Leviticus 6:7 – “In this way the priest will make atonement for them before the Lord, and they will be forgiven for any of the things they did that made them guilty.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 6:7 concludes the section on the guilt offering, emphasizing the role of the priest in making atonement for the sins of the people. The verse assures that when the prescribed steps are followed—restitution and the offering of a guilt sacrifice—God grants forgiveness. This forgiveness is not based on the merit of the sinner but on the faithfulness of God to accept the offering and the work of the priest who mediates between the sinner and God. The verse underscores the completeness of God’s forgiveness once atonement is made, offering peace and restoration to the individual who was once guilty.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was central to maintaining a right relationship with God. The guilt offering, described in the surrounding verses, was required when someone had sinned against another person or against God’s sacred things. The priest played a crucial role in this system, acting as the mediator who would offer the sacrifice on behalf of the sinner. This ritual was not just a religious formality; it was a deeply significant act that restored the sinner to a place of right standing before God. The assurance of forgiveness in Leviticus 6:7 would have been a profound comfort to the Israelites, providing them with a clear path to reconciliation with God.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 6:7 highlights several important theological truths. First, it teaches that sin requires atonement—there must be a payment or sacrifice to cover the offense. Second, it shows that forgiveness is available to those who follow God’s instructions for atonement. This verse also reveals that God is not only just but also merciful, willing to forgive those who come to Him with a sincere heart and the appropriate offering. The role of the priest in making atonement points to the need for a mediator between sinful humanity and a holy God, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 6:7 serves as a conclusion to the specific instructions on the guilt offering. The phrase “In this way” ties the verse directly to the previous commands, emphasizing the importance of following God’s prescribed method for atonement. The verse is written in a declarative form, providing assurance of forgiveness for those who obey God’s commands. The use of the word “atonement” signifies the covering or reconciliation of sin, while “they will be forgiven” offers the comforting promise of restored relationship with God. The literary structure reinforces the certainty and completeness of God’s forgiveness.
Biblical Cross-References
This verse resonates with other Scriptures that discuss atonement and forgiveness. For instance, Leviticus 17:11 explains that the life of a creature is in the blood, and it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life, pointing to the importance of a blood sacrifice in the process of forgiveness. In the New Testament, Hebrews 9:22 reiterates that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins, further connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:11 speaks of the reconciliation we now have through Jesus Christ, who is our atonement.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 6:7 is a reminder that forgiveness from God is not something we earn but something that is given through atonement. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle remains that sin separates us from God, and only through the appropriate sacrifice can we be reconciled to Him. For Christians, this sacrifice is found in Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate atonement for our sins. This verse encourages us to trust in the completeness of God’s forgiveness when we come to Him through Christ, reminding us that there is no sin too great that cannot be forgiven.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 6:7 reveals God’s love through His provision of a way to be forgiven. God, in His love, does not leave us in our guilt but provides a clear path to restoration. The sacrificial system, while it may seem harsh, was a way for God to demonstrate both His justice and His mercy. By requiring a sacrifice, God acknowledges the seriousness of sin, but by offering forgiveness through that sacrifice, He shows His deep desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him. This verse is a testament to God’s loving character, which seeks to redeem and reconcile rather than condemn.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 6:7 directly points to the work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the priest made atonement with the blood of animals, but in the New Testament, Jesus made atonement with His own blood. Hebrews 7:27 explains that unlike other priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day; He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself. Through Christ, we have a better and eternal atonement, which brings complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This verse foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness that would be made available to all through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the assurance of forgiveness in Leviticus 6:7 affect your understanding of God’s grace and mercy?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is our ultimate atonement, fulfilling what the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward?
- How can you apply the principle of seeking both restitution and atonement in your relationships with others?
- In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 6:7 help you appreciate the work of Jesus as our High Priest?
Leviticus 6:7 offers a powerful reminder of God’s provision for atonement and forgiveness. It points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are reconciled to God and assured of complete forgiveness. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s love and justice, knowing that He has provided a way for us to be made right with Him.