Three Pictures In Atonement - Captain Moy Hernandez, Jr.
Leviticus 16:1-34
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
We wanted to make sure that as we continue our Sunday to Sunday study of God’s word that we do not neglect our sermon series on Salvation Army Doctrines that we began back in January of this year.
As you may recall in January we started with doctrine 1 which affirmed our belief that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are given to us all by the inspiration of God.
In February we cover doctrine 2 and spoke about the only one and infinite God who is the creator of all things.
Then in the month of March we covered doctrine 3 concerning the trinity of God the father, including God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. And how they are the same but yet individually from one another.
After that in the month of April we covered doctrine 4 which speaks of Jesus divinity and humanity being joined in his very person, making him truly God and truly man!
Two months ago on mother’s day we spoke about our first parents in doctrine 5 and how it is that through them we have all become totally depraved and exposed to the wrath of God because of our sins.
Last month due in part to some scheduling issue we were not able to cover our 6th doctrine, but in an attempt to catch up today and next week we will be covering doctrines 6 and 7.
Now as we just mentioned doctrine five reminds us that we are lost and that we deserved every wrath that may come our way from God.
But yet in doctrine number 6 we learn that God has
chosen not to expose us to that thing which we all so deserved, but in His mercy his has sent His only son to make atonement for us all.
Doctrine 6 reads as followed: We believe that our lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will may be saved.
But what is atonement? Atonement simply put is a payment, a provision that we cannot make for ourselves. In other words our destiny was perdition and eternity in hell, but yet Jesus through great SUFFERING and even a sacrificial DEATH paid our price.
The apostle John, wrote in his Gospel in John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life".
And that same apostle in the book of revelation writes in Revelation 13:8 that, Christ the lamb of God "was slain from the creation of the world". In fact John 15:13 states that Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Before God even created the world, before He set the stars in place, Before He breathed the breath of life into the nostrils of man, God knew that mankind would fall, He knew that mankind would sin and rebel against Him and even then Jesus destiny as our atoning savior was set in motion.
Try to understand his amazing love towards us that even knowing this He carries on with our creation. God planned and God set in motion, the means for mankind’s redemption.
The scriptures are clear that the atonement for sin, the
payment for sin is death and can only be paid through the blood of a sacrificial lamb.
God’s plan would dramatically unfold throughout the years of human history, and at just the right time, at just the right moment in human history, God came and dwelt with man, to make atonement for, and to redeem fallen men. That is you and me!
Today, we are going to study, The Day of Atonement, which is described in detail for us in the 16th chapter of Leviticus; in the sincere hope that we will gain a clearer insight into this most valuable sixth doctrine of our Salvation Army Church.
In this chapter of Leviticus, God the master painter takes out the canvas, the paint, and the brush of His Word. And, as He skillfully blends the colors, which make up this masterpiece, the words of the 16th chapter come to
life on the canvas. As He dips His brush, for that last and final stroke of red, the heart of God is heavy, and a tear rolls down the cheek of the Almighty God, as the colors, as the shadows, and as the images on the canvas, tear at His heart bringing to his mind, the great suffering that His own Son would one day endure.
Today as we study Leviticus 16, we will stroll through the art gallery of the word of God. And as we look upon the walls, we will see 3 masterpieces, 3 great works that bring to life the power and the purpose of the Day of Atonement.
In the scriptures the Day of Atonement refers to how the priests of that day where to approach God’s most high in the temple on the day set aside for offering a sacrifice on behalf of the people.
The priest had certain holy clothing to wear and then
even needed to first offer a sacrifice for his own sins before being able to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.
But why then was Christ death and atoning sacrifice needed? Well that’s what we will hopefully discover today!
Are you ready? Then let us begin!
I. The first picture that we come to is entitled, "The Great Priest", and it is a Portrait of Christ our mediator.
As with all the pictures that we will look at today, we will first look at this picture, in the shadow of the Old Testament. After which, we will pull the picture off the wall and enjoy, it’s full beauty and glory as we examine the painting in the light of its New Testament fulfillment.
The crowd slowly gathered outside, they were quiet; they were reverent and a little afraid, as they gathered around the tent of meeting.
This was the great Day of Atonement, this was the day that God Himself had appointed, this was the day when Aaron their High Priest, would be their Mediator, When Aaron their High Priest would stand between, God and the people. On this day, (7th month 10th day) atonement would be made for their sins.
This Atonement provided the way (by removing their sin) for the people to be AT ONE with God. Leviticus 16:1-10
Moses’ brother Aaron was the high priest, He was the one chosen to be the mediator, chosen to stand between God and the Israelites. Even though this was without doubt, a high and honorable position, Aaron was allowed to go into the Most Holy place or the presence of God, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement.
