A whole catalogue of sins seems to be involved, both against God and against one’s neighbor, in obeying/observing the intricacies of the trespass offering. (Frankly, I am still studying this list! A bit confusing, on my part, but discernable for sure. Especially knowing that “all Scripture is profitable!” As Paul taught us in 2 Timothy 3:16.)

But today I want to notice with you another unique trait of the trespass offering that sets it apart from all the others (the burnt, meat, peace and even sin offerings).

“And he (the sinning, offending Jew, the worshipper) shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and SHALL ADD THE FIFTH PART THERETO, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.” Leviticus 5:16

The clause “add the fifth part thereto” is unprecedented in Mosaic Law! When an thoughtless Jew had “wronged” a friend … like borrowing his axe and then losing it … he had to re-pay the full amount he cost his friend, essentially replacing the tool … plus a “double tithe” (20%) extra!

Wow!

Now, and here is the “thrilling” thing about this specification, this commandment … ALL THESE OFFERINGS PICTURE JESUS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!

Thus … Jesus, on the Cross, has become my “trespass offering!”

As I understand it, He repaid the “debt” I had incurred (all my sin, rebellion) against an Almighty God … “satisfying” the Righteousness of God in doing so! So much so that I am no longer spiritually bankrupt! No longer in bad standing with God! (Jesus took my sin, debt, offense … and washed it all away in His precious Blood … thereby making me a “friend” of God rather than an “enemy!”)

But …

There is more! He pleased His Father on Calvary, paying back the heavy debt of every sin in my heart (past and present and future) … plus even more!

He (somehow) more than atoned from my iniquity!

This too. He not only forgave us (who have been saved, trusted His vicarious Death on Calvary) … absolving us of the “sin” Adam bequeathed us! Jesus did even more!

I believe He on the Cross procured MORE for us old ex-sinners than Adam ever stole from us way back in Eden!

How much more?

Well, I’d say at least “one fifth” more!

In Isaiah 53, that great chapter about Jesus’ Death, verse 10 thunders: “Thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.” God the Father is being addressed! “Thou (Father) shalt make his soul (Jesus’ Soul) an offering for sin.” And the Hebrew noun used to translate “offering for sin” is “asham!” Elsewhere in the King James Version … “trespass offering!” (A total of 34 times, to be exact!)

What a Saviour!

He has restored more than we lost! (Both Godward and man-ward this is certainly true.)

There’s much more to learn here, tomorrow, the Lord willing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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