What does Leviticus 5:12 teach about God's provision for forgiveness and restoration? Text Focus: Leviticus 5:12 “He is to bring it to the priest, who will scoop out a handful of it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar on top of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. It is a sin offering.” God’s Heart for Every Sinner, Whatever Their Means • The preceding verse (v. 11) allows fine flour instead of an animal when a person “cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons.” • The Lord does not lower the standard of holiness, but He graciously lowers the cost so no sinner is barred from forgiveness (cf. Isaiah 55:1). • This provision guards against shame; the worshiper still comes with an acceptable sacrifice and leaves knowing the debt is covered (Psalm 34:18). The Mechanics of Mercy • “Scoops out a handful … burn it on the altar” — A small portion is dedicated wholly to God, representing the whole life of the offerer (Romans 12:1). • “Memorial portion” — A public reminder that God remembers sin yet provides atonement (Hebrews 9:22). • “It is a sin offering” — Even simple flour, when offered as God prescribes, carries the full weight of a substitutionary sacrifice (Hebrews 10:4-10). Foreshadowing Greater Grace in Christ • The inexpensive grain points ahead to Jesus, whose once-for-all sacrifice is freely available to all, rich or poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). • The priestly mediation (v. 13) anticipates Christ our High Priest who “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). • Just as the remainder of the flour became the priest’s portion (v. 13), believers are now “a portion for the Priest,” belonging to Christ (1 Peter 2:9). Restoration Secured • “The priest will make atonement … and he will be forgiven” (v. 13). Forgiveness is stated as fact, not hope. • Restoration is immediate; the worshiper leaves the tabernacle reconciled (Psalm 103:12). • The same certainty is ours: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Living It Out Today • Approach God confidently, knowing His provision leaves no room for excuses or despair (Hebrews 4:16). • Extend similar grace to others, refusing to measure worth by resources or status (James 2:1-4). • Celebrate Christ’s sufficiency—every sin, however costly, has been met by a sacrifice we could never afford yet freely receive (Romans 3:24-26). |
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