I Will Die For You If I Can

SERMON OUTLINE

• 💭 Consider this: In what ways are we tempted to ‘cover’ the sins of those we love instead of bringing them to Christ? How does this reveal the limits of human love and magnify the boundless, covenantal faithfulness of Christ?
• I. The Atonement Of Sin
• II. The Transferring Of Sin
• III. Individual And Corporate Sin

TRANSCRIPT

Our text for tonight's message is taken from the book of Exodus 32:30-35. In our previous message, we had considered how the main people—perhaps the instigators—had suffered the serious consequences of their sins. When they built and worshipped the golden calf, 3,000 lives were put to death. But the vast majority of the people had not faced any consequences.

Remember, the children of Israel had made a blood covenant with God, in which they had promised not to make any graven images and to have no other gods. Once they broke those commandments, they had forfeited their lives. God had every right to put all of them to death. It was a great sin. Though God had promised not to destroy the entire nation, Moses knew there were serious consequences they had to face. They had not received the forgiveness of sins. So he had to plead with God.

So with this in mind, verse 30 says: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.” In other words, he again went up the mountain to plead with God.

This was not the first time Moses had prayed for the people. Previously, he had prayed for them when they were caught in between the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind them. He had prayed for them at Marah when they complained about the bitter water. He had prayed for them when the Amalekites attacked and he had to lift up his arms all day long in order to secure the victory. He had prayed for them only a few days earlier when he first heard about the golden calf.

The difference between this prayer and all the other prayers was that now, Moses had some understanding of what it meant to receive God’s forgiveness. He loved the people so much that he was willing to die for them. The title of our message is “I Will Die for You If I Can.”

I. The Atonement Of Sin

There were several problems with his prayer. Firstly, it was his understanding of the atonement for sin. Moses understood that the only way to receive God's forgiveness was through an atonement. However, notice what he said: “Peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.” The basic meaning of the word atonement is to provide a covering. In other words, Moses was saying, “Perhaps I can cover for your sin.”

From here, we can see that Moses had some understanding about the structure of salvation. When the people sinned, they needed a substitute. They needed a mediator to stand between them and God. They needed a representative—someone who had not sinned. Most likely, he was thinking, “If there’s anyone who can save the children of Israel, it would be me, since I have not participated in the golden calf worship.” In a sense, he was an innocent party. And as an innocent party, he thought he could cover the sins of the people. But how wrong he was.

He had forgotten he could not do that, because he himself was a sinner. To name just one of the many sins he had committed—Moses was a bad-tempered person. On one occasion, he had killed a man in Egypt. On another occasion, he was so angry that he struck the rock instead of speaking to it, as God had commanded him. In order to make an atonement for the sins of the people, he had to be perfect. And he was far from being perfect. He himself needed an atonement—a mediator, and a representative.

Dear friend, we may not think that we can atone or cover for the sins of others. But sometimes we have this attitude or mindset that perhaps because of the many good works we have done, or the number of services we have committed to the Lord’s work, or the amount of sacrifices and resources we have rendered to the church, on the basis of those things, God will spare the sins of our loved ones.

No, God will not do that. Like Moses, we are far from being perfect, and all our righteousness are but like filthy wrecks. We ourselves need an atonement, a mediator, a representative to stand before God on our behalf—how much less we can atone for the sins of others. However, thinking that he could atone for the sins of the people, verse 31 says: “And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.” But what if God would not accept his atonement? Well, Moses had a second plan: Then transfer their sins to me.

II. The Transferring Of Sin

Look at verse 32: “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” What did Moses mean when he asked God to take his name out of His book? What book was that? Well, there are three major views as to what this book was, because basically there were three kinds of books mentioned in the Bible.

Firstly, there was the book known as the living book. It was a reference to the earthly life, as Psalm 139:16 says, "All the days of our lives are written in this book even before anyone ever came into being." To be blotted out of this book meant to meet an untimely and premature death.

Secondly, there was the book of life, in which the names of the believers were recorded. As Psalm 69:28 says, “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” In the New Testament, it is called the book of life. And the only people who are allowed to enter into the kingdom of God are those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. According to Revelation 21:27, to be blotted out of this book meant to be removed from God’s kingdom.

Thirdly, there was the book of remembrance, where all the good and bad deeds were written. Remember, King David said in Psalm 51:1, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” To be blotted out of this book meant not to have your sins forgiven.

