The Atonement of Christ: A Reflection on Leviticus 7:7
"As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it." - Leviticus 7:7

As we delve into the richness of Leviticus 7:7, it becomes evident that the text speaks to the heart of the Law’s intent — that is, to establish clear guidelines for the sacrificial system that ultimately points us to the greater atonement provided through Jesus Christ. The verse states, "As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it." This solemn declaration not only underscores the equality of the offerings but also highlights the responsibility of the priest in administering these sacred acts of atonement.
### Understanding Offerings and Atonement
To appreciate the significance of this verse, we must first understand the nature of sin and trespass offerings within the Old Testament sacrificial system. A sin offering was made for unintentional sins or impurities, while the trespass offering addressed more specific transgressions against God's law, including wrongdoings towards others. Both offerings were integral to maintaining fellowship with God and cleansing the sinner from the guilt of their actions. The repetition in the phrase "there is one law for them" emphasizes that both offerings were accompanied by the same principles and standards; each served a vital role within the community’s relationship with God.
This verse resonates deeply when we consider the role of the priest. The priest, a mediator between God and the people, was responsible for making atonement. Their duties were not merely ritualistic; they were holy acts which required a heart aligned with God's desire for reconciliation. The atonement the priest made through these offerings was not only for the benefit of the individual bringing the sacrifice, but also for the community at large, indicating that the health of the whole body of believers relied on the right approach to sin and atonement.
### The Lavish Grace of God
In light of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we can reflect on how these ancient practices illuminate our understanding of grace. Jesus Christ is our ultimate High Priest, the one who once and for all made atonement for our sins. The equality of the sin offering and the trespass offering foreshadows the universality of Christ's sacrifice — it is available for all, regardless of the sin or the offense. In Romans 3:23-24, we read, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." The breathtaking truth of the Gospel is that through Christ, we are no longer bound by the old sacrificial system, but have direct access to God's mercy.
### Living in Light of Atonement
As recipients of this profound gift, we must ask ourselves how we respond to such grace. Will we grow complacent in our understanding of sin? Or will we approach God with the humility that comes from recognizing our desperate need for His ongoing grace? Just as the priest had a duty to administer atonement, we, too, are called to be agents of reconciliation in a world rife with division. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 states, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
### Conclusion
In essence, Leviticus 7:7 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s unchanging nature and the consistent theme of atonement seen throughout Scripture. As we meditate on this verse, let’s remember the weight of our sin, the cost of atonement, and the overwhelming grace that God extends to us through His Son. In responding with gratitude, may we live out our calling to reconcile others to Him, honoring the sacrificial love that transcends all understanding. Let our lives reflect the very heart of God, who desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
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Leviticus 7:7 Artwork
Leviticus 7:7 - "As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it."
"As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it." - Leviticus 7:7
Leviticus 17:7
leviticus 16:7-10
Leviticus 7:22 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 7:28 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 7:1 - "Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy."
Leviticus 19:7 - "And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted."
Leviticus 7:17 - "But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire."
Leviticus 3:7 - "If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD."
Leviticus 7:3 - "And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,"
Leviticus 26:7 - "And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword."
Leviticus 7:11 - "And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD."
Leviticus 25:7 - "And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat."
Leviticus 20:7 - "¶ Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God."
Leviticus 2:7 - "¶ And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in the fryingpan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil."
Leviticus 7:31 - "And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'."
Cycle of sabbath rest year. Leviticus 25:1-7
Leviticus 7:9 - "And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest's that offereth it."
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 7:22
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 7:28
Leviticus 7:26 - "Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings."
Leviticus 16:7 - "And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
Leviticus 23:7 - "In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein."
Leviticus 1:7 - "And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:"
Leviticus 11:7 - "And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you."
Leviticus 7:23 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat."
Leviticus 7:5 - "And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering."
Leviticus 7:32 - "And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings."
Leviticus 7:6 - "Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy."