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Leviticus: Approaching a Holy God

A study of Leviticus, focusing on its themes of holiness, sacrifice, and atonement, and how they point to the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.

1. The Law of Offerings: Atonement and Access

1.1 The Burnt Offering: Complete Devotion

Verses: Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 6:8-13
  • Symbolizes complete consecration and surrender to God's will.
  • The offering was wholly consumed, representing total dedication.
  • Foreshadows Christ's perfect sacrifice, fully pleasing to God.

1.2 The Grain Offering: Service and Gratitude

Verses: Leviticus 2:1-16; Leviticus 6:14-23
  • Represents thankfulness for God's provision and the dedication of one's labor.
  • Often offered with oil and frankincense, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and prayer.
  • Highlights the importance of offering our talents and resources to God.

1.3 The Peace Offering: Fellowship and Communion

Verses: Leviticus 3:1-17; Leviticus 7:11-36
  • Expresses peace and fellowship with God and with others.
  • A portion was eaten by the offerer, symbolizing communion with God.
  • Illustrates the peace we have through Christ's sacrifice.

1.4 The Sin Offering: Atonement for Unintentional Sins

Verses: Leviticus 4:1-35; Leviticus 6:24-30
  • Dealt with unintentional sins, highlighting the need for continual cleansing.
  • The blood was applied to the altar, signifying atonement.
  • Points to Jesus as the ultimate sin offering, covering all our sins.

1.5 The Trespass Offering: Atonement for Wrongs Against God and Others

Verses: Leviticus 5:1-13; Leviticus 7:1-10
  • Addressed sins that involved restitution, emphasizing the importance of making amends.
  • Required both a sacrifice and repayment for the wrong committed.
  • Shows God's concern for justice and reconciliation.

2. The Priesthood: Mediators of Holiness

2.1 Consecration of the Priests: Set Apart for Service

Verses: Leviticus 8:1-36
  • Aaron and his sons were specifically chosen and set apart for the priesthood.
  • The consecration involved washing, clothing, and anointing with oil, symbolizing purification and empowerment.
  • Highlights the importance of being set apart for God's service.

2.2 Nadab and Abihu: The Consequences of Disobedience

Verses: Leviticus 10:1-20
  • Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire.
  • Demonstrates the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience.
  • Emphasizes the need to follow God's instructions precisely.

3. Clean and Unclean: Maintaining Holiness

3.1 Clean and Unclean Animals: Symbolic Distinctions

Verses: Leviticus 11:1-47
  • The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a symbolic representation of holiness and separation.
  • These laws taught the Israelites to be mindful of what they consumed and how it affected their relationship with God.
  • We are now cleansed by the blood, and are to live holy lives.

3.2 Uncleanness and Purification: Ritual Cleansing

Verses: Leviticus 12:1-8; Leviticus 15:1-33
  • Various bodily discharges and conditions rendered a person ceremonially unclean, requiring purification rituals.
  • These rituals symbolized the need for cleansing from sin and impurity.
  • Highlights the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual purity.

4. The Day of Atonement: A National Cleansing

4.1 The Rituals of Atonement: Cleansing the Sanctuary and the People

Verses: Leviticus 16:1-34
  • The high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people.
  • Two goats were used: one sacrificed and the other sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin.
  • Foreshadows Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate atonement for sin.

5. Holiness Code: Living a Set-Apart Life

5.1 Ethical and Moral Laws: Loving God and Neighbor

Verses: Leviticus 19:1-37
  • Emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness, compassion, and respect.
  • Includes commands to not steal, lie, or defraud, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
  • Reflects God's character and His desire for justice and righteousness.

5.2 The Appointed Feasts: Remembering God's Faithfulness

Verses: Leviticus 23:1-44
  • The feasts were appointed times to remember God's deliverance, provision, and covenant.
  • Included Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles.
  • These feasts pointed to Christ and the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption.