Lecture on Leviticus and Sacrifice

Introduction

• Speaker: Stef, substituting for IVA.
• IVA is absent due to personal reasons; took the opportunity to see her grandchild.
• Stef appreciates IVA's dedication to training future Bible teachers.

Prayer

• Opening prayer asking for guidance and clarity from the Holy Spirit.

Overview of Leviticus

• Leviticus: Known for lacking narratives, often seen as difficult to read.
• Goal: To create excitement about reading Leviticus by understanding its depth.

Sacrifice in the Bible

• Creation Era: Adam and Eve's first sacrifice post-fall.
• Cain and Abel: First instance of blood sacrifice being accepted.
• Noah: Sacrificed clean animals post-flood.
• Patriarch Era: Altars built by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Exodus Era: Passover sacrifice to avoid the death of the firstborn.

Importance of Sacrifice

• Leviticus 17:11: Blood is necessary for atonement; it represents life.
• Concept: Sin results in death, which can only be atoned through life (blood).

Themes in Leviticus

• Holiness: God is holy, and man is sinful, requiring blood and atonement.
• Atonement: Repeated emphasis on atonement through sacrifice.
• Holiness and Cleanliness: Detailed laws about external and internal cleanliness.

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

• High Priest's Role: Sacrifices for his own sins and sins of the people.
• Two Goats: One sacrificed for sins, and the other (scapegoat) bears and removes sins.
• Significance: Temporary covering of sins; points to the need for a permanent solution.

Holiness Instructions

• Laws on Holiness: Includes dietary laws, sexual ethics, and general conduct.
• Separation from Nations: Israelites called to be distinct from surrounding nations.

Jesus and the Day of Atonement

• Hebrews Connection: Jesus as the final sacrifice, high priest, and scapegoat.
• Jesus’ Sacrifice: Once for all, fulfilling the requirements outlined in Leviticus.

Practical Implications

• Holiness for Believers: Encouraged to live holy lives, aware of sin and its cost.
• Continuous Cleansing: Importance of repentance and keeping short accounts with God.

Conclusion

• Encouragement: See Leviticus as a beautiful picture of God's plan and Jesus’ sacrifice.
• Call to Action: Reflect on one's standing with God and ensure salvation.

Closing Prayer

• Thankfulness for the teachings and insights from the Book of Leviticus.