How does Leviticus 16:33 connect with Christ's atoning work in the New Testament? Reading Leviticus 16:33 “He is to make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly.” What Happened on the Day of Atonement? • One day each year the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with sacrificial blood. • Blood was sprinkled on and before the ark to cleanse the sanctuary from Israel’s sins (Leviticus 16:15–19). • The same blood then sanctified the altar, the tent, the priests, and finally the entire congregation. • The ceremony ended with the scapegoat bearing the people’s sins far away (Leviticus 16:20–22). How the High Priest Points to Christ • High priest: mediator between God and the nation. • Christ: “a high priest of the good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11) who mediates between God and humanity. • Aaron offered blood not his own; Jesus offered His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). • Aaron’s garments identified him with the people; Jesus took on flesh to identify fully with us (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:17). Blood That Cleanses Places and People • Leviticus 16:33 stresses atonement for both sacred space and sinful people. • Hebrews teaches that Christ’s blood cleansed “the heavenly things themselves” (Hebrews 9:23–24) and purifies consciences (Hebrews 9:14). • Through His cross He reconciled “all things…whether things on earth or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20). Yearly Sacrifice vs Once-for-All Sacrifice • Levitical atonement: repeated annually (Hebrews 10:1–3). • Christ’s atonement: “He has appeared once for all…to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). • Result: “By one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Hebrews Ties It All Together • Hebrews 9:7–12 directly compares the Day of Atonement to Christ entering “the greater and more perfect tabernacle…not of this creation.” • Hebrews 9:24 shows Jesus entering heaven itself to represent us before the Father. • Hebrews 9:28: “so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Scope of Christ’s Atonement • Priests: Jesus intercedes for believers continually (Romans 8:34). • People: “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2). • Sanctuary & altar: heaven’s throne is now a “throne of grace” we may approach with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Why This Matters Today • Forgiveness is secure because Christ’s sacrifice is final and complete (Hebrews 10:18). • Access to God is open every day, not just one day a year (Ephesians 2:18). • Worship is purified; believers are living temples indwelt by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Leviticus 16:33 foreshadows Jesus’ once-for-all work: one perfect High Priest, one perfect sacrifice, cleansing every place and person touched by sin, granting permanent access to a holy God. |
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