Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross teaches that priests were charged to carry and care for the tabernacle altar, symbolizing Christ’s cross. This task, marked by weight and holiness, represents both spiritual responsibility and the call to leave behind the old life, as ashes were removed. The altar was covered with purple cloth for royalty and badger skins to show hidden spiritual treasures beneath humble appearances.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Romans 12:1-2. 1 Corinthians 3:16, Numbers 3:26, Numbers 3:31, Revelation 5:10, Isaiah 53:10, Isaiah 53:4-6, Numbers 4:13-14, John 20:21-23, Matthew 9:2-6, Mark 2:5-11, James 5:13-16, John 16:8,
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Tonight, we will be talking about the brazen altar a great deal, and so we want to read this particular passage and then see its New Testament application as to what it will mean to you and me.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The question is, who presents? The answer is that we are the ones who must present ourselves to God. We are called to offer our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to Him. This, the Bible says, is our reasonable service or our spiritual act of worship. It is reasonable because God has been merciful to us, and giving ourselves completely to Him is the fitting response.
Presenting Our Bodies as a Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. Instead, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can know and prove what God’s will is—His good, acceptable, and perfect will. There is a connection between offering our bodies to God and having our minds renewed. The more we place ourselves on God’s altar, the more transformation takes place. As the old sinful nature is burned away, we become purer and closer to God.
The Fire of the Altar and the Renewing of the Mind
When unbelievers burn, it is the fire of hell. But when believers burn, it is the fire of the altar—a refining fire that changes us. As we give more of ourselves to God, whether through praise, worship, prayer, Bible study, serving others, or walking in the Spirit, we allow Him to consume us completely. God is a consuming fire, and as we yield to Him, our minds are renewed. In this process, we come to understand more clearly His good, acceptable, and perfect will for our lives.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Do you see that? All these things are in conjunction; therefore, it is necessary to always be on the altar. And this particular altar isn’t one I could go and kneel at. It could be a type of it, but really, we’re talking about allowing God to consume us—consume us with praise, prayer, word study, love for one another, gifts of the Spirit, and fruit of the Spirit.
Paul teaches that as we yield ourselves to God, He renews our minds. This happens because His refining fire burns away anything in us that is not like Him. As this process continues, we begin to understand more clearly His good, acceptable, and perfect will for our lives.
The Temple of God Within Us
1 Corinthians 3:16
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul asks, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” The Bible makes it clear that God’s Spirit truly lives inside us. We are His dwelling place on earth. As He abides in us, we carry His presence and reflect Him to the world. What people see of God, they see through us.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The temple in Scripture was based on the design of the tabernacle. Both were the place where God’s presence dwelled. In the same way, we are now the temple. Inside the temple and the tabernacle were holy items—the lampstand, the table of showbread, the altar of incense, the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, the laver, and the brazen altar. These represented God’s presence, provision, holiness, and cleansing.
If we are the temple of God, then the spiritual realities these items represented should also be within us. God’s light, His Word, His presence, His mercy, and His cleansing work are all meant to be active in our lives. As His temple, we carry these truths wherever we go.
Within each of us is a light. Jesus said we are the light of the world. We are also living epistles—God’s Word written for others to read. He has given us authority to go into all the earth. He has placed mercy within us and told us to extend that mercy to others. All these things live inside of us.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
In the same way, within us is a spiritual brazen altar—a place to deal with sin. Under the Old Testament, sin could be addressed through animal sacrifice at a physical altar. But now, in the New Testament, we deal with sin within our hearts. Some people wrestle with the same sin for years, but God has provided a way for us to confront it through surrender and repentance before Him.
We are the temple and the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. All the elements that were in Solomon’s temple—such as the altar—are represented spiritually within us. Since we are God’s dwelling place, these spiritual realities move with us wherever we go.
