Christ in Leviticus Old Testament Sacrifices Part 1

+ Christ in Leviticus Old Testament Sacrifices (Part 1)

INTRODUCTION v Studying and understanding the Old Testament helps us understand the New Testament. v OT sacrifices were a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. v Sin is serious and should not be taken lightly. v Sins are committed against God Himself.

Adam and Eve – The Original Sin They tried to cover up with fig leaves, but that was not enough. Covering up sins is not enough. v Consequence of Sin: v “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6: 23). An innocent Sacrifice needs to be offered on behalf of Adam and Eve, so they do not have to die. v God replaced the fig leaves with tunics of skin. Sacrifice of an innocent animal. v

What is a SACRIFICE? v The penalty of sin is death. v Sacrifice (shedding of blood) is needed to redeem the sinner from his sin. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” Heb 9: 22 v Blood stands for life. Forgiveness of sin costs life itself. v God gave the life of His own Son to show us the depth of His love when He forgives our sins.

THE IDEA OF SACRIFICE An innocent animal dies on behalf of a sinner. v The sinner comes to the door of the tabernacle with the “animal” sacrifice, places his hand upon it and confesses his sins. In doing so, the sins are transferred to the sacrifice. v The sinner acknowledges the concept of redemption: v an innocent sacrifice dies on behalf of the sinner who deserved to die because of his sin.

Background v Can you think of people in the OT who offered sacrifices to God? v Before the time of Moses: Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

Leviticus Book of Worship & Liturgical Work v Levi – one of the 12 tribes (sons) of Israel (Jacob). Aaron and his descendants came from this tribe. Their main role is Priesthood. v Exodus ended with the who and where of worship v who = God v where = Tabernacle v Leviticus v how deals with how and why of worship = Sacrifices & Priesthood v why = Holiness

Leviticus Main Theme is HOLINESS Key Words: § Atonement, 55 times § Holy, 90 times § Priest, 191 times § Offering, 331 times § Sacrifice, 44 times § Sin, 82 times Leviticus: Main People Moses § Aaron § Many types of sacrifices in Leviticus. Sin is complex and required many sacrifices and offerings. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ could not be symbolized with just one sacrifice.

Leviticus Book Outline: Chapters 1 -7: v Blood and offerings (Ch 1 -7) v Chapter 1: Burnt Offering v Priestly Mediators (Ch 8 -10) v Clean & Unclean (Ch 11 -15) v Day of Atonement (Ch 16) v The altar and holiness of blood (Ch 17) v Laws of holiness (Ch 18 -22) v Feasts & Free will offerings of Vows (Ch 23 -27) v Chapter 2: Grain Offering v Chapter 3: Peace Offering v Chapter 4: Sin Offering v Chapter 5: Guilt Offerings v Chapters 6 -7: More on Sin and Trespass Offerings

5 Different Sacrifices and Offerings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Burnt Offering: A sacrifice of obedience. Symbolizes the obedience and love offered on our behalf by our Lord Jesus (the Beloved Son). The Oblation Grain Offering: Symbolizes communion with God in His Son through the holy blood of Christ. The Sacrifice of Peace: Symbolizes life of eternal peace and thanksgiving. The Sacrifice Of Sin: Symbolizes constant washing away of our sins. The Guilt Offering: Symbolizes salvation from trespasses we committed.

v Animals used in Blood Sacrifices: (3 Types) v Bulls, sheep and goats. v Must be clean (only animals allowed to be eaten). v Must be pure and without blemish - symbol for Christ. v Birds: (2 Types) v Doves and Turtle doves v Symbol of chastity, and the simple life attained by the work of the Holy Spirit who appeared as a dove). v Grain offerings: such as flour, cakes, and wine v Related to blood offerings, and differed in quantity according to the kind of sacrifice they accompanied.

Lessons For Us From Leviticus God is holy and sin separates us from God. § We cannot ignore sin or try to cover it up. § Sin must be removed by a blameless sacrifice. § “Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” (Heb. 9: 22). v The sacrifice in the Old Testament was an animal which could not sin, and therefore it could substitute for the sinner. Being unable to sin is another symbol for v Christ, who is without sin. § Old Testament sacrifices were NOT enough for complete redemption. They needed to be offered repeatedly.

Lessons For Us From Leviticus There was need for a permanent sacrifice. § Levitical sacrifices symbolized Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. § Only the Sacrifice of Christ is complete and enough for ALL (past, present and future). There is no longer need for animal sacrifices. § The sacrifice of Christ paid for all the believers’ sins. § We confess our sins, because confession is a recognition that Christ died for that sin. § We receive forgiveness and enjoy our Lord’s redemption through repentance, confession, and communion. §