THE PICTURE OF FORGIVENESS
Leviticus 16:6–10, 15–19, 20–22
With the explosion of artificial intelligence in our society, people are left scratching their heads over its benefits and hazards. AI, as it is most commonly called, is everywhere you look. Often, AI technology is so advanced that it is impossible to tell what is legitimate and what is counterfeit. This type of technology thrives on the visual, and it has permeated our culture. Gone are the days of trusting the adage, “Seeing is believing.”
A great exception to the phony images we see in our world is the beautiful display of God’s forgiveness throughout Scripture. In our text, we discover the vivid picture of what forgiveness between God and humanity looks like.
God provides a way for our sins to be forgiven. (6–10)
While recently teaching a class for future pastors, I was asked, “Can we just skip Leviticus?” Of course, that drew some laughs and everyone shared the sentiment. I seriously doubt any of us in our quiet times jump feet first into Leviticus. The book was originally written to a different people in a different culture separated by time, space and the cross of Christ. That does not mean it is irrelevant. To the contrary, the words of Leviticus are rich with meaning and foreshadowing of the atonement. We must never forget both the seriousness and tragedy of our sins. With each sin you and I commit, a sacrifice must be given. Every sin will be atoned for. The question is, will you die in punishment for your sins, or will you trust in the blood atonement provided by Christ?
God requires a sacrifice for our sins to be forgiven. (15–19)
While sins vary in nature, God’s means of forgiveness has never wavered. You can go back as far as the Garden of Eden, and you will see that the only acceptable offering to cover sins was a blood sacrifice. What began with animal skins in Eden became clearer through the sacrifices of goats and the use of mercy seats later on.
It may seem strange to us that blood can cleanse, but it is what pleases God. He requires us to see the cost of our sins. Perhaps no image is stronger than blood. Sin leads to spiritual death, but the blood of a sacrifice can bring new life to us.
When God forgives our sins, He takes them away. (20–22)
It is one thing to be forgiven, but it is an altogether different blessing, on another level, to have your sins forgotten and removed from God’s mind. This is only possible because of His goodness and grace.
The atonement provided by the cross of Christ is the most significant event recorded in Scripture and in world history. Coupled with the Resurrection, these truths make salvation and forgiveness possible. Ponder the fact that Christ bore the sins of the world. He carried them, was punished for them and chose to die for them in our place. There is no greater picture of forgiveness than what Jesus has done for us. AI is here to stay and will only grow with time. But even at its most advanced and impressive, it is still artificial. With Jesus, AI means “Atonement Illustration.” His love for us is incredible.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
