I am again amazed as I read Leviticus 16, though it only encompasses 34 verses … this time because of the two “Offerings” given God during the various “Day of Atonement” Acts of Worship. (Our chapter mentions only two of the five offerings we have studied, Leviticus chapters 1-7.)

Verse 3 begins the holy “list” … each offering “heavy” with meaning, with import … “Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a SIN OFFERING, and a ram for a BURNT OFFERING.”

My question is … WHY these two and these two only?

And the answer is … because of the TYPICAL TEACHING of these specific Offerings.

First notice … that the order of the Offerings is reversed on the Day of Atonement.

In their original presentation the BURNT OFFERING was taught first, Leviticus chapter 1. And the SIN OFFERING was taught fourth, next-to-last, Leviticus chapter 4.

But on this High and Holy Day … the SIN OFFERING is clearly to be slain first. And the BURNT OFFERING later!

Paul believes God wants everything done “decently and in order.” According to 1 Corinthians 14:40. But here (with these two Offerings) He has reversed His Order! Not without reason, I suggest.

In the order of the Offerings as presented in Leviticus 1-5 (chapters 6 and 7 merely add additional criteria to the previously studied Offerings) … is viewed from God’s Viewpoint! (As in, sequentially; Burnt, Meat, Peace, Sin and Trespass Offerings)

But man (us sinners or ex-sinners) must apply the Offerings in the opposite direction … from the human viewpoint! (As in; Trespass, Sin, Peace, Meal and Burnt Offerings!)

Wow!

So on the Day of Atonement (for mankind’s sins) the order is (of necessity) … first the Sin Offering then finally, the Burnt Offering.

The Sin Offering speaks of forgiveness. Of God being appeased, satisfied … Blood Atonement!

While the Burn Offering speaks of dedication, sanctification, consecration … one being totally “given” to God in love and adoration and reverence.

Salvation first!

Then consecration!

And that is the order in which our relationship with God must develop!

You cannot present yourself unto Him as a “living sacrifice” … until first your sins are “gone!”

Wow!

How Wise is our great God!

How reasonable, too!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Don’t try to live for God … while you’re still lost. It’s impossible! You can’t live the Christian life … without first being born again!

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