Verse 25 says the sin offering is to be offered before the LORD, for it is holy. The expression "before the LORD" is used more than 60 times in the book of Leviticus, and holy (or holiness) is used 152 times, more than any other book of the Bible. These laws for sacrifice reveal a God who is holy and who demands his people be holy.

A portion of the sin offering is given to the priest who offered it (26), unless it is offered for national atonement. Then it is to be burnt completely (30). Anything that touches it must be cleaned specially because the offering literally takes on sin. The laws regarding the guilt offering are similar (7:1-10). The blood (life) and fat (the best portion) of the sacrifice are offered completely to God, and the rest of the meat portions of the offering belong to the priest who officiates the sacrifice. The sacrifices are holy and must be eaten in his holy tabernacle. Similarly, a portion of the grain offerings belongs to the priest (9) and must be eaten in the holy place. These laws instilled a dread of sin and a joy in holiness.

Moreover, these laws discipline us not to approach God casually. Sin which separates us from God is serious and must be dealt with. Ultimately, the sacrifice of Jesus makes us holy. We must loathe sin and worship the Lamb Jesus! (Rev 5:12)


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who sanctifies us by his blood. Help me to worship you properly.
One Word: Worship Holy God in a proper way