The Jewish year began when the Lord saved them from destruction by passing over them, and the Passover was celebrated. In like manner, God makes a change of times when He comes to a sinner in grace (2 Cor. 5:17). When we perceive the Lord's act of passing over us because of Christ's atoning sacrifice, then we begin to live.
God revealed how, without violating His holy law, a sinner could be delivered. How was it? If another could be found who could suffer instead of us, then we would be set free. Do you remember your joy when God revealed this? Then you can understand the feelings of the Israelites when they saw that God would accept an unblemished lamb in the place of their first-bom If the blood was displayed as evidence that a sacrifice had died and a substitute had suffered, then the death angel would pass over that house, for his work was done. It was the beginning of my life on the day that God revealed to me that judgement was passed upon me in the Person of my Lord Jesus, and that there is therefore no condemnation to me (Rom. 8:1). The law demands death (Rom. 6:23); and there is the death it requires. Christ my Lord has died in my stead (1 Peter 2:24). Because He has suffered and died, we need no guard outside to drive away the destroyer, for when God sees the blood of Christ, He will pass over us.
We will thank God in this coming year, will we not? How long should a man thank God for saving him from going to hell? Suppose you and I never had a single mercy except this one, nothing else to enjoy! In 2000 we ought to sing about that alone. Let us in the coming year praise Him who redeemed us from all iniquity. May a continual sound of praise and worship come from our midst. Hallelujah!
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