Author: drthomasclothier

Each Saturday, during this series on the atonement of Jesus Christ, I will submit some books for you to consider reading which concern the substitutionary atonement of and by Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners. Some of these books are by authors you may readily recognize. Others you may not. Some of the books are by contemporary authors and pastors. Others are by pastors and theologians from church history. All are beneficial.

Today’s book originates from a series of plenary session messages given by various pastors and theologians at the 2008 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, which is annually sponsored by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. The book, compiled by Editor Richard D. Phillips, is entitled Precious Blood:  The Atoning Work of Christ.

Richard Phillips writes in the preface that, “At the very heart of our Christian faith is a precious red substance: the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The sin-atoning death of Christ is remarkable for being at once most offensive to the world, most treasured by the church, most astonishing to the mind, and most stirring to the soul. Simply put, the one thing we would least expect to hear about God is that he sent his own Son to die for our sins. Thus it is Christ’s precious blood that puts the amazing into grace, puts the wonderful into the gospel, and puts the marvelous into God’s plan of salvation. There can be no greater truth to be faced than the gospel message of the cross, not greater mystery to be considered, and no greater comfort to be received. The cross is a theme that Christians will meditate on forever without exhausting its wonder, and of the cross God’s redeemed will sing glorious praise to unending ages.”  

The book is structured by two major divisions: Part 1: The Atonement in Biblical Revelation features a series of chapters addressing where the atonement of Jesus Christ is taught in the Scriptures. The chapter titles, and their respective authors, are as follows: 1. Necessary Blood, by Joel R. Beeke; 2. Redeeming Blood, by W. Robert Godfrey; 3. Atoning Blood, by Philip Graham Ryken; 4. Cleansing Blood, by Richard D. Phillips; 5. Offensive Blood, by W. Robert Godfrey; and 6. Precious Blood, by R. C. Sproul.

Part 2 examines The Atonement in Christian Thought. The chapter titles, and their respective authors, are also as follows. 7. Early Church Reflections on the Atonement, Derek W. H. Thomas; 8. The Medieval Achievement: Anselm on the Atonement, Philip Graham Ryken; 9. The Reformation Consensus on the Atonement, W. Robert Godfrey; 10. The Blood of Christ in Puritan Piety, Joel R. Beeke; 11. Post-Reformation Developments in the Doctrine of the Atonement, Carl R. Trueman and 12. Penal Substitutionary Atonement and its “Non-Violent” Critics, Richard D. Phillips.

Having attended several Philadelphia Conferences on Reformed Theology, I appreciate the various pastors and theologians who provide valuable and biblical insight to any given topic at this annual gathering. Reading this book gives the reader the sense of being at the 2008 conference. It will refresh the souls and minds of veteran believers and instruct and inspire those who come to grips with the cross of Christ for the very first time.

Whether you are familiar with all the contributing authors, or only some of them, you will be inspired, encouraged, enlightened and blessed. This is not only because of the ability of the men presenting the information, but also because of the subject which consumes the men presenting the information: the Lord Jesus Christ and His substitutionary atonement on the cross for His people.

Precious Blood:  The Atoning Work of Christ is published by Crossway Books and is available in various formats at Amazon.com.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

    

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.” (Isaiah 52:13-15)

As we examine the servant song of Yahweh from Isaiah 52:13-53:12, today’s verse is Isaiah 52:14: “As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—“ (Isaiah 52:14).

“As many were astonished at you.” The personal pronoun “you” continues to refer to the subject of Isaiah’s prophecy and God the Father’s revelation: the Servant of Yahweh.  The adjective “many” means a great number, numerous and abundant. Who are the many? They are most likely the people in “many nations” and their “kings” (v. 15).

The many will be “astonished” meaning appalled, horrified, and devastated. Why? This is because the execution of the Servant of Yahweh will be beyond human cruelty. Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “The Servant must undergo inhuman cruelty to the point that he no longer looks like a human being. His appearance is so awful that people look at him in astonishment (53:2–3; Ps. 22:6; Matt. 26:67; 27:30; John 19:3).”

“His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,” This statement provides further explanation for the preceding verb “astonished.” What the many will see will be a human figure so deformed and mutilated as to become repugnant and ugly to those who see Him. In fact, the Servant is so disfigured that He no longer looks like a human being.

