Paying with a credit card – Leviticus 1-7

One of the ways to look at the Levitical sacrifices is like buying with credit.  The author of Hebrews emphatically says, “for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).  If that’s the case, did these sacrifices outlined in Leviticus 1-7 do anything for the worshiping Israelite?  The answer is, “yes and no”.

On one hand, yes, the sacrifices were God’s ordained means in that chapter of redemptive history to be made right with Him.  But, no, these sacrifices didn’t ultimately provide an adequate atonement for sins.

Instead, though, they were like buying something with a credit card.  It’s as if with every animal killed, the credit card was swiped.  It purchased forgiveness, but that forgiveness would still need to be paid for.  And so, Christ not only fulfills the picture that the sacrifices are painting, but he also makes the payment!  The debt is paid.