Seeing Jesus in the Sin & Guilt Offerings

In chapters 4-5 of Leviticus the sin & guilt offerings are described. The purpose of these offerings was to deal with unintentional sins. Even though atonement was provided through the whole burnt offering, the daily sins of God’s people still needed to be dealt with. This was to be done by the worshiper placing his hand on the head of the animal being sacrificed (confession), the animal being slain and the blood sprinkled in front of the curtain to the Most Holy Place (barrier to God’s presence) and on the horns of the incense altar (prayer). Then the fat, liver and kidneys were offered on the bronze altar (place of forgiveness) while the rest of the animal was burned outside the camp (removal of guilt from the community). This all points to our need to confess our sins regularly, trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice for forgiveness, the cleansing of our conscience before God and a restoration of unhindered worship. Hebrews 10:20-22 explains, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.”

Are you struggling with a clear conscience today? Are there any sins you need to take the time and confess today so that you can worship God without the burden of unnecessary guilt and shame?