What does "make atonement for him" teach about God's provision for sin? Text in Focus “He is to remove all the fat just as the fat is removed from the peace offering, and the priest shall burn it on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. In this way the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.” What “make atonement for him” Reveals • God Himself designs the way back—atonement is not human invention but divine provision. • The sinner brings the offering, yet the priest performs the work, showing that forgiveness rests on an appointed mediator. • The result is certain: “he will be forgiven.” No guesswork, no partial relief—total, promised pardon. • The atonement covers an individual (“for him”), underscoring God’s personal concern for each sinner. • The animal’s life substituted for the guilty party (v. 31) illustrates that sin’s penalty is death (cf. Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). God’s Gracious Provision on Display • Sacrifice provided a tangible assurance that sin really can be removed. • Blood on the altar pointed to life surrendered so another life could be spared (Isaiah 53:5). • A pleasing aroma to the LORD shows that God is satisfied, not with human merit, but with the substitute He ordains (Ephesians 5:2). Atonement Foreshadowing Christ • Old-covenant sacrifices were temporary; Christ offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • Jesus is the true Mediator—both Priest and Lamb—who “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6). • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Romans 3:25 calls Jesus the “propitiation through faith in His blood,” the ultimate fulfillment of Leviticus 4:31. Living in the Light of Full Atonement • Rest—God’s forgiveness is as certain for you in Christ as it was promised to the Israelite who watched the smoke rise from the altar. • Repent—because sin’s cost was so high that only a life could pay it. • Rejoice—our standing is secure: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). |
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