How does Leviticus 6:8 connect to Jesus as our ultimate High Priest? Leviticus 6:8–9 in focus “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Command Aaron and his sons, “This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning, and the fire on the altar must be kept burning.”’ ” Key details in the instruction • God Himself speaks, underscoring divine authority. • Aaron and his sons (the priestly line) are charged with perpetual responsibility. • A continual, never-ceasing fire consumes the whole burnt offering. Jesus and the perpetual burnt offering • The whole animal was entirely consumed—symbolizing complete surrender to God. • Ephesians 5:2: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • Hebrews 10:12: “But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” • Connection: the unending altar fire foreshadows the once-for-all, ever-effective sacrifice of Jesus. His work never “goes out.” High Priest parallels: Aaron’s line vs. Jesus • Aaron’s priesthood – Appointed by God (Exodus 28:1) – Subject to sin; needed sacrifice for himself (Leviticus 16:6) – Limited by death; office passed down (Hebrews 7:23) • Jesus’ priesthood – Also appointed by God (Hebrews 5:5) – “Holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26) – “Because He lives forever, He holds His priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:24) • Therefore, the command in Leviticus 6:8 ultimately points to a Priest who can keep the fire of atonement burning eternally—Jesus Himself. The fire that never goes out • Leviticus 6:13: “Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out.” • In Jesus, the spiritual reality is fulfilled: – Hebrews 9:12—entered the Most Holy Place “once for all.” – Hebrews 7:25—“He always lives to intercede.” • His intercession is the constant flame guaranteeing ongoing access to God (Hebrews 4:14-16). Takeaways for believers • Confidence: Our standing with God rests on an ever-living High Priest, not our fluctuating performance. • Assurance: The “fire” of Christ’s finished work still burns; no further sacrifice is needed (Hebrews 10:18). • Invitation: Just as the priests daily approached the altar, we draw near continually, “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). |
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