The Most Holy Place was located behind the thick veil in the tabernacle. And it was in this room that the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
Above that center of the ark was a cloud in which dwelt the presence of God.
Only Aaron the High Priest could enter here, and He only once a year.
Jewish Tradition tells us that they sewed bells into the bottom hem of the High Priests robe. And they also tied a rope around his ankle. So that whenever the High Priest walked around in the Holy of Holies, they would hear the bells, if the bells stopped ringing that would mean something had happened to the High Priest. And no one dared to enter the Holy of Holies to see what happened, so the rope was used, to pull out the High Priest.
Serious business! But is usually is serious business for those who are called to lead God’s people!
The God of Israel, Our God is a Holy God, and man, even if he is the High Priest, could not simply crawl out of bed, and walk out of His tent and walk into the presence of God.
There are certain things that the High Priest was required to do, before he was allowed access to the Holy of Holies, if he came in without meeting the standard set by God, he would be met with the same fate as Nadab and Abihu (Aarons sons). He would die when they entered the temple uninvited.
Aaron had to bathe himself and he had to put on sacred garments. The High Priest had to be spotless in dress.
And because Aaron was not without sin, he first had to make atonement for his own sins and for the sin of his household by sacrificing a bull.
Only when Aaron, the high Priest had made himself ready, could he take the blood of the sacrificed animal into the presence of God, to make atonement for the people. [verse 17]
Every year the High Priest bore the heavy burden of being the mediator between God and His people.
Every year he would offer the same sacrifices. And every year the responsibility was all his and he had do to it alone. No one was allowed to be with him or help him as he carried out this vital task.
What a tremendous weight, what a colossal burden, the High Priest carried and after each year he knew that in 365 days he would have to do it again.
So painstaking and trying was his work that after it was over the Jews would gather around him with sympathy and congratulations that he was brought through it safely.
Now, we will walk over and take this Old Testament painting, "The Great Priest", off the wall, and we will view it in the LIGHT of the New Testament.
Aaron was a good High Priest, and over the next 1400 years I am sure there were more good and honorable High Priests. They did the best they could but they were merely men.
Friends, today, we too have a High Priest, But our High Priest, is much greater and is far better than any of the Aaronic Priests. Our High Priest is Jesus Christ our Lord.
And as the light of God’s revealed Word shines on the Old Testament High Priests, we will see that it is a portrait of Christ, who is our Mediator, The ONE who stands between God, and all people.
Let read some scripture from the book of Hebrews, These passages will clearly demonstrate that Christ is a far better high priest.
Turn with me to Hebrews 9:11-15 as it reads: But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come. With the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 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? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
In Jesus the Glory, splendor and power of the High Priest comes to full life.
Earlier we mentioned how Aaron bore this heavy burden of responsibility all alone. However, it was only a picture of the much more crushing load which lay on upon the shoulders of our High Priest.
All through His life, this heavy weight was upon Him, pressing with ever increasing force upon His soul. And in the garden we see this burden reach it’s cruel, crushing climax.
He was on His face praying, He was tired, He was afraid, and yet He was determined to do His father’s will.
He saw in the distance the flickering lights of torches and He heard the familiar sound of soldiers in armor as they marched up the hill.
He knew the time was at hand. He knew what the coming hours would bring. He would stand before Jewish and Roman leaders. His back was destined to be whipped raw as a Roman scourge 39 times tore across His flesh.
Beatings, mocking, insults, pain, nails and a cruel cross of
wood was laid before Him. As he stood up from His place of prayer he watched as His disciples scattered in terror.
No one could help Him or be with him as He performed His High Priestly duty, even His Father would have to turn His back on Him.
Jesus is our High Pries and He is far better than any other. Aaron was spotless in dress Christ was spotless in character!
Aaron entered the earthly tabernacle, Christ entered the heavenly tabernacle.
Aaron entered behind the veil Christ ripped opened the veil from top to bottom!
Aaron offered for his own sins Christ offered only for our
sin as He was found to be sinless.
Aaron entered once a year Christ entered once for all! Hallelujah!
Aaron offered for the whole nation Christ offered for the whole world.
Aaron offered many sacrifices in his lifetime Christ offered one sacrifice… Himself!
Aaron offered blood of animals Christ offered His own blood.
Christ brings to life and adds color and beauty, to the Old Testament painting, ’The Great Priest".
II. Now as we continue down the hall of the art gallery of the word of God we see another painting, it is entitle "the great pardon" and it is a portrait of Christ our "redeemer". Leviticus 16:15-17
The Atonement for the people involved 2 goats.
These goats were Syrian goats, a graceful, and clean animal. They were often used as symbols of leadership and loyalty.
They were very highly appreciated by the Jews, and were one of their most valuable domestic possessions.
