What role does the priest play in achieving forgiveness in Leviticus 4:20? Scripture Focus “Thus the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:20) Observations about the Priest’s Role • Represents the people before God—standing in their place to deal with sin. • Handles the sacrificial blood exactly as prescribed (vv. 5–12, 15–18). • Offers the sin offering in strict obedience, proving that forgiveness comes on God’s terms, not human invention. • Pronounces atonement after the ritual is completed, assuring the people of divine pardon. • Works as God’s authorized mediator; forgiveness flows through his priestly ministry, never apart from it. How Forgiveness Is Secured 1. Sin is confessed and a spotless animal brought (Leviticus 4:3–14). 2. The priest slaughters the animal, places blood on the altar, and pours the rest at its base (4:7, 18). 3. Burns specific portions on the altar; disposes of the remainder outside the camp (4:11–12). 4. By these actions, “the priest will make atonement” (4:20); God then declares, “they will be forgiven.” • Atonement = covering of sin through substitutionary blood. • Forgiveness = the relational release granted by God once the atonement is complete. Connecting Threads across Scripture • Leviticus 17:11—“for it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” • Hebrews 9:22—“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Hebrews 5:1—every high priest is appointed “to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” • Ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our perfect High Priest, who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). Takeaway for Today • God graciously provides a mediator; forgiveness is never self-earned. • Blood sacrifice underscores the seriousness of sin and the cost of cleansing. • Leviticus points us forward to Jesus, the flawless Priest and Sacrifice whose atonement guarantees forgiveness for all who believe (Romans 3:23-26). |
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