Why is it important to understand Old Testament laws in a New Testament context? Living with Leviticus 15:30 in View “And the priest shall sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her before the LORD for the discharge of her uncleanness.” Why God Gave These Purity Instructions • They protected Israel’s camp from ritual defilement, reminding everyone that the LORD dwelt among them (Leviticus 15:31). • They pictured sin’s disruptive power; bodily discharges illustrated how impurity flows from within (compare Mark 7:20-23). • They pointed forward to an atonement cost—blood had to be shed for cleansing (Hebrews 9:22). From Leviticus to the Cross • Jesus declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). • Every sin-offering in Leviticus, including the pair of birds in 15:30, foreshadows the single, perfect sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-14). • The priest in 15:30 mediated cleansing; Jesus is both priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14; John 1:29). • Ritual uncleanness blocked fellowship; the cross opens “a new and living way” into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). Why Understanding These Laws Still Matters • Shows God’s unchanging holiness. 1 Peter 1:16 repeats Leviticus 11:44—“Be holy, because I am holy.” • Deepens gratitude. Seeing the daily, bloody routine in the tabernacle magnifies the once-for-all work of Christ. • Guards against legalism. Knowing why the shadow existed keeps us from re-imposing obsolete rituals (Colossians 2:16-17). • Illuminates the gospel. Terms like “atonement,” “unclean,” and “sin offering” find their full meaning in Jesus. • Shapes Christian ethics. The call to purity now reaches heart and body alike (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). Reading Old Laws through New-Covenant Lenses 1. Note the original purpose—ceremonial, civil, or moral. 2. Trace the fulfillment in Christ—does He embody, transform, or elevate the command? 3. Apply the spiritual principle—holiness, love, justice—to present life in the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-14). Everyday Takeaways • Approach Scripture whole: Genesis to Revelation tells one redemption story. • Let Leviticus raise your awe for Christ’s blood that cleanses “once for all” (Hebrews 7:27). • Pursue practical purity—habits, thoughts, relationships—because the God who indwelt Israel now indwells you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). |
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