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THE HOLINESS OF GOD, NEED FOR ATONEMENT

February 2, 2025
General

I. The Call of God (v.1-2)

A. Divine Initiation

  1. The Lord calls Moses—this is not human initiative but divine revelation.
  2. God speaks from the tent of meeting, emphasizing His presence among His people.
  3. This reaffirms covenant relationship, reminding Israel of their unique status.
  4. The call is personal and national, given to Moses but meant for all Israel.

B. Sacred Instruction

  1. God commands Moses to instruct Israel, showing that worship is not left to human creativity.
  2. Offerings are to come from the herd or flock, reinforcing God’s provision.
  3. The offering is voluntary yet required, an act of devotion and obedience.
  4. Worship involves bringing something of value, not empty-handed service.

II. The Requirement of the Offering (v.3)

A. Specificity in Selection

  1. The offering must be male, symbolizing strength and representation.
  2. It must be without blemish, foreshadowing Christ’s perfection.
  3. The offering is chosen with care, not whatever is convenient.
  4. This teaches God’s standard of holiness, requiring the best.

B. The Purpose of Acceptance

  1. The offering is brought to the entrance, signifying access to God.
  2. Acceptance is granted by God, not assumed by the offerer.
  3. The act is personal, each person must bring their own sacrifice.
  4. Acceptance anticipates the work of Jesus, the ultimate offering.

III. The Act of Atonement (v.4)

A. Laying on of Hands

  1. The worshiper lays his hand on the animal’s head, symbolizing identification.
  2. This signifies the transfer of sin, making the sacrifice a substitute.
  3. It represents faith in God’s provision, an act of trust.
  4. This prefigures Christ bearing our sins, taking our place.

B. The Role of Atonement

  1. The offering is accepted for atonement, meaning it satisfies divine justice.
  2. Bloodshed is necessary for forgiveness, pointing to the cost of sin.
  3. This creates reconciliation with God, restoring fellowship.
  4. Christ is the fulfillment, making eternal atonement.

IV. The Ritual of Sacrifice (v.5-6)

A. Shedding of Blood

  1. The worshiper kills the animal, emphasizing personal responsibility.
  2. The priest sprinkles the blood, showing mediation between man and God.
  3. The altar represents God’s presence, where sin is dealt with.
  4. Blood is applied to the sides of the altar, indicating total surrender.

B. Preparation of the Offering

  1. The body is flayed and cut into pieces, symbolizing complete devotion.
  2. This reflects the totality of sacrifice, nothing is withheld.
  3. Jesus was completely given over, fulfilling this imagery.
  4. Worship involves a cost, requiring full surrender to God.

Alliteration in Understanding

  1. Call and Command – God initiates worship, defining its practice.
  2. Selection and Sacrifice – Only the best is acceptable before the Lord.
  3. Atonement and Application – Sin is transferred, and blood brings cleansing.
  4. Obedience and Offering – Worship requires surrender and full participation.

Conclusion

Leviticus 1:1-6 sets the foundation for sacrificial worship, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ. It establishes the principles of offering, substitution, and atonement, showing that sin requires a price, and only a blameless sacrifice can satisfy God’s justice. The act of sacrifice is not a ritual for ritual’s sake but a foreshadowing of the perfect work of Christ on the cross. This passage challenges believers to offer their best to God, surrender fully, and trust in the atoning work of Christ.