The name "Leviticus" means "pertaining to the Levites." The Levites were responsible for the service of the Tabernacle. The Book of Leviticus contains divine instructions for the Priests concerning the sacrifices and feasts. This book deals with separation and communion. It is also a book of sacrifices and blood. These words are repulsive to many people. Mankind wants a bloodless religion, but this is impossible because, without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
In chapter 1 of Leviticus we have pictured the burnt offering. This offering had to be a perfect male of the first year and the very best that was in the herd. The meal offering is explained in chapter 2. In chapter 3 the peace offering is explained. The burnt offering pictures Christ offering Himself completely spotless to God. The meal offering is a non-blood offering. Christ is prefigured in His sinless humanity, the perfect Man. The peace offering presents Christ's work on the cross in the aspect of procuring peace for the sinner. For the New Testament believer the chief significance of the Old Testament sacrifices is that they are symbolical. They express a need which they cannot satisfy but which the coming Redeemer would fulfill. For the Old Testament believer the sacrifices were a means of approach to God, for guilty men needed some way to draw near to the Holy God, with assurance of acceptance. The acceptance was provided through the sacrifices we are now studying.
