How does Leviticus 4:7 illustrate the importance of atonement in our lives? Setting the Scene “ The priest shall then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. He shall pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” (Leviticus 4:7) Key Observations from the Verse • A sin-offering is in view; someone’s guilt is being dealt with. • Blood touches two places: – Horns of the incense altar inside the sanctuary (place of prayer and fellowship). – Base of the burnt-offering altar outside (place of substitutionary sacrifice). • Both actions are required; partial obedience or half-way cleansing is not an option. Why Blood Matters • “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls on the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) • “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) • Blood in Scripture is never symbolic only; it is the God-ordained price for sin. Two Altars, Two Truths • Incense altar (inside): fellowship restored—sin no longer barricades prayer (Psalm 66:18; Hebrews 4:16). • Burnt-offering altar (outside): penalty paid—wrath satisfied outside the camp (Romans 3:25). • The same blood links both, teaching that communion with God flows directly from substitutionary sacrifice. Atonement Foreshadowed in Christ • Jesus entered the heavenly “greater and more perfect tabernacle… by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11-12). • On the cross He fulfilled the outer-altar requirement; in resurrection He ascended and presented that blood before the Father (Hebrews 9:24). • The once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) now secures continual access (Hebrews 10:19-22). Living Out the Lesson Today • Recognize the seriousness of sin—nothing less than blood could address it. • Rest in the completeness of Christ’s atonement—no further payment is needed or possible (1 John 1:7). • Enjoy unbroken fellowship—prayer and worship aren’t earned; they’re granted through applied blood (Ephesians 2:13). • Respond with consecrated lives—those cleansed by sacrifice become “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). |
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