Side Notes // Covered // Covered or Cleansed?

In this episode of Side Notes, Adam Etrus and founding pastor Tim Herring dive into deeper reflections from the third week of The Ridge's Easter series, 'Covered,' focusing on atonement and forgiveness. Tim unpacks the biblical distinction between atonement—meaning 'to cover' sin—and forgiveness, which means 'to remove' sin, using the metaphor of sweeping dust under a rug to illustrate how sin is covered but not yet gone. He explains that in the Old Testament, animal sacrifices provided atonement but not forgiveness, as Jesus had not yet died. The discussion explores Sheol, the place of the dead, and how Jesus' resurrection allowed the righteous dead to ascend to heaven, offering a glimpse of redemption's fulfillment. Tim also shares insights from his plane conversation with two rabbis, the symbolism of the two goats on the Day of Atonement, and the profound connection between Old Testament rituals and Jesus as the ultimate Lamb of God. He encourages listeners to trust God’s promises over their feelings, especially in times of doubt, and emphasizes the importance of Bible engagement amid a chaotic world.