Understanding that a study of the Law can be overwhelming, we have put together and brief summary of what we have learned from Leviticus thus far...Overview: Restoring the Title of Image Bearer
Leviticus is written to usher the people into a state of Holiness, a right relationship with God whereby man shares the identity of God (Leviticus 11:44). Therefore, the book plays a dualistic role to both purify the people and bring them in a submissive position of trust and dependence on God.
Road to Redemption:
1. Sacrifice - Individuals must submit their lives to the covenant of God and acknowledge Him as superior. Additionally, the Israelites must confess and make atonement for their sins through Substitutionary Atonement. (Leviticus 1-7)
2. Priesthood - Even with a humble posture toward God and His laws, there remains a barrier by which the average Israelite cannot have direct relations with God. A mediator is necessary for fellowship based on God's election and atonement, coupled with man's separation from secular society. (Leviticus 8-10)
3. Purity - Holiness is not to be a temporal state for the Israelite to enjoy only on sacred days and at ceremonial services. A relationship with God demands complete identity with attributes of God in everyday activity. (Leviticus 11-15)
While difficult and comprehensive, our study of the first half of Leviticus has only dealt with the ceremonial and minor offenses of God. In the later portion of the book, the capital offenses against God and His nature will be addressed, as well as their implications/consequences. Bearing the image of God is no trivial matter; it requires holiness of the heart.
3. Purity - Holiness is not to be a temporal state for the Israelite to enjoy only on sacred days and at ceremonial services. A relationship with God demands complete identity with attributes of God in everyday activity. (Leviticus 11-15)
While difficult and comprehensive, our study of the first half of Leviticus has only dealt with the ceremonial and minor offenses of God. In the later portion of the book, the capital offenses against God and His nature will be addressed, as well as their implications/consequences. Bearing the image of God is no trivial matter; it requires holiness of the heart.