In Scripture, the Levites had specific responsibilities for the care and transport of the tabernacle. The Gershonites carried the coverings and fabrics. The Kohathites carried the furniture, including the lampstand and the altar of incense. The Kirheisheites—another Levitical group—also had their duties. All of these Old Testament details show how God’s presence and the objects of worship were meant to be carried. Today, as God’s people, we carry His presence and these spiritual truths within ourselves at all times.
Numbers 3:26, 31
26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
How many altars are there? Two. What are they? Altar of incense, brazen altar.
The Brazen Altar: Symbol of the Cross
When reading the Scriptures, you can tell if the altar mentioned is the brazen altar or the altar of incense by looking at two main differences—material and location. The brazen altar was made of bronze and stood in the outer court. The altar of incense was made of gold and stood before the veil inside the holy place. Both had four horns, but their size and placement were very different. The brazen altar was large—about seven and a half feet square and four feet high—while the altar of incense was only about 36 inches high.
When entering the tabernacle, the first thing you encountered after passing through the gate was the brazen altar. Spiritually, when we come to Christ for redemption, the first thing we face is the cross. The brazen altar represents the judgment of sin. At the cross, God judged sin and dealt with it entirely through the sacrifice of Jesus, redeeming us by His blood.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The brazen altar was made of shittim wood, which came from the wilderness region of Abel Shittim. It was overlaid with bronze, a metal that in Scripture symbolizes judgment. In Revelation, the glorified Son of man is described as having feet like brass—representing His authority to bring judgment. All sin, evil, and the serpent himself are under His feet.
In Scripture, brass represents judgment. It speaks of the judgment of sin, the works of the devil, and all that stands against God. In the Old Testament, the flesh of sacrifices was burned on the brazen altar. In the same way, our sinful flesh must be dealt with at the cross of Jesus Christ. The brazen altar is a type or symbol of the cross, and spiritually, it is within us. It is the place where we confront sin and put it under the feet of Christ. At times, God will bring us back to this place so that we can deal again with areas that hinder us from going further in redemption.
The Weight and Eternal Significance of the Cross
The brazen altar was massive—seven and a half feet square and four and a half feet high. It was larger and heavier than the other pieces of tabernacle furniture, such as the table of showbread or the altar of incense. Made of brass, it was weighty, just as the cross of Christ is weighty—not merely the wooden cross carried up Golgotha, but the eternal significance of what was accomplished there. Its size and weight remind us of the gravity of redemption and judgment.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Eternity itself carries significant weight. The choices we make and the sins we leave unaddressed only grow heavier over time.
Revelation 5:10
10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”
Revelation 5:10 says that all believers will reign with Christ on the earth. Considering everyone who has ever been saved through history, their presence and reign in the coming kingdom is not a small matter. It is a reminder that what we do now has eternal consequences.
This is serious and weighty. Jesus warns in Matthew 7 that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom. Many are called, but few are chosen. What matters for eternity is doing the will of God. That is the real key.
We discover the will of God in the way Romans 12:1-2 describes—by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice and allowing our minds to be renewed. This is where we deal with issues in our lives and learn what God truly wants for us. The cross has already dealt with our sins—past, present, and future. But the greater danger is not doing God’s will.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Sin is wrong and will keep us from fulfilling His will. But failing to do what God wants is ultimately what disqualifies people. Not everyone who thinks they will reign with Christ will be there. We must ask ourselves if we are genuinely doing His will now.
This is an eternal business. It is heavy. The reality is that many people may not be walking here with Christ when He returns. That is why we must learn how to reach them. Eternity is at stake, and that reality should weigh deeply on our hearts.
The Weight and Eternal Significance of the Cross
The altar had four horns, one on each corner. In Scripture, the number four often refers to the four corners of the earth – the entire earth, i.e., north, south, east, and west. A horn represents dominion, maturity, authority, marking territory, and even boasting. Hannah boasted in the Lord, and Paul declared that the only thing he ever boasted in was the cross of Christ. We, too, should boast only in the cross.
