2007 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67



February 5, 2013

Good afternoon, dear people.

The day became entangled with demands before I was ready…so only now getting this off. I need to get on with other things now.

Have a great rest of the day.

Love, Dad/Ray.


5 February
Passage: Leviticus 16-18
Focus: “…because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins.” Leviticus 16:30.

Science has taught us the importance of implementing quarantine and sterilization measures when dealing with serious infections and viruses that are transmitted by various contaminating means. Of course, God sees and knows all that. After all, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). But He also sees diseases, contaminations, and health risks way beyond what science is capable of seeing—things many humans choose not to see—the contagion of SIN in its various forms. He clearly recognizes SIN as a universal epidemic—and knows that it’s terminal. He clearly wants to help us see and know the same.

The detailed rules and regulations in these chapters could be overwhelming—if that’s all they were. Believers on this side of the cross could gloat over their freedom from these burdens of keeping the Old Testament Law. However, such a response has its own dangers, allowing a carelessness in regards to the same contaminations of SIN that the old system was guarding against. However we process it, let us never think that our New Testament position exempts us from God’s Laws. “…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).

I’m noting three principles from these three chapters that are as worth embracing today as they ever were: (1) SIN IS DANGEROUS. (2) SIN IS DEFILING. (3) SEX OUTSIDE MARRIAGE IS SIN.

Let me add a fourth principle gleaned from an overview (that should not surprise you)—(4) A HEART AFTER GOD IS OUR MOST EFFECTIVE INSULATION FROM SIN.


“Moderation in sin is no more possible than moderation in hanging.”