HOLINESS MUST BE MAINTAINED-(Leviticus 16:1-27:34)

The most important sacrifices for sins were offered on the annual Day of Atonement. A bull was offered for the priests and the tribe of Levi. A goat was sacrificed for Israel's non-priestly tribes. Another goat was sent away alive into the wilderness after the people's sins had been pronounced over it.  The two goats were regarded as one sin offering. All of this pointed to the fact that Jesus Christ would be sacrificed and would also carry away sins.

Regulations about the eating of meat and about other matters impress us with the need for holiness when we worship Jehovah. Appropriately, the priests were to keep themselves  holy.  The three annual festivals were occasions for great rejoicing and the giving of thanks to the Creator. Jehovah also gave his people regulations involving the abuse of his holy name, the observance of Sabbaths and of the Jubilee, conduct toward the poor, and the treatment of slaves.  The blessings that would result from obedience to God are contrasted with the maledictions that would be experienced for disobedience.  There are also regulations about offerings in connection with vows and valuations, the firstborn of animals, and the giving of every tenth part as "something holy to Jehovah." 

HOW LEVITICUS AFFECTS OUR WORSHIP

Jehovah's Witnesses today are not living under the Law.  (Galatians 3:23-25) Since what is said in Leviticus gives us insight into Jehovah's viewpoint on various matters, however, it can affect our worship;. 

As you do the weekly Bible reading in preparation for the Theocratic Ministry School, no  doubt you will be impressed with the fact that our God requires holiness of his servants. This Bible book can also move you to give the Most High your very best, always maintaining holiness to his praise. 

Note: This law is for those who are not true Christians. True Christians are those who  follow God's commandments and statutes, who do not observe or celebrate holidays and birthdays, who do not go into politics, who do not watch violence or shows with vampires werewolves, ghosts shows or movies,  on TV or in theaters or  listen to music with violence and bad language, or go to psychics about the dead, or readings about the future.  Do not salute the flag or stand for state songs. Those are just a few more of what true Christians do not do.   If you think that just going to church and having faith is all you need to be a true Christian, think again. 

Next time: Abraham and Sarah-You Can Imitate Their Faith! 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004