Sin And Consequence
If it is the anointed priest who has incurred guilt, so that blame falls upon the people, he shall offer for the sin which he has committed . . . Leviticus 4:3
Committed – There is an important difference between the act of sin (deliberate or unintentional) and the consequence of sin (guilt). They are not the same and they are not resolved in the same way. The act of sin (chata’ah) is the behavior that displeases the Lord. It might be a violation of one of the Torah instructions. It might be an attitude that underlies a real or potential violation. It might be rejecting His will. But chata’ah is not guilt. Guilt is what occurs following the act.
The forgiveness of sin removes the impurity of the act before the Lord. Forgiveness erases the defilement that occurs. In other words, forgiveness clears the air between God’s holiness and the life of the believer. Forgiveness allows the follower to once again come before the Lord without spot or blemish.
The role of the sin offering (chatta’th – did you notice how similar the words are?) is the removal of the offense – the offense to the Lord. It does not remove the need for restitution! Guilt is not simply the offense to God. It includes the offense to any other person. Therefore, although the spiritual impurity caused by an act of sin may be erased through the proper ritual of sacrifice, the guilt (what occurs due to the act itself) is not removed until restitution has been made. This is why the Torah spells out in detail exactly what measures must be taken in order to restore harmony in the community. Harmony before God requires chatta’th. Harmony with men requires justice. Now you know why Yeshua said, “If you come to offer your sacrifice at the altar and you realize that someone has something against you, leave your offering and go make amends.” You can’t have one without the other.
When our concept of forgiveness overlooks restoration we are in grave trouble. If we think that all we need is forgiveness from the Lord, we don’t understand His instructions for community. If we believe that the only thing that matters is removal of our religious impurity or defilement, then we are likely to ignore that difficult work of restoration. To our own peril we slice restoration away from forgiveness. Perhaps we wouldn’t be quite so cavalier in our attitude toward sin if we realized that every transgression requires both purity and restoration. If we thought first about the embarrassment, the cost, the humiliation, the destruction and the extended loss of reputation associated with an act of restoration, we might see sin as God sees sin – a breach in community.
A theology that suggests we only need God’s forgiveness in our hearts is woefully ignorant of the God of Israel.
Topical Index: sin, restoration, chatta’th, chata’ah, sin offering, Leviticus 4:3
I agree brother Skip.. “sin” is serious stuff. “The soul that sinneth- it shall die” is still very applicable today. YHWH has not “changed His mind” concerning sin. G-d hates sin. If we could only “see” (and I believe many of us have seen) the consequences of our sin.
As you have pointed out- let’s go “back to the garden.” What was the “end result” of Adam’s (and Eve’s) sin? That’s right! “booted out” of Paradise. Out you go- “have a nice life.”
Paradise lost. Not good.. by the sweat of your brow you shall eat your bread. (been there.. done that!)..
Well okay then.. where are we today? Wandering sheep in a desert place? Cast out of paradise and into a world filled with rocks and thorns. Living on a subsistence level -trying to “survive” day-by-day? Hope you make it bud.. “good luck to ya!” Mazel Tov. Have a nice life!
Unless we are blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other- life is full of people struggling. Need is everywhere. I don’t have to travel far to find it. The man I shave everyday will testify- he is a man in need. I need help- bigtime..
So.. here am I.. filled with need- wandering in the wilderness, having not Shepherd to lead me and to guide me and to “show me the Way.” Separated by sin (that’s what sin does – it “separates and divides.”) “Death” is the ultimate “separation.” Separated by sin from the life that is found “in Christ.”
I want to walk with G-d as Adam did in the cool of the evening in intimate fellowship and friendship with the G-d who is. I am jealous of Enoch (who walked with G-d). I am jealous of Noach (Noah) who “found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Is this possible for this man writing these words to be renewed and restored into a right-relationship with His Redeemer? Will YHWH provide for me? May I know the “peace of G-d” and may I enter into a covenant of Friendship with my Eternal Friend?
But, I am a sinner. I know who I am. Yes, yes, and yes.. I am a sinner by birth, by nature and by choice. Any way you want to slice it- I have sinned. Sins of omission (things I should have done and didn’t do, and sins of commission (things I have deliberately done knowing full well they were wrong.) This man has “issues.” I know YHWH is holy. I know I am not. There is a gap a mile wide (or more) between me and the G-d who is. Who will “stand in the gap?” Who will bridge the chasm between sinful man and holy G-d? Is Anyone worthy to do this? Is Anyone capable? I need an Arbitrator, I need a go-between,- a Mediator between G-d and man. Where may I find such a ONE? I need a Savior. Who will “save” me from my sin(s)? Who will deliver me? Who will redeem me? Who will cleanse me and restore me? To whom shall I go? Is Anyone listening? Does Anyone care? Is there any Hope for this man?
Does G-d want us to “survive?” or does He want us to “thrive?” Does He enjoy watching us squirm under His thumb? Is this the G-d we know? What about John 10.10- “I am come that you might have life?” -Not just living.. but “alive.” Is this possible? this very day? right where I am right now?
Does G-d love me? right here- and right now.. just as I am. Does He? May I “know” this? Is it possible to “practice His presence” today? May I go to Him? Will He come to me? May I “abide” in Christ? Will I be “accepted in the Beloved?” -I need a Savior. I need a Redeemer. I need a Friend. I need Him. I cannot take a breath without Him.
Yes, LORD.. I need You,- now.. Amen.
This is not a comment but a question. I am Presbyterian and we have an old cowboy in our church that will not take communion due to the fact that we do not use unleavened bread. He said we are saying that Jesus had sin in his life because we should use unleavened bread to represent no sin.
Can you comment on this for me. I am not sure where he stands on the wine or grape juice thing. We use grape juice not wine.
As I am reading through this page, including Carl’s comments, the picture that comes into my mind is a dividing line. Disobedience separates us FROM G-d, and obedience separates us TO God. Wonder why we think we can only get by with a nod and a wink toward restoration? The Master (whom we claim to follow) required a bit more than that from His followers.
Sounds to me like this is much more a case of theological intolerance than it is about communion. Besides, our version of communion isn’t really what was happening in the Scriptures anyway. Would he refuse to share a meal with his brothers and sisters? Probably not. Would others refuse to provide unleavened bread for Passover? I should hope not. Maybe it’s time to celebrate the Passover meal instead of the communion symbolism.
“Maybe it’s time to celebrate the Passover meal instead of the communion symbolism.”
Indeed brother Skip. It would seem that the rankling over the varied sacramental theologies surrounding “communion” could be set aside if the Hebraic context of Pesach was applied! 🙂
Shalom, (once again please tolerate such a long posting … BUT … the subject matter is of grave importance … a matter of life and death for many!)
Restoration entails making things right (justice) and of course making t’shuvah (turning back to the path of YHVH) revealed as Torah! Once again Skip’s commentary goes after the heart of the matter …. personal and communal transformation is YHVH’s plan for humanity. Transformation of course being Restoration! Restoration is not easy … it hurts as we know and is not a one shot deal!
The world of believers is seemingly trapped in the notion that “grace covers all” and we people are totally helpless and worse yet totally relieved of any obligations.
How Skip summed up matters:
• “To our own peril we slice restoration away from forgiveness” and …
• “A theology that suggests we only need God’s forgiveness in our hearts is woefully ignorant of the God of Israel.”
As heart piercing as Skip’s commentary may be it represents the truth. So beyond forgiveness what is there?
It would seem that any self conceived notions of “restitution” that are not aligned with Torah are self determinant and hence ill begotten and rebellious. Additionally t’shuvah that does not entail embracing the pure and eternal mitzvot and mishpatim, etc. is at best incomplete and at worst comparable to non-repentance!
And for those that may argue charity and love has done away with Torah …. well here is how Paul (Sha’ul) defines “charity”:
1 Corinthinians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Brethren it sure seems that Charity is much, much more than providing for the believing needy (which is their right and our obligation anyway)! Sha’ul declares that even faith without charity leaves him with nothing! No it would appear that Charity from a Biblical perspective has less to do with giving and more to do with obedience, truth, humility, righteousness and perfection. Or in other words Charity is the embodiment of The Lord’s character … or from a Hebraic context … Torah!
