Reasoning the Scriptures

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering

By M.S.Mariadas and Y.R.Dinakaran
Bible Students, M.B.S.A

We agree on Practicalities!

B efore any examination of differing viewpoints of the sin offering we

would like to state that there exists total agreement about the church's role in the
Kingdom. There is no basis for concluding that because one doesn't agree that the
church is represented in the animals that the church can not be Priests and Kings
in the Millennial age. We want to make this point clearly. The church's role
always has been and always will be vital in the administration of the anti-typical
offerings. We generally agree that the church is represented in the sons of Aaron.
It can be easily verified that the bulk of the offerings of the people were taken not
by Aaron but by his sons. In other words it can be stated "The church's role in the
sin offering (process)" instead of "The church is represented in the animals."
Without the church, the ministry of reconciliation is void of meaning both in the
gospel age as well as the millennial age.
The other commonly misconstrued idea is if you don't believe that the
church is represented in the animals "then the church has no sufferings." I'm not
even sure how this conclusion is drawn. Every Christian believes that suffering
will come upon those who follow Jesus. I personally use the phrase "priestly
training experience" instead of "a sin offering experience." I hope this helps
clarify what is and isn't meant by those who believe similarly.

I. How do Bible Students conclude that the church is

represented in the animals?

Laying on of hands
One of the ways to draw a conclusion on what/who the animals in the
tabernacle types represent is the act of laying on of hands. This concept is so
meaningful and yet it's significance is buried today. Even more surprising is that
in biblical times it was such a simple and elemental concept that the writer to the
Hebrews said that it should be understood by those on the milk of the word.

HEB 6:1 - Therefore, leaving the first principles of the doctrine of the
Anointed one, we should progress towards maturity: not again laying
down a foundation for reformation from works causing death, and of
faith in God: for the doctrines of immersions, and of the imposition
(laying on) of hands...

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Reasoning the Scriptures

One reason why laying on of hands is not understood by Bible Students is

that no explanation is given in the tabernacle shadows, where it really needs to
have been.
"Other features of the same consecration were
shown by the two rams mentioned in verses 18 and
22. The first mentioned was the ram for the burnt-
offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon its
head, thus indicating that it represented them..."

Tabernacle Shadows, Pg. 42

However, no rationale is offered as to it's logic nor are any scriptures given to
support it, so we should have biblically investigated this conclusion ourselves.

One of the first instances for laying on of hands can be found in Genesis
48:14. In this case Jacob is imparting the blessing to Joseph's sons Ephraim and
Manasseh. He crossed his hands and knowingly blesses the younger brother
Ephraim. When Joseph objects, Jacob responds, "I know it my son, I know." No
doubt that Jacob had learned well the principle of God choosing the younger over
the older as God had with Isaac over his older brother Ishmael as well as his
choosing Jacob over Esau. As he blessed Joseph's sons he acknowledged the
choice of God over the natural choice.
Another instance is the passing on of power from Moses to Joshua (NUM
27:19). The Lord commands Moses to take Joshua before the priest and the
congregation (in the sight of all) to put him in charge. Joshua was the choice of
the Lord, and the people needed to see Moses acknowledge this not just mentally
but physically with the imposition of hands. Notice that in most instances of this
act, the Lord spoke directly, indicating his decision on the matter at hand. Again,
he acknowledged the choice of God by laying on of hands.
The strongest case however against "this represents me/us" is in LEV
24:10-23.

And the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out
among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelite woman and a man
of Israel strove together in the camp; And the Israelite woman's son
blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him unto
Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the
tribe of Dan:)...Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all
that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the
congregation stone him....And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that
they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him
with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Once again this can only mean that those who laid hands upon his head
were acknowledging the choice of God that had been told to them. If this act truly

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Reasoning the Scriptures
means that "this represents us" then the witnesses must be considered as stoning
themselves.
The last example is in the thirteenth chapter of Acts, where Paul,
Barnabas, and the leading members from Antioch had gathered to pray, fast, and
minister unto the Lord.

ACT 13:1-4 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain
prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger,
and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with
Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and
laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth
by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed
to Cyprus.

