How to Approach a Holy God
Through the Levitical Sacrifices
The Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:24
/ The OfferingPrice/ Procedure /
Purpose
/A Picture of Jesus Christ
/The Point for Believers Today
Leviticus 1 / BURNT Offering· Voluntary
· Soothing Aroma / GIVE ALL TO THE LORD
IDENTIFICATION: The sinner placed his hands upon the head of the animal that it may be accepted to make atonement on his behalf.
EXCHANGE OF LIFE PRINCIPLE: The death of the animal paid the price of a man’s sin. The animal’s life was then symbolically transferred to the man. / Jesus’ dedication to His Father was 100% complete.
John 8:29
“And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”He humbled himself, obedient to death.
Philippians 2:8
Matthew 26:39
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” / Do I lay down my life in total dedication to God?Romans 12:1-2
I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Leviticus 2 / GRAIN Offering
· Voluntary
· Soothing Aroma
(except fresh grain) /
DEDICATION OF LABOR
Honey was prohibited because it promoted the leavening process.Salt prohibited leavening / Jesus took the difficult path of hard labor & of unselfish service. His character was without sin, a fragrant offering.
Matthew 3:17
A voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. /Do I use my energy to serve God?
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.Leviticus 3, 7 / PEACE Offering
· Voluntary
· Soothing Aroma / FESTIVE MEAL
of THANKSGIVING / Jesus made peace between God & man.
Colossians 1:20
Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, [to reconcile] whether things on earth or things in heaven.Jesus unified Jew & Gentile.
Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall / Do I fellowship with Jesus?Rev 3
I knock at the door, desire to sup with youRomans 5:1
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,Ephesians 2:17
And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near;Leviticus 4-5 / SIN Offering
· Required
· For common person, Soothing Aroma /
ADMIT SIN
IDENTIFICATION: The sinner placed his hands upon the head of the animal as he confessed his sin (symbolically transferring his sin to the animal).EXCHANGE OF LIFE PRINCIPLE: The death of the animal paid the price of a man’s sin. The animal’s life was then symbolically transferred to the man.
Different status of sinners:
Priests, most accountable group: bull
All Israel, rep. by elders: bull
Civil Leader:
male goat (bronze altar)
Common Person:
varied: depended upon economic ability (bronze altar) / In God’s mercy,
He provided redemption for man through Jesus Christ.Isaiah 53:6
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.
1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.Hebrews 13:12
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. /Do I agree with God about my sin?
John 16:8“And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment;
Do I walk in His newness of life?
. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.------
James 3:1
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.Lev 5, 6 / GUILT Offering
· Required /
Re-Pay GOD and Man
The offering restored the damage caused to man and God (His law).Restore to the victim: principal + 20%
Given to God: Ram, without defect (~$250) /
Isaiah 53:10
But the Lord was pleasedTo crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, /