Inside Out Living

There were numerous types of sacrifices in the Old Covenant system of worship. In our modern mindset, we might wonder why all these sacrifices were necessary. It is difficult for us to relate to and understand this system of worship and forgiveness that God had ordained. However, there is a connection between their receiving of forgiveness and our receiving of forgiveness, and that connection is Christ.
Leviticus 1:4 says that a man was to “lay your hand on its head so the Lord will accept it as your substitute, thus making atonement for you.” Why would killing an animal while placing a hand on its head atone for sins?

As people, we generally want to make up for our mistakes. We also want to attempt to earn God’s favor and forgiveness. However, this is impossible for we cannot repay the debt we owe to Christ. Forgiveness is only received by a willingness to believe according to God’s system, whether that is belief that God would forgive based on an Old Testament sacrifice, or if it is trusting in Christ’s sacrifice for us today.