I just finished reading the Book of Leviticus on my journey of reading through the Bible this year. I have to admit, it’s not my favorite reading, but this year God was impressing some precious truths on my heart. The whole book is centered on the holiness of God and coming before Him was not to be taken lightly. God spelled out to Moses and Aaron in specific details what one was to do in order to have their sins forgiven. Every area of life was covered in one way or another with commands, regulations and sacrifices from God himself. God wanted his people to be different, to be holy, as the Lord is holy. He said, “For I am the Lord your God: you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.” Lev. 11:44

So, Leviticus showed how people could know God and what they needed to do to approach Him. That was the way in the Old Testament – all looking forward to what was coming in the New Testament.

I am so glad we don’t have to follow all kinds of rules and regulations and sacrifices to come before our God. Yes, He is still the same holy God that is found in the Old Testament and sin can’t be found in his presence. That’s why He sent his son, Jesus Christ. He became the perfect sacrifice – dying for the sins of the world — dying for your sins and for mine. Now, believing, in faith, what Jesus has done for us, brings us forgiveness of our sins and guaranties that one day we will be in heaven with Him. In the meantime, we can talk directly to God through prayer, and know that He is always with us. But God does also desire for us to live a holy life, to be different from the world, so people can see that we belong to Him. If you are God’s child, let’s do just that!