The book of Leviticus flows immediately from the events of the preceding book, Exodus, in which God had rescued his people out of slavery in Egypt. Almost as soon as God’s people had entered into a covenant relationship with God at Mt Sinai, they spectacularly rebelled, worshipping a golden calf. Israel’s rebellion not only damaged their relationship with God, but also demonstrated the gulf between their sin and his holiness. The Lord longed to dwell amidst his people within the Tabernacle (the “tent of meeting”), but not even Moses could enter: the Lord calling to Moses from the tent (i.e., Moses couldn’t go in!). That’s the dilemma with which Leviticus begins! 

How can a holy God dwell with an unholy people? 

Leviticus describes how God graciously paved a way for his people to dwell in his presence, and points to how that would be ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Holiness is not only God’s character, but a call for his people that can only be realised in him.

To the modern ear, many of the laws, rituals, purity demands, and sacrifices described in Leviticus can seem strange and unfamiliar—perhaps even out of place in light of the Gospel. But actually, Leviticus instructs us on the nature of atonement and how God would ultimately restore sinners to holiness through his costly provision for forgiveness.

In this six-part series, we’ll explore: how God graciously provided a way for his unholy people to dwell with him; the call on God’s people to live holy lives; and how God would ultimately provide a way in order that we might dwell with him forever.