This book is the center of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). It reveals the answer to the problem of our fallen human nature: We must make atonement for our sins through a vicarious sacrifice. Instead of sacrificing ourselves, we can substitute the offerings of animals and cereal. Vicarious sacrifice was eventually the way of our atonement, redemption, justification, and salvation. However, animals can not substitute for human beings, "because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take sins away" (Heb 10:4). Only the sacrificial death of a man and the shedding of divinely precious blood can make atonement for all the sins of the world.
Key word    SACRIFICE
 
Key verse    "Laying both hands on its head, he shall confess over it all the sinful faults and transgressions of the Israelites, and so put them on the goat's head. He shall then have it led into the desert by an attendant." —16:21
 
Command verse    "Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." —19:2
 
Promise verse    "Five of you will put a hundred of your foes to flight, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand of them, till they are cut down by your sword. I will look with favor upon you, and make you fruitful and numerous, as I carry out my covenant with you." —26:8-9
 
Difficult verse    "But the goat determined by lot for Azazel he shall set alive before the Lord, so that with it he may make atonement by sending it off to Azazel in the desert." —16:10
 
Surprise verse    "To purify the house, he shall take two birds, as well as cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop." —14:49
 
Prayer: Jesus, You had to be God to do the impossible; You had to be man to take my place. I thank, praise, and worship You forever.