How can we see Christ's fulfillment of atonement in Leviticus 16:20? Text: Leviticus 16:20 “When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to present the live goat.” Setting the Scene - The verse stands at the pivot of the Day of Atonement ritual. - Three spaces—Most Holy Place, Tent of Meeting, altar—have just been cleansed with sacrificial blood. - Now the “live goat” (commonly called the scapegoat) is brought forward. Key Symbols in Verse 20 • Purification completed → sins covered, holy ground restored. • Live goat introduced → sin transferred, removed from camp. • Aaron as high priest → mediator between God and people. The Live Goat and Jesus - Transfer of sin: In verses 21-22 Aaron lays both hands on the live goat, confessing Israel’s sins. Likewise, “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). - Removal of sin: The goat is led into the wilderness, symbolically taking guilt away. Jesus “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). - Life offered outside the sanctuary: The goat survives yet bears condemnation outside the camp; Jesus “suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people by His own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). Christ’s Perfect Fulfillment • Single, sufficient act: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • Complete cleansing: As Aaron purified three realms, Christ’s sacrifice purifies conscience, worship, and community (Hebrews 9:14). • Mediator role: Aaron’s priesthood points to “one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • Sin removed forever: Whereas the goat returned annually in ritual form, Jesus “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). Practical Takeaways - Confidence: Sin is not merely covered; it is carried away by a living Savior (Psalm 103:12; 1 John 1:7). - Cleansed worship: Approach God boldly, knowing the Most Holy Place is open through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). - Ongoing gratitude: The yearly Day of Atonement foreshadows an eternal reality already accomplished on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). |
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