In what ways can we apply the principles of atonement today? Setting the Scene: Atonement in Leviticus 23:19 “You must also offer one male goat as a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings.” (Leviticus 23:19) The verse sits in the instructions for the Feast of Weeks. Three distinct sacrifices appear: a sin offering (the goat) and peace offerings (the lambs). Each points to a facet of atonement—covering sin and restoring fellowship. Key Principle: Substitution and Cleansing • Sin Offering—The goat dies so the worshiper does not. • Peace Offerings—The lambs symbolize restored harmony between God and His people. • Blood on the altar—Life for life (Leviticus 17:11). God’s justice is satisfied, His mercy released. Connecting the Old and New: Christ the Fulfillment • Isaiah 53:5—He was “pierced for our transgressions.” • John 1:29—“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus unites the sin offering and the peace offering in one perfect sacrifice: He bears our guilt and brings us into fellowship with the Father. Living It Out Today • Embrace the seriousness of sin – Confess promptly (1 John 1:9). – Keep a tender conscience; sin still grieves God. • Rest in Christ’s finished work – Reject condemnation (Romans 8:1). – Celebrate assurance: His blood is enough—no additional payment required. • Offer grateful worship – Regular communion recalls the cost (1 Corinthians 11:24–26). – Sing, testify, and give generously as peace-offering responses. • Pursue holy living – Present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). – Let the Spirit produce visible fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Extend reconciliation – Seek peace with others because God made peace with you (Ephesians 2:14-16). – Share the gospel of atonement; invite people to be “reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Supporting Passages for Further Reflection • Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22 – Life-blood as payment • Hebrews 10:1-14 – Superiority of Christ’s once-for-all offering • 1 Peter 1:18-19 – Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ • Colossians 1:20 – Peace made through the cross • Romans 5:1 – “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God” |
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