What the priestly legislation provided then was an intricate theological-symbolic world designed to preserve God's presence in the midst of his people. The people were constantly reminded of his holy character through their failure to follow his commands but at the same time experienced his gracious character as they received atonement for both cleansing and forgiveness. Through these priestly encounters with God's holiness and grace, they were reminded of their need to “be holy as he is holy.”—A Severe Mercy, page 76
<idle musing>
What a great segue into Hebrews...in the old covenant, it was failure and atonement; in the new covenant, it is sacrifice and cleansing, resulting in rest! Rest for the people of God as they walk by faith in Christ's accomplished work on the cross. Not just forgiveness, but deliverance. What more could anyone want?
Anything less than deliverance, and you are still walking in the old covenant...
</idle musing>
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