We can learn some very valuable lessons by studying the sin offering in Lev 4:22-31. These details should cause us to appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins much more.
People Were Guilty of Sin
Notice the words and phrases used to describe what the person had done. v.22, 27.
- Sinned, sin. Sin is the transgression of the law.
- Through ignorance – ignorance of the law is no excuse (not only in the laws of men but also in the commandments of God).
- Against ANY of the commandments – Jas 2:10 For “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all”.
- Things which should not be done – reasonable laws, your own conscience should tell you.
- Guilty – justly chargeable with the transgression.
- Come to his knowledge, v.23, 28 – even if he’s not caught.
Notice the Bible doesn’t call this a lapse in judgment, a mistake, an oversight, an issue, or anything other than a sin. And notice that the person is guilty, and is to self-report, even if he was not charged.
People Had to Bring Their Own Offering
v. 23, 28 he shall bring his offering. This offering was a kid of the goats. Something that he cared for and loved, something that was helpless and innocent, something that cost him financially. You would “feel” the loss. This would be a great deterrent to sin.
And he had to bring it. That is, what had been private (your sin) was now made public because he had to bring this offering to the priest to be sacrificed for him. Now others would know.
The Offering Had to Be Without Blemish
So, this wasn’t just any kid of the goats, but a good one, v.23, 28. The sin had blemished the sinner. So, the offering had to be without blemish to atone for the blemish on the sinner. Jesus was without sin. He was the just who died for the unjust.
They Had to Lay their Hand Upon the Head of the Offering
v. 24, 29. This is so the sin on the person could be transferred to the offering. They would certainly “feel” their unworthiness and yet relief that the sin had been laid on something else. Our sin is laid on Jesus. You should meditate on this to decide to quit committing the sins that caused his death and to assure yourself that you’re sin has truly been transferred to him.
They had to Kill and Burn the Offering
v. 24, 29. Sin kills, Rom 6:23. The priest burned it upon the altar. This pictures death and hell. Jesus died for us and went to hell.
Then the Sin was Forgiven him
v. 26, 31. He was no longer guilty for the sin before God. Col 1:14 says, “In whom we have redemption though his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”.
When Jesus died, they saw the blood of the Lamb of God. Surely this affected Barabbas, the repentant thief, the centurion, and many responsible for his death (Acts 2:36-37 whom ye crucified).
We’re far removed in time from this sin offering and the offering of Jesus Christ. If you could “see” Jesus dying for you, you’d most likely get saved. Paul did. And seeing his suffering for you sin would be a great deterrent to future sin. You would “feel” it like the thief did.