SHEPHERD TO SHEEP
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LEVITICAL
SACRIFICES IN CHRIST
It is common for the Christian to
stop reading the Old Testament when they come to the book of Leviticus. All those sacrifices seem so ritualistic and
unrelated to the Christian life. But
once you find out their significance in Christ they take on a greater meaning
and makes you grateful for all Jesus has done for us as the Lamb of God that
has taken away our sins! (John 1:29)
- BURNT OFFERING (Lev 1:1-17) - Significance in Christ: Foreshadows
the total sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. (Heb
9:14) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot to God… Significance for the believer: It symbolizes
that the worshiper must be wholly dedicated to God without reserve. (Rom 12:1) I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
- GRAIN OFFERING (Lev 2:1-16) – Significance in Christ: Represents
Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The
flour was beaten fine as Christ was beaten for our sins. (Isa 53:5) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised
for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His
stripes we are healed. Significance for the believer: The believer, too,
has to be refined as a pure offering to the Lord. (Luke 22:31) And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has
asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
- PEACE OFFERING (Lev 3:1-17) – Significance in Christ: Through Christ’s
death man has been reconciled to God. (Rom
5:1)Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ. Significance
for the believer: We are at peace with God and we also have peace with one
another: (Eph 2:14) For He Himself is our
peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…
- SIN OFFERING (Lev 4:1-35) – Significance in Christ: Emphasizes the
death of Christ as a satisfactory substitutionary sacrifice. (2 Cor 5:21) For He made Him who knew no sin
to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Significance for the believer: No more does a
Christian have to feel guilty for their sins. (Eph 1:7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
- TRESPASS OFFERING (Lev 5:1-6:7) - Stresses that aspect of Christ’s
death which atones for the damage done by sin. (Isa 53:10) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to
grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin… Significance for the
believer: We will want to make things right with God and with those whom we’ve
sinned against. (Mat 5:23-24) Therefore
if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something
against you, 24 leave your gift there
before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and
then come and offer your gift.
Louie
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