STANDING AND STATE. Leviticus 6 As I imagine those living in Old Testament times, I wonder how they knew which actions would make them right before God. I understand the purpose behind the visible offerings they were commanded to bring and present to God. The burnt offering provided insight to those who, by faith, saw that a perfect animal—chosen to express the offeror's gratitude—symbolized Christ, the only Perfect Man. One representative, the God-Man, fully surrendered Himself to God. Because of His righteousness, those who believe in Him and trust in Him are "made the righteousness of God in Him."
When the priest donned his priestly robes, making him acceptable in God's presence for us, the removal of the ashes of the burnt offering was proof of a completed work. Nothing could have been done then, nor can we do it now, and that adds to the perfection of the sacrifice. Then, the priest changed his clothes and took those ashes to a clean place outside the camp. The offeror who loved the Lord would see that this separate place is a special place of remembrance. God has accepted that perfect sacrifice - and in faith, perhaps as seeing "through a glass darkly," the offeror would see he is accepted in that sacrifice. It is a testimony of one who loves the Lord.
In practical terms, I recognize that because of "the mercies of God," I should present myself as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is my reasonable (priestly) service." That will keep me separate from the world and unwilling to be conformed to its mold. This offering will help me understand God's will for me and inspire me to appreciate my position in Christ and live accordingly. I will go forth to Him, "without the camp, bearing His reproach."
Then, when I think about someone who offers ground grain as a meat offering to God, I believe a sincere-hearted person would understand by faith that "every good and perfect gift comes from above." They want to acknowledge before God that He is the source of our blessings here on earth. Christ offered Himself in His perfection for us. We now have "all things in Christ to enjoy." The Lord truly "loved His neighbor as Himself" and expects the same from us. The fine flour of the meal offering was first placed on the burnt offering for God to enjoy. Then, the bread made from the grain offering was eaten inside the court of the Lord’s house, not outside. This unleavened bread was the food of the priests who drew near to God and could participate in that same offering.
There is no doubt that when we offer our praise, thanksgiving, and worship to God, our thoughts of the Lord Jesus Christ focus on His perfections, His character, and His life, which are important to both God and us. Our remembrance meeting is to remember Him and publicly proclaim His death. The value of His sacrificial work lies in the value of His Person. The offering itself is truly what matters. "He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners."
Another person approaches with his offering, and I notice his joy and excitement. He may have received a special blessing from God, or he might be enjoying fellowship with others and realize that this fellowship is rooted in God. He understands that God accepts him because of His grace, and he wants to express his gratitude to God. He brings his best offering to share in fellowship with God, the priest, and partakes of it himself. Depending on his ability or understanding, he offers a bull, goat, or lamb, watching as the fat and parts for God are burned as a sweet aroma to Him. Then, both the priest and the giver can eat the flesh and share fellowship through that offering. All three are experiencing the blessings of God's grace in Christ together.
Similarly, we present our offerings to God, and it is written that "with such sacrifices, God is well-pleased." The gift of gratitude the Philippian believers gave to Paul was described as "an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable unto God." From the Lord's view, this is a work of faith and a labor of love. He said about our giving as an act of appreciation, "I was hungry, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink..." Regarding our participation in this act of fellowship, there is joy in giving that may even surpass the joy of the grateful recipient. When he was sacrificed, Paul said, "I joy and rejoice in you all." He was able to rejoice in his suffering for the sake of the Gospel. There is absolute joy in experiencing fellowship with God and His people.
I see someone approaching the gate of the Tabernacle with fear and a downcast expression, bringing his offering—the sin or trespass offering. In the case of the sin offering, he has learned that what he thought didn't matter to anyone actually does. God knows, and even if people don't realize how serious the sins of ignorance are, they still must be paid for. Our standing before God needs to be addressed. This was not deliberate rebellion, as there was no sacrifice for that. "Stubbornness is as idolatry and rebellion as the sin of witchcraft." The death penalty addressed that. When someone brings the sin offering, he offers a sinless substitute that will be the victim of sin and die instead of the sinner.
That means Christ "has once suffered for sin, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." Now, we are to "arm ourselves" with the same attitude and willingness to suffer if necessary to do God's will. When we focus our minds on Christ, we will "make no provision for the flesh." To us, the teaching of the sin offering is clear: "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live..." The "world is crucified to me..." The man who brought the sin offering would go home with the assurance that he was forgiven.
Another person comes, burdened by his guilt, and he brings a ram as a trespass offering. He knows the law has been broken, and the offering he presents is part of his responsibility. He was trusted but failed to live up to that trust. Perhaps he robbed someone, found something lost, and lied about it, or committed an immoral act. He must make full restitution, bringing what is needed to the priest to cover what was lost due to his trespass, and he adds twenty percent of its full value. Then, he places his hand on the ram's head and sacrifices it for his guilt. The same process applies if he has committed a trespass against another person. Restitution for the wrongdoing is necessary for the trespass offering to be accepted.
Christ died for us, but He also restored what was lost through our sins. What God should have received from us—obedience, service, worship, praise, and glory—was not entirely given. Christ gave all of this for us. What we lost—peace, fellowship with God, and joy in Him—He restored, and we are now better off than even before Adam fell into sin. Christ isn't just "the Just," but also "the Justifier of him who believes in Jesus." How wonderful it is that He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins!"
They come, aware of the sacred place they are now approaching. No mockers or jokers make comments as they take this step of faith. They are bringing what God Himself demands, not something of their own making. They present their offering to God. To express gratitude, there is a specific order, not just a song-and-dance routine. The offering of Christ was Himself, not something of man's design or chance. God alone knew the value of Christ’s suffering. He did not just glance at it because the burnt offering was all for God.
For fellowship with God to exist, recognizing divine grace was essential. The offeror brought the flour, and all the bread was consumed in the place where God dwelt with His people. The path of faith they would follow and acknowledge their fellowship was based on what speaks of Christ. Peace was established, and relief brought grateful appreciation.
We rejoice with our God and the Author of our salvation. That peace is so deep that we dedicate ourselves in consecration to the One who made our peace with God. The sin offerings for things we know and don't know require a righteous judgment before we proceed. The Lord Jesus paid that price in full while He was here on earth, so we are now accepted by God through His beloved Son.