What does Leviticus 16:10 teach about God's provision for dealing with sin? Setting the Scene: The Day of Atonement • Leviticus 16 unfolds God’s instructions for Israel’s most solemn day, when the high priest made atonement for the nation’s sins. • Two goats were chosen by lot—one for sacrifice, the other to be released. Key Verse: Leviticus 16:10 “ ‘But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.’ ” Truths about God’s Provision for Sin • Divine initiative – God Himself specifies the means; forgiveness is never humanity’s invention (cf. Romans 3:25). • Substitution and representation – The scapegoat “stands in” for the people, bearing their guilt away (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Complete removal of guilt – Sin is not merely covered; it is carried “into the wilderness,” symbolizing total separation (Psalm 103:12). • Life spared through another’s burden – The goat lives yet departs, picturing life preserved for the people because guilt is transferred elsewhere (John 1:29). • Public, observable act – The congregation watches the goat led away, reinforcing assurance that sin is dealt with (Hebrews 13:11-13). • Ongoing sufficiency until the ultimate fulfillment – Annual repetition pointed ahead to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who both dies and forever removes sin (Hebrews 9:26-28). Implications for Us Today • Confidence in a God-provided remedy—He alone designs and accomplishes atonement. • Assurance that confessed sin is fully removed, not partially managed. • Gratitude for the foreshadowing of Christ, the true Scapegoat and Sacrifice, who carries our sins outside the camp and leaves them there for good. |
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