Redemption and Reconciliation with God

 Title: "Redemption and Reconciliation with God"

Introduction:

The verse from Leviticus 16:3 presents the essential elements for the ritual of atonement in the sanctuary. These sacrifices were a fundamental part of the worship system of the Old Testament and foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament.

Point 1: The Importance of the Bull for Atonement

Text: Leviticus 16:3a - "With this Aaron shall come into the sanctuary: with a bull for the sin offering."

•      Explore the symbolism of the bull as a sacrifice for sin.

•      Highlight the need for atonement for the purification of the people and the restoration of communion with God.

Point 2: The Meaning of the Ram as a Burnt Offering

Text: Leviticus 16:3b - "and a ram for a burnt offering."

•      Analyze the purpose of the burnt offering as a total and complete offering to God.

•      Relate the sacrifice of the ram to the total surrender of our lives to God in gratitude for His mercy and forgiveness. (Romans 12:1)

 

Point 3: The Foreshadowing of Christ's Redemptive Work

Text: (Isaiah 53:5-6; Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:1-4; Colossians 2:16-17; John 1:29)

•      Compare the sacrifices in the Old Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

•      Emphasize how Jesus perfectly fulfilled the role of the sin offering bull and the burnt offering ram, providing forgiveness and reconciliation with God for all humanity.

 

Application:

•      Invite the congregation to reflect on the meaning of atonement and burnt offering in their personal lives.

•      Encourage believers to trust in the complete work of Jesus Christ as the final and sufficient sacrifice for our sins.

•      Challenge every person to live in gratitude and total surrender to God, responding to Christ's sacrifice with a life of obedience and worship. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

 

Conclusion:

•      The sacrifices of atonement and burnt offerings in the Old Testament were important because they foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ.

•      Let us always remember, then, the transformative power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the need for us to respond with faith and gratitude in our lives.

•      If you have been far from the people of God, now is a good time to reconcile with Him and with His people.

•      If you have not yet obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, we invite you to know Him and obey Him. We can help you with that.