The book of Leviticus is filled with types, pictures, and symbols of the Lord Jesus Christ. As is recorded in Hebrews, the law is a shadow of good things to come. Paul the apostle mentions this very same truth to the believers in Colosse. To state the obvious, a shadow is not the real thing. This likewise applies in the case of the various Levitical offerings, which could only cover sins, but not remove them. These offerings pictured a Biblical truth for sure, but they were signposts pointing to the final, ultimate sacrifice for sin. Only Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, could take away the sin of the world.
In Leviticus 8:14,15, we find that the blood of the sin offering had more than one purpose. It both purified the altar and sanctified it, thus enabling it to be a place for reconciliation to take place. We know that Jesus is the final sin offering. His blood was the only payment possible for sin. Because of His blood, all that turn to Him for forgiveness have their hearts purified by faith.
Believing that Jesus was made sin for me, that He bore the awful curse of my inability to keep the law of God, enables me to walk in newness of life. Jesus is my sanctification, my everything. As I behold Him as my sin offering, I’m both humbled and changed.
The price has been paid in full for you and me! Now, we can walk in love, free from condemnation. His sin offering is the work that starts and finishes our faith. What should our response be to such an incredible gift? Belief and loving obedience.
