Leviticus, chapter 20

"God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted." (Psalm 47:5-9 NKJV). Hallelujah. AMEN!

Chapter 20 is a continuation of chapter 19 and the whole of Leviticus because God is reminding the children of Israel to obey His statutes.

The LORD God says in Leviticus 20:7-8 (NKJV), "Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you." When the laws and statutes were given to the children of Israel, they were still in the wilderness. However, God was preparing their hearts on how they would be able to serve and worship Him in the promised land. It was clear that the LORD did not want them to learn and walk in the practices of the people in their midst as this would cause their hearts to depart from the LORD's heart. As a result, obedience to the commands of the LORD brings sanctification and redemption.

In the new Testament, we also learn that it is possible for a Gentile (non Jew) who does not know the law to do the things that are found in the law and the emphasis here is on doing. That is, the uncircumcised who keep the righteous requirement will be considered circumcised (Romans 2:26). This shows true circumcision is not of the flesh but of the heart. That is, when my heart is circumcised unto God to love Him with all of my heart, I am a Jew inwardly. The circumcision of heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter that is founded on the love of God found in Christ will be a sign of God's mark on your heart making you receive the approval that comes from God and not men (Romans 2:29). Romans 10:10 NKJV reminds us, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Salvation starts with what one has believed in their heart about God and His Son and then confessed by their mouth making them receive the praise that comes from God. In the new Testament, Jesus' one time offering has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).

The Greek word for sanctification is "hagiazo" and it means the process of advancing in holiness. So where the LORD required multiple sacrifices and offerings from the people in order for them to be sanctified, Jesus has accomplished all things for us in one go by having faith in Him.

In conclusion, the LORD reminds us that there is no partiality with Him and He will give each person according to their deeds regardless of whether they are Jew or Gentile (Romans 2:6).

I'll end with Jesus Word found in John 17:17 (NKJV)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth."

Amen, thank you LORD.

Invitation to salvation: The best gift that Jesus gave us is receiving salvation and eternal life which is a personal relationship knowing God as our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

If you would like to receive this free gift of God's salvation, please say this prayer with me:

"I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that God sent His One and only Son who died for my sins and was raised from the dead so that I could have eternal life." Amen

If you just said this prayer, GLORY TO GOD, you are now a new creation in Christ Jesus! In case you have not already, please prayerfully consider becoming a member of a church and get WATER BAPTIZED!

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THIS CHAPTER IN YOUR BIBLES!