How does Leviticus 6:7 connect to Jesus' role as our High Priest? The Verse in Focus “ ‘In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.’ ” (Leviticus 6:7) Key Elements of Leviticus 6:7 • A priest acts as mediator. • A sacrifice (the guilt offering) is presented. • Atonement is achieved—God’s righteous wrath is satisfied. • Full forgiveness is declared by God Himself. How the Trespass Offering Foreshadows Christ • Mediator: The earthly priest points to the heavenly Mediator—Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). • Substitution: An innocent animal bears the sinner’s guilt; Jesus bears ours (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). • Restitution: The sinner repaid what was stolen plus one-fifth (Leviticus 6:5). Christ provides infinitely sufficient restitution by His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). • Divine Forgiveness: The offender leaves forgiven; believers stand justified through Christ (Romans 5:9). Jesus, the Superior High Priest • Perfect Representation – “Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest…” (Hebrews 2:17). • Once-for-All Sacrifice – “He has no need to offer sacrifices day after day... He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself.” (Hebrews 7:27). • Heavenly Ministry – “We have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 8:1). • Ongoing Advocacy – “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1). Connections Between Leviticus 6:7 and Jesus’ Work • Same Goal: Atonement leading to forgiveness. • Same Direction: From guilty sinner to holy God. • Greater Scope: Israel’s priest covered specific acts; Jesus covers every sin—past, present, future (Hebrews 10:14). • Greater Efficacy: Animal blood symbolically cleansed; Christ’s blood actually purifies the conscience (Hebrews 9:14). Practical Encouragement Today • Confession is welcomed—He intercedes continually (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Assurance is grounded—our forgiveness rests on a completed sacrifice, not shifting feelings (Romans 8:1). • Restitution flows outward—grace received motivates making wrongs right with others (Ephesians 4:28). |
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