The fourth and fifth offerings are the sin offering (Leviticus 4) and the guilt offering (Leviticus 5). These two offerings were not voluntary; both were to be made because of sin and reaffirmed the need for forgiveness. The sin offering was made after unintentional sin or uncleanliness. The guilt offering was made after intentional acts against others or after desecrating what was holy.

Both offerings point to the one-time sacrifice Jesus made for all sin – intentional and unintentional. Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary to provide forgiveness that gives the believer confidence that he or she is accepted by God. Not even a single sin remains to bring condemnation from God. This is the source of the believer’s hope and joy. Even as believers continue to sin, remembering the scope and depth of Christ’s sacrifice for sin should cause us to seek to cast aside sin and to live holy lives pleasing to the Lord.

• What sins have you committed but not yet confessed to God? How can you rest in His complete forgiveness and acceptance of you in Christ?