An Offering for Sin - Leviticus 4-6

Perhaps one of the most unusual aspects of Christianity that the world has trouble relating to is the need for an offering for sin. Most non-believers or those who live a life without thinking of Christ substitutionary atonement (who really does live like they think about that all day) would readily agree that Jesus died for sins. But, most would be quick to admit they seldom think of substituionary atonement during their life, let alone during the week or day. In this passage of Leviticus we read several times about "if we sin" than we shoudl "offer" this sacrifice. The writer of Leviticus is not out to prove the need for an offering for sin but rather "when you sin" than "offer" this. The writer assumes the reader understands the need for payment for sin. Perhaps that is the flaw in today's society: They have neither a reference or desposition on the concept of "an offering for sin." If you don't think you need an offering for sin you won't, on your own, think about someone paying the offering for you. If we want to fully grasp what Christ did for us we have to come to the daily realization that our sins (that pile up moment by moment) have to be dealt with. There must be some payment for the sins that we do. Since Christ died once for all to pay for my sins I no longer stand in condemnation for them and can be free (Romans 6-8). I no longer need the offerings listed in Leviticus. But, the world doesn't think that way. They don't openly confess they are sinning, much less know or admit that sin must be paid for. To the world today, sin is like speeding on the expressway. Everyone is doing it and the only person who pays is the poor slob who got caught. The rest of us simply take the next exit and are home free - because we didn't get caught. The Levitical system works on two assumptions: One that we aren't looking to get caught but to openly admit we sinned and, two, that sin needs atonement, payment. Rejoice today that God has brought you to a point that you recognize your sin and the need for payment. Rejoice because Chrsit paid for that sin there is no more to pay. We are free. No more offerings. Rejoice.