All Need Forgiveness

"If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf... But if his offering is from the flock, of the sheep or of the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer it a male without defect... But if his offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall bring his offering from the turtledoves or from young pigeons." -Leviticus 1.3-4, 10, and 14

As God instructs His people on the process of atonement, He also makes provisions so that all may receive it. He knows that some people are wealthier than others, or that this would be the case in the future, and He makes provision for that. All men need forgiveness, and even before Jesus, salvation was available for all.

If an offering could be brought from the herd, then a male was to be brought without defect and killed. If a bull couldn't be brought, then a male sheep or goat that was without defect was acceptable as well. But suppose that a four legged animal was out of reach, was the person out of luck? No, God cares for the poor and makes provisions for them as well. Doves could be offered to make atonement as well.

God cares about all of His people, not just the ones with enough wealth to offer a bull for their sins. He loves the poor and wants them to be saved as well, and so He willingly accepts their offering of a dove as well. He made provision for all under the Law, and in Christ, He made provision for all under grace.

Men, all of us need forgiveness, and it is available for all. Is it something you have sought from God, or do you think you are unworthy, or unable, to receive it? No matter your social status, forgiveness is available for you. Grace has no requirements other than a humble, repentant heart. But forgiveness goes beyond us and God.

Do we seek and offer forgiveness with others? Do we seek to help others find the forgiveness of God? All men need forgiveness. Do we give it? Do we point others to it?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor