What steps are prescribed for atonement in Leviticus 4:28?

The Setting of Leviticus 4

- Leviticus 4 records God’s precise remedy for unintentional sin.

- Verse 28 zeroes in on what a common Israelite must do once the sin becomes clear.

---

Step 1 – Recognize the Offense

“ ‘When he realizes his sin and the sin he has committed becomes known…’ ” (Leviticus 4:28)

- Atonement begins with conviction: the sinner must acknowledge God’s verdict that a specific act violated His law (cf. Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9).

- No forgiveness is pursued while sin is ignored or excused (Proverbs 28:13).

---

Step 2 – Bring an Offering to God

“ ‘…he must bring his offering…’ ”

- The Hebrew verb carries the idea of approaching God’s presence.

- Sin disrupts fellowship; drawing near with God-appointed sacrifice restores it (Hebrews 10:22).

---

Step 3 – Select the Right Substitute

“ ‘…a female goat without blemish…’ ”

- Gender and species: a female goat (kid) was specified for the common person.

- Condition: “without blemish” underscores that God deserves perfect offerings (Malachi 1:8).

- The flawless animal prefigures the sinlessness of Christ, “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

---

Step 4 – Offer It for the Specific Sin

“ ‘…for the sin he has committed.’ ”

- The sacrifice was not generic; it addressed the exact offense admitted in Step 1.

- Verses 29-31 detail the act:

• Lay a hand on the goat’s head, identifying with it.

• Slaughter it at the place of burnt offerings.

• The priest applies the blood and burns the fat, “and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven” (v. 31).

---

Why These Steps Matter Today

- God’s pattern shows sin, sacrifice, substitution, and forgiveness—fulfilled perfectly in Jesus (Hebrews 9:13-14).

- The process invites believers to keep short accounts with God: confess, trust Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, and walk restored (1 John 1:7).