Since the temple and priesthood no longer exist, it is not possible to offer the sacrifices required by the Law for the atonement of sins. But God has not left us without hope. The Scriptures point to a permanent solution, “a new covenant,” by means of which Jehovah promises: “I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” By means of this “new covenant,” God provides the basis for forgiving all of our sins forever.—Jeremiah 31:31-34.

When Adam rebelled against God, he lost the prospect of endless life. (Genesis 3:17-19) As our common progenitor, Adam could pass on to us only imperfection and death. In effect, he is responsible for the death of all his children.

The Law did not permit making an animal sacrifice for willful murder. (Numbers 35:31) No animal’s life is worth as much as a man’s. The sinner would have to pay with his own life.

An equal exchange is required—‘soul for soul,’ that is, life for life. (Deuteronomy 19:21) Nothing less than a perfect human life—like Adam’s life before he sinned—could balance the scales of justice. Only someone with such a perfect life, uncontaminated by sin inherited from Adam, could provide the atoning sacrifice. (Psalm 49:7-9 [49:8-10, TNK]) Only God could produce such a perfect life, without a human father, as He did when he created Adam.—Genesis 2:7.

Only the Messiah could be the atoning sacrifice. He will indeed come as a Deliverer. (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 2:2, 8) But first, he must provide a perfect “guilt offering”—a complete covering for our sins, both inherited and committed.—Leviticus 7:1; Isaiah 53:6, 10.

What else do the Scriptures say about the Messiah and his role?