OUTSIDE THE CAMP

Everything inside the city gates of Jerusalem (or inside the camp) was considered holy, and everything unclean or unholy was forbidden to enter. Those with diseases and areas of uncleanness had to stay outside the camp. Disease and uncleanness speak of sin. No one can come to God who has ever sinned. Sin cannot enter God’s presence. 

It is most reassuring to know that when Jesus died, he died for those outside the camp; not inside. Jesus did not come to die for those who consider themselves good enough. No! He came to save those who know they need a Savior! Jesus, though he was perfect and sinless, was crucified outside the camp, as one who was unclean. He did it for you and for me! 

Hebrews 13:12-13 (NIV) And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 

Galatians 3:10-11 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 

Do you see it? This is so beautiful! The Scripture encourages us to go to Jesus outside the camp! We must come to God just as we are! We must not try to act like we are good or that we deserve to be inside the camp. You will never be good enough to come to God on your own merit or righteousness. Jesus died outside the camp to identify with and save people like you and me. 

Oh, how glorious! God wants to meet with you today! Don’t let the lie of trying to be good enough deter you from running to him just as you are! He already knows everything about you! He knows that you cannot get there on your own...that is, inside the gate. Oh yes – run to God just the way you are! Don't worry about your mistakes and failures; he will change you! He loves you more than you will ever know! 

Oh, that you would know that the undeserved favor and goodness of God is available for you today! God, because of his incredible love for you and me, did not force us to do better on our own so that we could meet him inside the camp. But rather, with great compassion, he came for us bearing our disgrace outside the camp. The price for our redemption has been paid! Please don’t hesitate for even one second – you can run to him today just as you are… 

OUTSIDE THE CAMP

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