Jewels of gold…to make atonement for our souls.
—Numbers 31:50

As the Old Testament word for “atonement” conveys the idea of something being covered, the Israelite was allowed to appease God in various ways. Here, for example, the spoil of Midian was presented to the Lord to make atonement for the soul. Under grace, however, acceptance with God cannot be bought. Alas, there are those who try to buy their way into God’s favor but it cannot be done. All the jewels in the world could not purchase salvation for a conscience-stricken soul. We must come as beggars and without money and without price, accept God’s gift. Once saved, we can surrender all the jewels of gold the Savior’s cause should have.