Why is it crucial to seek forgiveness for unintentional sins, as shown in Leviticus? The context of Leviticus 4:20 “Thus he shall do with this bull just as he did with the bull of the sin offering; he shall do the same with it. So the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.” Leviticus 4 establishes the “sin offering” for “unintentional sins” (vv. 1–2). The priest acts as mediator, applying the blood to the altar, then burning the remainder outside the camp (vv. 6–12). Verse 20 summarizes the result: atonement and forgiveness—showing that even sins committed in ignorance break fellowship with God and must be dealt with. Why unintentional sin still demands atonement • God’s holiness is uncompromising (Leviticus 11:44). Any deviation—intentional or not—violates His standard. • Sin, by definition, misses the mark (Romans 3:23). Ignorance does not erase the offense. • Unaddressed sin defiles the community (Leviticus 4:3, 13). One person’s oversight can bring collective guilt. • Scripture equates concealed fault with open rebellion once it is exposed (Leviticus 5:17; Numbers 15:27–28). • Forgiveness requires blood (Hebrews 9:22). The sin offering prefigured the necessity of substitutionary sacrifice. What the sin offering teaches about forgiveness 1. Recognition – The offender had to realize the wrong (Leviticus 4:14). 2. Representation – An unblemished animal bore the guilt (v. 23). 3. Repentance – The laying on of hands confessed transfer of sin (v. 4). 4. Removal – Blood covered the altar; the carcass was taken outside (vv. 7, 12). 5. Restoration – “They will be forgiven” (v. 20). Relationship was repaired. Foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice • Yearly animal sacrifices anticipated “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • Hebrews 9:7, 11–14 contrasts repeated offerings with Messiah’s once-for-all atonement. • Isaiah 53:6 shows our iniquity laid on Him—the ultimate fulfillment of the hand-laying ritual. • 1 Peter 1:18-19 underscores that we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Consequences of ignoring hidden faults today • Spiritual dullness: cherished “unknown” sin clouds discernment (Psalm 19:12-13). • Loss of fellowship: even unnoticed sin grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). • Discipline: God corrects His children (Hebrews 12:5-11); unconfessed sin invites it (Luke 12:47-48). • Witness damage: the church’s purity affects its testimony (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Living out continual cleansing • Invite the Spirit’s searchlight (Psalm 139:23-24). • Compare choices with Scripture daily (James 1:23-25). • Confess promptly: “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). • Rest in Christ’s finished work while pursuing practical holiness (Hebrews 10:14; 1 John 2:1-2). Key takeaways • God’s standard doesn’t adjust to our awareness. • Forgiveness is graciously offered but never automatic; it rests on shed blood. • The Old Testament sin offering points to Christ, urging believers to seek cleansing even for faults they did not intend. |
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