How does Leviticus 22:20 connect to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice in Hebrews 9:14? Spotless sacrifice required (Leviticus 22:20) • “You are not to present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.” • The worshiper’s animal had to be physically perfect—no blindness, lameness, or blemish (vv. 21–24). • God’s standard taught three things: – His own holiness (Isaiah 6:3). – The seriousness of sin—only perfection could cover it. – A built-in preview of a future, flawless sacrifice. Foreshadowing a greater offering • Every Israelite bringing an unblemished animal acted out a prophecy: perfection must die in place of imperfection. • Repetition of sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1–4) shouted, “The real answer hasn’t come yet.” Jesus, the blemish-free Lamb (Hebrews 9:14) • “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God!” • “Without blemish” echoes Leviticus’ language—now applied morally and spiritually, not just physically. • Proofs of His sinlessness: – Lived under the Law and fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). – “In Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). – Tempted yet “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). – Declared innocent even by His judge (Luke 23:4). From external ritual to inner cleansing • Animal blood covered sin externally; Christ’s blood penetrates “our conscience,” freeing us from guilt. • The once-for-all, perfect offering ends the sacrificial cycle (Hebrews 10:12–14). • The Spirit involved—“through the eternal Spirit”—shows the triune God fully engaged in securing redemption. Why the connection matters today • Assurance: the Father accepts Christ’s flawless sacrifice just as He accepted only flawless animals—our salvation rests on His perfection, not ours (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Freedom: cleansed consciences release us from “dead works” of self-effort; we now “serve the living God” in gratitude (Romans 12:1). • Call to holiness: recipients of a perfect offering pursue lives that reflect His purity (1 Peter 1:15–19). |
    |