How’s that for some stimulating reading, eh? And if that isn’t enough, you can find more about these offerings scattered throughout the book! Leviticus is full of instructions (from Moses, to the Israelites) telling the people exactly how to strive toward spiritual holiness and how to atone for their sins. Offerings were to be presented at approved sanctuaries and were controlled by priests. And as you’ll see if you read any of the passages listed above, they held very specific requirements. 

While the fellowship and grain offerings weren’t tied directly to a person’s sins, the burnt, sin and guilt offerings were. They provided ways for the people to atone for their mistakes—both intentional and unintentional. When brought and presented properly, the offerings promised cleansing and forgiveness. Although the offerings required careful attention to detail so all requirements were correctly fulfilled, this was not just a one-time affair. The offerings, many of which were animal sacrifices, had to be made over and over and over again. (Since imperfect people keep sinning over and over and over again.) 

Can you imagine a life where you’re constantly needing to present animal sacrifices as atonement for your shortcomings and mistakes? What a life that would be. Wow, it’s hard for us to even imagine what this would be like. Why? Because when God sent the ultimate, perfect sacrifice, His son, everything changed. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross symbolically and completely paid the price for all of our sins, and because of His incredible gift, we get to live differently. While the Israelites lived under the old covenant, we live under the new covenant! No more unending offerings and sacrifices. Instead, Jesus’ death has paved the way for us to live soaked in grace and freedom. 

But are you actually embracing a life of grace and freedom? Or are you keeping careful tabs on your sins (or the sins of others)? Are you giving guilt and shame a place of power in your life? Are you struggling to forgive yourself (or another person) for something that was done? It’s easy to fall into these traps in today’s world. In our 21st century society, we often use guilt, shame and unforgiveness to punish people. We often take pride in remembering past wrongdoings and then pushing them back onto centerstage. Grace and forgiveness can be hard to find.

Similarly, in the old covenant way of life that we see explained in Leviticus, offerings of atonement were made “day after day” (Hebrews 7:27). The same sacrifices were “repeated endlessly year after year” (Hebrews 10:1). And guess what? While they helped temporarily, they did not have the power to actually take away sins (Hebrews 10:11). What they did do was re-remind the people of their sins, bringing back guilty feelings that could never fully be relinquished (Hebrews 10:2-4). UGH, what a sad and depressing existence. It sounds awful, but many of us stay stuck in it even today. If not every day, we struggle with it from time to time. 

Although it’s human nature to hold onto past sin and struggle, Jesus’ sacrifice allows us to live in an upside down kind of way. In place of guilt, He offers grace. In place of unforgiveness, He offers forgiveness. In place of shame, He offers renewal and restoration. Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice changed things forever (Hebrews 7:27). Under His authority, we get to live differently! …in a better kind of way. 

While animal sacrifices brought temporary relief, Jesus’ sacrifice offers permanent atonement.

• It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. … But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. -Hebrews 9:23, 26

While priests served at sanctuaries that copied/shadowed heaven, Jesus’ ministry offers the ultimate assurance of forgiveness and peace with God.

• But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. -Hebrews 8:6

While life under the law is hopeless, Jesus offers hope.

• The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. -Hebrews 7:18-19

So the next time you find yourself stuck in guilt, shame or unforgiveness, switch that mindset around. Remember, Jesus’ way is better! Because of His sacrifice, you can live in the “better!” You can live in grace, mercy, freedom and hope. Thank you, Jesus!