In what ways can we apply the principles of atonement today?
Setting the Scene: Atonement inLeviticus 23:19
“You must also offer one male goat as a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings.” (Leviticus 23:19)
The verse sits in the instructions for the Feast of Weeks. Three distinct sacrifices appear: a sin offering (the goat) and peace offerings (the lambs). Each points to a facet of atonement—covering sin and restoring fellowship.
Key Principle: Substitution and Cleansing• Sin Offering—The goat dies so the worshiper does not.
• Peace Offerings—The lambs symbolize restored harmony between God and His people.
• Blood on the altar—Life for life (Leviticus 17:11). God’s justice is satisfied, His mercy released.
Connecting the Old and New: Christ the Fulfillment•Isaiah 53:5—He was “pierced for our transgressions.”
•John 1:29—“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
•Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Jesus unites the sin offering and the peace offering in one perfect sacrifice: He bears our guilt and brings us into fellowship with the Father.
Living It Out Today• Embrace the seriousness of sin
– Confess promptly (1 John 1:9).
– Keep a tender conscience; sin still grieves God.
• Rest in Christ’s finished work
– Reject condemnation (Romans 8:1).
– Celebrate assurance: His blood is enough—no additional payment required.
• Offer grateful worship
– Regular communion recalls the cost (1 Corinthians 11:24–26).
– Sing, testify, and give generously as peace-offering responses.
• Pursue holy living
– Present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
– Let the Spirit produce visible fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Extend reconciliation
– Seek peace with others because God made peace with you (Ephesians 2:14-16).
– Share the gospel of atonement; invite people to be “reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Supporting Passages for Further Reflection•Leviticus 17:11;Hebrews 9:22 – Life-blood as payment
•Hebrews 10:1-14 – Superiority of Christ’s once-for-all offering
•1 Peter 1:18-19 – Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ
•Colossians 1:20 – Peace made through the cross
•Romans 5:1 – “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God”
