Under the Old Covenant, the sacrificial system allowed people to receive atonement (a covering) for their sins. These sacrifices, however, were always temporary solutions to the deeper problem of sin. It was not until Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice for our sins “once for all” (Heb. 7:27) and established a better covenant (Hebrews 8) that people could know their sins were fully and forever paid for.

While “slave” might sound harsh, it really emphasizes our loyalty and obedience to God’s ways. Meanwhile, being a “friend of God” reveals the closeness we share with Christ (Ps. 25:14), and where He shares intimate mysteries with us.