How does Leviticus 7:7 connect to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice? Recognizing the heart of Leviticus 7:7 • “As is the sin offering, so is the guilt offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.” (Leviticus 7:7) • God establishes two key truths: – Sin and guilt offerings are treated the same—both deal with human wrongdoing. – A priest alone mediates atonement and receives the benefit of the sacrifice. Why the verse matters for understanding Christ • Single standard for sin and guilt foreshadows a single, all-sufficient sacrifice. • Emphasis on the priest highlights the need for a perfect mediator (Hebrews 5:1-4). • Ownership of the sacrifice points to Christ both offering and receiving the merits of His own sacrifice (John 10:17-18). New Testament echoes • One sacrifice for all sin and guilt – “He did this once for all time when He offered Himself.” (Hebrews 7:27) – “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) • Perfect Priest and perfect offering in one Person – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6) – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Atonement accomplished, benefits secured – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Practical takeaways • Confidence: the same God who required strict offerings has fully satisfied His own demands in Christ. • Assurance: nothing remains to be paid; sin and guilt have one remedy—Jesus’ finished work. • Worship: the Priest who offered Himself also shares the benefits with us, drawing us near (Hebrews 10:19-22). |
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