Specificity for Sinners
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away ….” (Leviticus 6.1-4a)
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away ….” (Leviticus 6.1-4a)
Someone once said that in order for a student of the Bible to understand the book of Hebrews, he must have a clear grasp of the book of Leviticus. Written specifically to the Jews, the volume of Hebrews tied up all the loose ends left by an atonement which was limited in its ability to cover sin. Atonement could not completely eradicate sin. Jesus, the Messiah, is explained to the Hebrew mind as the One who is “better” because His solution was, and still is, completely effective and efficient in ridding the “soul” from every aspect of sin. He came to fulfill the Law and to offer eternal life through His personal work on the Cross. His blood was accepted and applied to each person who believes in Him for salvation. (Hebrews 13.20; I Peter 2.24; I John 1.7)
We sometimes limit the consequences of our sins by ignoring the seriousness or by blame-shifting or by denial. Some have invented novel ways to avoid facing personal sin; however, forgiveness comes when our personal sin is confronted and confessed.
Following the first sin of humanity, Adam and Eve, the only pair who could have claimed sinless perfection (prior to the Fall), attempted blame-shifting. David, who did all he could to maneuver around his sin attempted avoidance and cover-up. Solomon gravitated toward extravagance and luxurious living as he drifted with the hearts of his wives. The list could go on, but until God provided coverings, renewal and blessing, each wayward child was miserable.
In Leviticus 6, the reader is offered ten offenses which could be covered by a “guilt” offering. The sin is identified as something the individual has done and he has been found guilty. (Leviticus 6.4) In the narrative a rather lengthy and detailed list is offered for which particular sins would fit into this category of “guilt.” The list includes: Deceiving someone about a deposit or security entrusted to him; Robbing someone; Extortion; Lying about finding something that was lost; and, Swearing falsely.
The “soul” of the offender is addressed: “If a soul,” which suggests the inner man who is ultimately responsible to God. Notices that whatever happens to be in this list it is regarded as a “trespass” against the Lord. A trespass is something that causes a breach of fellowship. It may be intentional or accidental; but, it causes a rift in the relationship. Notice that each item in this list, for which sacrifice and restitution are required, represent trespasses against the LORD (YHWH – Jehovah, the Personal Saving God) – they are “sins” (a missing of the mark, a falling short).
We can be thankful that, as the writer of the Hebrews expresses, our Savior God has offered to us full and complete forgiveness. His sacrifice of Himself is complete – no cover-up. And, He stands before the Father offering not only pardon, but also replacement – His righteousness for my sinfulness so that I may enjoy a clean and fresh relationship with Him. I no longer stare sin in its ugly face, but I walk with the Beautiful One – the Lily of the Valley – the Bright and Morning Star.
We sometimes limit the consequences of our sins by ignoring the seriousness or by blame-shifting or by denial. Some have invented novel ways to avoid facing personal sin; however, forgiveness comes when our personal sin is confronted and confessed.
Following the first sin of humanity, Adam and Eve, the only pair who could have claimed sinless perfection (prior to the Fall), attempted blame-shifting. David, who did all he could to maneuver around his sin attempted avoidance and cover-up. Solomon gravitated toward extravagance and luxurious living as he drifted with the hearts of his wives. The list could go on, but until God provided coverings, renewal and blessing, each wayward child was miserable.
In Leviticus 6, the reader is offered ten offenses which could be covered by a “guilt” offering. The sin is identified as something the individual has done and he has been found guilty. (Leviticus 6.4) In the narrative a rather lengthy and detailed list is offered for which particular sins would fit into this category of “guilt.” The list includes: Deceiving someone about a deposit or security entrusted to him; Robbing someone; Extortion; Lying about finding something that was lost; and, Swearing falsely.
The “soul” of the offender is addressed: “If a soul,” which suggests the inner man who is ultimately responsible to God. Notices that whatever happens to be in this list it is regarded as a “trespass” against the Lord. A trespass is something that causes a breach of fellowship. It may be intentional or accidental; but, it causes a rift in the relationship. Notice that each item in this list, for which sacrifice and restitution are required, represent trespasses against the LORD (YHWH – Jehovah, the Personal Saving God) – they are “sins” (a missing of the mark, a falling short).
We can be thankful that, as the writer of the Hebrews expresses, our Savior God has offered to us full and complete forgiveness. His sacrifice of Himself is complete – no cover-up. And, He stands before the Father offering not only pardon, but also replacement – His righteousness for my sinfulness so that I may enjoy a clean and fresh relationship with Him. I no longer stare sin in its ugly face, but I walk with the Beautiful One – the Lily of the Valley – the Bright and Morning Star.
Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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