Personally, I believe all these three views are plausible because of God’s response in the next verse, 33: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” This reminds us of the consequences of sin. The wages of sin is death. Physically, we will die. Spiritually, we are separated from God. Eternally, we will not be found in the kingdom of God but in the eternal lake of fire.

But why would Moses pray such a prayer—to take away his life, or to remove his name out of God’s kingdom, or not to have his sins forgiven? It was because of his great love for the people—so much so that he was willing to die for them.

Take a moment and consider this. Think of the things we have said in our prayers, especially in the most painful and desperate situations. When we lose a loved one, we cry out, ‘Why? Take my daddy or my mummy—take my life instead. I will die in their place.’ When our children have gone astray, we cry out to God, ‘Do not be angry with my child, who has fallen into sin and done wicked things. Let your wrath fall upon me instead.’ When someone whom we love very dearly has contracted cancer, we cry out to God, ‘Let his cancer come upon me and spare his life instead.’

As unorthodox as it may be—and as wrong as it may be—we (and I) have prayed such prayers, haven’t we? Well, God did not deal with us, not because it was the right way to pray, but because He knew our hearts. He knew how we felt inside—how broken we were. And He patiently taught us through His Word how His plans, purposes, and wills are orchestrated.

So it was not because Moses had prayed in the right way or was trying to twist God’s arm to do what he wanted. That was the reason why God did not reprimand him. God knew it was the desperate cry of the believer for the people whom he loved dearly. This was in line with the teaching of our Lord Jesus, who said, “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) And, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Moses was a good shepherd, and he loved the people so much that he was willing to die on their behalf. Not that it was the right thing to say, or the right way to pray—it was his desperate cry. He was saying to God, “Lord, if You have to destroy them, then destroy me and spare their lives.” But if God had done that, then it would mean that our sins can be transferred to someone else. Most certainly not.

Allow me to bring to your attention the words of King David in Psalm 51. Look at Psalm 51:1–2. David said, "According to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." The Hebrew word for "blot" is the same word found in Exodus 32:32. It means to erase or to wipe away.

In ancient times the materials which the people wrote on—the pieces of papyrus—were very expensive. Sometimes the written texts on the material were no longer needed. They would not simply throw them away because they were very expensive. Only the text needed to be done away. So they would rub away the old writings, turn the material sideways, and write the new words. Once the old writings were blotted out or rubbed away, the material was considered new. It was washed and cleansed. That is the idea.

Dear friend, the books of our lives have been written with many sins from the day we were born, and they stand as a terrible condemnation against us. Unless something is done, they are going to be read out against us on the day of judgment. But God can and will do something if we ask him. He will rub away our sins, so to speak, turn the pages sideways, and write over the newly prepared surface the message of his everlasting grace and mercy through the works of Jesus Christ.

God will blot out our transgressions. This blotting, washing, and cleansing is only possible through a very high price. And it is given to us in four simple words found in verse 7 of Psalm 51: "Purge me with hyssop." I believe these four words are the most important in the entire psalm, and they are probably the least understood.

To purge means to blot out, wash, and cleanse from all sins. Hyssop was a very small plant frequently found in the crevices of the stone walls. Because of its shape and structure, it was used as a small brush in the ceremonies of the temple. It was used to sprinkle blood.

The first time hyssop was mentioned in the Bible was when the Israelites were leaving Egypt. Exodus 12:22 says, "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason." When the angel of death saw the blood, he would pass over that particular house, and the firstborn of those homes would not die. That is where we get the concept of the Passover.

Interestingly, the hyssop itself had no cleansing power. It was only when the hyssop was dipped into t he blood and sprinkled, then the people would be cleansed and protected. That is why Hebrews 9:22 says, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

So when David asked God to purge him with hyssop, he meant: cleanse me by the blood. Forgive me and regard me as cleansed on the basis of the perfect Lamb who had died and whose precious blood was shed. And that perfect Lamb was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his precious blood on the cross of Calvary. Only his precious blood was sufficient to blot out, wash, cleanse, and purge all our sins.

David needed forgiveness. The children of Israel needed forgiveness. You and I need forgiveness too. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. There will be no forgiveness. It is only on the basis of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that we can find God's mercy. Have you found God's mercy? Have you believed in the one who died on the cross and shed his precious blood to save you?

