“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. This is how you are to deal with those who sin unintentionally by doing anything that violates one of the LORD’s commands.’”

Leviticus 4:1–2 (NLT)

With all the different races, languages, nations, values, and religions in the world, there is one thing everyone has in common: sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.  (Romans 3:23)

In the Law that God gave to Moses, He provided atonement for both the sin nature of people and also the specific sins they committed. The sin offering primarily dealt with the sins people unintentionally committed because of their sin nature.

The kind of animal they were required to sacrifice was based on their position:

• If a priest sinned, he would sacrifice a bull.
• If the whole congregation sinned, they would sacrifice a bull.
• If a ruler sinned, he would sacrifice a male goat.
• If a common person sinned, he would sacrifice a female goat or lamb.

Why were priests and the congregation required to bring a bull while rulers and common people were only required to bring a goat? It was based on the level of responsibility. The priest was held to a higher standard because he dealt with the holy things of God. Moreover, since a priest was in a position of spiritual leadership, his sin would affect more people. If the entire congregation sinned, then this would also affect a great number of people. Therefore, the atoning sacrifice for the priest and the congregation was greater than for others.

What do we do today when we become aware of sin through the Word of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

1. Confess. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)
2. Believe. Believe that Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross.
3. Repent. Hate your sin and with God’s help turn completely from it. Don’t be like a dog returning to his own vomit. (2 Peter 2:22).

Under the Old Covenant, they were required to present a sin offering each time they sinned. But Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world once and for all time. Moreover, the blood of bulls and goats could only cover sin, but the blood of Jesus removes both sin and guilt completely!

With such a great provision for our sins, let us be quick to confess them to God and receive His forgiveness and cleansing. Nothing compares to the joy of knowing that our sins have been forgiven, and we are cleared from all guilt! (Psalm 32:1-2).

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