Read Leviticus 4
Highlights:
Again Moses: Speak unto the children of Israel (Lev. 4:2). People guilty of sin can approach the Holy Creator God who provides forgiveness for all sin and eternal life through Christ!
There were certain conditions necessary to make a Sin Offering acceptable to God. All sacrifices must be without blemish (Lev. 4:3). Every man had to also bring his own sacrifice to God. The worshiper had to offer it willingly and take a personal part by laying his hands on the head of his sacrifice to make it representative of his sins. Then he slew the animal, and the body of this sin offering was burned without (outside) the camp. The camp must not be defiled, because the Lord dwelt in its midst (Num. 5:3). But only the priest could offer the blood sacrifice. Requirements of the sin offering were: If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the Commandments of the Lord . . . let him bring for his sin . . . a young bullock without blemish unto the Lord for a Sin Offering. . . . Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out (Lev. 4:2-3,12).
In other offerings, the offerer came as a worshiper, but here he came as a convicted sinner. The Sin Offering was a distinct witness to the fact that sin exists within the heart of all mankind (Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:23, 5:12). God has provided just one Sacrifice for sin under the New Covenant which can redeem and restore a sinner. He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21).
To demonstrate its seriousness, if a priest sinned, his sacrifice was the same as that of the whole congregation (Lev. 4:14,23). Christians are a royal priesthood (I Pet. 2:9) and have a similar influence and an obligation to abstain from fleshly lusts (2:11).
The Sin Offering typified Christ who would die in the sinner's place. Animal sacrifices served their purpose until Christ shed His sinless blood on the cross for man's sins (Heb. 10:10). Today, by faith the sinner believes that Jesus died in his place and receives Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. Once this is true, we then should present your (our) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your (our) reasonable service (Rom. 12:1).
Without shedding of blood is no remission (of sin) (Heb. 9:22). True repentance will result in obedience to the Word of God, and will be evidenced by our daily conduct. Faith without works is dead (James 2:20).
Thought for Today:
Almost all things are by the Law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22).
Christ Revealed:
Through the body of the young bull which was burned without the camp (Lev. 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered without the gate (Heb. 13:11-12).
Word Studies:
5:3 it be hid from him he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear of a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder in two parts; 5:17 wist it not was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship partnership.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) • Country: Spain (39.6 million) in southwestern Europe • Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan • Limited religious freedom • 85% Roman Catholicism; 1% Islam; .5% Protestant; .5% Jehovah's Witness; 13% Other (Mormon, Jewish, Secular Humanist) • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: Mark 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6