciliation. 00:22:08.100 --> 00:22:08.980 With the person. 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:09.900 Who has wronged us. 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:11.120 There is pain. 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:12.120 And a price. 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.180 To pay for such unity. 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:15.940 Second thing. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.240 That we learned. 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.799 In the Old Testament. 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:17.420 About atonement. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.200 Is. 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:20.000 When the Lord God. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:20.620 Visits. 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:22.900 It's striking. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:23.460 When you kind of. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.720 Look at the Hebrew words. 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:25.880 That we translate. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.519 As punish. 00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:27.200 Or punishment. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:29.440 Actually. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.340 The most common word. 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:30.860 It can mean. 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:31.380 To visit. 00:22:31.820 --> 00:22:32.740 If you've got the AV. 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.320 The AV. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.039 Translation. 00:22:35.120 --> 00:22:35.600 The King James. 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.320 The translation. 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:37.039 Often. 00:22:37.320 --> 00:22:37.720 Translated. 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.120 As. 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:38.799 To visit. 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.680 It can mean. 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:42.160 To pay attention for. 00:22:42.840 --> 00:22:43.660 Or to care for. 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:45.480 To count. 00:22:45.600 --> 00:22:46.000 Or number. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:46.720 Or to punish. 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.740 The old. 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.759 The English word. 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.360 Punish. 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:52.740 Isn't. 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.220 Isn't. 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:54.440 As personal. 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.240 It isn't. 00:22:56.300 --> 00:22:57.060 As relational. 00:22:58.640 --> 00:22:59.200 But if we. 00:22:59.300 --> 00:23:00.040 See the word visit. 00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:01.240 We'll be just in social visit. 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:01.660 Don't we? 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.120 But the word visit. 00:23:03.300 --> 00:23:04.040 Is good. 00:23:04.100 --> 00:23:04.920 When it speaks of a child. 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.820 But let me tell you why. 00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:07.919 Because it shows us. 00:23:07.919 --> 00:23:09.000 That the Lord God. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.099 Will personally. 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.460 Call to account. 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:13.740 For what we've done and said. 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:14.939 He will visit you. 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.299 He will visit us. 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:19.720 In the sense of coming to number our offences. 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.460 Confronting what we've done. 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:23.299 Confronting us about our defiance. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.960 He is coming to meet with us. 00:23:25.419 --> 00:23:26.919 You will meet with the Lord God. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.039 Face to face. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:31.920 And we may be ashamed of what we've done. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:33.180 We may try and hide. 00:23:33.639 --> 00:23:34.460 And run away from it. 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:36.220 We might try to cover our shame. 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:38.420 With whatever fig leaves of religion. 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:39.879 Or respectability we can find. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.720 But when the living God. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:42.799 Comes to visit. 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:45.099 All the flimsy coverings. 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:45.740 Are ripped away. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:48.139 And true shame is revealed. 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:52.299 The punishment of the Lord God. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:53.460 Is not this. 00:23:54.659 --> 00:23:56.099 Just plain existence. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.539 Of a legal system. 00:23:58.039 --> 00:24:01.720 But the punishment of the Lord God. 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.779 Is a personal confrontation. 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:06.579 With those who defied him. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:08.000 And attacked and provoked him. 00:24:09.399 --> 00:24:10.579 And it's when the Lord God. 00:24:10.659 --> 00:24:11.740 Pays attention to the way. 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:12.779 We've lived and thought. 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:13.920 And desired and spoken. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.440 It's when the books are opened. 