Jesus is our trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14–6:7; 7:1–6) (satisfaction).

This was a mandatory atonement for intentional or unintentional sin requiring restitution. Its purpose was forgiveness of sin and the cleansing from defilement. It required a ram or lamb sacrifice, and for the sinner to make restitution to the one wronged.

The trespass (guilt, reparation) offering was given for violating the sanctity of property (either God’s or another person’s), usually by use of a false oath. The trespass offering included making atonement for sins knowingly committed (Leviticus 6:1–7). The blood of the trespass offering cleansed the conscience and sent the trespasser back to the one he had wronged, not only with the principal but with the fifth part added (Leviticus 6:5). The injurer was forgiven and the injured actually gained.

The Bible uses the word “remission,” a financial term, for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). With sin, man is in debt to God (Matthew 6:12). We owe Him more than we can pay (Matthew 18:23–35). In forgiveness, Jesus assumed the debt for our sins and paid it (Luke 7:36–50; Romans 3:25). Jesus’ blood remits the guilt of past sins and forwards a balance of zero (Matthew 26:28; Acts 3:19).

Write Christ everywhere in the book of the Old Law—for every sacrifice, for every priest, garment, and ceremony. He is all and in all in this book.

How does this apply to us? Sinners must obey the gospel to benefit from the five sacrifices of Christ. “Obeying the gospel” includes having faith in Christ as God’s Son (John 3:16; 8:24), repenting of the lifestyle of sin (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30), confessing Christ before men (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9–10), and being baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:36–38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One must then remain faithful (Revelation 2:10).

It is a simple plan. It requires no doctor’s degree to come to the Great Physician. It does not require the strength of Samson, the wisdom of Solomon, or the courage of Daniel. It demands one to lean on the strength of the Savior, trust the wisdom of God, and fear the ravages of Satan. Come, come today!

–Allen Webster
Endnote

1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Holy (16–19). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.