What does Leviticus 6:7 teach about the importance of priestly mediation? The verse itself “In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for whatever he has done to incur guilt.” (Leviticus 6:7) Where this verse sits in Leviticus 6 • Chapters 5–6 outline “guilt offerings.” • Verses 1-6 spell out specific sins: deceit, robbery, false oaths, misuse of sacred things. • Verse 7 gives the divine remedy: a priest, an atoning sacrifice, and assured forgiveness. Why priestly mediation is indispensable 1. The sinner cannot approach God on his own. – Sin created an offense “before the LORD”; only a consecrated mediator may enter that space (Exodus 28:1). 2. The priest acts “in this way”—that is, according to God-given procedure. – No improvisation; forgiveness rests on obedience to revealed ritual (Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31). 3. Atonement is secured only when the priest completes the act. – “The priest will make atonement… and he will be forgiven.” Without the priest, the sinner remains guilty (Hebrews 5:1). 4. Forgiveness is objective, not wishful thinking. – God declares the outcome: “he will be forgiven.” The priestly act is heaven’s authorized channel (Leviticus 17:11). Old-Testament echoes underscoring the same truth • Numbers 15:28 — “The priest is to make atonement… and he will be forgiven.” • 1 Samuel 2:25 — Eli warns, “If a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?” • Isaiah 53:12 — “He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” How Leviticus 6:7 points forward to Christ • The Levitical priesthood was temporary; many priests, repeated sacrifices (Hebrews 7:23). • Jesus is “a priest forever” who offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12). • What Leviticus promised—atonement through a priest—Christ fulfills perfectly (Hebrews 10:11-14). • Today He “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25), echoing the mediation pattern of Leviticus 6:7. Practical takeaways for believers • Sin still requires mediation; our Great High Priest supplies it (1 John 2:1-2). • Forgiveness is as certain for us as for the Israelite who trusted God’s provision. • Worship remains priest-centered—only now it centers on Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Because atonement is objective, guilt can be laid down; assurance replaces uncertainty (Romans 8:1, 34). In summary Leviticus 6:7 underscores that forgiveness hinges on God-appointed priestly mediation. The verse anchors the sinner’s hope not in personal penance but in an authorized mediator who acts according to divine instruction, prefiguring the perfect, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. |
    |