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.899 It's when we are inspected. 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:18.960 By the one. 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:21.139 With whom we have to do. 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:24.659 Pakash. 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:25.399 That's the word. 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.960 It's when the living God. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:28.019 Who is hot with us. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.279 Hunger. 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:30.500 And passionate with love. 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:32.400 For the victims of our evil. 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.400 Comes knocking on the door. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.680 It's when the righteous judge. 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:39.400 Who against all our evil deeds. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:41.139 Have been committed against. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.339 Comes to see us. 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:49.720 When we hurt others. 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.720 And violate the character. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:52.720 The character of the living God. 00:24:52.919 --> 00:24:54.159 When we sin against God. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.039 We might think. 00:24:55.159 --> 00:24:56.359 We've gone away with it. 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:57.879 We might think. 00:24:57.919 --> 00:24:58.980 There's no real cost. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.879 We can become. 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:02.559 Can we sadly. 00:25:02.659 --> 00:25:03.699 So hard hearted. 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.819 That we feel no shame. 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.579 For what we've done. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:08.960 Especially. 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:09.960 When our thoughts. 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.879 And our words. 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.599 And our deeds. 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.960 They don't directly involve. 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.859 Another human being. 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:16.979 We can easily begin to think. 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:17.699 Well no harm. 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.819 Has actually been done. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.319 To anyone. 00:25:20.119 --> 00:25:21.119 And that the hurt. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.339 Kind of disappears. 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:23.299 Into thin air. 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:27.059 If we don't care. 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:27.700 About the damage. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.299 We cause to our fellow human beings. 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.379 Or right in front of us. 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.599 How little we care. 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:32.200 About the damage. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.460 We cause to the living God. 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.200 Who is unseen. 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:37.440 Who we think so little about. 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:40.779 However. 00:25:40.919 --> 00:25:41.460 The Father. 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.079 The Son. 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:43.000 And the Holy Spirit. 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.119 They are violated. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:46.099 By these vile acts. 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:46.720 Of rebellion. 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:49.559 And greater damage. 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:50.839 Is caused by our sin. 00:25:50.919 --> 00:25:51.779 Than we can ever dream. 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:55.799 It's one of the reasons. 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:56.660 Why it's important. 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.299 For criminals. 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:57.899 To meet. 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.660 Their victims. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.319 So very often. 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.000 The criminal. 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.940 Does not realize. 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:06.279 The genuine cost. 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.720 To what they've done. 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.819 They minimize it. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.019 They minimize any cost. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.259 But when they come. 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:16.940 Face to face. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.379 With the people. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.220 Who have had to bear. 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:19.720 The terrible damage. 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.839 Caused by their actions. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.500 Well it can be. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.640 A very profound event. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.099 This concept. 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:27.000 There's one article. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.440 By Dina Potter. 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:29.700 Dina Potter. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:31.599 On offenders. 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.359 Meeting their victims. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.119 Let me read it to you. 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:34.980 It can help offenders. 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:36.720 Confront the human cost. 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.539 Of what they've done. 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.359 Said Pat Nolan. 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.680 Most criminals. 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.279 Depersonalize their crime. 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:43.400 But meeting with the victim. 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:44.299 Makes it real. 00:26:44.380 --> 00:26:44.740 He said. 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.660 Many then. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.579 Work out ways. 00:26:46.660 --> 00:26:47.619 To pay restitution. 00:26:47.819 --> 00:26:48.279 Or otherwise. 00:26:48.380 --> 00:26:49.220 Atone for the crime. 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:52.640 It is too simplistic. 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:54.480 To dismiss the need. 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:55.279 For this visiting. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.660 For confrontation. 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.579 For counting. 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.420 For charging. 00:26:59.579 --> 00:27:01.059 For bearing the cost of sin. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:04.059 If there is going to be. 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.839 For genuine atonement made. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.440 If there's going to be. 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:09.079 A true covering for sin. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.740 If there's going to be. 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.679 A reconciliation. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:14.359 When criminal and victim. 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.980 May be. 00:27:14.980 --> 00:27:14.980 00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:16.000 May be. 00:27:16.139 --> 00:27:16.359 One. 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.200 There needs to be. 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:17.659 A visiting. 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:17.779 A visiting. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:20.120 And again. 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:21.200 The fact that Allah. 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:23.320 Does not seek. 00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:24.000 Union. 00:27:25.300 --> 00:27:25.720 And Allah. 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:26.500 Doesn't seek. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.660 Feast of feasts. 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:28.400 Fellowship. 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.060 And friendship. 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:29.700 With the humanity. 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.279 Explains. 00:27:30.400 --> 00:27:30.700 Doesn't it. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:31.800 Why there's no place. 00:27:31.860 --> 00:27:32.440 For atonement. 00:27:32.580 --> 00:27:32.980 In Islam. 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:35.759 Third thing. 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.660 Is the anger of God. 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.360 After the flood. 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:40.560 You might know the story. 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.000 Noah. 00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.420 Makes an altar. 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.840 And offers burnt offerings. 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:44.600 To the Lord God. 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.240 Let me read it to you. 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:45.960 From Genesis 8. 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:47.120 Noah built an altar. 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:47.680 To the Lord. 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.559 And took some of all. 00:27:48.620 --> 00:27:49.400 The clean animals. 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.259 And the clean birds. 00:27:50.360 --> 00:27:51.059 And he sacrificed. 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.039 Burnt offerings on it. 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:53.500 And the Lord. 00:27:53.620 --> 00:27:54.160 Listen to this. 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.299 The Lord smelt. 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:57.140 The pleasing aroma. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.360 And said in his heart. 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.000 Never again. 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.920 I curse the ground. 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.759 Because of man. 00:28:01.880 --> 00:28:02.319 Even though. 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:03.160 Every inclination. 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.700 Of his heart. 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.259 Is an evil. 00:28:04.380 --> 00:28:04.840 From childhood. 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:07.279 That's the first reference. 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:07.700 In the Bible. 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:08.500 To burnt offerings. 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.620 About 200 of them. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.500 And they were to be. 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.120 Described. 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.840 And explained. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.319 Carefully. 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:13.740 In detail. 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:14.019 In the book. 00:28:14.100 --> 00:28:14.319 Of it. 00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:14.920 Guess what they. 