The book of Leviticus is a continuation from the book of Exodus, beginning with the word "And," signifying its connection to the preceding narrative. It focuses on consecration, devotion to God, and holiness. Leviticus emphasizes the importance of maintaining continuous access to God, without which there is a risk of returning to the ways of the world.

Leviticus, through the sacrifices and their attendant ceremonies, deals with access to God, devotion, and holiness. To some, this book appears mysterious and utterly useless, but when its intent is understood, it becomes a veritable spiritual diamond mine to those seeking to know God, our Savior, and the many requirements to follow in His footsteps. This section of the Bible, often neglected due to unfamiliarity with the spiritual purposes of the offerings, holds valuable lessons on devotion, commitment, holiness, suffering, sacrifice, perfection, righteousness, the surrender of the self, and knowing God. In the sacrifices of Leviticus, there are many types that provide insight into Christ's character, and for those that apply directly to us, we must strive to understand their practical applications and apply them to our lives. We can mine a great deal of useful and sensible instruction in Christian living from these sacrifices.

The book of Leviticus, as a creation of God, serves as a profound teaching tool within His Word, revealing multiple layers of instruction through its offerings. These offerings, detailed in the first five chapters, include the burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering, trespass offering, and sin offering, each carrying significant spiritual lessons for those under both the Old and New Covenants. They are not merely historical rituals but are designed as shadows of good things to come, pointing to the reality of Jesus Christ's life and work. Specifically, the burnt offering, meal offering, and peace offering focus on Christ's work for the already redeemed, illustrating how to live in a manner that keeps one from returning to sin and maintains happy fellowship with God. The burnt offering, often called the whole burnt offering, is unique among the offerings in Leviticus as the entire animal is consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete, wholehearted devotion to God. It is distinguished by four characteristics: it is a sweet savor to God, indicating no sin is involved; it is offered for acceptance in the stead of the offerer; a life is given; and it is completely burned up. This offering represents Christ in His total devotion to God, not as a sin bearer, but in the way He lived His life, which was wholly pleasing to God. It also serves as a pattern for believers to strive for similar dedication in their own lives. In contrast, the meal offering and peace offering, while also sweet savor offerings, do not involve the complete burning of the offering or the giving of a life in the same manner. The trespass and sin offerings, however, are not sweet to God and are burned outside the camp, reflecting their association with sin and repulsion to Him. These distinctions highlight different aspects of Christ's life and work, showing Him as the offerer, the offering itself, and the priest, each role rich with meaning for spiritual application. The burnt offering further emphasizes voluntary surrender, as it was not mandatory for the individual Israelite to offer it, mirroring Christ's voluntary sacrifice and the believer's choice to live a life devoted to God. This act of giving oneself as a gift to God, represented by laying hands on the offering to identify with it, underscores the total surrender of every aspect of life—thoughts, emotions, actions, and strength—to God's will. Through Leviticus, God provides a framework for understanding how Christ's perfect life satisfied divine requirements, offering acceptance before Him and setting an example for believers to follow in their daily lives.

The Book of Leviticus, as part of the Pentateuch, holds a significant place among the five books of the Law, which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It corresponds to Book III of the Psalms, spanning Psalms 73-89, and is linked with the Festival Scroll of Lamentations, the summer season associated with the 9th of Ab, and themes of the Temple, correction, tribulation, and devastation. This alignment reflects a period of challenge and reflection, resonating with the solemn and instructive nature of Leviticus within the broader structure of biblical organization.

The Book of Leviticus, as part of the Torah, carries significant thematic weight in relation to the broader context of biblical seasons and judgments. It focuses primarily on the Levites and their priestly service to God, detailing their responsibilities with offerings and duties at the Tabernacle, later the Temple, emphasizing the sanctuary as a central theme. Leviticus is deeply concerned with holiness, distinction, separateness, and purity, encapsulating these concepts in what is known as the Holiness Code. It also includes references to the feasts, with a comprehensive listing in chapter 23 and a specific focus on the Day of Atonement in chapter 16, which introduces the idea of affliction. In Leviticus 26, the blessings and curses are outlined, promising wonderful outcomes for obedience and severe consequences for disobedience to God's covenant. Examples of God's acts of judgment are evident, notably the incident with Nadab and Abihu, who suffered dire consequences for their carelessness in honoring God's detailed instructions. Finally, at the book's conclusion, there is a slight note of hope with discussions on the redemption of property and persons. These themes of holiness, judgment, and potential redemption in Leviticus parallel the broader seasonal and judgmental imagery of summer, reflecting the ripening of fruit, both good and bad, and the inevitable consequences as seen in other scriptural contexts.

