Leviticus 4:12

The whole bullock was carried outside the camp and burned in a clean place, not merely for disposal or because it was unclean—it was called “most holy” (Leviticus 6:25).

The book of Hebrews sees this as symbolic of Christ’s crucifixion outside Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12-13). The burning of the body had no sacrificial use; the atonement was in the blood, not the body (Leviticus 17:11).

The blood itself did not atone; it was the blood shed and applied by sprinkling that effected atonement. Blood poured out on the ground did not atone (Leviticus 4:7). The atonement was made by the blood applied to the altar’s horns, not by that poured out (Exodus 29:12; 30:10; Leviticus 4:7,18,25,30,34).

Christians often emphasize “spilt blood,” a phrase not found in the Bible, but neglect the “sprinkled blood” which alone effects atonement. Paul speaks of “the blood of sprinkling” (Hebrews 12:24), the blood ministered.

At the Passover, Israel was commanded to strike blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:7,22-23). Salvation came only when the blood was applied.

This principle applies to all offerings: slaying the victim is not enough; the blood must be applied. After His ascension, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary by His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). He ministers there as our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1-3).

Christ’s ongoing ministry in heaven is as necessary as His death on Calvary. Many Christians do not understand this mediatorial work, which explains His apparent delay in returning. It is our duty to restore this understanding and present Christ as our great High Priest. When His work is finished, He will come in power and glory.