As we read about the sacrificial system, we see different models or analogies to describe the effects of sin and the way of remedying them.
(1) Burnt Offering: The burnt offering uses a personal picture. Humans are guilty and deserve to die for their sins, and the animal is dying in their place. God accepts the animal as the ransom for the human.
(2) Sin Offering: The sin offering uses a medical model. Sin makes the world so dirty that God can no longer dwell there. The blood of the animal disinfects the sanctuary so that God may continue to be present with his people.
(3) Reparation Offering: The reparation offering presents a commercial picture of sin. Sin is a debt that humans incur against God. The debt is paid through the offered animal.
Examples of Sins that Require a Reparation Offering
Below is a summary of what sins require a reparation offering, the restitution required, the offering, and the resulting forgiveness (See Leviticus 6:1-7).
- Recognition of Guilt: If you sin against the Lord by deceiving, robbing, defrauding, lying about lost items, or swearing falsely against a neighbor.
- Restitution: When you recognize your guilt, you must repay the full amount taken or owed, plus an additional one-fifth of that amount, to the rightful owner.
- Offering: You must bring a perfect ram (or its equivalent) to the priest as a guilt offering to the Lord.
- Atonement and Forgiveness: The priest will perform atonement for you before the Lord, and you will be forgiven for your sin.
Zacchaeus
Luke 19 tells the story of Zacchaeus, a very rich tax collector. When Jesus was passing through Zacchaeus’s city of Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see him but couldn’t because of the crowd. To get a glimpse, he climbed a tree.
Jesus then had this interaction with Zacchaeus.
When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”
So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.”
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:5-10).
Zacchaeus had become wealthy by transgressing God’s law. To be forgiven, he needed to repent and make restitution. His desire to repent was sparked by Jesus’ invitation to have lunch with him.
The acceptance and love of Jesus profoundly transformed Zacchaeus’s life. In response, he repented, turned to God, and made generous restitution.
Jesus highlighted an important principle for us: How does He transform His enemies into friends? He does so by reaching out to them in a way that allows them to experience His love.
In turn, His love transforms their inner condition from one of being lost to one of being found.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 