The book of Leviticus holds a vital place in understanding access to and communion with God. It focuses on the work of Christ for those already redeemed, emphasizing His role in maintaining and restoring fellowship with God for members of the Body. Unlike the book of Exodus, which deals with redemption from sin, Leviticus shows Christ keeping us out of sin, restoring us when we fail, and sustaining a joyful relationship with God. This fellowship is crucial, as knowing God defines eternal life, and Leviticus provides insight into what pleases Him and how to remain in communion with Him. Leviticus is not to be dismissed as barbaric, primitive, or insignificant due to the blood involved in its sacrifices. These sacrifices are profoundly important, offering detailed instruction on the character, mind, and attitude of Jesus Christ. They serve as a shadow of good things to come, with Christ as the reality casting that shadow. Designed by a Master Craftsman, the laws in Leviticus, though physical, help us grasp the spiritual greatness of Christ and His work. Within Leviticus, Christ is depicted in various roles across the five offerings: as the offerer, the offering itself, and the priest. Each offering highlights a distinct aspect of His person, character, or office. As the offerer, He is seen as God who became man; as the offering, His character is revealed, sometimes as a victim and sometimes not; as the priest, He mediates and intercedes for us before God. Variations within each offering further illuminate different facets of His nature and mission. The burnt offering, for instance, represents Christ giving Himself to God as God's portion, a complete devotion that satisfies God. It is a sweet savor to God, offered for acceptance on behalf of the offerer, involving the giving of a life, and is entirely consumed by fire, signifying total surrender. This offering underscores a life wholly devoted to God, not just in thought or action, but even unto death, mirroring Christ's complete dedication and serving as an example for us to follow.

The Book of Leviticus, named primarily for its focus on the work of the set-apart tribe of Levites and the duties God expected of them on behalf of all the people, carries a profound significance. Originally called "and He called" based on the first word in the Hebrew, it serves as a reminder of our own calling to the vital work God expects from those drawn to Jesus Christ. The central theme of this book is holiness, emphasizing the sacred responsibility placed upon us. Within this context, the offerings detailed in Leviticus, particularly the Peace Offering, are crucial to the hope set before us and the work we must undertake in striving for God's perfect peace. God has placed a time limit on our sanctification, and if we fail to fulfill our duty in this moment, we risk profaning His gifts and facing eternal separation. Now is our time to learn and live the self-sacrificial duty God expects, a duty made possible and certain through Jesus Christ.

The book of Leviticus, in contrast to Deuteronomy, is distinctly a book of codified law. While Deuteronomy serves as a book of instruction on how to live life and the reasons behind such a lifestyle, Leviticus focuses on structured legal codes. This difference highlights Leviticus as a definitive law book, setting it apart from the broader instructional nature of Deuteronomy, which intersperses specific laws with extensive sermonic content.

The Book of Leviticus serves as a vital foundation for understanding the relationship between God and His people under the Old Covenant. It details the specific responsibilities and rituals that the Israelites were to follow, warmly inviting them to come to the tabernacle and participate fully in fellowship with Him. God, now dwelling among His people, welcomed them to visit with Him, ensuring that respectful order prevailed. Each person and group, including the ministry, had their distinct roles to perform for specific reasons, immersing the offerer in the process of making his offering, which was a personal act of repentance for his sin. Leviticus stands as a preface to life under the New Covenant, offering spiritual principles that remain relevant even though the physical ceremonies of sacrifices are no longer required. It acts as a detailed instructional guide, akin to a complex assembly project, where precisely following the steps is crucial for proper understanding. Though not easy reading, Leviticus is essential for preparing one to worship God in spirit and truth, providing a spiritual road map that enhances appreciation and comprehension of the New Covenant. The detailed instructions in Leviticus, given by God, were meant to be followed meticulously, highlighting the importance of every step in the sacrificial process. While a Christian does not need Leviticus for conversion, it is necessary for a thorough understanding and fulfillment of the New Covenant, glorifying God through a deeper grasp of foundational teachings. Positioned before the New Testament in the order of Scripture, Leviticus serves as preliminary instruction, intended by God to be read first to prepare for what follows.

The book of Leviticus stands as a central guide in understanding how to worship God, detailing the practices and principles of approaching and maintaining fellowship with Him. It is a book written for priests, and as a kingdom of priests, it holds profound relevance for all believers. Leviticus, especially in its first five chapters, provides symbolic and typical instructions on how to sustain and even enhance communion with God, which is vital for salvation. In the burnt offering, described in Leviticus, the complete devotion of a person's life to God is emphasized. Every part of the offering, representing various aspects of character and attitude, is consumed on the altar, symbolizing total surrender to God. This offering portrays Jesus Christ in multiple roles: as the offeror who brings the sacrifice, as the offering itself, and as the priest who receives it on behalf of God. Through these roles, believers learn about their own positions as offerors, offerings, and priests in service to God. The meal offering, or grain offering, introduced in Leviticus chapter 2, further illustrates a perfect yieldedness to God, described as a sweet savor to Him, indicating it does not involve sin. Unlike the burnt offering, no life is given up; instead, flour, oil, and frankincense are offered, representing man's portion and duty to his neighbor. This offering, always paired with the burnt offering, underscores the dual responsibility to God and to fellow man, emphasizing that devotion to God must precede and accompany service to others. Specific elements of the meal offering carry symbolic weight. Fine flour, ground to the consistency of talcum, reflects the evenness and consistency of character, devoid of unevenness. Oil, representing power through God's Spirit, equips believers for service to others, while frankincense, which retains its fragrance under trial, symbolizes a steadfast attitude amidst difficulties. Conversely, honey and leaven are excluded from offerings burned on the altar due to their tendency to corrupt under heat, teaching the importance of preserving integrity in relationships with others. An exception is noted in the wave sheaf offering and the two wave loaves, which include leaven and represent the church with its inherent corruption. These are not burned on the altar as a sweet aroma due to the presence of sin, highlighting that no amount of God's Spirit can fully eradicate sin's effects in human flesh. Only through the preceding sacrifice of Christ are believers made acceptable before God, enabling communion and fellowship with Him.