As for love covering a multitude of sins? Scripture is clear that love and Torah go hand in hand. There is no love of ELOHIM without a renewed heart that embraces the character of ELOHIM that is revealed in the flesh as Yeshua HaMashiach …. as He was in this world and is within us even now! And Scripture declares that this love is absent without obedience to the eternal mitzvot and mishpatim!
On closer inspection the truth revealed by the inspired authors of Sacred Scripture are perfectly in sync. Peter, Paul, John, James …. all of them. It is indeed brutally sad that our way has been littered with the roadblocks of deceit, erroneous traditions and bad theology! Let us pray that the body of Mashiach will be aroused to the truth of what it means to be molded into the image and likeness of Yeshua!
What is in question is not the faithfulness of Yeshua …. but rather our own faithfulness … and subsequently our very understanding of what it means to abide in the eternal covenant!
We have a purpose to fulfill and that purpose extends well beyond being forgiven. Yes forgiveness sits at the top of the metaphorical iceberg … visible and demanding our attention. But the bulk of the iceberg sits beneath the water line and herein lies the fullness of the Gospel Message … and our purpose!
And what is so hopeful about such a message is that the One has come down from Heaven and delivered for us the path and in HIS Name are we gifted the Ruach of remembrance and heart circumcision … we can do this because He has promised that with Him we will succeed!
To ELOHIM be all glory and honor … forever!
Charity from a Biblical perspective has less to do with giving and more to do with obedience, truth, humility, righteousness and perfection.
Hi Drew,
Good points! I would add “serving” to your list and say that “feeling guilty” is a form of bad faith.
Rather than feeling guilty, I think it is better to take responsibility for our actions.
And focus on doing the right thing.
Hello Michael,
“Feeling Guilty” to me seems to be a necessary part of the refining process. The process wherein we are rebuked by Ruach HaKodesh because of our disobedience.
I would concur that an over-arching oppressive mindset that inhibits us is not good at all. (I am thinking that this is what you have in mind?) Conversely what good is not recognizing or feeling guilt? Then I have no need to restore or change because I have no tangible understanding of what needs to be purged! This is the scenario where believers’ lives don’t change. Many don’t recognize guilt and therefore remain unchanged in their ways!
The Lord rebukes those whom He loves and in most cases the guilt levied upon me by Ruach HaKodesh is far more merciful than paying the price in the form of punishment. In some cases punishment is what is handed down but clearly The Lord rebukes us often (with guilt) so that we are moved to change our direction and get back on course. No?
“a necessary part of the refining process”
Hi Drew,
I agree. All I’m saying is that when I’m feeling guilty I’m in a state of BAD faith and I have a choice.
Or at least it feels like “bad faith” to me (I did not say that I was not recognizing or feeling guilt).
My only alternative, as far as I know, is to ask God for forgiveness, apologize to others, etc.
Do the right thing whatever it is. That is all I can do.
That tends to work for me and I think it is good advice.
At the same time, I think there are folks who “like” to live in bad faith on the one hand and others who seem to have emotional trauma and cannot find relief for their feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, etc.
My heart goes out to the latter.
Isa 1:11″What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.
Isa 1:12 “When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?
Isa 1:13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.
Isa 1:14 “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.
Isa 1:15 “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
Isa 1:16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,
Isa 1:17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
Isa 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
Isa 1:19 “If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;
Isa 1:20 “But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword.” Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
I have often wondered what “Christians” do with this verse when they expound the doctrine of “grace” vs. “works”. It appears they take vs 18 totally out of the equation(oops, is that Greekish?) to declare salvation through the blood of Christ, without the qualifying aspect of what the imputed righteousness of Christ produces in our lives. I guess that’s what happens when we think God saved us only to give us the ticket to enter our “mansions” and float around and around the endless lazy river. No purpose here other than to just wait things out and live “like the Gentiles also live”. No regrets, no worries…love means never having to say you’re sorry or make amends. OOPS, do over, as I quietly retreat and wait til the storm blows over and hopefully all will be forgiven and FORGOTTEN! Restoration and reconcilliation…isn’t that the ministry we have been called to?
I have often wondered what “Christians” do with this verse when they expound the doctrine of “grace” vs. “works”.
Hi Mary,
In my view, most Christians want a “new religion” and have never read the “master text” from end to end.
To me, they are a lot like the Communists who have never read read Karl Marx and have also done a lot of damage in the name of their cause.