What personal sins require confession and repentance, as seen in Leviticus 4:34? Context of Leviticus 4:34 - “Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and he shall pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.” (Leviticus 4:34) - This verse appears in the instructions for an individual Israelite who has committed “any of the LORD’s commandments which ought not to be done, and becomes guilty” (Leviticus 4:27-28). - The blood applied to the altar shows that even a single, personal offense brings guilt that must be confessed, repented of, and atoned for. What Kinds of Personal Sins Are in View? Leviticus 4–5 lists everyday transgressions that still demand repentance. They include: - Unintentional violations of any divine command (4:2, 27-28). - Failure to testify when one has witnessed wrongdoing (5:1). - Touching anything ceremonially unclean—whether it seems minor or accidental (5:2-3). - Speaking a rash oath—promising or swearing something carelessly (5:4). - Misusing things “holy to the LORD” (5:15). - Every category shows that both sins of commission (doing what God forbids) and sins of omission (failing to do what God requires) need confession and repentance. The Principle Drawn from 4:34 - If blood had to be shed for an unintentional misstep, no sin is too small to leave unconfessed (Psalm 19:12; James 2:10). - Personal sins defile the worshiper; only acknowledged guilt and God-provided atonement restore fellowship (Isaiah 59:2). - Confession is not optional but commanded: “When he is made aware of the sin… he shall confess in what way he has sinned” (Leviticus 5:5). New Testament Confirmation - Jesus fulfills the sin offering, yet the call to repent remains: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). - Every sin—known or hidden—must be brought into the light: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). - Even unintentional wrongs matter: “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin” (James 4:17). Practical Takeaways - Keep short accounts with God; confess specific wrongs as soon as you become aware of them. - Examine both actions and inactions—neglect can be sinful (Hebrews 2:1-3). - Guard the tongue; careless words and vows call for repentance (Matthew 12:36). - Treat God’s holy things—time, resources, worship—with reverence; misuse is sin. - Recognize Christ as the once-for-all sin offering (Hebrews 10:10); yet daily repentance keeps fellowship unhindered. |
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