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:17.360 And it could be argued. 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:18.680 That this burnt offering. 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.460 In Genesis 8. 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.480 Is the foundation. 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.980 Of all the sacrifices. 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:23.200 Because it deals. 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:23.880 Directly. 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:24.860 With the fundamental. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.360 Problems. 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.799 Between God. 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.340 And humanity. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:28.340 What were those. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.880 Burnt offerings. 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.340 All about? 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:31.440 The book of Exodus. 00:28:31.880 --> 00:28:32.360 Ends. 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.500 With Moses. 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:34.240 Shut out. 00:28:34.319 --> 00:28:34.960 At the tent of meeting. 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:37.000 Due to the glory. 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:37.539 And the presence. 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:38.019 Of the angel. 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:38.640 Of the Lord. 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.539 He's shut out. 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.880 He can't get to God. 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.180 And yet. 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:42.940 The book of Leviticus. 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:43.960 Begins by offering. 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.940 A way of atonement. 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:46.840 A way for human beings. 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:48.320 To be at one with the Lord God. 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.539 And with the. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.720 Opening words. 00:28:51.820 --> 00:28:52.759 Of the book of Leviticus. 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.440 God is declaring. 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.640 There is a way. 00:28:55.840 --> 00:28:56.740 That you can meet with me. 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.500 There is a way. 00:28:58.580 --> 00:28:59.100 That atonement. 00:28:59.100 --> 00:28:59.940 Can be made. 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:01.740 He is a way. 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.299 For the curse. 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:02.920 To be broken. 00:29:03.100 --> 00:29:03.700 For the exiles. 00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.799 And he's found a way. 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:05.720 To cover our shame. 00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:06.519 To cleanse away. 00:29:06.600 --> 00:29:07.340 The moral pollution. 00:29:07.559 --> 00:29:07.920 And dirt. 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:10.160 And the first offering. 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:11.019 Is a burnt offering. 00:29:11.100 --> 00:29:11.660 We read it. 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:13.440 The sons of Aaron. 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:13.880 The priests. 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:14.980 Are to put fire on the altar. 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:16.140 And arrange wood on the fire. 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:17.440 Then Aaron's sons. 00:29:17.540 --> 00:29:17.940 The priests. 00:29:18.040 --> 00:29:18.920 Shall arrange the pieces. 00:29:19.040 --> 00:29:19.880 Including the head. 00:29:20.140 --> 00:29:20.900 And the fat. 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:22.360 Of the burning wood. 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:23.100 That is on the altar. 00:29:23.400 --> 00:29:24.740 He's to wash the inner parts. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.680 And legs with water. 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:26.580 And the priests. 00:29:26.580 --> 00:29:27.480 Is to burn on it. 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.560 On the altar. 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.779 It's a burnt offering. 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:30.560 And listen to this. 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:32.380 An offering made by fire. 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.500 And an aroma. 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.660 Pleasing to the Lord. 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:38.340 Back in Genesis 3. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:38.939 24. 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:40.220 Do you remember. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.220 When they're kicking out the garden. 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:41.939 The Lord God. 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.459 Set barrier of fire. 00:29:44.299 --> 00:29:45.759 Between himself. 00:29:45.959 --> 00:29:46.259 And us. 00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:47.099 It's a powerful. 00:29:47.359 --> 00:29:48.619 And frightening statement. 00:29:48.939 --> 00:29:50.000 That the curses come. 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.599 And the fire was guarded. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.599 By the cherubim. 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:55.220 And the fiery sword. 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:56.519 Says you cannot come. 00:29:56.519 --> 00:29:57.639 Into the presence of God. 00:29:57.679 --> 00:29:58.379 Who is too holy. 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.740 To even look at sin. 00:30:01.179 --> 00:30:02.279 The fire shows. 00:30:02.399 --> 00:30:02.859 That our guilt. 00:30:02.959 --> 00:30:03.419 And our shame. