What connections exist between Leviticus 6:17 and New Testament teachings on holiness? The Verse in Focus “ ‘It must not be baked with yeast; I have given it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and like the guilt offering.’ ” (Leviticus 6:17) What “Most Holy” Meant in Leviticus • “Most holy” marked the highest level of consecration—only the priests could eat it, and only in the sanctuary (Leviticus 6:16). • No yeast allowed. In Scripture, leaven often symbolizes corruption and spreading impurity; leaving it out underscored absolute purity. • The offering belonged entirely to the LORD; even when eaten by priests it remained holy, reminding Israel that fellowship with God demands separation from defilement. Leaven Imagery Picked Up in the New Testament • 1 Corinthians 5:6-8—“A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” Paul urges believers to “celebrate the feast…with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” • Galatians 5:9—“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” False teaching and sin, if tolerated, spread like yeast. The NT writers echo Leviticus: eliminate leaven (sin) so the community remains holy. “Most Holy” and the Identity of God’s People • 1 Peter 1:15-16 quotes Leviticus: “Be holy, for I am holy.” The priestly requirement becomes every believer’s calling. • 1 Peter 2:9—We are now “a royal priesthood,” mirroring the Levitical priests who handled what was “most holy.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17—“You are God’s temple…God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” The holiness once confined to the tabernacle’s courts now resides in the church and the individual believer. • Hebrews 12:14—“Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” The standard has not relaxed; it has expanded to encompass all who are in Christ. Christ, the Perfect Offering • Hebrews 7:26-27—Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled,” offering Himself once for all, surpassing every Levitical sacrifice. • Hebrews 10:10, 14—“By this will we have been sanctified…He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” His sacrifice makes believers positionally “most holy,” enabling practical holiness. • 2 Corinthians 5:21—He “became sin for us” so we might “become the righteousness of God.” The sin and guilt offerings of Leviticus anticipated this once-for-all act. Practical Connections for Today • Guard against “leaven”—intentionally root out attitudes, habits, and influences that corrupt (James 1:27). • Live as priests—mediating God’s presence to others through holy conduct and gospel proclamation (Romans 12:1; Philippians 2:15-16). • Draw near confidently—Christ’s sacrifice grants access to the “Most Holy Place,” so approach God with reverence and assurance (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Pursue consistency—what is positionally true (“most holy” in Christ) must become practical reality through daily obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). Leviticus 6:17 sets a pattern: the LORD’s portion must remain pure, untouched by leaven, and regarded as “most holy.” The New Testament reveals that, through Christ, believers themselves are now that holy portion—called, cleansed, and continually shaped into His likeness. |
    |