“When the hidden is revealed and the forgiveness is revealed in Christ”

Reflection on Joshua 7:1 and the New Testament

“But the Israelites treacherously committed the abomination of desolation… and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the Israelites.”

In Joshua 7 we see a dramatic picture:

One man conceals sin and the whole nation finds out the consequences.

Achan took what was supposed to be holy to the Lord and hid it in the ground. What was hidden in the dark became the downfall of all.

This is not just a story about Israel. It is a mirror of the human heart.

But the New Testament shows us a bigger picture: What Achan did in secret – Christ took upon himself publicly. What led to judgment in the Old Testament – ​​leads to forgiveness in the New Testament.

# Sin that is hidden becomes a burden – but Christ bears the burden

Achan hid his sin in the ground. We often do this in our hearts.

But Jesus says:

“There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.” (Luke 12:2)

What we try to hide, God sees. But here comes the power of the gospel:

“He himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24)

Achan hid his sin in the ground. Christ took sin out of the ground—and bore it on the cross.

# In the story of Achan, judgment falls on the guilty—in Christ, judgment falls on the innocent.

In Joshua 7, judgment falls on Achan. Sin calls for righteousness. God cannot let injustice go unpunished.

But the New Testament reveals a deeper truth:

“He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Achan bore his own sin. Christ bore our sin.

Achan stood alone before the judgment seat. Christ stood in our place.

# In the story of Achan, sin is exposed—in Christ, sin is forgiven

God says to Joshua:

“Israel has sinned… you will not be able to pass through until you remove the accursed thing.”

In the Old Testament, sin had to be removed so that God could be with the people.

In the New Testament, God Himself removes sin:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

The story of Achan shows the seriousness of sin. The cross shows the depth of forgiveness.

# In the Achan story, Israel loses because of sin – in Christ, victory is restored

After sin was exposed and removed, the Lord says in the next chapter:

“Fear not… I will give Ai into your hand.” (Joshua 8:1)

When the heart is purified, victory returns.

The New Testament says the same thing:

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Israel’s victory was earthly. Christ’s victory is eternal.

# What does this mean for us – and for Iceland?

We live in a time when much is hidden in the “tent of the nation”: spiritual apathy, pride, modern idols, disobedience to God’s word.

But God does not point to wounds to open them – but to heal them.

Christ says:

“Come unto me… and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

# The Achan story shows what sin does. The cross shows what grace does.

God is calling Iceland not to judgment, but to restoration. Not to shame, but to healing. Not to darkness, but to light.

Joshua 7 is a picture of what sin does. The cross is a picture of what God does.

Achan hid sin in the ground. Christ took sin out of the ground and bound it on the cross.

The Achan story ends in judgment. The gospel ends in forgiveness.

Where sin abounded – there grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20)