What does Leviticus 7:7 teach about God's provision for atonement? “The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both; it belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.” A Snapshot of the Setting • Leviticus 6–7 lays out detailed regulations for offerings. • Sin (ḥaṭṭā’ṯ) and guilt (ʼāšām) offerings both deal with wrongdoing, yet each has its own emphasis—one on cleansing, the other on restitution. • Verse 7 draws them together under a single principle of atonement and priestly provision. Key Truths in the Verse • One standard for two offerings – “The same law applies to both.” – God’s justice is consistent; no sin is treated lightly, and no sinner is treated unfairly. • Atonement requires a mediator – “The priest who makes atonement” underscores the need for someone to stand between sinner and holy God (cf. Leviticus 16:30). • God provides for the priest – “It belongs to the priest” shows the Lord supplying for those who serve in His house (cf. Numbers 18:8–9). What This Reveals about God’s Provision • Consistent grace – Whether the offense is against God directly (sin offering) or against God and neighbor (guilt offering), He supplies a clear path back to fellowship. • Full coverage – Both moral impurity and tangible damage are addressed; nothing is left unresolved (Leviticus 5:15–19). • Practical support for ministry – The sacrificed animal’s meat feeds the priestly families, illustrating that God ties spiritual and physical care together (Deuteronomy 18:1–2). Connecting the Dots to Christ • One sacrifice satisfies all offenses – Hebrews 10:12: “But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” • The unchanging law fulfilled, not abolished – Matthew 5:17 shows Jesus completing what Leviticus previews. • Our eternal High Priest both mediates and provides – Hebrews 4:14–16 invites us to draw near because He perfectly meets every need the Levitical system foreshadowed. Takeaway Truths • God never leaves sin untreated; He lovingly supplies a remedy. • Atonement rests on a mediator of His choosing, not on our own inventiveness. • Divine provision addresses spiritual debt and physical need in one gracious package. |
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