What role does the priest play in the forgiveness process in Leviticus 4:26? Context of Leviticus 4:26 Leviticus 4 describes the “sin offering.” Verse 26 focuses on an anointed priest dealing with the sin of a community leader. Leviticus 4:26: “…the priest will make atonement… and it will be forgiven him.” Key Actions of the Priest • Identifies the sin and the sinner’s need for cleansing • Receives the sacrificial animal brought by the offender (vv. 23–24) • Slaughters the animal and applies the blood to the altar (v. 25) • Burns the fat on the altar “like the fat of the peace offering” (v. 26a) • Pronounces atonement, resulting in God’s forgiveness (v. 26b) Why the Priest Matters in the Forgiveness Process • Representative—stands between a holy God and sinful people (cf. Leviticus 4:20 “…the priest shall make atonement… and they will be forgiven.”) • Mediator—handles the blood and altar, actions the layperson may not perform (Numbers 18:7) • Agent of Atonement—his God-ordained service applies the sacrifice so that “it will be forgiven” (Leviticus 4:31) • Teacher—demonstrates the cost of sin and the grace of God in a vivid, public way Connections to the Rest of Scripture • Annual parallel: “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you” (Leviticus 16:30). • Principle affirmed: “Every high priest is appointed to act on behalf of men in matters relating to God” (Hebrews 5:1). • Fulfillment in Christ: – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). – “Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary… but into heaven itself” (Hebrews 9:24). – “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The Levitical priest foreshadows Jesus, the final High Priest who accomplishes perfect, once-for-all atonement. Lessons for Today • Approach God through the ordained Mediator—now Jesus, not animal sacrifice • Take sin seriously; it always requires substitutionary death • Rejoice that forgiveness is real, immediate, and assured when atonement is applied • Live gratefully and obediently, remembering the costly grace that covers every transgression |
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