Day 48

Read: Leviticus 4:1 – 6:30

Today’s reading outlines the sin and guilt offerings, and highlights that even unintentional sins require atonement to maintain holiness before God. These sacrifices that required blood for cleansing and restitution for guilt/trespasses, point toward our redeemer, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate and sufficient sacrifice.

Unintentional sins – mistakes made in ignorance – still defile and must be addressed. Sin is not merely a mistake. Sin is a violation of God’s holy standard that requires a penalty. The sin offering serves as a sober reminder that sin brings serious consequences.

When a sinner brought an offering and laid their hands upon it, they were identifying with it and transferring their sin and guilt to the animal. This action was a form of confession, signifying that the sinner is relying on a substitute to bear the penalty.

The “guilt offering” requires making restitution plus twenty percent. This highlights that our sins not only affect our relationship with God but often harms others. True repentance involves making amends.

The “sin offering” was deemed the “most holy.” The blood, which purifies the sanctuary, points to the purification brought by Christ’s blood. Jesus, our High Priest and sacrifice, went “outside the camp” (like the sin offering) to bear our shame and reconcile us to God.

Do I take my sin seriously, or do I dismiss unintentional mistakes? 

How can I better show gratitude for the high cost Jesus paid for my forgiveness?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for providing a way to cleanse me from my sings through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in repentance, to make restitution where I have caused harm, and to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness. Amen.