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.240 And our uncleanness. 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:05.679 They are so serious. 00:30:05.959 --> 00:30:06.980 That it will cost us. 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:07.980 Our very life. 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:08.759 If we try to come. 00:30:08.839 --> 00:30:09.839 Into the presence of God. 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:13.559 The fire is not just. 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.819 A flickering candle. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.160 Is it? 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:17.539 It's a flaming sword. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.500 And it states. 00:30:20.620 --> 00:30:21.620 That we are not. 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:22.140 Welcome. 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:24.099 But it also says. 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:24.960 That if we try. 00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:25.740 We will die. 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:28.319 So is there a way. 00:30:28.380 --> 00:30:29.160 Back through the fire. 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:31.120 Is there a way. 00:30:31.319 --> 00:30:32.259 To propitiate. 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.539 To atone. 00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:35.380 With the living God. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.279 Can your shame. 00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:36.819 Be covered. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:38.240 Can our uncleanness. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.019 Be washed away. 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:39.859 Can our offenses. 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:40.980 Be forgiven. 00:30:41.419 --> 00:30:41.839 And notice. 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:42.700 There's two sides. 00:30:42.779 --> 00:30:43.659 To the problem of atonement. 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.200 To be at one. 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.980 With the Lord God. 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:48.079 Not only must you and I. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.679 Be cleansed. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.579 And our shame covered. 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.240 But also. 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:51.039 The Lord God. 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:52.039 Must be soothed. 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:52.659 And satisfied. 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.539 About our sin. 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.439 The Lord God. 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.259 Must be satisfied. 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:57.819 That our sin. 00:30:57.819 --> 00:30:58.139 Has been. 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.319 Confronted. 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:00.139 And counted. 00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:01.879 And charged. 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:02.720 And condemned. 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:05.100 And that he is at peace. 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:06.720 With what we've done. 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.920 So that he can forgive it. 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:08.779 And forget it. 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:09.680 And he can allow us. 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.460 To be one with him. 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.480 Enjoying his fellowship. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:15.339 And so let's just take a moment. 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:16.400 To think for a moment. 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.700 About that phrase. 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:20.000 That comes after the burnt offering. 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:20.860 An aroma. 00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:22.059 Pleased into the Lord. 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:24.700 An aroma. 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:25.920 Soothed into the Lord. 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:27.720 It comes at least 40 times. 00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:28.299 In the Old Testament. 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:30.980 And it's important for you and I. 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:32.139 To think this grows seriously. 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:34.720 There's lots of conversation. 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:35.019 I want to say. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:35.859 Well that's just metaphor. 00:31:38.379 --> 00:31:39.639 We need to spend. 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.339 Long enough. 00:31:40.639 --> 00:31:41.440 Grasping the vision. 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.279 Of God here. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.619 That the Hebrew Bible. 00:31:44.819 --> 00:31:45.500 Must be for us. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:47.440 It's tempting. 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:48.440 To take all this language. 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.639 And make it kind of abstract. 00:31:52.500 --> 00:31:53.819 But you need to understand. 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.839 What it would have meant. 00:31:54.879 --> 00:31:55.859 To those who heard it. 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.539 And appreciate. 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:59.159 Why the language is so rich. 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:00.200 And so powerful. 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.659 There's a strong image. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.279 That's implied. 