Your sin may be as great as David's or even greater. Perhaps you may think that you are better than David. After all, which one of us has committed the sins of murder and adultery? Well, think again. Do you remember the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew chapter 5? It is interesting that of all the sins Jesus could have quoted, he cited the sins of murder and adultery. He said, "Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment... Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:22, 28)

We are all Davids and Bathshebas. But however great our sins are, God's grace is infinitely greater than all our sins. If we come to Jesus, we will receive forgiveness. Are you ashamed of your sins? Are you afraid that you have to live with the stains of your sins throughout the rest of your life and for all eternity?

Sometimes when I send my clothes to the dry cleaners, the dry cleaner guy will tell me that there is a particular stain that cannot be removed. It is permanent. No matter how hard he washes it, it cannot be removed. That will never happen with our God. Once you are forgiven, your sins will be blotted out, washed, cleansed, and purged by the precious blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Isn't that wonderful?

III. Individual And Corporate Sin

Our final point is the individual and corporate sin. Note God said, "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:33) Every man or woman who has sinned against God, he or she has the responsibility to face him. And the consequence is that he or she will be blotted out of his book. This was a reference to the individual's sin. Every individual is responsible for his or her own sin.

But as for Moses, who had not sinned against God in this particular situation, so by the angel of his presence, God would lead him as he led the people into the Promised Land. Verse 34: "Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee." Since God dealt with his people in a covenantal way—collectively as a nation, as a covenant people—they had sinned against him. They had worshipped the golden calf, whether directly or indirectly, and they had a responsibility to face him. And the consequence was that when the time came, God would punish them accordingly.

Look at the second part of verse 34: "Nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them." And that consequence came in the form of a plague, as verse 35 said: "And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made." The Bible does not tell us what kind of plague it was, nor does it reveal to us if any lives were lost. But it was sufficient enough for the people to understand the severity of their sins.

Dear friend, what lessons can we learn from here? As individuals, we have the responsibility to face God, to give an account to him whenever we sin. One way or another, we cannot separate our individual sin from the people around us—especially the family and the church. Why? Because God deals with us in a covenantal way. As a covenant family, as a covenant church—as parents, whenever we sin, we will affect our children. As children, whenever we sin, we will affect our parents. As leaders and members, whenever we sin, we will affect the entire church. Is that not true?

Though individually we have sinned, and corporately we have sinned, and we have to face the consequences of our sins from time to time, but praise be to God that he deals with us in a covenantal way, which means he will never forget, nor will he forsake his covenantal promises. That was the reason why the children of Israel, in spite of what they did, they would still enter the Promised Land.

Dear friend, we love our families and loved ones, don’t we? Most of us are willing to sacrifice our lives for them—if we can. But no matter how loud we cry and scream, "I will die for you if I can! Daddy or Mummy is willing to die for you! We are willing to take your place!" The truth is that we cannot. Because we ourselves are sinners. And as sinners, we need an atonement, a mediator, a representative, a Saviour.

And if we have believed in the only one who can save us—our Lord Jesus Christ—we cry out to our loved ones, not “I will die for you if I can,” but “He has died for you.” And he alone is able to save you. He alone is able to blot out, wash, cleanse, and purge all your sins. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. You must believe in him, and you must never walk away from him. I pray that all of us will take it.

As much as we love our loved ones, as much as we are willing to give up everything we have for our loved ones, but we cannot do anything to save them. Only Jesus alone is able to save. And he who deals with us in a covenantal way—he will never forget, nor will he forsake his covenantal promises.

Let us pray. Our Father in heaven, Indeed, like Moses, we have people whom we love very dearly. And how often, in a most painful and desperate situation, we will cry out, we will pray. We will say things like: "I will die for you if I can. I’m willing to take your place." But we know that we cannot. There’s only one who is able to do that.

And so we have learned, like Moses, no matter how much we love the people around us, we cry out to our loved ones and friends: We cannot save you, as much as we want to. There’s only one who can save you. Turn to him—the one who died on the cross and shed his precious blood. He alone is able to save you. He alone is able to blot out, wash, cleanse, and purge all your sins. He is the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You must believe in him, and you must not walk away from him, no matter what happens.

And we pray that the Holy Spirit will do his convicting work, to convict their hearts so that they will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. And he who deals with us as a covenant family, as a covenant church, will never forget, nor will he forsake his covenantal promises. All to the glory of thee. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THE BOOK OF EXODUS

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

Exodus 1:1-7

From Prosperity to Persecution

From Prosperity to Persecution

Exodus 1:8-14

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

Exodus 1:15-21

The Faith of Jochebed

The Faith of Jochebed

Exodus 1:22-2:10

The Faith Of A Beloved Mother

The Faith Of A Beloved Mother

Exodus 1:22-2:10; Hebrews 11:23

Moses in Egypt

Moses in Egypt

Exodus 2:11-15

Moses in the Desert of Midian

Moses in the Desert of Midian

Exodus 2:16-25

Moses and the Burning Bush

Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:1-9

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

Exodus 3:10-15

Who Am I?

