What connections exist between Leviticus 8:34 and New Testament teachings on holiness? Leviticus 8:34 in its Immediate Setting “What has been done today was commanded by the LORD in order to make atonement for you.” (Leviticus 8:34) • Moses explains that every rite of Aaron’s ordination—washing, robing, anointing, sacrifices, and the seven-day vigil—was divinely ordered. • The stated goal: “to make atonement for you,” securing the priests’ standing before a holy God so they could minister on behalf of the people. Atonement as the Foundation for Holiness • Leviticus links holiness to a definite act of God: blood applied on behalf of sinners. • The New Testament repeats the pattern: – Hebrews 10:10: “By this will we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” – 1 Peter 2:24: Christ “bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” • Holiness is never self-generated; it flows from accepted atonement. Seven Days of Consecration and Continuous Sanctification • Aaron and his sons remained at the tent entrance for seven full days (Leviticus 8:33). • The New Testament echo: believers are called to an ongoing, set-apart life, not a one-time experience. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God—your sanctification.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us cleanse ourselves…perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Levitical priests waited until their consecration was complete; Christians wait for Christ’s return while daily pursuing the holiness already declared over them. Priestly Obedience and the Believer’s Walk • “What has been done…was commanded by the LORD.” Obedience is central. • Jesus links love and obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Romans 12:1 urges believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God,” echoing priestly service. Holiness Grounded in Christ’s Perfect Offering • Animal sacrifices pointed ahead; Christ fulfilled them. – Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all…having obtained eternal redemption.” • Because His atonement is complete, believers are already “holy and blameless” positionally (Colossians 1:22) and are now called to practice that holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Living Out the Ordination Today • Identity: “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). • Privilege: draw near with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Responsibility: – Pursue purity of heart and body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). – Offer continual praise and good deeds as “spiritual sacrifices” (Hebrews 13:15-16). • Assurance: the same God who commanded Aaron’s consecration now works in us “to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). |
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