Through the cross, we are given authority and dominion. It is at the cross that we deal with the issues in our lives. These encounters bring us into maturity. The horns on the altar point to these spiritual truths—dominion, authority, and victory through Christ’s sacrifice.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The cross is not a one-time event in our walk with God. We visit it often. There are always things in our lives that must be brought there for cleansing and renewal. Paul spoke of being saved, continuing to be saved, and ultimately being saved. Salvation is an ongoing work in us.
At its core, salvation involves taking dominion and plundering the enemy’s territory. It is both God’s gift and His power at work in us, shaping our lives as we continually return to the cross.
The Altar in Transit: Priesthood and Responsibility
The altar had staves—rods that ran through it—so it could be carried on the shoulders of the priests. But the brazen altar was massive and made of brass, so lifting it would have been extremely difficult. In the same way, taking the Gospel to the whole world is not always easy. It can be heavy work, and at times, we struggle to figure out how to carry it to the people who need it. Yet, this altar had four corners and four horns, symbolizing the message going to all the earth. And since the altar is in us spiritually, we are called to take it wherever we go.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Who carries this spiritual altar? The priests did in the Old Testament. Today, we are the priests—kings and priests unto God. No one can enter God’s presence without first coming face to face with this altar. Likewise, no believer can grow without visiting this place in their heart. It is where we examine our lives, confront our sin, and deal with our flesh before God.
The primary activity at the altar was dealing with sin. Being made of brass, it spoke of putting sin under the feet of God’s authority. The Hebrew roots of the word for altar go back to the idea of a place of slaughter. Scripture says the wages of sin is death. Under the Old Covenant, when a Hebrew sinned, he brought a sacrifice to the gate of the tabernacle. The priest would lead him in, and he would stand face to face with the altar, tying the animal to one of its horns before the sacrifice was made.
Christ Our Sin Offering and the Connection to Healing
In Leviticus 4, we see what happens when the congregation sins. The elders are responsible for bringing a sin offering on behalf of the people. This was also done for individuals, as described in Leviticus 1. The one bringing the offering would lay a hand on the animal and confess the sin. The priest would hear the confession, and the guilt was symbolically transferred to the innocent animal.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The animal was blameless and without fault, yet it would be tied up and have its throat slit. Its blood was caught in a basin to be used for atonement. By our words we are justified, and by our words we are condemned. Confession is an essential part of dealing with sin. Sometimes we must confess our faults to one another. But as priests, one challenge we face is trusting that what is confessed will remain private. The sin should “die” right there, not be carried out and shared with others.
Once the confession was made, the sin was to be fully dealt with. The head was removed, the skin stripped, and the flesh taken outside the camp to be burned. The kidneys and fat—representing the deepest parts of a person’s emotions and inner life—were given to the priest. These were placed on the brazen altar as an offering to God. The sacrifice was cut into pieces and completely burned, symbolizing that the sin was ended and consumed before God.
When we truly deal with our sin, it becomes a sin offering to God. When we honestly give it to Him, place it on the cross of Christ, and put it under His blood, it is gone. In God’s eyes, this becomes a sweet-smelling sacrifice. It pleases Him when sin is fully surrendered and no longer has power over us.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
This is what happened at the altar in the Old Covenant. The animal was slaughtered, and its blood was captured in a basin. The priest would carry the basin into the holy place, stand before the veil, dip his finger seven times into the blood, and sprinkle it toward the veil. He would then rub some of the blood on the horns of the altar of incense. This reminds us that we must pray over our sins as part of dealing with them.
Afterward, the priest would return outside and pour the rest of the blood at the foot of the altar. The animal itself was burned as a sacrifice to God. The head and skin were taken outside the camp, placed on wood, and burned. Every part of the process symbolized that the sin was completely removed and consumed before God.
Isaiah 53:10
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isaiah 53:4-6
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
This is a beautiful picture of Christ and His sacrifice for us. Jesus became our sin offering. The Bible even says it pleased the Father to do this, which is hard for us to understand fully. Verses 4–6 tell us that He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
In these verses, we see that dealing with sin is sometimes connected to dealing with sickness and healing. Sin in our lives can, at times, cause sickness. When we address sin, healing can follow. However, this is not always the case, and Scripture gives examples where sickness is not the result of sin.
