How does Leviticus 6:7 emphasize God's role in granting forgiveness for sins? The Central Verse “In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.” (Leviticus 6:7) God as the Author of Forgiveness • The verse closes with a divine guarantee: “he will be forgiven.” Only God can make such a promise (Mark 2:7). • The phrase “before the LORD” places the entire transaction in God’s presence, underscoring that forgiveness originates with Him, not with human ritual alone. • God’s word here is declarative, not tentative. His authoritative statement settles the matter of the offender’s guilt. The Priesthood: Instrument, Not Source • “The priest will make atonement” describes the priest as a mediator God appointed (Exodus 28:1), but the effectiveness rests on God’s acceptance. • Hebrews 5:1 echoes this: “Every high priest is appointed to represent men in matters relating to God.” • By requiring a priest, God highlights humanity’s need for a go-between while keeping the power to forgive solely His. Sacrifice and Atonement: God’s Design • The entire offering system was God-given (Leviticus 1:1), signaling that atonement is possible only on His terms. • Leviticus 17:11 affirms, “It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life,” showing that God provided the means and the message that sin’s penalty is death. • Forgiveness flows when God’s instructions are followed, revealing His sovereignty over both law and grace. The Promise Fulfilled in Christ • The Old Testament sacrifices pointed ahead to Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Hebrews 9:22, 26 explains that Christ’s blood accomplishes the final, perfect atonement Leviticus foreshadowed. • 1 John 1:7 connects the two eras: “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin,” echoing the certainty of Leviticus 6:7 but on a universal, once-for-all scale. Key Takeaways for Today • God alone grants forgiveness; human mediators and rituals are effective only because He empowers them. • His word is sure: when He declares forgiveness, the matter is settled (Psalm 32:5; Isaiah 1:18). • The sacrificial system shows God’s consistent character—just and merciful—culminating in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. • Believers can rest in the same assurance found in Leviticus 6:7: when atonement is made God’s way, forgiveness is guaranteed. |
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