Aaron brought the 2 goats to the entrance of the tent of meeting. And there the fate of each goat was determined. One goat was to be sacrificed and the other goat was to be the scapegoat or the one that would carry the sins of the people into the wilderness.
Israel’s sin demanded an offering, it required the
payment of a price, and the sacrificial blade came down upon, the innocent goat’s throat, killing the animal, it’s blood pouring out into a bowl.
It wasn’t enough, However for the goat simply to be sacrificed, it wasn’t enough merely for it’s blood to flow.
For the blood to accomplish it’s purpose of atonement, it had to be carried into the Holy of Holiest by the High Priest, it needed to be carried into the presence of God.
The 1st Goat symbolized the payment of the price, the 2nd goat symbolized to the people the results of the atonement. Almost like getting a receipt after you pay for something.
Then Aaron would place His hands on the head of the 2nd goat, the scapegoat, and confessed the wickedness, the sin and rebellion of the people. Then the goat was sent away, out into the desert, carrying with Him the sins of the people. God had forgiven, and God had forgotten the sins of the people.
As we take a closer look at the painting, "The Great Pardon", We see that it is a portrait of Christ our Redeemer.
For over 1400 years, God had watched from heaven the endless sacrifices of lambs, rams and goats. These were a mere rehearsal for the true atonement.
And now, as they led Jesus out of the garden, the moment of truth was at hand. Now, was the moment when the True Lamb of God would be led, tied and bound like a lamb to the slaughter.
With unbearable, cruel hatred they beat, mocked, and whipped The Lamb of God. After which they led Jesus’
tired and battered body up the road to Golgotha, carrying a heavy wooden crossbeam.
It was as if he was being led out into the wilderness with the sins of the world upon His shoulders.
How do you think God felt as He looked down from heaven? How did God feel as He saw the suffering of His son? I am sure we may be able to somehow relate when we see our own kids in trouble but not really!
Max Lucado said: “Every lie, every lure, every act done in the shadows was in that cup that Christ choose to drink. Slowly and hideously they were absorbed into the body of the son. The final act of incarnation.
Jesus Christ shed His blood, paid our penalty, suffered our death, and Jesus rose from the dead, and He carried his blood atonement into the throne room of the Heavenly Father, removing our sin.
III. We have looked at 2 pictures (priest and pardon) and there is still one more to look at, the great possibility
A. Let’s read Leviticus [29-31]
The simple fact that the atonement sacrifice was made did not guarantee that an individual Israelite would benefit. They would not come to the Day of Atonement half-heartedly.
But they were to deny themselves and come humbly before the Lord, recognizing and acknowledging their sin and need for atonement.
As we take this painting off the wall to get a look at it in the light of the New Testament, we see that it is different than all of the others. It’s a mirror and the portrait in the great possibility is a portrait of us.
Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection has made Atonement, His sacrifice has made forgiveness of sin and eternal life "a great possibility for everyone".
He has made it possible for you, and for me, to be saved from our sin and to live an abundant life here on earth as we wait to go to our heavenly home.
Look into the picture one more time, and see the great possibilities that are yours, if you submit completely to His Lordship.
In the book of John 15:16 we read: (Jesus Speaking) You did choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name .
So when we look at these sixth doctrines which speaks to us concerning the atonement or the price that Christ paid for each of us what do we see?
The great Priest, Christ our Mediator!
The Great Pardon, Christ our Redeemer!
The Great Possibility, Christ our eternal life giver and our own possibility directly linked to not only our obedience of God’s calling in each of our lives, but by the direct reflection of our fruits in our lives!
Today as we come to our time of commitment, I asked you are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
True Jesus has through His death conquered sin, BUT this doesn’t automatically save anyone.
We, like the Israelites have to come humbly, we have to deny ourselves and be obedient to God’s word, but not once a year, but every day! God’s word which teaches that to be forgiven of our sins, to have the Atoning blood of Jesus applied to our lives we MUST Repent.
A commandment that is not merely for the new believer but specially for the season Christian, the one that thinks of him or herself as having no sin.
Jesus’ atoning blood will only save those, it will only mediate on behalf of those, it will only redeem those who have humbly obeyed his Word and who show it in their lives, deeds and actions!
Are you being 100% obedient to God’s word? The fact is
that none of us are as we have all sin and fall short of God’s glory so I urge to take this opportunity on this day when we continue to celebrate our nation’s independence and come and claim the independence from your sins that Christ offers you through his atoning sacrifice!
Again this calling is not merely for the unsaved, but it is for every single one of us in this room! Do not harden your heart; do not waste any more time, the scriptures say those who have ears let them hear…
Please hear Christ call now and come and humbly respond. You do so; you come and join me here at the altar now as we pray this morning.
