The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

5. RECONCILIATION IN GOD'S SERVICE (Leviticus 16:1-34)

In Christ We Are Reconciled To God
We are brought near to serve Him in holiness. A most detailed picture is given of our reconciliation in the regulations of the great day of atonement, when atonement was made for all the congregation.

Our Reconciliation Is Through Christ's Work Alone
"Aaron shall come" (Leviticus 16:3 ). "Shall offer" (Leviticus 16:6 ).

Hebrews 1:3 "... when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,"

The picture of Christ being seated indicates the finished character of His once-for-all sacrifice for sin - therefore He occupies the place of honour.

Our Reconciliation Accomplished Through A Sinless Christ

Leviticus 16:4 "He shall put the holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. ..."

The priest was to perform his duties in spotless white.

Hebrews 9:14 "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

He took the initiative - He offered Himself - without blemish or spot - purifying our conscience from any necessity of dead works. Dead works were disposed by His perfect work. We are free to be wholehearted in commitment to God in service.

Hebrews 7:26 "For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;"

His personal holiness - "holy". His positive holiness - "Harmless". His perfect holiness - "undefiled". Totally uncontaminated, Jesus Christ, in spite of His likeness to men, is uniquely unlike men in that He was sinless, therefore the only Saviour.

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Our Reconciliation Is By Sin's Complete Removal In Christ

Leviticus 16:8 "Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the LORD and the other lot for the scapegoat."

Two goats were presented to the Lord as a sin offering for the people. One was slain and its blood brought "inside the vail" and Aaron had to sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:16 ).

Hebrews 10:19 "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,"

In view of what Christ has done and now is, there is no reason why we should not approach with confidence and confidently serve. Israel had covering for all their sin in anticipation of Calvary. We have total acceptance being reconciled by His death (Romans 5:10 ). The second goat demonstrates the sure removal of our sin. By an act of identification sins were laid on the second goat.

Leviticus 16:21 "Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, ..."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Then the living goat was sent away into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21 ).

"Scapegoat verse 10, Lit Azazel, a combination of the words for "goat" and " depart". The live goat was the removing goat, symbolizing the removal of Israel's sins." Ryrie

It may further speak to us of Christ's forsakenness for us on the cross. (Psalm 22:1 ). Care, however should be taken not to go beyond clear New Testament revelation in interpretation. The GREAT DAY OF ATONEMENT was repeated annually. Christ came not to over our sins but to put them away eternally.

Hebrews 9:26 "... but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

Reconciliation in Christ removes the sinner's sins, and gives him acceptance before God as a worshipper. It is the eternal privilege of the reconciled "to serve the living God" (Hebrews 9:14 ). The word translated "serve" (latreuo) is especially used of service to God, in the sense of worship. The reconciled are to render to God worshipful service.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Would what happened to the two goats in chapter 16 have as its main teaching point for you, that your sins are completely removed in Christ?
What is your privilege as one reconciled in Christ and enjoying acceptance before God (Hebrews 9:14 )?