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LEVITICUS AND ITS MESSAGE: THE WAY TO APPROACH GOD’S PRESENCE

Draw Near to God: Visit Leviticus, Behold Jesus

What does Leviticus teach us about how to draw near to the Holy God and live in His presence?
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As the heart of the Torah, Leviticus is more than a collection of laws. It is the story of how a Holy God can dwell among a flawed people without destroying them. It is an invitation to re-enter the beauty of Eden—the place of God’s presence—now expressed in the tabernacle.


From Eden to Sinai – What Now?


Genesis (Gen. 3:22–24) shows humanity expelled from Eden, losing face-to-face life with God and entering exile and death (Rom. 5:12). Exodus (Exod. 19:4–6; 25:8–9) brings fresh hope: God redeems Israel from slavery, brings them to His mountain, and promises to dwell among them through the tabernacle—a new garden of meeting. But Exodus ends (Exod. 40:34–35) with a problem: even Moses cannot enter because YHWH’s glory fills the tabernacle. The question remains: How can humanity enter God’s presence without perishing?


Leviticus gives the answer (Lev. 1:1). God speaks from the tabernacle, providing a way of atonement through blood (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22), cleansing from impurity (Lev. 11–16), and a call to live holy lives (Lev. 19:2; 20:7–8), restoring fellowship with Him.



Structure of Leviticus – The Way of Approach


  1. Leviticus 1–10 – Sacrifices and priesthood: the system of drawing near to God begins. Here we see the five major offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings – Lev. 1–7) designed to remove sin and impurity (Lev. 4:20, 26, 31) and restore fellowship. Then comes the consecration of the priests (Lev. 8–10), showing that reconciliation requires spiritual mediators who represent the people before God (Heb. 5:1).


  2. Leviticus 11–16 – Distinguishing between clean and unclean: food laws (Lev. 11), childbirth (Lev. 12), skin diseases and mildew (Lev. 13–14), and bodily discharges (Lev. 15). All these teach about impurity that can hinder fellowship with God. The climax is the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16), the literary center of the book, where sacrificial blood and the scapegoat purify the sanctuary, the priests, and the whole nation, ensuring God’s presence remains among them (Lev. 16:30–34; Heb. 9:7).


  3. Leviticus 17–27 – A call to holiness extending into every area of life. Holiness is not limited to the temple or priests but extends to the whole nation: prohibition of blood (Lev. 17), sexual ethics (Lev. 18), the command to love one’s neighbor (Lev. 19:18), penalties for sin (Lev. 20), priestly and sacrificial holiness (Lev. 21–22), sacred festivals and sabbath (Lev. 23, 25), and covenant blessings and curses (Lev. 26). The conclusion (Lev. 27) highlights the importance of vows and dedicated things. God’s voice rings out: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 19:2; 20:7–8; 1 Pet. 1:15–16).



Theology of Leviticus


  • Holiness – Holiness is not just moral behavior but a divine gift that changes one’s status (Lev. 19:2; 20:7–8). Israel was called to be a people set apart for God (Exod. 19:5–6), displaying His character and justice in all of life—in family, work, fields, and social relationships (Lev. 18–20). This call to live differently from the nations (Deut. 7:6) is extended in the New Testament to the entire church as a “holy nation” (1 Pet. 1:15–16; 2:9).


  • Atonement by Blood – Blood represents life (Lev. 17:11). Sin and guilt offerings (Lev. 4–5) were given to remove impurity and sin, ensuring God’s presence would not depart because of rebellion (Lev. 16:2, 30). This is fulfilled in Christ, who offered His blood once for all (Heb. 9:11–14; Rom. 3:25), bringing eternal reconciliation and removing all barriers to God’s presence (Heb. 10:19–22).


  • Torah as Wisdom – The laws of Leviticus are not just cold commands but a guide of wisdom showing the covenant order (Deut. 4:5–8; Ps. 19:7–11). They preserved social fairness and relationship with God (Mic. 6:8). The New Testament shows that love for God and neighbor (Rom. 13:8–10; Jas. 2:8) is the ultimate goal of the Torah.


  • Ethics and Worship – Leviticus stresses that temple worship and social justice cannot be separated. Oppressing the poor or foreigners (Lev. 19:9–18) is defilement that drives out God’s presence (Isa. 1:11–17; Amos 5:21–24). The New Testament builds on this by warning against corrupt lifestyles (1 Cor. 6:9–11) and urging pure-hearted devotion expressed in love, mercy, and holy living (Jas. 1:27).


This way of approaching God finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ—the eternal High Priest and perfect sacrifice. He is the living picture of the Day of Atonement: by His blood He has opened the way for us to enter freely into God’s presence (Heb. 9–10). Holiness once limited to Israel now spreads to the entire world through His Spirit.



Final Message


Leviticus is more than ancient regulations: it is the story of how God made a way to restore fellowship—humanity once again living close to its Creator. If Genesis is about losing Eden and Exodus is about returning, then Leviticus is about entering in. It is an invitation to live in holiness, delighting in God’s presence dwelling among His people, ultimately fulfilled in the new creation to come.



Feedback and Fellowship


We welcome your comments, questions, and perspectives on the message of Leviticus. What are you learning about God’s holiness and His invitation to live close to Him? Please share with us for deeper discussion and fellowship through maisha-kamili.com.



Annotated Sources


  1. Leviticus 1–27 (Bible) – The primary source outlining Israel’s system of sacrifices, purity, and holy living.

  2. Hebrews 9–10 (Bible) – Shows how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Levitical sacrificial system, offering eternal atonement.

  3. Tim Mackie, "Leviticus and Holiness" (BibleProject) – Offers video and written analysis on Leviticus’ role in the biblical storyline, emphasizing holiness and God’s presence.

  4. John Walton, The Lost World of the Torah – Provides cultural context for the laws of Leviticus, understanding them as a guide to wisdom rather than strict legal codes.

  5. Jacob Milgrom, Leviticus: Anchor Yale Bible Commentary – A scholarly commentary focusing on worship, purity, and the theology of Leviticus.

  6. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets – Explains how the sacrificial system foreshadowed Christ and invited a life of holiness before God.



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