The Holy Spirit chooses Barnabas and Saul to execute a specific work. Those who
gathered laid on hands to confirm the certain choice of the Holy Spirit. In this
and other cases, laying on of hands is the act of acknowledging or corroborating
the choice that God had previously made. This action shows complete conformity
rather than just simply making a mental agreement as would normally be
required.
Having investigated this we can accurately reexamine these actions in the
tabernacle. When the High Priest, the son of the High Priest, or an Israelite laid
their hands on an animal it should take on a different meaning. These people
brought sin offering (or other animal offerings) and agreed with God that the
animal bore and took away their sin. They were physically and mentally
confirming before God, the priest, and any other onlookers, that this animal is
God's choice to placate their sin.
Finally let us try to use the analogy of "this represents us" in different
tabernacle settings regarding laying on of hands. The following chart helps
illustrate the inconsistency "this represents us" as taught in the Tabernacle
Shadows of the Better Sacrifices.

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering 3

Reasoning the Scriptures
Table A.
Looking at Consistency in Definitions

Example Person Definitions of Who does What Implied Definition

found Laying Laying on of Person object was Definition Consistent
in... on Hands Hands represent? hands laid of ?
on object
LEV 8 Aaron Acknowledging Jesus Bullock Can not tell Yes
God's without
Choice New Test.
Help
LEV 8 Aaron This Jesus (See Bullock Jesus & Yes
Represents Tab. Shad.) Church
us
LEV 16 Aaron Acknowledging Jesus Scapegoat Can not tell Yes
God's without
Choice New Test.
Help
LEV 16 Aaron This Jesus & Scapegoat Great No
Represents Church Company
us (See Tab.
Shad.)
LEV 24 Israelites Acknowledging Israelites Young Man Not Yes
God's who cursed Applicable
Choice
LEV 24 Israelites This Undefined Young Man Unknown No
Represents by Br. who cursed
us Russell

In other words, if Aaron represents Jesus in Leviticus 16; and laying on of

hands means "this represents us/me"; then the scapegoat can not represent the
Great Company. The definition is not consistent with other passages where laying
on of hands was used.

Questions that need addressing?

1. How can Aaron represent Jesus Alone in Leviticus 8 and the represent Jesus
and the Church in Leviticus 16?

2. How can the Church be represented in the Sons in Leviticus 8 and then be
represented in Aaron in Leviticus 16?

3. If Laying on of hands means this “represents us”, then how can Aaron
represent the Great Company?

4. If Laying on of hands means this “represents us”, then how can Israel be
represented in the young man who was stoned?

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Reasoning the Scriptures
Can we conclude that Jesus is represented in the animals?
Perhaps the most forceful writing against Jesus being represented in all
the animals appears in the Reprint article "For This He Did Once." There the
author contrasts Leviticus 16 with dispersed scriptures from Hebrews. Here a few
logical questions are posed:

"...The first sacrifice was a bullock. The second was a

goat. These St. Paul refers to as the typical 'better
sacrifices.' (Heb 9:23) Let us meet this question
squarely. What is the significance of these two
sacrifices the bullock and the goat? Our opponents,
and indeed everyone else, say that the death of our
Lord Jesus is the anti type of both--the slain bullock
represents him and the slain goat represents him.
They tell us that both sacrifices took place at the same
time, being finished at Calvary.
We request them to explain why two animals
should be killed to represent the one death of Jesus,
but they cannot answer (italics supplied). They
merely repeat that they believe that the two sacrifices
were one and simultaneous--that they merely
represented two aspects of the same sacrifice. We ask
if that this be so, why did the apostle state the matter
so differently--"First for his own sins and then for the
sins of the people." Why was this same order distinctly
marked in the day of Atonement type? (Leviticus 16)
They have no answer. We ask them further how they
understand the statement that the High Priest offered
sacrifice first for his own sins? Did our Lord Jesus
have sins of his which needed a sacrifice? Was he not
holy, harmless and undefiled? Again they have no
answer.
The answer to this question presented twenty-
nine years ago, when the pamphlet, "Tabernacle
Shadows of Better Sacrifices." was first published is
the only answer consistent with the facts and the
testimonies of scripture. Those who are now opposing
once believed the presentations of "Tabernacle
Shadows" or claimed that they did. Now their
blindness is so sudden that they hesitate to admit that
they ever believed our presentations..."

Reprint Article "For This He Did Once."

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering 5

Reasoning the Scriptures
It is unfortunate that any writing must be so demeaning. Notwithstanding,
an attempt to address each question that was raised needs to be offered.

Question #1

"We request them to explain why two animals should be killed to represent the
one death of Jesus? What is signified by these two sacrifices, the bullock and the
goat?"