Psalm 22:14-17 says, regarding the brutal crucifixion of the Christ, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;”

“And his form beyond that of the children of mankind—“The prophet invokes Hebrews poetic parallelism in order to further express Yahweh’s thoughts. The mutilated human appearance of the Servant who suffers such cruelty goes beyond that of anyone else who has ever lived. Perhaps this is an exaggeration, but given the full weight of what Jesus Christ experienced on the cross in bearing the sins of His people, it is most accurate.

John Calvin explains that, “The cause of their astonishment was this: that He (the Servant) dwelt among men without any outward show. The Jews did not think that the Redeemer would come in that condition or attire. When He came to be crucified, their horror was greatly increased.”

Isaiah 52:14 provides us with valuable background and insight to what the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:6-11. “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Why did the Christ experience such pain and suffering? Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In commenting on Hebrews 12:2 and Jesus’ enduring the cruelty of crucifixion, Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Jesus persevered so that he might receive the joy of accomplishment of the Father’s will and exaltation (cf. Heb. 1:9; Ps. 16:9–11; Luke 10:21–24). 

We must always remember that the atonement for our sins not only took place on a blood stained cross but also was experienced in the fresh spring air of an empty tomb.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.” (Isaiah 52:13-15)

As we examine the servant song of Yahweh from Isaiah 52:13-53:12, it is imperative that we not just gloss over the text, but rather examine each word closely. We will do so by studying the text one verse at a time. Today’s verse is Isaiah 52:13: Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted” (Isaiah 52:13).

The LORD God speaks through the Prophet Isaiah in the first person. He begins by saying, “Behold.” God is saying “Look,” “There,” “Now.” He is calling attention to an idea and emphasizing an idea. What the LORD means is “Do not miss what I am about to say.”

“My Servant shall act wisely.”  The LORD addresses the Servant as “my servant.” Whoever this servant is, He belongs to Yahweh. The noun “servant” is in the masculine gender so we may conclude that this servant is a man. He is also a bond-servant or slave. The meaning also conveys a worshipper of the One who is being served by the One who is doing the serving. Yahweh’s servant also will act wisely. He will behave with understanding and comprehension. He will have insight and prudence in serving Yahweh.

“He shall be high.” The Servant of Yahweh will be exalted in worship. He will be an object of worship. Whoever the servant is, He will not be an idol or a false God.

He will also be “lifted up.” This means to be in a lofty position. Lofty may refer to One who is noble, majestic and sublime.

He will also “be exalted.” This servant, in His personhood, will occupy a high and elevated position.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “Two important points are made in this verse: the Servant will act wisely, doing what the Lord wants Him to do, and He will be … highly exalted. His being lifted up refers not to the kind of death He died on the cross, but to His being exalted at God’s right hand (Phil. 2:9; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22).”

John Calvin writes, “He calls Christ ‘His Servant’ on account of the office committed to Him. Christ ought not to be regarded as a private individual, but as holding the office to which the Father has appointed Him; to be leader of the people and restorer of all things so that whatever He affirms concerning Himself we ought to understand as belonging also to us. Christ has been given to us, and therefore to us also belongs His ministry, for the Prophet (Isaiah) might have said, in a single word, that Christ will be exalted and will be highly honored; but, by giving Him the title of ‘Servant’ he means that He will be exalted for our sake.”

Mark 10:42-45 says, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Take time today to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for serving sinners by dying and rising from the dead on His people’s behalf. Thank Him that you belong to Him.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Friend, live near to the cross.” Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon wrote those words nearly a century and a half ago. He wanted Christians to never lose sight of the significance of the cross: not only as a historical fact but also as a  personal redemptive truth within their own lives. He encouraged believers to “take care that the theme of your conversation is the Lord Jesus.” In other words, to speak of the substitutionary atonement by Jesus Christ on the cross for sinners.

One way to always live near the cross is by singing songs about the cross of Christ. We addressed that subject yesterday and will offer other examples of wonderful music focused on the atonement in the days to come. 

One of the most important songs of the cross is contained in the Book of Isaiah, the prophet. It is found in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is the final of four Messianic Servant songs from Isaiah (42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11). As one commentator has written, “This section contains unarguable, incontrovertible proof that God is the author of Scripture and Jesus is the fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy. The details are so minute that no human could have predicted them by accident and no imposter fulfilled them by cunning.”

