December 1, 2021 – Leviticus 17:11 & Matthew 26:28

The book of Leviticus begins with instructions regarding the burnt offering and atonement for sin. There is much more in Leviticus than guidelines for the sacrifices but the sacrifices for sin are central. Perhaps the key verse in the book is 17:11 – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” We must be careful to catch the significance of the sacrifices as they point us to Messiah who, by his death, has made atonement for us. At Baxter, every Sunday, we gather at the Lord’s table and eat and drink and remember that Jesus explained, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). What a celebration and joyful remembrance it is!

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

O precious is the flow

that makes me white as snow;

no other fount I know;

nothing but the blood of Jesus. --Robert Lowry (1876)