How can we apply the principles of atonement in Leviticus 16:20 today? Verse for Today “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat.” (Leviticus 16:20) Quick Context • This moment follows the sprinkling of blood that covered Israel’s sins before God. • The “live goat” (the scapegoat) symbolically carried those sins away into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). • The sequence teaches substitution, cleansing, completion, and removal—all fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12). Timeless Principles • God requires an atoning substitute for sin. • Cleansing reaches every place sin touches—“the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar.” • When atonement is complete, sin is taken away for good. • All of this points to Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Practical Ways to Live This Out 1. Celebrate Christ’s finished work – Hebrews 10:14: “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” – Rest daily in the certainty that your debt is fully paid. 2. Keep every “room” of life clean – 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.” – Invite God’s Word to examine habits, speech, media, finances, relationships. 3. Confess and release sin quickly – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – Don’t drag yesterday’s guilt back into today; let the “live goat” carry it away. 4. Walk in gratitude, not penance – Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Serve, give, and worship out of thankfulness, not to earn what is already yours. 5. Intercede for others – As Aaron acted on Israel’s behalf, we bring others before God (1 Timothy 2:1). – Pray they grasp what Christ has done and experience freedom from sin’s burden. Scriptures That Echo The Same Truth • Isaiah 53:6 – The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all. • Romans 3:25 – God presented Christ as a propitiation through faith in His blood. • 1 Peter 2:24 – He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree. Takeaway Summary Because Jesus completed atonement, we: rest in His finished sacrifice, pursue thorough personal cleansing, release sin through confession, live gratefully without condemnation, and intercede for others to know the same freedom. |
    |