What connections exist between Leviticus 16:26 and New Testament teachings on atonement? What the Verse Says Leviticus 16:26: “The one who releases the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may come into the camp.” The Picture in Leviticus 16 • Two goats: one sacrificed for sin, one sent alive into the wilderness • Sin symbolically placed on the living goat, which is led “outside the camp” • Handler cannot re-enter until he bathes—showing that contact with sin demands cleansing even after atonement has been provided Sin Carried Away—Outside the Camp • Hebrews 13:11-13 draws a direct line: just as the scapegoat went outside, “Jesus also suffered outside the gate” to bear our sins • Isaiah 53:6—“the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all”—mirrors the high priest’s hands on the goat • 1 Peter 2:24—Christ “bore our sins in His body on the tree,” fulfilling the pattern of sin removal Blood vs. Removal: Two Aspects of Atonement • Goat #1: blood shed—Hebrews 9:12 “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” • Goat #2: sin removed—Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions” • Together they foreshadow Christ’s single, perfect offering that both pays the price and takes the guilt away The Washer’s Bath—Personal Cleansing After Ministry • The man who served had to wash before fellowship resumed • NT parallel: those who proclaim the gospel must walk in personal purity—1 John 1:7 “the blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin” • Servants touched by the work of atonement are still called to practical holiness—2 Corinthians 7:1 “let us cleanse ourselves…perfecting holiness in the fear of God” Key Takeaways for Today • Christ fulfills both goats: His blood satisfies justice; His bearing of sin removes guilt • True atonement leads to separation from sin, yet re-entry into fellowship with God’s people • Even forgiven believers pursue ongoing cleansing so their walk matches their standing—John 13:10 “Those who have bathed need only to wash their feet” Living It Out • Rest fully in Christ’s once-for-all atonement—no additional sacrifice needed • Relate gratefully: sins are not merely covered but carried away forever • Respond obediently: keep short accounts with God, enjoying continual cleansing and unhindered fellowship |
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