The question is a excellent one to consider because it has profound implications

as we add more and more scriptures/understanding to the answer we choose.

LEV 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel
two kids of the goats for a sin offering,
LEV 16:6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering,

There are two anti typical choices to make when looking at animal types.
The first being that each animal represents the one who lays their hands on the
head of the animal, which is put forth in Tabernacle Shadows. The second is that
each animal represents a different aspect of the same person, namely Jesus.
There is great significance in the fact that there were two different animals used
for sin offerings in this chapter and the answer is simple yet eloquent. The church
perceives the death of Christ on their behalf in the most mature sense when
compared to the rest of the world. Mankind will never have the insight into his
death that the church has. That is why a bullock is offered for "his house." The
bullock is symbolic of tireless strength of our Lord Jesus, because a bull is well
known for the toughest and most demanding work. This is how we know our Lord
Jesus, yet the world will know him in the characteristics of a goat. They won't
have the maturity of understanding as do the sons of God because their
experiences will be different, especially considering their walk in the millennial
age. The goat shows the sanctifying effect* that his death has upon them. The
subject of animals and the intended meaning is too large to deal with here but the
contrast is best appreciated by having two animals show Jesus' death.

Question #2

Who is the bullock for?

Aspect #1 of Jesus death as a sin offering, “For His House"

LEV 16:6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is
for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

* Still researching.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
There are many plain (and have no need for elaboration) scriptures that
speak of the church being the house of God.

1 CO 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit
of God dwelleth in you?

JOH 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will
keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him,
and make our abode with him.

2 CO 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye
are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them,
and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1JO 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he
hath given us of his Spirit.

1 PE 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy

priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.

1 PE 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of
God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not
the gospel of God?

Question #3

Why have two goats for one sin offering for the people?

LEV 16:5-16 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of

Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt
offering... And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the
LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall
cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for
the scapegoat. 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...Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the
people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he
did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat,
and before the mercy seat: And he shall make an atonement for the
holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and
because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the
tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering 7

Reasoning the Scriptures
of their uncleanness. And he shall make an atonement for the holy
place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because
of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the
tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst
of their uncleanness.

LEV 16:20-22 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place,
and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live
goat: And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and
confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their
transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat,
and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And
the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited:
and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

2 Goats = 1 Sin offering -- There are two facts stated in this passage that are not
discussed much by Bible Students. One being that the two goats are offered as
one sin offering. The second is that although the Lord's goat is for/because of the
people, its main function is to cleanse the sanctuary or holy place(Note:- The
sacrifice of the Bullock here did not cleanse the sanctuary but only the Goat).
Without a cleansed sanctuary no atonement ministry can be done even if the
people are personally atoned for. God's first concern is not for the personal sins of
the people but for a way to access his people. It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses
the anti typical tabernacle. Without the death of Jesus, God will/cannot dwell
amongst his people. This fact seems far more important than the removal of our
sins because his sanctuary is not able to receive sinners. The work of the second
goat shows the second aspect of Jesus' death on the cross. He died as an offering
for the people and for the sanctuary, providing a way for God to reach man and
for man to approach God. How beautiful is this picture of man's recovery. Let's
further investigate these aspects individually.

Aspect #2 of Jesus death as a sin offering, “For God and His Sanctuary* "

We have presented to us the greatest dichotomy this universe has ever

known! The Lord has outlined for us his satisfaction as well as his utter
displeasure in our Lord's death. It is fascinating that God should provide (The
goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell) a goat for himself. The Lord's goat (or goat
for the Lord) shows Jesus' death as a sin offering, placating God and allowing him
to start the atonement process. In other words it shows Christ's death has
perfectly glorified God with respect to sin. God has been dishonored ever since
Adam fell. His truth has been shunned; his sovereignty condemned; his glory
covered up; his holy name trampled upon by our ungodly race. Now we know that
Christ's death on the cross has completely exonerated his glory and has allowed

* It is interesting that God should start out the scene with mentioning the death of Aaron's two
sons. They had defiled the sanctuary with their strange fire. Thus the need for the Lord's goat.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
him to bring forth grace, mercy and loving kindness to all men. Far too often this
aspect of the death of Christ is overlooked because we never bear in mind the
benefits God has received by the obedience of his beloved son. For it is indeed
"the grace of God that brings salvation."

