Lesson 13: Washing at the Cross Sets Captives Free
Questions 2 and 3
The Day of Atonement
We should understand by now that sin is pervasively defiling just as God said. But it’s no coincidence that Leviticus 15 (the impurity chapter) is followed by Leviticus 16 (the Atonement chapter). Leviticus 16 is all about the Day of Atonement where the High Priest entered into the Most Holy Place, once a year, with blood to make atonement for the people. This was the way God set forth to cleanse impure people. The blood of the sacrifice covered the mercy seat and the “Scapegoat” carried the sin away, and it all pointed forward to the atoning work of Jesus on the cross.
I can imagine being an Israelite reading Leviticus 15 and coming to understand the weight and gravity of my impurity. Realizing how everything in my life would be affected and infected by impurity.
But then, can you imagine the good news of continuing on to the next chapter? Seeing that God made a way for me to be cleansed? No more defilement, no more impurity! I would be clean and free!
All through the Scriptures, the promise was given that when God cleansed His people, the captives would be set free:
I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:7-8 (NIV)
Question 2. In Jeremiah 33:7-8, what main concepts are connected together?
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The Blood of Christ
Oh, yes, there was a day coming when God would set captives free, He would restore them to their land, and He would cleanse them from sin and forgive their rebellion. All their impurity would be washed away, and they would be made pure and holy!
That day is here! This is the work of the cross! It’s available for you! And it’s available as a flowing fountain, an ongoing place of cleansing.
Let’s look at the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement and see how washing at the cross is connected with setting captives free:
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 9:11-14 (NIV)
Question 3 In Hebrews 9:13, what did the blood of bulls and goats do for the people?
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