Not so much "washing away"
as "taking the flak for."

Where we should be spanked (ie, cut off forever from the grace of God) for being naughty, Jesus came along and said "Don't worry, I'll take the punishment; you just think about what you did, and don't do it again."

There's stuff about repentance and apology on which everyone's opinion differs slightly, too... actually, everyone's opinion differs slightly on everything!

But, imagine that you broke your Nan's favourite vase, and she was angry, and swung her walking stick at you; but then your big brother stepped up and took the hit on his own bum so you didn't get hurt. It's a bit like that. You still did the act, and apologise for it, but it him that took the punishment.

IMO, washing away sins is a bit of a poetic phrase used because of the liquid nature of blood. It's also to do with baptism, in that the water used to baptise someone is the manifestation of an idea. Other opinions may vary, as they are fully entitled to.


At least, that's my interpretation. Feel free to think what you like, just as long as we're all nice to each other.
(Elegant Lady Vee is not my real name., Mon 23 Mar 2009, 11:56, Reply)