Who Am I?

Exodus 3:10-15

God’s Message to Israel and Egypt

God’s Message to Israel and Egypt

Exodus 3:16-22

What If They Still Don’t Believe?

What If They Still Don’t Believe?

Exodus 4:1-9

Send Someone Else

Send Someone Else

Exodus 4:10-17

Moses’ Return to Egypt

Moses’ Return to Egypt

Exodus 4:18-20

When Things Seemed to Get Better, They Got Worse

When Things Seemed to Get Better, They Got Worse

Exodus 5:10-21

When We Have Done Everything Right, and Yet Trouble Comes

When We Have Done Everything Right, and Yet Trouble Comes

Exodus 5:22-6:5

Having to Learn the Same Lesson Twice

Having to Learn the Same Lesson Twice

Exodus 6:6-12

Faithful or Unfaithful

Faithful or Unfaithful

Exodus 6:13-27

What God Wants Is Our Faithfulness and Obedience

What God Wants Is Our Faithfulness and Obedience

Exodus 6:28-7:7

The First Plague - The River of Blood

The First Plague - The River of Blood

Exodus 7:14-25

The Second Plague - The Frogs

The Second Plague - The Frogs

Exodus 8:1-15

The Third Plague

The Third Plague

Exodus 8:16-19

The Fourth Plague

The Fourth Plague

Exodus 8:20-32

The Fifth Plague

The Fifth Plague

Exodus 9:1-7

The Sixth Plague

The Sixth Plague

Exodus 9:8-12

The Seventh Plague

The Seventh Plague

Exodus 9:13-35

The Eighth Plague

The Eighth Plague

Exodus 10:1-20

The Tenth Plague

The Tenth Plague

Exodus 11:1-10

The First Passover

The First Passover

Exodus 12:1-13

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread

Exodus 12:14-28

Departure From Egypt

Departure From Egypt

Exodus 12:29-42

This Do In Remembrance of Me

This Do In Remembrance of Me

Exodus 12:43-51; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Message 2: What is Church to you? My Covenantal Family!

Message 2: What is Church to you? My Covenantal Family!

Exodus 12:48-49, Colossians 2:11-12

Redemption and Consecration

Redemption and Consecration

Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Exodus 13:17-22

Between the Desert and the Red Sea

Between the Desert and the Red Sea

Exodus 14:1-14

Crossing the Red Sea

Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 14:15-31

The Song of Praise

The Song of Praise

Exodus 15:1-21

Will You Obey Or Not?

Will You Obey Or Not?

Exodus 15:22-27

The Danger of a Complaining Spirit

The Danger of a Complaining Spirit

Exodus 16:1-3

God’s Response to Israel’s Complaints

God’s Response to Israel’s Complaints

Exodus 16:1-10

The Test of Faith

The Test of Faith

Exodus 16:11-20

Lessons About the Sabbath

Lessons About the Sabbath

Exodus 16:21-36

Do Not Test God

Do Not Test God

Exodus 17:1-17

Lift Up Your Hands

Lift Up Your Hands

Exodus 17:8-16

The Blessedness of Reunion

The Blessedness of Reunion

Exodus 18:1-12

Why Do We Have Leaders?

Why Do We Have Leaders?

Exodus 18:13-27

I Will Carry You On Eagles’ Wings

I Will Carry You On Eagles’ Wings

Exodus 19:1-6

Approach God Fearlessly or Fearfully

Approach God Fearlessly or Fearfully

Exodus 19:7-15

God Reached Out And Spoke

God Reached Out And Spoke

Exodus 19:16-25

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods

Exodus 20:1-3

Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images

Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images

Exodus 20:4-6

Thou Shalt Not Dishonour God’s Name

Thou Shalt Not Dishonour God’s Name

Exodus 20:7

Thou Shalt Keep The Sabbath Day

Thou Shalt Keep The Sabbath Day

Exodus 20:8-11

Honour Thy Father And Thy Mother

Honour Thy Father And Thy Mother

Exodus 20:12

Thou Shalt Not Kill

Thou Shalt Not Kill

Exodus 20:13

Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery

Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery

Exodus 20:14

Thou Shalt Not Steal

Thou Shalt Not Steal

Exodus 20:15

Thou Shalt Not Lie

Thou Shalt Not Lie

Exodus 20:16

Thou Shalt Not Covet

Thou Shalt Not Covet

Exodus 20:17

The Response To The Ten Commandments

The Response To The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:18-21

How God Wants Us To Worship Him

How God Wants Us To Worship Him

Exodus 20:22-26

Why Would God Allow Slavery?

