How does Leviticus 16:12 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Setting the scene Leviticus 16:12: “Then he is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil.” Key images in the verse • Censer of burning coals from the bronze altar • Two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense • Entrance inside the veil—into the Most Holy Place Incense and Christ’s ceaseless intercession • The priest’s rising incense pictured prayers ascending to God. • Revelation 8:3-4 connects incense to “the prayers of all the saints,” showing heaven still receives a fragrant cloud. • Hebrews 7:25: “He always lives to intercede for them,” fulfilling the priestly picture perpetually. Fire from the altar—sacrifice that fuels intercession • The coals came only from the altar where blood had just been shed. • Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood.” • Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice provides the “fire” that empowers His ongoing ministry before the Father. Entering the veil—access secured in the Son • Only the high priest could cross the curtain with incense. • Hebrews 10:19-20: “Confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… through the curtain of His body.” • The torn veil at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) confirms direct access now open to every believer. The fragrant offering fulfilled in Jesus • Ephesians 5:2: “Christ… gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • What was symbolized by sweet spices on the Day of Atonement is realized in the pleasing aroma of the Son’s obedient life and death. From shadow to substance • Leviticus 16:12 prefigures a greater Priest, a greater sacrifice, and greater access. • Hebrews 9:24: “Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands… He entered heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” • Every element of the ritual—altar, coals, incense, veil—finds its perfect, literal fulfillment in the cross and heavenly ministry of Jesus. Living in the reality • Approach God confidently, knowing the fragrant merit of Christ surrounds you. • Rest in His finished work; no further sacrifice is required (Hebrews 10:14). • Join your prayers to the incense of His intercession, trusting they rise accepted before the throne. |
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