The book of Leviticus stands as the central text on holiness within the Bible. While all biblical books address aspects of holiness, Leviticus uniquely focuses on this theme, providing guidance on how to be holy and what is acceptable in God's presence and service. Rather than offering specific instructions for every requirement, it teaches through principles, symbols, images, types, and metaphors. The dominant terms in Leviticus are clean and unclean, which are opposites, with clean signifying holy, undefiled, and acceptable to God, and unclean representing sin, profanity, and unacceptability in His presence. Additionally, Leviticus 23:1-4 highlights the commanded assemblies, or holy convocations, where God summons His people to appear before Him. These are not mere invitations but carry the legal weight of a command, requiring adherence to His standards of dress and conduct as set by His authority.

Leviticus, in the Old Testament, stands in contrast to Hebrews in the New Testament, yet both books share a purpose in providing detailed worship instructions related to different covenants. Leviticus was dictated by God, through Jesus Christ before His incarnation, to Moses, who then taught these instructions to the Levitical priests and worshippers. The worshippers participated in creating the physical implements and the Tabernacle itself, following the precise verbal instructions given by God. This formed a rigid system of worship, strictly enforced by God, as seen in instances where deviations led to severe consequences, such as the execution of Aaron's sons for using improper fire, or the servant of David for mishandling the transport of Tabernacle implements. These examples underscore the necessity of adhering to the exact letter of the law under the Old Covenant. A significant lesson from Leviticus is that mere ceremonial compliance was insufficient for salvation; the Israelites often fell short of living the way of life God commanded beyond these observances. The book remains relevant, as it is part of God's Word, offering lessons that support our relationship with Christ and fellow man, even under the New Covenant. Studying practices no longer required helps broaden and deepen understanding. Ultimately, Leviticus teaches that God is to be respected, regardless of the times or the covenant made with Him.

Unlike the book of Leviticus, which Christ gave to the people during His first coming as a written guide, He did not provide the book of Hebrews in the same manner. Instead, Leviticus contained five full chapters with detailed instructions on sacrifices, serving as a structured system of worship under the Old Covenant. In contrast, under the new system, disciples are themselves the living sacrifices, marking a significant shift in the approach to spiritual growth and relationship with God. This new method does not operate by rote as much of Leviticus did, but requires active participation and a personal, faithful connection with Christ as the Teacher.

The Book of Leviticus contains a significant section often referred to as the holiness code, spanning chapters 17 through 26, with some consideration for including chapter 27 due to its frequent use of terms related to sanctification. This section emphasizes holiness and sanctification as central themes, focusing on how God's people are to live in a manner reflecting His holy nature. The term "holiness code" was applied by scholars to describe these chapters, highlighting their concentration on laws and statutes designed to teach a way of life aligned with God's character. In Leviticus 19:1-2, the theme of holiness is clearly articulated as God instructs His people to be holy because He, the Lord their God, is holy. Throughout chapter 19 and other parts of this section, God repeatedly declares, "I am the Lord," serving as a reminder of His holiness and authority, urging His people to act in accordance with His ways. This shorthand reinforces the expectation that they should embody holiness in their conduct as a reflection of His nature. The purpose of the numerous laws within these chapters is to illustrate how God lives as a holy God, providing a framework for His people to emulate this holiness. These laws cover various aspects of life, aiming to set the people apart as distinct and dedicated to God. Key chapters, particularly 17 through 23, address critical elements of holy living, including the observance of holy days as noted in chapter 23. The holiness code is not merely a set of rules to achieve holiness through compliance alone; rather, it underscores that true holiness originates from God, who sanctifies His people. The laws serve as a response to being set apart by Him, guiding them to maintain and grow in that holiness. This section of Leviticus remains relevant as a tool to understand and reflect God's unchanging character, though the application of some laws may require consideration of their spiritual principles rather than literal enforcement, given the shift from a physical nation to a spiritual one.