The Guilt Offering

Leviticus 5; 6:1-7

Christ’s work on the sinner’s behalf

The point of this offering is stated in Leviticus 5:19–

It is a guilt offering; he has been guilty of wrongdoing against the LORD.”

In connection with this offering, it is the individual’s sin that is focus, not on the sins of the people. Let’s consider–

1. The need. “All we like sheep have gone astray,” and so this guilt offering is needed. The sins mentioned here are cardinal ones and serve to prove that there is not one person alive or who has ever lived who is without sin.

The sin of silence, 5:1 It is said that “silence is golden,” but sometimes it is downright criminal and/or sinful! Failing to speak up for the Truth, for example, brings guilt. Sometimes to remain silent is to give consent to evil. How often do believers indulge in this guilty silence for Christ because we fear man?

The sin of defilement, 5:2, 3 This sin of defilement occurs through unclean associations. The hands and the feet may touch unclean things without incurring moral pollution, but the pollution of the soul is another matter. It is our fellowship with that which is unclean that corrupts the life. Even the touch of sympathy and desire will bring defilement and condemnation.

The sin of ignorance, 5:17 This is the sin of breaking the commands of the Lord. It is not our reason or our conscience that determines what a sin is, but rather it is the Word of God. Inadvertence or negligence on our part to the revealed will of God is sinful. The apostle Paul stated that he was forgiven when he sinned out of ignorance , the fact remains, forgiveness was needed. To say, “I didn’t know it was a sin,” in no way frees you from guilt.

The sin of deception, 6:1, 2 Even though this sin is one directed against another person, technically all sin is against God Himself. God holds guilty the man who deceives in any way his neighbor.

2. The provision, verses 7-11 Notice the variety of offerings allowed in this sacrifice, all determined by the wealth or poverty of the offerers. This shows the adaptability and all-sufficiency of the sacrifice to the need of all. The expanse of the offering was reduced to a handful of flour, which was within the reach of even the poorest. The grace of God brings salvation to all. No matter how poor the offerers may be, the full value and power of the sacrifice was imputed to them. Our faith may be weak, or ever poor, but it lays hold on a strong and mighty Redeemer, Who alone is mighty to save! We may not fully grasp all that Jesus has done for us as our guilt offering, yet we are perfectly and wondrously forgiven all the same. Thank God there are no degrees of justification before God Almighty. All these various offerings represent the one sacrifice for the sins of the people.

Along with these thought, let’s also consider this–

Substitution. In every case, the offering was for the offerer. In the same way, Christ loved us and He gave Himself for us! He died for our sins.

Restoration. Jesus Christ, by the offering of Himself, has restored that which sin and unbelief had taken away. Since we ourselves have received so much from our guilt offering, surely we should be quick to restore to our brothers and sisters that which we have taken from them. Freely we have received, freely we should give.

Compensation, 5:16 We are to give compensation to anybody we wronged in any way, because there is in this offering as a type of Christ, not only the payment of a debt, but also the full compensation of God for loss sustained through the ruin of man by sin. This is a remarkable thing wrought on our behalf by our Savior! The death of Christ made amends to God for our guilt and added the “fifth part” of a glorious Church to the eternal praise of His holy Name.

3. The Condition, 5:5 This verse suggests a confession of particular things. The guilt offering dealt with these, and may have special reference to the sins of the backslider, which must be confessed in detail before restoration can be made. There must be–

Acceptance. This person must be willing to accept God’s only way of deliverance from guilt, and to be obedient to His Word.

4. The promise, 5:10 This wonderful verse contains a double promise, giving a double assurance.

Atonement made for him. The priest shall make an atonement for Him. This work is done outside the offerer. This is what Christ has done for us.

Forgiveness extended. We are justified freely by His marvelous grace. Acts 13:38 tells us: Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.