JOH 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save
me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

JOH 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from
heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Aspect #3 of Jesus death as a sin offering, “For the Sins of the People"

LEV 16:10,20-22 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. And when he
hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the
congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: And Aaron shall
lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all
the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in
all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him
away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear
upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go
the goat in the wilderness.

The second goat removes 3 important stains from the souls of the people:
iniquities, transgressions, and sins. Who but Jesus could remove this ugliness
from the people? Not another soul could, nor is it necessary for any other
death(s) for any reason. He who was sinless was made sin on our behalf. God
cursed him in the flesh to save you and me. Who else but Jesus could accomplish
all this on God's behalf as well as our behalf?

ISA 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was

bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we
have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
ISA 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall
declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the
living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
ISA 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to
grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his
seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall
prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be
satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for
he shall bear their iniquities.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
ROM 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission
of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
DEU 21:22-23 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and
he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not
remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that
day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not
defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Question #3

We ask them further how they understand the statement that the High Priest
offered sacrifice first for his own sins? Did our Lord Jesus have sins of his which
needed a sacrifice? Was he not holy, harmless and undefiled?

Answer #3*

An answer to this question can easily be found in the Tabernacle Shadows itself:

"Being but a sinful man, like others, Aaron had to be

washed in order fitly to represent the purity of the
antitype, Jesus..."

Tabernacle Shadows page 29 Paragraph 1

____________________

In summary there are three animals to show what Jesus accomplished as

the sin offering:

1. Atonement for the defiled Sanctuary (For God to reach man).

2. Atonement for the Church.
3. Atonement for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 13:10-15
HEB 13:10-15 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which
serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is
brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without
the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with
his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto
him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no
continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the

* Although this author does not care for this explanation and is still researching for a better one,
this answer at least appeases the question 3.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name. (KJV)

Hebrews chapter thirteen is probably most often quoted as proof of the church
being represented in the sin offering and no examination of the arguments would
be complete without these scriptures. Every Bible Student is familiar with this
context and most are fully convinced that (more from 'training experiences for
the priesthood' than from critical examination of scriptures concerning the sin
offering) the author is speaking of the church being represented by the animals.
What are the reasons for drawing this conclusion? Because of the interpretation
of verse thirteen; "Let us go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his
reproach." Is the verse saying; "Since we are also represented in the sin offering of
the tabernacle, let us also be burned outside the camp like Jesus was" or is it
another way of expressing "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider
him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be
wearied and faint in your minds." When we break down this verse there are 2
items to contemplate:

1. Going to him.
2. Bearing his reproach.

Does going to him mean we are to be sacrificed like he was or are we to ponder
what he accomplished on the cross? Certainly we can see Jesus' death at Calvary
as "outside the camp" or away from the face of God. We need to always go to him
at this place (in our mind's eye) to consider the lofty consequences of that scene.
Does bearing his reproach mean being destroyed as he was or suffering hardship
for naming the name of Christ? It could easily mean that we must suffer
persecution for his name's sake.

ROM 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.

GAL 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they
constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution
for the cross of Christ.

PHI 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to
believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

2 TIM 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
If the arguments are still fuzzy, look at the phrase "Wherefore Jesus also,
that he might sanctify the people with his own blood." Most consider the
church as being the goat that is for and sanctifies the people but this phrase
contradicts that thought by saying that it is Jesus who sanctifies the people.
Prayerfully and honestly look back at chapters nine through thirteen. If you are
open to what you are reading, the conclusion will stand out that Jesus alone is
needed to sanctify from sin.

Colosians 1:24.
COL 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that
which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,
which is the church:

Here is the other scripture that is often used to support that the church is
part of the sin offering. Indeed it should be pointed out that we do fill up the
afflictions that Christ left behind. Exactly who are these afflictions for? The
church. Now the question that should be asked is "are we a sin offering for each
other?" I personally don't know of anyone who believes this. This passage may or
may not correctly be applied to the millennial age but there is no basis for doing
so by the context. This text is certainly a beautiful example of our priestly training
but to make conclusions beyond this is speculation. May we all rejoice as did Paul
for any suffering we have on behalf of our brethren!

Reasoning on the term "The Christ."

The term "Christ ,head and body" is used frequently in Bible Student
circles. It is fascinating that this phrase doesn't appear in the New Testament.
This doesn't necessarily make it wrong to use this phrase, but great care must be
taken when applying it. This author has heard "anytime I see the phrase 'Christ'
in the Bible, I also see the church." This obviously is the extreme and minority
viewpoint and frankly is wrong. By not scrutinizing the passage in use, this
outlook renders it impossible to clearly understand "Christ" in the word of God.
"Christ, head and body" shouldn't be used at all because of the
implications to other texts that are speaking only about Jesus and have nothing to
do with the church. There should be no problem using instead "Christ and his
body," as in 1 Corinthians 12. While this may seem petty, there are severe
ramifications when applying the principle of 'Christ, head & body' to other
biblical texts. For example, we don't consider the church part of the Lion of the
tribe of Judah, yet we consider the church part of Aaron, or Melchizedec. Those
scriptures don't mention the church being part of the analogies but they are used
interchangeably anyway. Let's look at why this happens.

The first problem is substantiating the phrase "Head of the Christ

company" and the second is the "skirts of his garments" in the Bible. The picture
is drawn from Psalm 133.

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Reasoning the Scriptures

Psalms 133 - The anointing of Aaron

PSA 133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran
down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts
of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended
upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the
blessing, even life for evermore.

There has always been controversy over the meaning of "skirts" in this
psalm. The disagreement is whether the anointing oil ran down to the skirts
around Aaron's feet, or the hem (neckline) of his garment. Many explanations
and Hebrew definitions are brought forth to substantiate one position or the
other. However searching for a definition is not needed because the psalmist
explains by using the analogy of the dew on Mount Hermon. The anointing of
Aaron is likened to the dew of Hermon that is created from the snow cap on top
of the mountain. This frees us to draw the conclusion: since only the head of
Mount Hermon was covered, only the head of Aaron was covered. The focus upon
this psalm has been the body of Aaron when it would seem the psalmist is
drawing attention to unity of brethren because of the head. The head of Aaron is
the focal point of the psalm drawing the unity of brethren to the showering of
blessing from Christ himself.

"The snow (of Hermon) on the summit of this

mountain condenses the vapor that floats during the
summer in the higher regions of the atmosphere,
causing light clouds to hover around it, and abundant
dew to descend on it, while the whole country
elsewhere is parched, and the whole heaven elsewhere
is cloudless. (Cyclopedia of Biblical Theology and
Ecclesiastical Literature, Volume 4, Page 209

"When the whole country is parched with the summer

sun, white lines of snow cover the head of Hermon."
(Smith's Bible Dictionary, Page 242)

There should be much scrutiny leveled when an analogy is freely

interchanged into others. In this case, attention should be brought to Christ (who
alone was anointed) who sheds his grace and mercy and power on his brethren.
Just because we are the body of Christ in one analogy does not allow us the
privilege of saying we are his body in other analogies where his personal glory or
authority is used.

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Reasoning the Scriptures
Conclusion

This little paper is far from being comprehensive when considering all
possible scriptures, especially in the letter to the Hebrews. The intent was to look
at how conclusions can be and are drawn. No doubt there are other scriptures
that need to be considered. The intent was to provoke our reasoning on why we
draw conclusions and possible incorrect assumptions (which everyone does). My
hope is that we may all see our Lord Jesus as clearly as possible and that
fellowship will be based on him above all. My prayer is that his body may not be
divided by "camps of thought" such as this subject and that we can objectively
and unemotionally discuss "controversial" subjects while still loving each other as
Jesus does us.

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"Disagreement is refreshing when two people lovingly desire to compare views to
find out the truth"

"Controversy is wretched when it is only an attempt to prove another wrong."

"religious controversy does only harm. It destroys humble inquiry after truth, and
throws all one's energies in an attempt to prove oneself right...a spirit in which no
one gets the truth."

Author(s) unknown

1 JO 4:18 There is no fear (5401) in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment (2851). He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Strong's Reference Number: 5401
Derivation:
Transliteration and Definition:
phobos
alarm; fright

Strong's Reference Number: 2851

Derivation: Derived from 2849
Transliteration and Definition:
kolasis
penal infliction

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering 14

Reasoning the Scriptures
Key To Revisions

Rev Changes
Letter
A Added: Table title "A", 1st paragraph on page 4 to clarify Table A,
footnote on page 9, quotes at end, 1 Jo 4:18
Changed: Made grammatical corrections, Table reformatted and
updated to clarify obvious confusion,
B Changed: Made spelling corrections, Table given a description and
updated to clarify obvious confusion, added questions after Table
A.

Jesus, the Church and the Sin Offering 15