Text: Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 9:11-14
Introduction: Scripture Reading- Leviticus 16:5-16
- The Day of Atonement, when the high priest made sacrifices for the sins of the people, foreshadowed the perfect atonement Jesus would make once for all.
I. The Day of Atonement and the High Priest
- Leviticus 16:1-34: The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies, offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people.
Atonement (OT) kaw-far'
A primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel: - appease, make (an) atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, to pitch, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile (-liation).
- This was a necessary ritual to appease the wrath of God.
II. Christ, Our Perfect High Priest
- Hebrews 9:11-28: Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary and offered His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us.
Christ’s Law/The New Testament:
A person’s will, specifically pertaining to their personal property. (New Testament: what Christ wanted for His church, His people)
Evidence to a fact. (New Testament: evidence of God’s love; Jn. 3:16)
- Jesus’ sacrifice is the final and perfect (complete) atonement for sin.
III. The Fullness of Christ’s Atonement
- Hebrews 10:10-24: Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, fully satisfying the wrath of God and securing eternal life for obedient believers.
Heb. 10:30-31 “30. For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Conclusion:
- The Day of Atonement was a shadow of the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, through His blood, brings full forgiveness and reconciliation to God.
- Aaron had to cleanse himself and his family before he could offer atonement for all the people. Jesus was a man that had no sin and was able to be the pure blood itself to offer atonement for the sins of all men once.
- Atonement under the Law was only affective if the priest did the work they were supposed to and if the people offered the sacrifices they were supposed to and if all were obedient to God. The same is true under Christ. Christ’s atonement is only affective when people are obedient to his will accepting that gift of cleansing blood that he offers.
- Invitation