00:32:02.399 --> 00:32:02.579 Isn't it? 00:32:02.659 --> 00:32:03.720 Put it in your mind. 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:05.159 It's an aroma. 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.460 Soothing to the Lord. 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.159 An aroma. 00:32:08.359 --> 00:32:09.519 You breathe it in. 00:32:10.159 --> 00:32:11.059 And you breathe it out. 00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:16.159 The typical word for anger. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:18.019 In the Old Testament Bible. 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:19.639 It's the word af. 00:32:22.639 --> 00:32:23.039 Af. 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:24.220 A-W-P-A-F. 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:26.559 In English. 00:32:26.559 --> 00:32:29.299 Anger is quite an abstract idea. 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:31.720 In Hebrew. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:33.019 The word literally means. 00:32:34.179 --> 00:32:34.579 Nodes. 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:37.500 That's what the word angry means. 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:40.159 So for the Hebrew person. 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.220 You speak about anger. 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:42.059 And they think. 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:42.980 Nodes. 00:32:43.619 --> 00:32:44.279 Now why? 00:32:44.399 --> 00:32:45.139 Why do you think. 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:45.919 Nodes. 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:47.460 What happens when you get angry? 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:50.960 What happens when you get angry? 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:53.740 What happens when you get angry? 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:55.059 Is your nostrils flare. 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:58.240 And you might be aware. 00:32:58.360 --> 00:32:58.880 Isn't it? 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.920 Of heavy breathing. 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:00.480 We talk about this. 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:00.840 Through a. 00:33:03.340 --> 00:33:04.400 Loud breathing. 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:05.960 Through a flared nose. 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:07.279 In the Old Testament. 00:33:07.279 --> 00:33:08.340 In the Old Testament. 00:33:08.340 --> 00:33:09.380 So when the Old Testament. 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.559 Speaks of the anger of God. 00:33:10.660 --> 00:33:11.620 Typically you read. 00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:13.220 As a very. 00:33:13.700 --> 00:33:14.340 Intimidating. 00:33:14.579 --> 00:33:15.019 Vision. 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.480 Of the genuine. 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:18.620 Passionate. 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.160 Anger. 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.360 Of the living God. 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.039 Rather than. 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:22.500 We think. 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:22.940 You'll be a. 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:24.600 Kind of English church. 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:25.920 Sitting in a high court. 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.279 Coldly disapproving. 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.180 That's not the case. 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:31.900 So just imagine. 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:33.019 A man full of this anger. 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:33.860 Coming towards you. 00:33:33.920 --> 00:33:34.580 With nostrils. 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:35.320 Flared. 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:36.120 Breathing heavily. 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:36.779 Against you. 00:33:37.840 --> 00:33:38.400 And you can see. 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.220 Why the Hebrew word. 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:39.560 For anger. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:40.220 Is nose. 00:33:42.340 --> 00:33:43.000 And so can you see. 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:43.779 How it is so. 00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:44.560 So powerful. 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:46.580 To know. 00:33:46.580 --> 00:33:47.460 That atonement. 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.380 Can be made. 00:33:49.580 --> 00:33:50.660 Which produces. 00:33:50.980 --> 00:33:51.460 An aroma. 00:33:51.759 --> 00:33:52.160 That is. 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:53.660 Soothing. 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:54.259 To the Lord. 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:56.759 And the nose. 00:33:56.880 --> 00:33:57.100 That is. 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:57.960 Flared. 00:33:58.100 --> 00:33:58.799 In anger. 00:33:59.180 --> 00:34:00.180 Can be soothed. 00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:00.860 By this aroma. 00:34:02.240 --> 00:34:02.779 Think of the words. 00:34:02.880 --> 00:34:03.480 From Psalm 18. 00:34:03.600 --> 00:34:04.200 In my distress. 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:05.180 I called to the Lord. 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:06.279 I cried to my God. 00:34:06.340 --> 00:34:06.759 For help. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.740 From his temple. 00:34:07.820 --> 00:34:08.659 He heard my voice. 00:34:08.740 --> 00:34:10.019 My cry came before him. 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.539 Into his ears. 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:11.420 The earth trampled. 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:11.840 A quick. 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:12.920 And the foundations. 00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:13.920 Of the mountain shook. 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:14.599 They trampled. 