How does Leviticus 16:15 illustrate the necessity of blood for atonement? Setting the Scene Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, the one day each year when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to deal with Israel’s sins. Verse 15 zeroes in on the pivotal act—bringing the blood of the sin-offering goat behind the veil. What Happens in Verse 15 “Then he shall slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, and do with the blood as he did with the blood of the bull—sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.” (Leviticus 16:15) • The goat is killed on behalf of the people. • Its blood is carried “inside the veil,” the holiest place on earth. • The blood is sprinkled on and before the mercy seat—the very throne of God’s earthly dwelling. Why Blood—and Not Anything Else—Went Behind the Veil • God Himself set the requirement: “The life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls… the blood… makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) • Sin is a capital offense (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). A life must be given to satisfy divine justice. • Blood is the tangible proof that a life has been poured out in place of the sinner. What the Blood Accomplished • Covered the nation’s sins so God’s wrath did not break out against them. • Cleansed the sanctuary itself from the defilement sin brings (Leviticus 16:16). • Allowed Israel ongoing fellowship with a holy God for another year. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Passover: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). • Covenant ratification: Moses “took the blood and sprinkled it on the people” (Exodus 24:8). • New Testament summary: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). How This Points to Christ • Levitical blood had to be offered every year; “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). • Jesus, our High Priest, “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • His once-for-all sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the shadow cast by Leviticus 16:15. Key Take-Aways • God’s law demands life-blood to atone for sin; mercy never nullifies justice. • Leviticus 16:15 underscores that forgiveness is costly—someone’s life must be given. • All Old Testament blood offerings point forward to the perfect, sufficient blood of Christ, securing permanent atonement for those who trust Him. |
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