Why Would God Allow Slavery?

Exodus 21:1-11

The Punishment Fits The Crime — a life for a life

The Punishment Fits The Crime — a life for a life

Exodus 21:12-17

The Punishment Fits The Crime — an eye for an eye

The Punishment Fits The Crime — an eye for an eye

Exodus 21:18-36

The Punishment Deters The Crime — property laws

The Punishment Deters The Crime — property laws

Exodus 22:1-15

The Character Of God

The Character Of God

Exodus 22:16-20

Reaching Out To The Down-And-Out

Reaching Out To The Down-And-Out

Exodus 22:21-24

The Compassion, Authority & Holiness Of God

The Compassion, Authority & Holiness Of God

Exodus 22:25-31

Truth Cannot Be Subjected To Anything But Truth

Truth Cannot Be Subjected To Anything But Truth

Exodus 23:1-9

Remember Who God Is

Remember Who God Is

Exodus 23:10-19

What Must We Do To Have Victory

What Must We Do To Have Victory

Exodus 23:20-33

How We Ought To Worship God

How We Ought To Worship God

Exodus 24:1-4, 7

On What Basis Can We Approach His Majesty?

On What Basis Can We Approach His Majesty?

Exodus 24:4-8

Responding To God’s Invitation

Responding To God’s Invitation

Exodus 24:9-18

The Right Attitude Of Giving

The Right Attitude Of Giving

Exodus 25:1-8

There I Will Meet You

There I Will Meet You

Exodus 25:9-22

Physical Or Spiritual Bread, Which Is More Important?

Physical Or Spiritual Bread, Which Is More Important?

Exodus 25:23-30

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men

Exodus 25:31-40

The Veil That Separates

The Veil That Separates

Exodus 26:1-37

A Day In Thy Court Is Better Than A Thousand

A Day In Thy Court Is Better Than A Thousand

Exodus 27:1-19

Who Can Represent Us Before God?

Who Can Represent Us Before God?

Exodus 27:20-28:14

How Can We Know God’s Will?

How Can We Know God’s Will?

Exodus 28:15-30

Is Our Worship Attire Really Important?

Is Our Worship Attire Really Important?

Exodus 28:31-43

The Ordination Of Priests

The Ordination Of Priests

Exodus 29:1-21

The Provision For Priests

The Provision For Priests

Exodus 29:22-29

Remind Us For We Always Forget

Remind Us For We Always Forget

Exodus 29:36-46

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Exodus 30:1-10

The Danger Of The Number Game

The Danger Of The Number Game

Exodus 30:11-16

The Importance Of Sanctification

The Importance Of Sanctification

Exodus 30:17-21

The Anointing Of Oil

The Anointing Of Oil

Exodus 30:22-38

No Such Thing As An Unimportant Calling Or Gift

No Such Thing As An Unimportant Calling Or Gift

Exodus 31:1-11

The Most Ignored Commandment

The Most Ignored Commandment

Exodus 31:12-18

We Forget So Quickly

We Forget So Quickly

Exodus 32:1-6

Guilty As Charged

Guilty As Charged

Exodus 32:7-14

Who Is To Be Blamed?

Who Is To Be Blamed?

Exodus 32:15-24

Who Is On The Lord’s Side?

Who Is On The Lord’s Side?

Exodus 32:25-29

I Will Die For You If I Can

I Will Die For You If I Can

Exodus 32:30-35

I Will Not Go With You

I Will Not Go With You

Exodus 33:1-11

If Thy Presence Go Not With Me, Carry Us Not Up Hence

If Thy Presence Go Not With Me, Carry Us Not Up Hence

Exodus 33:12-23

If Thy Presence Go Not with Me, Carry Us Not Up Hence

If Thy Presence Go Not with Me, Carry Us Not Up Hence

Exodus 33:12-23

I Will Show You Who I Am

I Will Show You Who I Am

Exodus 34:1-7

What It Means To Be In A Covenant Relationship With God

What It Means To Be In A Covenant Relationship With God

Exodus 34:8-17