13 September Leviticus 4

Jesus, the ultimate sin offer

Leviticus 4:1-3 (AMP) “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them— 3 if the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, then he shall offer to the Lord a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed”.

The Sin Offering in Leviticus 4 has more to do with maintaining communion than establishing union with God. All sins were forgiven based on the blood placed upon the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement. The Sin Offering usually is the first offering. The principle is that before we can come to worship the true God, we must obtain salvation and forgive our sins.

The Hebrew phrase for “sin offering” literally means “fault offering.” The sin offering was made for sins committed in ignorance or unintentional sins. This offering poignantly represents Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the sins of the world. He was a “lamb without blemish.” Ephesians 1:7 (AMP) “In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace”.

As with all the offerings, the Sin Offering speaks of Christ. It is a picture of the Lord Jesus, who, through His once-for-all sacrifice, has put away the sins of the world. Hebrews 10:11-14 (AMP) “Every priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able to strip away sins [that envelop and cover us]; whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honour], waiting from that time onward until his enemies are made a footstool for His feet. For by the one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified [bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]”.

Puls writes to the Galatians in Chapter 1:4 (AMP) “who gave Himself [as a sacrifice to atone] for our sins [to save and sanctify us] so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father”. Sin offerings are no longer required because we have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:19 (ESV) “but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot”.

In conclusion, the sin offering detailed in Leviticus 4 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. While the ancient Israelites offered unblemished animals to atone for their sins and maintain communion with God, these rituals pointed to the perfect and final offering—Jesus, the Lamb of God. His sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirement for sin, offering complete redemption and forgiveness for all who believe. Through His blood, we are cleansed and brought into eternal union with God, no longer needing continual sacrifices, for His one offering has perfected us forever.