3 Reasons Why Leviticus Is Still Relevant Today

The book of Leviticus often presents a formidable challenge to the modern Bible reader. Its pages are filled with intricate laws concerning sacrifices, rituals, dietary restrictions, and purification rites that seem far removed from the realities of twenty-first-century life. Many Christians, accustomed to the grace and freedom of the New Covenant, might be tempted to dismiss Leviticus as an obsolete relic of a bygone era, perhaps a historical curiosity but certainly not a source of practical or spiritual relevance. However, such a perspective overlooks the profound and enduring truths embedded within this ancient text. Far from being irrelevant, Leviticus is a foundational book that illuminates the very character of God, the depth of human sin, and the glorious provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Understanding Leviticus deepens our appreciation for the Gospel and strengthens our call to holy living. Let us explore three compelling reasons why Leviticus remains profoundly relevant today.

1. Leviticus Reveals God's Holy Character and Our Need for Atonement

At the heart of Leviticus is the unwavering declaration of God's absolute holiness. The very name "Leviticus" points to the Levites, the priestly tribe, whose primary function was to mediate between a holy God and an unholy people. Every detailed command, every ritual, every purification rite, serves to underscore the infinite chasm between the perfect purity of God and the inherent sinfulness of humanity. God repeatedly commands His people, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). This theme is echoed throughout the book:

For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Leviticus 11:44

The elaborate regulations for approaching the tabernacle, the stringent requirements for priests, and the severe consequences for profaning holy things all serve to impress upon Israel—and upon us—that God is utterly distinct from His creation, untainted by sin, and unapproachable on human terms. He is a consuming fire, and His presence cannot tolerate unrighteousness. This revelation of God's holiness immediately highlights humanity's desperate predicament. We are born in sin, fallen creatures, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Our defilement makes us unfit to stand before a holy God. Without a means of atonement, reconciliation is impossible.

Leviticus, therefore, is not just a collection of laws; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of God and the nature of man. It teaches us that sin is not merely a mistake or a moral failing, but a profound defilement that separates us from the pure and righteous Creator. It instills within us a reverential fear of God and a deep awareness of our utter dependence on His provision for cleansing and forgiveness. This foundational understanding of God's holiness and our sinfulness is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel, driving us to seek the only One who can bridge the gap between us and a holy God.

2. Leviticus Illustrates the Principles of Atonement and Substitutionary Sacrifice (Pointing to Christ)

Perhaps the most significant relevance of Leviticus lies in its detailed exposition of the sacrificial system, which serves as a powerful illustration and foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The various offerings—burnt offerings, sin offerings, trespass offerings, peace offerings—each taught specific truths about sin, repentance, and communion with God. Central to all of them was the shedding of blood:

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Leviticus 17:11

This verse is a cornerstone of biblical theology, establishing the principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). In the Levitical system, an innocent animal, without blemish, was presented as a substitute for the sinful worshipper. The laying on of hands symbolized the transfer of sin, and the death of the animal signified the just penalty for that sin. This was a temporary, repetitive act, incapable of truly taking away sin, as the book of Hebrews clearly states, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).

However, these sacrifices were not meaningless; they were prophetic types, pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the true Lamb of God, "which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). His blood, unlike that of animals, was precious and sufficient, freely given to atone for the sins of all who believe. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), with its two goats—one sacrificed and one sent away into the wilderness carrying the sins of the people—is a particularly vivid picture of Christ's twofold work: His death as propitiation for our sins and His removal of our guilt. When we understand the elaborate, painstaking rituals of Leviticus, our hearts are stirred with profound gratitude for the simplicity and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice:

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all... For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14

Leviticus provides the rich backdrop against which the brilliance of Christ's redemptive work shines most brightly. It helps us grasp the immense cost of our salvation and appreciate the divine wisdom in providing such a perfect High Priest and an ultimate sacrifice.

3. Leviticus Provides Enduring Moral and Ethical Principles Rooted in God's Character

While the ceremonial laws of Leviticus have been fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding on New Covenant believers, the book also contains timeless moral and ethical principles that are profoundly relevant for Christian living today. These principles are not abrogated but are reiterated, expanded, and perfected in the New Testament. Often referred to as the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), these chapters contain commands that reflect God's unchanging character and His desire for His people to live righteously in all areas of life.

Consider the famous command found in Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." This is not an obscure, outdated law but a foundational principle that Jesus Himself identified as the second greatest commandment, second only to loving God with all our heart (Matthew 22:39). The surrounding verses in Leviticus 19 expand on this love, instructing Israel to:

These are not merely ancient customs but universal principles of justice, compassion, and interpersonal ethics that transcend time and culture. They reveal God's heart for righteousness and His concern for the well-being of all people, especially the vulnerable. Similarly, Leviticus contains clear prohibitions against various forms of sexual immorality, idolatry, and dishonoring parents, all of which are consistently upheld and reinforced in the New Testament as expressions of God's unchanging moral law. For instance, the call to sexual purity in Leviticus 20:10 concerning adultery, or Leviticus 18:22 concerning homosexuality, finds its echo in the epistles of Paul (e.g., Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

The call to holiness in Leviticus is fundamentally a call to live a life set apart for God, reflecting His character in our daily interactions and moral choices. This call to holiness is not diminished but intensified for New Covenant believers, who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and called to be "holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16). Leviticus, therefore, provides the theological groundwork for understanding the ethical demands of the Gospel, showing us how to live a life that honors God and blesses our neighbor.

In conclusion, the book of Leviticus is far from irrelevant. It is a vital and foundational text that profoundly impacts our understanding of God, salvation, and Christian living. It powerfully reveals the absolute holiness of God and our inherent sinfulness, compelling us to seek His mercy. It vividly illustrates the principles of atonement and substitutionary sacrifice, deepening our appreciation for the perfect, once-for-all work of Jesus Christ on the cross. And it provides enduring moral and ethical principles, rooted in God's unchanging character, that continue to guide believers in their pursuit of holiness and love for their neighbor. To neglect Leviticus is to miss a rich vein of divine truth that illuminates the very heart of the Gospel and strengthens our walk with the Lord. Let us, therefore, approach this book with reverence and a desire to glean its timeless wisdom, for it truly is relevant today.