Sin

“If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them, if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer to the LORD a bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.” – Leviticus 4:2-3 NASB

Some Israelites surely considered themselves to be “good” people, who genuinely tried to serve God. Why, they must have wondered, was confession necessary for them? Why did they need to present offerings and sacrifices?

Yet God made clear that everyone committed sin. And there were many ways in which they might sin.

Perhaps the most common type of sin was unintentional sins. For we all make mistakes and have accidents. Even the best of people. It also was possible for the entire community to sin (v. 13), as everyone shared responsibility for wrong decisions, even those who disagreed. But leaders had special responsibilities (v. 22), as did “anyone of the common people” (v. 27).

But no one could be clean or free unless they confessed their sins and acknowledged what they had done. Each had to make an offering. This was true for everyone. If the sin was big or small. If they were habitual “sinners” or generally “good” people.

The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We all pay the penalty for sin. And we all need salvation.

The answer? To confess our sins, confident that God will forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:8-10). To accept the finished sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf (1 Peter 1:18-19). Then, we can rejoice in His freedom. For “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:20-23).

Remember all that Jesus has done for you. Confess your sins. Accept His forgiveness. And offer your life as a living sacrifice.

Prayer: Father, reveal any sin in my life. I confess my sins. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for setting me free! In Jesus’ name. Amen.