Since Jesus Has Come

Leviticus 16 is one of the highlight chapters of the Old Testament law and is at the center of the worship of the God who had rescued Israel out of Egypt. It is also foundational to understanding the work of Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners.

While there are many important connections between the work of the Aaronic high priest and Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, I want to focus on some contrasts.

We have in Leviticus 16 a list of specific conditions which had to keep to fulfill the Day of Atonement, the high holy day of Old Covenant worship. Here is a gleaning of some of the primary ones:

The person - only the high priest could come, and he had to come wearing a set of holy garments, undergarments, and turban. He also had to be properly bathed.
The sacrifice - he came with two male goats, one ram, and a bull for the offerings. There were very specific ways of slaughter, the sprinkling of blood, the casting of lots, the setting loose of one of the goats.
The worshippers - the rest (including the other priests) were outside, afflicting themselves, that is mourning over theirs sins. It was also a period in which they were not to go about their normal work.
The time - this could not be done at any time, but was to be done in the 7th month, on the 10th day of the month
The consequence for disobedience - if these conditions were not kept, the high priest could die and the peoples’ sins would not be forgiven. If that shot was missed, better luck next year.

There are two key passages in Hebrews that tell us what the consequence of Jesus' fulfilling these things does for us as New Covenant believers.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:21-23)

The person - since Jesus has come, we who believe the Gospel are now invited to go into the Holy Place. We have been clothed with His righteousness and bathed with pure water.
The sacrifice - since Jesus has come and offered the sacrifice of Himself, there is no more atoning sacrifice we can bring. All we can do is come and worship and say thank you.
The worshippers - since Jesus has come, we are not left outside, and we are not left mourning but come boldly and rejoicing in His presence with exceeding joy.
The time - since Jesus has come, the entering into God’s presence is not limited to once a year, but any and every time of need (which is, by the way, always).
The consequence for disobedience - since Jesus has come, the consequence of our falling short is the glorious invitation to come and find more mercy and grace.

Our privileges as New Covenant priests from every nation through believing the Gospel is better than the most privileged man in the Old Covenant. This is because of the work of Christ.

So now we have the doctrine. The great question is whether we will take advantage and enjoy this worship now, in this moment, and throughout this day.