The song clearly refers to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, which is attested to in the New Testament (cf. Matthew 8:17; Mark 15:28; Luke 22:37; John 12:38; Acts 8:28–35; Romans 10:16; 1 Peter 2:21–25). This prophetical song is often alluded to in other biblical passages without being quoted (cf. Mark 9:12; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 3:5).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “The book of Isaiah is one of the most frequently quoted books in the New Testament. Jesus was born of a virgin in fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:23), and He declared that Isaiah 61:1 was fulfilled in His coming (Luke 4:18-21). Jesus is the promised Son of David and the triumphant King who ushers in a new kingdom of peace and justice (9:6-7; 11:1-2). His body is the new temple whose exaltation brings the nations to glorify God (John 2:19-21). Jesus is the Servant who is a light to the Gentiles (49:6). Isaiah 52:13-53:12, or course, is well known for its detailed description of the work of the Suffering Servant, the One who offers a perfect atonement for the sins of His people and provides for them the righteousness by which they are declared righteous in the sight of God. Phillip preached the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch from this passage (Acts 8:28-35).”

The song, beginning in Isaiah 52:13 and concluding in Isaiah 53:12, contains five sections (52:13-15; 53:1-3; 53:4-6; 53:7-9; 53:10-12) with three verses in each section. Each section contains a specific theme pertaining to the Messianic and Suffering Servant of Yahweh. The third section, Isaiah 53:4-6, is arguably the most significant and climatic of the entire discourse for it clearly portrays the doctrine of substitutionary atonement by the One who is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:1-7; John 12:41).

Beginning tomorrow, we will examine one section a day over the course of five days. We will not only examine the overall theme of each section, but also its particular content. As we do so, may each of us commit anew and afresh to live near to the cross.

Thank you for your faithful encouragement as we covenant together each day to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

  

 

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (Ephesians 5:18-19)

The Scriptures describe three distinct types of musical forms for which we can praise the Lord. They are referred, in Ephesians 5:19, as being psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Psalms are those praises which are taken directly from the Hebrew Psalter, otherwise known as the Old Testament Book of Psalms. Hymns are songs which focus almost exclusively on the person, character and work of God. Philippians 2:5-11 and Colossians 1:15-18 are two New Testament examples of hymns which the early church used to praise the person and work of Jesus Christ. Spiritual songs express a believer’s personal testimony and love for the Lord. The personal pronoun “I” predominates.

There is a rich wealth of music which speaks of the substitutionary atonement, or blood, of Jesus Christ. I’m sure you are familiar with many of them. These songs include such classics as And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Are You Washed in the Blood, Before the Throne of God Above, Jesus Paid it All, Man of Sorrows What a Name, Nothing but the Blood, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Redeemed: How I Love to Proclaim It, There is a Fountain Filled with Blood and Worthy is the Lamb (Thank You for the Cross Lord).

At the church where Diana and serve and are members, the minister of music has recently chosen a number of recent and excellent songs addressing the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ for the congregation to sing in the worship services. One such song is entitled Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery by Matt Boswell, Michael Bleecker, and Matt Papa (2013).

VERSE 1                                                                                                                                           Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King
He the theme of heaven’s praises
Robed in frail humanity

In our longing, in our darkness
Now the light of life has come
Look to Christ, who condescended
Took on flesh to ransom us

VERSE 2
Come behold the wondrous mystery
He the perfect Son of Man
In His living, in His suffering
Never trace nor stain of sin

See the true and better Adam
Come to save the hell-bound man
Christ the great and sure fulfillment
Of the law; in Him we stand

VERSE 3
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Christ the Lord upon the tree
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory

See the price of our redemption
See the Father’s plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold

VERSE 4
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Slain by death the God of life
But no grave could e’er restrain Him
Praise the Lord; He is alive!

What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes

What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes

I may have unintentionally left out one of your favorite hymns concerning the shed blood of Jesus Christ on behalf of His people.  If you are so led, let me know what hymn of Jesus’ atonement you regard as a favorite.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

“And this shall be a statute forever for you that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.” And Aaron did as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Leviticus 16:34)

Without dispute, the most important festival and celebration throughout Israel’s calendar year is Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. Observed on the tenth day of Israel’s seventh month, it involves atonement for the sins of the nation. In 2019, Yom Kippur will be observed on October 8-9. Although there is no directive for fasting, the Jews have continuously interpreted it as a time for fasting and prayer (cf. Psalm 35:13; Isaiah 58:3–5, 10). In the New Testament, the Day of Atonement was simply referred to as the “fast” (Acts 27:9). To the rabbis, it was known as the “Day” or the “Great Day.”

