How does Leviticus 5:5 connect to 1 John 1:9 about confession? Rooted in the Law: Leviticus 5:5 “ If someone incurs guilt in any of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed.” Fulfilled in Christ: 1 John 1:9 “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Unbroken Thread between the Testaments • Same verb: “confess” (Hebrew yâdâ’ / Greek homologeō) means “acknowledge openly.” • Same direction: confession is made to God, not merely to people. • Same result: forgiveness and cleansing—by sacrifice in Leviticus, by Christ’s blood in 1 John. How the Old Points to the New 1. Requirement – Leviticus: confession was mandatory before an atoning sacrifice was applied. – 1 John: confession remains mandatory, but the once-for-all sacrifice has already been made (Hebrews 10:10). 2. Mediator – Leviticus: the priest presented the substitute animal. – 1 John: Jesus is both High Priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1-2). 3. Cleansing – Leviticus: external cleansing symbolized by blood on the altar. – 1 John: internal cleansing accomplished by Christ’s blood applied to the conscience (Hebrews 10:22). Shared Principles that Never Change • Sin must be named—no excuses, no minimizing (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13). • God alone grants forgiveness, because sin is ultimately against Him (Psalm 51:4). • Atonement is always by blood: animal blood pointed forward; Jesus’ blood finished the work (Hebrews 9:22, 26). • Confession opens the way for restored fellowship—first in the camp of Israel, now in the body of Christ (1 John 1:7). Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Treat sin seriously; God’s standard has not changed since Leviticus. • Confess specifically and immediately—delay only hardens the heart. • Trust the completed work of Christ; no additional sacrifice is needed. • Walk in forgiven freedom, but stay in the habit of regular confession to maintain unhindered communion with God. |
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