How does Leviticus 1:4 connect to Christ's sacrificial role in the New Testament? The Instruction in Leviticus 1:4 “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf.” (Leviticus 1:4) Identification with the Substitute • Laying a hand on the animal signified personal identification; the worshiper’s guilt was now counted as the animal’s. • Jesus fulfills this picture: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) • Isaiah foretold the transfer: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) Transfer of Guilt and Imputation • In Leviticus the sinner’s failures moved to the innocent victim. • At the cross our failures were imputed to Christ; His righteousness is now imputed to believers (Romans 4:23-25). • Peter echoes the exchange: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) Acceptance Before God • The animal, once identified with the sinner, was “accepted” so the worshiper could stand forgiven. • Likewise, Christ’s sacrifice makes believers acceptable: “…to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6) • Hebrews underscores this acceptance: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) Voluntary and Personal Nature • The burnt offering was brought willingly; no one was coerced. • Jesus said, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” (John 10:18) • Personal application remains: salvation is received individually, just as the Israelite personally laid a hand on the animal. Once-for-All Completion in Christ • Daily sacrifices pointed to a final, perfect offering. • “He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered up Himself.” (Hebrews 7:27) • “By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) The Burning and Total Consecration • The burnt offering was entirely consumed, symbolizing total devotion. • Christ’s whole life and death were wholly given to the Father (Philippians 2:8). • Believers, redeemed by that offering, are urged to present their bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) Bringing It Together Leviticus 1:4’s hand-laying ritual foreshadows the heart of the gospel: personal identification with a flawless substitute, guilt transferred, acceptance secured, and devotion completed. The ancient altar points straight to Calvary, where the perfect Lamb bore sin once for all and opened eternal access to God. |
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