In John 9, Jesus and His disciples encountered a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples asked if his blindness was due to his own sin or his parents’ sin. Jesus answered that neither was the cause. Instead, the man’s condition was such that the works and presence of God could be revealed in him. This shows us that while sin can lead to sickness, sometimes God allows physical challenges to display His glory.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The Bible links sin and sickness in several passages. James 5:15–16 says, “If any are sick among you, let them call for the elders of the church… the prayer of a righteous man availeth much… and if he has sinned, it shall be forgiven.” This shows that at times sickness and sin are connected. We also see this connection in Isaiah 53:5–6, which says that we have all gone our own way, yet the Lord laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all.
Every one of us has, at some point, chosen our own path instead of God’s way. Even knowing we would do this, the Father still placed all our sin upon Christ. Jesus became the sin offering so that sin could finally be dealt with in the way God intended. It pleased the Father to make atonement through His Son, providing the way for our forgiveness.
Jesus fulfilled the picture of the Old Testament offering. He was not dragged to the altar. He was not forced to give His life. Christ went willingly, like a lamb to the slaughter, without complaint. He knew this was His mission from the beginning. It was the Father’s plan and purpose to offer Him up. Jesus poured out His blood, and that blood became the atonement for our sins.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
When Jesus was scourged, they ripped and tore at His body and skin. Just as the sacrificial animal’s head was cut off and taken outside the camp, Jesus was separated from His “head,” the Father, in that moment. He was taken outside the city and sacrificed on a piece of wood. Yet, He offered all of Himself to God—the innermost being, the deepest heart, the best of who He was. He gave everything to the Father and became the perfect sacrifice.
The picture of the Passover lamb also points to Christ. A few years ago, I studied the Passover in depth, even considering hosting a Passover meal. By working with incense, the table of showbread, and other tabernacle elements, I have gained a deeper understanding of the truths in Scripture. The people who wrote the Bible had firsthand knowledge of these rituals. They burned incense, ate the Passover, and made sacrifices; they knew what these things meant.
For me, reading about them can only take my understanding so far. But when I experience even a small part of what they did, I see the meaning much more clearly. In Jewish Passover tradition, the lamb is skewered and roasted over a fire. This is a picture of Christ on the cross—His body pierced with nails and a spear. He hung there for hours, enduring the suffering, until the work of judgment was complete.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Jesus Christ hung on the cross until His sacrifice rose like incense before the Father. He became a sweet-smelling offering to the Lord, pleasing the Father through His obedience. The reality of the cross, the Passover, and all the truths connected to them is weighty. The more we understand what was accomplished, the heavier and more meaningful it becomes.
Numbers 4:13-14
13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:
14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers’ skins, and put to the staves of it.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
When the altar was moved in the wilderness, the Kohathites were responsible for carrying it. The amount of brass alone made it extremely heavy, and it is hard to imagine the difficulty of the task. Before moving it, they had to remove the ashes. This reminds us to leave our old life behind once it has been offered and burned. Too often, we want to gather the ashes again—sometimes even setting them aside like a keepsake—but they were meant to be removed completely.
Once the altar was cleaned, it was covered with a purple cloth. Purple represents royalty. The cross is royal because it was there that the King of Kings completed His greatest work. The implements used with the altar were also gathered, including the flesh hook—a tool the priests used in their service. Each detail in the process pointed to the holiness, majesty, and authority of the cross.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
When I minister to people, I often have to use the “flesh hook.” Spiritually speaking, this means addressing the flesh—the sinful nature—in their lives. It is that part of them I am trying to get onto the altar. Sometimes, I almost wish I could literally hook it and throw it there. The priests in the Old Testament always carried flesh hooks with them for their work at the altar, and in the same way, God uses His “flesh hooks” when dealing with us.