00:34:14.700 --> 00:34:15.440 Because he was angry. 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.960 Smoke rose. 00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:18.300 From his nostrils. 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.420 Consuming. 00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:20.760 Fire came from his mouth. 00:34:21.200 --> 00:34:22.079 Burning corals. 00:34:22.159 --> 00:34:22.780 Blazed out of it. 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:23.960 What a terrifying image. 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:24.619 Of the living God. 00:34:24.619 --> 00:34:25.039 That is. 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.519 And if such. 00:34:27.659 --> 00:34:28.880 A divine being. 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:29.980 Was coming. 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:32.180 To vent. 00:34:32.260 --> 00:34:32.900 His fury. 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:33.539 Against us. 00:34:33.680 --> 00:34:34.700 How wonderful it is. 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:35.460 To know that there is. 00:34:35.539 --> 00:34:36.180 An atonement. 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:36.940 That is soothing. 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:37.539 To the Lord. 00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:40.200 And if we're trying. 00:34:40.260 --> 00:34:41.180 To cover our shame. 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:41.640 If we're trying. 00:34:41.640 --> 00:34:42.920 To hide our cleanliness. 00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:43.480 In the presence. 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:44.200 Of such anger. 00:34:44.660 --> 00:34:45.960 It would be incredible. 00:34:46.160 --> 00:34:46.460 Wouldn't it? 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:47.740 To find out. 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:49.880 That there is a way. 00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:51.200 That this God's anger. 00:34:51.200 --> 00:34:51.980 Can be soothed. 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.640 Against us. 00:34:52.639 --> 00:34:55.059 Yes. 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:56.219 Other sacrifices. 00:34:56.379 --> 00:34:56.879 They describe. 00:34:57.099 --> 00:34:58.299 How young cleanliness. 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:59.339 Can be washed away. 00:35:01.460 --> 00:35:02.599 We've got time for that. 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.139 But to know. 00:35:03.279 --> 00:35:03.839 That our shame. 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:04.420 And our guilt. 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:04.980 And our filth. 00:35:05.019 --> 00:35:05.460 Is covered. 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:06.579 Atoned for. 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.739 And that the divine anger. 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.579 Is suing. 00:35:09.779 --> 00:35:10.079 Is. 00:35:10.659 --> 00:35:11.379 It's more wonderful. 00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:12.159 Than we can express. 00:35:12.299 --> 00:35:12.500 Isn't it? 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:16.159 And if we so violate. 00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:17.179 The heart. 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.960 And ways. 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.980 Of the living God. 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:21.699 Then it's obvious. 00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:24.000 Why we're cast out. 00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:24.280 From him. 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:24.940 Disconnected. 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:25.679 From alienated. 00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:26.099 From him. 00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:28.480 He cannot start. 00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:29.159 Our presence. 00:35:29.300 --> 00:35:29.860 Near to him. 00:35:30.159 --> 00:35:31.280 When we are so filled. 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.079 With the very things. 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.800 He detests. 00:35:34.800 --> 00:35:35.239 And we. 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:35.500 In turn. 00:35:35.579 --> 00:35:36.079 Cannot turn. 00:35:36.239 --> 00:35:37.119 Cannot come near him. 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:37.719 Because of our shame. 00:35:37.780 --> 00:35:38.519 He is repelled. 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:39.539 By our uncleanness. 00:35:39.840 --> 00:35:40.920 To the courts of heaven. 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:41.599 On our own. 00:35:41.679 --> 00:35:42.019 We are like. 00:35:42.019 --> 00:35:43.179 The most unrepentant. 00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:44.659 Hard and war criminals. 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:46.500 Covered in shame. 00:35:46.559 --> 00:35:47.199 We cannot enter. 00:35:47.280 --> 00:35:47.920 The gates of heaven. 00:35:48.119 --> 00:35:49.280 Polluted by our filthy. 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.119 Hearts and minds. 00:35:50.219 --> 00:35:51.119 There can be no welcome. 00:35:51.119 --> 00:35:51.460 For us. 00:35:51.500 --> 00:35:51.960 In the pure. 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.480 Perfect realms. 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:54.199 Of glory. 00:35:56.159 --> 00:35:56.679 And if we are. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:57.579 Detestable to him. 00:35:57.619 --> 00:35:58.420 Then we must die. 00:35:58.519 --> 00:35:59.519 We must be cast out. 00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:00.500 Into outer darkness. 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:03.599 What happened to Adam and Eve. 00:36:03.719 --> 00:36:04.599 When they were driven out. 00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:05.139 From the presence. 00:36:05.219 --> 00:36:05.840 Of the living God. 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:06.980 It was just a foretaste. 00:36:08.139 --> 00:36:08.719 A foretaste. 00:36:08.759 --> 00:36:09.360 Of what it means. 