Exodus 27 — Thoughts

This Is Why Christians Are “Closed-Minded”

Christians are sometimes accused of being closed-minded. But is closed-mindedness always a bad thing?

If I were bit by a snake, and the doctor told me that only one anti-venom would save me — I wouldn’t ask to try a few other things first. I’d ask for the stuff that works.

Christianity is like that. We believe only in Jesus because only Jesus can save us from sin. And Exodus 27 drops two hints about that reality.

First, God tells the Israelites to build an altar. This altar is a big clue that a sacrifice must be made for our sin. Though the Israelites would sacrifice animals on this altar, these animal sacrifices would only be symbolic. They would point to the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus. Only Jesus’ death could pay the price for the whole world’s sins, once and for all.

Then, God tells the Israelites to set up a curtain around the Tabernacle courtyard with only one entrance and exit. This single entrance is a clue that there is only one way to God. We can’t atone for our sin. We can’t make up for our sin. We can’t expect to make a deal with God about our sin. All we can do is put our faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin.

Jesus is the only way because Jesus is the only sacrifice that works. Jesus is our anti-venom.

(Originally written June 16, 2022)