How does Ezekiel 43:22 illustrate the importance of atonement in worship practices? The setting in Ezekiel 43:22 “On the second day you are to present an unblemished male goat as a sin offering; and the altar is to be purified as it was purified with the bull.” (Ezekiel 43:22) • Ezekiel is shown a future temple vision. • The prophet carefully records a seven-day consecration ritual (vv. 18-26). • Day two features a “male goat without blemish” offered specifically “as a sin offering.” • The purpose: the altar—and by extension the worshipers—must be “purified.” Atonement at the heart of worship • “Sin offering” (Hebrew ḥaṭṭā’t) signals that sin stands between God and humanity (Isaiah 59:2). • Blood is required for cleansing: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • The altar, the very meeting place with God, cannot host acceptable worship until atonement is made. • The order of events matters: purification precedes any other sacrifices (Ezekiel 43:23-27). Why the substitutionary sacrifice matters • “Unblemished” stresses moral perfection—only a flawless substitute can bear guilt (Leviticus 4:23; 1 Peter 1:19). • The goat takes the worshipers’ place; their sin is judged in the offering rather than on them (Leviticus 16:15-16). • Cleansing the altar underscores that every element of worship must be touched by atonement. Patterns echoing throughout Scripture • Garden pattern: God covers Adam and Eve with skins—bloodshed for covering (Genesis 3:21). • Mosaic pattern: daily offerings begin with a sin offering (Exodus 29:36). • Prophetic pattern: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). • Fulfillment in Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). – Romans 3:25 calls Jesus the “atoning sacrifice” (hilastērion) God presented to demonstrate His righteousness. – 1 John 2:2 affirms He is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Practical implications for worship today • Approach God confidence-filled yet humbled, acknowledging that sin must be dealt with—never minimized. • Remember that every act of Christian worship rests on the completed atonement of Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Celebrate purity: just as the altar was cleansed, believers are called to live consecrated lives (Romans 12:1). • Teach and model that forgiveness is costly; gratitude flows from recognizing the price paid (1 Corinthians 6:20). Ezekiel 43:22, then, is more than an ancient ritual detail. It places atonement at the center of authentic worship—past, present, and future—ultimately pointing to the once-for-all sacrifice that makes true communion with God possible. |
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