Key word: Holiness
While far too many people pull off the biblical Route 66 at the Leviticus exit, properly understood this is an essential and even exciting book. Its title references the Jewish tribe of Levi, the tribe chosen by the Lord to lead Israel in worship. The sacrificial system was at the heart of that worship because it was the means by which their sins would be covered until the ultimate forgiveness found in Christ’s sacrifice. Five major offerings are explained in the first seven chapters, and 17:11 implies, and Hebrews 9:22 states, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.”
But even more fundamental to Leviticus is the holiness of God. Leviticus 19:2- 4 informs us that He is a holy God and therefore His followers are to be holy people. Holy means separate, and in this context speaks of being separate from all impurities, pollutants and sin. And while only God is pure holiness, His people should desire and strive for the same because He is holy.
Key verse: Leviticus 19:2b – “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
