Leviticus 16 focuses on the Day of Atonement. It begins with instructions to Aaron on how to proceed.
“Tell your brother Aaron not to come just at any time into the sanctuary inside the curtain before the cover that is upon the ark, or he will die, for I appear in the cloud upon the cover” (Leviticus 16:2).
I have called the cover on top of the ark the Mercy Seat for years. I recently learned that the cover was called the Mercy Seat by Martin Luther, and there is a better translation of the Hebrew word for the cover.
The Hebrew word translated as “cover” actually stems from a root meaning “to atone” or “ransom.” As Richard Hess points out, this isn’t an abstract idea; it refers to a specific, tangible object. It’s the place of atonement itself, an object located within the sanctuary’s holiest room.
The golden cover rests on top of the Ark of the Covenant, situated between the two cherubim. This is the designated place where God meets with His people. Blood is applied there to make atonement between God and His people, thus establishing it as a place of mercy—or, as Luther termed it, the Mercy Seat.
As Rudy Ross often explains, understanding Jesus’ sacrifice would be incredibly difficult without the context of the sacrificial system.
However, with the background of the Day of Atonement and its associated sacrifices, we can now fully grasp what Jesus accomplished for us, as described by Paul in Romans 3.
Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed;
It was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus (Romans 3:23-26).
Here’s an illustration I have used to explain Paul’s teaching in Romans 3:
Imagine you’re in a courtroom, pleading guilty to a judge. The judge confirms your guilt, stating you deserve the full consequence of your actions. However, at that pivotal moment, the judge takes off his robe, steps out from behind the bench, and says, “Although you are guilty, I will take your place.”
God is just and must deal with our sins, but His justice is met through Him taking our place.
This profound truth is perfectly pictured in the atonement Jesus provided for us on the cross and was symbolized earlier through the Day of Atonement.
The Priest First – Then the People
Before the high priest can enter God’s presence with an offering to atone for the people, he must first ensure he is in a correct spiritual standing with God.
“Aaron shall offer the bull as a purification offering for himself and shall make atonement for himself and for his house.” (Leviticus 16:6).
On the day He went to the cross for our sins, Jesus was both the atoning sacrifice and the High Priest. Unlike Aaron and all subsequent priests, Jesus had no need to offer a sacrifice for His own sin; His gift was purely for us.
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Beyond Jesus’ sacrifice for us, there are two crucial points to consider:
- First, Jesus understands our struggle with temptation. Even though He was sinless, He experienced temptation far more intensely than we ever will.
- Second, His sacrifice and love for us encourage us to boldly approach His throne of grace to receive the mercy only He can give.
YouTube Discussion
On YouTube today, Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed in full detail the Day of Atonement and the sacrifices mentioned in Leviticus 16.
Real Voices 