How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 4:7 to our daily repentance? The Verse at a Glance “ ‘The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. He shall pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.’ ” (Leviticus 4:7) Key Observations • Blood touches the horns of the incense altar—symbolizing access to God in prayer. • The remainder of the blood is poured out at the base of the bronze altar—signifying full payment for sin. • Both actions occur “before the LORD,” underscoring that repentance is ultimately God-ward, not merely horizontal. • A priest mediates, prefiguring our greater High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Timeless Principles • Sin demands a blood atonement; God takes it seriously (Hebrews 9:22). • Forgiveness is granted when an acceptable substitute’s blood is applied. • Approaching God begins at the altar—confession must precede communion. • The horns (strength) of the altar remind us that forgiveness empowers our prayers (Psalm 66:18). Applying the Principles to Daily Repentance • Start with the Cross – Acknowledge that Christ’s shed blood fulfilled what the bull’s blood only pictured (Ephesians 1:7). – Thank Him specifically for paying the cost of today’s sins. • Confess Specifically – Name the sin; don’t generalize (1 John 1:9). – Picture the blood on the horns—Christ’s sacrifice gives you boldness to speak honestly. • Pour It All Out – Don’t hold back lingering guilt or half-confessions. – Like the priest emptied the bowl, empty your heart of hidden faults (Psalm 19:12). • Move from Altar to Incense – After confession, step into prayer with assurance; your petitions now rise like incense (Revelation 5:8). – Pray for strength to walk in new obedience, relying on the “horns” of God’s power. • Keep Short Accounts – The sin offering was ready whenever needed; practice immediate repentance rather than stockpiling failures (Acts 3:19). – End each day reviewing thoughts, words, and choices, applying Christ’s cleansing afresh. Scriptures that Echo the Pattern • Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more will the blood of Christ…cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God?” • Hebrews 10:19-22 – “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near with a sincere heart.” • 1 John 1:7 – “The blood of Jesus His Son purifies us from all sin.” • Psalm 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin to You… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” |
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