Forgiveness Before Law: A Thought About the Kindness of God

The book of Leviticus is commonly known for its detailed laws regarding foods the Israelites could and could not eat; laws about skin diseases; laws about sexual purity; laws about loving neighbors; and many other laws covering a wide range of topics. Typically, this book of laws is not acclaimed as inspiring reading. But consider this: before all of these laws are listed and punishments identified, there are seven chapters about sacrifices. Before any law is described, God lays out His provision for forgiveness of transgressing a law. Forgiveness first, then law. This is not the way we do things, but this is the way God does it. We may tend to shy away from sacrifices - they are bloody, messy, and seemingly primitive. However, something as provocative as the death and fiery consumption of an animal needs to be displayed in order to show the magnitude of the event occuring, which is the forgiveness of sin against the One who is infinitely perfect. When sin happens, death always follows - it will either be yours, or someone else's in your place. And God does not accept sinners on behalf of sinners. In the Old Testament, it was animal sacrifices looking forward to the One who would be the sacrifice to end all sacrifices - Jesus Christ.