What role does the priest play in the forgiveness process in Leviticus 4:35? Reading the Verse “Then the priest is to remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed from the fellowship sacrifice, and burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:35) Key Actions Assigned to the Priest • Removes the fat from the sin offering—ensuring the sacrifice meets God’s exact requirements (cf. Leviticus 3:3–5). • Burns the fat on the altar—turning the offering into “a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • Makes atonement—stands between the sinner and God, applying the sacrifice on the worshiper’s behalf. • Announces forgiveness—declares God’s verdict of pardon once the sacrifice is accepted. Why the Priest’s Role Is Essential • Mediator by God’s appointment – Leviticus 17:11: “the life of the flesh is in the blood … it is the blood that makes atonement.” – Numbers 15:25: “the priest will make atonement … and he will be forgiven.” • Guardian of holy procedure – Every step had to be carried out exactly; deviation meant the offering was invalid (Leviticus 10:1–3). • Representative head of the people – Hebrews 5:1: “Every high priest … is appointed to represent men in matters relating to God.” The Flow of Forgiveness in Leviticus 4:35 1. Confession: the sinner presents the animal (vv. 27–29). 2. Substitution: hands are laid on the animal, guilt is transferred (v. 29). 3. Slaughter: the sinner kills the animal; blood is collected (v. 29). 4. Application: the priest applies the blood to the altar (v. 30). 5. Burning of fat: priest places fat on the altar fire (v. 35). 6. Aroma rises: sign of God’s acceptance. 7. Atonement achieved: priest announces, “he will be forgiven.” What This Teaches About God • Sin is serious—blood must be shed (Hebrews 9:22). • God provides a way—He specifies both sacrifice and mediator. • Forgiveness is certain—“he will be forgiven,” not “he might be forgiven.” Foreshadowing the Greater Priest • Earthly priests: continual, limited, sinners themselves (Hebrews 7:27). • Jesus Christ: one perfect sacrifice, once for all (Hebrews 9:11-14). • Levitical priesthood shows the pattern; Christ fulfills it completely (Colossians 2:17). Living Application Today • Confidence: forgiveness rests on God’s ordained mediator—ultimately Christ—so assurance is solid (1 John 1:9). • Holiness: just as the priest followed God’s exact instructions, believers respond with careful obedience (Romans 12:1). • Gratitude: the announced forgiveness in Leviticus fuels our worship for the final, perfect forgiveness in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). |
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