The Badger Skin Covering and Hidden Spiritual Treasure
After the altar and its tools were prepared, they were covered with badger skins. Badger skins speak of the natural, earthly covering—something plain, rough, and unappealing. You could not see what was inside. Isaiah said there was nothing outwardly attractive about Jesus when He hung on the cross. Yet beneath that ordinary, unattractive appearance was something eternal.
What God has prepared is far greater than what we can see with our eyes or imagine in our hearts. Scripture says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard… but God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.” The Spirit searches the deep things of God and makes them known to us.
I can say personally that God has revealed many things to me through His Spirit. Much of what I teach and preach does not come from books or recordings. These are truths the Spirit of God has shown me directly, and I am thankful for the privilege of sharing them.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
On the outside, badger skin looks plain and unremarkable. But underneath, there can be priceless treasures—truths that, if I can grasp them and apply them to my life, will help me change. They can shape my heart, renew my mind, and help me think in a way that aligns with God’s will. These hidden truths can give understanding that leads to transformation.
This week, while writing, I found myself thinking about false doctrine. My thoughts turned to the five pillars spoken of in Ephesians—Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. These stand like pillars at the gate of God’s house. We need to move in and out among them, learning from each one.
We have an Apostle visiting this coming Sunday. I plan to spend time drawing from him, discovering what he carries that I may not yet have, and receiving it. The Apostles in Scripture did many wonders. Some raised the dead. Others planted churches. Not all did the same works. But there was one thing they all shared in common—they taught sound doctrine. Every Apostle was committed to communicating and protecting the true teaching of God’s Word.
This week, I was thinking about how many strange teachings exist. There are many doctrines that people believe have no proper foundation in Scripture. Yet, these ideas still take root in people’s minds. It is only through spending time with the Spirit of God and the Word of God that He reveals what is hidden “under the badger skins.”
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Paul said that the preaching of the cross seems like foolishness to those who are perishing. That is the badger skin—plain and unattractive to the natural eye. But to us who believe, it is the power of God. When the altar was moved, it was covered with badger skins before transport.
The principle is clear: to the spiritual, what is under the badger skin is precious. It can only be seen with spiritual eyes. To the carnal, it appears as foolishness. Can something as beautiful as the cross of Christ dwell within us? Scripture says we are the temple of God.
If we are His temple, then the brazen altar—where sin is dealt with—must also be within us. Under our own “badger skin” is the place where the cross of Christ resides in each believer. This is the inner place where God’s presence dwells and where sin can be confronted and removed. Something so lovely and holy truly lives within you and me.
I am working to make a significant point. Is there a place within us that can deal with sin? Is there something in us that can both judge and forgive sin? The answer is yes. Within you and me is not only the ability to confront and deal with our own sin, but also to forgive others of theirs. Do not call this blasphemy yet—there is a biblical foundation for it.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Jesus said it was necessary for Him to go away so that the Holy Spirit could come. Once the Holy Spirit came, Jesus declared that we would be able to do the works He did—and even greater works. If that is true, then the same Spirit that gave Him power now dwells in us. Did Jesus forgive sins? Yes, He did. And through His Spirit, we carry that same ability and authority to extend forgiveness.
The Authority to Forgive Sins
John 20:21-23
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
In John 20:21, after His resurrection, Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Just as the Father sent Jesus, He now sends us. We are called to go out and continue His work. In verse 22, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Then in verse 23, He added, “Whosever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosever sins you retain, they are retained.”
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
This means that within us is the ability to deal with our own sins. But it also means that we have been given authority to forgive others of their sins. Jesus demonstrated this in His ministry. One day, as He was teaching from a boat, they brought to Him a man with palsy lying on a bed. Jesus looked at him and said, “Be of good cheer; your sins be forgiven you.”
The religious leaders who heard Him accused Him of blasphemy. Imagine a modern-day service where a pastor looks at someone at the altar and says, “Your sins are forgiven you.” Many would likely react the same way. Yet, this is the very authority Jesus gives His followers through the Holy Spirit—to extend forgiveness in His name.
