General Introduction – What’s in Leviticus?

Leviticus 1-27

Introduction

The book of Leviticus emphasizes that if God dwells among His people, they must embody His holiness. This raises a crucial question: how can sinful humanity coexist with a sinless God? To address this, God provided a system of sacrifices through Moses, enabling His people to approach Him. 

Psalm 24:3-4 poses the question, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?” and answers that only the pure in heart can do so. Leviticus teaches us the path to God and how to live in His presence.

Sacrifices: How to Come to God (Leviticus 1-7)

While God is accessible, approaching Him requires adherence to His terms. Leviticus details the sacrificial system necessary for reconciliation with God. These sacrifices illustrate the seriousness of sin and our need for atonement. 

Ultimately, Hebrews 10:12 affirms that Christ was sacrificed once for all, allowing us to approach the Father (John 14:6). The sacrificial system underscores the gravity of sin and the ultimate solution found in Christ, who enables us to “ascend the hill of the Lord.”

Sanctification: How to Walk with God (Leviticus 8-27)

The latter part of Leviticus highlights the necessity of living a holy life. God commanded Abraham to “walk before Me blameless” (Genesis 17:1), emphasizing that those who wish to be in His presence must reflect His holiness. Matthew 5:8 states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” 

Holiness involves being set apart for God’s purposes, shaping our daily lives as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Leviticus clarifies what defiles us and what leads to purity, urging believers to embody holiness.

Conclusion

Leviticus is often viewed as a bloody book, illustrating that “the soul that sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). To live in communion with God, we must die to sin and be alive in Christ (Romans 6:11). 

The ultimate way to God is through Jesus Christ, and our walk with Him requires us to reflect His character in our daily lives.

Take Action: Reflect on your life. Are you in Christ and walking in His ways?