The Three-Legged Stool

The Gospel Project at All Souls’ Episcopal Church

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Each week we will take on a new study as part of the Gospel Project. See below for this week’s lesson!

  • God’s Provision for Redemption (Leviticus 16)

    Leviticus: A Holy God and a Way to Draw Near

    Main Passage: Leviticus 16 (The Day of Atonement)
    Key Question: How can sinful people dwell in the presence of a holy God?

    I. Connecting to Exodus

    • In Exodus, Israel builds the tabernacle, and God’s presence fills it (Ex. 40:34-38).
    • But a problem remains: How can sinful people approach a holy God?
    • Leviticus provides the answer: Through atonement, God makes a way for His people to remain in His presence.

    II. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

    Key Features:

    1. The High Priest’s Role
      • Only the high priest (Aaron) can enter the Holy of Holies.
      • He must offer a sacrifice for his own sins first (Lev. 16:6).
    2. The Two Goats: Atonement and Removal of Sin
      • Goat #1: The Sin Offering (Lev. 16:15-19)
        • Blood sprinkled on the mercy seat = atonement for sin.
      • Goat #2: The Scapegoat (Lev. 16:20-22)
        • The priest lays hands on it, confessing Israel’s sins.
        • The goat is sent into the wilderness = sin is removed.

    Why Two Goats?

    • One represents payment for sin (propitiation).
    • The other represents the removal of sin (expiation).

    III. How Leviticus 16 Points to Jesus

    1. Jesus is the Greater High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12, 7:26-27)
      • Unlike Aaron, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices for Himself.
      • He enters the true Holy of Holies—heaven itself—to make atonement.
    2. Jesus is the Ultimate Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-4, John 1:29)
      • His blood removes sin permanently, unlike the temporary animal sacrifices.
    3. Jesus is our Scapegoat (Hebrews 13:12)
      • He bears our sins and is “sent outside the camp” to suffer for us.

    IV. Application & Discussion Questions

    1. What does the Day of Atonement teach us about God’s holiness?
    2. How does Jesus fulfill and surpass the Levitical system?
    3. How should we live as people who have been atoned for?

    Final Thought

    Leviticus answers Exodus’ problem—how can God dwell with a sinful people? The Day of Atonement provided a temporary solution, but Jesus fulfills it once and for all. Through Him, we confidently enter God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16).

    Next week, as we enter Numbers, we will see how Israel moves forward as a people called to holiness.