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:09.940 To be a sinner. 00:36:10.099 --> 00:36:10.800 Covered in shame. 00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:11.639 And untruthiness. 00:36:12.679 --> 00:36:13.699 One who has offended. 00:36:13.699 --> 00:36:14.800 This glorious God. 00:36:16.300 --> 00:36:17.900 And if we cannot be at one with him. 00:36:17.940 --> 00:36:18.840 We must be thrown out. 00:36:19.639 --> 00:36:20.400 Thrown away. 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:21.019 Thrown away. 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:22.199 Into outer darkness. 00:36:22.380 --> 00:36:22.900 Of emptiness. 00:36:23.139 --> 00:36:23.960 Burning shame. 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.340 And agony. 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:24.980 Frustration. 00:36:26.280 --> 00:36:27.759 And far from playing this down. 00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:29.079 Jesus emphasised it. 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:29.440 Doesn't he? 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:33.579 And so he. 00:36:34.519 --> 00:36:36.460 Speaks about the eternal weight of this. 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:37.119 That if he. 00:36:38.920 --> 00:36:40.099 That he will not. 00:36:40.179 --> 00:36:41.119 And he cannot allow us. 00:36:41.200 --> 00:36:41.940 To be part of his kingdom. 00:36:42.079 --> 00:36:43.380 If our sin remains unkilled. 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:46.159 If our shame is not dealt with. 00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:48.360 He says. 00:36:48.460 --> 00:36:49.599 Then we will be thrown outside. 00:36:49.720 --> 00:36:50.340 Into the darkness. 00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:51.159 Where there will be weeping. 00:36:51.220 --> 00:36:51.980 And gnashing of teeth. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:53.699 And if our sins have caused such. 00:36:54.699 --> 00:36:55.260 Rebulsion. 00:36:56.500 --> 00:36:57.780 Within the life of God. 00:36:57.860 --> 00:36:59.820 Then he cannot bear for us to be in his presence. 00:37:03.139 --> 00:37:04.480 And so we begin to realise. 00:37:04.480 --> 00:37:06.400 Why it's so hard. 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:08.219 To find peace with the most high God. 00:37:10.460 --> 00:37:12.240 And if our sins are so vile. 00:37:12.320 --> 00:37:13.219 That they cut us off. 00:37:13.280 --> 00:37:14.400 From the life of God. 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:15.679 Then it's inevitable. 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:16.840 That the punishment of death. 00:37:16.920 --> 00:37:17.760 Rebounds upon us. 00:37:21.820 --> 00:37:23.260 If we cut off the branch. 00:37:23.340 --> 00:37:24.059 We're sitting on. 00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:25.719 Then we can't be surprised. 00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:26.260 We fall. 00:37:28.659 --> 00:37:30.019 And if it's so very hard. 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:30.940 To bring about forgiveness. 00:37:31.099 --> 00:37:31.740 And reconciliation. 00:37:31.740 --> 00:37:33.119 When we've done evil to each other. 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:34.579 How impossibly hard it is. 00:37:34.619 --> 00:37:35.079 To find. 00:37:36.219 --> 00:37:37.460 Forgiveness and reconciliation. 00:37:37.839 --> 00:37:40.179 When we've done evil to the most high God. 00:37:41.659 --> 00:37:42.920 Who dwells in the heavens. 00:37:44.940 --> 00:37:46.480 And if such a cost. 00:37:47.339 --> 00:37:49.639 Is paid for us to be at one. 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:52.799 When we commit evil against each other. 00:37:52.900 --> 00:37:54.839 Then what is the cost for us to be at one. 00:37:54.920 --> 00:37:55.819 With the living God. 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:58.079 Who's been so offended. 00:37:58.079 --> 00:37:59.719 And angered by our repeated evil. 00:38:01.539 --> 00:38:02.279 Three things. 00:38:02.420 --> 00:38:03.019 Three summaries. 00:38:03.119 --> 00:38:03.799 Three conclusions. 00:38:03.980 --> 00:38:04.920 Three things I want you to see. 00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:08.739 I want you to see firstly. 00:38:08.940 --> 00:38:10.980 Do you see the wonder of what Christ has done? 00:38:12.519 --> 00:38:13.960 Do you see the wonder of atonement? 00:38:16.359 --> 00:38:18.259 That there is a covering for our sheep. 00:38:19.259 --> 00:38:20.619 In the blood and death of Christ. 00:38:22.019 --> 00:38:23.219 That there is a visiting. 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:24.460 And Christ has. 00:38:25.259 --> 00:38:27.500 Been visited by the anger and the wrath of God. 00:38:27.500 --> 00:38:28.119 On the cross. 00:38:28.119 --> 00:38:30.940 And that sacrifice on the cross. 00:38:30.940 --> 00:38:32.239 Is a soothing aroma. 00:38:32.440 --> 00:38:34.639 So that you can know peace with God. 00:38:35.940 --> 00:38:37.099 And so worship him. 00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:43.219 The second thing is. 00:38:43.219 --> 00:38:45.559 I think we need to talk about this to our Muslim neighbours. 00:38:47.559 --> 00:38:48.559 And our argument. 00:38:49.059 --> 00:38:49.420 Really. 00:38:49.679 --> 00:38:50.799 To Muslims. 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.139 Is. 00:38:51.360 --> 00:38:53.099 Is our God is better than your God. 00:38:53.099 --> 00:38:56.819 You consider. 00:38:56.819 --> 00:38:58.420 A God who you can never know. 00:38:59.219 --> 00:39:01.159 A God who will have nothing to do with you. 00:39:01.159 --> 00:39:03.159 Versus. 00:39:03.559 --> 00:39:03.960 Versus. 00:39:04.059 --> 00:39:05.359 The God who loves you so much. 00:39:05.420 --> 00:39:06.259 That he gave his son. 00:39:06.319 --> 00:39:07.539 So that you can know him. 00:39:09.219 --> 00:39:10.339 There's no contest. 00:39:10.440 --> 00:39:10.719 Is there? 00:39:11.579 --> 00:39:12.440 There's no contest. 00:39:15.719 --> 00:39:16.679 And then thirdly. 00:39:16.819 --> 00:39:17.579 The thing to say is. 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:18.359 Don't be afraid. 00:39:21.579 --> 00:39:23.139 I've done very little study in Islam. 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:24.319 But there's nothing to it. 00:39:25.719 --> 00:39:26.619 There's nothing to it. 00:39:26.619 --> 00:39:29.539 Let's pray.