I soon plan to preach a Series of Sermons based some of the “Greatest Paragraphs of Paul!” Sort of highlighting what I feel are the most fundamental Doctrines Paul ever taught.

Among those … I have discovered what I’m pretty sure is a reference to Leviticus chapter 3, to its astounding “Peace Offering.”

We journey today to the Book of Romans, with Leviticus 3 in the background, though still in view.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thus Paul exults in Romans 5:1.

Look at that Verse!

First, we have been justified. We have come to God by faith, trusting the shed Blood of Jesus to wash away our sin(s)! This step is only possible because of Jesus, God’s “delightful, sinless, totally dedicated Son.” That’s the Truth behind the “Burnt Offering” of Leviticus chapter 1.

Second (though not mentioned until Romans 5:10) we think of the beautiful LIFE Jesus lived, even prior to His Death on Calvary! There Paul writes “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS LIFE.” This is the central Lesson of the Meat (Meal) Offering of Leviticus chapter 2.

Now third, the Peace Offering is in Paul’s mind. Back to Romans 5:1 … “Therefore being justified by faith, WE HAVE PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Peace Offering … where in type we sit down with God and enjoy fellowship, eating together as it were at the foot of the old rugged Cross!

Hallelujah!

These five Offerings (we have only noticed three of them, so far) work their way into the overall Fabric of Scripture again and again! Leviticus to Revelation, and even foreshadowings of them all the way back to the Garden of Eden, to the Passover, and such.

Then too, with the Peace Offering still in mind … Isaiah 53:5 thunders: “But he (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our PEACE was upon him.” Amazing, no doubt a reference or allusion to the very Offering we’re studying!

I today enjoy Peace with God … because of JESUS!

I can commune, fellowship with God Almighty … via the Death our Saviour suffered on Calvary!

I think 1 John 1:1-3 says this well, where that precious old Apostle is testifying: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, THAT YE ALSO MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US: and TRULY OUR FELLOWSHIP IS WITH THE FATHER, AND WITH HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.”

Glory to God!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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