Memorials in the Bible
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars.
God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at four of them.
OFFERING TO THE LORD
3) Sin Offering
But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.12 Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the Lord: it is a sin offering.13 And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest’s, as a meat offering. (Leviticus 5:11-13)
Theological Significance
The Sin Offering highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. It served as a tangible reminder of the need for atonement and the cost of sin. The shedding of blood was necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as stated in Hebrews 9:22 : “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.“
The Sin Offering also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). In the New Testament, Christ’s sacrificial death is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10).
Cultural and Historical Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrificial systems were common among various cultures. However, the Israelite sacrificial system was unique in its monotheistic focus and its covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The Sin Offering was integral to maintaining the purity and holiness required by the covenant, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Israel’s worship and ethical standards.
Conclusion
The Sin Offering is a profound element of the Old Testament sacrificial system, reflecting the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete and final atonement for sin, fulfilling the requirements of the law and establishing a new covenant with humanity. (https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sin_offering.htm)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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