How does Leviticus 16:17 emphasize the need for a mediator before God? The Day of Atonement in a Nutshell • Once a year, on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16), the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood to cover Israel’s sins. • Every step was prescribed by God—garments, sacrifices, washings—underscoring His holiness and the seriousness of sin. • Leviticus 16:17 sits at the heart of the ceremony, highlighting a dramatic moment of solitary mediation. Key Verse Leviticus 16:17: “No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron enters to make atonement in the Holy Place until he comes out, having made atonement for himself and his household and for the entire assembly of Israel.” Key Words in Leviticus 16:17 • “No one may be in the Tent of Meeting” – absolute exclusion; the people cannot approach. • “Aaron enters” – one appointed representative steps in. • “To make atonement” – the goal is reconciliation with God through substitutionary blood. • “For himself… his household… the entire assembly” – layered mediation: priest, priests’ family, then nation. The Picture of Mediation • Separation: God’s holiness demands distance; sin bars entry (cf. Isaiah 59:2). • Designated representative: Only the high priest may approach, bearing prescribed blood (cf. Exodus 28:1). • Vicarious action: Aaron’s offering stands in for the people’s sin (cf. Leviticus 17:11). • Assurance of acceptance: When the priest emerges alive, Israel knows atonement is received (cf. Hebrews 9:7). How This Foreshadows Christ • One Mediator: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • Better Blood: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • Sinless Priest: Unlike Aaron, Jesus required no sacrifice for Himself (Hebrews 7:26-27). • Heavenly Sanctuary: “Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary… He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (Hebrews 9:24). • Permanent Access: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Living the Truth Today • Appreciate holiness: God has not lowered His standards; He provided a perfect Mediator. • Rest in assurance: Christ’s completed work means believers stand forgiven and accepted. • Draw near: Because the Mediator lives forever, “let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Proclaim reconciliation: Point others to the sole path of access—Jesus, the greater High Priest. |
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