Read Leviticus 15 – 16
And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. Leviticus 16:9-10 KJV
Leviticus 16 is concerned with the Day of Atonement. On this day the people of Israel were to stop everything else, reflect on their sinfulness, and with heart-felt repentance come to God. Two goats were used in dealing with the sins of the people. One was used as the sacrifice, its blood shed and sprinkled on the mercy seat in the holy of holies as a covering for sin. The other was used as a scapegoat. It served as a wonderful illustration of God’s forgiveness. The priest took hold of the head of the goat, confessed over it all the sins of the people, and led it out of the camp of Israel to be sent off into the wilderness, thus carrying the sins of the people away, never to be seen again. Think of that image next time you confess sins to God based on the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. He forgives you; He sends your sins away, never to be brought before you again.
Lord, I thank You for the forgiveness of sins I enjoy based upon Your sacrifice. I am glad they are not held against me for eternity but instead will never be used against me by You. Your forgiveness is complete because Your sacrifice is complete.
