How does Leviticus 3:8 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for our sins? The Verse in Focus “ He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron’s sons are to sprinkle its blood on the altar on all sides.” Leviticus 3:8 What Happened at the Altar • Hand laid on the animal’s head—personal identification • Slaughter in the worshiper’s place—substitutionary death • Blood sprinkled around the altar—life poured out before God • Part of a “peace” (fellowship) offering—restored relationship, shared meal afterward (vv. 1–5, 11, 16) How the Peace Offering Points to Jesus • Identification fulfilled – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21) – By faith we “lay our hand” on Christ, uniting our guilt to His sacrifice • Substitution realized – “He was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5) – Christ dies “once for all” in the sinner’s stead (1 Peter 3:18) • Blood applied – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22) – Believers are “sprinkled with His blood” (1 Peter 1:2) for complete cleansing • Peace secured – “Having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20) – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1) Christ, Our Perfect Peace Offering 1. Unblemished: He alone was without sin (1 Peter 2:22). 2. Voluntary: “I lay down My life of My own accord” (John 10:18). 3. Total devotion: Like the best portions burned for God, Christ’s entire life and death were wholly for the Father’s pleasure (John 8:29). 4. Shared fellowship: The Old Testament worshiper ate part of the peace offering; today we enjoy ongoing communion with God through the risen Christ (1 John 1:3). Personal Takeaways • Assurance—His sprinkled blood means sin’s penalty is fully satisfied. • Access—We now draw near without fear, enjoying the restored fellowship symbolized by the peace offering (Ephesians 2:13–18). • Adoration—Seeing the cost, we respond with grateful worship and devoted lives (Romans 12:1). |
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