Why is the offering process important for forgiveness in Leviticus 4:23? The Setting of Leviticus 4:23 • Leviticus 4 outlines God’s instructions for a “sin offering” when unintentional sin is discovered. • Verse 23 focuses on a leader in Israel who realizes his wrongdoing: “and the sin that he has committed is made known, he shall bring an unblemished male goat as his offering.” Step-by-Step Examination of the Offering 1. Sin becomes known – the sinner gains awareness. 2. Personal action – “he shall bring” the sacrifice himself. 3. The sacrifice chosen – “an unblemished male goat.” 4. Hands are laid on the animal’s head (v. 24) to identify it as the substitute. 5. The goat is slaughtered; its blood is applied to the altar (v. 25). 6. Fat portions are burned on the altar (v. 26). 7. Result: “the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:26) Why Each Step Matters for Forgiveness • Awareness of Sin – Forgiveness follows confession; hidden sin is unresolved (Psalm 32:5). • Personal Responsibility – The sinner must come to God on God’s terms, illustrating genuine repentance. • Unblemished Substitute – Only a flawless sacrifice pictures full moral purity (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Substitutionary Death – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” (Leviticus 17:11) • Mediation through the Priest – Points to the necessity of a go-between, anticipating our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:25-27). • Divine Assurance – God Himself declares, “he will be forgiven,” confirming that atonement is accepted. Underlying Principles About Sin and Atonement • Sin always requires a payment (Hebrews 9:22). • God provides the payment, revealing both justice and mercy. • The process cultivates humility and reverence; sin is never trivial in God’s sight. • Repetition of offerings taught Israel to yearn for a once-for-all solution. Connections to the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 53:5-6 – the prophetic picture of the ultimate substitute. • John 1:29 – Jesus announced as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” • Hebrews 10:4-10 – animal sacrifices could only foreshadow Christ’s decisive sacrifice. • 1 John 1:7 – believers now experience cleansing through “the blood of Jesus His Son.” Living It Out Today • Take sin seriously; let God’s Word expose it rather than hide it (Hebrews 4:12-13). • Rely on Christ’s finished work with the same urgency Israel showed in bringing an offering. • Rest in God’s promise that, once atonement is applied, forgiveness is sure (Romans 8:1). |
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