Matthew 9:2-6
2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Is that pretty much what would happen? Now you think—there wouldn’t be a whole lot of folks that would jump up and say it out loud, but they’d think it within themselves.
I’m gonna ask you, Sheila, what’s easier for you to do: get somebody healed or say, “I forgive you of your sins”? Steve? I think, to me—you know, I pray for a lot of folks, and I haven’t seen a manifestation all the time of healing—but I could forgive anybody of their sins. Which is the easiest? Jesus said, You know, what’s the easiest here? And then he healed the guy.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Mark 2:5-11
5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to
them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?
9 “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your
pallet and walk’?
10 “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–He said to the
paralytic,
11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.”
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
This happened again one day in Mark 2:4—the time that the guys carried this man that couldn’t get to Jesus, went up on the roof, opened up a hole and lowered the guy down. Jesus saw their faith and said the same thing: “Be of good cheer; your sins be forgiven you.” Same reaction—“Blasphemy!”—and again he healed the guy.
Now, I want to make a correlation. How many see that before he healed these guys, he forgave them of their sins? Sometimes we keep praying for people to get healed…and sometimes we ought to just stop and say, “We forgive you of your sin.” Do you suppose that sometimes people don’t get healed because we haven’t forgiven them of their sins? Think about it.
James 5:13-16
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
It’s like James 5 says: “Any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church…the prayer of a righteous man availeth much…and if he has sinned, it shall be forgiven him.” That’s the link—sin and sickness.
In James chapter 5, the context is about sickness in the church. James says that if any are sick, they should call for the elders. The elders will anoint them with oil and pray. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful, and if the sick person has committed sins, those sins will be forgiven. Scripture makes this clear, but sometimes we complicate it too much.
John 20:21
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
Turning to John 20:21, Jesus says, “As my Father has sent me, so send I you.” He sends us out just as He was sent, and He gives us the authority through the Holy Spirit to extend forgiveness. As I understand Scripture, sin has already been dealt with through the cross. Our task is to help people realize that their sins are forgiven and to lead them to live in obedience to Him. Jesus said that loving Him means keeping His commandments, and those commands are not burdensome.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
The real challenge is that although sin is dealt with, people often hold onto it. They let it settle in their hearts without bringing it to the altar for proper cleansing. When sin remains unconfessed and undealt with, it can cause spiritual harm and even physical sickness—both in ourselves and others. God calls us to bring these things to Him for healing and restoration.
John 20:21-23
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
So let’s read this again, John 20:21: “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Now I know you guys have some different translations over there, but is that pretty close so far? “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” I’m sure your version says “Spirit” instead of “Ghost.”
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
“Whose soever…” — now is there a limitation there? Do they have to want it? I mean, what is that? Is there a limit? Isn’t there a limit? Whosoever — how many in here is a whose soever? “Whose soever sins you remit…”
(NIV) John 20:21-23
21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
What does the NIV say? What? “If you forgive anyone his sins…” So whosoever sins you forgive or remit, they are remitted unto them, they’re forgiven unto them. “For whosoever sins you retain, they are retained.”
Jesus is giving us tremendous authority. We have the power to forgive or not forgive sins. This is precisely what the Bible says, and we need to understand it clearly. Within each believer is an altar. As kings and priests before God, we not only have a place to deal with our own sins but also a God-given place to forgive the sins of others. Jesus did this, and after He forgave, people were often healed.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
There is a connection here that is striking. Jesus would say, “Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven.” This was His starting point in ministering to people. Forgiveness opened the way for healing. I am still exploring the depth of this truth, but it is clear that forgiveness and healing often go hand in hand.
Have you ever forgiven someone of their sins? Most of us have, even if we don’t think of it in that exact way. We may say we forgive what they have done against us, but that is still an act of releasing them. In these biblical examples, however, Jesus and the elders in James 5 were forgiving people who had done nothing against them personally. Even so, they extended forgiveness for those people’s sins. This reveals a deeper level of spiritual authority that God has entrusted to His people.
