Journey Through the Bible 4: Leviticus - Sacrifice for sin.

Readings: Leviticus 17:1-12 (Page 84)Hebrews 9:1-14 (Page 850)

1

2

Exodus: Learn to trust and obey.3

Four great Lessons from Leviticus

The holiness of God

The necessity for holy living

The great cost of atonement

The privilege and responsibility of presenting only the best to God

Leviticus

4

In a basic rural society animals are the means of life and wealth.

5

LeviticusWhy animal sacrifice?

To give a whole animal was very costly.

Only the best animals could be offered.

Principle: Only the best is good enough for God.

Leviticus

6

Giving the first 10% to God is like giving the best part to Him.

Giving God what we don’t need is not an acceptable sacrifice.

Only the best is good enough for our most Holy God.

Leviticus

7

In God’s moral government physical and eternal death must be the penalty of sin.(Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:4)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The fact that God requires such a terrible punishment teaches us just how terrible sin really is.

Why did God require sacrifices?

8

God loves sinful people.

He set up in the Law the principle that the penalty for sin can be carried by a substitute.

This is the principle on which the system of sacrifices is built.

Why did God require sacrifices?

9

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’” (Leviticus 17:11, NKJV)

Atonement means “covering over” sin.

Sin could be covered over by a perfect substitute.

Animals offered to God had to be physically perfect.

Why did God require sacrifices?

10

The Sacrifice of JesusJesus was the perfect sinless Son of God.

Jesus was the substitute Who dies in our place.

Jesus shed His Blood and died in our place to atone for our sin.

11

The Sacrifice of Jesus“How much more, then, will the Blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14, NIV84)

12

Four Kinds of Sacrifice in Leviticus

• Burnt offering (Lev.6) - total and complete sacrifice.

• Points to Christ’s complete offering of Himself.

• “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39, NIV84)

13

Four Kinds of Sacrifice in Leviticus• “During the days of Jesus’ life on

earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:7–9, NIV84)

14

Four Kinds of Sacrifice in Leviticus• The Grain offering (Lev.6) made

into bread without yeast and burnt.

• Points to Jesus, sinless life and work.

• “Then Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35, NIV84)

15

Four Kinds of Sacrifice in Leviticus

• The Peace (Fellowship) Offering (Lev 7): Free will love

and thanksgiving.

• Points to fellowship believers have with God through the sacrifice on the cross.

• “Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23, NIV84)

16

Four Kinds of Sacrifice in Leviticus

• The Sin Offering (Lev.7): Offered in repentance.

• Points to Christ’s sacrifice that took our guilt and sin.

• “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the Blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His Body, and since we have a great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19–22, NIV84)

17

Anointing the High Priest

“Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot.” (Leviticus 8:23, NIV84)

18

Leviticus chapters 11-27Laws governing:

Morality

Hygiene,

Food

Social responsibilities

Festivals

19

The Message of Leviticus

1. The Holiness of God.

2. The need for Holy living.

3. The great cost of atonement.

4.Only offer to God the best.

20