Bethel Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Psalm 16 21Mar2021

Reminder - mail should still be sent to 154 Petersburg Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120 not to our temporary address in Bessemer.

Many people desire to read through the O.T. but then they arrive at...Leviticus. Why does this book bring their journey through the O.T. to a grinding halt? Her...e are two reasons. Genesis and Exodus have gripping stories. Leviticus is steeped in Law. Second, the ancient world of sacrifices and concern for ritual purity is far removed from ours. How can we better appreciate this book? First, remember context. Exodus 25-40 had to do with the Tabernacle and Priesthood. Leviticus presents us with the sacrifices the priests offered at the Tabernacle's altar. Second, the concern for holiness is due to Israel's Redeemer. He is Holy, Holy, Holy. Our God who graciously redeemed His people from bondage called them at Sinai to be a kingdom of priests. Leviticus underscores only through sacrifice mediated by the priests can God be approached. Moreover, Leviticus' numerous Laws on diet, dress, sexual relations, and observance of feasts was calling the people to live as a kingdom of priests. As you read Leviticus remember it is all pointing to Jesus. We can only appreciate His sacrifice in light of Leviticus. The same can be said of His office as our Great High Priest. Remember Leviticus was not given to a people trying to earn God's favor. It was given to a redeemed people of grace. They responded to God's gracious salvation with a willing and loving heart of obedience. This outlook as well points to the cross. We are grateful for the rich salvation in Jesus. We do not make a list of dos and don't trying to curry favor with God. Rather, we live through the power of the Holy Spirit a life of new obedience. We seek by His grace in all areas of life ( dress, diet, sexual ethics ) to live to the glory of God. ( 1 Cor 10:31) Each day we want to be found living as a Kingdom of Priests. So... read Leviticus with joy. See more

If you are a christian, your a citizen of heaven working your way through this worldIf you are a christian, your a citizen of heaven working your way through this world