Leviticus 23:26-32 says, “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Now on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict yourselves and present a food offering to the LORD. And you shall not do any work on that very day, for it is a Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whoever is not afflicted on that very day shall be cut off from his people. And whoever does any work on that very day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall not do any work. It is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict yourselves. On the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath.”

What exactly was observed and accomplished on Yom Kippur? The definitive chapter regarding the Day of Atonement is found in Leviticus 16?

Dr. R. C. Sproul states that, “Besides the sacrifice of a bull on behalf of the priesthood, two goats were brought to the tabernacle/temple to deal with the sin of the entire nation (Lev. 16:6–10). One goat was killed and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat (vv. 15–19). This sacrifice on the Day of Atonement resulted in propitiation — the satisfaction of God’s wrath on a substitute in place of the people. The other goat, after hands were laid on it, was sent to Azazel in the wilderness and freed, probably meaning it was taken to a desolate mountain and killed (vv. 20–22). Here it is clear that expiation was accomplished. The sins of the people were taken away from Israel and away from the holy camp.

Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “Leviticus 16;1-34 covers the Day of Atonement (cf. Ex. 30:10; Lev. 23:26–32; Num. 29:7–11; Heb. 9:1–28), which was commanded to be observed annually (Lev. 16:34) to cover the sins of the nation, both corporately and individually (v. 17). Even with the most scrupulous observance of the required sacrifices, many sins and defilements still remained unacknowledged and, therefore, without specific expiation.  This special inclusive sacrifice was designed to cover all that (v. 33). The atonement was provided, but only those who were genuine in faith and repentance received its benefit, the forgiveness of God. That forgiveness was not based on any animal sacrifice, but on the One all sacrifices pictured—the Lord Jesus Christ and his perfect sacrifice on the cross (cf. Heb. 10:1–10). This holiest of all Israel’s festivals occurred in September/October on the tenth day of the seventh month (Lev.  16:29). It anticipated the ultimate high priest and the perfect sacrificial Lamb.

Hebrews 10:1-10 says, “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

The Day of Atonement was not just the observance of sacrifices offered to the LORD, but it was also to include the repentant hearts and broken spirits of the people due to their sin (Psalm 51:15-17). Our Day of Atonement occurred when Jesus was crucified (John 19:16-30). May each of us who call Jesus our Savior and Lord live a life of faith and repentance because of His substitutionary atonement on our behalf.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

Each Saturday, during this series on the atonement of Jesus Christ, I will submit some books for you to consider reading which concern the substitutionary atonement of and by Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners. Some of these books are by authors you may readily recognize. Others you may not. Some of the books are by contemporary authors and pastors. Others are by pastors and theologians from church history. All are beneficial.

Today’s book concerning the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ is by Anthony Carter and is entitled Bloodwork: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes our Salvation. Anthony J. Carter serves as the lead pastor of East Point Church in Atlanta, GA. He is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL.

Rev. Carter’s book is one of many that I have on my I-Pad. It is also one of many that I have concerning the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Following a heartfelt introduction, Rev. Carter examines the significance of the atonement Jesus provides through His shed blood on the cross. In fact, the first chapter of the book is entitled Our Bloody Religion. Carter explains that, “It (Christianity) is a bloody religion not because of the blood shed by people in wars and inquisitions, but because of the blood shed by Jesus Christ.”

The book’s subsequent chapters contain various aspects which concern the atonement of Christ. These various chapter titles contain specific verbs with each followed by the phrase “by the Blood.” These titles respectively include the verbs purchased, justified redeemed, brought near, pace, cleansed, sanctified, elect, ransomed and freed. Carter also includes a chapter on the doctrine of propitiation.

There are two appendices. The second contains classic hymns containing the theme of the blood of Christ and His substitutionary atonement for His people. The first appendix contains a recent hymn entitled O Precious Blood (East Point Music 2009). The lyrics are as follows:

O precious blood, which makes us clean                                                                                        we trust in it only this hour,                                                                                                            And since our Savior’s sacrifice                                                                                                     now o’er me sin has lost its power.

