Leviticus: Pathway to Presence

Sunday, we begin a month long series through the book of Leviticus as we move toward our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Watch this video to get a quick picture of the purpose and outline of the book.

The whole book orients the nation of Israel to God’s holiness and the pathway required to be reconciled to him so they can live in his presence. Hence the series title: Pathway to Presence. Each week, we will consider one of the major sections of the book (rituals, priests, purity laws, and Day of Atonement), examining the primary significance of each section and linking those requirements to the work of Christ on our behalf. The series will conclude on Easter Sunday, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and the completion of his work to reconcile us to God and lead us into his presence.

This Sunday we will consider the two sections that define the rituals (cleansing and celebration) and their significance to us as believers. As we read chapters 1-7, with all the offerings that are made for cleansing or thanksgiving, consider the words of Leviticus 6:13, “Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.” The perpetual fire on the altar not only accommodates the continuous offerings being made, but emphasizes our continual need for forgiveness.

As we read chapters 23-25, with the celebrations, days of rest, and required gatherings, we see the need to continuously rehearse the biblical story of redemption, so that we don’t forget who we are in relation to God. We easily develop what Paul Tripp calls, “identity amnesia.” The annual pattern of national gatherings keeps the story of Israel’s redemption before them lest they develop “identity amnesia.”  

Our confession says concerning these ceremonial laws, “containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits, and partly, holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated, under the new testament.” (Westminster Confession, 19:3) While the Church is not obliged to these rituals, they point us to Jesus’ work on our behalf.

So watch the video, and let’s begin considering the “pathway” to God through Jesus Christ.