Bridging the Gap: From Old Testament Sacrifices to New Testament Faith
Lev 4:14 When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.
As we begin our reading through the book of Leviticus, it will be interesting to note the many sin-specific offerings that were required repetitively under the Mosaic law in order to make atonement for sins. Yet, even then, to “cover all the bases” we see an offering for sins of ignorance as well. Now, as good as that sounds, let’s not forget what Heb 10:4 says; “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.” You see, under the law, these sacrifices were only a temporary covering of sin, not a permanent solution. Each year, the sins of that new year, as well as all years prior, were uncovered, and atonement had to be made yet again! Therefore, no matter what sin it was, whether it was willful or ignorant, they couldn’t keep their sins covered. Gal 3:24-25 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” The truth is, the law in and of itself was not the remedy for sin, but only an introductory course to point us to an all-sufficient Saviour! Question: Were ANY of the old-testament saints JUSTIFIED by the law, or of the blood of bulls and goats? Our answer is found in Gal 3:21-22! Friends, the only way to be justified before a Holy God is to put your faith in Christ! It is HE of whom it was said, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb 10:14). In other words, it always has been by faith, and it always will be by faith! The Cross takes center stage throughout all of history, as those before Christ looked FORWARD to the cross, and those after Christ look BACK to the cross! It’s Christ, and Christ ALONE that saves sinners! And may I say, He does a fine job! “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:10).
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
As we begin our reading through the book of Leviticus, it will be interesting to note the many sin-specific offerings that were required repetitively under the Mosaic law in order to make atonement for sins. Yet, even then, to “cover all the bases” we see an offering for sins of ignorance as well. Now, as good as that sounds, let’s not forget what Heb 10:4 says; “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.” You see, under the law, these sacrifices were only a temporary covering of sin, not a permanent solution. Each year, the sins of that new year, as well as all years prior, were uncovered, and atonement had to be made yet again! Therefore, no matter what sin it was, whether it was willful or ignorant, they couldn’t keep their sins covered. Gal 3:24-25 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” The truth is, the law in and of itself was not the remedy for sin, but only an introductory course to point us to an all-sufficient Saviour! Question: Were ANY of the old-testament saints JUSTIFIED by the law, or of the blood of bulls and goats? Our answer is found in Gal 3:21-22! Friends, the only way to be justified before a Holy God is to put your faith in Christ! It is HE of whom it was said, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb 10:14). In other words, it always has been by faith, and it always will be by faith! The Cross takes center stage throughout all of history, as those before Christ looked FORWARD to the cross, and those after Christ look BACK to the cross! It’s Christ, and Christ ALONE that saves sinners! And may I say, He does a fine job! “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:10).
~ Pastor Gary Caudill