The Value of the Book of Leviticus

by Jeff Curtis

That Leviticus is meaningful to the Christian is conveyed by the fact that it is quoted or alluded to about thirty times in the New Testament. In spite of that fact, we may be inclined to think that a book that deals so extensively with the Old Testament rituals has little or no value for us. However, Leviticus is useful for Christians in several ways.

First, the emphasis on “holiness” is directly applicable to Christians. We are told, “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because as it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1Peter 1:15-16).

Second, the animal sacrifices described in Leviticus typified the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:7-15). By learning more about animal sacrifices, Christians can better appreciate the sacrifice made by Christ. The necessity of the shedding of blood in God’s plan for atonement in the Old Testament system helps to explain the necessity for the shedding of Christ’s blood for our atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22).

Third, God’s requiring Israel to offer sacrifices foreshadowed His requirement for Christians today to offer spiritual sacrifices. For example, we offer our bodies as living sacrifices when we serve God and do good deeds (Romans 12:1-2). We offer a “sacrifice of praise to God” with our lips (Hebrews 13:15). Our financial support for the preaching of the gospel is “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” Philippians 4:18).

Fourth, the emphasis of the book on ritual should make Christians think again about our attitudes toward religious rituals. We may be inclined to downplay the importance of ritual or think in terms of “mere ritual.” Leviticus should cause us to rethink ritual as it is properly followed, including the heartfelt devotion and wholehearted participation of those who are involved in observing it.

Fifth, the ethical teachings and moral laws found in the book of Leviticus are instructive for Christians. It is true that the old law has been taken away (Galatians 3:24-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 7:12). Nevertheless, its moral precepts differ little, if at all, from the ethical and moral requirements of the new covenant. Jesus Himself said the Law was based on the two great commands to love God and to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31). Galatians 5:14 says, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The principles that lie behind the specific statutes found in Leviticus 19, for example, can and should be applied to the Christian’s life today, because they illustrate what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Added to the Church

By Jeff Curtis

     When Peter made his confession about Jesus in Matthew 16:16, Jesus promised him “the keys of the kingdom” (Matt. 16:19). That is, Jesus promised that Peter would be the first to open the door of the kingdom / church and allow people entrance. That is exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost. Peter gave the terms of entrance into the church, and three thousand took advantage of the offer of a gracious God. When they were baptized, they were saved; when they were saved, God added them to the church.

     Many vital truths can be drawn from verses 41 and 47. First, we have a simple, but profound, definition of the church. The church is the body of the saved – those who have been saved by the blood of Christ. People often speak of church membership and salvation as two different things. Those who do so generally have in mind denominations. One can be saved and not be a part of any denomination, but cannot be saved and not be a part of the Lord’s church. According to the two verses we are talking about, church membership and salvation are one and the same.

     Next, these verses teach that we don’t “join” the church; instead, the Lord “adds” us to the church. Is this merely a question of semantics? No, a vital biblical principle is at stake. Whenever an individual “joins” and organization, he does it. By fulfilling certain requirements, he earns the right to be a part of that group. However, and individual cannot earn the right to be part of the Lord’s church. The church is the body of the saved. Since the individual cannot save himself, he cannot make himself a member of that body. The One who saves us through His grace makes us a part of the body. A distinction must be made here between the universal church and local congregations. After the Lord adds us to the church universal, we then need to “join ourselves to” a faithful congregation of God’s people (Acts 9:26). God adds, we welcome.

     Other truths could be deduced from verses 41 and 47, but it should be emphasized that when we are scripturally baptized, we become part of a spiritual fellowship called “the church.” God did not intend that we should be spiritual loners. Sooner or later, all of us need others to help and strengthen us. In establishing the church, God provided a built-in support group, a spiritual network.

     Regarding salvation, all of us must deal with the past, the present, and the future. We have the sins of the past with their oppressive guilt; we wonder whether or not we will have the strength for the future, we have present spiritual challenges that threaten to overwhelm us. God has foreseen our every need. When we are baptized as penitent believers, God helps to take care of the past by forgiving every sin (Acts 2:38), God helps to take care future by giving us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and help us (Acts 2:38); and He helps to take care of the present by making us part of a loving family called the church (Acts 2:41, 47). These are not the only ways God has foreseen and provided for our spiritual needs, but these are three important ways God provides for us, all found in Acts chapter 2.

Too Busy?

When you want a favor done,

And you want it right away,

Go to the man who constantly

Works twenty hours a day.

He’ll find a moment sure, somewhere,

That has no other use,

And serve you while the idle man

Is framing an excuse.

Added to the Church

By Jeff Curtis

     When Peter made his confession about Jesus in Matthew 16:16, Jesus promised him “the keys of the kingdom” (Matt. 16:19). That is, Jesus promised that Peter would be the first to open the door of the kingdom / church and allow people entrance. That is exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost. Peter gave the terms of entrance into the church, and three thousand took advantage of the offer of a gracious God. When they were baptized, they were saved; when they were saved, God added them to the church.

     Many vital truths can be drawn from verses 41 and 47. First, we have a simple, but profound, definition of the church. The church is the body of the saved – those who have been saved by the blood of Christ. People often speak of church membership and salvation as two different things. Those who do so generally have in mind denominations. One can be saved and not be a part of any denomination, but cannot be saved and not be a part of the Lord’s church. According to the two verses we are talking about, church membership and salvation are one and the same.

     Next, these verses teach that we don’t “join” the church; instead, the Lord “adds” us to the church. Is this merely a question of semantics? No, a vital biblical principle is at stake. Whenever an individual “joins” and organization, he does it. By fulfilling certain requirements, he earns the right to be a part of that group. However, and individual cannot earn the right to be part of the Lord’s church. The church is the body of the saved. Since the individual cannot save himself, he cannot make himself a member of that body. The One who saves us through His grace makes us a part of the body. A distinction must be made here between the universal church and local congregations. After the Lord adds us to the church universal, we then need to “join ourselves to” a faithful congregation of God’s people (Acts 9:26). God adds, we welcome.

     Other truths could be deduced from verses 41 and 47, but it should be emphasized that when we are scripturally baptized, we become part of a spiritual fellowship called “the church.” God did not intend that we should be spiritual loners. Sooner or later, all of us need others to help and strengthen us. In establishing the church, God provided a built-in support group, a spiritual network.

     Regarding salvation, all of us must deal with the past, the present, and the future. We have the sins of the past with their oppressive guilt; we wonder whether or not we will have the strength for the future, we have present spiritual challenges that threaten to overwhelm us. God has foreseen our every need. When we are baptized as penitent believers, God helps to take care of the past by forgiving every sin (Acts 2:38), God helps to take care future by giving us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and help us (Acts 2:38); and He helps to take care of the present by making us part of a loving family called the church (Acts 2:41, 47). These are not the only ways God has foreseen and provided for our spiritual needs, but these are three important ways God provides for us, all found in Acts chapter 2.

Too Busy?

When you want a favor done,

And you want it right away,

Go to the man who constantly

Works twenty hours a day.

He’ll find a moment sure, somewhere,

That has no other use,

And serve you while the idle man

Is framing an excuse.