Lesson 9

SIN OFFERING

Reading: Lev. 4, 6:24-30

Memory verse: 1 Pet. 2:24

Theme: To lead a holy life after obtaining remission of sins by faith in Jesus Christ who became a sacrifice on the cross bearing sins of all mankind.

Introduction: What is it that keeps a man away from fellowship with God? How did sin enter into the world? What happened to mankind by the disobedience of Adam and Eve? Jesus Christ came to this world as a man and took upon Himself the punishment for our sins and suffered death on the cross. Sin offering was instituted for Isreal as a shadow of Christ's sacrifice. Christ was made sin for us.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Sin offering is one of the two non-sweet savour offerings. A person was required to offer sin offering at first when he comes to the presence of God. 

PEOPLE WHO WERE REQUIRED TO OFFER SIN OFFERING 

Four types of people were commanded to offer sin offering. 

1) Priest

2) Congregation of Isreal 

3) Elders of the people 

4) Ordinary Israelite

All people are covered by these four groups. It proclaims the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:14)

As all are sinners every one needs remission of sins. Even by birth, man is a sinner and with the nature of sin. Every sin committed, whether inadvertently or not needs remission.

SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS AND METHOD OF OFFERING 

People belonging to the above four groups were commanded to offer sacrifices differently. The differences point to different aspects of the death of our Lord.

1. Sacrificial animals to be offered by the priest and congregation of Isreal were of the same type. The animal was young bull if the offering is for himself and the elders of Isreal would do the same if it is for the whole congregation. The animal is, then killed. The priest takes some blood of the animal, enters the Holy Place in the tabernacle, sprinkled it before the veil seven times and smears it on the horns of the altar of incense. The remaining blood is poured at the foot of the altar of burnt offering. Fat, kidneys and covering the liver are burnt on the altar of burnt offering. All the remaining portions of the animal are taken outside the camp to a clean place meant for dumpling ash and then burnt on a wood fire. 

Christ who came down in the form of servant took out sins and became a sin offering of Calvary. The sprinkling of blood in front of the veil signifies that we can enter into the presence of God.

 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Romans 9:11-14)

The smearing of blood on the horn of the altar of incense points to the privilege that has come to us for worshipping God. IT also signifies the intercessory prayer of Christ. Pouring of blood at the foot of the altar shows reconciliation that we have received individually with God. All the remaining portions of the animal are burnt outside the camp of Isreal. It points to the suffering the Christ had to undergo outside Jerusalem. We must also be prepared to bear His reproach and suffer outside the camp.

2. Sacrifices of elders and ordinary Israelite: An elder offers a male goat and an ordinary Israelite offers either a female goad or a female lamb. The procedure for the offering was the same in both cases. The worshiper places his hand upon the head of the animal and kills it at the entrance to the tabernacle. The priest dips his finger in the blood, smears the blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pours the remaining blood at the foot of the altar. Blood is not taken inside the Holy Place. Fat and kidneys of the animal are burnt on the altar. The remaining flesh is cooked and eaten by the priests inside the court of the tabernacle. "All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it is mot holy". This points to the fellowship of the children of God who are priests. Every child of God who has obtained remission of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ most keep themselves continually in fellowship with God and His people. This fellowship also stands for the Lord's Table. 

Have you received remission of your sins by accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If so, the Lord requires you to suffer for Him outside the camp, leaving all worldly pleasures. Are you prepared for it? Are you keeping in constant fellowship with God and His children?