It’s not on us our God does look                                                                                                        for nothing in us pleasing be,                                                                                                      Instead He sees my Savior’s blood                                                                                                 and sees it even covers me.  

So pleasing is my Savior’s blood                                                                                                       no longer need I to depend,                                                                                                              on who I am and what I do                                                                                                               For by His blood I am let in.

Unto the blood of sprinkling come                                                                                              where better things of Him are said,                                                                                              the Lamb of God was crucified                                                                                                        My sins are placed upon His head.

It’s by His blood, His sacrifice                                                                                                          His love and his mercy given,                                                                                                        That we have hope in paradise,                                                                                                     Ever with our Lord in heaven.

Chorus

His blood does make the world appear,                                                                                        less delightful to all my eye,                                                                                                              He sacrificed to draw us near,                                                                                                           to worship Him with all my life.

Bloodwork: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes our Salvation is published by Reformation Trust, 2013. Purchasing information is accessible at Ligonier.org and ReformationTrust.com.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

“…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:15-16)

With the arrival of each New Year, many believers in Christ resolve to read the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation. There are many plans and procedures offered which seek to help people accomplish this noble task. For example, I read a portion from the Old Testament and the New Testament each day. My church suggests the reading of five chapters over a weekly five day period, beginning the plan with Genesis. Having two days off allows for the occasional lapse of scheduled reading because of busy calendars and unplanned interruptions such as illness.

However, what begins as an enthusiastic endeavor often tends to lose steam, so to speak, when one reaches the Book of Leviticus. Where Genesis and Exodus are filled with interesting stories and characters, Leviticus seems to bog down and become boring with the endless instructional litany of sacrifices and offerings. That type of response is most unfortunate.

The entire setting for the book is Israel’s encampment at Mount Sinai, where God gives His chosen people instructions on how to become a holy nation. Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Much of Leviticus underlines the moral standards that God expects of His people in for them to be holy as He is holy. While the coming of Jesus Christ and the creation of the church as a new dwelling-place for god impacts some of God’s instructions in Leviticus, the underlying moral expectations do no change. God still demands that His people should be holy as He is holy.”

The Book of Leviticus contains many rich, biblical themes. These themes include God’s divine presence in the lives of His people (26:12), His holiness and the aim of God’s people to “therefore, be holy, for I am holy” (11:45), and atonement through sacrifice (chs.1-7).

In fact, the theme of atonement through sacrifice begins the Book of Leviticus. Dr. Sproul says, “Caught between divine holiness and human sinfulness, the people’s paramount need is for atonement and cleansing. It is here that Leviticus has the most to teach Christians, since its ideas help explain the New Testament description of the atoning work of Christ, which is based primarily on the Passover sacrifice.”

 The following chart helps explain the relationship between the five Old Testament sacrificial offerings. These five offerings include (1) the Burnt offering; (2) the Grain Offering; (3) the Peace Offering; (4) the Sin Offering; and (5) the Guilt Offering.

 

Christ in the Levitical Offerings
Leviticus 1-7.
	Offering	Christ’s Provision	Christ’s Character
1.	Burnt Offering	Atonement	Christ’s sinless nature.
	(Lev. 1:3–17; 6:8–13)		(John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
2.	Grain Offering	Dedication/Consecration	Christ was wholly devoted to the Father’s purposes.
	(Lev. 2:1–16; 6:14–23)		(John 4:34; 8:28-29)
3.	Peace Offering	Reconciliation/Fellowship	Christ was at peace with God.
	(Lev. 3:1–17; 7:11–36)		(John 17:1-5; Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-5; 12-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
4.	Sin Offering	Propitiation	Christ’s substitutionary death.
	(Lev. 4:1–5:13; 6:24–30; 16:15)		(Romans 3:21-26; I John 2:1-2; 4:7-11)
5.	Guilt Offering	Repentance	Christ paid it all for redemption
	(Lev. 5:14–6:7; 7:1–10)		(Romans 3:21-26; I Corinthians 1:30-31; Galatians 3:13-14; 4:1-5; Ephesians 1:7-10; Colossians 1:13-14; Titus 2:11-14)
© 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

 Let me encourage you to reread Leviticus with a renewed sense of appreciation for the pictures of Christ in every sacrifice and offering.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!