Christ ... put away (our) sin
by the sacrifice of himself... 

     Located inside all hot water heaters is a rod made of magnesium or aluminum called a "sacrificial anode." Its purpose is to protect the water tank from corrosion caused by electrolysis. Electrolysis occurs when two different types of metal, are physically connected by water. Because each metal has a different molecular structure, they will corrode at different rates. The metal with the faster corrosion rate protects the slower corroding metal -- preventing its corrosion. The "sacrificial anode" is designed to be the quicker corroding metal. Thus it is offered as a sacrifice in order to protect the metal tank.
     Like electrolysis, sin also has a corrosive nature. "For the wages of sin is death" (Rm 6:23a). But Jesus "Christ... loved us..." (Eph 5:2) like a sacrificial anode and has "put away (our) sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Heb 9:26) that we may receive "the gift of God (which) is eternal life..." (Rm 6:23b). Therefore, let us not "neglect so great salvation" (Heb 2:3). "Repent ..." (Acts 3:19) and "lay aside every ... sin..." (Heb 12:1). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and... be saved" (Acts 16:31).