"...Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Pet. 2:24)

In my second year of seminary, I worked as a dorm supervisor for the New Jersey School for the Deaf. On Sunday a worship service was held for the children remaining for the weekend. I remember the first time I saw the sign for "Jesus"--the right hand used the little finger to draw the letter "J," then ending in the palm of the other hand to signify Jesus' nail imprint. Thus, to the deaf the very name of Jesus tells of Jesus' suffering and forgiveness of sins. (From James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p. 74)

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:4-5)