Jesus said, “Whosever sins you forgive, they are forgiven. Whosever sins you retain, they are retained.” He breathed on His disciples and told them, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” This shows that one of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit is to deal with sin. Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Spirit, and it is terrific, but it is not His primary purpose.
John 16:8
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
John 16:8 says that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. Convicting people of sin is central to His work. Sin is dealt with at the brazen altar, where it is put under the feet of Christ. As ministers and believers, we must be willing to forgive people of their sins and let them know they are forgiven.
Sometimes people will not care if we say, “I forgive you.” They may not even want God’s forgiveness. But the truth remains—Jesus has given His people the authority to announce forgiveness through His Spirit. In the end, we are in Him and He is in us. We share in His work, and He works through us. That is the truth.
Some people think the church is against them because they are sinners. But our message should be different. We should say, “You are forgiven of your sins. We forgive you of your sins. Come, and let us help you.” We want to help people present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is how they can discover the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for their lives.
To do this, a person must come to the cross. They must come to that inner place of surrender. First, they present their body to God. Then their mind is renewed. Only after that do they truly understand God’s will—what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Forgiveness opens the way for transformation.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Jesus also warned that “Whoever’s sins you retain, they are retained.” Retaining sin is dangerous. Nowhere in the New Testament do Jesus, the apostles, or any teacher promote holding sins against people. Instead, the consistent message is to forgive. Matthew 6:14–15 says that if we forgive others, the Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive, the Father will not forgive us.
Not forgiving is a serious matter. True believers understand the danger of withholding forgiveness. The Bible’s call is clear: forgive sins, release people from them, and never hold them back. Forgiveness brings freedom—to the one who forgives and to the one who is forgiven.
James 5:13-16
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Within every believer is the ability to deal with sin. God has placed in us a spiritual “brazen altar” where we can present our bodies as a living sacrifice. At this altar, we minister to our own sins and even extend forgiveness for the sins of others. Scripture gives us both the place and the authority to do this.
James 5 speaks clearly on this. Verse 13 asks if anyone is suffering or afflicted and says they should pray. If anyone is cheerful, they should sing praises. Verse 14 asks if anyone is sick and instructs them to call for the elders of the church. The elders are to pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. Verse 15 says the prayer of faith will heal the sick, the Lord will raise them up, and if they have committed sins, those sins will be forgiven.
Verse 16 calls us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed. It reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. This means we have the authority to say, “I forgive you of your sins,” and release someone from that burden. Forgiveness is not just symbolic; it is a spiritual act with real power.
If there is sickness among us, we should not ignore this instruction. We are to pray, forgive, and anoint with oil, trusting God to heal. Forgiveness and healing often work hand-in-hand, just as James teaches. This is part of the ministry and authority God has given to His people.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Who is sick among us? Does anyone have a need? We often talk about sin and salvation as if they are the same, but according to Scripture, the real connection is between doing the will of God and salvation. Sin has already been dealt with through Christ. He became a ransom for all. I may not understand every detail of that, but I know the work is finished.
Yet many still tie salvation only to the forgiveness of sin. Over the past few years, I have seen that the key is doing the will of God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” In Matthew 7:21-23, He warns that many will say “Lord, Lord” and list their works—casting out demons, prophesying, doing miracles—but He will tell them, “I never knew you.” The reason? They did not do the will of the Father. They lived in lawlessness, following their own way.
So, is anyone sick among us? If so, let’s forgive sins and pray for healing. James 5 reminds us to confess our faults to one another so that we may be healed. This doesn’t mean we must share sins publicly or in detail, but there is power in confession and prayer. God connects forgiveness with healing. Even if there is no sin involved, we can still anoint with oil, pray in faith, and trust God to restore health.
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
Book Of Numbers 3:31-4:13-14: How to Honor the Cross
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