This is a passage that actually gave me some difficulty last time: mostly because I couldn't see the difference between the sin offerings and the guilt offerings, at least on their condition of being offered. It again boils down to, it would seem, unintentional sin. After reading some commentaries, they point out specific differences, such as the guilt offering deals with the Lord's "holy things" (I would assume Tabernacle articles), the Lord's commands, breaches of faith between man and God, etc. Also, you might notice that restitution was to be made in full to the injured party as well as an offering to absolve the guilt of the sinner. The Teacher's Commentary pointed out one thing that I have been concerned about: as all of these offerings are for unintentional sins, sins even when maybe the sinner only suspects their guilt rather than knows if for sure, there is no provision for those who willfully sin.
The question, then, is: if you have sinned intentionally and willfully, does that mean there is no forgiveness for you, no means to be made right? I don't think Scripture supports that. After all, there is the promise in 2 Chronicles that if God's people would humble themselves and pray and turn to Him, He would forgive them and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Rather, it seems that the sacrificial system was to be specifically used by those who have turned or softened to the Lord. So, perhaps it was necessary for the sinner to be softened to the Lord, to desire repentance, and understand that it would not be an easy road to turning their life around that the sacrifices would fulfill their purpose. But it definitely seems that there is no easy sacrifice for the person who sins and wants absolution so that they can go out and do more of the same.
Tomorrow's Reading: Leviticus 6:8-7:38
No comments:
Post a Comment