How does Leviticus 7:5 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? Leviticus 7:5 in Focus “The priest is to burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.” Key Details in the Original Setting • The offering addressed personal guilt; restitution had already been made (Leviticus 6:5). • Parts of the animal were totally consumed by fire—nothing held back. • Only when the sacrifice was fully burnt did the worshiper stand forgiven. How the Fire Foreshadows Calvary • Fire pictures the holy, consuming judgment of God (Hebrews 12:29). • Complete burning signals that guilt is entirely dealt with—leaving no residue of sin. • The altar, drenched in blood and flame, anticipates the cross, where wrath and mercy meet. Christ, the True Guilt Offering • Isaiah 53:10: “Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him… He will make His life an offering for guilt.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: He “became sin for us,” absorbing the fiery judgment symbolized in Leviticus. • Hebrews 10:10–12: One sacrifice “once for all”—no parts left unoffered, no sin left uncovered. New Testament Echoes • Ephesians 5:2 – “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” picking up the aroma language of burnt offerings. • 1 Peter 2:24 – Christ “bore our sins in His body on the tree,” paralleling the victim placed wholly on the altar. • Romans 8:3 – God condemned sin “in the flesh,” just as guilt was condemned in the flames. What This Means for Believers Today • Full restitution: Jesus not only pays our debt but restores us to fellowship. • Total cleansing: Because the sacrifice was entirely consumed, there is no lingering accusation (Romans 8:1). • Grateful surrender: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) mirrors His once-for-all burnt offering. |
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