What does "a sin offering" in Exodus 29:14 teach about sin's seriousness? Setting the Scene: Exodus 29:14 in Context • Exodus 29 describes the week-long consecration of Aaron and his sons. • Three animals are brought: a bull and two rams. • The bull alone is designated “a sin offering.” • Exodus 29:14: “But the flesh of the bull, its hide, and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering.” Sin’s Serious Cost—Blood and Death • The bull dies in place of the priests, underscoring that sin merits death (Romans 6:23). • Hebrews 9:22 ties the whole sacrificial system together: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Even those chosen for priestly service need an atoning death before they can draw near to God, proving no one is exempt from sin’s penalty. Sin Pollutes—Removal Outside the Camp • Everything left of the bull is burned “outside the camp,” far from the holy place. • Leviticus 4:12 uses identical language; impurity must be removed from among the people. • Hebrews 13:11-12 applies this to Christ: the bodies of sin offerings were burned outside the camp, and “Jesus also suffered outside the gate,” bearing sin’s defilement so we could be made holy. • Separation shows sin’s contaminating power—it cannot stay in God’s presence. Sin Requires a Substitute • The priest lays his hands on the bull’s head (Exodus 29:10), picturing transfer of guilt. • Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” • The bull anticipates the ultimate Substitute—Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Sin Demands Total Consecration • The sin offering comes first, before the burnt and fellowship offerings, proving that cleansing precedes communion. • Only after sin is dealt with can the priests be anointed and serve (Exodus 29:21, 24-25). • Our worship, gifts, and service are acceptable only because Christ has first removed our guilt (1 Peter 2:5). Takeaway: Sin Is Deadly, Defiling, and Demanding • Deadly—its wage is death; only blood can atone. • Defiling—it must be taken “outside the camp,” away from God’s dwelling. • Demanding—only a flawless substitute can satisfy justice. • Exodus 29:14’s simple label “a sin offering” silently shouts these truths, pointing ahead to the cross where the seriousness of sin—and the greatness of grace—meet. |
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