1. Reality of Sin (Lev 4:13)

The word “sin” in verse 13 refers to a sin through ignorance, while that in verse 14 means missing the mark (i.e. falling short of what the Lord requires of us). The reality of sin is always defined by the commandments of God.

The church cannot justify what it does by the mere fact that the world practises it, or that the majority of people are doing it. We have to examine if the practices are according to God’s Word. The sins recorded in the Bible are mostly wilful sins, not ignorant ones, eg: the worship of the golden calf, the people’s refusal to enter the Promised Land, the people’s sin of fornication. When churches sin, it usually does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process. The ecumenical movement started with an idea, and slowly many churches and denominations were impacted. The reality of sin is determined by God’s Word. We must be vigilant, sober and humble to submit to God’s Word.

2. Importance of Intercession and Intervention (Lev 4:14-15)

Sin might continue in Israel for a season, but God in His mercy would raise up a man (eg: a prophet or a king) who would lead the people to return to God’s Word. God would use man as His instrument to intervene. King Hezekiah is one example. King Hezekiah feared God and, by returning to the Word of God, was able to stop the progression of the sin of idolatry (2 Chron 29).

In Leviticus 4, when the congregation sinned, there would be a representative who would expose the sin. And, as a representative, he would intervene by laying his hands on the animal. There would also be a mediator (the priest) who would then complete the rest of the ceremony for this sacrifice. Sin also requires an intercessor. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Mediator and Intercessor. At the same time, all of us are also intercessors for one another.

3. God’s Grace and Forgiveness (Lev 4:16-21)

The sin of the people may be a serious sin, but God can forgive. Forgiveness is God's grace. We do not deserve it, and can never do anything to earn it. God’s forgiveness of our sins leads us to be restored back to God.

Church discipline is part of the restoration process. Its purpose is never purely punitive. The purpose is that the sinner will learn the seriousness of his sin, and be restored back to God. By God’s grace, if the sinner realises the seriousness of his sin, the restoration process immediately begins to help him. The consequences of different sins may differ. But God’s forgiveness can cover all our sins, i.e. the atonement of our sins.