Leviticus 4  This chapter outlines the sacrifice called "a sin offering".  This deals with an inadvertent or unintentional failure to keep an instruction from the Law.  There are different instructions for this offering depending on who is the guilty one - an individual, a priest, a leader,  or the whole congregation.  Once the mistake is made known, then the offering must be brought to the tent of meeting.

If a priest or the whole community makes a mistake in keeping the Lord's instructions, a bull is to be sacrificed.  If it is a leader, then it would be a male goat.  If it is an individual the sacrifice would be a female goat or lamb.   In every case, the sacrifice is offered and the priest would "make atonement .. and he will be forgiven." 

The sacrifices were made "in the presence of Adonai."  The inadvertent sin of failing to keep God's instructions - of doing something that should not be done - brings a judgement of "guilty".   When this is made known to the individual - then atonement must be made so that they can be forgiven.

Likewise we learn in the New Testament that we need to hear the word.. to repent and confess our sins.. and find forgiveness - " In Him ( Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace..." ( Eph. 1:7) The once for all, perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God  - "... at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifices of Himself.. so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many... "  Hebrews 9: 26-28

 How thankful I am for the perfect and final sacrifice that covers every sin - inadvertent or intentional - when I confess my sins and find forgiveness through the offering of my Savior's blood.

This is the glory of Christ Jesus who brings us perfect atonement forever and ever. Amen!

Father in heaven, thank You for the grace that allows us to draw near to You "with sincere hearts, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."  I  pray that I will hold fast this confession of hope without wavering.. for You are faithful! ( Hebrews 10:22-23)  Help me Lord to KNOW this truth.. to abide in this truth.. and to proclaim this truth.  In Jesus' name. Amen.