One commentator I read for this Lesson says that the sin offering is the most important of them all! It introduces to us (as its fundamental emphasis) the idea of atonement. (Other offerings may “whisper” it, but this one “shouts” it!)
I have found that many, many times as Israel worshipped God … as she offered her burnt offerings and peace offerings … the sin offering was also proffered (at the same occasion) and was offered first on that occasion!
When Aaron was inaugurated as Israel’s first High Priest, for example … and watch the sequence here … “And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the SIN offering, and the BURNT offering, and PEACE offerings.” Leviticus 9:22 … even though the burnt offering and the peace offering (both) were discussed before the sin offering was introduced … in Leviticus chapters 1-7. But clearly here … the sin offering is given the prominent place, first place!
The sin offering is the first in the whole palette of offerings (acceptable ways to approach God in worship) that highlights “sin” and its only method of “forgiveness,” that being “blood atonement!” (As in Hebrews 9:22 … “Without shedding of blood is no remission.”)
The burnt offering … Jesus’ total dedication to His Father, even on Calvary!
The meat (meal) offering … Jesus as perfect in His LIFE, even prior to His Death!
The peace offering … Jesus as our Means of fellowship with the Father and the Holy Spirit … and frankly, with our Christian brothers and sisters as well!
Then (and not until Leviticus chapter 4, though lapping over into chapter 5) comes mention and discussion (and instruction, in much detail) of the sin offering … and its vital Truth about an innocent animals having to die (bloodshed) for the covering (atonement) of sins!
Jesus, on Calvary, becomes our SIN OFFERING!
God there (on the Cross) made Jesus “to be sin” for us! (See 2 Corinthians 5:21 for absolute “proof.”)
Jesus is that innocent Sacrifice … symbolically pictured by the little lambs or huge oxen or inexpensive doves!
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity (sin) of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
By the way, the sin offering is also the offering Israel most often seemed to forget, or let slide a bit! Because man does not like to focus on his own filthy transgressions!
Wow!
And I still this morning have not discussed what I thought would be the main thrust of this Lesson!
That being the different grades of animals allowed for the sin offering … depending on WHO was making the sacrifice, who the worshipper (confessor of sins) was!
That tomorrow, the Lord willing.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
God (surprisingly) to Cain, after he had murdered his own brother Abel … “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, SIN (“chattaah”) lieth at the door.” Genesis 4:3, where the noun “sin” can be translated “sin offering.” (In fact, “chattaah” is translated “sin offering” 116 times in the King James Version of the Bible!) God was offering Cain forgiveness, even after his committing such a cruel act!
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