Verses 2-4
The Israelites never enjoyed the extent of freedom from sin’s guilt that we do. The Day of Atonement reminded them yearly that their sins needed removing so they could continue to have fellowship with God. We do not have a yearly reminder since Jesus Christ’s sacrifice made us perfectly acceptable to God (cf. John 13:10; Acts 15:9).
"’Take away’ (aphaireo) is used of a literal taking off, as of Peter’s cutting off the ear of the high priest’s slave (Luke 22:50), or metaphorically as of the removal of reproach (Luke 1:25). It signifies the complete removal of sin so that it is no longer a factor in the situation. That is what is needed and that is what the sacrifices could not provide." [Note: Morris, p. 96.]
"Some one has well said: ’The blood of animals cannot cleanse from sin because it is non-moral. The blood of sinning man cannot cleanse because it is immoral. The blood of Christ alone can cleanse because it is moral.’" [Note: Thomas, pp. 117-18.]
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