- Mar 16, 2004
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When exploring books like the Revelation, Hebrews and even some of the writings of Paul I've found a cursory understanding of Leviticus to be invaluable. What follows is a general exposition, not intended to be dogmatic, just some of my thoughts about the book and how it relates to New Testament theology.
First of all, have you ever noticed how a lot of things come in sevens? Let's take for example what I call the Laws of Levitical sacrifice. God commands the establishment of a sacrificial system, the laws regarding the sacrifices were pretty detailed, then the priests (always from the tribe of Levi) had to be ordained (sanctified) and finally the key element to the sacrifice was the fire that came from before the Lord. It looks something like this:
Bear in mind, this is a general overview, not intended to be a full exposition. This is what I think the key to the sacrificial system was, I also think this is very much a picture of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
I'm not looking for a debate, just your thoughts on the possibilities. Respond as you see fit, I just ask you give any due consideration and criticisms of this thumbnail exposition are certainly welcome.
Grace and peace,
Mark
First of all, have you ever noticed how a lot of things come in sevens? Let's take for example what I call the Laws of Levitical sacrifice. God commands the establishment of a sacrificial system, the laws regarding the sacrifices were pretty detailed, then the priests (always from the tribe of Levi) had to be ordained (sanctified) and finally the key element to the sacrifice was the fire that came from before the Lord. It looks something like this:
Lev. 1: Burnt Offerings: Completely reduced to ashes, the death of the old nature.
Lev. 2: Firstfruits/Grain Offerings: Representing the very best, akin to the firstborn.
Lev. 3: Fellowship Offerings: This one was a special time of thanksgiving.
Lev. 4: Sin Offerings: Sin being an offense against God.
Lev. 5: Guilt Offerings: This is an offense against the laws of holiness.
Lev. 8: Consecration of the Priests: Sanctification of the priesthood.
Lev. 9: Ordination of the Priests: The key here is the fire that came from before the Lord.
Lev. 2: Firstfruits/Grain Offerings: Representing the very best, akin to the firstborn.
Lev. 3: Fellowship Offerings: This one was a special time of thanksgiving.
Lev. 4: Sin Offerings: Sin being an offense against God.
Lev. 5: Guilt Offerings: This is an offense against the laws of holiness.
Lev. 8: Consecration of the Priests: Sanctification of the priesthood.
Lev. 9: Ordination of the Priests: The key here is the fire that came from before the Lord.
Bear in mind, this is a general overview, not intended to be a full exposition. This is what I think the key to the sacrificial system was, I also think this is very much a picture of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Lev. 9:23-24)
Now I'm not trying to do an exhaustive exposition here and feel free to point out any mistakes I made. I'm just curious if some of our better read members see a picture of New Testament salvation. I know I see a logical progression that could be very easily, an effective analogy for how salvation works in the New Testament. I'm really just testing the waters to see if there is any interest in this approach.
I'm not looking for a debate, just your thoughts on the possibilities. Respond as you see fit, I just ask you give any due consideration and criticisms of this thumbnail exposition are certainly welcome.
Grace and peace,
Mark
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